English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2013 DAY 1

Part 4

No.20

What happened to Angora rabbits toward the end of the 18th century?

1. Europeans outside France began keeping them as pets.
2. People in the United States began keeping them as pets.
3. Their average life span increased to more than seven years.
4. Their popularity increased among the royal family in France.

Angora rabbits are soft and lovable pets. There are different kinds in different countries, but Angoras originated in Ankara, Turkey, before spreading around the world. One place they became popular was France. They were kept by the French royal family and other elites in the mid-18th century. Soon, Angoras became popular outside France and could be found throughout Europe by the end of the century. Later, people in the United States started keeping them as household pets in the early 1900s. Wherever you find them, these long-haired rabbits live five to seven years when kept indoors and cared for properly.

Answer: 1.

No.21

In which order are these ingredients added to make the sauce?

1. Kimchi base → Meat → Onion → Tomato
2. Kimchi base → Tomato → Onion → Meat
3. Onion → Meat → Tomato → Kimchi base
4. Onion → Tomato → Meat → Kimchi base

To make a simple kimchi meat sauce, put some finely-chopped garlic into a pan with two tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat on, and when you smell the garlic cooking, add one chopped onion and cook for about two minutes. After adding 500 grams of ground beef, cook until light brown, then add one can of chopped tomatoes together with about three tablespoons of ketchup. Before turning the heat down to low and cooking everything for about thirty minutes, don’t forget to add three tablespoons of kimchi base. This sauce is great on either spaghetti or rice!

Answer: 3.

No.22

According to the speaker, which is true about urban farming?

1. It makes the city feel like the country.
2. It requires modern transportation systems.
3. This American business is not a new idea.
4. This way of farming is not good in winter.

Growing food locally in American cities has been getting more popular recently. In fact, the vegetables you buy in the supermarket may be grown just down the street. Shoppers may be surprised, but actually urban farming has deep roots, especially in the northeastern US. Before we had good highways and air transport, fruits and vegetables were often grown in city greenhouses during the winter, instead of being shipped in from faraway states or other countries. Because it reduces transportation costs and provides people with fresh food more quickly, urban farming is making a comeback.

Answer: 3.

No.23 to 25

No.23 Which way of collecting is described by the speaker?

1. Buying items from Internet auctions.
2. Ordering items from TV shopping channels.
3. Receiving presents from friends and family.
4. Trading items at events for fans.

No.24 What problem with collecting does the speaker talk about?

1. Collections may take up too much space.
2. Family members may worry about collectors.
3. People spend too much money on items.
4. Some people fear losing their collections.

No.25 According to the speaker, how can people benefit from collecting?

1. They may appear on television shows.
2. They may feel happier and more secure.
3. They may increase their income by selling their items.
4. They may leave their collections to their children.

There are many kinds of collections and reasons why people build them. People enjoy spending time and money gathering, organizing, and displaying almost anything. A serious collector can even have a career as a respected expert.

Some people love certain musicians, movies, or TV programs so much that they must have any items associated with them. Collectors meet other fans, trade information online, and compete to see who has the biggest and best collection.

Other people may start a collection by accident. For example, suppose a friend gives you a toy whale souvenir and you keep it on your desk. Then, your mother notices it and gives you an umbrella with a whale design. Your collection continues to grow by itself as others give you similar gifts. It may take over your home if you aren’t careful!

Collecting may also have a deeper meaning. Some researchers believe it begins with childhood psychological needs. They say we all experienced uncertainty as children or wanted things we could not have, so collecting may give us a greater sense of control over our lives. Whatever the motivation may be, collecting is a satisfying and enjoyable hobby for many people.

No.23 Answer: 3.
No.24 Answer: 1.
No.24 Answer: 2.