听力原文: The institution of marriage is universal although the customs may vary from country to country. In the United States boys and girls date freely starting in their teens. They can meet their future mates in many different ways. Sometimes they are introduced by a mutual friend mid sometimes they meet each other in school, at a party, or at work. Today, they are sometimes matched by a computer which acts as a mechanical matchmaker, The average age of marriage for women in the United States is 20 - 21 and for men 22 - 23. When they are ready to get married, the bride's family is supposed to pay for all the cost of wedding, the reception, and the bride's trousseau. All the groom is supposed to pay for is the marriage license, the wedding ring, and the bride's bouquet. A couple must get a civil license to marry, and then they can be married either in a civil or a religious ceremony. After the marriage ceremony, there is often a reception and then the couple leaves on their honeymoon. When they return, the newly married husband and wife move into their own home. (30)