If you are like most people, you’ve indulged in fake listening many times. You go to history class, sit in the 3rd row, and look squarely at the instructor as she speaks. But your mind is far away, floating in the clouds of pleasant daydreams. Occasionally you come back to earth. The instructor writes an important term on the chalkboard, and you dutifully copy it in your notebook. Every once in a while the instructor makes a witty remark, causing others in the class to laugh. You smile politely, pretending that you’ve heard the remark and found it mildly humorous. You have a vague sense of guilt that you aren’t paying close attention. But you tell yourself that any material you miss can be picked up from a friend’s notes. Besides, the instructor’s talking about road construction in ancient Rome, and nothing could be more boring. So back you go into your private little world, only later do you realize you’ve missed important information for a test. Fake listening may be easily exposed, since many speakers are sensitive to facial cues and can tell if you’re merely pretending to listen. Your blank expression, and the faraway look in your eyes are the cues that betrayed you inattentiveness. Even if you are not exposed there’s another reason to avoid fakery. It’s easy for this behavior to become a habit. For some people, the habit is so deeply rooted that they automatically start daydreaming when a speaker begins talking on something complex or uninteresting. As a result, they miss lots of valuable information.
长对话
Conversation One:
M: Hello, and welcome to our program, “Working Abroad”. Our guest this evening is a Londoner, who lives and works in Italy. Her name’s Susan Hill. Susan, welcome to the program. You live in Florence, how long have you been living there?
W: Since 1982. But when I went there in 1982, I planned to stay for only 6 months.
M: Why did you change your mind?
W: Well, I’m a designer, I design leather goods, mainly shoes, and handbags. Soon after I arrived in Florence, I got a job with one of Italy’s top fashion houses, Ferregamo. So, I decided to stay.
M: How lucky! Do you still work for Ferregamo?
W: No, I’ve been a freelance designer for quite a long time now. Since 1988, in fact.
M: So does that mean you design for several different companies now?
W: Yes, that’s right. I design many fashion items for a number of Italian companies, and during last four years, I’ve also been designing for the British company, Burberry’s.
M: What have you been designing for them?
W: Mostly handbags, and small leather goods.
M: How’s the fashion industry in Italy change since 1982?
W: Oh, yes. It’s become a lot more competitive. Because of quality of products from other countries has improved a lot. But it’s high quality and design is still world-famous.
M: And do you ever think of returning to live in England?
W: No, not really. Working in Italy is more interesting. I also love the Mediterranean sun and the Italian life style.
M: Well, thank you for talking to us, Susan.
W: It was a pleasure.
19. Where does this talk most probably take place?
20. What was the woman’s original plan when she went to Florence?
21. What has the woman been doing for a living since 1988?
22. What do we learn about the change in Italy’s fashion industry?
责任编辑：虫虫
您现在的位置：