English listening for Japanese high school students: the Common Test for University Admissions in 2020 DAY 1

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Part 4

No.20 to 22

No.20 What did the speaker notice about buses in Nepal?

1. They came very often.

2. They followed a timetable.

3. They left when they became full.

4. They served tea to passengers.

No.21 Why did the speaker’s classes often start late in Nepal?

1. She was having tea with the principal.

2. She was preparing for class.

3. The students were chatting.

4. The students were having tea.

No.22 What did the speaker learn from her teaching experiences?

1. Tea is as popular as coffee in Japan.

2. Tea making is very different in Japan and Nepal.

3. Tea time helps develop relationships in Nepal.

4. Time is viewed similarly in Japan and Nepal.


No.20 Answer 3

No.21 Answer 1

No.22 Answer 3

The way cultures relate to tea and time is interesting. As an American teacher with experience in both Japan and Nepal, I have noticed similarities and differences concerning tea and time. Both countries have a tea culture. Tea is a part of most meals and a popular drink enjoyed throughout the day. It is also often served at meetings. On the other hand, their views of time are quite different. For example, in Japan, trains and buses generally arrive and leave on time, and run according to schedule. I thought this happened everywhere. Working in Nepal, however, showed me that concepts of time could be quite different. Buses did not run on a schedule; they moved only when they were filled with passengers. As another example, I would arrive at school ready to teach but found myself first having tea with the principal. The lessons started late, but it seemed that the time schedule was not as important as our morning tea and chat. In Japan, I think we would have kept to the schedule and had tea after class. But working in Nepal taught me the value of building the bonds of smooth, lasting relationships … over tea.

No.23 to 25

No.23 What is David’s main problem with his guitar lessons?

1. They are expensive.

2. They are not convenient.

3. They are not very strict.

4. They are uninteresting.

No.24 Why does Amy think David should work with a teacher?

1. To be able to join a band

2. To become a skillful player

3. To become a teacher

4. To learn many songs

No.25 What will David most likely do next?

1. Continue his lessons and form a band

2. Continue his lessons but not form a band

3. Quit his lessons and form a band

4. Quit his lessons but not form a band


No.23 Answer 4

No.24 Answer 2

No.25 Answer 1

Mark : Hi, David …. Hi, Amy. What’s up?

David : Hey, Mark. I was just telling Amy about my guitar lessons.

Mark : Oh yeah? How’re they going?

David : Actually, I’m thinking about quitting. They aren’t cheap, and my teacher’s kind of strict. But even more than that, they’re so boring! She makes me practice the same thing over and over to get it right. That’s all we do. Amy thinks I should continue though, right, Amy?

Amy : That’s right. Your teacher knows what you need to do to make progress. You should trust her. If she thinks you should start with the basics, she’s probably right.

David : Yeah, I know. But I’m just not enjoying myself. When I decided to play the guitar, my dream was to have fun playing music with my friends. I want to learn how to play some songs. I don’t need to know everything, just enough so I can start enjoying myself.

Mark : I see what you mean, David. If you played in a band, it would increase your motivation to practice. It’s a lot of fun playing with other people. I suppose you could quit your lessons and teach yourself how to play.

Amy : I think if you’re really serious about learning to play the guitar, you should continue taking lessons. Your teacher will show you the right way to play. If you quit and try to learn on your own, you might develop bad habits that will be hard to change later. It may not be fun now, but just imagine how good you’ll be in a few years.

Mark : You know what? Maybe you should stick with it. You can always put together a band while taking lessons.

David : Good idea! That way, I can practice what I learn from my teacher. Are either of you interested in starting a band?

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