2008年12月英语四级听力模拟题(十五)

　　Passage Three
　　The purpose of education is not only to train youngsters for the employment market, but to prepare them for tomorrow’s society. Because of the rapidly changing world, one can argue that changes will be continuous, which will make lifelong learning necessary for those who expect to handle the changes successfully. While some may argue that their education commenced when they began school and concluded when they had completed it, modern reality suggests that education is a lifelong process, and the classroom is merely the beginning of the education process. The very nature of its definition implies that education is lifelong.
　　Lifelong education means enabling people to learn at different times, in different ways, for different purposes at various stages of their lives and careers.
　　Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.
　　32. What is the purpose of education?
　　33. Why is lifelong learning necessary?
　　34.What is the beginning of education according to modern reality?
　　35. What is the most important feature of education?
　　Section C
　　Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.
　　People over the age of 65 in the U.S.A. are called senior citizens. Life for these people is different than (36) younger Americans. Most senior citizens retire, or no (37) longer work full time. Also, it is (38) unusual for people of this age to (39) live with their children and grandchildren. (40) Grandparents tend to live in their own houses or (41) apartments away from their families.
　　For many senior citizens, the years after 65 are not (42) enjoyable. They feel uNPRoductive when they no longer work. In addition, they may feel lonely being away from their families and the (43)contacts they had in their work. Moreover, (44) they become more concerned with their health as they grow older. If they live in big cities, they often worry about their safety.
　　Other senior citizens enjoy their lives. They feel free to do things they were not able to do when they were working and raising families. They now have time to enjoy hobbies and sports and to travel. Many senior citizens move to retirement communities located in warm climates. (45) Some senior citizens continue to work beyond retirement age. Many find new careers and professional opportunities after they retire.
　　The number of senior citizens in the U.S. is increasing rapidly because people are living longer than before. (46) Because of their larger numbers and more active life styles, senior citizens are gaining social influence in the country, both politically and economically. Their concerns are receiving a wider audience than ever before. The time may come when all Americans will look forward to becoming senior citizens.