本书强调自主学习特征。作为对现有大学英语教材的延伸和补充，强调发挥学生在学习过程中的自主作用，每单元都以学习任务为出发点，反复操练，逐步深入，旨在有步骤、有目的地引导学生开发各种学习潜能。突出语料的真实性和语境的实用性。大量语料选自英、美人的日常生活会话，真实自然，便于学生今后对外交流时直接应用。在注重英语语言基础知识和基本技能训练的同时，注意将文化内容与语言材料相融合，话题覆盖英美文化生活的方方面面。除了课文训练之外，本教材还有期中、期末自测题，供学生自我检查学习效果。

本教材既可以用于学生自主学习，又可以作为普通听力教程。配套指南包含了详细的学习目标与学习计划，对文化信息、语言信息也有相应的补充和解释。

Unit 1 TV Programs

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 2 Art

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 3 Celebrities

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 4 Medical Care

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 5 Air Pollution

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 6 Renting an Apartment

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 7 Goals

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 8 Fashion

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Test Yourself(Units 1-8)

Unit 9 Scenic Spots

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 10 Animals

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 11 Children

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 12 Disaster Preparation

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 13 Social Changes

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 14 Thanksgiving

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 15 Transportation

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Unit 16 Volunteer Work

Part A Language Focus

Part B Authentic Conversations

Part C Talks from Radio/TV Programs

Part D Dictation

Part E Fun Time

Test Yourself (Units 9-16)

Appendix Key to Exercises