Questions 23—26
Traveling by air is one of the major conveniences of modern times. The whole field of aviation is geared to meet our needs for our safe, efficient and fast transportation. Let me give you an account of my recent trip on a major airline to illustrate my point.
I began preparations for my trip early by calling the airline and making a reservation. A few days later, I got the e-mail telling me my flight number and the times of departure from my city and arrival at my destination. I was advised to arrive at the airline terminal an hour before take-off in order to check in for my flight.
On the day of my flight, I went to the ticket counter for my boarding card, and then headed for the waiting area of the gate, from which my airplane will depart. Of course, you have to go through security system first. While I was waiting, I noticed how busy everyone was. The mechanics were checking the plane for last minute repairs, and a large truck was fueling the plane with gasoline to make it ready for take-off.
When my flight was called, I boarded the airplane. I was pleasantly greeted by the flight attendants and ordered light drinks and food. The weather was good, and there was no air turbulence to cause us worry or discomfort.
Although my flight was trouble-free, during the holidays, air travel becomes more hectic. Often, airlines sell too many tickets for a flight and are then overbooked. Some unlucky passengers will be bumped and asked to reschedule on a later flight. Bad weather might also cause a later take-off, and this delay often results in misconnections at the next stop.
On the whole, however, air travel is worth the expense. It is fast, safe and usually reliable.
23. How did the speaker make his flight reservation?
24. Why is the speaker advised to arrive an hour earlier?
25. How was his flight going according to the speaker?
26. Which of the following is not true about air travel?
【解析】
本段讲述说话者乘飞机旅行的全过程，网上订票、取登机牌、安检、登机等无一遗漏，而问题设置也围绕这些常识性内容展开，不涉及细节。如果考生对飞机旅行稍有了解，或者有过坐飞机的经历，即使有些部分没有听清，也能够顺利选出答案。文中出现aviation，gear等个别不常用单词，但不影响理解和答题。
Questions 27—30
W: Robert, I know you have strong feelings about the media.
M: I do. I’ve never had a television in my life. I grew up before television was really common. And I just don’t have time for it. I think you have to look at the “trade off” for whatever you do.
W: What do you mean by “trade off”?
M: What it costs, not only in money, but in terms what it does to your life. I have no real machines in my apartment. Well, I do have an FM radio.
W: What do you listen to?
M: Oh, weather reports, good music. And I have a telephone now. But I lived for eight years without one.
W: Eight years without a telephone?
M: Well, I discovered there were telephones on every street corner, and I really didn’t need one for anything.
W: Do you have a computer?
M: I do not own a computer. Because when I go on the Internet, I’m always disappointed. You see, I think modern technology destroys all the beauty and meaning in life. The machine gets in the way, and I don’t want to be part of a machine. That’s not the way I want to live my life.
W: Aren’t there any good things that the modern media bring us? I don’t know. Closer contact with other people?
M: Well, I do have a confession to make. The only modern form of media I really like is the jet plane. I mean, I know it’s not “the media”, but I really consider it to be a form of communication. It has allowed me to travel all over the world. I get great enjoyment out of travelling. I link up with people from foreign countries. I meet them. I talked to them. And so in that way, the jet plane has improved international communication much more than fax or e-mail will ever do.
W: What an interesting idea. Thank you, Robert.
27. Why has Robert never had a television in his life?
28. Which type of modern machine does Robert have now in his apartment?
29. What does Robert think of modern technology?
30. What does Robert enjoy most?
【解析】
本段对话为记者对名为Robert的男子的采访，主要围绕男子对现代科技尤其是机器的见解。他认为人不该成为机器的一部分，所以甚少接触现代科技，过着自己想过的简单纯朴的生活。但他仍承认飞机能为跨国界的沟通带来益处。话题难度居中，基本无太难的词汇。
