2006 National English Contest for College Students
(Level A - Sample)
Part I Listening Comprehension ( 25 minutes, 30 points )
Section A Short Conversations ( 6 points )
Directions: In this section, you will hear 6 short conversations. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the question will be read only once. After each question, there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, C and D, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
1. A. She didn’t like it.
B. She was ill.
C. She visited a friend.
D. She had read about it.
2. A. He believes dancing is enjoyable.
B. He admires those who can dance.
C. He definitely does not like dancing.
D. He won’t dance until he’s done his work.
3. A. Around 3:00.
B. Around 5:00.
C. At 2:00.
D. At 1:00.
4. A. The thunderstorm.
B. The weather.
C. The sun.
D. The broadcast.
5. A. They are very good friends.
B. They haven’t seen each other for a long time.
C. They are fond of animals.
D. They don’t expect to meet each other in the zoo.
6. A. Go out to work.
B. Listen carefully to John.
C. Be calm and patient.
D. Do the easiest thing.
Section B Long Conversation (4 points )
Directions: In this section, you will hear one long conversation. At the end of the conversation, 4 questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, C and D, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
7. A. She needs some information.
B. She wants packing materials.
C. She is checking her package.
D. She is moving to California.
8. A. Fresh fruit.
B. A gift certificate.
C. Homemade candy.
D. A wedding present.
9. A. The next day.
B. On Saturday.
C. In three days.
D. In one week.
10. A. Regular service.
B. Overnight express.
C. Same day delivery.
D. Priority service.
Section C News Items (10 points)
Directions: In this section, you will hear 10 short pieces of news from BBC or VOA. After each news item and question, there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read 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.
11. A. Young children.
B. Middle-aged people.
C. Old people.
12. A. In Beijing, 2005.
B. In New York, 1995.
C. In Beijing, 1995.
13. A. Yes, they were.
B. No, they weren’t.
C. Not mentioned in the news.
14. A. China and India.
B. China and Iceland.
C. Ukraine and Poland.
15. A. Sri Lankan children who survived the Tsunami.
B. Indonesian children who survived the earthquake.
C. American children who survived the tornado.
16. A. Lack of support from the government.
B. Lack of funds to build sports facilities.
C. Shortage of infrastructure facilities.
17. A. Sony.
B. Samsung.
C. Apple.
18. A. Popular Film stars.
B. Engineers and scientists.
C. Popular Film directors.
19. A. Some animals can live longer by reducing food intake.
B. Diabetes can be cured if the patient eats less.
C. People can increase life spans by eating less meat.
20. A. Pakistan.
B. India.
C. Palestine.
Section D Passages (10 points)
Directions:In this section, you will hear 3 passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear 3 or 4 questions. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
Passage One
Questions 21 to 23 are based on the passage you have just heard.
21. A. Chinese.
B. German.
C. Roman.
D. Not sure yet.
22. A. Chinese.
B. Germans.
C. Americans.
D. Romans.
23. A. Because it means a period of rest from work.
B. Because it symbolizes a new life with new hope.
C. Because people think it brings us a good life.
D. Because people enjoys emboding a happy occasion.
Passage Two
Questions 24 to 26 are based on the passage you have just heard.
24. A. There was a shortage of fuel.
B. Most Americans voted for it.
C. Large trucks were causing many accidents.
D. There was a sudden increase in highway deaths.
25. A. Women.
B. Older persons.
C. Westerners.
D. Young adults.
26. A. Trucks do not use crucial fuel.
B. Few trucks are involved in accidents.
C. Most trucks don’t transport consumer goods.
D. Trucks run better at higher speeds.
Passage Three
Questions 27 to 30 are based on the passage you have just heard.
27. A. 6 miles from Hawaii.
B. On an aircraft carrier.
C. In the Atlantic Ocean.
D. 145 miles from Hawaii.
28. A. 17. B. 70. C. 7. D. 27.
29. A. For two days.
B. For fifteen days.
C. For twelve days
D. For three days.
30. A. Aboard the aircraft carrier.
B. In Houston.
C. Aboard the helicopter.
D. In the space module.
Part II Vocabulary and Structure (5 minutes, 10 points)
Directions: There are 10 incomplete sentences in this part. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
31. Although he had looked through all the reference materials on the subject, he still found it hard to understand this point and his tutor’s explanation only ________ to his confusion.
A. extended B. amounted
C. added D. turned
32. The professor could hardly find sufficient grounds________ his arguments in favour of the new theory.
A. on which to base B. which to base on
C. to base on D. to be based on
33. These reference books, which you can get at any bookshop in the city, will provide you ________ you need.
A. all of information B. all of the informations
C. all the informations D. all the information
34. Apart from taking care of her children, she has to take on such heavy ________ housework as carrying water and firewood.
A. time-consumed B. timely-consumed
C. time-consuming D. timely-consuming
35. The man to whom we handed the forms pointed out that they had not been ________ filled in.
A . consequently B. regularly
C. comprehensively D. properly
36. Every man in this country has the right to live where he wants to ________ the color of his skin.
A. with the exception of B. in the light of
C. by virtue of D. regardless of
37. These two areas are similar ________ they both have a high rainfall during this season.
A. to that B. besides that
C. in that D. except that
38. How close parents are to their children ________ a strong influence on the character of the children.
A. have B. has C. having D. to have
39. All trains to Liverpool ________ because of the strike, they decided to go there by coach.
A. having canceled B. having been canceled
C. were canceled D. have been canceled
40. ________ that they may eventually reduce the amount of labor needed on construction sites by 90 percent.
A. So clever are the construction robots
B. So clever the construction robots are
C. Such construction robots are clever
D. Such clever construction robots are
Part III Situational Dialogues (5 minutes, 5 points)
Directions: There are 10 incomplete dialogues in this part. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that best completes the dialogue. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
41. Mary: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my little girl’s life.
John: ______________
Mary: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done.
John: I’m just happy I could help.
A. There’s nothing to be afraid of.
B. This is really a wonderful day.
C. Anybody would have done the same.
D. I am so glad to save her life.
42. Mother: You’re watching too much TV, Emily.
Emily: Oh, come on, Mom.
Mother: ________ And you’re eating too many snacks.
Emily: I only had some popcorn and some potato chips.
A. I mean it.
B. You’re excused.
C. Where’s your radio?
D. I don’t want to know it.
43. Kate: I’m not optimistic about finding a job after I finish college.
Joseph: Oh? Why not?
Kate: The economy is going downhill fast.
Joseph: I know. ______________ It’s getting to the point where even a degree won’t help you anymore.
Kate: That’s right. And I’ll be lucky to even move out of my parents’ house.
A. My friend could offer me a job.
B. I am not sure whether I agree or not.
C. How do you feel about the economy?
D. What is this world coming to?
44. Bruce: Good morning. Welcome to Supervacation Travel Agency. Can I help you?
Mandy: Yes, I hope so. I’m interested in a short holiday soon. I’d like some information.
Bruce: Yes, certainly. ______________
Mandy: Somewhere with some sunshine.
Bruce: Here’s a Supervacation brochure. It gives informa tion about lots of holidays.
Mandy: Thanks for the information. I expect I’ll see you soon.
A. What about New York?
B. Will you be traveling alone?
C. What sort of holiday interests you?
D. How are things going with you?
45. Mark: Good afternoon. I’ve just joined the library. How many books can I take out?
Jenny: You can take two books, and keep them for ten days. If you haven’t finished, you can renew them.
Mark: How do I do that? ________________
Jenny: No, you can telephone. Tell us the titles of the books, and the date they are due for return.
Mark: Splendid. I would like to borrow A Tale of Two Cities, or David Copperfield.
Jenny: Those two books have already been borrowed.
A. Why can’t I keep them for a longer time?
B. Must I visit the library?
C. How much could I be fined?
D. Can I lend them to my friends?
Part IV IQ Test (5 minutes, 5 points)
Directions: There are 5 IQ Test questions in this part. For each question there are 4 choices marked A, B, C and D. Mark your answer on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
46. A postman delivers mail round a housing estate.
He does not want to visit the same street more than once,
but can pass over the same street corners.
On which housing estate is this possible?
47. Here is a riddle.
I am suspended in the air, I touch nothing, and I am surrounded by lights. Now I dress myself afresh, and now I am naked, and I am in the heat and the cold, by night and by day. Everyone amuses himself by tramping upon me, even the animals abuse and scorn me, and yet I have such treasures hidden in my bosom that he who finds them I can make full of happiness.
What is the answer to the riddle?
A. The Sun. B. The Moon.
C. The Earth. D. The Sky.
48.
Which of the following numbers should replace the question mark?
A. 417. B. 926. C. 138. D. 172.
49. This bar chart shows the heights of a class of pupils.
Which statement must be true?
A. 2 children are 125 cm tall or less.
B. 8 children are at least 140 cm tall, but less than 145 cm tall.
C. 8 children are more than 144 cm tall, but less than 150 cm tall.
D. No children are taller than 158 cm.
50.
Can you guide the robot along the white squares through this grid?
It starts on the square marked "Begin" and finishes on the square marked "End".
You can only programme it to move FORWARD, TURN LEFT 90° or TURN RIGHT 90°.
Which of the instructions below will guide the robot through the grid?
A. FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 4, TURN LEFT 90°,
FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 2.
B. FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 3, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 3.
C. FORWARD 3, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 3, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 2.
D. FORWARD 3, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 3, TURN LEFT 90°,
FORWARD 4, TURN RIGHT 90°,
FORWARD 2.
Part V Reading Comprehension (25 minutes, 40 points)
Section A Multiple Choice (5 points)
Directions: There is 1 passage in this section with 5 questions. For each of them, there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.
Questions 51-55 are based on the following passage.
Normally a student must attend a certain number of courses in order to graduate, and each course that he attends gives him a credit, which he may count towards a degree. In many American universities the total work for a degree consists of thirty-six courses each lasting for one semester. A typical course consists of three classes per week for fifteen weeks; while attending a university a student will probably attend four or five courses during each semester. Normally a university student would expect to take four years attending two semesters each year. It is possible for a student to move between one university and another during his degree course, though this is not in fact done as a regular practice.
For every course that he follows a student is given a grade, which is recorded, and the record is available for the student to show to prospective employers. All this imposes a constant pressure and strain of work, but in spite of this some students still find time for participation in student affairs. Elections to positions in student organizations arouse much enthusiasm. Students who advise the academic authorities usually perform the effective work of maintaining discipline. Any student who is thought to have broken the rules, for example, by cheating has to appear before a student court. With the enormous numbers of students, the operation of the system does involve a certain amount of activity. A student who has held one of these positions of authority is much respected and it will be of benefit to him later in this career.
Questions:
51. Normally a student would at least attend ________ classes each week.
A. 36 B. 12 C. 20 D. 15
52. According to the first paragraph, an American student is allowed ________ .
A. to live in a different university
B. to take a particular course in a different university
C. to live at home and drive to classes
D. to get two degrees from two different universities
53. American university students are usually under pressure of work because ______.
A. their academic performance will affect their future careers
B. they are heavily involved in student affairs
C. they have to observe university discipline
D. they want to run for positions of authority
54. Some students are enthusiastic for positions in student organizations probably because ________ .
A. they hate the constant pressure and strain of their study
B. they will then be able to study longer in the university
C. such positions help them get better jobs
D. such positions are usually well paid
55. The student organizations seem to be effective in ______.
A. dealing with the academic affairs of the university
B. keeping up the students’ enthusiasm for social activities
C. evaluating students’ performance by bringing them before a court
D. ensuring that the students observe university regulations
Section B Yes / No / Not Given (5 points)
Directions: In this part, you will have 5 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on the Answer Sheet. For questions 56 - 60, mark
Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage;
N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage;
NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage.
Questions 56-60 are based on the following passage.
After I left Debrecen I walked for days and put up my tent at night. An old couple driving a horse and cart stopped and spoke to me. I tried out my broken Hungarian and they laughed. But it was obvious they were offering me a lift, so I got up on the cart, with my backpack and tent. They offered me some fiery apricot liqueur, home-made by the look of it. We drank it from the bottle.
The land was flat. You could see forever. You could see as far as the future. At first we could still see the Hortobagy River, brown in the weak sunshine, and carpets of sunflowers. But then, as we jolted along a track in the cart, there was just the puszta—the dry Great Plain of Hungary. It’s where the Hungarians grow their wheat and catch their wild horses.
A Hungarian poet once said that the earth and the sky are one in the puszta. I understand what he means. As far as you can see in every direction, the sky comes down and touches the land. This dry yellow land is not beautiful in the usual sense, but being in it, being part of it, I felt a great sense of peace. I have always hated mountains and skyscrapers because they are bigger than I am. But this ... When I lay down and watched the puszta from the back of the cart, it was like being in a great safe flat bed that had no sides but just went on forever. It was then, at that moment, that I felt I could do anything in the world that I wanted. I was eighteen years old.
Then, in the distance, we saw the horses. At first there was just a cloud of dust. Then, suddenly, about ten small, wiry, brown Hungarian wild horses charged across the Great Plain. They got near enough for me to see them tossing their heads. Two csikos, Hungarian cowboys, were chasing them. The cowboys saw the cart and shouted something. The old man shouted something back and he and the old woman laughed. They said something to me in Hungarian, probably trying to explain what the cowboys had said.
I fell asleep. When I woke up, the horses and the two csikos had gone but nothing about the scenery had changed. W
