1997年英语专业四级真题听力原文（听写）

　　DICTATION

　　Legal Age for Marriage
　　Throughout the United States, the legal age for marriage shows some difference. The most common age without parents’ consent is eighteen for both females and males. However, persons who are under age in their home state can get married in another state, and then return to the home state legally married. Each state issues its own marriage license. Both residents and nonresidents are qualified for such a license. The fees and ceremonies vary greatly from state to state. Most states, for instance, have a blood test requirement, but a few do not. Most states permit either a civil or religious ceremony, but a few require the ceremony to be religious. In most states, a waiting period is required before the license is issued. This period is from one to five days depending on the state. A three-day wait is the most common. In some states, there’s no required waiting period.
