09年春季上海外语口译考试中级口译真题听力原文及答案

Spot dictation

You might think that hamburgers were invented in the United States, but that is not totally true. These round, flat cakes or patties actually came from Germany in the middle of the 19th century. They were brought to the United States by German immigrants who came from the city of Hamburg. That is why their name was Hamburger Stake.

However, people in other places claim that they invented the hamburger. Perhaps we'll never have a clear answer. But there is no question that the hamburger was a great hit. Why? Perhaps because at that time, industry was growing and a kind of fast, practical and cheap food was needed for workers.

The hamburger became even more popular in the 1920s when the first chain of fast food restaurants was started. This chain was called "White Castle". It served tiny hamburgers that were sold for only 5 cents each. Then, in the 1930s there came the drive-in restaurant where customers were served in their cars by waiters in uniform. And the hamburger was one of the most popular menu items.

By now, the hamburger was ready to conquer the world. And this happened with McDonald's, which was actually a hot dog stand at first. But by the early 1950s the hot dog was replaced by the hamburger. McDonald's and other fast food restaurants spring up around the world throughout the rest of the 20th century. McDonald's alone has sold 12 hamburgers for every person in the world.

The importance of the hamburger to U.S. culture remains significant. About 60% of all sandwiches that are eaten are hamburgers. According to some sources, 7% of current workers in the Untied States had their first job at McDonald's. But the face of the hamburger is changing according to the times. Nowadays it is possible to buy a chicken burger, a turkey burger, a fish burger or a veggie burger.

Statements

1. Mrs. Jones came to us at the airport. We thought she was the secretary but she turned out to be the president of the company.

2. After Susan carefully explained her ideas at the board meeting last week, the directors all voted for the change she's made concerning the proposed project.

3. Of the students participating in our university's research project, 73% classified themselves as freshmen and sophomores.

4. Originally we had planned to buy a car by the end of last year, but then with the recent fluctuation of the crude oil prices we decided to postpone the purchase.

5. Most people I know are interested in the proposed tax reform being debated in the congress because they hope it will lower taxes for them.

6. If you're good at managing your own time and energy, it is very likely that you can do well both in your schoolwork and for your career

7. Mr. Paul White, thank you very much for your inquiry, but I feel the position more suits a female applicant. Anyway, I will keep your name on file.

8. Is this your best quote? I thought prices will be coming down now given the current situation of financial and economic crisis.

9. Last month our manager took a ten-day business trip to Chicago, but he had to stay there for 3 more days as the negotiation turned out to be a tougher one.

10. When our children are made confident that they are positive and competent individuals, they will adapt themselves to the changing society and successfully accomplish personal goals.