2013年12月大学英语四级考试题目简net
2013年12月英语四级真题及答案 (2)
2013年12月英语四级真题及答案一、听力部分Section AA)Move the furniture.B)It is time to pay the rent.C)At the town hall.A)Go abroad.B)He has to do some tasks.A)The woman learned a lot from the trip.C)She prefers reading in silence.A)She doesn’t know where her purse is.B)He’s not sure where his rent check is.C)At a university.Section BB)It is a difficult maze.C)They are almost all identical.A)By writing messages on the walls.C)To confuse predators.D)They could feel it in their bodies.C)They did not notice any difference.B)They use landmarks to find food.C)Birds were attracted to the sound.A)They can guide the whales’ migration.D)She receives the most love from her children. Section CA)The world is full of wonders.C)The photographer’s perseverance.B)It is his most valuable treasure.C)By planning ahead.A)It can make the world a better place.二、阅读部分Passage OneA)To arrange interviews with important people.B)Their personal qualities may have beenoverlooked.D)To discover your own strong points.D) A wide range of skills.C)Set clear goals.Passage TwoB)Expectations for women’s appearances.D)Advertising is everywhere in people’s dailylives.A)How to manipulate women’s insecurities.C)Changing people’s perception of beauty.B)They are knowledgeable about a variety oftopics.Passage ThreeA)They were the first private schools in Britain.D)Those from wealthy families aspired to begentlemen.C)Discipline their bodies and minds.D)English gentlemen could set a good example.D)Influenced by their economic background. Passage FourA)It is often the small things that matter most.B)Men and women respond differently to stress.C)Tenderness is essential for a happyrelationship.D)Show affection and empathy.B)Prolonged stress can weaken the immunesystem.三、写作部分短文写作Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a composition based on the picture below. You should write at least 120 words, and base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below:写作要点：1. 描述图片内容：一辆大货车卡住了一个过道，不能向前行； 2. 分析产生的原因：大货车太大，通道太窄，驾驶员没有及时发现状况； 3. 谈谈你的看法：如何避免这种情况：修建更宽敞的通道、提高驾驶员的观察技巧等。
[全]2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（汇总共三套）--第二套
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2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(二)Part 1 writin g (30 minute s)Direct ions:For this part, you are allowe d 30 minute s to write a shortessay b asedon the pictur e below. You should startyour essaywith a briefaccoun t of the increa singuse of the mobile phonein people’s life and then explai n the conse q u ence s of overus ing it.You should writeat leastIW wordsbut no more than 180 words .People are crossi ng the street lookin g at theircell phones and usingwalki n g sticks in orderto see.Part 2 Listen ing Compre hensi on (30 minute s)Section ADirect ions： In this sectio n, you will hear 8 shortconver satio ns and 2 long conver satio ns. At the end of each conver satio n, one or more questi ons will be asked a boutwhat was said. Both the conver satio n and the questi ons will be spoken only once. Aftereach questi on therewill be a pause. During the pause,you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide whichthe best answer is. Then mark the corres pondi ng letter o" Answer Sheet 1 with a single line throug h the centr e.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2013年12月四级第一套
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第1套)Part ⅠWriting(30minutes)Directions :For this part , you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short easy based on the picture below . You should start your essay with a brief accountof the impact of the Internet on learning and then explain whyeducation doesn’t simply mean learning to obtain information . Youshould write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words .“Once I learn how to use Google , isn’t thatall the education I really need?”_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________Part ⅡListening Comprehension (30minutes)Section ADirections:In this section ,you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations . At the end of each conversation , one or morequestions will be asked about what was said . Both the conversationsand the questions will be spoken only once . After each questions therewill be a pause . During the pause , you must read the four choicesmarked A) , B) , C) and D) , and decide which is the best answer .Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheer 1 with a singleline through the centre.1. A) The woman is now working in a kindergarten.B) The man will soon start a business of his own.C) The man would like to be a high schoolteacher.D) The woman is going to major in child education.2. A) The furniture has to be rearranged.B) The sound equipment has to be set up.C) The conference room has to be cleanedD) The video machine has to be checked.3. A) She is exhausted. C) She cannot finish work in time.B) She is near-sighted. D) She cannot go straight home.4. A)The woman is too particular about food.B) He would rather have a meal an hour later.C) The woman should order her food quickly.D) He usually prefers ice-cream to sandwiches.5. A) He is not a good mechanic. C) He spends his spare time doing repairs.B) He doesn't keep his promises. D) He is always ready to offer help to others.6. A) Sam has a big family to support.B) Sam is not interested in traveling.C) The pay offer by the travel agency is too low.D) The Work hours in the travel agency are too long.7. A) International tradeC)Financial consulting.B) Product development. D) Domestic retailing.8. A) Go on a business trip. C) Make a ticket reservation.B) Look for a job in Miami. D) Take a vacation.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) It is located on Route 18. C) It is a beautiful little town.B) It has an interesting museum. D) It lies seven miles east of Newton.10. A)They are in opposite directions. C) They are quite close to each other.B)They are fifty-five miles apart. D) They are along drive from Norwalk.11. A)They are connected by Route7. C)They have lots of old houses.B)They are crowded with tourists. D)They have many rare plants.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Bring him up to date on the current situation in Milan.B) Inform him of the arrangements for his trip in Italy.C) Fetch the documents signed by Mr Gartner.D) Accompany Mr Gartner to the bate airport.13. A) About8:30. B) About6:30.C) About5:30. D) About4:15.14. A)Mr Gartner from Milan. C)The company's sales representative.B) Gianni Riva at Megastar. D) Gavin from the Chamber of Commerce.15. A) Travel agent.C) Secretary.B) Business manager. D) Saleswoman.Section BDirections:In this section ,you will hear 3 short passage . At the end of each passage , you will hear some questions . Both the passage and thequestions will be spoken only once . After you hear a question , youmust choose the best answer from the four choice marked A) , B) , C)and D) .Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheer 1 with asingle line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) She had a desire to help others.B) She wanted to find out more about it.C) She needed some overseas experience.D) She was interested in farming.17. A) Carry out a cultural exchange program. C) Learn Portuguese.B) Work on an agricultural project. D) Teach English.18. A) She found it difficult to secure a job in her own country.B) She wanted to renew her contact with the Peace Corps.C) She was invited to work as an English teacher.D) She could not get the country out of hermir1ld.19. A) By teaching additional English classes.B) By writing stories for American newspaper.C).By working part time for the Peace Corps.D) By doing odd jobs for local institutions.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A) Time spent exercising. C)Time spent on leisure activitiesB) Time spent working. D)Time spent with friends and family.21. A) Reading. B) Surfing the Web. C) Eating out. D) Watching TV.22. A)Driving. C) Going to the pub.B) Gardening. D) Visiting friends.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) The car driver was trying to avoid hitting a rabbit.B) The car driver was partly responsible for the accident.C) McLaughlin was talking to his manager while driving.D) McLaughl in’s carelessness resulted in the collision.24. A) He crashed into a car parked there.B) He knocked down several mail boxes.C) He tore down the company’s main gate.D) He did serious damage to a loaded truck.25. A) He will lose his job. C) He will be fined heavily.B)He will have to pay damages. D)He will receive retraining.Section CDirections: In this section ,you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time , you should listen carefully for itsgeneral idea . When the passage is read for the second time , you arerequired to fill in the blanks with the extra words you have just heard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time , you should checkwhat you have written.When Captain Cook asked the chiefs in Tahiti why they always ate _26_，they replied. “ Because it is right. ”If we ask Americans why they eat with knives and forks , or why their men wear pants _27_ skirts，or why they may be married to only one person at a time，we are likely to get _28_ and very uninformative answers :”Because it’s right.’’‘‘Because that’s the way it’s done’’‘‘Because it s the _29_ ”or even “I don’t know ”The reason for these and countless other " patterns of social behavior that they are _30_ by social norms--shared rules or guidelines which prescribe the behavior that is appropriate in a given situation Norms _31_ how people “ought” to behave under particular circumstances in a particular society. We conform (遵守) to norms so readily that we are hardly aware they _32_ . In fact , we are much more likely to notice _33_ from norms than conformity to them. You would not be surprised if a stranger tried to shake hands when you were introduced, but you might be a little _34_ if they bowed , started to stroke you or kissed you on both _35_．Yet each of these other forms of greeting is appropriate in other parts of the world．When we visit another society whose norms are different , we quickly become aware that things we do this way，they do that way．Part ⅢReading Comprehension(40minutes)Section ADirections :In this section , there is a passage with ten blanks . You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in aword bank following the passage . Read the passage through carefullybefore making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by aletter . Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre . You may not use any ofthe words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage .What does it take to be a well-trained nurse ? The answer used to be two-year associate’s of four-year bachelor’s degree programs．But as the nursing shortage _36_，a growing number of schools and hospitals are establishing“fast-track programs”that enable college graduates with no nursing _37_ to become registered nurses with only a year or so of _38_ training .In 1991，there were only 40 fast-track curricula ; now there are more than 200. Typical is Columbia University’s Entry to Practice program. Students earn their bachelor of science in nursing in a year . Those who stay on for an _39_ two years can earn a master’s degree that _40_ them as nurse practitioners (执业护士) or clinical nurse specialists．Many students are recent _41_ ; others are career switchers．Rudy Guardron，32，a 2004 graduate of Columbia’s program, was a premedical student in college and then worked for a pharmaceutical (药物的) research company . At Columbia , he was _42_ as a nurses practitioner . “I saw that nurses were in high _43_ and it lookedlike a really good opportunity，”he says．“Also，I didn't want to be in school for that long.’’The fast-track trend fills a need，but it’s also creating some _44_ between newcomers and veterans.“Nurses that are still at the bedside _45_ these kids with suspicion，”says Linda Pellico，who has taught nursing at Yale University for l8 years.“They wonder, how can they do it quicker?”The answer is they don’t.A) additional I) promoteB) applied J) qualifiesC) demand K) specializedD) excessive L) tensionE) experience M) trainedF) explores N) viewG) graduates O) worsensH) operationsSection BDirections: In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of theparagraphs．Identify the paragraph from which the information isderived. You may choose a paragraph more than once . Each paragraphis marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 .The rise of the sharing economyA) Last night 40,000 people rented accommodation from a service that offers250,000 rooms in 30,000 cities in 192 countries. They chose their rooms and paid for everything online. But their bed were provided by private individuals，rather than a hotel chain. Hosts and guests were matched up by Airbnb , a firm based in San Francisco. Since its launch in 2008 more than 4 million people have used it—2.5 million of them in 2012 alone. It is the most prominent example of a huge new “sharing economy”, in which people rent beds，cars , boats and other assets directly from each other , co-ordinated via the internet.B) You might think this is no different from running a bed-and-breakfast (家庭旅店)，owning a timeshare(分时度假房) or participating in a car pool. But technology has reduced transaction costs, making sharing assets cheaper andeasier than ever——and therefore possible on a much larger scale. The big change is the availability of more data about people and things，which allows physical assets to be divided and consumed as services. Before the internet, renting a surfboard , a power tool or a parking space from someone else was feasible，but was usually more trouble than it was worth Now websites such as Airbnb，RelayRides and SnapGoods match up owners and renters ; smartphones with GPS let people see where the nearest rentable car is parked ; social networks provide a way to check up on people mad build trust；and online payment systems handle the billing.What’s mine is yours，for a feeC) Just as peer-to-peer businesses like eBay allow anyone to become a retailer ,sharing sites let individuals act as all ad hoc (临时的) taxi service，car-hire firm or boutique hotel (精品酒店) as and when it suits them. Just go online or download an app. The model works for items that are expensive to buy and are widely owned by people who do not make full use of them. Bedrooms and cars are the most obvious examples, but you can also rent camping spaces in Sweden, fields in Australia and washing machines in France. As advocates of the sharing economy like to put it , access trumps (胜过) ownership.D) Rachel Botsmam , the author of a book on the subject, says the consumerpeer-to-peer rental market alone is worth $26 billion. Broader definitions of the sharing economy include peer-to-peer lending or putting a solar panel on your roof and selling power back to the grid(电网). And it is not just individuals: the web makes it easier for companies to rent out spare offices and idle machines, too. But the core of the sharing economy is people renting things from each other.E) Such “collaborative”(合作的) consumption is a good thing for severalreasons. Owners make money from underused assets. Airbnb says hosts in San Francisco who rent out their homes do so for an average of 58 nights a year, making $9,300. Car owners who rent out their vehicles to others using RelayRides make an average of $250 a month ; some make more than $1,000. Renters, meanwhile, pay 1ess than they would if they bought the item themselves, or turned to a traditional provider such as a hote1 or car-hire firm.And there are environmental benefits , too: renting a car when you need it, rather than owning one, means fewer cars are required and fewer resources must be devoted to making them.F) For sociable souls, meeting new people by staying in their homes is part ofthe charm. Curmudgeons(倔脾气的人) who imagine that every renter is a murderer can still stay at conventional hotels. For others, the web fosters trust.As well as the background checks carried out by platform owners, online reviews and ratings are usually posted by both parties to each transaction, which makes it easy to spot bad drivers, bathrobe-thieves and surfboard-wreckers. By using Facebook and other social networks, participants can check each other out and identify friends (or friends of friends) in common. An Airbnb user had her apartment trashed in 2011. But the remarkable thing is how well the system usually woks.Peering into the futureG) The sharing economy is a little like online shopping, which started inAmerica 15 year ago. At first, people were worried about security. But having made a successful purchase from, say, Amazon, they felt safe buying elsewhere. Similarly, using Airbnb or a car-hire service for the first time encourages people to try other offerings. Next, consider eBay. Having started out as a peer-to-peer marketplace, it is now dominated by professional “power seller” (many of whom started out as ordinary eBay users). The same may happen with the sharing economy, which also provides new opportunities for enterprise. Some people have bought cars solely to rent them out, for example.H) Existing rental businesses are getting involved too. Avis, a car-hire firm,has a share in a sharing rival. So do GM ad Daimler, two carmakers. In future, companies may develop hybrid (混合的) models, listing excess capacity (whether vehicles, equipment or office space) on peer-to-peer renta1 sites. In the past, new ways of doing things online have not displaced the old ways entirely. But they have often changed them. Just as internet shopping forced Wal-mart and Tesco to adapt, so online sharing will shake up transport, tourism, equipment-hire and more.I) The main worry is regulatory uncertainty. Will room-renters be subject tohotel taxes, for example? In Amsterdam officials are using Airbnb listings to track down unlicensed hotels. In some American cities, peer-to-peer taxi services have been banned after lobbying by traditional taxi firms. The danger is that although some rules need to be updated to protect consumers from harm, existing rental businesses will try to destroy competition. People who rent out rooms should pay tax, of course, but they should not be regulated like a Ritz-Carlton hotel. The lighter rules that typically govern bed-and-breakfasts are more than adequate.J) The sharing economy is the latest example of the internet's value to consumers. This emerging model is now big and disruptive(颠覆性的) enough for regulators and companies to have woken up to it. That is a sign of its immense potential. It is time to start caring about sharing.46. Sharing items such as cars does good to the environment.47. Airbnb's success clearly illustrates the emergence of a huge sharing economy.48. The major concern about the sharing economy is how the government regulates it.49. The most frequently shared items are those expensive to buy but not fully used.50. The sharing economy has a promising future.51. Online sharing will change the way business is done in transportation, travel,rentals, etc.52. Airbnb is a website that enables owners and renters to complete transactionsonline.53. The sharing economy is likely to go the way of online shopping.54. One advantage of sharing is that owners earn money from renting out items notmade full use of.55. Sharing appeals to the sociable in that they can meet new people.Section CDirections : There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are fourchoices marked A) , B) , C) and D). You should decide on the bestchoice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with asingle line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.In recent years, a growing body of research has shown that our appetite and food intake are influenced by a large number of factors besides our biological need for energy, including our eating environment and our perception of the food in front of us.Studies have shown, for instance, that eating in front of the TV (or a similar distraction ) can increase both hunger and the amount of food consumed. Even simple visual cues, like plate size and lighting, have been shown to affect portion size and consumption.A new study suggested that our short-term memory also may play a role in appetite. Several hours after a meal, people's hunger levels were predicted not by how much they'd eaten but rather by now much food they'd seen in front of them---in other words, how much they remembered eating.This disparity(差异) suggests the memory of our previous meal may have a bigger influence on our appetite than the actual size of the meal, says Jeffrey M. Brunstrom, a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Bristol. “Hunger isn't controlled solely by the physical characteristics of a recent meal. We have identified an independent role for memory for that meal,” Brunstrom says. “T his shows that the relationship between hunger and food intake is more complex than we thought. “These findings echo earlier research that suggests our perception of food can sometimes trick our body's response to the food itself. In a 2011 study, for instance, people who drank the same 880-caiorie (卡路里) milkshake on two separate occasions produced different levels of hunger-related hormones ( 荷尔蒙), depending on whether the shake's label said it contained 620 or 140 calories. Moreover, the participants reported feeling more full when they thought they'd consumed a higher-calorie shake.What does this mean for our eating habits ? Although it hardly seems practical to trick ourselves into eating less, the new findings do highlight the benefits of focusing on our food and avoiding TV and multitasking while eating.The so-called mindful-eating strategies can fight distractions and help us control our appetite , Brunstrom says.56．What is said to be a factor affecting our appetite and food intake ?A) How we perceive the food we eat. C) When we eat our meals.B) What ingredients the food contains. D) How fast we eat our meals.57．What would happen at meal time if you remembered eating a lot in the previous meal?A) You would probably be more picky about food．B) You would not feel like eating the same food．C) You would have a good appetite．D) You would not feel so hungry．58．What do we learn from the 2011 study?A) Food labels may mislead consumers in their purchases．B) Food labels may influence our body’s response to food．C) Hunger levels depend on one’s consumption of calories．D) People tend to take in a lot more calories than necessary．59. What does Brunstrom suggest we do to control our appetite?A) Trick ourselves into eating less. C) Concentrate on food while eating．B) Choose food with fewer calories. D) Pick dishes of the right size．60 .What is the main idea of the passage7A) Eating distractions often affect our food digestion．B) Psychological factors influence our hunger levels．C) Our food intake is determined by our biological needs.D) Good eating habits will contribute to our health．Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.As a society we might want to rethink the time and money spent on education , so that these resources can benefit a greater percentage of the population. Ideally，both high schools and colleges can prepare individuals for the ever-changing roles that are likely to be expected of them.High school degrees offer far less in the way of preparation for work than they might, or than many other nations currently offer，creating a growing skills gap in our economy．We encourage students to go on to college whether they are prepared or not，or have a clear sense of purpose or interest , and now have the highest college dropout rate in the world．We might look to other countries for models of how high schools can offer better training，as well as the development of a work ethic( 勤奋工作的美德) and the intellectual skills needed for continued learning and development. I recommendHarvard's 2011 “Pathways to Prosperity” report for more attention to the“forgotten half” ( those who do not go on to college) and ideas about how to address this issue．Simultaneously，the liberal arts become more important than ever. In a knowledge economy where professional roles change rapidly and many college students are preparing for positions that may not even exist yet，the skill set needed is one that prepares them for change and continued learning.Learning to express ideas well in both writing and speech，knowing how to find information , and knowing how to do research are all solid background skills for a wide variety of roles，and such training is more important than any particular major in a liberal arts college. We need to continue to value broad preparation in thinking skills that will serve for a lifetime.Students also need to learn to work independently and to make responsible decisions. The lengthening path to adulthood appears exacerbated (恶化) by parental involvement in the college years. Given the rising investment in college education，parental concern is not surprising，but learning where and when to intervene ( 干预) will help students take more ownership of the outcomes of these increasingly costly educations .61. What kind of education does the author think is ideal?A) It benefits the great majority of the general population.B) It prepares students to meet the future needs of society.C) It encourages students to learn throughout their lives.D) It ensures that students' expectations are successfully fulfilled.62. What does the author say is the problem with present high school education?A) Ignoring the needs of those who don't go to college.B) Teaching skills to be used right after graduation only.C) Giving little attention to those having difficulty learning.D) Creating the highest dropout rate in the developed world.63. What characterizes a knowledge economy according to the passage?A) People have to receive higher education to qualify for a professional position.B) Students majoring in liberal arts usually have difficulty securing a job.C) New positions are constantly created that require people to keep learning.D) Colleges find it hard to teach students how to cope with the changing economy.64. What does the author think a liberal arts college should focus on?A) Solid background knowledge in a particular field.B) Practical skills urgently needed in current society.C) Basic skills needed for change and lifelong learning.D) Useful thinking skills for advanced academic research.65.What suggestion does the author offer to parents?A) Rethinking the value of higher education.B) Investing wisely in their children's education.C) Helping their children to bring their talent into full play.D) Avoiding too much intervention in their children's education.Part ⅣTranslation (30minutes)Directions: For this part , you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.许多人喜欢中餐, 在中国,烹饪不仅被视为一种技能,而且也被视为一种艺术。
2013年12月四级考试试题、原文翻译及答案解析
第一张Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks。
You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage。
Read the passage through carefully before making your choices。
Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter， Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once。
Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage。
What does it take to be a well—trained nurse? The answer used to be two—year associate's or four—year bachelor’s degree programs。
But as the nursing shortage 36 , a growing number of schools and hospitals are establishing ”fast—track programs" that enable college graduates with no nursing 37 to become registered nurses with only a year or so of 38 training。
[全]2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（汇总共三套）--第二套
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[全]2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（汇总共三套）--第二套2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(二)Part 1 writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people’s life and then explain the consequences of overusing it.You should write at least IW words but no more than 180 words.People are crossing the street looking at their cell phones and using walking sticks in order to see.Part 2 Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections ：In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which the best answer is. Then mark the corresponding letter o" Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2013年12月英语四级真题答案及解析完整版
作文部分：范文一： The modern technology has greatly altered the mode of communication among people. With the help of the Internet, people can easily contact each other anytime anywhere. However, the side effect is that many people have become over-dependent on the Internet and neglected face-to-face communication.As far as I'm concerned, electronic communication cannot fully replace the direct contact among people. Although it seems to bring everyone together, it actually estranges people and decreases the effectiveness of communication. A typical example is that, traditionally, people working in the same office simply walk to others and talk. Today, however, co-workers tend to send e-mails or instant messages through the Internet even when they are sitting next to each other. As words can never convey the full message, it usually takes much more time and rounds of conversation than face-to-face communication, in which people can discuss more directly with less loss of information.To conclude, the Internet enables more effective communication in some situations, but over-dependence on it actually pulls people apart.范文二：It is frequently observed that many people keep looking down at their mobile phones whatever they are doing. It is true that mobile phones have brought great convenience to us as we can send short messages, check e-mails, surf the Internet, or watch videos almost anywhere. However, the overuse of mobile phones also leads to some serious problems.The over-dependence on mobile phones can harm the relationship among friends and family. With mobile phones, people do not talk as much as before. For example, sometimes at dinner tables, instead of chatting and laughing with each other, many people choose to chat with other friends online. In other words, mobile phones help people contacting friends far away more easily at the expense of reducing the communication with those who are sitting right next to them.In conclusion, mobile phone can be a useful tool in modern life, but overusing it damages interpersonal relationship. There is no point to lose our intimacy with friends and family to modern technology.范文三：The impact of the Internet on learningExplain why education doesn’t simply mean learning to obtain informationIn the age of knowledge explosion, the Internet opens a magical portal for leaners to get access to seemingly incessant information. But is information equal to knowledge? “Once I learn how to use google, isn't that all the education I really need?” This question fully embodies the prejudiced opinion that as long as people acquire abundant information, they will get proper education.The rea son why education doesn’t simply mean learning to obtain information is that education is not limited to the hard facts or theories students can learn from their textbooks or the Internet. It relates to a wider scope ranging from the obtainment of practical skills to the development of characters, which are hard for students to learn simply by googling. Consequently, comprehensive learning in schools that includes learning knowledge, conducting experiments and communicating with peers is what true education is.In a word, the Internet does provide valuable information for learners, but people should be fully conscious of the essence of education and learn to tell the right from the wrong.听力部分：1. C. Consult a travel agent.2. A. They are on a long trip by car.3. C. He is unwilling to speak in public.4. B. Purse further education.5. A. He would not be available to start the job in time.6. B. Mechanic.7. D. Ask Laura to put off the cleaning until another week.8. A. A problem caused by the construction.9. C. To place an order for some products.10. A. The person in charge is not in the office.11. B. 0734, 21653 extension 51.12. B. Since he took to heavy smoking.13. A. He is getting too fat.14. D. They dislike doing physical exercise.15. C. To find a girlfriend.16-19音频无。
2013年12月大学英语四级考试试题
2013年12月大学英语四级考试试题COLLEGE ENGLISH TEST—Band Four —Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At theend of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答。
1. A) The rock band needs more hours of practice.B) The rock band is going to play here for a month.C) Their hard work has resulted in a big success.D) He appreciates the woman’s help with the band.2. A) Go on a diving tour in Europe. C) Travel overseas on his own.B) Add 300 dollars to his budget. D) Join a package tour to Mexico.3. A) In case some problem should occur. C) To avoid more work later on.B) Something unexpected has happened. D) To make better preparations.4. A) The woman asked for a free pass to try out the facilities.B) The man is going to renew his membership in a fitness center.C) The woman can give the man a discount if he joins the club now.D) The man can try out the facilities before he becomes a member.5. A) He is not afraid of challenge.B) He is not fit to study science.C) He is worried about the test.D) He is going to drop the physics course6. A) Pay for part of the picnic food. C) Buy something special for Gary.B) Invite Gary’s family to dinner. D) Take some food to the picnic.7. A) Bus drivers’ working conditions.C)Public transportation.B) A labor dispute at a bus company. D) A corporate takeover.8. A) The bank statement. C) The payment for an order.B) Their sales overseas. D) The check just deposited.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) A hotel receptionist. C) A shop assistant.B) A private secretary. D) A sales manager.10. A) Voice. C) Appearance.B) Intelligence. D) Manners.11. A) Arrange one more interview. C) Report the matter to their boss.B) Offer the job to David Wallace. D) Hire Barbara Jones on a trial basis.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) He invented the refrigerator. C) He got a degree in Mathematics.B) He patented his first invention. D) He was admitted to university.13. A) He distinguished himself in low temperature physics.B) He fell in love with Natasha Willoughby.C) He became a professor of Mathematics.D) He started to work on refrigeration.14. A) Finding the true nature of subatomic particles.B) Their work on very high frequency radio waves.C) Laying the foundations of modem mathematics.D) Their discovery of the laws of cause and effect.15. A) To teach at a university. C) To spend his remaining years.B) To patent his inventions. D) To have a three-week holiday.Section BDirections:In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will he spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套)
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第3套)Part I Writing(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below.You should start your essay with a brief account of the impact of the Internet on the way people communicate and then explain whether electronic communication can replace face-to-face contract.You should write at least120words but no more than180words._____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Part II Listening Comprehension(30minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear8short conversations and2long conversations.At the end of each conversation,one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once.After each question there will be a pause.During the pause,youmust read the four choices marked A),B),C)and D),and decide which is the best answer.Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with a single line through the centre.1.A)Go to a place he has visited.C)Consult a travel agent.B)Make her own arrangements.D)Join in a package tour.2.A)They are on a long trip by car.C)They are used to getting up early.B)They are stuck in a traffic jam.D)They are tired of eating out at night.3.A)He is a person difficult to deal with.C)He is unwilling to speak in public.B)He dislikes any formal gathering.D)He often keeps a distance from others.4.A)Work in another department.C)Recruit graduate students.B)Pursue further education.D)Take an administrative job.5.A)He would not be available to start the job in time.B)He is not quite qualified for the art director position.C)He would like to leave some more time for himself.D)He will get his application letter ready before May1.6.A)Cleaner.B)Mechanic.C)Porter.D)Salesman.7.A)Request one or two roommates to do the cleaning.B)Help Laura with her term paper due this weekend.C)Get Laura to clean the department herself this time.D)Ask Laura to put off the cleaning until another week.8.A)A problem caused by the construction.C)The building project they are working on.B)An accident that occurred on the bridge.D)The public transportation conditions.Questions9to11are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A)To look a job as a salesperson.C)To place an order for some products.B)To have a talk with Miss Thompson.D)To complain about a faulty appliance.10.A)The person in charge is not in the office.C)They failed to reach an agreement on the price.B)The supplies are out of stock for the moment.D)The company is re-cataloguing the items.11.A)0743,12536extension15.C)0734,38750extension15.B)0734,21653extension51.D)0743,62135extension51.Questions12to15are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A)Since he found a girlfriend.C)Since he began to exercise regularly.B)Since he took to heavy smoking.D)Since he started to live on his own.13.A)He is getting to fat.C)He doesn’t eat vegetables.B)He smokes too much.D)He doesn’t look well at all.14.A)They are overweight for their age.C)They are still in their early twenties.B)They are respectful to their parents.D)They dislike doing physical exercise.15.A)To quit smoking.C)To find a girlfriend.B)To reduce his weight.D)To follow her advice.Section BDirections:In this section,you will hear3short passages.At the end of each passage,you will hear some questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choosethe best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet1with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions16to19are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A)They have destroyed several small towns.C)They have injured many residents.B)They will soon spread to San Francisco.D)They are burning out of control.17.A)They have been hospitalized.C)They were choked by the thick smoke.B)They have got skin problems.D)They were poisoned by the burning chemicals.18.A)It failed because of a sudden rocket explosion.B)It has been re-scheduled for a midday takeoff.C)It has been canceled due to technical problems.D)It was delayed for eleven hours and thirty minutes.19.A)They made frequent long-distance calls to each other.B)They illegally used government computers in New Jersey.C)They were found to be smarter than computer specialists.D)They were arrested for stealing government information.Passage TwoQuestions20to22are based on the passage you have just heard.20.A)Peaceful.B)Considerate.C)Generous.D)Cooperative.21.A)Someone dumped the clothes left in the washer and dryer.B)Someone broke the washer and dryer by overloading them.C)Mindy Lance’s laundry blocked the way to the laundry room.D)Mindy Lance threatened to take revenge on her neighbors.22.A)Asking the neighborhood committee for help.B)Limiting the amount of laundry for each wash.C)Informing the building manager of the matter.D)Installing a few more washers and dryers.Passage ThreeQuestions23to25are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A)She is both a popular and a highly respected author.B)She is the most loved African novelist all times.C)She is the most influential author since the1930’s.D)She is the first writer to focus on the fate of the slaves.24.A)The Book Critics Circle Award.C)The Pulitzer Prize for fiction.B)The Nobel Prize for literature.D)The National Book Award.25.A)She is a relative of Morrison’s.C)She is a skilled storyteller.B)She is a slave from Africa.D)She is a black woman.Section CDirections:In this section,you will hear a passage three times.When the passage is read for the first time,you should listen carefully for its general idea.When the passage is read for the second time,you arerequired to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard.Finally,when the passage is readfor the third time,you should check what you have written.Many college students today own personal computers that cost anywhere from$1,000to perhaps$5,000or more.(26)________,it is not uncommon for them to purchase(27)________costing another several hundred dollars.Twenty years ago,computers were(28)________,but they were very large and extremely expensive.Few, if any,(29)________purchased computers for home use.Over the years,the price of the“guts”of a computer—its memory—has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory that prevailed twenty years ago. This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today than they used to.Moreover,(30)________ improvements have made it possible to(31)________memory circuitry that is small enough to fit into the portable personal computers that many of us own and use.(32)________,as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spent more on purchasing computers.(33)________,improved agricultural technology,hybrid(杂交)seed,(34)________animal breeding,and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce.The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of most other goods and services.As agricultural prices have fallen, many households have decreased their total expense on food.Even though the(35)________of a product purchased generally increases when its price falls,total expenses on it may decline.Part III Reading Comprehension(40minutes)Section ADirections:In this section,there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefullybefore making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark thecorresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2with a single line through the centre.You maynot use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions36to45are based on the following passage.To get a sense of how women have progressed in science,take a quick tour of the physics department at the University of California,Berkeley.This is a storied place,the36of some of the most important discoveries in modern science—starting with Ernest Lawrence’s invention of the cyclotron(回旋加速器)in1931.A generation ago,female faces were37and,even today,visitors walking through the first floor of LeConte Hall will see a full corridor of exhibits38the many distinguished physicists who made history here,39all of them white males.But clime up to the third floor and you’ll see a40display.There,among the photos of current faculty members and students,are portraits of the41head of the department,Marjorie Shapiro,and four other women whose research42everything from the mechanics of the universe to the smallest particles of matter.A sixth woman was hired just two weeks ago.Although they’re still only about10percent of the physics faculty,women are clearly a presence here.And the real43may be in the smaller photos to the right:graduate and undergraduate students,about20percent of them female.Every year Berkeley sends its fresh female physics PhDs to the country’s top universities.That makes Shapiro optimistic,but also44.“I believe things are getting better,”she says,“but they’re not getting better as45as I would like.”A)circumstance I)honoringB)confidence J)hopeC)covers K)presentlyD)current L)rareE)deals M)realisticF)different N)siteG)exposing O)virtuallyH)fastSection BDirections:In this section,you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2.Is College a Worthy Investment?A)Why are we spending so much money on college?And why are we so unhappy about it?We all seem to agreethat a college education is wonderful,and yet strangely we worry when we see families investing so much in this supposedly essential good.Maybe it’s time to ask a question that seems almost sacrilegious(大不敬的):is all this investment in college education really worth it?B)The answer,I fear,is no.For an increasing number of kids,the extra time and money spent pursuing a collegediploma will leave them worse off than they were before they set foot on campus.C)For my entire adult life,a good education has been the most important thing for middle-class households.Myparents spent more educating my sister and me than they spent on their house,and they’re not the only ones…and,of course,for an increasing number of families,most of the cost of their house is actually the cost of living in a good school district.Questioning the value of a college education seems a bit like questioning the value of happiness,or fun.D)The average price of all goods and services has risen about50percent.But the price of a college education hasnearly doubled in that time.Is the education that today’s students are getting twice as good?Are new workers twice as smart?Have they become somehow massively more expensive to educate?E)Perhaps a bit.Richard Vedder,an Ohio University economics professor,says,“I look at the data,and I see collegecosts rising faster than inflation up to the mid-1980s by1percent a year.Now I see them rising3to4percent a year over inflation.What has happened?The federal government has started dropping money out of airplanes.”Aid has increased,subsidized(补贴的)loans have become available,and“the universities have gotten the money.”Economist Bryan Caplan,who is writing a book about education,agrees:“It’s a giant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue.”F)Promotional literature for colleges and student loans often speaks of debt as an“investment in yourself.”But aninvestment is supposed to generate income to pay off the loans.More than half of all recent graduates are unemployed or in jobs that do not require a degree,and the amount of student-loan debt carried by households has increased more than five times since1999.These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed,but it won’t even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad’s.For many,the most visible result of their four years is the loan payments,which now average hundreds of dollars a month on loan balances in the tens of thousands.G)It’s true about the money—sort of.College graduates now make80percent more than people who have only ahigh-school diploma,and though there are no precise estimates,the wage premium(高出的部分)for an outstanding school seems to be even higher.But that’s not true of every student.It’s very easy to spend four years majoring in English literature and come out no more employable than your were before you went in.Conversely, chemical engineers straight out of school can easily make almost four times the wages of an entry-level high-school graduate.H)James Heckman,the Nobel Prize-winning economist,has examined how the returns on education break down forindividuals with different backgrounds and levels of ability.“Even with these high prices,you’re still finding a high return for individuals who are bright and motivated,”he says.On the other hand,“if you’re not college ready,then the answer is no,it’s not with it.”Experts tend to agree that for the average student,college is still worth it today,but they also agree that the rapid increase in price is eating up more and more of the potential return.For borderline students,tuition(学费)rise can push those returns into negative territory.I)Everyone seems to agree that the government,and parents,should be rethinking how we invest in highereducation—and that employers need to rethink the increasing use of college degrees as crude screening tools for jobs that don’t really require college skills.“Employers seeing a surplus of college gradates and looking to fill jobs are just adding that requirement,”says Vedder.“In fact,a college degree becomes a job requirement for becoming a bar-tender.”J)We have started to see some change on the finance side.A law passed in2007allows many students to cap their loan payment at10percent of their income and forgives any balance after25years.But of course,that doesn’t control the cost of education;it just shifts it to taxpayers.It also encourages graduates to choose lower-paying careers,which reduces the financial return to education still further.“You’re subsidizing people to become priests and poets and so forth,”says Heckman.“You may think that’s a good thing,or you may not.”Either way it will be expensive for the government.K)What might be a lot cheaper is putting more kids to work.Caplan notes that work also builds valuable skills—probably more valuable for kids who don’t naturally love sitting in a classroom.Heckman agrees wholeheartedly:“People are different,and those abilities can be shaped.That’s what we’ve learned,and public policy should recognize that.”L)Heckman would like to see more apprenticeship-style(学徒式)programs,where kids can learn in the workplace—learn not just specific job skills,but the kind of“soft skills,”like getting to work on time and getting along with a team, that are crucial for career success.“It’s about having mentors(指导者)and having workplace-based education,”he says.“Time and again I’ve seen examples of this kind of program working.”M)Ah,but how do we get there from here?With better public policy,hopefully,but also by making better individual decisions.“Historically markets have been to handle these things,”says Vedder,“and I think eventually markets will handle this one.If it doesn’t improve soon,people are going to wake up and ask,‘why am I going to college?’”46.Caplan suggests that kids who don’t love school go to work.47.An increasing number of families spend more money on houses in a good school district.48.Subsidized loans to college students are a huge waste of money,according to one economist.49.More and more kids find they fare worse with a college diploma.50.For those who are not prepared for higher education,going to college is not worth it.51.Over the years the cost of a college education has increased almost by100%.52.A law passed recently allows many students to pay no more than one tenth of their income for their college loans.53.Middle-class Americans have highly valued a good education.54.More kids should be encouraged to participate in programs where they can learn not only job skills but alsosocial skills.55.Over fifty percent of recent college graduates remain unemployed or unable to find a suitable job.Section CDirections:There are2passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A),B),C)and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions56to60are based on the following passage.A recent global survey of2,000high-net-worth individuals found about60%were not planning on a traditional retirement.Among U.S.participants,75%expected to continue working in some capacity even after stepping away from full-time jobs.“Many of these people made their wealth by doing something they’re passionate(有激情的) about,”says Daniel Egan,head of behavioral finance for Barclays Wealth Americas.“Given the choice,they prefer to continue working.”Barclays calls these people“nevertirees”.Unlike many Americans compelled into early retirement by company restrictions,the average nevertiree often has no one forcing his hand.If106-year-old investor Irving Kahn,head of his own family firm,wants to keep coming to work every day,who’s going to stop him?Seventy-eight-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s job security is guaranteed in the Constitution.It may seem that these elderly people are trying to cheat death.In fact,they are.And it’s working.Howard Friedman,a professor at UC Riverside,found in his research that those who work hardest and are successful in their careers often live the longest lives.“People are generally being given bad advice to slow down,take it easy,stop worrying,and retire to Florida,”he says.He described one study participant,still working at the age of100,who was recently disappointed to see his son retire.“We’re beginning to see a change in how people view retirement,”says George Leeson,co-director of the Institute of Population Ageing at Oxford.Where once retirement was seen as a brief reward after a long struggle through some miserable job,it is now akin(近似)to being cast aside.What Leeson terms“the Warren Buffett effect”is becoming more broadly appealing as individuals come to“view retirement as not simply being linked to economic productivity but also about contribution.”Observers are split on whether this is a wholly good thing.On the one hand,companies and financial firms can benefit from the wisdom of a resilient(坚韧的)chief.On the other,the new generation can find it more difficult to advance—an argument that typically holds little sway to a nevertiree.56.What do we learn about the so-called“nevertirees”?A)They are passionate about making a fortune.B)They have no choice but to continue working.C)They love what they do and choose not to retire.D)They will not retire unless they are compelled to.57.What do Irving Kahn and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have in common?A)Neither of them is subject to forced retirement.B)Neither of them desires reward for their work.C)Both cling to their positions despite opposition.D)Both are capable of coping with heavy workloads.58.What is the finding of Howard Friedman’s research?A)The harder you work,the bigger your fortune will be.B)The earlier you retire,the healthier you will be.C)Elderly people have to slow down to live longer.D)Working at an advanced age lengthens people’s life.59.What is the traditional view of retirement according to the passage?A)It means a burden to the younger generation.B)It is a symbol of a mature and civilized society.C)It is a compensation for one’s life-long hard work.D)It helps increase a nation’s economic productivity.60.What do critics say about“nevertirees”?A)They are an obstacle to a company’s development.B)They lack the creativity of the younger generation.C)They cannot work as efficiently as they used to.D)They prevent young people from getting ahead.Passage TwoQuestions61to65are based on the following passage.When we talk about Americans barely into adulthood who are saddled with unbearable levels of debt,the conversation is almost always about student loan debt.But there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that today’s young adults are also drowning in credit-card debt—and that many of them will take this debt to their graves.More than20%overspent their income by more than$100every single month.Since they haven’t built up their credit histories yet,it’s a safe bet that these young adults are paying relatively high interest rates on the resulting credit card debt.Although many young people blame“socializing”as a barrier to saving money,most of them aren’t knocking back$20drinks in trendy(时尚的)lounges.They’re struggling with much more daily financial demands.To a disturbingly large extent,the young and the broke are relying on credit cards to make it until their next payday.This obviously isn’t sustainable in the long run,and it’s going to put a huge drag on their spending power even after they reach their peak earning years,because they’ll still be paying interest on that bottle of orange juice or box of spaghetti(意式面条)they bought a decade earlier.A new study out of Ohio State University found that young adults are accumulating credit card debt at a more rapid rate than other age groups,and that they’re slower at paying it off.“If what we found continues to hold true,we may have more elderly people with substantial financial problems in the future,”warns Lucia Dunn,professor of economics at Ohio State.“If our findings persist,we may be faced with a financial crisis among elderly people who can’t pay off their credit cards.”Dunn says a lot of these young people are never going to get out from under their credit card debt.“Many people are borrowing on credit cards so heavily that payoff rates at these levels are not sufficient to recover their credit card debt by the end of their life,which could have loss implications for the credit card issuing banks.”61.What is the main idea of the first paragraph?A)Many young Americans will never be able to pay off their debts.B)Credit cards play an increasingly important role in college life.C)Credit cards are doing more harm than students loans.D)The American credit card system is under criticism.62.Why do young people have to pay a higher interest on their credit card debt?A)They tend to forget about the deadlines.B)They haven’t developed a credit history.C)They are often unable to pay back in time.D)They are inexperienced in managing money.63.What is said to be the consequence of young adults relying on credit cards to make ends meet?A)It will place an unnecessary burden on society.B)It will give them no motivation to work hard.C)It will exert psychological pressure on them.D)It will affect their future spending power.64.What will happen to young adults if their credit card debt keeps accumulating according to Lucia Dunn?A)They will have to pay an increasingly higher interest rate.B)They may experience a financial crisis in their old age.C)Their quality of life will be affected.D)Their credit cards may be cancelled.65.What does Lucia Dunn think might be a risk for the credit card issuing banks?A)They go bankrupt as a result of over-lending.B)They lose large numbers of their regular clients.C)Their clients leave their debts unpaid upon death.D)Their interest rates have to be reduced now and then.Part IV Translation(30minutes) Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.“要茶还是要咖啡？”是用餐人常被问到的问题。
2013年12月四级真题
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题（一）Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes)Directions：For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief account of the impact of the Internet on learning and then explain why education doesn’t simply mean learning to obtain information. You should write at least 120 words hut no more than 180 words."Once I learn how to useGoogle, isn’t that all theeducation I really need?"注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections：In this section, you will hear H short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will he asked about what ms said. Both the conversation and the questions^^11 be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, You must read the choices marked A),B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2013年12月四级考试试题、原文翻译及答案解析
第一张Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks。
You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage。
Read the passage through carefully before making your choices。
Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter， Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once。
Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage。
What does it take to be a well—trained nurse? The answer used to be two—year associate's or four—year bachelor’s degree programs。
But as the nursing shortage 36 , a growing number of schools and hospitals are establishing ”fast—track programs" that enable college graduates with no nursing 37 to become registered nurses with only a year or so of 38 training。
2013年12月英语四级真题及答案(第二套)(word版)
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essaybased on the picture below. You should start you,:" essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people's then and then explain the consequences of overusing it. You should write at least 120 words but no more than, 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must "read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.1. A) Go to a place he has visited.B) Make her own arrangements.C) Consult a travel agent.D) Join in a package tour.2. A) They are on a long trip by car.B) They are stuck in a traffic jam.C) They are used to getting up early.D) They are tired of eating out at night.3. A) He is a person difficult to deal with.B) He dislikes any formal gathering.C) He is unwilling to speak in public.D) He often keeps a distance from others.4. A) Work in another department.B) Pursue further education.C ) Recruit graduate students.D) Take an administrative job.5. A) He would not be available to start the job in time.B) He is not quite qualified for the art director position.C) He would like to leave some more time for himself.D) He will get his application letter ready before May 1.6. A) Cleaner.B) Mechanic.C) Porter.D) Salesman.7. A) Request one or two roommates to do the cleaning.B) Help Laura with her term paper due this weekend.C) Get Laura to clean the apartment herself this time.D) Ask Laura to put off the cleaning until another week.8. A) A problem caused by the constryction.B) An accident that occurred on the bridge.C) The building project they are working on.D) The public transportation conditions.Question 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) To look for a job as a salesperson.B) To have a talk with Miss Thompson.C) To place an order for some products.D) To complain about a faulty appliance.10. A) The person in charge is not in the office.B) The supplies are out of stock for the moment.C) They failed to reach an agreement on the price.D) The company is re-cataloguing the items.11. A) 0743, 12536 extension 15.B) 0734, 21653 extension 51.C) 0734, 38750 extension 15.D) 0743, 62135 extension 51.Questions 12 to 15rose based on the convermttion you have just heard.12. A) Since he found a girlfriend.B) Since he took to heavy smoking,C) Since he began to exercise regularly.D) Since he started to live on his own.13. A) He is getting too, fat.B) He smokes too much.C) He doesn't eat vegetables.D) He doesn't look well at all.14. A) They are ovenveight for their age.B) They are respectful to their parents.C) They are still in their early twenties.D) They dislike doing physical exercise.15. A) To quit smoking,B) To reduce his weight.C) To find a girlfriend.D) To follow her advice.Section BDircctions:In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A ), B), C) and D ).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre..Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) They have destroyed several small towns.B) They will soon spread to San Francisco.C) They have injured many residents.D) They are burning out of control.17. A) They have been hospitalizeded.B) They have got skin problems.C) They were choked by the thick smoke.D) They were poisoned by the burning chemical.18. A) It failed because of a sudden rocket explosion. B) Ithas been re, scheduled for a midday takeoff.C) It has been canceled due to technical problems.D) It was delayed for eleven hours and thirty minutes.19. A) They made frequent long, distance calls to each other.B) They illegally used government computers in New Jersey.C) They were found to be smarter than computer specially.D) They were arrested for stealing government information. Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are basd on the passage you have just heard.20. A) Peaceful.B) Considerate.C) Generous.D) Cooperative.21. A) Someone dumped the clothes left in the washer and dryer.B) Someone broke the washer and dryer by overloading them.C) Mindy Lance's laundry blocked the way to the laundry room.D) Mindy Lance threatened to take revenge on her neighbors.22. A) Asking the neighborhood committee for help.B) Limiting the amount of laundry for each wash.C) Informing the building manager of the matter.D) Installing a few more washers and dryers.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) She is both a popular and highly respected author,B) She is the most love African novelist of a J1 times.C) She is the most influential author since the 1930's.D) She is the first writer to focus on the fate of slaves.24. A) The Book Critics Circle Award.B) The Nobel Prize for literature.C) The Pulitzer Prize for fiction.D) The National Book Award.25. A) She is a relative of Morrison's.B) She is a slave from Africa.C) She is a skirled storyteller.D) She is a black woman,Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read forthe first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read forthe second time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Many college students today own personal computers that cost anywhere from $1,000 to perhaps $ 5,000or more. 26 , it is not uncommon for them to purchase 27 costing another several hundreddollars, Twenty years ago, computers were 28 , but they were very large and extremely expensive.Few, if any, 29 purchased computers for home use..Over the years the price of the "guts" ofa computer-its memory-has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory thatprevailed twenty years ago. This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today thanthey used to. Moreover, 30 improvements have made it possible to 31 memory circuitry thatis small enou~ to fit into the portble personal computers that many of us own and use. 32 ,as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spent more on purchasing computers. 33 , improved agricultural technology, hybrid (杂交) seeds, 34animal breeding, and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce.The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of mostother goods and services. As agricultural prices have fallen, many households have decreased theirtotal expenses on food. Even though the 35of a product purchased generally increase when its price falls, total expenses on it may decline.Part Ⅱ Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select oneword foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identifed bya letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a singleline through the centre. Fou may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.To get a sense of how women have progressed in science, take a quick tour of the physics departmentat the University of California, Berkeley. This is a storied place, the 36 of some of the mostimportant discoveries in modern science--starting with Ernest Lawrence's invention of thecyclotron (回旋加速器) in1931. A generation ago, female faces were 37 and, even today, visitorswalking through the first floor of LeConte Hall will see a full corridor of exhibits 38 themany distinguished physicists who made history here, 39 all of them white males. But climb up to the third floor and you'll see a 40 display. There, among the photos of currentfaculty members and students, are portraits of the 41 head of the department, Marjorie Shapiro,and four other women whose research 42 everything from the mechanics of the universe to thesmallest particles of matter. A sixth woman was hired just two weeks ago. Although they're stillonly about 10 percent of the physics faculty, women are clearly a presence here. And the real43 may be in the smaller photos to the right: graduate and undergraduate students, about 20percent of them female. Every year Berkeley sends its fresh female physics PhDs to the country'stop universities. That makes Shapiro optimistic, but also 44 "I believe things are getting better," she says, "but they're not getting better as 45 as I would like.A) circumstanceB) confidenceC) coversD) currentE) dealsF) differentG) exposingH) fastI) honoringJ) hopeK) presentlyL) rareM) realisticN) siteO) virtuallySection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information gi.ven in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraphis marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Is College a Worthy Investment?A) Why are we spending so much money on college? Andwhy are we so unhappy about it? We all seemto agree that a college education is wonderful, and yet strangely we worry when we see families investing so much in this supposedly essential good. Maybe it's time to ask a question that seems almost sacrilegious (大不敬) : is all this investment in college education really worth it?B) The answer. I fear, is no. For an increasing number of kids, the extra time and money spent pursuing a college diploma will leave them worse off than they were before they set foot on campus. C) For my entire adult life, a good education has been the most important thing for middle-class households. My parents spent more educating my sister and me than they spent on their house, and they're not the only ones.., and, of course, for an increasing number of families, most of the cost of their house is actually the cost of living in a good school district. Questioning the value of a college education seems a bit like questioning the value of happiness, or tim. D) The average price of all goods and services has risen about 50 percent. But the price of a college education has nearly doubled in that time. Is the education that today's students are getting twice as good? Are new workers twice as smart? Have they become somehow massively more expensive to educate?E ) Perhaps a bit. Richard Vedder, an Ohio University economics professor, says, "I look at the data, and I see college costs rising faster than inflation up to the mid-1980s by 1 percenta year. Now I see them rising 3to 4 percent a year over inflation. What has happened? The federal government has started dropping money out of airplanes. " Aid has increased, subsidized (补贴的) loans have become available, and "the universities have gotten the money. " Economist Bryan Caplan, who is writing a book about education, agrees: "It's a giant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue. "F) Promotional literature for colleges and student loans often speaks of debt as an "investment in yourself. " But an investment is supposed to generate income to pay off the loans. More than haft of all recent graduates are tmemployed or in jobs that do not require a degree, and the amount of student- loan debt carried by households has increased more than five times since 1999. These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed, but it won't even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad's. For many, the most visible result of their four years is the loan payments, which now average hundreds of dollars a month on loan balances in the tens of thousands.G) It's true about the money--sort of. College graduates now make 80 percent more than people who have only a high-school diploma, and though there are no precise estimates, the wage premium (高出的部分) for an outstanding school seems to be even higher. But that's not true of every student. It's very easy to spend four years majoring in English literature and come out no more employable than you were before you went in. Conversely, chemical engineers straight out of school can easily make almost four times the wages of an entry-level high-sch0ol graduate.H) James Heckman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist, has examined how the returns on education break down for individuals with different backgrounds and levels of ability. "Even with these high prices, you're still finding a high return for individuals who are bright and motivated," he says. On the other hand, "if you're not college ready, then the answer is no, it's not worth it. " Experts tend to agree that for the average student, college is still worth it today, but they also agree that the rapid increase in price is eating up more and more of the potential return. For borderline students, tuition ( 学费) rise can push those returns into negative territory.I) Everyone seems to agree that the government, and parents, should be rethinking how we invest in higher education-and that employers need to rethink the increasing use of college degrees as crude screening tools for jobs that don't really require college skills, "Employers seeing a surplus of college graduates and looking to fill jobs are just adding that requirement," says Vedder. "In fact, a college degree becomes a job requirement for becoming a bar-tender. " J) We have started to see some change on the fmance side. A law passed in 2007 allows many students to cap their loan payment at 10 percent of their income and forgives any balance after 25 years. Bnt of course, that doesn't control the cost of education; it just shifts it to taxpayers. It also encourages gradimtes to choose lower-paying careers, which reduces the financial return to education still further. "You're subsidizing people to become priests and poets and so forth," says Heckman. "You may think that's a good thing, or you may not. " Either way it will be expensive for the government.K) What might be a lot cheaper is putting more kids to work. Caplan notes that work also btfilds valuable skills--probably more valuable for kids who don't naturally love sitting in a classroom. Heckman agrees wholeheartedly:" People are different, and those abilities can be shaped. That's what we've learned, and public policy should recognize that. "L) Heckman would like to see more apprenticeship-style (学徒式) programs, where kids can learn in the workplace learn not just specific job skills, but the kind of "soft skills," like getting to work on time and getting along with a team, that are crucial for career success, "It's abouthaving mentors (指导者) and having workplace-based education," he says. "Time and again I've seen examples of this kind of program working. "M) Ah, but how do we get there from here? With better public policy, hopefully, but also by making better individual decisions. "Historically markets have been able to handle these things," says Vedder, "and I think eventually markets will handle this one. ff it doesn't improve soon, people are going to wake up and ask, 'Why am I going to college?'"46. Caplan suggests that kids who don't love school go to work,47. An increasing number of families spertd more money on houses in a good school district,48. Subsidized loans to college students are a huge waste of money, according to one economist.49. More and more kids find they fare worse with a college diploma,50. For those who are not prepared for higher education, going to College is not worth it.51. Over the years the cost of a college education has increased almost by 100%.52. A law passed recently allows many students to pay no more than one tenth of their income for their college loans.53. Middle-class Americans have highly valued a good education.54. More kids should be encouraged to participate in.programs where they can learn not only job skills but also social skills.55. Over fifty percent of recent college graduates remain unemployed or unable to fred a suitable job.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four Choices marked A), B), C) and D ). You should decide, on the best choice and mark the corresponding batter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.A recent global survey of 2,000 high-net-worth individUalS found that 60% were not planning on a traditional retirement. Among US participants, 75% expected to continue working in some capacity even after stepping away from full-time jobs. "Manyof these people made their wealth by doing sometting they're passionate (有激情的) about,”.says Daniel Egan, head of behavioral finance for Barclays Wealth Americas. " Given the.. choice, they prefer to continue workirtg, " Barclays calls these people"nevertirees."Unlike many Americans compelled into early retirement by company restrictiolls, the average nevertiree often has no one forcing his hand. tf 106-year-old investor Irving Kahn, head of his own family firm, wants to keep coming to work every day, who's going to stop him? Seventy-eight-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's job security is guaranteed in the Constitution.It may seem that these elderly people are trying to cheat death. In fact, they are. And it's working. Howard Friedman, a professor at UC Riverside, found in his research that those who work hardest and are successful in their careers often live the longest lives. "People are generally being given bad advice to slow down, take it easy, stop worrying, and retire to Florida,, he says. He described one study participant, still working at the age of 100, who was. recently disappointed to see his son retire."We're beginning to see a change in how people view retirement," says George LeeSon, codirector of the Institute of Population Ageing at Oxford. Where once ret~rement was seen as a brief reward after a long struggle through some miserable job, it is now akin (近似) to being cast aside, What Leeson terms "the Warren Buffett effect" is becoming more broadly appealing as individuals come to "view retirement as not simply being linked to economic productivity but also about contribution, "Observers are split on whether this is a wholly good thing, On the one hand, companies and financial firms can benefit from the wisdom of a resilient ( 坚韧的 ) chief, On the other, the new generation can find it more difficult to advance--an argument that typically holds little sway to a nevertiree.56. What do we learn about the so-called "nevertiree$" ?A) They are passionate about making a fortune.B) They have no choice but to continue working.C) They love what they do and choose not to retire.D) They will not retire unless they are compelled to.57. What do Irving Kahn and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have in common?A) Neither of them is subject to forced retirement.B) Neither of them desires reward for their work.C) Both cling to their positions despite oppositionD) Both are capable of coping with heavy workloads.58, What is the finding of Howard Friedman's research?A) The harder you work, the bigger your fortune will be.B) The earlier you retire, the healthier you will be.C) Elderly people have to slow down to live longer.D) Working at an advanced age lengthens people's life.59. What is the traditional view of retirement according to the passage?A) It means a burden to the younger generation.B) It is a symbol of a mature and civilized society.C) It is a compensation for one's life-long hard Work.D) It helps increase a nation's economic productivity.60. What do critics say about "nevetfirees" ?A) They are an obstacle to a company's development,B) They lack the creativity of the younger generation.C) They cannot work as efficiently as they used to.D) They prevent young people from getting ahead.Passage TwoQuesUons 61 to 65 are based on the following paassage,When we talk about Americans barely into adulthood who are saddled with uttbearable levels of debt, the conversation is almost always about student loan debt. But there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that today's young adults are also drowning in credit-card debt-and that many of them will take this debt to their graves.More than 20% overspent their income by more than $100 every single month. Since they haven't built up their credit histories yet, it's a safe bet that theae young adults are paying relatively high interest rates on the resulting credit card debt.Although many young people blame "Socializing" a~ a barrier to saving money, most of them aren'tknocking back $ 20 drinks in trendy ( 时尚的) lounges. They're struggling with much more daily financial demands.To a disturbingly large extent, the young and the broke are relying on credit cards to make it until their next payday. This obviously isn't sustainable in the long run, and it's going -to put a huge drag on, their spending power even after they reach their peak earning years, becattse they'll sttll be paying intereston that bottle Of orange juice or box of spaghetti (意式面条) they bOUght a decade earlier.A new study out of Ohio State University found that young adults are accumulating credit card debt at a more rapid rate than other age groups, and that they're slower at paying it off, "If what we found continues to hold true, we may have more elderly people with substantial financial problems in the future," warns Lucia Duma, professor of economics at Ohio State, "If our persist, we may befaced with a financial crisis among elderly ,people who can't pay off their credit cards, " Dunn says a lot of these young people are never going to get out from under their credit card debt."Many people are borrowing on credit cards so heavily that payoff rates at these levels are not sufficient to recover their credit card debt by the end of their life, which could have loss implications for the credit card issuing banks. "61. Wilt is the main idea of the first paragraph?A) Many young Americans will never be able to pay off their debts.B) Credit cards play an increasingly important role in college life.C) Credit cards are doing more harm than student loans.D) The American credit card system is under criticism.62. Why do young people have to pay a higher interest on their credit card debt?A) They tend to forget about the deadlines.B) They haven't developed a credit history,C) They are often unable to pay back in time. -D) They are inexperienced in managing money.63. What is said to be the consequence of young adults relying on credit cards to make ends meet?A) It will place an unnecessary burden on society.B) It will give them no motivation to work hard.C) It will exert psychological pressure on them.D) It will affect their future spending power.64. What will happen to young adults if their credit card debt keeps accumulating according to Lucia Dunn?A) They will have to pay an increasingly higher interest rate.B) They may experience a financial crisis in their old age.C) Their quality of life will be affected.D) Their credit cards may be cancelled.65. What does Lucia Dunn think might be a risk for the credit card issuing banks?A) They go bankrupt as a result of over-lending.B) They lose large numbers of their regular clients.C) Their clients leave their debts unpaid upon death.D) Their interest rates have to be reduced now and then.Part IV Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2,中国结(the Chinese knot)最初是由手工艺人发明的，经过数百年不断的改进，已经成为一种优雅多彩的艺术和工艺。
2013年12月大学英语四级真题及答案
作⽂ 请于正式开考后半⼩时内完成该部分，之后将进⾏听⼒考试 作⽂⼀： For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essaybased on the picture below. You should start your essay with a briefaccount of the impact of the Internet on the way people communicate and thenexplain whether electronic communication can replace face-to-face contact.Youshould write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. “Dear Andy-How are you? Your mother and I are fine.We both miss youand hope you are doing well.We look forward to seeing you again the nest timeyour computer crashes and you come down-stairs for something to eat,Love,Momand Dad.” 作⽂⼆： For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essaybased on the picture below. You should start your essay with a briefaccount of the impact of the Internet on learning and then explain why doesn’t simply mean learning to obtaininformation. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. “Once I learn how to use Google,isn’t thatall the education I really need?” 作⽂三： For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essaybased on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief account of theincreasin,use of the mobile phone in people’s life and explain the Consequence of overusing it. You should write at least 120 words butno more than 180 words. People are crossing the street looking at their cell phones andusing walking sticks in order to see.Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) Section A Directions:In this section,you will hear 8short conversations and 2 long conversations.At the end of eachconversation,one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both theconversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After each questionthere will be a pause.During the pause,you must read the four choices markedA),B),C)and D),and decide which is the best answer,Then mark the correspondingletter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. 注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2013年12月大学英语四级真题及答案解析汇总
2013年12月大学英语四级真题及答案解析汇总一、作文【作文(一)】The Impact of the Mobile Phone in People’s LifeThe thought-provoking drawing mirrors a common phenomenon in contemporary society that there is the negative influence of mobile phone. As is subtly shown in the picture，so many people are too much addicted to cell phones that they use walking sticks to see the road. What a meaningful cartoon!It is to me that indulging in mobile phones produces native influences on body and mind. First and foremost, overusing mobile phones is detrimental to physical health for watching mobiles for a long stretch definitely impairs one’s eyesight. Suppose that a man is addicted in cell phones in whatever situation, it will be very disadvantageous for him to concentrate on his work, learning, or daily life and is very likely to hurt him. Furthermore, overusing cell phones adversely affects state of mind. An addict may stay inside his bubble instead of pursuing other endeavors, which eventually prevents the growth of think skills.It is high time that we took effective measures to curb this trend. I cherish a belief that cell phones themselves are not good or bad and we can benefit a lot from it as long as we take a good control over them.【作文(二)】The Impact of the Internet on the Way People Communicate网络对人们沟通产生的影响Internet does exert such a profound effect on our life that it revolutionizes the way of people’s living and thinking. As is subtly revealed in the portrayal，there are two parents sitting in the front of computer，who are chatting with their child on the internet. What a meaningful picture!From my perspective, the electronic contact cannot replace face to face communication owing to the following factors. To begin with, over-reliance on electronic contact will damage the interpersonal relationship, for the cold machine never replaces a warm-hearted greeting face to face. For example, the aged parents would like their only son who works far away home to come back home more often rather than to talk with him on the internet occasionally. What’s more, face to face communication is preferable because it is beneficial to build a harmonious society, for it attaches more importance on human affection and feelings instead of convenience and speed.Hence, it is necessary for us to use Internet in a reasonable way. After all, Internet isinvented to connect you and me, and to bring conveniences to our life rather than set a barrier to keep people beyond reach. If we want to keep our interpersonal relationship more effectively, we should spend more time with them face to face in real life. Only in this way can we not only make full use of the communication tool on the net but also make our relationship tighter.二、听力测试【四级听力短对话】Question 1M: After high school, I’d lik e to go to college and major in business administration.W: But I’d rather spend my college days finding out how children learn.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Question 2W: Is everything ready for the conference?M: The only thing left to do is set up the microphones and speakers. They'll be here in a few minutes.Q: What preparations have yet to be made?Question 3W: Is it almost time to go home now? I'm so tired. I can hardly see straight.M: Just a few more minutes, then we can go.Q: What is the woman’s problem?Question 4W: I'm not sure what I’m in a mood for. Ice-cream or sandwiches? They are both really good here.M: The movie starts in an hour. And we still have to get there and park. So just make a decision.Q: What does the man mean?Question 5W: Tom said he would come to repair our solar heater when he has time.M: He often says he is willing to help, but he never seems to have time.Q: What does the man imply about Tom?Question 6W: So you know that Sam turns down the job offered by the travel agency.M: Yes. The hours were convenient. But if he had accepted it, he wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?Question 7M: Could you tell me a bit about the business your company is doing?W: We mainly deal with large volume buyers from western countries and our products have been well received.Q: What business is the woman’s company doing?Question 8W: Yesterday I made reservations for my trip to Miami next month.M: You must really be looking forward to it. You haven’t had any time off for at least two years.Q: What is the woman going to do?【四级听力长对话原文1】M: Excuse me, I need some information about some of the towns near here.W: What would you like to know?M: Well, first, I'd like directions to go to Norwalk. I believe there is an interesting museum there. It isn't far, is it?W: No, not at all. Norwalk is about eighteen miles east of here on Route 7. And you're right. It's a wonderful little museum.M: Oh good. Now what about Amitsville? I have some friends. I'd like to visit there and I also want to get to Newton. They are near each other, aren't they?W: Hmm... well, they are actually in opposite directions. Amitsville is northeast. It's about thirty five miles northeast of here.M: Huh-uh, thirty five miles northeast. And how about Newton?W: Well, Newton is in the other direction. It's southwest, so it isn't really very close to Amitsville at all and it's a long drive. It's about fifty five miles southwest from here and the road is not at all straight.M: Fifty five miles southwest! Well, maybe I won't go there this time.W: I'd recommend visiting Westfield or Great Town. They are both very close. Westfield is just seven miles west of here and Great Town is about five miles south. They are really pretty little towns with lots of old houses and beautiful tree-lined streets.M: I see. Seven miles west to Westfield and five miles south to Great Town. Good. Well, I think that's all the information I need for a while. Thank you. You've been very helpful.W: You're welcome, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay.Q9: What does the man know about Norwalk?Q10: What does the woman say about Amitsville and Newton?Q11: What do we learn about Westfield and Great Town?【四级听力长对话原文2】M: Err... Sandra, I've finished with Mr. Gordon now. Do you think you could pop through in bringing me up-to-date on their arrangements for the Italian trip?W: Certainly, Mr. Wilkinson. I'll bring everything with me.M: Right, take a seat. Now my first meeting is when?W: Your first meeting is on Monday the 21st at 9a.m. with Dr. Gucci of Bancos en Piedra in Milan.M: OK, so can I fly out early Monday morning?W: Well, there is a flight to Lenarty Airport which leaves at six thirty London time and gets in at eight thirty Italian time.M: Yeah, but that only leaves me thirty minutes to clear customs in getting to the city center and it means I have to check in by five thirty, which means leaving home at about four fifteen.W: I'm afraid so.M: Hmm... not so keen on that. What's the program for the rest of that day?W: It's quite full, I'm afraid. At eleven, you're seeing Jeana Rivard at Meg Star and then you'll have a lunch engagement with Gaven from the Chamber of Commerce at one.M: Where's that?W: You're meeting him at his office and then he's taking you somewhere.M: Good, that sounds fine. What about the afternoon?W: Well, at three thirty, you're seeing our sales representative there and then you're free till evening.M: I see. I seem to remember that I'm having a dinner with someone from Bergamo.W: That's right. And Mr. Betty from SAP Industries at eight.Q12: What would the man like the woman to do?Q13: At what time is Mr. Wilkinson going to leave home for the airport?Q14: Who is Mr. Wilkinson going to have a lunch with on Monday?Q15: What is most probably the woman's job?【听力短文】Listening Passage 1Donna Fredrick’s served with the Peace Corps for two years in Brazil. She joined the Peace Corps after she graduated from the college because she wanted to do something to help other people. She had been brought up on a farm, so the Peace Corps assigned her to a agricultural project. Before she went to Brazil, she studied Portuguese for three months. She also learnt a great deal about its history and culture. During her two years with the Peace Corps, Donna lived in a village in northeast Brazil. That part of Brazil is very dry and farming is often difficult there. Donna helped the people of the village to organise an arrigation project, and she also advised them on planting corps. They didn’t require much water. When Donna returned to the States, she couldn’t settle down. She tried several jobs, but they seemed very boring to her. She couldn’t get Brazil out of her mind. Finally, one day she got on an plane and went back to Brazil. She wasn’t sure what she’s going to do. She just wanted to be there. After a few weeks, Donna found a job as an English te acher, teaching five classes a day. Like most of the teachers, she doesn’t make much money. She shares a small apartment with another teacher. And she makes a little extra money by sending stories to newspapers in the States. Eventually she wants to quit teaching andwork as a full-time journalist.Question 16Why did Donna join the Peace Corps after she graduated from college?Question 17What was Donna assigned to do in Brazil?Question 18Why did Donna go back to Brazil once again?Question 19How did Donna make extra money to support herself?Listening Passage 2Results of a recent Harry’s pool on free time showed that the average work week for many Americans is 50 hours. With the time spent eating, sleeping and taking care of the household duties, there’s little time left for leisure activities for many Americans. However, having free time to relax and pursue hobbies is important. People need time away from the pressures of study or work to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. In many countries free time is spent in different ways. The results of a Harry’s pool showed that reading was the most popular spare time activity in the US. This was followed by watching TV. In a UK survey on leisure time activities, watching TV and videos was the most popular. Listening to the radio came second. In a similar survey conducted in Japan, the most popular free time activity was eating out. The second most popular activity was driving. There were also differences in the most popular outdoor pursuits between the three countries. The most popular outdoor activity for Americans was gardening. In the UK, it was going to the pub. In Japan, going to bars ranked eighth in popularity and gardening ranked ninth. Although people around the world may enjoy doing similar things in their free time, there’s evidence to suggest that these interests are changing. In the US, for example, the popularity of computer activities is increasing. Many more people in the States are spending their free time surfing the web, emailing friends or playing games online.Question 20What is the recent Harry Pole about?Question 21What was the most popular leisure activity in the US?Question 22What was the most popular outdoor pursuit in the UK?Listening Passage 3On March 13th, while on duty Charles Mclaughlin, a very careless driver employed by the company Lummis was involved in another accident. The accident occurred in Riverside California. Not paying attention to his driving, Mclaughlin turned right on main street and 33rd street and hit Volkswagen rabbit. This caused minor damage to his truck and serious damage to the car. On the basis of the police report, the Lummis accident committee correctly determined that Mclaughlin had been quite careless. As a result of the committee’s conclusion, the branch manager Mr. David Rossi reported that he had talked with Mclaughlin about his extremely poor driving record. Further evidence of Mclaughlin's irresponsibility occurred on May 6th when he was returning from his shift. That day he ran into a roll-up door at the Lummis facility in Valero, causing significant damage to the door. Damage to the truck, however, was minor. Finally, on June 7th, Mclaughlin once again demonstrated his carelessness by knocking down seve ral mail boxes near the edge of the company’s parking lot. There was damage to the mailboxes and minor damage to the truck. Mr. David Rossi stated that he had spoken with Mclaughlin on several occasions about his driving record. He added that he had warned Mclaughlin that three preventable accidents in one year could lead to his discharge, as indeed it should.23. What did the Lummis accident committee find out about the accident that occurred on March 13th?24. What did Mclaughlin do on June 7th near t he edge of the company’s parking lot?25. What is most probably going to happen to Mclaughlin?【听力填空】：When Captain Cook asked the chiefs in Tahiti why they always ate apart and alone, they replied, “Because it is right.” If we ask Americans why they eat with knives and forks, or why their men wear pants instead of skirts or why they may be married to only one person at a time, we are likely to get similar and very uninformative answers because it’s right, because that’s the way it’s done, because it’s the custom or even I don’t know. The reason for these and countless other patterns of social behavior is that they are controlled by social norms shared rules or guide lines which prescribe the behavior that is appropriate in a given situation. Norms define how people ought to behave under particular circumstances in a particular society. We conform to norms so readily that we are hardly aware they exist. In fact we are much more likely to notice departures from norms than conformity to them. You will not be surprised if a stranger tried to shake hands when you were introduced, but you might be a little startled if they bowed, started to stroke you or kissed you on both cheeks. Yet each of these other forms of greeting is appropriate in other parts of the world. When we visit another society whose norms are different, we quickly become aware that things we do this way, they do that way.听力参考答案1-8 CACBA BDA9-11 CAB12-15 DADC16-19 暂无20-22 DAC23-25 ABD26-35 In addition; software; available; individuals; technological; manufacture; In short; By contrast; scientific; quantity三、选词填空【版本一】36. worsens37. experience38. specialized39. additional40.qualifies41. graduates42. trained43. demand44. tension45. view【版本二】36-45 N site、L rare、I honoring、F different、D current、C covers、J hope、M realistic、H fast四、阅读理解【长篇阅读】46-55 kcebh djclf【仔细阅读】第一篇56-60 cadcd 第二篇61-65abdbc五、翻译【翻译原文一】信息技术(Information Technology)，正在飞速发展，中国公民也越来越重视信息技术，有些学校甚至将信息技术作为必修课程，对这一现象大家持不同观点。
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第三套)
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第三套）Part I Writing （30 minutes）Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people’s life and then explain the consequences of overusing it. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension （30 minutes）Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A）, B）, C）and D）, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1. A）He has proved to be a better reader than the woman.B）He has difficulty understanding the book.C）He cannot get access to the assigned book.D）He cannot finish his assignment before the deadline.2. A）She will drive the man to the supermarket.B）The man should buy a car of his own.C）The man needn’t go shopping every week.D）She can pick the man up at the grocery store.3. A）Get more food and drinks. C）Tidy up the place.B）Ask his friend to come over. D）Hold a party.4. A）The talks can be held any day except this Friday.B）He could change his schedule to meet John Smith.C）The first-round talks should start as soon as possible.D）The woman should contact John Smith first.5. A）He understands the woman’s feelings.B）He has gone through a similar experience.C）The woman should have gone on the field trip.D）The teacher is just following the regulations.6. A）She will meet the man halfway. C）She will ask David to talk less.B）She is sorry the man will not come. D）She has to invite David to the party.7. A）Few students understand Prof. Johnson’s lectures.B）Few students meet Prof. Johnson’s requirements.C）Many students find Prof. Johnson’s lectures boring.D）Many students have dropped Prof. Johnson’s class.8. A）Check their computer files. C）Study a computer program.B）Make some computations. D）Assemble a computer.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A）It allows him to make a lot of friends. C）It enables him to apply theory to practice.B）It requires him to work long hours. D）It helps him understand people better. 10. A）It is intellectually challenging.B）It requires him to do washing-up all the time.C）It exposes him to oily smoke all day long.D）It demands physical endurance and patience.11. A）In a hospital. C）At a laundry.B）At a coffee shop. D）In a hotel.12. A）Getting along well with colleagues. C）Planning everything in advance.B）Paying attention to every detail. D）Knowing the needs of customers.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13. A）The pocket money British children get.B）The annual inflation rate in Britain.C）The things British children spend money on.D）The rising cost of raising a child in Britain.14. A）It enables children to live better. C）It often rises higher than inflation.B）It goes down during economic recession. D）It has gone up 25% in the past decade.15. A）Save up for their future education. C）Buy their own shoes and socks.B）Pay for small personal things. D）Make donations when necessary.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A）, B）, C）and D）. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A）District managers. C）Sales directors.B）Regular customers. D）Senior clerks.17. A）The support provided by the regular clients.B）The initiative shown by the sales representatives.C）The urgency of implementing the company’s plans.D）The important part played by district managers.18. A）Some of them were political-minded. C）One third of them were senior managers.B）Fifty percent of them were female. D）Most of them were rather conservative. 19. A）He used too many quotations. C）He did not keep to the point.B）He was not gender sensitive. D）He spent too much time on details.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A）State your problem to the head waiter.B）Demand a discount on the dishes ordered.C）Ask to see the manager politely but firmly.D）Ask the name of the person waiting on you.21. A）Your problem may not be understood correctly.B）You don’t know if you are complaining at the right time.C）Your complaint may not reach the person in charge.D）You can’t tell how the person on the line is reacting.22. A）Demand a prompt response. C）Send it by express mail.B）Provide all the details. D）Stick to the point.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A）Fashion designer. C）City planner.B）Architect. D）Engineer.24. A）Do some volunteer work. C）Work flexible hours.B）Get a well-paid part-time job. D）Go back to her previous post.25. A）Few baby-sitters can be considered trustworthy.B）It will add to the family’s financial burden.C）A baby-sitter is no replacement for a mother.D）The children won’t get along with a baby-sitter.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Almost every child, on the first day he sets foot in a school building, is smarter, more curious, less afraid of what he doesn’t know, better at finding and （26）__________, more confident, resourceful （机敏的）, persistent and （27）__________ than he will ever be again in his3锐博教育schooling—or, unless he is very unusual and very lucky, for the rest of his life. Already, by paying close attention to and （28）__________ the world and people around him, and without any school-type （29）__________ instruction, he has done a task far more difficult, complicated and （30）__________ than anything he will be asked to do in school, or than any of his teachers has done for years. He has solved the （31）__________ of language. He has discovered it—babies don’t even know that language exists—and he has found out how it works and learnt to use it （32）__________. He has done it by exploring, by experimenting, by developing his own model of the grammar of language, by （33）__________ and seeing whether it works, by gradually changing it and （34）__________ it until it does work. And while he has been doing this, he has been learning other things as well, including many of the （35）__________ that the schools think only they can teach him, and many that are more complicated than the ones they do try to teach him.Part III Reading Comprehension （40 minutes）Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.The mobile phone is a magic device widely used these days. Although it has been nearly 30 years since the first commercial mobile-phone network was launched, advertisers have yet to figure out how to get their ___36___ out to mobile-phone users in a big way. There are 2.2 billion cell-phone users worldwide, a ___37___ that is growing by about 25% each year. Yet spending on ads carried over cell-phone networks last year ___38___ to just $1.5 billion worldwide, a fraction of the $424 billion global ad market.But as the number of eyeballs glued to ___39___ screens multiplies, so too does the mobile phone’s value as a pocket billboard （广告牌）. Consumers are ___40___ using their phones for things other than voice calls, such as text messaging, downloading songs and games, and ___41___ the Internet. By 2010, 70 million Asians are expected to be watching videos and TV programs on mobile phones. All of these activities give advertisers ___42___ options for reaching audiences. During soccer’s World Cup last summer, for example, Adidas used real-time scores and games to ___43___ thousands of fans to a website set up for mobile-phone access. “Our target audience was males aged 17 to 25,”says Marcus Spurrell, Adidas regional manager for Asia. “Their mobiles are always on, always in their pocket—you just can’t ___44___ cell phones as an advertising tool.”Mobile-phone marketing has become as ___45___ a platform as TV, online or print.A）accessing I）increasinglyB）amounted J）messagesC）approaching K）patientlyD）attract L）tinyE）casual M）totalF）characters N）violatedG）fresh O）vitalH）ignoreSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.A Mess on the Ladder of SuccessA） Throughout American history there has almost always been at least one central economic narrative that gave the ambitious or unsatisfied reason to pack up and seek their fortune elsewhere. For the first 300 or so years of European settlement, the story was about moving outward: getting immigrants to the continent and then to the frontier to clear the prairies （大草原）, drain the wetlands and build new cities.B） By the end of the 19th century, as the frontier vanished, the US had a mild panic attack. What would this energetic, enterprising country be without new lands to conquer? Some people, such as Teddy Roosevelt, decided to keep on conquering （Cuba, the Philippines, etc.）, but eventually, in industrialization, the US found a new narrative of economic mobility at home. From the 1890s to the 1960s, people moved from farm to city, first in the North and then in the South. In fact, by the 1950s, there was enough prosperity and white-collar work that many began to move to the suburbs. As the population aged, there was also a shift from the cold Rust Belt to the comforts of the Sun Belt. We think of this as an old person’s migration, but it created many jobs for the young in construction and health care, not to mention tourism, retail and restaurants.C） For the last 20 years—from the end of the cold war through two burst bubbles in a single decade—the US has been casting about for its next economic narrative. And now it is experiencing another period of panic, which is bad news for much of the workforce but particularly for its youngest members.D） The US has always been a remarkably mobile country, but new data from the Census Bureau indicate that mobility has reached its lowest level in recorded history. Sure, some people are stuck in homes valued at less than their mortgages （抵押贷款）, but many young people—who don’t own homes and don’t yet have families—are staying put, too. This suggests, among other things, that people aren’t packing up for new economic opportunities the way they used to. Rather than dividing the country into the 1 percenters versus （与……相对）everyone else, the split in our economy is really between two other classes: the mobile and immobile.E）Part of the problem is that the country’s largest industries are in decline. In the past, it was perfectly clear where young people should go for work （Chicago in the 1870s, Detroit in the 1910s, Houston in the 1970s）and, more or less, what they’d be doing when they got there （killing cattle, building cars, selling oil）. And these industries were large enough to offer jobs to5锐博教育each class of worker, from unskilled laborer to manager or engineer. Today, the few bright spots in our economy are relatively small （though some promise future growth）and decentralized. There are great jobs in Silicon Valley, in the biotech research capitals of Boston and Raleigh-Durham and in advanced manufacturing plants along the southern I-85 corridor. These companies recruit all over the country and the globe for workers with specific abilities. （You don’t need to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, to get a job in one of the microhubs （微中心）, by the way. But you will almost certainly need at least a B.A. in computer science or a year or two at a technical school.）This newer, select job market is national, and it offers members of the mobile class competitive salaries and higher bargaining power.F）Many members of the immobile class, on the other hand, 1ive in the America of the gloomy headlines. If you have no specialized skills, there’s little reason to uproot to another state and be the last in line for a low-paying job at a new auto plant or a green-energy startup. The surprise in the census （普查）data, however, is that the immobile workforce is not limited to unskilled workers. In fact, many have a college degree.G） Until now, a B.A. in any subject was a near-guarantee of at least middle-class wages. But today, a quarter of college graduates make less than the typical worker without a bachelor’s degree. David Autor, a prominent labor economist at M.I.T., recently told me that a college degree alone is no longer a guarantor of a good job. While graduates from top universities are still likely to get a good job no matter what their major is, he said, graduates from less-famous schools are going to be judged on what they know. To compete for jobs on a national level, they should be armed with the skills that emerging industries need, whether technical or not.H） Those without such specialized skills—like poetry, or even history, majors—are already competing with their neighbors for the same sorts of second-rate, poorer-paying local jobs like low-level management or big-box retail sales. And with the low-skilled labor market atomized into thousands of microeconomies, immobile workers are less able to demand better wages or conditions or to acquire valuable skills.I）So what, exactly, should the ambitious young worker of today be learning? Unfortunately, it’s hard to say, since the US doesn’t have one clear national project. There are plenty of emerging, smaller industries, but which ones are the most promising? （Nanotechnology’s（纳米技术）moment of remarkable growth seems to have been 5 years into the future for something like 20 years now.）It’s not clear exactly what skills are most needed or if they will even be valuable in a decade.J）What is clear is that all sorts of government issues—education, health-insurance portability, worker retraining—are no longer just bonuses to already prosperous lives but existential requirements. It’s in all of our interests to make sure that as many people as possible are able to move toward opportunity, and America’s ability to invest people and money in exciting new ideas is still greater than that of most other wealthy countries. （As recently as five years ago, US migration was twice the rate of European Union states.）That, at least, is some comfort at a time when our national economy seems to be searching for its next story line.46. Unlike in the past, a college degree alone does not guarantee a good job for its holder.47. The census data is surprising in that college graduates are also among the immobile workforce.48. New figures released by the government show that Americans today are less mobile than everbefore.49. The migration of old people from cold to warm places made many jobs available to the young.50. America is better at innovation than most other rich nations.51. Early American history is one of moving outward.52. Young people don’t know what to learn because it is hard to predict what skills are most needed or valued ten years from now.53. Computer or other technical skills are needed to get a well-paying job in high-tech or advanced manufacturing.54. When the frontier vanished about a century ago, America found new economic mobility in industrialization.55. America today can be divided into two classes: those who move and those who don’t.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A）, B）, C）and D）. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.A new study shows a large gender gap on economic policy among the nation’s professional economists, a divide similar to the gender divide found in the general public.“As a group, we are pro-market,”says Ann Mari May, co-author of the study and a University of Nebraska economist. “But women are more likely to accept government regulation and involvement in economic activity than our male colleagues.”“It’s very puzzling,”says free market economist Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. “Not a day goes by that I don’t ask myself why there are so few women economists on the free market side.”A native of France, de Rugy supported government intervention （干预）early in her life but changed her mind after studying economics. “We want many of the same things as liberals—less poverty, more health care—but have radically different ideas on how to achieve it.”Liberal economist Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic Policy and Research, says male economists have been on the inside of the profession, confirming each other’s anti-regulation views. Women, as outsiders, “are more likely to think independently or at least see people outside of the economics profession as forming their peer group,” he says.The gender balance in economics is changing. One-third of economics doctorates （博士学位）now go to women. “More diversity is needed at the table when public policy is discussed,”May says.Economists do agree on some things. Female economists agree with men that Europe has too much regulation and that Wal-mart is good for society. Male economists agree with their female colleagues that military spending is too high.The genders are most divorced from each other on the question of equality for women. Male7锐博教育economists overwhelmingly think the wage gap between men and women is largely the result of individuals’ skills, experience and voluntary choices. Female economists overwhelmingly disagree by a margin of 4-to-1.The biggest disagreement: 76% of women say faculty opportunities in economics favor men. Male economists point the opposite way: 80% say women are favored or the process is neutral.56. What is the finding of the new study?A）The gender divide is a big concern of the general public.B）Men and women understand economics quite differently.C）The gap between male and female economists needs to be closed.D）Male and female economists disagree widely on economic policy.57. What does Ann Mari May say about female economists?A）They are strongly against male domination in the economics profession.B）They tend to support government intervention in economic activity.C）They usually play an active role in public policy-making.D）They are mostly strong advocates of free market economy.58. What do we learn about economist Veronique de Rugy?A）She represents most female economists’ standpoint.B）She devotes herself to eliminating women’s poverty.C）Her study of economics changed her view on government’s role in economic activities.D）Her academic background helped her get into the inner circle of the economics profession.59. What does Ann Mari May imply about public policy-making?A）More female economists should get involved.B）It should do justice to female economists’ studies.C）More attention should be paid to women’s rights.D）It should aim at sustainable development.60. On what issue do male and female economists differ most?A）Government regulation. C）Military spending.B）Job creation. D）Gender equality.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.The number of postgraduate students travelling from non-EU countries to study at UK universities has fallen for the first time in 16 years, fuelling fears that the government’s immigration crackdown is discouraging thousands of the brightest students from continuing their studies in Britain.Jo Beall, British Council director of education and society, said the fall would cause alarm among UK vice-chancellors（大学行政主管）. “The sector was expecting a decline in growth, but the actual reduction in postgraduate numbers is of real concern as international students make up the majority of numbers in many postgraduate courses and research teams in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”“Attracting the brightest and most ambitious postgraduate and research students is critical if the UK is to maintain its quality reputation for research,” Beall said.Universities get a third of their tuition （学费）fee revenue from non-EU students. There is growing fear among vice-chancellors that this revenue—as well as the cultural, academic and economic benefit international students bring—is being put at risk.Tim Westlake, director for the student experience at Manchester University, said students whose families relied on them working in the UK after their studies to gain experience and repay the fees were starting to look elsewhere.Last month the home secretary, Theresa May, announced that embassy staff would interview more than 100,000 applicants in an attempt to prevent bogus（假冒的）ones entering the country. She also said immigrants were responsible for pushing up UK house prices. The comments followed the introduction of new limitations on students’right to work during and after their studies.Beall said: “Government statistics for the first time provide real evidence that the changes to UK visa regulations may have discouraged many students from applying to the UK, and in particular postgraduate students who are so important to the UK’s research output. The UK enjoys an excellent reputation around the world for the high quality of our education system, so the government needs to ensure that institutions have all the support they need to attract international students who make a tremendous academic, cultural and economic contribution to the UK.”61. What has caused the decline of the number of non-EU postgraduates in the UK?A）The increase in tuition and fees. C）Changed immigration policies.B）The ever-rising living expenses. D）Universities’ tightened budgets.62. What is UK vice-chancellors’ biggest concern?A）How to obtain financial support from the government.B）How to keep the academic reputation of their institutions.C）How to prevent bogus applicants entering their universities.D）How to stimulate the creativity of their research teams.63. Why do UK universities try to attract postgraduate students from outside the EU?A）A substantial part of their revenue comes from non-EU students’ tuition and fees.B）Non-EU postgraduate students are usually highly motivated.C）The number of UK postgraduate students has fallen sharply.D）Some of the postgraduate programmes are specially designed for non-EU students. 64. What were the expectations of some non-EU students’ families?A）Their children could enjoy the UK’s cultural benefits.B）Their children could find well-paying jobs upon their return.C）Their children could become established academically.D）Their children could work in the UK after graduation.65. What does Beall suggest the UK government should do?A）Allow promising international students to work in research teams.B）Revise UK visa regulations to accommodate non-EU students.C）Give universities adequate support to attract non-EU students.D）Try to address the needs of international students in the UK.Part IV Translation （30 minutes）9锐博教育Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.“你要茶还是要咖啡？”是用餐人常被问到的问题。
2013年12月大学英语四级考试阅读理解真题及答案详解(全套)
2013年12月大学英语四级考试阅读理解真题及答案（全套）——幸福就好我亦安2013年12月大学英语四级考试阅读理解真题（一）【阅读】Section CDirections： There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.In recent years, a growing body of research has shown that our appetite and food intake are influenced by a large number of factors besides our biological need for energy, including our eating environment and our perception of the food in front of us.Studies have shown, for instance, that eating in front of the TV (or a similar distraction) can increase both hunger and the amount of food consumed. Even simple visual cues, like plate size and lighting, have been shown to affect portion size and consumption.A new study suggested that our short-term memory also may play a role in appetite. Several hours after a meal, people's hunger levels were predicted not by how much they’d eaten but rather by how much food they'd seen in front of them—in other words, how much they remembered eating.This disparity (盖弃）suggests the memory of our previous meal may have a bigger influence on our appetite than the actual size of the meal, says Jeffrey M. Brunstrom, a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Bristol."Hunger isn't controlled solely by the physical characteristics of a recent meal. We have identified an independent role for memory for that meal，" Brunstrom says."This shows that the relationship between hunger and food intake is more complex than we thought."These findings echo earlier research that suggests our perception of food can sometimes trick our body’s response to the food itself. In a 2011 study, for instance, people who drank the same 3S0-calorie (卡路里）milkshake on two separate occasions produced different levels of hunger-related hormones （荷尔蒙），depending on whether the shake’s label said it contained 620 or 140 calories. Moreover, the participants reported feeling more full when they thought they'd consumed a higher-calorie shake.What does this mean for our eating habits? Although it hardly seems practical to trick ourselves into eating less, the new findings do highlight the benefits of focusing on our food and avoiding TV and multitasking while eating.The so-called mindful-eating strategies can fight distractions and help us control our appetite, Brunstrom says.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题.答案详解
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题（多题多卷标准卷）Part I Writing【写作题一】The Impact of the Internet on the Way PeopleCommunicateIt is vividly depicted in the cartoon given above that there are a couple in front of a computer looking at the screen. With his wife standing behind, the man is writing an E-mail to tell their son how they miss him.The cartoon mirrors that the Internet has exerted a great influence on the way of people’s communication. People used to communicate face to face or write letters. Currently, those who tend to pay more attention to electronic communication than to face-to-face contact often argue that these ways of communication are more convenient and can save them time. However, when we chat with others online, we cannot convey our feelings fully. In addition, communicating through electronic tools tend to weaken the affection between people. And it will be likely to make people solitary or depressed. In the age of information, more and morepeople will inevitably communicate with each other via the Internet. However, as a family, we should learn to communicate face to face happily and frequently, because we will sooner or later face the fact that the electronic communication can’t replace face-to-face contact.【写作题二】The Impact of the Internet on LearningIt is apparently depicted in the cartoon given above that while a teacher wants to give a quiz to a little boy who is holding a cell phone in his hand and says: “Once I learn how to use Google, isn’t that all the education I really need?”The teacher seems to be quite embarrassed and shocked after hearing her student’s naïve question.The cartoon vividly mirrors one of the problems in our lives that the Internet has exerted a great influence on people’s learning. We can acquire relevant knowledge and information rapidly and precisely via search engines, professional websites and onlineeducation. However, education does not simply mean learning to obtain information. Leaning basic hands-on skills, traveling with classmates, participating in social activities and fulfilling a project with our teamwork can also be effective and indispensable forms. All of these maybe can not be achieved by obtaining information from Internet alone.Therefore, we should not ignore those traditional, essential and prevailing forms of education when we surf the web and speak highly of convenience of the Internet education in the age of information.Part II Listening Comprehension【答案】1-5: C A C B A 6-10: B D A C A 11-15:B D A D C16-20: A B D B C 21-25: A C D B A26. In addition 27. software 28. available 29. individuals 30. technological31. manufacture 32. In short 33. By contrast 34. scientific 35. quantitySection A1. W: I’d like to take a trip to Florida for my spring break, can you give me any idea where to go?M: I could tell you about the places I visited, but I think you’d better look up a travel agency to help with the arrangements.Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?2. M: I’m really tired of driving at night. Even though the traffic seems fine.W: I see. Let’s stop for some food and then find a motel nearby, so we can start early tomorrow.Q: What do we learn about the speaker?3. M: Jeff’s got a lot of good ideas. Do you think he is willing to come to the meeting?W: Oh I think he’d be glad to come, but what’s difficult is getting the guy to speak before a large crowd.Q: What does the woman imply about Jeff?4. W: I hear you are leaving the company and going back to school this year.M: Yes, I’m enrolled in a graduate program in public administration.Q: What is the man going to do?5. W: Have you applied for the Art director position?M: No, I’d like to. But the job starts on the first of May and I wouldn’t be available until Jane.Q: What does the man mean?6. W: Will my car be ready by the end of the day?M: It should be. I’ll call if there are any problems. We are open until 6.Q: What is probably the man’s job?7. W: I have a big paper due Monday, but I promise Laura we’d be clean the apartment this weekend. Whatam I going to do?M: Why don’t you just see if Laura can wait for a week or two?Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?8. W: Construction on the bridge has really slowed the traffic.M: I know. Since they started working the time it takes me get to work has doubled.Q: What are the speakers talking about?Conversation OneW: Sales department, Can I help you?M: Oh, yes, I hop so. My name is Kings Bruce of GPF Ltd. We need some supplies for our design office.W: I see. What sort of things are you looking for, Mr. Kings Bruce?M: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.W: Well, in the standard range, we have the D044, and the D045 models.M: Oh, what’s the difference between them?W: Well, the D045 has its own mending system and it does cost slightly more as a result.M: S0o what is the total price?W: For the D045 it is 387 ponds 50 cents.M: And did that include the value added tax?W: Oh, yes!M: Can you tell me how long does it take to deliver?W: I can’t give a definite date now, I am afraid, because it depends on the other orders we have to get out. But it will certainly be within 3 weeks.M: OI, now we also want some drawing paints, ink and correction fluid and some drawing paper.W: Ah, now the lady who deals with drawing office supplies isn’t here this morning I am afraid. But I could ask her to give you a ring this afternoon if you like.M: Oh, yes, thank you.W: What is your telephone number?M: It is writing. That is code 0734, 21653-51.W: Ok. I’ll get Miss Thomson to ring you this afternoon. Now would you like me to place your order for one D045 drawing board?M: Yes, please. You’ve been most helpful. Good bye.W: Good bye!Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.Wha t’s the man’s purpose in making the telephone call?10.What can’t the man order the other drawing office supplies right now?11.What’s the man’s telephone number?Conversation TwoW: Daves, ever since he moved into his own apartment, he’s been losing weight. He really doesn’t look well at all, probably not eating enough.W: Well, anyway how is Tim these days?M: Tim? Oh, Tim has me worried too. He is really getting much too fat. He needs to lose about 75 pounds now.W: That’s a lot of weight to lose. What does Tim eat?M: I really don’t know. But I am sure he is eating too much cake and candy.W: Well, did tell you Mark doesn’t eat any meat now? He only eats vegetables and fruit.M: Tha t’s probably why he is so thin. Does he smoke?W: About two packs of cigarettes a day. That’s my son, a smoking vegetarian.M: En, if he stops smoking, he will win weight. I know he would. Tim put on a lot of weight, when he stops smoking. W: Does Tim play any sports?M: Play sports?! Oh, mine! I keep telling him “Tim dear, you really need to get some exercise.” And do you know what he does? He just gets angry.W: I know Mark doesn’t take exercise, either.M: Did you tell him?W: Of course, but you know what it is like being a mother of a 30-year-old boy. They just don’t think they need your advice any more. I wish Mark could find a nice girl friend to relax and have fun with. I heard Tim has a girl friend at last. That’s wonderful.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.When did Mark start losing weight according to the woman?13.Why is the man worried about Tim?14.What do Tim and Mark have in common?15.What is the woman’s wish for Mark?Section BPassage OneDonna Fredrick’s served with the Peace Corps for two years in Brazil. She joined the Peace Corps after she graduated from the college because she wanted to do something to help other people. She had been brought up on a farm, so the Peace Corps assigned her to an agricultural project. Before she went to Brazil, she studied Portuguese for three months. She also learnt a great deal about its history and culture. During her two years with the Peace Corps, Donna lived in a village in northeastern Brazil. That part of Brazil is very dry and farming is often difficult there. Donna helped the people of the village to organize an irrigation project, and she also advised them on planting crops that didn’t require much water. When Donna returned to the States, she couldn’t settle down. She tried several jobs, but they seemed very boring to her. She couldn’t get Brazil out of her mind. Finally, one day she got on a plane and went back to Brazil. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do. She just wanted to be there. After a few weeks, Donna found a job as an English teacher, teaching five classes a day. Like most of the teachers, she doesn’t make much money. She shares a small apartment with another teacher. And she makes a little extra money by sending stories to newspapers in the States. Eventually she wants to quit teaching and work as a fulltime journalist.Questions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.Why did Donna join the Peace Corps after she graduated from college?17.What was Donna assigned to do in Brazil?18.Why did Donna go back to Brazil once again?19.How did Donna make extra money to support herself?Passage TwoResults of a recent Harry’s poll on free time showed that the average work week for many Americans is 50 hours. With the time spent eating, sleeping and taking care of household duties, there’s little time left for leisure activities for many Americans. However, having free time to relax and pursue hobbies is important. People need time away from the pressure of study or work to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. In different countries free time is spent in different ways. The results of the Harry’s poll showed that reading was the most popular spare time activity in the US. This was followed by watching TV. In a UK survey on leisure time activities, watching TV and videos was the most popular. Listening to the radio came second. In a similar survey conducted in Japan, the most popular free time activity was eating out. The second most popular activity was driving. There were also differences in the most popular outdoor pursuits between the three countries. The most popular outdoor activity for Americans was gardening. In the UK, it was going to the pub. In Japan, going to bars ranked eighth in popularity and gardening ranked ninth. Although people around the world may enjoy doing similar things in their free time, there’s evidence to suggest that these interests are changing. In the US, for example, the popularity of computer activities is increasing. Many more people in the States are spending their free time surfing the web, emailing friends or playing games online.Questions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20.What is the recent Harry’s poll mainly about?21.What was the most popular leisure activity in the US?22.What was the most popular outdoor pursuit in the UK?Passage ThreeOn March 13th, while on duty Charles McLaughlin, a very careless driver employed by the company Lummis was involved in another accident. The accident occurred in Riverside California. Not paying attention to his driving, McLaughlin turned right on main street and 33rd street and hit V olkswagen Rabbit. This caused minor damage to his truck and serious damage to the car. On the basis of the police report, the Lummis accident committee correctly determined that McLaughlin had been quite careless. As a result of the committee’s conclusion, the branch manager Mr. David Rossi reported that they had talked with McLaughlin about his extremely poor driving record. Further evidence of McLaughlin’s irresponsibility occurred on May 6th when he was returning from his shift. That day he ran into a roll-up door at the Lummis facility in Valero, causingsignificant damage to the door. Damage to the truck, however, was minor. Finally, on June 7th, McLaughlin once again demonstrated his carelessness by knocking down several mail boxes near the edge of the company’s parking lot. There was damage to the mailboxes and minor damage to the truck. Mr. David Rossi stated that he had spoken with McLaughlin on several occasions about his driving record. He added that he had warned McLaughlin that three preventable accidents in one year could lead to his discharge, as indeed it should. Questions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.What did the Lummis accident committee find out about the accident that occurred on March 13th?24.What did McLaughlin do on June 7th near the edge of the company’s parking lot?25.What is most probably going to happen to McLaughlin?Section CMany college students today won personal computers that cost anywhere from $1,000 to perhaps $5,000 or more. (26) In addition, it is not uncommon for them to purchase (27) software costing another several hundred dollars. Twenty years ago, computers were (28) available, but they were very large and extremely expensive. Few, if any, (29) individuals purchased computers for home use. Over the years, the price of the “guts”of a computer —its memory —has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory that prevailed twenty years ago. This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today than they used to. Moreover, (30) technological improvements have made it possible to (31) manufacture memory circuitry that is small enough to fit into the portable personal computers that many of us own and use. (32) In short, as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spent more on purchasing computers.(33) By contrast, improved agricultural technology, hybrid seeds, (34) scientific animal breeding, and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce. The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of most other goods and services. As agricultural prices have fallen, many households have decreased their total expenses on food. Even though the (35) quantity of a product purchased generally increases when its price falls, total expenses on it may decline.Part III Reading Comprehension【答案】36-40: N L I O F 41-45: D C J M H46-50: K C E B H 51-55: D J C L F56-60: C A D C D 61-65: A B D B CSection A36.【N】因为前面有the修饰，后面有of限定范围，首先判断此处词性为名词，整个短语应该是place的同位语，所以词义与地点有关。
2013.12 英语四级考试真题试卷(第一套)
2013.12 英语四级考试真题试卷（第一套）2013年12月英语四级考试真题试卷（1）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay. You should start your essay with a brief account of the impact of the internet on learning and then explain why education doesn't simply mean learning to obtain information. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.1.A) The woman is now working in a kindergarten.B) The man will soon start a business of his own.C) The man would like to be a high school teacher.D) The woman is going to major in child education.2.A) The furniture has to be rearranged. B) The sound equipment has to be set up.3.C) The conference room has to be cleaned. D) The video machine has to be checked.3. A) She is exhausted. B) She is near-sighted.C) She cannot finish work in time. D) She cannot go straight home.4. A) The woman is too particular about food.B) He would rather have a meal an hour later.C) The woman should order her food quickly.D) He usually prefers ice-cream to sandwiches.5. A) He is not a good mechanic. B) He doesn't keep his promises.C) He spends his spare time doing repairs. D) He is always ready to offer help to others.6. A) Sam has a big family to support. B) Sam is not interested in traveling.C) The pay offered by the travel agency is too low.D) The work hours in the travel agency arc too long7. A) International trade. B) Product development.C) Financial consulting. D) Domestic retailing.8. A) Go on a business trip. B) Look for a job in Miami. C) Make a ticket reservation. D) Take a vacation.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) It is located on Route 18. B) It has an interesting museum. C) It is a beautiful little town. D) It lies seven miles east of Newton.10. A) They are in opposite directions. B) They are fifty-five miles apart. C) They are quite close to each other. D) They are a long drive from Norwalk.11. A) They are connected by Route B) They are crowded with tourists. C) They have lots of old houses. D) They have many rare plants. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Bring him up to date on the current situation in Milan. B) Inform him of the arrangements for his trip in Italy. C) Fetch the documents signed by Mr Gartner. D) Accompany Mr Gartner to the Linate airport.13. A) About 8:30. B) About 6:30. C) About 5:30. D) About 4:15.14. A) Mr Gartner from Milan. B) Gianni Riva at Megastar. C) The company's sales representative. D) Gavin from the Chamber of Commerce.15. A) Travel agent. B) Business manager. C) Secretary. D) Saleswoman.Passage One Questions 16 to 19 are based on the conversation you have just heard.16. A) She had a desire to help others.B) She wanted to find out more about it.C) She needed some overseas experience.D) She was interested in farming.17. A) Carry out a cultural exchange program.B) Work on an agricultural project.C) Learn Portuguese.D) Teach English.18. A) She found it difficult to secure a job in her own country.B) She wanted to renew her contact with the Peace Corps.C) She was invited to work as an English teacher.D) She could not get the country out of her mind.19. A) By teaching additional English classes.B) By writing stories for American newspapers.C) By working part time for the Peace Corps.D) By doing odd jobs for local institutions.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A) Time spent exercising. B) Time spent working. C) Time spent on leisure activities.D) Time spent with friends and family.21. A) Reading. B) Surfing the Web. C) Eating out.D) Watching TV.22. A) Driving. B) Gardening.C) Going to the pub.D) Visiting friends.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) The car driver was trying to avoid hitting a rabbit.B) The car driver was partly responsible for the accident.C) McLaughlin was talking to his manager while driving.D) McLaughlin's carelessness resulted in the collision.24. A) He crashed into a car parked there. B) He knocked down several mailboxes. C) He tore down the company's main gate.D) He did serious damage to a loaded truck.25. A) He will lose his job. B) He will have to pay damages. C) He will be fined heavily.D) He will receive retraining.When Captain Cook asked the chiefs in Tahiti why they always ate __26__, they replied. "Because it is right." If we ask Americans why they eat with knives and forks, or why their men wear pants __27__ skirts, or why they may be married to only one person at a time, we are likely to get __28__ and very uninformative answers: "Because it's right. " "Because that's the way it's done." "Because it's the __29__. " Or even "I don't know. " The reason for these and countless other patterns of social behavior is that they are __30__ by social norms-shared rules or guidelines which prescribe the behavior that is appropriate in a given situation. Norms __31__ how people "ought" to behave under particular circumstances in a particular society. We conform(遵守) to norms so readily that we are hardly aware they __32__. In fact, we are much more likely to notice __33__ from norms than conformity to them. You would not be surprised if a stranger tried to shake hands when you were introduced, but you might be a little __34__ if they bowed, started to stroke you, or kissed you on both __35__ Yet each of these other forms of greeting is appropriate in other parts of the world. When we visit another society whose norms are different, we quickly become aware that things we do this way, they do that way.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.What does it take to be a well-trained nurse? The answer used to be two-year associate's or four-year bachelor's degree programs. But as the nursing shortage __36__ . a growing number of schools and hospitals are establishing "fast-track programs" that enable college graduates with no nursing __37__ to become registered nurses with only a year or so of __38__ training.In 1991. there were only 40 fast-track curricula; now there are more than 200. Typical is ColumbiaUniversity's Entry to Practice program. Students earn their bachelor of science in nursing in a year. Those who stay on for an __39__ two years can earn a master's degree that __40__ them as nurse practitioners(执业护士) or clinical nurse specialists.Many students arc recent __41__; others are career switchers. Rudy Guardron, 32, a 2004 graduate of Columbia's program, was a premedical student in college and then worked for a pharmaceutical (药物的) research company. At Columbia, he was __42__ as a nurse practitioner. "I saw that nurses were in high __43__ and it looked like a really good opportunity," he says. "Also. I didn't want to be in school for that long. "The fast-track trend fills a need, but it's also creating some __44__ between newcomers and veterans. "Nurses that are still at the bedside __45__ these kids with suspicion," says Linda Pellico, who has taught nursing at YaleUniversity for 18 years. "They wonder, how can they do it quicker?" The answer is they don't.The rise of the sharing economy.A) Last night 40 000 people rented accommodation from a service that offers 250 000 rooms in 30 000 cities in 192 countries. They chose their rooms and paid for everything online. But their beds were provided by private individuals, rather than a hotel chain. Hosts and guests were matched up by Airbnb, a firm based in San Francisco. Since its launch in 2008 more than 4 million people have used it 2.5 million of them in 2012 alone. It is the most prominent example of a huge new "sharing economy", in which people rent beds, cars, boats and other assets directly from each other, co-ordinated via the internet.B) You might think this is no different from running a bed-and-breakfast (家庭旅店), owning a timeshare (分时度假房) or participating in a car pool. But technology has reduced transaction costs, making sharing assets cheaper and easier than ever-and therefore possible on a much larger scale. The big change is the availability of more data about people and things, which allows physical assets to be divided and consumed as services. Before the internet, renting a surfboard, a power tool or a parking space from someone else was feasible, but was usually more trouble than it was worth. Now websites such as Airbnb, Relay Rides and SnapGoods match up owners and renters; smartphones with GPS let people sec where the nearest rentable car is parked; social networks provide a way to check up on people and build trust; and online payment systems handle the billing.What's mine is yours, for a feeC) Just as peer-to-peer businesses like eBay allow anyone to become a retailer, sharing sites let individuals act as an ad hoc (临时的) taxi service, car-hire firm or boutique hotel (精品酒店) as and when it suits them. Just go online or download an app. The model works for items that are expensive to buy and are widely owned by people who do not make full use of them. Bedrooms and cars are the most obvious examples, but you can also rent camping spaces in Sweden, fields in Australia and washing machines in France. As advocates of the sharing economy like to put it, access trumps (胜过) ownership.D) Rachel Botsman, the author of a book on the subject, says the consumer peer-to-peer rental market alone is worth $26 billion. Broader definitions of the sharing economy include peer-to-peer lending or putting a solar panel on your roof and selling power back to the grid (电网). And it is not just individuals: the web makes it easier for companies to rent out spare offices and idle machines, too. But the core of the sharing economy is people renting things from each other.E) Such "collaborative (合作的) consumption" is a good thing for several reasons. Owners make money from underused assets. Airbnb says hosts in San Francisco who rent out their homes do so for an average of 58 nights a year, making $9300. Car owners who rent their vehicles to others using RelayRides make an average of $250 a month; some make more than $1000. Renters, meanwhile, pay less than they would if they bought the item themselves, or turned to a traditional provider such as a hotel or car-hire firm. And there are environmental benefits, too: renting a car when you need it, rather than owning one, means fewer cars are required and fewer resources must be devoted to making them.F) For sociable souls, meeting new people by staying in their homes is part of the charm. Curmudgeons (倔脾气的人) who imagine that every renter is a murderer can still stay at conventional hotels. For others, the web fosters trust. As well as the background checks carried out by platform owners, online reviews and ratings are usually posted by both parties to each transaction, which makes it easy to spot bad drivers, bathrobe-thieves and surfboard-wreckers. By using Facebook and other social networks, participants can check each other out and identify friends (or friends of friends) in common. An Airbnb user had her apartment trashed in 2011. But the remarkable thing is how well the system usually works.Peering into the futureG) The sharing economy is a little like online shopping, which started in America 15 years ago. At first, people were worried about security. But having made a successful purchase from, say, Amazon, they felt safe buying elsewhere. Similarly, using Airbnb or a car-hire service for the first time encourages people to try other offerings. Next, consider eBay. Having started out as a peer-to-peer marketplace, it is now dominated by professional "power sellers" (many of whom started out as ordinary eBay users). The same may happen with the sharing economy, which also provides new opportunities for enterprise. Some people have bought cars solely to rent them out, for example.H) Existing rental businesses are getting involved too. Avis, a car-hire firm, has a share in a sharing rival. So do GM and Daimler, two carmakers. In future, companies may develop hybrid (混合的) models, listing excess capacity (whether vehicles, equipment or office space) on peer-to-peer rental sites. In the past, new ways of doing things online have not displaced the old ways entirely. But they have often changed them. Just as internet shopping forced Wal-mart and Tesco to adapt, so online sharing will shake up transport, tourism, equipment-hire and more.I) The main worry is regulatory uncertainty. Will room-renters be subject to hotel taxes, for example? In Amsterdam officials are using Airbnb listings to track down unlicensed hotels. In some American cities, peer-to-peer taxi services have been banned after lobbying by traditional taxi firms. The danger is that although some rules need to be updated to protect consumers from harm, existing rental businesses will try to destroy competition. People who rent out rooms should pay tax, of course, but they should not be regulated like a Ritz-Carlton hotel. The lighter rules that typically govern bed-and-breakfasts are more than adequate.J) The sharing economy is the latest example of the internet's value to consumers. This emerging model is now big and disruptive (颠覆性的) enough for regulators and companies to have woken up to it. That is a sign of its immense potential. It is time to start caring about sharing.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
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2013年12月大学英语四级考试题目简Downstairs and have your meals. Love, Mom and Dadthesmaller photos to the right graduate and undergraduate students about 20 percent of them female.Everyyears Berkeley sends its fresh female physics PhDs to the country's topuniversities.That makes Shapiro optimistic but also 44"I believethings are getting better"she says "but they're not getting better as 45 as i would like."注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答A)circumstanceB)confidenceC)coversD)currentE)dealsF)differentG)exposingH)fastI)honoringJ)hopeK)presentlyL)rareM)realisticN)siteO)virtually注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2 上作答。
A) Why are we spending so much money oncollege? And why are we so unhappy about it. We all seem to agree that acollege education is wonderful, and yet strangely we worry when we see families investing so much in this supposedlyessential good. Maybe it‘s time to ask a question that seems almost sacrilegious(大不敬的）；is allthis investment in college education really worth it?B)The answer, I fear, is no. For anincreasing number of kids, the extra time and money spent pursuing a collegediploma will leave them worse off than they were before they set foot oncampus.C)For my entire adult life, a goodeducation has been the most important thing for middle-class households. Myparents spent more educating my sister and me than they spent on their bouse,and they‘re not the only ones… and, of course, for an increasing number of families , most of the cost oftheir house is actually the cost oftheir house is actually the cost of living in a good school district.Questioning the value of a college education seems a bit like questioning thevalue of happiness ,or fan.D)The average price of all goods andservices has risen about 50 percent. Butthe price of a college education has nearly doubled in that time. Is theeducation that today‘s students are getting twice as good? Are new workers twice assmart? Have they become somebodymassively more expensive to educate?E)Perhaps a bit. Richard Vedder , an OhioUniversity economics professor , says, ―I look at the data,and I see college costs rising faster than inflation up to the mid-1980s by Ipercent a year. Now I see them rising 3 to 4 percent a year over inflation.What has happened ? The federal government has started dropping money out ofairplanes,‖Aid has increased ,subsidized (补贴的）loans have becomeavailable, and ―the universities have gotten the money,‖ EconomistBryan Caplan , who is writing a book about education, agrees. ― It is agiant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue.‖F) Promotional literature for colleges andstudent loans often speaks of debt as an ―invest ment inyourself.‖ But an investment is supposed to generate income to pay off theloans. More than half of all recent graduates are unemployed or in jobs that donot require a degree, and the amount of student-loan debt carried by householdshas more than quintupled since 1999. These graduates were told that a diplomawas all they needed to succeed, but it won‘t even get them outof the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad‘s. For many, themost tangible result of their four years is the loan payments, which nowaverage hundreds of dollars a month on loan balances in the tens of thousands.G)It‘s true about themoney—sort of. College graduates now make 80 percent more than people whohave only a high-school diploma, and though there are no precise estimates, thewage premium for an elite school seems to be even higher. But that‘s not trueof every student. It‘s very easy to spend four years majoring in English literature andbeer pong and come out no more employable than you were before you went in.Conversely, chemical engineers straight out of school can easily make triple orquadruple the wages of an entry-level high-school graduate.H) James Heckman, the Nobel Prize–winningeconomist, has examined how the returns on education break down for individualswith different backgroun ds and levels of ability. ―Even withthese high prices, you‘re still finding a high return for individuals who are bright andmotivated,‖ he says. On the other hand, ―if you‘re notcollege ready, then the answer is no, it‘s not worth it.‖ Expertstend to agree that for the average student, college is still worth it today,but they also agree that the rapid increase in price is eating up more and moreof the potential return. For borderline students, tuition hikes can push thosereturns into negative territory.I）Everyone seems toagree that the government, and parents, should be rethinking how we invest inhigher education—and that employers need to rethink the increasing use of collegedegrees as crude screening tools for jobs that don‘t reallyrequire college skills. ―Employers seeing a surplus of college graduates and looking to filljobs are just tacking on that requirement,‖ says Vedder. ―De facto, acollege degree becomes a job requirement for becoming a bartender.‖J）We have started tosee some change on the finance side. A law passed in 2007 allows many studentsto cap their loan payment at 10 percent of their income and forgives anybalance after 25 years. But of course, that doesn‘t control the costof education; it just shifts it to taxpayers. It also encourages graduates tochoose lower-paying careers, which diminishes the financial return to educationstill further. ―You‘re subsidizing people to become priests and poets and so forth,‖ saysHeckman. ―You may think that‘s a good thing, or you may not.‖ Either way i t willbe expensive for the government.K）What might be a lotcheaper is putting more kids to work: not necessarily as burger flippers but aspart of an educational effort. Caplan notes that work also builds valuableskills—probably more valuable for kids w ho don‘t naturallylove sitting in a classroom. Heckman agrees wholeheartedly: ―People aredifferent, and those abilities can be shaped. That‘swhat we‘ve learned,and public policy should recognize that.‖L）Heckman would liketo see more apprenticeship-style programs, where kids can learn in theworkplace—learn not just specific job skills, but the kind of ―soft skills,‖ likegetting to work on time and getting along with a team, that are crucial forcareer success. ―It‘s about having mentors and having workplace-based education,‖ he says. ―Time andagain I‘ve seen examples of this kind of program working.‖M）Ah, but how do weget there from here? With better public policy, hopefully, but also by makingbetter individual decisions. ―Historically markets have been able to handle these things,‖ saysVedder, ―and I think eventually markets will handle this one. If it doesn‘t improvesoon, people are going to wake up and ask, ‗Why am I going tocollege?‘?‖注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2 上作答。