Tips
Before the tape is played, the teacher may first ask the students to read through the eight questions in the Exercises. Then students can have a vague structure in mind, rather than listen randomly. For this dialogue, more questions can be asked, for example: Who are the speakers? Is the student satisfied with the information he got from the talk?
Task 6
Script
Every year, high school juniors and seniors from across the US take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I)
The SAT I is a three-hour exam that tests students' math and verbal skills. Most universities will not accept students without this test. It is also used to help decide how much financial aid should be given to each student.
Scores range from 200 to 800 for each part. There is a total of 1,600 points. The test is held every year from October to June. But seniors must take it before December in order to include their scores in their university applications. The average total score for an American high school student is around 1,000.
A poor SAT score can prevent a student from going to a good
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university. Students who want to go to one of American's best universities, such as Harvard or Yale, must score between 1,430 and 1,600.
The test can be taken over and over again, but all the scores will appear on the students' records. However, unlike Chinese universities, the score is not the only thing needed. American universities also look at a student's subject grades, what they do outside of school, and their teachers' recommendations.
In addition to the SAT I, some universities require high school students to take at least three SAT IIs. These one-hour exams can be taken in any subject, for example chemistry or French.
(Length: 2 min. 05 sec.)
Key
A. Decide whether the statements are True (T) or false (F) according to the tape.
1) Only the students who are going to graduate from high school will take the exam. [F]
2) The SAT I is a three-hour exam that tests students' math and verbal skills. [T]
3) The average total score for an American high school student is around 1,600. [F]
B. Answer the following questions.
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1) How important is the test?
Key: Most universities will not accept students without this test. It is also used to decide how much financial aid should be given to each student.
2) How much should the score be for those who want to go to Harvard or Yale?
Key: They must score between 1,430 and 1,600.
3) What else will the American universities look at besides the score? Key: American universities also look at a student's subject grades, what
they do outside of school, and their teachers' recommendations. 4) What is the SAT II?
Key: The SAT II is the one-hour exam that can be taken in any subject,
for example chemistry or French. Tips
After listening to this kind of material, students should get the main ideas. Freshmen are accustomed to focusing all their attention on the questions, but not the content of the material. So remind students that the questions here are only a means to the end. They listen to enrich their mind and widen their horizon, not to simply answer the questions. Teachers may ask them to give a brief introduction about SAT, or maybe a general comparison between the SAT and the Chinese College
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Entrance Examination they passed not long ago.
Task 7
Script
Japanese students need 12 years of study before entering universities.
They choose the places they want to go and apply before January of their final year. The university entrance exam is a standard nationwide test held every year in January. It provides tests for 31 subjects in six subject areas: Japanese language, geography and history, civics, math, science and a foreign language. All national and public universities, as well as some private ones make use of this exam. But many places also have their own tests in February or later, before the new school year starts in April.
In order to pass the exam for the best universities such as the National University of Tokyo, many students attend special preparation schools on top of their regular classes. These extra schools can last for one to two years between high school and university.
Although every student has the chance of going to a Japanese university, 0nly 50 percent of high school seniors actually choose further study.
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(Length: 1 min. 25 sec.)
Key
A. Choose the best answer to each of the following questions. 1) The Japanese students will apply for a university before of their final
year. (a)
a) January b) February c) April d) July 2) The university entrance exam provides tests for _____ subjects in
_____ subject areas. (c)
a) 30; 6 b) 30; 7 c) 31; 6 d) 39; 16 3) What kind of universities will make use of this exam? (d) a) All national universities, b) All public universities. c) Some private universities, d) All of the above. 4) How many high school seniors will choose further study? (c) a) All of them. b) More than half. c) Only half of them. d) Less than half.
B. Answer the following questions.
1) Why do many students attend the special preparation school?
Key: Many students attend special preparation schools besides their
regular classes, in order to pass the exam for the best universities
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