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Learning focus

The training focus of this unit is the selecting of major points and the understanding of some aspects of culture and history. The comprehension materials aim at increasing your awareness of the importance of necessary background knowledge in listening.

Since language reflects the culture of its speakers, and since authentic materials frequently involve details of customs, behavior and attitudes typical of the foreign culture, you can try to give yourself insights into the habits, customs and values which are similar to or different from your own. You should also study the features of some landmark events in world history.

Extensive listening

The following passage is about pets. Supply the missing words while listening.

　　What animals Americans keep as ? Americans keep many kinds of animals as pets including , cats, birds, horses, snakes and . Other pets are not as .

　　Unusual pets can cause problems. A few years ago, police in a California city went to investigate coming from a house. What they found was the kind of family fight they expected. The family's large was being attacked by family pet.

　　The most common American pets are dogs and . Americans now own cats than dogs. Cats are especially with people who live in . Cats are easier to care for than dogs. They can live comfortably in living spaces. Dogs were more popular when there was a lot of land where they could run and .

　　This year what may be the most popular pets in America are not . They are toys known as “Virtual Pets”. They are seen on an extremely small screen. Each toy shows a picture of a cat, dog, or space creature. The “Virtual Pet” must be cared for by its who pushes buttons on the device to it, or clean it. The pet makes a beeping when it needs such care. The “Virtual Pet” larger on the computer screen as its owner meets its . If the owner does not do this, the “Virtual Pet” .

　　This has caused problems in of American homes as schools to permit the toy pets in class. Some take care of the pets while their children are in school. Others refuse. They say that if the “Virtual Pet” dies the child gets home, pushing a few buttons will bring it back to .

Tapescript:

What animals Americans keep as pets? Americans keep many kinds of animals as pets including dogs, cats, birds, horses, snakes and fish. Other pets are not as common.

Unusual pets can cause unusual problems. A few years ago, police in a California city went to investigate screams coming from a house. What they found was not the kind of family fight they expected. The family's large pig was being attacked by another family pet.

The most common American pets are dogs and cats. Americans now own more cats than dogs. Cats are especially popular with people who live in cities. Cats are easier to care for than dogs. They can live comfortably in small living spaces. Dogs were more popular when there was a lot of open land where they could run and play.

This year what may be the most popular pets in America are not real. They are toys known as “Virtual Pets”. They are seen on an extremely small computer screen. Each toy shows a picture of a cat, dog, monkey or space creature. The “Virtual Pet” must be cared for by its owner who pushes buttons on the device to feed it, or clean it. The pet makes a beeping noise when it needs such care. The “Virtual Pet” grows larger on the computer screen as its owner meets its needs. If the owner does not do this, the “Virtual Pet” dies.

This has caused problems in millions of American homes as schools refuse to permit the toy pets in class. Some parents take care of the pets while their children are in school. Others refuse. They say that if the “Virtual Pet” dies before the child gets home, pushing a few buttons will bring it back to life.