【摘要】
Conversation One:
M: I really have no idea what to do during this summer holiday. I can’t bear to just sit around, and there seem to be no jobs available.
W: Why don’t you try house-sitting? Last summer my friend Tom house-sat for the Alexanders when they went away on vacation. Mr. Alexander hired Tom to stay in their house because he didn’t want it left empty.
M: You mean the Alexanders paid Tom just to live in their house?
W: It certainly wasn’t that easy. He had to mow the lawn and water the houseplants and also feed the pets. And when Boris house-sat for Mr. Alexander, he had to help him with his farm.
M: I heard about baby-sitting, and house-sitting sounds just like it---except you’re taking care of a house instead of children. It may be a suitable job for me.
W: The student employment office still has a few jobs posted.
M: Do I just have to fill out an application form?
W: Yes, and Tom and Boris had to interview with the homeowners and provide three references each.
M: That seems like a lot of trouble for a summer job.
W: Well, the homeowners want some guarantee that they can trust the house-sitter. You know, they want to make sure you’re not the type who’ll throw wild parties in their house, or move a group of friends in with you.
M: House-sitters who do that sort of thing probably aren’t paid then.
W: Usually they’re paid anyway just because the homeowners don’t want to make a fuss. But if the homeowner reported it, then the house-sitter wouldn’t be able to get another job. So why don’t you give it a try?
M: Yeah, I think I will.
Questions 19-22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
19. What does the man want to do this summer?
20. What did the Alexanders do when they went away on holiday last summer?
21. What is one responsibility the house-sitter probably wouldn’t have?
22. How do homeowners determine the reliability of a house-sitter?
Conversation Two:
W: Good morning, sir.
M: Good morning. I wonder if you can help. I have lost my coat.
W: Where did you lose it, sir?
M: Er… I left it on the …um… on the ground yesterday morning.
W: Can you describe it?
M: Well, it’s a full-length brown overcoat with a checkered pattern on it. It’s got a wide belt, and one of those thick furry collars that keep your ears warm. It’s a very nice coat, actually.
W: Hmm. I’m afraid we haven’t got anything like that, sir. Sorry.
M: Well, to tell you the truth, I lost another coat last week. On the bus. It’s a three-quarter length coat- it’s grey, with big black buttons and a black belt.
W: Sorry, sir. Nothing like that.
M: Hmm. And then only this morning I left my white raincoat in a park. It’s got a silk lining…
W: Look, sir. I’m very busy now. If you really need a coat so badly, there’s a very good second-hand clothes shop just round the corner…
Questions 23-25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
23. Where did the conversation probably happen?
24. What can we infer about the man?
25. What did the woman think of the man?