W： I hope you like the novel I lent you. I wasn't sure whether it was the kind of book you would be interested in.

M：You know， I had the same doubt at first. But once I started I simply couldn't put it down.

Q： What does the man mean？

（A） He doubts the woman will like the novel.

（B） He hasn't started reading the novel yet.

（C） He enjoyed reading the novel.

（D） He'll lend the woman the novel after he has read it.？答案是C.

这里，过去完成时had the same doubt和过去式started，以及表示时间的词（短语）at first和once揭示了已经做过的动作，即阅读过这本小说

（5）比较

对于比较问题，你听对话时耳朵应该对诸如better……than等比较级敏感一点，当然还有than这个词。?

1999年1月听力题

W： My brother is coming this weekend and I thought three of us could go out to dinner Saturday night. Any suggestions？

M： It's up to you. I don't know the restaurants around here that well. So you know a better place to go than me.

Q： What does the man mean？

（A） He already has plans for Saturday night.

（B） The woman should decideswheresto cat Saturday.

（C） The woman should ask her brother for a suggestion.

D） He will make a reservation at the restaurant.？答案是B.

这里，第二个人最后用比较级结束了这个对话，可谓“推卸”可能出现的饭不好吃的责任。“你比我清楚哪儿更好”，其实就等于“你自己找地方吧！”。?1

1999年1月听力题

W： Well， if you are seriously considering buying a car， I'm trying to get rid of mine. All it needs is some new paint.

M：Thanks. But most used cars end up being more trouble than they are worth.

Q： What will the man probably do？

（A） Buy a car from the woman.

（B） Help the woman paint her car.

（C） Buy a new car.

（D） Look for a less expensive car.？答案是C.

这里，第一个人说“如果你考虑买车的话，我的可以卖给你”。第二个人用了一个“thanks”礼貌地回绝了，并用比较级more trouble说明了不卖他的车的理由，当然第二个人希望买辆新车。否则就不好意思了。