2005, Plus Audio Cassette

Author: Bai Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: To address the issues where candidates can understand but not remember, lack writing speed, or make spelling mistakes, we have specifically designed three-step exercises to improve note-taking skills: sentence dictation, gist dictation, and detail dictation. Each step has different requirements, solves different problems, and focuses on distinct objectives. Through these exercises, candidates will learn what to note, how to take notes, and how to quickly and accurately record materials spoken at normal speed. Since its publication in 2001, this book has been well-received and recognized by a broad range of candidates. After two consecutive revisions and reprints, it has become the preferred listening comprehension practice book for candidates. This revision was based on the author's further study of the exam syllabus, analysis of exam questions from the past two years, especially 2004, and feedback from candidates. The new edition has made significant modifications, with 70% of the content replaced or added, including:
1. Basic Training Section: In addition to retaining various number exercises, we have added two aspects:
(1) Pronunciation Training: To address the comprehension barriers caused by inaccurate pronunciation among many candidates, we have systematically introduced the characteristics of English pronunciation in a concise manner and compiled corresponding exercises for connected speech, devoicing, assimilation, weakening, and sentence stress. Additionally, we have provided a comparison of British and American accents.
(2) Note-Taking Training: To address the issues where candidates can understand but not remember, lack writing speed, or make spelling mistakes, we have specifically designed three-step exercises to improve note-taking skills: sentence dictation, gist dictation, and detail dictation. Each step has different requirements, solves different problems, and focuses on distinct objectives. Through these exercises, candidates will learn what to note, how to take notes, and how to quickly and accurately record materials spoken at normal speed.
2. Topic-Specific Practice Section: We have replaced the test questions to make the selection range and difficulty level more reasonable and closer to the actual exam. The purpose is to help candidates quickly familiarize themselves with and explore answer strategies and methods through high-density, high-intensity focused practice on a specific topic, master key exam points, summarize the basic rules of various question types, and adapt to the exam, gradually achieving proficiency and comprehensive improvement.
3. Thematic Practice: This section can be considered a unique design of the book. Based on the requirements of the exam syllabus and a diverse selection of materials, we have compiled sets of exam questions for each theme and genre, including notices, speeches, interviews, discussions, radio and television programs, weather forecasts, lectures, and speeches, each containing question types A, B, and C. This helps candidates understand the patterns of different content types, master vocabulary and sentence structures related to specific content, and recognize the characteristics of question setting for the same theme across different question types.
4. Vertical Mock Exam Practice: After the basic, topic-specific, and thematic training, the book provides 5 mock exams, all designed and arranged strictly according to exam requirements. This allows candidates to experience on-the-spot exam conditions through mock exams, comprehensively assess their review progress, summarize their strengths and weaknesses, and further improve their performance.
5. Appendix: The book includes the actual exam papers and solutions from 2003 and 2004, common note-taking symbols, abbreviations, and common geographical and personal names for candidates to reference during their review.
6. Audio Recording: The audio cassettes for this book were specially recorded by foreign experts. The pronunciation is clear and pure, including both British and American accents. The speed is slightly faster than the sample exam recordings to provide a more challenging and rigorous practice environment. To save candidates' costs and reduce review expenses, we have recorded only one version of the audio for those sections requiring playback twice, and shortened the pauses between recordings. Candidates can adjust and adapt based on their individual needs during use.