English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2012 DAY 1

Part 4

No.20

According to the speaker, what is true about steel frames in skyscrapers?

1. Steel frames allow more space for windows.
2. Steel frames improve elevator safety.
3. Steel frames make skyscraper walls thicker.
4. Steel frames take up more space in skyscrapers.

Towering skyscrapers are a symbol of modern society. In the late 1800s, new technological developments made very tall buildings possible. One development was steel building technology. Before that, architects were required to create thicker stone walls to support taller buildings. These walls were extremely heavy and allowed less room for windows and light.
After mass production of steel was introduced, architects began to use steel frames to support a building’s weight. Steel was much lighter and stronger than stone, while taking up much less space. At the same time, elevator technology and fire-resistant building materials also helped make skyscrapers possible.

Answer:1

No.21

What is an advantage of visiting Ireland in winter?

1. Many art festivals are held at that time.
2. Museums are open until late.
3. Sightseeing areas are not crowded.
4. You have a choice of many hotels.

Ireland is a nice place to visit all through the year. The peak months of the tourist season are July and August, but the weather in May, June, and September is usually good as well, and hotels are not busy. Flowers are most beautiful in April and May. In October, many art festivals are held. Winter has its own appeal. You can have fantastic places all to yourself, like the beach at Roses Point near the town of Sligo. Although it gets dark early and some museums and attractions are closed, as are many hotels, this quiet season is most relaxing for some visitors.

Answer:3

No.22

Which request for assistance requires students to visit the ISSC?

1. Finding places to live.
2. Getting food and diet advice.
3. Looking for a temporary job.
4. Receiving health and medical care.

You have reached ISSC, the International Student Support Center. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Stay on the line for recorded help messages. Press one for dining services and assistance for students with special dietary needs; press two for dormitory or apartment rentals; press three for Internet and telephone connections; press four for library and bookstore locations. Students with questions about part-time work on campus should call to make an appointment to see our staff at the center. In the case of a medical
emergency or illness, dial 911 or go directly to the clinic. Thank you for calling.

Answer:3

No.23 to 25

No.23 What does the speaker explain about aloha shirts?

1. They are too colorful and unsophisticated for work in Hawaii.
2. They belong to a distinct ethnic group on the islands.
3. They combine cultural influences from several countries.
4. They have images from popular movies and artwork.

No.24 Why did aloha shirts spread to the mainland United States?

1. They became cheaper and more colorful.
2. They reflected the dreams of many Americans.
3. They replaced clothing for business people.
4. They were comfortable for workers.

No.25 According to the speaker, what is true about aloha shirts?

1. Many of the early shirts were designed in China.
2. Many of the oldest shirts have been lost.
3. The shirts have become more casual in Hawaii.
4. The shirts have become more formal worldwide.

What can a colorful, casual shirt tell you about a culture? If it’s an aloha shirt from Hawaii, quite a bit. Alohas show island life in the same way that films, maps, and paintings do. They are as diverse as the islands they come from.

These shirts are said to have begun as simple clothing worn by plantation workers from the Philippines. Then, in the 1930s, a local Chinese merchant made some with leftover Japanese kimono cloth. Eventually, tropical Polynesian images were added and aloha shirts were born. They represent the mix of peoples in Hawaii.

Although some people thought Hawaiian shirts were cheap-looking, alohas became very popular. In the 1950s, air travel from the mainland became cheaper, the standard of living in America was improving, and people wanted clothes as bright and flashy as their hopes for the future. Pop stars and presidents alike put on alohas and a trend took off. Outside Hawaii, the aloha symbolized fun times, but back on the islands, aloha shirts were acceptable in place of a suit and tie.

Hawaiians take pride in their culture, especially aloha shirts. Unfortunately, not many of the earliest alohas have survived; these can sell for thousands of dollars. Whether inexpensive or high-priced, these comfortable shirts show the world a snapshot of Hawaiian life.

Answer:

No.23 : 3
No.24 : 2
No.25 : 2