08重庆大学博士英语考试试题

08重庆大学博士英语考试试题

2008年重庆大学博士入学考试英语试卷

(Time Limit: 180 minutes)

Part I: Reading Comprehension 40 %

Directions: Read the following passages carefully and then select

the best answer from the four choices given to answer the questions or to complete the statements that follow each passage. Write your answer on your Answer Sheet.

Passage One

Problems and discouragements will face the leader, but he can overcome them with staying power. It seems as if many of the world’s famous people faced some of the greatest difficulties and discouragements in carrying out their visions.

Christopher Columbus, for instance, concluded from the information

he acquired from his travels and from studying charts and maps, that the earth was round and that he could reach Asia by sailing west. But he needed a patron to finance such an expedition. He first tried John II., King of Portugal, without success, and then, the Count of Medina Celi in Spain. The Count encouraged Columbus for two years, but never actually provided him with the money and supplies he needed. Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Castile in Spain, were then contacted. A review of Columbus’ plans by a committee appointed by the queen

resulted in the conclusion that his ideas were vain and impractical. But they kept talking.

After a better part of a decade of trying to find a patron, Columbus was in despair, but he didn’t stop. He had staying power. He believed in his mission, but he held out for high terms from Ferdinand and Isabella. He asked that the rank of admiral be bestowed on him right away and that he be made viceroy of all that he should discover. In addition, he would receive one-tenth of all the precious metals discovered within his admiralty. His conditions were rejected and negotiations were again interrupted. Columbus left for France. However, the queen had a change of mind and sent for him. In April, 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella agreed to subsidize the expedition on Columbus’ terms. It wasn’t until 12, October that they landed on North America.

Columbus did not visit the Grand Khan of Cathay as he had hoped. But he did discover two new continents. He was successful because he had staying power.

1. What was the attitude of the king and queen of Castile toward Columbus’ plan of expedition?

A. Concerned

B. Indifferent

C. Optimistic

D. Disapproval

2. Who finally patronized Columbus?

A. Count of Median Celi

B. John II, King of Portugal

C. King and queen of Spain

D. King and queen of Castile

3. Which of the following statements was not mentioned in the passage?

A. Columbus wanted to share what he should discover.

B. Columbus firmly demanded that he be the commander of the voyage fleet.

C. The king and queen of Castile didn’t accept Columbus terms at the very beginning.

D. Columbus got financial help from the queen because he gave up his high terms.

1

4. The author takes the story of Columbus as an example to show that __________.

A. Leaders need staying power.

B. Columbus had enough staying power.

C. One can’t do without saying power.

D. Staying power cannot ensure success.

5. What does the word “vision” in the first paragraph most probably mean?

A. sight

B. television

C. future plan