English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2014 DAY 1

Part 4

No.20

According to the speaker, what can visitors do in Cuzco?

1. Enjoy modern and historical attractions.
2. Study the language of Machu Picchu.
3. Take a lunchtime tour of the churches.
4. Watch the sunrise in the highlands.

If you’re going to Machu Picchu in highland Peru, you should consider visiting Cuzco, at 3,400 meters above sea level. You will enjoy walking through the Plaza de Armas and visiting the Temple of the Sun. You can also look at Cuzco’s interesting museums and beautiful houses as well as its magnificent churches. Remember, however, that these churches close for a few hours around noon. In addition, you can take advantage of modern hotels and restaurants, and at the same time, see Cuzco’s fascinating history preserved in its architecture, language, and ancient treasures.

Answer: 1.

No.21

In which order does the speaker present suggestions for managing money?

1. Compare prices → Make a budget → Plan to buy less → Use utilities less
2. Compare prices → Plan to buy less → Make a budget → Use utilities less
3. Make a budget → Plan to buy less → Use utilities less → Compare prices
4. Make a budget → Use utilities less → Plan to buy less → Compare prices

When you start living alone, you might find it difficult to manage your money. Here are some tips that you may find helpful. One hint is first to make a detailed budget, or plan, of how much money you have and what you are going to spend it on each month. Then, look at your budget and decide if you can buy fewer items. Also, use less ectricity, water, or other utilities by turning off lights, for example. Finally, before shopping, make a list of what you need and compare prices on those items from different shops.

Answer: 3.

No.22

What does the speaker say about the phrase?

1. Greek people used it to refer to mathematics.
2. It is well known because Shakespeare used it.
3. It only refers to difficult foreign languages.
4. Shakespeare was the first to use it.

Have you ever heard the phrase “It’s all Greek to me”? We use it when we don’t understand a foreign language or a difficult concept. If someone tries to explain a theory from physics or mathematics that we cannot comprehend, we could say, “It’s all Greek to me.” This phrase appears in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, where one Roman tells another that he couldn’t understand somebody because he spoke Greek. Although this phrase had been used earlier by different writers, Shakespeare’s use of the phrase helped to make it popular, and it continues to be used even today.

Answer: 2.

No.23 to 25

No.23 Where do most elderly Americans live?

1. They live alone in their own homes.
2. They live in homes for the elderly.
3. They live with their children.
4. They live with their grandchildren.

No.24 What does the speaker say grandchildren learn from living in multi-generational families?

1. They learn how to solve their own health problems.
2. They learn something about their family roots.
3. They learn the benefits of saving money.
4. They learn the importance of independence.

No.25 What does the speaker say elderly people gain from living with their grandchildren?

1. They become familiar with the latest technology.
2. They can get help carrying heavy items.
3. They keep up with the latest fashion trends.
4. They save money on household expenses.

Americans have traditionally wanted to live apart from their parents, as personal independence is often thought to be very important. Therefore, in most cases, the elderly live in their own homes, while their grown children move away and live elsewhere. However, some elderly people and their grown-up children have decided to combine households, and this trend has been increasing in recent years.

There certainly are benefits to living as a multi-generational family in the same house. Grandparents take care of young children while the parents go to work. Young children learn about their family history, cooking, and household repair skills from their grandparents.

Senior citizens also get a lot out of spending time with their grandchildren. Grandparents stay in good health, hiking and playing sports with the grandchildren. The grandchildren can teach their grandparents how to use computers and keep up with the latest technology.

Parents can teach their children proper manners toward older people through their own behavior toward their parents. Children learn from seeing their parents interact with the grandparents. Parents can get the help of the children in watching out for the safety of the grandparents, thus sharing the burden if the state of their health becomes a problem.

No.23 Answer: 1.
No.24 Answer: 2.
No.25 Answer: 1.