英语听力精选进阶版 6293（在线收听）

For some it is a celebration of femininity and beauty.

But feminist campaigners say that it is nothing other than the degradation of women, who are paraded like animals in a cattle market.

The Miss World beauty pageant is now 60 but remains controversial, as last weekend's show in London proved.

Inside the venue, about 110 contestants showed off their figures and boasted about their talents. Outside, dozens of feminist campaigners held placards with messages such as "Sexism is pretty ugly" and shouted slogans against chauvinism and what they call the objectification of women.

Feminists and beauty pageant organisers are old enemies. The show was created in the 1950s to promote the Festival of Britain. By the 70s, Women's Lib demonstrators tried to disrupt the proceedings, alleging that the whole thing was an offence against women's equality.

But some contestants argue that it can actually empower women. Laura Coleman, Miss England 2008, said it "gives girls confidence and opportunities they may not otherwise have."

For some, these opportunities are in Hollywood. About 12 beauty queens landed roles in James Bond movies and the Oscar-winning star Halle Berry finished sixth in 1986. Organisers are keen to point out that the contestants are not airheads but often have degrees and speak several languages.

This year's winner is 21-year-old Venezuelan Ivian Sarcos, who in her childhood thought about becoming a nun. Despite the protests the show is likely to continue, with plans to hold next year's Miss World in China.

Quiz 小测验

1. What do feminists compare beauty pageants to? 

A cattle market.

2. How old is the Miss World beauty pageant? 

Sixty.

3. How can the contest be positive for women, according to an ex-participant? 

It can give contestants confidence and opportunities, according to Miss England 2008 Laura Coleman.

4. What expression in the article is an impolite phrase for a stupid person? 

An airhead.

5. Is this statement true, false or not given? The winner of this years' contest was a nun. 

False. Ivian Sarcos, from Venezuela, thought about being a nun in her childhood but did not follow this career.

Glossary 词汇表

femininity 女性化，女人气质 

feminist campaigner 女权运动人士 

degradation 降低，贬低 

to be paraded 列队展示 

cattle market 牲畜市场 

beauty pageant 选美活动 

to show off (something) 炫耀 

figure 体形 

to boast about (something) 自吹自擂 

placard 标语牌 

sexism 性别歧视 

slogan 口号 

chauvinism 大男子主义 

objectification of women 把妇女当物品展示 

Women's Lib 妇女解放 

to disrupt something 干扰某事 

women's equality 妇女平等 

empower 让人有能力去做什么 

beauty queen 选美大赛皇后 

airhead 傻瓜，没头脑的人