way it's almost one enormous suburb.21) Key: He thinks that the second type (the Los Angeles model) is more sensible2)Key:He considers it highly likely that the kind of city we know now will completelydisappear.TipsUse this task to help students practice how to understand comparison and contrast.After playing the recording once, ask students to summarize the speaker's mainargument. Then, as a class, recall the phrases that signpost comparison and contrast. Forin type one..., the other type is....""one typeexample,“thereseemtobetwotypesis better than the other...." "(this) model is more sensible...," and so on. What followsthese signpost phrases is usually the key information that students need to pay specialattentionto.Task 8SocioeconomicproblemsSeriptNed: ...you know, I think this country's problems all come from inflation. That's themain cause of our troubles right now. And what's causing the inflation? It's the recklessspending of the Democrats! Every year they spend more and more money, and thatmoney has to come from somewhere. So we pay it in the form of higher taxes and higherprices on the goods we buy.Barbara: Well, I'm not sure that I agree with you. It seems to me that inflation isonly one of our problems. What about unemployment? If people don't have jobs becausethegovernment cuts spending too much, they can't buy things; and then you haveavicious circle of more unemployment and fewer taxpayers to share the burden.Ellen: You know, I think Barbara may have something there. Unemployment is a bigproblem, especially in the big industrial cities. The auto industry is fighting for its liferight now, and the government isn't doing very much to help it.Ned: Well, it's true that the auto industry is in a mess, but I don't think the answer isin government regulation or protection.I believe in the free market systemlet thesystem work without a lot of government interference, and everything will be okay.Ellen: So the strong will win, and the weak will be defeated. Is that what you mean?Ned:Well, that'sthewayitgoes.Thesurvival of thefittest.Barbara:Andtoo badabouttheweak,thepoor, theunprotected.Ned: Now you're getting emotional. You have to remain objective about thesethings. Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about...Key1)Key: He thinks that this country's problems all come from inflation, which is the resultof the Democrat's careless spending2)Key:No,she doesn't agree with Ned. She believes that theproblem is unemploymentIf the government cuts spending too much, the country will fall into a vicious circle ofmore unemployment and fewer taxpayers to share the burden.3) Key: She agrees with Barbara. She believes that unemployment is a big problem,25
way it’s almost one enormous suburb. 2. 1) Key: He thinks that the second type (the Los Angeles model) is more sensible. 2) Key: He considers it highly likely that the kind of city we know now will completely disappear. Tips Use this task to help students practice how to understand comparison and contrast. After playing the recording once, ask students to summarize the speaker’s main argument. Then, as a class, recall the phrases that signpost comparison and contrast. For example, “there seem to be two types.,” “in type one., the other type is.,” “one type is better than the other.,” “(this) model is more sensible.,” and so on. What follows these signpost phrases is usually the key information that students need to pay special attention to. Task 8 Socioeconomic problems Script Ned: .you know, I think this country’s problems all come from inflation. That’s the main cause of our troubles right now. And what’s causing the inflation? It’s the reckless spending of the Democrats! Every year they spend more and more money, and that money has to come from somewhere. So we pay it in the form of higher taxes and higher prices on the goods we buy. Barbara: Well, I’m not sure that I agree with you. It seems to me that inflation is only one of our problems. What about unemployment? If people don’t have jobs because the government cuts spending too much, they can’t buy things; and then you have a vicious circle of more unemployment and fewer taxpayers to share the burden. Ellen: You know, I think Barbara may have something there. Unemployment is a big problem, especially in the big industrial cities. The auto industry is fighting for its life right now, and the government isn’t doing very much to help it. Ned: Well, it’s true that the auto industry is in a mess, but I don’t think the answer is in government regulation or protection. I believe in the free market system—let the system work without a lot of government interference, and everything will be okay. Ellen: So the strong will win, and the weak will be defeated. Is that what you mean? Ned: Well, that’s the way it goes. The survival of the fittest. Barbara: And too bad about the weak, the poor, the unprotected. Ned: Now you’re getting emotional. You have to remain objective about these things. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. Key 1) Key: He thinks that this country’s problems all come from inflation, which is the result of the Democrat’s careless spending. 2) Key: No, she doesn’t agree with Ned. She believes that the problem is unemployment. If the government cuts spending too much, the country will fall into a vicious circle of more unemployment and fewer taxpayers to share the burden. 3) Key: She agrees with Barbara. She believes that unemployment is a big problem, 25
especially in the big industrial cities. And the government isn't doing very much to helpthebig industries out.4) Key: He believes in the free market system rather than government regulation orprotection. He thinks that without a lot of government interference everything will beokay.5) Key: No, they think it is bad for the weak, the poor and the unprotected/it is bad for theunderprivilegedTipsIn this conversation, three people are discussing the problems that Americans face.They don't agree with each other on the country's major problem.Before playing therecording, encourage students to brainstorm the social and economic problems that thespeakers maytouchupon.In addition, since this is a discussion, ask studentsto thinkabout ways to state opinions and arguments.For example, "I think,""That's the maincause of...," "Well, I'm not sure that I agree with you," You know, I think (someone)may have something there," Well, it's true that...but I don't think..." and so on.Familiarizing students with patterns like these would helpthemfocus on key informationand improvetheefficiencyoflistening.Task9EscapingbigcitiesScriptThe energy and excitement of first-tier cities, including Beijing, Shanghai,Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have long served as magnets attracting enthusiastic youngpeople.But recent surveys have overturned the perception of this urban draw.In a survey conducted by Sohu.com of nearly 60,000 netizens in April, 82 percentsaid they wanted to leave big cities, citing high house prices, difficulty in getting a hukou,or permanent residence registration, in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and the stress,pressure and competition that come with living in major cities.In lateMarch,Henan Business Dailyand Sina.com jointly conducted a survey ofwhite-collar workers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, finding that 57.83percent were thinking of leaving and looking for opportunities in second- or third-tiercities.Sun Liang came to Beijing nine years ago from central China's Henan Province toattend Beijing Normal University.After graduating in 2005, Sun found a job at aninsurance company in Beijing's Chaoyang District and currently earnsmore than 8,oo0yuan (about $1,171) a month. However, Sun is still thinking of leaving Beijing andfinding a job in Henan's capital city, Zhengzhou.Sun, 31, got married during the Spring Festival in February.He and his wife areplanning to have a baby within two years. I still don't have my own house in Beijing as Idon't even have enough money to pay the down payment," he said. “I would have to savemy net income for more than 20 years to buy a 90-square-meter apartment in Beijing, ifthe house prices stay at the current level. And that's if I don't spend a penny of what I'mmaking now,"Sun said.26
especially in the big industrial cities. And the government isn’t doing very much to help the big industries out. 4) Key: He believes in the free market system rather than government regulation or protection. He thinks that without a lot of government interference everything will be okay. 5) Key: No, they think it is bad for the weak, the poor and the unprotected/it is bad for the underprivileged. Tips In this conversation, three people are discussing the problems that Americans face. They don’t agree with each other on the country’s major problem. Before playing the recording, encourage students to brainstorm the social and economic problems that the speakers may touch upon. In addition, since this is a discussion, ask students to think about ways to state opinions and arguments. For example, “I think,” “That’s the main cause of.,” “Well, I’m not sure that I agree with you,” “You know, I think (someone) may have something there,” “Well, it’s true that.but I don’t think.” and so on. Familiarizing students with patterns like these would help them focus on key information and improve the efficiency of listening. Task 9 Escaping big cities Script The energy and excitement of first-tier cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have long served as magnets attracting enthusiastic young people. But recent surveys have overturned the perception of this urban draw. In a survey conducted by Sohu.com of nearly 60,000 netizens in April, 82 percent said they wanted to leave big cities, citing high house prices, difficulty in getting a hukou, or permanent residence registration, in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and the stress, pressure and competition that come with living in major cities. In late March, Henan Business Daily and Sina.com jointly conducted a survey of white-collar workers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, finding that 57.83 percent were thinking of leaving and looking for opportunities in second- or third-tier cities. Sun Liang came to Beijing nine years ago from central China’s Henan Province to attend Beijing Normal University. After graduating in 2005, Sun found a job at an insurance company in Beijing’s Chaoyang District and currently earns more than 8,000 yuan (about $1,171) a month. However, Sun is still thinking of leaving Beijing and finding a job in Henan’s capital city, Zhengzhou. Sun, 31, got married during the Spring Festival in February. He and his wife are planning to have a baby within two years. “I still don’t have my own house in Beijing as I don’t even have enough money to pay the down payment,” he said. “I would have to save my net income for more than 20 years to buy a 90-square-meter apartment in Beijing, if the house prices stay at the current level. And that’s if I don’t spend a penny of what I’m making now,” Sun said. 26
As house prices increase in first-tier cities, people are sure to look for residencyelsewhere, said Zhang Yi, a researcher with the Institute of Population and LaborEconomics of the Chinese Academy of Social SciencesBesides, the dry climate, congested traffic and high living costs are also factorsdriving his decision to leave Beijing, Sun said.The development of second- and third-tier cities in recent years is also an importantfactor attracting more white-collars."On the one hand, high land prices in big cities are forcing private and foreignenterprises to relocate to small and medium-sized cities," Zhang said. On the other hand,the Chinese government's emphasis on balanced regional development is paying off, asmoreresourcesareallocatedtothesecities.A recent report from Sichuan Economic Daily said 139 Fortune 500 companies hadset upoffices in Chengdu southwest China's SichuanProvince, and the numbercontinues togrow.IBM announced on March 23 the establishment of a new R&D centerinXi'an,Shaanxi Province,togetherwithitssoftware analyzerlabandaregionalsoftware growth center. Chongqing Municipality, Chengdu and other second-tier citiesalong the Yangtze River are among the favorite destinations for white-collar workersfrom big cities, a report showed.In Zhengzhou, a national economic and technological development zone has alsobeen established, becoming a prosperous city to attract high-level personnel. Zhengzhouhas developed rapidly in recent years and become an important city in central China,creating more opportunities for young people to get decent jobs,said Sun.Key1.Push factors:1)highhouse prices2)difficulty in getting a hukou3) stress. pressure and competition of living in major citiesPullfactorsdevelopment of 2nd- and 3rd-tier cities in recent years2.Survey l:Conducted by:Sohu.comParticipants:60.000netizensFindings: 82 percent wanted to leave big citiesSurvey2:Conducted by:Henan Business Daily and Sina.comParticipants: white-collar workers in Beijing. Shanghai. Guangzhuo and ShenzhenFindings: 57.83 percent were thinking of leaving and looking for opportunities in second-and third-tier citiesIn focus: Sun LiangAge: 3127
As house prices increase in first-tier cities, people are sure to look for residency elsewhere, said Zhang Yi, a researcher with the Institute of Population and Labor Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Besides, the dry climate, congested traffic and high living costs are also factors driving his decision to leave Beijing, Sun said. The development of second- and third-tier cities in recent years is also an important factor attracting more white-collars. “On the one hand, high land prices in big cities are forcing private and foreign enterprises to relocate to small and medium-sized cities,” Zhang said. “On the other hand, the Chinese government’s emphasis on balanced regional development is paying off, as more resources are allocated to these cities.” A recent report from Sichuan Economic Daily said 139 Fortune 500 companies had set up offices in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, and the number continues to grow. IBM announced on March 23 the establishment of a new R&D center in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, together with its software analyzer lab and a regional software growth center. Chongqing Municipality, Chengdu and other second-tier cities along the Yangtze River are among the favorite destinations for white-collar workers from big cities, a report showed. In Zhengzhou, a national economic and technological development zone has also been established, becoming a prosperous city to attract high-level personnel. “Zhengzhou has developed rapidly in recent years and become an important city in central China, creating more opportunities for young people to get decent jobs,” said Sun. Key 1. Push factors: 1) high house prices 2) difficulty in getting a hukou 3) stress, pressure and competition of living in major cities Pull factors: development of 2nd- and 3rd-tier cities in recent years 2. Survey 1: Conducted by: Sohu.com Participants: 60,000 netizens Findings: 82 percent wanted to leave big cities Survey 2: Conducted by: Henan Business Daily and Sina.com Participants: white-collar workers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhuo and Shenzhen Findings: 57.83 percent were thinking of leaving and looking for opportunities in secondand third-tier cities In focus: Sun Liang Age: 31 27
Hometown:Henan ProvinceEducation:graduated from Beijing Normal University in 2005Job:works inaninsurancecompanySalary: 8.000 yuan per monthReasons for thinking of leaving Beijing:1)highhouseprices.2) the dry climate, congested traffic and high living costsExpert opinion: Zhang YiPosition: researcher with the Institute of Population and Labor Economics at the ChineseAcademyof Social SciencesOpinion:1)Risinghouseprices infirst-tier cities drivepeopletolook for residencyelsewhere2)High land prices in big cities force private and foreign enterprises to relocate to smallandmedium-sized cities.3)The Chinese government's emphasis on balanced regional development causes moreresources to be relocated to these cities.Otherreports:1)139 Fortune 500 companies have set up offices in Chengdu and the number continuestogrow2）IBM established a new R&D center in Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, together withits softwareanalyzerlabandaregional softwarecenter3) Favorite destinations for white-collar workers: Chongqing, Chengdu and othersecond-tier cities along the Yangtze River.TipsThe task heading should give students a pretty good idea of what they are going tohear. The exercises are designed to help students 1) grasp main ideas and supportingevidence and 2) practice note-taking.Before playing the recording,ask students to take alookatExercise1anddiscusspossiblepushandpullfactorsaffectingpeople'sdecisiontoleavebigcitiesandrelocatetosmall andmedium-sizedcities.Thiswarm-upexerciseshould equip studentswiththe possible vocabularyforthis topic.Encourage students tofocus on the main ideas for Exercise 1 and on the details for Exercise 2. EncouragestudentstousephrasestocompletethenotesTask 10 Gender diversity in corporationsScriptEncouragingly,research shows that a growing number of women,both in seniorroles and among the rank and filearefindingtheir voices and inspiring others to achieveprogress. It also demonstrates that more companies are enjoying the benefits of genderdiversity and that some havefound ways to boostthe representationof women at thehighestlevels of theirorganizations.From anadmittedlylowbase,forinstance,morewomensitonEuropeancorporateboards,thoughnotexecutivecommittees,thandidsofive years ago. Countries with a clear political commitment to change, in the form of28
Hometown: Henan Province Education: graduated from Beijing Normal University in 2005 Job: works in an insurance company Salary: 8,000 yuan per month Reasons for thinking of leaving Beijing: 1) high house prices; 2) the dry climate, congested traffic and high living costs Expert opinion: Zhang Yi Position: researcher with the Institute of Population and Labor Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Opinion: 1) Rising house prices in first-tier cities drive people to look for residency elsewhere. 2) High land prices in big cities force private and foreign enterprises to relocate to small and medium-sized cities. 3) The Chinese government’s emphasis on balanced regional development causes more resources to be relocated to these cities. Other reports: 1) 139 Fortune 500 companies have set up offices in Chengdu and the number continues to grow. 2) IBM established a new R&D center in Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, together with its software analyzer lab and a regional software center. 3) Favorite destinations for white-collar workers: Chongqing, Chengdu and other second-tier cities along the Yangtze River. Tips The task heading should give students a pretty good idea of what they are going to hear. The exercises are designed to help students 1) grasp main ideas and supporting evidence and 2) practice note-taking. Before playing the recording, ask students to take a look at Exercise 1 and discuss possible push and pull factors affecting people’s decision to leave big cities and relocate to small and medium-sized cities. This warm-up exercise should equip students with the possible vocabulary for this topic. Encourage students to focus on the main ideas for Exercise 1 and on the details for Exercise 2. Encourage students to use phrases to complete the notes. Task 10 Gender diversity in corporations Script Encouragingly, research shows that a growing number of women, both in senior roles and among the rank and file, are finding their voices and inspiring others to achieve progress. It also demonstrates that more companies are enjoying the benefits of gender diversity and that some have found ways to boost the representation of women at the highest levels of their organizations. From an admittedly low base, for instance, more women sit on European corporate boards, though not executive committees, than did so five years ago. Countries with a clear political commitment to change, in the form of 28
specific quotas ortargets, are achieving significant results. Several major corporations areemergingas inspirational rolemodels.29
specific quotas or targets, are achieving significant results. Several major corporations are emerging as inspirational role models. 29