English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2013 DAY 2

Part 4

No.20

According to the researchers, what brand names are likely to be popular?

1. Brand names from Canadian companies.
2. Brand names from popular poems or songs.
3. Brand names which repeat sounds.
4. Brand names which sound expensive.

Companies spend millions of dollars developing popular brand names, but it can be hard to tell why some names succeed, and others don’t. Some Canadian linguists are trying to understand this. They found that people responded well when they heard names with rhyming sounds. Comparing two imaginary brand names, “Kooparut” and “Kooparoop,” researchers discovered people liked the second name more. However, the sounds shouldn’t be too difficult: for example, “Rantherafanth” failed, but “Rantifanti” was a hit. Using the same sound again and again is part of human nature. We see this in songs, word games, and everyday spoken language worldwide.

Answer: 3.

No.21

In which order does the speaker present dog training suggestions?

1. Time → Distance → Place → Voice
2. Time → Distance → Voice → Place
3. Time → Place → Distance → Voice
4. Time → Place → Voice → Distance

In training your dog to sit, here are four ways to make sure that it really learns. One method is to order the dog to keep sitting for short periods of time, then gradually increase the length of time. Another is to tell your dog to sit in different places so that it learns how to do it anywhere. One more way is to keep your dog close to you at first and then begin to move away from it. You can also try giving commands in a variety of tones and volumes. These tips will guarantee success.

Answer: 3.

No.22

According to the speaker, which is true about pajamas?

1. British merchants exported them to Persia.
2. People wear them in public in some parts of the world.
3. Persians first thought they were men’s clothing.
4. They became very popular in England in the 18th century.

The word “pajamas” is one of many words English borrowed from other languages. It came from a Persian word, which literally meant “leg clothing.” At present, wearing pajamas is widespread in many Middle-Eastern and Asian countries. In these areas, they are not just for sleeping in, but are loose, lightweight trousers worn anywhere by both sexes. It is said that pajamas were first introduced to England in the 17th century, but soon went out of fashion. It was not until the latter half of the 19th century that they became widely popular.

Answer: 2.

No.23 to 25

No.23 According to the speaker, which trees do mountain pine beetles attack?

1. Both sick and healthy trees.
2. Both young and old trees.
3. Only old, sick trees.
4. Only young, healthy trees.

No.24 According to the speaker, what is true about previously-attacked trees?

1. They become thicker than trees not attacked.
2. They can only be harvested after 18 years have passed.
3. They cannot be harvested at all.
4. They have colored marks on them.

No.25 According to the speaker, what is likely to happen in the future?

1. Attacking female beetles will stop forest destruction.
2. Early harvesting will remove stains from trees.
3. Forest destruction by beetles will be managed.
4. Mountain pine beetles will migrate to warmer climates.

Mountain pine beetles are insects native to North America. They are a threat to some types of pine trees. Usually, they attack unhealthy trees, but can also affect healthy ones. Climate change may be causing an increase in the number of these beetles, and they are beginning to have an effect on a growing number of pine species.

Forest destruction is not only an ecological problem, but it also has a serious economic effect. Although trees which remain after beetle attacks can be used, they must be cut down within 18 years, or they cannot be sold. Even if they are harvested, timber from trees that beetles have lived in breaks more easily. In addition, beetles leave blue stains on the wood. In the end, damaged logs are less attractive to buyers and their value is decreased.

One way to fight these beetles is to spray artificial scents on other trees. These smells imitate those of female pine beetles and can attract males to locations where they can be destroyed.
Another way is to burn affected trees. While these methods won’t get rid of entire beetle populations, they will slow down the process of forest destruction.

No.23 Answer: 1.
No.24 Answer: 4.
No.25 Answer: 3.