【正文】 in a 30minute drive of white sand beaches, lush rainforest, over 20 regional parks and a maritime playground embracing* 50 islands. This place is Auckland. Little wonder then that this uniquely exciting twinharbor city attracts million overseas visitors each year and is regarded as having one of the best lifestyles and family environments in the world. Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand and our largest city. It actually embraces four cities and three districts in one vast urban sprawl *. The cities are Auckland, North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere and the districts are Rodney, Papakura and Franklin. The best way to view Auckland city is from the Waitemata Harbor. Regular passenger ferries glide across the sparkling waters to Devonport and the Hauraki Gulf islands of Motutapu, Motuihe, Waiheke and Rangitoto. Rangitoto39。s symmetrical volcano is an Auckland icon. Looking back at the changing skyline of the central business district you will see the dominant spire of the Sky Tower dwarfing highrise buildings. It39。s the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The distinctive coat hanger shape of the Harbor Bridge rises solidly in the upper harbor. The Waitemata often presents a brilliant kaleidoscope of movement and form. Brightlycolored spinnakers billow out from straining stays as hundreds of racing yachts sail on the edge of a stiff breeze and sleek power boats zap out to picturesque island beaches. Auckland is well named as the City of Sails because of its association with roundtheworld yacht races and the America39。s Cup. Stroll down the main mercial precinct*, Queen Street, and enjoy leisurely shopping in intimate arcades and boutique* stores spread throughout the downtown area. Visit the large modern shopping malls in a number of suburban areas. Experience the fine food fare at some of the city39。s 800 restaurants, which cover the full spectrum from exotic Asian dishes to distinctive Pacific Rim* style cuisine. From lower Queen Street you soon reach the harbor front. Here you will find the modern, stylish Viaduct Harbor, pulsating with life in the many bars, cafes and restaurants a happy haven for super yachts from all parts of the globe. In Queen Street and the entertainment district of you will notice the cosmopolitan nature of Auckland a cultural mix of European, Polynesian and Asian influences. The city is unique as it has the largest concentration of Polynesian peoples in the world. Early Maori inhabitants knew the Waitemata Harbor as Tamaki Makarau, the Place of a Thousand Lovers. The area was greatly sought after as a desirable place to live, with every possible amenity. The same is true today, as you will discover during your exploration of the city and environs. A: Prelistening Question What are the main characteristics of New Zealand?Perhaps there are three main characteristics. First, New Zealand39。s national identity es from the bination of European and Polynesian. Second, New Zealand takes a munity approach to problems. People believe in social equality, and have established a welfare system to get rid of the fear of poverty. Third, both English and Maori are official languages. B: Sentence Dictation Directions: Listen to some sentences and write them down. You will hear each sentence three times. C: Detailed Listening Direction~: Listen to the passage and answer the following questions. 1. Auckland has a sunny climate with average temperature of 20 39。C in summer, 13 39。C in winter and a moderate annual rainfall. 2. It is situated on 50 dormant volcanic cones between two beautiful harbors. 3. Because it has one of the best lifestyles and family environments in the world. 4. It consists of four cities (Auckland, North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere) and three districts (Rodney, Papakura and Franklin). It is the largest city in New Zealand. 5. The Sky Tower is the highest not only in Auckland, but also in the Southern Hemisphere. 6. It is a coat hanger shape. 7. Because it is associated with roundtheworld yacht races and the America39。s Cup. 8. Queen Street and the entertainment district of 39。39。 represent a cultural mix. D: Afterlistening Discussion Directions: Listen to the passage again and discuss the following questions. 1. The best way to view Auckland city is from the Waitemata Harbor. Regular passenger ferries glide across the sparkling waters to the islands. Rangitoto39。s symmetrical volcano is an Auckland icon. Looking back at the changing skyline of the CBD (the central business district) you will see the dominant spire of the Sky Tower dwarfing highrise buildings. It39。s the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The distinctive coat hanger shape of the Harbor Bridge rises solidly in the upper harbor. The Waitemata often presents a brilliant kaleidoscope of movement and form. Brightly colored spinnakers billow out from straining stays as hundreds of racing yachts sail on the edge of a stiff breeze and sleek powerboats zap out to picturesque island beaches. Visitors can also stroll down the main mercial precinct, Queen Street, and enjoy leisurely shopping in intimate arcades and boutique stores spread throughout the downtown area or visit the large modem shopping malls in a number of suburban areas. They can experience the fine food fare at some of the city39。s 800 restaurants, which cover the full spectrum from exotic Asian dishes to distinctive Pacific Rim style cuisine. 2. (Open)