44. (A) To commemorate¹ a historic flight.
(B) To try out eighty new balloons.
(C) To recruit balloonists from all over the United States.
(D) To determine whether helium balloons are better than hot air balloons.

45. (A) They may not be able to inflate² their balloons.
(B) There are too many balloons to launch at once.
(C) Their flight pattern could be uncertain due to the wind.
(D) They'll lose money if some balloons can't take off.

46. (A) They're expensive.
(B) They were the first kind of balloon ever used.
(C) They're faster than air balloons.
(D) They're popular in the United States.

47. (A) To review what students know about volcanic³ activity.
(B) To demonstrate the use of new measurement device.
(C) To explain the answer to an examination question.
(D) To provide background for the next reading assignment.

48. (A) They occur at regular intervals⁴.
(B) They can withstand great heat.
(C) They travel through the Earth's interior.
(D) They can record the Earth's internal temperature.

49. (A) When the Earth was formed.
(B) The composition of the Earth's interior.
(C) Why lava⁵ is hot.
(D) How often a volcano is likely to erupt.

50. (A) How deep they are.
(B) Where earthquakes form.
(C) How hot they are.
(D) What purpose they serve.

PART A
1. --Have you saved enough to buy that new printer for your computer yet?
--You know money seems to be burning a hole in my pocket lately. Maybe next month.
--What does the man mean?
2. --We need a fourth player for tennis this morning. Do you want to join us?
--I've got a class at 9. But Carol is free and she is really good.
--What does the man suggest the woman do?
3. --I don't understand how this budget was calculated.
--Let me have a look, OK?
--What does the woman mean?
4. --I'm going to the snack bar for a cup of coffee. Would you like me to bring you back something?
--Not from the snack bar. But could you pick up a paper for me?
--What does the man mean?
5. --I'll be coming straight from work so I'll have to pack a change of clothes.
--It's only a barbecue. Jeans and T shirt will be fine.
--What does the woman imply?
6. --I'm exhausted⁶. I stayed up the whole night studying for my history midterm exam.
--Why do you always wait till the last minute?
--What can be inferred about the man?
7. --Let's go watch the fireworks tonight.
--I have tickets to the theater.
--What does the woman mean?
8. --Do you think you could give me a ride to the library tonight?
--I'd like to but I'm heading in the other direction. I'm meeting Jean tonight.
--What does the man mean?
9. --I want to pay you for that long distance call I made but I suppose you have n't got the phone bill yet.
--Oh, but I have.
--What does the man mean?
10. --I've had my new stereo for a whole week. But I haven't yet figured out how to record a cassette.
--Didn't an instruction manual come with it?
--What does the woman imply?
11. --Is there a candy machine in this building?
--Uh-huh. Down the hall on the left but it has an "Out of order" sign on it.
--What does the woman mean?
12. --I've had it with being sick in bed. I've read most of these magazines twice.
--Well, if it'll help I'll run to the store to get you some new ones.
--What will the man probably do ?
13. --You know, I've been watering my plants regularly. But they are still not doing well in my new dorm room.
--Maybe instead of keeping them in the corner, you should put them directly in front of the window.
--What does the woman imply?
14. --I think I'll take my mother to that French restaurant on Main Street for her birthday.
--I hope it's not any time soon. They are usually booked up weeks in advance.