听力原文：M: Hi, Catherine. Haven't seen you for a long time. How is your vocation? W: Terrific ! I went to Washington D. C. to visit my cousin. I saw the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. M: What a pity is that I've never been there. What do you like best? W: No doubt the White House. It's been the official home of the American presidents since 1800. M: I didn't know the history of it. Is it really as nice as everyone says it is? W: It's a two - story building built of stones. But it is simple and dignified. It was named the White House after the British burned it in the war of 1812. M: I remember now. The president then was James Madison. And his wife Dolly ran out of the burning building carrying the portrait of George Washington. W: That's right, it's hanging in the East Room now. M: How big is the White House? W: There are one hundred thirty - two rooms inside it and covers eighteen acres of land outside. It has to be painted every four years. M: How much are the visitors allowed to visit? W: Only six rooms are open to the public. It's a popular, and there are always too many people waiting for their turns. When was the White House built?