TEXT D

Massive changes in all of the world's deeply cherished sporting habits are underway. Whether it's one of London's parks full of people playing softball, and Russians taking up rugby, or the Superbowl rivaling the British Football Cup Final as a televised spectator event in Britain, the patterns of players and spectators are changing beyond recognition. We are witnessing a globalization of our sporting culture.

That annual bicycle race, the Tour de France, much loved by the French is a good case in point. Just a few years back it was a strictly continental affair with France, Belgium and Holland, Spain and Italy taking part. But in recent years it has been dominated by Colombian mountain climbers, and American and Irish riders.

The people who really matter welcome the shift toward globalization. Peugeot, Michelin and Panasonic are multi-national corporations that want worldwide returns for the millions they invest in teams. So it does them literally a world of good to see this unofficial world championship become just that.

This is undoubtedly an economic-based revolution we are witnessing here, one made possible by communications technology, but made to happen because of marketing considerations. Sell the game and you can sell Cola or Budweiser as well.

The skilful way in which American football has been sold to Europe is a good example of how all sports will develop. The aim of course is not really to spread the sport for its own sake, but to increase the number of people interested in the major money-making events. The economics of the Superbowl are already astronomical. With seats at US $125, gate receipts alone were a staggering $ 10,000,000. The most important statistic of the day, however, was the $ 100,000,000 in TV advertising fees. Imagine how much that becomes when the eyes of the world are watching.

So it came as a terrible shock, but not really as a surprise, to learn that some people are now suggesting that soccer change from being a game of two 45-minute halves, to one of four 25-minute quarters. The idea is unashamedly to capture more advertising revenue, without giving any thought for the integrity of asport which relies for its essence on the flowing nature of the action.

Moreover, as sports expand into world markets, and as our choice of sports as consumers also grows, so we will demand to see them played at a higher and higher level. In boxing we have already seen numerous, dubious world title categories because people will not pay to see anything less than a "World Tide" fight, and this means that the title fights have to be held in different countries around the world!

77.  Globalization of sporting culture means that ________.

A. more people are taking up sports
B. traditional sports are getting popular
C. many local sports are becoming international
D. foreigners are more interested in local sports

78.  Which of the following is NOT related to the massive changes?

A. Good economic returns.
B. Revival of sports.
C. Communications technology.
D. Marketing strategies.

79.  What is the author's attitude towards the suggestion to change soccer into one of four 25-minute quarters?

A. Favourable.
B. Unclear.
C. Reserved.
D. Critical.

80.  People want to see higher-level sports competitions mainly because ________.

A. they become more professional than ever
B. they regard sports as consumer goods
C. there exist few world-class championships
D. sports events are exciting and stimulating

TAKE CARE ON THE ROADS

Traffic accidents are the major cause of death among travelers. Whether driver or pedestrian, always check on local traffic regulations.

TEXT I

First read the following questions.

85. How many performances will the Irish dancing troupe give between June 23 and 25?

A. One.
B. Two.
C. Three
D. Four

86. Whose works will NOT be played at the concert?

A. Chopin.
B. Schumann.
C. Beethoven.
D. Liszt.

Now, go through TEXT I quickly and answer Questions 85 and 86.

Irish dance: The Irish International Dance Company, one of the most dynamic dance

troupes in the world, will tour China with its classic production" Spirit of the Dance-----the

New Millennium."

The dancers include such famous names as Patricia Murray, one of the Irish dancing

champions, and first-rate ballerina Claire Holding.

The dancers include such famous names as Patricia Murray,

Irish dancing

Sponsored by China National Culture and Art Company Ltd. , the dancing troupe will

give three performances at the Century Theatre.

Time: 7:30 pm. June 23--25

Place: Century Theatre, 40 Liangmaqiaolu,

Telephone: 6551-8888

Piano solos: twenty Chinese and foreign piano music works will be played by three

young, promising pianists from the China Central Conservatory of Music.

Programmes include: "Consolation No 3 in D-flat major" by Liszt, "For Elise' by

Beethoven, "Turkish March" by Mozart, "Waltz in C-sharp minor" and "A Minute Waltz" by

Chopin, and "Hungarian Dance" by Brahms.

Time: 7:30 pm, June 16

Place: Beijing Concert Hall,

Telephone: 6605-5812

TEXT J

First read the following questions.

87. When is the deadline for the competition?

A. May 7.
B. May 5.
C. June 18.
D. June 15

88. The six lucky winners will _________

A. visit Guiyang City.
B. contact the Press Office.
C. go to China Daily.
D. take an overseas trip.

Now, go through TEXT J quickly and answer Questions 87 and 88.

Guiyang Customs and Scenery Competition Notice

Fifteen questions for the Guiyang Customs and Scenery Competition were published in China Daily on May 5 and 7, and on China Daily's web edition on May 7. Participants, please answer the questions and mail the answer card to:

Press Office, Guiyang Municipal People's Government 46 Zhongshan Xilu, Guiyang 550003, Guizhou, China or find the competition on www. chinadaily, com. on. Then answer the questions, fill in all information needed and click the button below to send it back.

The deadline for the competition is June 15 (subject to postmark)

The prize-drawing Ceremony will be held on June 18 in Guiyang City, and six lucky winners ( three living in China, three from abroad) will be drawn from those who give correct answers to all questions. Their names will be published in China Daily and its web edition on June 19 The six lucky winners will be invited to visit Guiyang from August 8 to 18.

TEXT K

First read the following questions

89. If you want to travel to Shanghai on Air France on a Saturday, which flight would you take?

A. AFl29.
B. AFl28.
C. AFlll.
D. AFll2.

90. Does Lufthansa operate a flight between Beijing and Frankfurt every day?

A. No.
B. Yes.
C. Yes, except on Saturdays.
D. No, only three days a week.

Now, go through TEXT K quickly and answer Questions 89 and 90.

Flight Schedule

Air France Tel: (010) 6588 1388

(020) 6360 6688

Day From To Flight Departure Arrival

1 -- 7 Beijing Paris AF129 09:40 14:15

1 -- 7 Paris Beijing AF128 15:55 07:40

2,4,7 Shanghai Paris AF111 10:55 17:05

1,3,6 Paris Shanghai AF112 15:55 09:00

Lufthansa

Day From To Flight Departure Arrival

1 -- 7 Beijing Frankfurt LH721 10:30 14:25

1 -- 7 Frankfurt Beijing LH720 17:25 08:30

1,2,3,4,5,7 Shanghai Frankfurt LH729 11:15 16:30

1,2,3,4,5,7 Frankfurt Shanghai LH728 17:10 09:25