英语听力精选进阶版 6260（在线收听）

Charities and Giving 慈善和捐助

Some of the world's top music stars are coming together in the name of charity. A special album will be released at the end of this week to raise money for victims of the recent massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

U2, Rihanna and Bon Jovi have all agreed to contribute songs to the digital-only release.

The young internet sensation Justin Bieber will also appear on the benefit album. He announced on Twitter: "Japan needs our help... We all need to step up."

There are also rumours that Lady Gaga will donate a song. She has designed a special wristband to sell to fans, with all proceeds going to the relief effort. Last week she announced her fans had raised $250,000 (1.7 million yuan) within the first two days of sales.

Other musicians, including Lou Reed and Philip Glass, will perform at a special fundraiser in New York on April 9th.

While ordinary people often raise money for charity by being sponsored to do something, it has become common for musicians to contribute their voices for a good cause. Last year more than 21 stars sang together on the single 'Everybody Hurts,' in aid of the Haiti earthquake.

Over 9,000 people are known to have died in the recent disaster and over 12,000 people are still missing.

Comprehension Quiz 阅读短文并回答问题

Why have lots of pop stars come together? 

To create an album that raises money for Japan.

Will you be able to buy the album in shops? 

No. It is digital-only.

Does Justin Bieber think we are doing enough for Japan? 

No, he thinks we need to step up.

What is Lady Gaga going to do with the money she gets from her wristbands? 

She's going to give it to people trying to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

What two verbs in the passage mean 'to give'? 

To donate, to contribute.

Glossary 词汇表

in the name of charity 以慈善的名义 

to raise money for something 为某事筹集资金 

to contribute to something 为...捐献 

benefit album 公益唱片 

to step up （非正式）行动起来、付出责任 

to donate something 捐献某物 

wristband 腕带 

proceeds 收入 

relief effort 救助行为 

fundraiser 筹款活动 

to be sponsored to do something 被资助做某事 

for a good cause 正当理由、慈善 

in aid of something 用以援助某事 

disaster 灾难