Part I Listening Comprehension (25 minutes, 30 marks) Section A (5 marks)

In this section, you will hear five short conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. After each conversation, there will be a pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.

1. Where does this conversation probably take place?

        A. In an engine room.                       B. In a car.        C. In a factory.

2. Who is the man talking to?

        A. A lifeguard.                                 B. A travel agent.   C. A gymnasium manager.

3. How will the correct price be determined?

A.   By calling the company.

B.   By asking the sales representative.

C.   By looking at the price list.

4. Why is Sue upset according to the conversation?

A.   Someone broke into her car.

B.   She had to pay too much for parking.

C.   She was given a ticket.

5. What do the two speakers probably do for a living?

        A. Office clerks.                              B. Printers.    C. Architects.

Section B (10 marks)

In this section, you will hear two long conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. After each conversation, there will be a one -minute pause. During the pause, read the five questions, each with the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.

6. Why did the man watch the video?

A.   It was required by Professor Stephen.

B.   He wanted to learn about heart attacks.

C.   He had to take part in a discussion.

7. In the man's opinion, what is the video about?

        A. Men's health.                               B. Stress.     C. Health care for women.

8. What did the man learn from the video?

A.   Women are under more stress than men.

B.   Women have more heart attacks than men.

C.Women who have heart attacks get less care than men.

9. At what ages are women most likely to have a heart attack?

        A. 40 to 45.                                     B. 60 to 65.                 C. 45 to 60.

10. What does the woman think about the video?

A.   It sounds puzzling.

B.   It sounds very interesting.

C.   It sounds very dull.

Conversation Two

11. How long did the man wait before his call was answered?

A.   Twenty minutes.

B.   Twelve minutes.

C.   Twenty-four minutes.

12. Why did the man phone Interserve Customer Service?

A.   He wanted to know what the recorded message means.

B.   He didn't know which button to choose.

C.   He wanted to know if he can use his e-mail address while overseas.

13. What does the man think about the menu of options?

A.   Its meaning isn't ambiguous.

B.   It is far from clear.

C.  It is satisfactory.

14. Which department would the man have spoken to if he had chosen button two?

A.   Accounts and Billing.

B.   General Enquiries. C. Accounts and Service

15. What will the operator do next?

A.   Make an official complaint.

B.   Improve the menu of options.

C.Make a note of the man's complaint.

Section C (5 marks)

In this section, you will hear jive short news items. Each item will be read only once. After each item, there will be a pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, Band C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.

16. How does rotational grazing reduce the need for pesticide treatments?

A.   By increasing the use of natural fertilizer.

B.By limiting the need for chemical fertilizers.

C.e. By reducing the growth of weeds.

17. Which news agency votes for the top ten news stories?

        A. Reuters.                        B. The Associated Press.                    C. United Press International.

18. Which countries spent billions of dollars to develop new oil fields?

A.   Syria, Brazil and Russia.

B.Brazil, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

C..Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Russia.   

19. Why has the number of camels in India been decreasing in recent years?

A.   Because they are dying from travelling too far.

B.   Because they are short of food.

C. Because they are infected with a disease.

20. What is a symptom of multiple sclerosis?

A.   Loss of the ability to hear.

B.   Loss of the ability to see well.

C.Loss of the ability to speak clearly.

Section D (10 marks)

In this section, you will hear a short passage which will be read only once. There are 10 missing words or phrases. Fill in the blanks with the exact words or phrases you hear on the tape. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.

The fourth component of the Swedish social system is that its politics ensure full employment and increase the mobility of labour - that is, the ability to change jobs without (21) ________ income. Swedes have a strong work ethic. This, combined with state -funded programmes that  (22)________unemployment, results in a policy of subsidised employment, which Sweden prefers  to high unemployment rates and large welfare (23)_____       So, there are a large number of  (24) ________ training programmes that employers pay for (25)_______to workers in jobs that have become unnecessary. There are also subsidies for workers who must change jobs because of changes in the labour market.

Sweden introduced the fifth and final component of its social system at the end of the 20th century. This component corrects some of the problems created by the four (26) __________mentioned components. It includes new rules that are designed to improve job stability, such as training programmes to help employees learn new skills as their jobs change and become more (27)_______. Also, the government has reduced social (28) and welfare payments.

So, in conclusion, the Swedes are happy with their system. Sweden has achieved more in terms of social equality, economic (29)________ than many other economies. As a result, most Swedes aren't interested in any more reform of the economic system. However, because it is (30)________in international markets, Sweden must continue to manage its social policies so that it remains competitive in the international marketplace.