"Not entirely, " I said. "I was born here. I'm visiting my family. "
"You were born here? she said, as if only Shakespeare had the right.
It was my first time home many years. Long ago I had emigrated to America. How I was visiting places in which I had taken little interest before: the birthplace for example. I had passed it perhaps a hundred times without a thought of going in. Now it would cost me just under two pounds, about $3. But even stranger experience was buying a ticket to the school two members of my family had attended. Shakespeare had gone there though 350 years before. It was a good school, but I was fortunate in being sent to a better one. "Better than Shakespeare's?" asked an American to whom I had confided. "I don't see how that could Be possible, "he had muttered before turning away.
I had taken Shakespeare for granted; However, in my current tourist status, that would have to be changed. Respect was called for. I must learn to refer to him as the hard, and not as Will in the familiar way, and never a "Willie the-Shake", which is the inelegant but customary nickname of some of the younger generation.
This was no problem. Shakespeare worship had been made earlier since my day. Every building with Shakespeare connections was preserved. An inclusive ticket enabled holders to see them all. When several Americans whom I had run into asked me to show them around, I readily agreed.
Where did most of the "pilgrims" the speaker met come from?
A. U.S.A
B. Europe.
C. OHio.
D. His hometown.
Part B
Directions: You will hear four dialogues or monologues. Before listening to each one, you will have 5 seconds to read each of the questions which accompany it. While listening, answer each question by choosing A, B, C or D. After listening, you will have 10 seconds to check your answer to each question. You will hear each piece ONLY ONCE.
听力原文:M: Hi, Ellen. How was your vacation?
W: Great! I went to Bangkok.
M: Really? Why did you decide to go there?
W: Well, I have a cousin who lives there. She's been trying to get me to take a vacation down there for a long time, and so, finally, I went there.
M: I've seen some pictures of Bangkok -- the architecture there is really interesting, isn't it?.
W: Yes, it's incredible, especially the Grand Palace. The beautiful temples, too, are very impressive. And I love the tasty Thai food and tropical fruits there.
M: How was the weather when you were there?
W: That's about the only thing I didn't enjoy. It was really hot and sticky. In fact, April is its hottest month. The best time to go Is during the cool season, which lasts from November to February.
M: Did you go to some other places beside Bangkok?
W: Sure. I went to Pattaya. It's a famous tourist attraction, only two hours' drive from Bangkok. There's plenty to enjoy: fine sand, blue sky, clear water, colorful night life.
M: Well, it sure sounds like you had a great time.
W: Oh, I sure did. And I plan to go back there next year. I'd like to visit Phuket, the biggest island of Thai land. It's world-famous as a seaside tourist attraction.
M: I'm sure that you have taken many pictures about the places that you've visited, haven't you?
W: Of course. I've taken lots of beautiful pictures. Next time I'll show them to you.
Why did Ellen decide to go to Bangkok?
A. She loved the food there.
B. She enjoyed the weather there.
C. She was persuaded to do so.
D. She was invited by her close friends.
听力原文:M: Have you a table for four?
W: Certainly, Sir. A comer table or would you rather be near the window?
What is the man doing?
A. Looking for a timetable.
Buying some furniture.
C. Reserving a table.
D. Window shopping.
Part A
Directions: You will hear 10 short dialogues. For each dialogue, there is one question and four possible answers. Choose the correct answer ― A, B, C or D, and mark it in your test booklet. You will have 15 seconds to answer the question and you will hear each dialogue ONLY ONCE.
听力原文:M: Boating and Skating are my favorite sports.
W: I like swimming, but not boating or skating.
Which sport does the woman like?
A. Skating.
B. Swimming.
C. Boating and swimming.
D. Boating and skating.