英语听力精选进阶版 7162（在线收听）

背景：2010年世界杯，一位“明星” 用自己八只灵巧的脚吸引了全世界的眼球，毫无疑问的成为此次世界杯上的一个亮点。章鱼保罗对球赛结果的精准预测使全世界的球迷都感到着迷和困惑。这位海类通灵大师接下来会做些什么呢？

By choosing tasty snacks from boxes with flags on, the psychic octopus correctly predicted eight matches: all Germany's games and Spain's final victory. For that, he's received a replica World Cup.

But sadly Paul will not grace future competitions with his spooky abilities. He's retiring.

The announcement was made at his aquarium in northwest Germany by a spokeswoman, Tanya Munzig:

[Speaking German]

"After four exciting World Cup weeks, Paul finally got a trophy into his aquarium so he wants to thank all his fans worldwide, who followed him. Paul will step back from the official oracle business. He won't give any more oracle predictions, neither in football nor in politics, lifestyle or economy. Paul will get back to his former job, namely, making children laugh."

The world of football however, will be a sadder place.

Glossary 词汇表

psychic 通灵的人，有特异功能的人 

predicted 预测 

replica 复制品 

grace... with 给… 添光彩 

spooky 吓人的 

aquarium 水族馆 

trophy 奖杯 

step back from 放下，停止 

oracle 预言 

namely 也就是

Questions and Answers

How did Paul make his World Cup predictions? 

它在两个都装有章鱼常吃的食物，但有不同国旗的盒子中选择其中的一个。

Did Paul win the World Cup? 

No, but he has been given a copy of the World Cup.

In what areas will Paul predict next – football, politics, lifestyle or the economy? 

He won't make any more predictions in any area.

What will Paul do now? 

He will make children laugh. He will just be a normal octopus again, not a psychic octopus.