Section B
Directions:In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. Then listen to the passage again. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered S1 to S7 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered S8 to S10 you are required to fill in the missing information. You can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.
Urban life has always involved a balancing of opportunities and __(11) __against dangers and stress; its __(12) __ force is, in the broadest sense, money. Opportunities to make money mean competition and competition is stressful; it is often at its most intense in the largest cities, where opportunities are greatest. The presence of huge numbers of people inevitably involves more conflict, more traveling, the __(13) __ of public services and __(14) __ to those __(15) __ and criminals who are drawn to the rich pickings of great cities. Crime has always __(16) __ in the relative anonymity of urban life, but today’s ease of movement makes its control more difficult than ever; there is much evidence that its extent has a direct relationship to the size of the communities. City __(17) __ may become trapped in their homes by the fear of crime around them. |
