英语听力精选进阶版 7231（在线收听）

Background: 智利政府为了节省能源提倡了一项新宣传。鼓励上班族男士在酷热的暑期解下领带，这样就不必启动空调了。

It's a common sight during the Southern Hemisphere summer to see Chilean men sweltering in suits and neckties.

From December to March, the temperature in the capital regularly tops 30 degrees Celsius. In the bone-dry north of the country it gets even higher.

So the government's told the country's menfolk to shed their ties, undo their top buttons and turn down the air conditioning.

It estimates that by doing so Chile can save around US$ 10 million (about 63 million yuan) during the four hottest months of the year, and save 120,000 tonnes in carbon emissions.

The government launched its initiative with a video in which four ministers ripped off their ties. Energy conservation is a key issue in Chile, which, unlike many countries in Latin America, produces virtually no oil and gas.

It relies heavily on hydro-electric power, but that often runs low during the summer, when the country's reservoirs are frequently hit by drought.

Glossary 词汇表

the Southern Hemisphere summer 南半球的夏季

sweltering 出汗，汗流浃背

bone-dry 极度干燥

menfolk 男士们

to shed something 脱下 (衣服)

carbon emissions 二氧化碳排放

launched its initiative 启动它的提议

energy conservation 节省能源

hydro-electric power 水力发电

drought 干旱

Questions:

1: At what time of the year does the temperature regularly reach 30 degrees Celsius in Chile?

During the Southern Hemisphere summer.

2: Apart from taking off their ties what other two things has the government asked men in Chile to do?

The government asked them to undo their shirt's top button and turn down the air conditioning.

3: According to the report, who took off their ties in a video to launch the government's initiative?

Four government ministers.

4: True or false? Many countries in Latin America produce almost no oil and gas.

False. According to the report, Chile produces virtually no oil and gas, unlike many countries in Latin America.