2018年12月英语四级听力原文：试卷一听力篇章
Passage 1
A Pew Research Center survey of more than 1000 Americans conducted in April 2016 finds that Americans continue to express largely positive views about the current state of their local public libraries. For instance, around three-quarters say that public libraries provide them with the resources they need. And 66% say the closing of their local public library would have a major impact on their community, ¬although notably, just 33% say this would have a major impact on them personally or on their family.
A majority of Americans feel libraries are doing a good job of providing a safe place for people to hang out or spend time as well as opening up educational opportunities for people of all ages. And roughly half think their libraries contribute “a lot” to their communities in terms of helping spark creativity among young people and providing a trusted place for people to learn about new technologies.
As in past Pew Research Center surveys of library use, the April 2016 survey also measured Americans’ usage of and engagement with libraries. Overall, 53% of Americans age 16 and older have had some interaction with a public library in the past year – either through an in-person visit, or using a library website. Some 48% of adults specifically visited a library in the past 12 months, a modest increase from the 44% who said that in late 2015.
Q16: What do most Americans say about local public libraries?
Q17: How can local public libraries benefit young people?
Q18: What does the 2016 survey show about adult library users?
Passage 2
A Savannah cat is a cross breed between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat called the serval. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s, and in 2001 The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted it as a new registered breed.
The Savannahs are tall and slim, can weigh up to 9.1 kg, making them one of the largest breeds of cats that people can know. They have a spotted coat similar to that of many types of wild cat, and their ears are very large. They are also commonly compare to dogs in their loyalty. They and can also be trained to walk on a leash and to fetch. An often-noted trait characteristic of the Savannah is its jumping ability. They are known to jump on top of doors, and high cabinets.
Some can leap about 2.5 m high from a standing position. Cats are typically known for being very inquisitive, and so are the Savannahs. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards. Many Savannah cats do not fear water, and will play with even dive in water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats. Presenting a water bowl to a Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to "bat" all the water out of the bowl until it is empty, using their front paws.
Question19: What do we learn about the Savannah cats?
Question20: What is characteristic of Savannah cats?
Question21: What do some people do with their Savannah cats?
Passage 3
When children start school for their very first time, parents often feel a sense of excitement coupled with a touch of sadness of the end of the era. This is the start of a new adventure for children playing and interacting with new friends, sharing, taking turns and settling into a new routine. But of course, this is not the start of your child's education which in fact begun at birth. Back then, you would have been your child's most influential teachers. During this time at home, your child would have learned more than any other period in their life. During your child's first year in school, much time will be spent in learning to read. And they need to know that this is fun and worth-well. Your child will naturally copy you, so it is important that you are seeing, reading and enjoying books, newspapers and magazines rather than just absorbed in screens. Ultimately, an excellent education should be a close partnership between parents and teachers. A child's year splits fairly neatly into thirds - a third at school, a third at sleep and a third awake at home or on holiday. In respective of the quality of the school, a child's home life is of key importance. It is the determining factor of their academic success. Your child may have started on a new journey, but your work is far from finished.
22. How do parents feel when their children start going to school?
23. What does the passage say about children's education?
24. What should parents do for the success of their children's education?
25. What does the passage say is the key factor of children's academic success?
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