English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2012 DAY 2

Section 4

No.20

What does the speaker imply about doves and pigeons?

1. Doves and pigeons are clearly defined.
2. Doves are usually preferred to pigeons.
3. Pigeons are associated with love and peace.
4. Pigeons are usually smaller than doves.

Many native English speakers say that doves and pigeons are two different species of birds, but actually there is no scientific definition to separate one from the other. While the smaller ones are sometimes called doves, this is not always the case. Still, most people would agree that the word “dove” has positive associations and the word “pigeon” negative ones. This is because the birds called doves are often thought of as prettier and have long been symbols of love and peace. The birds called pigeons are often considered a nuisance, especially in city areas.

Answer: 2

No.21

What makes the beginning chord sound mysterious?

1. A mathematical technique.
2. The four rock musicians.
3. The guitars and drums.
4. The notes from a piano.

The beginning of the Beatles’ song “A Hard Day’s Night” has puzzled rock fans for forty years. Why has there been a mystery? In this section of the song, it sounds like there are five musicians playing, instead of the four―John, Paul, George, and Ringo. A Canadian mathematician has finally solved this problem. He used a mathematical technique to divide the strange chord into thousands of separate sounds. He identified the guitars and drums, but there were other tones as well. They turned out to be from an out-of-tune piano, which was probably played by George Martin, the Beatles’ producer.

Answer: 4

No.22

Which statement is true about the museum?

1. Art projects are offered on weekends in summer.
2. Craft activities are offered by local school teachers.
3. Membership discounts are available for families.
4. Merry-go-round times can be changed for school groups.

Riverside Museum is a fascinating destination for families, designed to entertain as well as educate. There are a variety of creative and fun activities for children throughout the year. In the Arts and Crafts Center, many interesting programs are offered by museum staff on weekdays in July and August. The 1920s merry-go-round is one of the most popular attractions for young children. However, hours of operation may change due to the weather. Please call for the daily schedule. Families may purchase a membership with special admission rates―an excellent value for those planning to visit again and again.

Answer: 3

No.23 to 25

No.23 According to the speaker, what is a problem for some GPS users?

1. They can’t rely on GPS in extreme environments.
2. They may stop paying attention to the real world.
3. They must listen to a computer-generated voice.
4. They will not be able to read complex directions.

No.24 What does the part of the brain described by the speaker do?

1. It calms our emotions.
2. It controls the five senses.
3. It recognizes voices.
4. It remembers our surroundings.

No.25 What are some scientists worried about?

1. GPS units interfering with radio reception.
2. Relying on common sense too much.
3. The brain losing some ability to store memories.
4. The function of GPS devices in wilderness situations.

These days many drivers rely on GPS, which is a satellite navigation system. GPS is helpful because it is safer to listen to a computer-generated voice giving directions than it is to look at a map while driving. Also, in extreme situations such as when hikers get lost in the wilderness, GPS units can even save lives. However, using GPS without thinking may lead to accidents.

Sometimes, when people turn on a GPS, they turn off their common sense and stop paying attention to actual road conditions.

Researchers wonder if over-reliance on GPS directions may affect the way some users’ brains function. The part of the brain where people store maps of their surroundings may change. This area of the brain remembers how to get from one place to another. Some scientists are afraid that this part might shrink and people may lose their natural navigational sense if they depend on GPS too much. This part of the brain also plays a role in storing memories. If it shrinks because people use it less often, they may experience memory loss when they get older.

Despite these questions, GPS has many benefits. It can save time and money while adding convenience to your life.

Answer:

No.23: 2
No.24: 4
No.25: 3