english listening.doc

Unit 1Who doesnt love being in love? A true love listens to you talk about work, lets you have that last slice of pie, and (usually) remembers to take out the trash. He is ready to forget all kinds of misunderstandings. And he always thinks youre beautiful, even without makeup.Scientists have long been keen to prove that love gives us health benefits too. Researchers cant say for sure that a lover is more important than a loving family or warm friendship when it comes to wellness. But they are learning more about how a romantic partner makes us stronger, with health gains that range from faster healing and better control over illnesses to living longer.The benefits of love are explicit and measurable. A study last year from the University of Pittsburgh found that women in good marriages have a much lower risk of heart disease than those in high-stress relationships. The National Love and Health Study has been tracking more than a million subjects since 1979. The study shows that married people live longer, have fewer heart attacks and lower cancer rates, and even get pneumonia less frequently than singles. A new study from the University of Iowa also found that cancer patients with a strong sense of connection to others and in satisfying relationships were better able to fight off cancer. It seems that love helps people strengthen their immune systems. Unit 2Today I would like to tell you about the effects of old age on health. Actually today a lot of advancements have taken place in the care of old people. And old peoples physical health is not nearly as bad as it used to be.Probably the most ignored disorder among old people is depression. About 15% of old people suffer from this condition. Depression is often brought on by the problems which we have just mentioned.Although it is better now for old people, we have to admit that the body does change as we grow older. There are changes in the lungs, the senses, the brain and the skin.So what should old people do to combat these changes?They should eat a balanced diet not too much fat and chicken or fish should be eaten rather than eggs or beef. We all know this. But also, old people should eat more high-fiber and vitamin-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits.Old people should give up smoking if they havent already done so. They should also exercise regularly at least half an hour a time, three times a week. No section of the population can benefit more from exercise than the elderly. Unit 3Why is it important to set goals? Because goals can help you do, be, and experience anything you want in life. Instead of just letting life happen to you, you can use goals to indicate your direction.Here, we can distinguish between two different types of people. Successful and happy people have a vision of how their life should be. They set lots of goals, both short-term and long-term, to help them reach their vision. By setting goals, your desired achievements in life, you are taking control of your life. Its like having a map to show you where you want to go.In most cases, winners in life set goals and follow through on them. People who win decide what they want in life, and then get there by making plans and setting goals. But in contrast to successful people, unsuccessful people just let life happen by accident. Goals arent difficult to set and they arent difficult for people to attain. Its up to you to find out what your goals, ideals, and visions really are. You are the one who can decide what to go after and in what direction to aim your life. So, if youre not a goal-setter, its time to get busy. Unit 4When people think of American films, they generally think of Hollywood. However, some films are independent of Hollywood studios. Films made independently from Hollywood are known as independent films. They are made with smaller budgets than their Hollywood counterparts. Movies made in this manner typically emphasize high professional quality in terms of acting, directing, screenwriting, and other elements associated with production. They are also known for creativity and innovation. These movies usually rely upon critical praise or specialized marketing to obtain an audience.American independent cinema was energized in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This occurred as another new generation of filmmakers made films. In terms of directing, screenwriting, editing, and other elements, these movies were innovative and often irreverent. They began playing with and contradicting the conventions of Hollywood movies, which audiences seemed to enjoy. Furthermore, their considerable financi