Listening (3)
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English as a Second Language
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1.
Text:
The old photograph was faded and cracked. It showed a group of people gathered around a table, laughing and smiling. A young woman in a floral dress was holding a glass of wine, her eyes sparkling with joy. A man with a kind face was telling a story, gesturing animatedly with his hands. The background was blurry, but it seemed to be a garden party on a sunny afternoon. The photograph was tucked away in a dusty box in the attic.
Question: What does the description of the photograph imply about the relationship between the people in the picture?
Model Answer: The description of the photograph implies a close and affectionate relationship between the people depicted. The laughter, smiles, and the woman holding a glass of wine suggest a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The man telling a story and gesturing indicates a shared history and a comfortable familiarity. The fact that the photograph is kept in a dusty box in the attic suggests that the people in the picture are cherished memories, hinting at a strong bond and a sense of nostalgia. It implies a warm, loving, and possibly long-lasting connection – perhaps a family or close friends.
2.
You are listening to a podcast interview with a marine biologist discussing the impact of plastic pollution on ocean life. The biologist states, "Studies have shown that over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year." Identify the factual detail in this statement and explain its significance.
The factual detail in the statement "Studies have shown that over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year" is the quantifiable amount of plastic waste entering the ocean annually – 8 million tons.
Its significance is immense. This number provides a concrete measure of the scale of the problem. It's not just a vague concern; it's a massive, measurable influx of pollution. This detail allows us to:
- Understand the magnitude of the environmental damage.
- Assess the urgency of the issue.
- Support arguments for policy changes and individual actions to reduce plastic consumption.
- Compare the problem to other environmental issues (e.g., the amount of other pollutants entering the ocean).
3.
The following is an excerpt from a blog post by someone describing their experience volunteering at an animal shelter.
“I’ve always loved animals, but I never imagined I’d be able to do so much for them. When I first started volunteering, I was a bit nervous – I worried I wouldn’t be able to handle the emotional toll of seeing so many animals who had been neglected. But the staff were incredibly supportive, and the animals were so grateful for any attention. Seeing a shy dog finally trust a human, or a cat purring contentedly in your lap – those moments are priceless. It’s definitely challenging at times, but the feeling of making a difference makes it all worthwhile. I’ve developed a deep sense of responsibility towards these animals, and I feel like I’m part of something really important.”
Analyze how the volunteer’s
feelings and
attitudes are influenced by their
opinions about volunteering at the animal shelter. Support your answer with textual evidence.
The volunteer’s feelings and attitudes are deeply influenced by their opinions about volunteering at the animal shelter. Their initial opinion, that they "loved animals" and wanted to "do so much for them," sets the stage for a positive experience. However, this initial enthusiasm is tempered by a realistic awareness of the potential emotional challenges. The opinion that they might not be able to "handle the emotional toll" reveals a cautious attitude, acknowledging the potential for sadness and distress.
The text shows how these opinions shape their feelings. The feeling of being "grateful" for the animals' attention is a direct result of their opinion that they can make a difference. The description of "priceless" moments – a dog trusting a human, a cat purring – demonstrates how these positive experiences reinforce their initial opinion and solidify their commitment. The feeling of "making a difference" is a key motivator, shaping their attitude towards the work as "worthwhile." Finally, the development of a "deep sense of responsibility" and feeling "part of something really important" indicates a significant shift in attitude, driven by their initial desire to help and the positive impact of their volunteer work.