UNIT5

II. Listening Skills

1.      M: The police gave a few tickets out last week along Highway 15.

W: In fact, quite a few tickets were given on that road.

Q: What does the woman mean?

 

2.      M: Who do you think is the smartest student in the class?

W: Mary is second to none.

Q: What does the woman say about Mary?

 

3.      W: What are you so happy about?

M: Instead of being given an even dozen, we’ve been given a baker’s dozen.

Q: Why is the man so happy?

 

4.      M: We have had a lot of rain over the last few years.

W: But nothing like this.

Q: What does the woman mean?

 

5.      M: What effect has the booming economy had on interest rates for loans?

W: The interest rates have skyrocketed!

Q: What does the woman mean?

1.      A 2. B 3.B 4.D 5.C

 

 

III. Listening In

Task 1: Put the cat out

A couple was going out for the evening to celebrate the wife’s birthday. While they were getting ready, the husband put the cat out. The taxi arrived, and as the couple walked out of their home, the cat ran back into the house. Not wanting their car to have free run of the house while they were out, the husband went back upstairs to chase the cat out. The wife, not waiting it known that the house would be empty, explained to the taxi driver, “He’s just going upstairs to say goodbye to my mother.” A few minutes later, the husband got into the car, and said, “Sorry it took it so long. The stupid old thing was hiding under the bed, and I had to poke her with a stick to get her to come out!”

4-1-3-5-2-6

 

Task 2: What can dogs do?

Dogs have lived with human beings for at least 14,000 years. They are intelligent and friendly, and can serve people in many ways.

Dogs are sometimes referred to as “man’s best friend” because they are usually playful, friendly and they can listen to and understand humans. Since they appear to enjoy a relationship with humans, dogs are often kept as pets.

Dogs can perform important activities for humans. For example, there are guard dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs and guide dogs for the blind. There are also dogs that are trained to smell for diseases in the human body, or to find bombs or illegal drugs. These dogs, called “sniffer dogs”, sometimes assist the police at airport or in other areas. Dogs have been sent by Russians into outer space, a few years before the first human being.

Dogs are intelligent. They can learn by imitating human behavior. In one study, puppies were presented with a box and shown that when the trainer pressed a lever, a ball would roll out of it for them to play with. The pups were then allowed to interact with the box. Most of the puppies finally touched the lever to get the ball. It is probably due to their high IQ that dogs can understand instructions and communicate with humans successfully.

1.      How long have dogs lived human beings?

2.      Why are dogs sometimes called “man’s best friend”?

3.      Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an important activity dogs can perform?

4.      Which of the following is NOT done by a sniffer dog?

5.      What was true of the puppies at the end of the study?

Key: ADBCC

 

Task 3 Protecting endangered species

Around the world, habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate, putting many wildlife species in danger of extinction. Threatened and endangered animals and plants are found in many places throughout the globe—you may even find some in your own backyard. To protect endangered animals and plants, think both globally and locally. There are many things you can do to contribute to their protection.

To begin with, you can find out what animals living near you are on the endangered species list. Spend some time learning about these animals and their habitats.

You can also contribute to nature reserves and other wilderness areas. Habitat preservation is one of the best ways to help protect endangered animals. Donate money or volunteer your time helping the nature reserve preserve habitats. Or, do both.

Another thins you can do is buy environmentally friendly products. Choose non-toxic cleaners that won’t pollute streams, rivers or oceans. Avoid any companies that, when manufacturing products, endanger animals. Buy foods and goods that are made from materials that do not harm endangered animals or their habitats. For example, look for organic chocolate, coffee or cotton clothing that is grown without cutting down rainforest.

Moreover, you can help create or restore habitats for endangered animals. You can volunteer to help with projects worldwide designed to re-establish habitat. In your own backyard, for example, plant a butterfly garden.

Individual effort is not enough. You need to join a local, national or global conservation organization. Through these organizations, you can perhaps “adopt” an animal or plant a tree. The options are endless. All you need to do is a little exploring.

1.      According to the passage, where are threatened and endangered animals?

2.      According to the passage, what is one of the best ways to preserve endangered species?

3.      Which of the following environmentally friendly goods does the speaker mention?

4.      Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a thing you can do personally to help with the environment?

5.      What is the passage mainly about?

Key: CDBAC

 

 

 

V. Let’s Talk

An Intelligent Dog

A black dog walked into a butcher’s shop with a five-dollar bill in his mouth. He spent several minutes looking at the meat on display. He finally fixed his eyes on the lamb chops and barked, showing that he wanted to buy some of them. The butcher, thinking the dog wouldn’t know the difference, picked out the worst chops. The dog barked angrily and continued to bark until the butcher selected the finest chops. After the butcher took the money from the dog’s mouth, the dog picked up the chops and left the shop. The butcher was deeply impressed and decided that he would like to own a clever dog like that. He closed up shop and followed the dog to see where it went. The dog entered an apartment house, climbed to the third floor, and began to scratch on the door. With that, the door opened and an angry man started yelling at the dog. As he did so, the butcher stepped forward to ask the man to stop. “What are you doing?” That’s the smartest animal I’ve ever seen! Surely it doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.” The butcher then went on to explain how the dog had bought the best lamb chops in the shop. The man looked at the butcher from the corner of his eye and said, “I don’t think he’s so intelligent. You see, this is the third time this week he’s forgotten his key.”

 

 

VI. Furthering Listening and Speaking

Task 1: A Birthday Present

Mary: David, how did your mom like the dog you gave her for a birthday gift?

David: Oh, Mary, she was delighted. It licked her hand and wagged its tail and she was hooked.

Mary: What did she call it?

David: She’s calling it “Brian”, after a friend of hers. Mary: Your mom always did have a sense of humor. I read somewhere that dogs can become very close to their owners.

David: I’ve heard that. I saw an interview on TV with a man who had epileptic attacks, and his dog would warn him before he would have an attack.

Mary: Really? I wonder how they can do that1

David: It has something to do with the dog’s sense of smell. It’s very keen.

Mary: Do you think Brian will be able to foretell when your mom is going to roast a chicken?

 

Task 2: A Sudden Change in the Parrot’s Attitude

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of this bird’s mouth was rude. John tried every method to change the bird’s attitude by constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, and anything he could think of to set a good example. Nothing worked. Finally, John got fed up and he yelled at the parrot. And the bird yelled back. John shook the parrot, and the bird got angrier and ruder. Finally, in a moment of desperation, John put the bird in the refrigerator freezer. For a few minutes, John heard the bird scream and kick. Then suddenly there was silence. Not a sound for over a minute. Fearing that he’s hurt the bird, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out and said, “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I am truly sorry, and I will do everything I can to correct my poor behavior.” John was greatly surprised at the bird’s change of attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had caused such a sudden change in his behavior, the bird continued, “May Ii ask why you put the chickens there and what they did wrong?” 1.C 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.D

 

Task 3: Dogs aren’t allowed here!

Manager: I’m sorry. Miss, but dogs aren’t allowed in this theater.

Mary: But I have a ticket for him.

Manager: I’m very sorry, but animals aren’t permitted.

Mary: You don’t understand. This is a special case. My dog is so well trained and so intelligent that he’s almost human.

Manager: I see that you have an exceptional animal, but…

Mary: I promise you that if there is any problem we’ll leave the theater immediately. I promise you that this dog isn’t like any other dog you’ve ever seen. 

Manager: Well…all right. I’ll let you go in, since the theater is almost empty tonight. But your dog will have to behave himself, or you will have to leave.

 Mary: Thank you very much.