2012年12月英语四级考试模拟试题及答案(4)

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2012年英语专四真题及答案完整版绝对完整

2012年英语专四真题及答案完整版绝对完整

2012专四听写参考答案Nowadays, many of us try to live in a way that will damage the environment as little as possible. We recycle our newspapers and bottles, we take public transport to get to work, we try to buy locally produced fruit and vegetables,and we want to take these attitudes on holiday with us. This is why alternative forms of tourism are becoming popular in the world. There are a lot of names for these new forms of tourism: responsible tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, educational tourism and more.Although everyone may have a different definition, most people agree that these new forms of tourism should do the following: first, they should conserve the wildlife and culture of the area; second, they should benefit the local people; third, they should make a profit without destroying natural resources; and finally they should provide an experience that tourists want to pay for.2012专四听力参考答案说明:由于是一次性听力并作答,没有反复斟酌,不能保证答案百分百正确,但是能保证百分之九十以上正确。

2012年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析(12月).

2012年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析(12月).

2012年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析(12月)Part II (15 minutes)1、根据以下内容,回答1-11题。

The Magician The revolution that Steve Jobs led is only just beginning. When it came to putting on a show,nobody else in the computer industry,or any other industry for that matter,could match Steve Jobs.His product launches,at which he would stand alone on a black stage and produce as if by magic an“incredible”new electronic gadget(小器具)in front of an amazed crowd,were the peril,rmances of a master showman.All computers do is fetch and work with numbers,he once exp lained,but do it fast enough and “the results appear to be magic”.Mr.Jobs,who died recently aged 56,spenthis life packaging that magic into elegantly designed,easy-to-use products. The reaction to his death,with people leaving candles and flowers outside Apple stores and politicians singing praises on the internet,is proof that Mr.Jobs had become something much more significant than just a clever money-maker.He stood out in three ways-as a technologist,as a corporate(公司的)leader and as somebody who was able to make people love what had previously been impersonal,functional gadgets.Strangely,it is this last qualitythat may have the deepest effect on the way people live.The era of personal technology is in many ways just beginning. As a technologist,Mr.Jobs was different because he was not an engineer-and that was his great strength.Instead he was keenly interested in product design and aesthetics(关学),and in making advanced technology simple to use.He repeatedly took an existing but half-formed idea-the mouse-driven computer,the digital musicplayer,the smart phone,the tablet computer(平板电脑)-and showed the rest of the industry how to do it properly.Rival firms competed with each other to follow where he led. In the process he brought about great changes in computing,music,telecoms and the news businessthat were painful for existing firms but welcomed by millions of consumers.Within the wider business world,a man who liked to see himself as fl hippy(嬉皮士),permanently in rev(It against big companies,ended up being hailed by many of those corporate giants as one of the greatest chief executives of his time.That was partly due to his talents:showmanship,strategic vision,an astonishing attention to detailand,a dictatorial management style which many bosses must have envied,But most of all it was the extraordinary trajectory(轨迹)of his life.His fall from grace in the 1980s followed by his return to Apple in l 996 after a period in the wilderness,is an inspiration to any business sperson whose career has taken a turn for the worse.The way in which Mr.Jobs revived the failing company he had co—founded and turned it into the world’s biggest tech firm (bigger even thanBill Gates’sMicrosoft,the company that had outsmarted Apple so-dramatically in the l980s),sounds like something from a Hollywood movie. But what was perhaps most astonishing about Mr.Jobs was the absolute loyalty he managed to inspire in customers.Many Apple users feel themselves to be part of a community,with Mr.Jobs as its leader.And there was indeed a personal link.Apple’s products were designed to accord with the boss,s tastes and to meet his extremely high standards.Every iPhone or MacBook has his fingerprints all over it.H is great achievement was to combine an emotional spark with computer technology,and make the resulting product feel personal.And that is what put Mr.Jobs on the right side of history,as technological innovation(创新)has moved into consumer electronics over the past decade. As our special report in this issue(printed before Mr.Jobs’s death)explains,innovation used to spill over from military and corporate laboratories to the consumer market,but lately this process has gone into reverse.Many people’s homes now have more powerful,and more flexible,devices than their offices do;consumer gadgets and online services are smarter and easier to use than most companies’ systems.Familiar consumer products are being adopted by businesses,government and the armed forces.Companies are employing in.house versions of Facebook and creating their own“app stores”to deliver software to employees.Doctors use tablet computers for their work in hospitals.Meanwhile,the number of consumers hungry for such gadgets continues to swell.Apple’s products are now being snapped up in Delhi and Dalian just as in Dublin and Dallas. Mr.Jobs had a reputation as a control freak(怪人),and hiscritics complained that the products and systems he designed were closed and inflexible,in the name of greater ease of use.Yet he also empowered millions of people by giving them access to cutting-edge technology. His insistence onputting users first,and focusing on elegance and simplicity,has become deep。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案。

Doctoral degree1,550 1,272 1,038712 626 444 Master ’s degreeBachelor ’s degreeSome college, no degreeHigh school diplomaLess than high school degree 2012年12月大学英语四级(CET-4)真题试卷Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes)注意:此部分试题在答题卡1上,请在答题卡1上作答。

Direction: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition entitled E ducation Pays basedon the statistics provided in the chart below (Weekly earnings of 2010). Please write atleast 120 words but no more than 180 words.Education: A Worthy InvestmentWeekly earnings in 2010($)Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsEducation PaysPart Ⅱ Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Di rections: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions onAnswer sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B),C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.Should Sugar Be Regulated like Alcohol and T obacco?Sugar poses enough health risks that it should be considered a controlled substance just like alcohol andtobacco, argue a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).In an opinion piece called “The T oxic (毒性的) Truth About Sugar ” published Feb.1 in Nature, Robert“There is nothing empty about these calories. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that fructose (果糖) can trigger processes that lead to liver toxicity and a host of other chronic diseases. A little is not a problem, but a lot kills —slowly.”Almost everyone’s heard of —or personally experienced —the well-known sugar high, so perhaps the comparison between sugar and alcohol o r tobacco shouldn’t come as a surprise. But it’s doubtful that Americans will look favorably upon regulating their favorite vice. We’re a nation that’s sweet on sugar: the average U.S. adult downs 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the American Heart Association, and surveys have found that teens swallow 34 teaspoons.To counter our consumption, the authors advocate taxing sugary foods and controlling sales to kids under 17. Already, 17% of U.S. children and teens are obese (肥胖), and across the world the sugar intake(摄入) has increased three times in the past 50 years. The increase has helped create a global obesity plague that contributes to 35 million annual deaths worldwide from noninfectious diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Li nda Matzigkeit, a senior vice president at Children’s Healthcare, said “We have to do something about this or our country is in danger. It’s not good if your state has the second-highest obesity rate. Obese children turn into obese adults.”“There are good calories and bad calories, just as there aregood fats and bad fats, good amino acids (氨基酸) and bad amino acids,” Lustig, director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health program at UCSF, said in a statement. “But sugar is toxic beyond its calo ries.”The food industry tries to imply that “a calorie is a calorie is a calorie,” says Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. “But this and other research suggests there is something different about su gar,” says Brownell.The UCSF report emphasizes the metabolic (新陈代谢) effects of sugar. Excess sugar can alter metabolism, raise blood pressure, affect the signaling of hormones and damage the liver —outcomes that sound suspiciously similar to what can happen after a person drinks too much alcohol. Schmidt, co-chair of UCSF’s Community Engagement and Health Policy program, noted on CNN: “When you think about it, this actually makes a lot of sense. Alcohol, after all, is simply made from sugar. Where does vo dka come from? Sugar.”But there are also other areas of impact that researchers have investigated: the effect of sugar on the brain and how liquid calories are interpreted differently by the body than solids. Research has suggested that sugar activates the same reward pathways in the brain as traditional drugs of abuse like morphine or heroin. No one is claiming the effect of sugar is quite that strong, but, says Brownell, “it helps confirm what people tell you sometimes, that they hunger for sugar and have withdrawal symptoms when they stop eating it.”There’s also something particularly tricky about sugary drinks. “When calories come in liquids, the body doesn’t feel as full,”says Brownell. “People are getting more of their caloriesthan ever before from sugared drinks.”Other countries, including France, Greece and Denmark, impose soda taxes, and the concept is being considered in at least 20 U.S. cities and states. Last summer, Philadelphia came close to passing a 2-cents-per-ounce soda tax. The Rudd Center has been a strong advocate of a more modest 1-cent-per-punce tax. But at least one study, from 2010, has raised doubts that soda taxes would result in significant weight loss: apparently people who are determined to eat — and drink — unhealthily will find ways to do it. Teens — no surprise —are good at finding ways to get the things they can’t have, so state policies banning all sugar-sweetened drinks from public schools and providing only water, milk or 100% fruit juices haven’t had the intended effect of steering kids away from drinking sugared drinks: the average teen consumes about 300 calories per day —that’s nearly 15% of his daily calories —in sweetened drinks, and the food and drink industry is only too happy to feed this need.Ultimately, regulating sugar will prove particularly tricky because it goes beyond health concerns; sugar, forapple as an after-school treat today. We don’t do that regularly —it’s the first time this school year, actually —and that’s what made it special. As a society, could we ever reach the point where we’d think apples —not a cupcake —are something to get excited over? Says Brindis, one of the report’s authors and director of UCSF’s Philip R.Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies: “We recognize that there are cult ural and celebratory aspects of sugar. Changing these patterns is very complicated.”For inroads (进展) to be made, say the authors in their statement, people have to be better educated about the hazardsof sugar and agree that something’s got to change: Many of the interventions (干预) that have reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption can be models for addressing the sugar problem, such as imposing special sales taxes, controlling access, and tightening licensing requirements on vending machines(自动售货机) and snack-bars sell high sugar products in schools and workplaces.“We’re not talking prohibition,” Schmidt said. “We’re not advocating a major imposition of the government into people’s lives. We’re talking about gentle ways to make sugar consumption slightly less convenient, thereby moving people away from the concentrated does. What we want is to actually increase people’s choices by making foods that aren’t loaded with sugar comparatively easier and cheaper to get.”注意: 此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2012年12月大学英语四级试卷及答案解析汇总

2012年12月大学英语四级试卷及答案解析汇总

【作文一】1. 你的基本情况your basic information12.你申请贷款的原因、数额及用途you reason for the loan, the amount and purpose3. 你如何保证专款专用以及你的还款打算【作文:图表】图表作文Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.The MagicianThe revolution that Steve Jobs led is only just beginningWhen it came to putting on a show, nobody else in the computer industry, or any other industry for that matter, could match Steve Jobs. His product launches, at which he would stand alone on a black stage and produce as if by magic an “incredible” new electronic gadget (小器具)in front of an amazed crowd, were the performances of a master showman. All computers do is fetch and work with numbers, he once explained, but do it fast enough and “the results appear to be magic”. Mr Jobs, who died recently aged 56, spent his life packaging that magic into elegantly designed, easy-to-use products.The reaction to his death, with people leaving candles and flowers outside Apple stores and politicians singing praises on the internet, is proof that Mr Jobs had become something much more significant than just a clever money-maker. He stood out in three ways-as a technologist, as a corporate (公司的)leader and as somebody who was able to make people love what had previously been impersonal, functional gadgets. Strangely, it is this last quality that may have the deepest effect on the way people live. The era of personal technology is in many ways just beginning.As a technologist, Mr Jobs was different because he was not an engineer-and that was his great strength. Instead he was keenly interested in product design and aesthetics (美学), and in making advanced technology simple to use. He repeatedly took an existing but half-formed idea-the mouse-driven computer, the digital music player, the smartphone, the tablet computer(平板电脑)-and showed the rest of the industry how to do it properly. Rival firms competed with each other to follow where he led. In the process he brought about great changes in computing, music, telecoms and the news business that were painful for existing firms but welcomed by millions of consumers.Within the wider business world, a man who liked to see himself as a hippy (嬉皮士), permanently in revolt against big companies, ended up being hailed by many of those corporate giants as one of the greatest chief executives of his time. That was partly due to his talents: showmanship, strategic vision, an astonishing attention to detail and a dictatorial management style which many bosses must have envied. But most of all it was the extraordinary trajectory (轨迹)of his life. His fall from grace in the 1980s, followed by his return to Apple in 1996 after a period in the wilderness, is an inspiration to any businessperson whose career has taken a turn for the worse. The way in which Mr Jobs revived the failing company he had co-founded and turned it into the world’s biggest tech firm (bigger even than Bill Gates’s Microsoft, the company that had outsmarted Apple so dramatically in the 1980s), sounds like something from a Hollywood movie.But what was perhaps most astonishing about Mr Jobs was the absolute loyalty he managed to inspire in customers. Many Apple users feel themselves to be part of a community, with Mr Jobs as its leader. And there was indeed a personal link. Apple’s products were designed to accord with the boss’s tastes and to meet his extremely high standards. Every iPhone or MacBook has his fingerprints all over it. His great achievement was to combine an emotional spark with computer technology, and make the resulting product feel personal. And that is what put Mr Jobs on the right side of history, as technological innovation (创新)has moved into consumer electronics over the past decade.As our special report in t his issue (printed before Mr Jobs’s death) explains, innovation used to spill over from military and corporate laboratories to the consumer market, but lately this process has gone into reverse. Many people’s homes now have more powerful, and more flexible, devices than their offices do; consumer gadgets and online services are smarter and easier to use than most companies’ systems. Familiar consumer products are being adopted by businesses, government and the armed forces. Companies are employing in-house versions of Facebook and creating their own “app stores” to deliver software to employees. Doctors use tablet computers for their work in hospitals. Meanwhile, the number of consumers hungry for such gadgets continues to swell. Apple’s products are now bei ng snapped up in Delhi and Dalian just as in Dublin and Dallas.Mr Jobs had a reputation as a control freak (怪人), and his critics complained that the products and systems he designed were closed and inflexible, in the name of greater ease of use. Yet he also empowered millions of people by giving them access to cutting-edge technology. His insistence on putting users first, and focusing on elegance and simplicity, has become deep-rooted in his own company, and is spreading to rival firms too. It is no longer just at Apple that designers ask: “What would Steve Jobs do?”The gap between Apple and other tech firms is now likely to narrow. This week’s announcement of a new iPhone by a management team led by Tim Cook, who replaced Mr Jobs as chief executive in August, was generally regarded as competent but uninspiring. Without Mr Jobs to shower his star dust on the event, it felt like just another product launch from just another technology firm. At the recent unveiling of a tablet computer by Jeff Bezos of Amazon, whose company is doing the best job of following Apple’s lead in combining hardware, software, content and services in an easy-to-use bundle, there were several attacks at Apple. But by doing his best to imitate Mr Jobs, Mr Bezos also flattered (抬举)him. With Mr Jobs gone, Apple is just one of many technology firms trying to arouse his uncontrollable spirit in new products.Mr Jobs was said by an engineer in the early years of Apple to emit a “reality distortion (扭曲)field”, such were his powers of persuasion. But in the end he created a reality of his own, channeling the magic of computing into products that reshaped entire industries. The man who said in his youth that he wanted to “put a ding in the universe” did just that.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2012年12月大学英语四级考试试题

2012年12月大学英语四级考试试题

2012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 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 2 with a single line through the centre.1. A) She can count on the man for help.B) She can lend the man a sleeping bag.C) She has other plans for this weekend.D) She has got camping gear for rent.2. A) The man should keep his words.B) Karen can take her to the airport.C) Karen always supports her at work.D) She regrets asking the man for help.3. A) His trip to Hawaii has used up all his money.B) He usually checks his brakes before a trip.C) His trip to Hawaii was not enjoyable.D) He can’t afford to go traveling yet.4. A) There was nothing left except some pie.B) The woman is going to prepare the dinner.C) The man has to find something else to eat.D) Julie has been invited for dinner.5. A) Send Professor Smith a letter.B) Apply to three graduate schools.C) Present a new letter of reference.D) Submit no more than three letters.6. A) He is a professional gardener in town.B) He declines to join the gardening club.C) He prefers to keep his gardening skills to himself.D) He wishes to receive formal training in gardening.7.A) Many people do not appreciate modern art.B) The recent sculpture exhibit was not well organized.C) Modern art cannot express people’s true feelings.D) Sculpture is not a typical form of modern art.8.A) Bob cannot count on her vote.B) She will vote for another candidate.C) Bob does not have much chance to win.D) She knows the right person for the position.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) Poor management of the hospital.B) The outdated medical testing procedures.C) Decisions made by the head technician.D) The health hazard at her work place.10. A) Cut down her workload.B) Repair the x-ray equipment.C) Transfer her to another department.D) Allow her to go on leave for two months.11.A) They are virtually impossible to enforce.B) Neither is applicable to the woman’s case.C) Their requirements may be difficult to meet.D) Both of them have been subject to criticism.12.A) Organize a mass strike.B) Try to help her get it back.C) Compensate for her loss.D) Find her a better paying job.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13.A) In the preparatory phase.B) In the concluding part.C) In stating your terms.D) In giving concessions.14.A) He uses lots of gestures to help make his points clear.B) He presents his arguments in a straightforward way.C) He responds readily to the other party’s proposals.D) He behaves in a way contrary to his real intention.15. A) Both can succeed depending on the specific situation.B) The honest type is more effective than the actor type.C) Both may fail when confronting experienced rivals.D) The actor type works better in tough negotiations.Section BPassage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) The weight of the boxes moving across the stage.B) The number of times of repeating the process.C) The size of the objects shown.D) The shape of the cubes used.17. A) Girls seem to start reasoning earlier than boys.B) Girls tend to get excited more easily than boys.C) Boys enjoy playing with cubes more than girls.D) Boys pay more attention to moving objects than girls.18. A) It is a breakthrough in the study of the nerve system.B) Its findings are quite contrary to previous research.C) Its result helps understand babies’language ability.D) It may stimulate scientists to make further studies.19. A) They talk at an earlier age.B) Their bones mature earlier.C) They are better able to adapt to the surroundings.D) The two sides of their brain develop simultaneously.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20. A) The city’s general budget for the coming year.B) The blueprint for the development of the city.C) The controversy over the new office regulations.D) The new security plan for the municipal building.21. A) Whether the security checks were really necessary.B) Whether the security checks would create long queues at peak hours.C) How to cope with the huge crowds of visitors to the municipal building.D) How to train the newly recruited security guards.22. A) Confrontational. B) Straightforward. C) Ridiculous. D) Irrelevant.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) He considers himself a blessed man. C) He used to work as a miner in Nevada.B) He works hard to support his five kids. D) He once taught at a local high school.24. A) To be nearer to Zac’s school. C) To look after her grandchildren.B) To cut their living expenses. D) To help with the household chores.25. A) Skeptical. C) Indifferent. B) Realistic. D) OptimisticSection 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.Mountain climbing is becoming a popular sport, but it is also a (26) ____________ dangerous one. People can fall; they may also become ill. One of the most common dangers to climbers is altitude sickness, which can affect even very (27) ____________ climbers.Altitude sickness usually begins when a climber goes above 8,000 or 9,000 feet. The higher one climbs, the less oxygen there is in the air. When people don’t get enough oxygen, they often begin to (28) ____________. They may also feel (29) ____________. Besides these symptoms of altitude sickness, others such as headache and (30) ____________ may also occur. At heights of over 18,000 feet, people may be climbing in a (31) ____________ daze (恍惚). This state of mind can have an (32) ____________ effect on their judgment.A few (33) ____________ can help most climbers avoid altitude sickness. The first is not to go too high too fast. If you climb to 10,000 feet, stay at that height for a day or two. Your body needs to (34) ____________ a high altitude before you climb to an even higher one. Or if you do climb higher sooner, come back down to a lower height when you sleep. Also, drink plenty of liquids and avoid tobacco and alcohol. When you reach your top height, do light activities rather than sleep too much. You breathe less when you sleep, so you get less (35) ____________.。

2012年12月大学英语四级考试真题第一套(答案详解)

2012年12月大学英语四级考试真题第一套(答案详解)

2012年12月大学英语四级考试真题第一套Part I Writing【标准版点评】这次四级作文出了图表题,可能让大家有些意外,但是四六级考察图表作文已经并不是第一次,早在2002年的时候就已经出现过,是图表+提纲的形式,图表反应的是大学生使用计算机的情况。

由于备考时大家只是关注近几年的题型,可能没有关注到以往考察过图表作文。

我们在备考作文的时候,一般会从以下几个方面着手准备,如何描述现象、如何分析原因、如何分析影响、如何给出解决措施、如何进行观点论战等。

其实,图表作文也是从这几个方面展开,只是将第一段的描述现象改为描述图表即可。

可见,无论是考察哪种作文题,我们都可以将它转化为我们熟悉的提纲式。

这次作文题目有两个版本。

题目都是Educational Pays(教育回报),一个版本的图表显示的是教育水平越高,收入越高,另一个版本的图表显示的是教育水平越高,失业率越低。

虽然图表描述的具体内容不同,但主题是一致的:教育是值得投资的。

写作思路也是一致的。

两篇范文都是采取三段式的描述方法。

第一段:描述图表。

先一句话引出图表总体内容The above bar chart clearly shows us … 然后具体描述现象We see that…。

最后用for instance引出一些具体数据来例证现象。

第二段:分析原因。

先写一个引出原因的句子,然后具体列举一到两个原因即可。

由于字数限制,原因不必列太多。

第三段:给出建议。

先是总结这个现象This phenomenon tells us that education is a worthy investment.(教育值得投资)。

然后是建议国家增大教育投资,以及个人要努力学习。

这种三段式的写作模式容易掌握,在考场中比较实用,建议大家仿写。

【高分版点评】本次四级作文围绕着同一个话题,education pay(教育回报),出现了两个版本,一个是教育和失业率的关系,另一个是教育和收入的关系。

2012年12月CET4-英语四级参考答案2

2012年12月CET4-英语四级参考答案2

2012年12月大学英语四级(CET-4)参考答案作文范文Education PayWhat is shown in the chart above is that those people with high degree earn more than those with lower. For example, staff with master’s degree receive a better payment than those with bachelor’s degree, according to a survey of the payment to the employee. These survey indicates that education degree does have a relationship with earnings, contrary to the recent theory of useless education.Recently, there is a heated discussion about the significance of the education. Some people hold a view that higher education is useless since college education cannot mesh with the social needs. Some think that higher education is indispensable if you want to go far in both your studies and life. Now that survey has proved which part is wiser.As for me, I definitely support the view that education is necessary for people’s life. Reading can not only make me survive well in this society with **petition but also help me make sense of life. I pursue for it for my whole life.1-5 BCBAD 6-7 CD 8. closed and inflexible 9. combined 10. creating a reality of his own11-15 BADAA 16-20 DBBCA 21-25 DCDCA 26-30 BCDAC 31-35 DDBCB36. selection 37. knowledge 38. vegetables 39. purchase 40. determines41. single 42. responsible 43. rush44. Partly as a result of this limited time, over half of all American homes now havemicrowave ovens45. The United States Department of Agriculture and the food industry collect salesstatistics and keep accurate records46. Red meat, which used to be the most popular choice for dinner ,is no longer anAmerican favorite.47. N 48. D 49. M 50 B 51. I 52. L 53. O 54. G 55. F 56. E57-61 CBACD 62-66 DCBAA67-71 DBCAC 72-76 BADCB 77-81ACADB 82-86 CBDAD87. had I felt so excited88. would have said something she would regret later89. (in) concentrating on reviewing / going over my lessons90. have heard **municating / talking in French91. available for free听力原文Part III Listening ComprehensionSection A ConversationsShort Conversations11.- W:Have you finished that painting for the new student center?M: Just this morning, I’ve been working extra hours all week, you know the building opens tomorrow.Q: What does the man mean?12. M: Do you sell camping gear?W: Yes, we have tents, sleeping bags, just about everything you might need, including stoves.Q: What is the man probably going to do?13. M: Hi Jenny have you talked to Mr Wright about the new sports program?W: well, I contacted his office half an hour ago, and his secretary said he was out for lunch until 2:00.Q: What does the woman mean?14.M:Bill says he’s not working so hard on his biology project.W: But he spends a lot of time in the lab, doesn’t he?Q: What does the woman imply about Bill?15.M: I have to say i find the new smoking regulations too strict.W: Well, they are for everyone’s health. I have no complaints.Q: What are the speakers talking about?16.W: Jack asked me to drop off this report. He’s tight up in meetings all m orning.M: I was hoping he brings it in himself, I need to talk with him about it.Q: Why can’t **e in person?17.M: Should we invite Mr.Smith to join us for dinner this weekend,he has **e back from England.W: You can have a try, but as far as i know,he seldom accepts invitations from his employeesQ: What can we infer about Mr.Smith?18.W: This place doesn’t look familiar at all, we must be lost.M:Yes,it seems so. Let’s pull in here, while i’m filling in the tank,you go ask the way and get me something to drink please.Q: What does the man going to do first?Long Conversation 1M: Well ,did you enjoy it?W: Yes, I enjoy it much more that I thought I would.M: Really?W: Yes, I don’t usually go to science fiction films.I don’t think they are much better **ics on film, if you know what I mean.M : Yes, sure.And a few years ago,they were certainly like that. But they’ve got a lot better now.W: Yes, and historical films, that’s what I really like. I never miss a good film set in middle ages. Oh, and love stories, I never miss one on TV.M: Fondly enough, I don’t like those kinds of films at all. But to come back to this one, I personally didn’t think it was very good . It certainly wasn’t as good as other science fiction films I’ve ever seen.W: Wasn’t it?M: No, not at all. Oh, the effects were very good.W: Yes, I thought they were marvelous. Especially the battle in space, incredable.M: Yes, but I was going to say I thought the acting was terrible.W: Yes. I suppose Jason was too good to be true. And what was the name of the Baddy?M: Cargon?W: Yeah. Cargon was really evil, wasn’t he? But I suppose that’s what these films are all about—good triumphing over evil. And the characters have to be black and white.M: Well ,yes, but not always. Worth the well wasn’t like for example. Anyway, you enjoy the film. That’s the most important.W: Yes, I did. Thanks for taking me.Q:19. What does the man say about the science fiction films?20. What opinion did the speakers share about the film they just seen?21. What to be learned about Jason and Cargon?Long Conversation 2M: Can I ask you about your evening class? What class do you go to?W: Car maintance.M: What night of the week it on?W: Wednesday night.M: And how long does it last?M: Well, it supposed to start at 6, but that’s a bit of problem because people have difficulty getting through the traffic. So we start at 6: 30 and then it goes on until the 9 o’clock.M: And what was your reason for wanting to do the class?W: Well, I just bought my first car and I don’t know anything about cars. So I thought it was a good opportunity to learn. I guess most of the peole in the class are in the same situation.M: Um, and what do you actually do? Do you bring the car along to the class?W: Yes, we do. And in the first part of the lesson, the first half hour, the man who runs the class will go though some particular part of the car, and we’ll learn about it. And then we spend the rest of the time, actually working on my own cars, the same problem.M: And how many people are there in the class?W: Mm, I think 16, but 3 quarters of them are women. It’s quite interesing because the man is obiously used to teaching man. And he always starts his sentence by saying, ” Wow, your chops were slow.” And then he stops and says “Oh, any woman, you ladies, but...ur..”M: Mm..sounds funny.Q:22. What does the woman say about her evening class?23. Why did the wman want to attend to the class?24.What do the people who attend the class do in the first part of the lesson?25. What do we learn about participants in the class?Section B PassagesPassage 1We don’t choose friends on the basis of how much money they have, of course, but lots of differences can be disturbing to both sides. Aaron, for example,was single, and earns a very good salary. Her friend, Pat, the divorced mother of three, is struggli ng to make ends meet. “We are both frequent theater-goers,” Aaron explains, “ and I’ll glad ly pay for two tickets, just to have **pany it plays in concerts , but she won’t go anywhere unless she can pay herown way. I hate to go alone, so we both stay home. It all seems so silly.” Pat sees the situation differently. After her unhappy marrige to a man who was trying to control her without considering her wishes and feelings ,she says, “ it’s very important to me to carry my own weight. I’m **fortable in any relationship where all I do is take. ”The difficult situation finally changed when Aaron moved recently. Pat’s children were with their father, so she took a picnik lunch to her friends new plays, then spend the day helping her unpack and get settled. “ I was so grateful, ” Aarons says, “ but I persuaded Pat to let me return the favour in my own way with season tickets to our little theater group. I think she’s beginning to recognize that she contributes as much to our friendship, but I do”26. What do we learn about Pat?27. What draws Aaron and Pat together?28. What does Aaron do to re turn Pat’s favor?29. What do we learn friendship from the passage?Passage 2Sun School in the town of Ashbert in England is a day school for children age 10 to 18.It is based on the value of social equality between students and stuff, and has few rules.Sun School believes that the healthy growth of the child is more important than academic success. It offers a variety of lessons and activities for students to choose from. In free time for children to follow their own interests.Classes are small,and based on the individual needs of each child. The timetable is fixed.But democratically decided and students are expected to attend.The weekly school meeting is at the center of the way sun school is orgnized.It mix all the decisions that affect theschool,including rules, the timetable and accepting or rejecting new students and teachers.Participating in thease meetings gives children an understand of democratic decision making and helps them develops their skills of argument and persuasion.The most import a dvantage of the school meeting is that it shows the children that the school is really their’s.Theyhave the right to decide on changes. And the school’s success or failure depends on their decisions and their behavior.Sun School employs no cooking or cleaning stuff,these jobs are done by students and teachers.Decorating and simple repairs are also done by students, it is believed that school truly belongs to who use it, they must take responsibility for its maintenance.30. what value is Sun School based on?31. what is characteristic of the school decision making processur program?32. why does sun school ask the students to do the maintainance?Passage 3Well, to continue, as i mentioned earlier, there is also research that demonstrates that individuals perform worse, not better on tasks when other people are there. R.W.Harburt did an interesting experiment. He had his sujects learn a finger maze. This is a game in which you indicate with your finger the way through a complex system of passages or paths.The subjects who had an audience did worse than the subjects who did alone.Now how can we explain these very different results? It seemed very confusing for a long time. Social psychologist, John Roberts, finally cleared up the confusion about why people sometimes perform better and sometimes worse in front of an audience. Roberts found that the presence of an audience facilitates what you already know how to do. That is, if you know what you are doing, having an audience helps you do it bette r.But if you don’t already know how to do something, you will probably make some mistakes and you will make mistakes for a longer time if you have an audience. That’s exactly what happened to the subjects who were learning the finger maze.So, if you were doing well, having an audience increases the chances that you will continue to do well. If you were doing badly, having an audience increases the chances that you will continue to do badly. Roberts cleverly pointed out that when you are first learning something, you are better off working alone than practicing with other people.33. What did the speaker probably discuss **ing to this part of the talk?34. When does the presence of an audience facilitate your performance according to Roberts?35. What does Roberts think as a better way to learn new things?Section C Compound DictationAmericans today have different eating habits than they had in the past. There is a wide selection of food available. They have a broader knowledge of nutrition, so they buy more fresh fruit and vegetables than ever before. At the same time, Americans purchase increasing quantities of sweets and sodas.Statistics show that the way people live determines the way they eat. American life-styles have changed. There are now growing numbers of people who live alone, single parents and children, and double-income families. These changing life styles are responsible for the incresing number of people who must rush meals or sometimes simply go without them. Many Americans have less time than ever before to spend preparing food. Partly as a consequence of this limited time, over half of all American homes now have microwave ovens. Moreover, Americans eat out nearly four times a week on average. It is easy to study the amounts and kinds of food that people consume. The United States Department of Agriculture and the food industry collect sales statistics and keep accurate records. This information not only tells us what people are eating but also tells us about the changes in attitudes and tastes. Red meat, which used to be the most popular choice for dinner, is no longer an American favorite. Instead, chicken, turkey, and fish have become more popular. Sales of these foods have greatly increased in recent years.。

2012年英语专四真题及答案

2012年英语专四真题及答案

TEST FOR ENGLISH MAJORS (2012)-GRADE FOUR-TIME LIMIT: 130 MIN PART I DICTATION [10 MIN] Listen to the following passage. Altogether the passage will be read to you four times. During the first reading, which will be done at normal speed, listen and try to understand the meaning. For the second and third readings, the passage will be read sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase, with intervals of 15 seconds. The last reading will be done at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work. You will then be given 1 minute to check through your work once more.Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE.PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSION [20 MIN] SECTION A TALKIn this section you will hear a talk. You will hear the talk ONCE ONLY. While listening, you may look at the task on ANSWER SHEET ONE and write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap. Make sure what you fill in is both grammatically and semantically acceptable. You may use the blank sheet for note-taking.You have THIRTY seconds to preview the gap-filling task.Now listen to the talk. When it is over, you will be given TWO minutes to complete your work.SECTION B CONVERSATIONSIn this section you will hear two conversations. At the end of each conversation, five questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken ONCE ONLY. After each question there will be a ten-second pause. During the pause, you should read the four choices of A, B, C and D, and mark the best answer to each question on ANSWER SHEET Two.You have thirty seconds to preview the questions.Now, listen to the conversations.CONVERSATION ONE1. A. Product price. B. Product quality. C. Production methods. D. Manufacturers.2. A. They are concerned about ethical issues. B. They are unwelcome by shops.C. They are indifferent to the price.D. They don’t care about the quality.3. A. Consider the worth of something to be bought.B. Ask for others’ advice before buying things.C. Postpone buying things whenever possible.D. Search for things that are less costly.4. A. Never buy used things. B. Pay for quality.C. Save money.D. Shop online.5. A. Shrewd. B. Cautious. C. Extravagant. D. Thrifty. CONVERSATION TWO6. A. She is enjoying her language study. B. She is enjoying her management study.C. She is not feeling very well at the moment.D. She is not happy about her study pressure.7. A. It is challenging. B. It is interesting. C. It is useful. D. It is difficult.8. A. She dislikes the food she eats. B. She is unable to sleep well.C. She finds the rent high.D. She has no chance to make friends.9. A. English. B. German. C. Japanese. D. Italian.10. A. To try to make more friends. B. To try to change accommodation.C. To spend more time on English.D. To stop attending language classes.PART III LANGUAGE USAGE [10 MIN]There are twenty sentences in this section. Beneath each sentence there are four words, phrases or statements marked A, B, C and D. Choose one word, phrase or statement that best completes the sentence.Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET TWO.l1. Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT?A. Twenty miles seems like a long walk. to him.B. No one except his supporters agree with him.C. Few students in my class are really lazy.D. Neither Julia nor I were going to the party.12. W hich of the following reflexive pronouns (反身代词) is used as an appositive (同位语)?A. He promised himself rapid progress.B. The manager herself will interview Mary.C. I have nothing to say for myself.D. They quarreled themselves red in the face.13. M y boss ordered that the legal documents ___________ to him before lunch.A. be sentB. were sentC. were to be sentD. must be sent14. W hich of the following sentences is INCORRECT?A. How strange feelings they are!B. How dare you speak to me like that!C. What noise they are making!D. What a mess we are in!15. W hich of the italicized parts functions as a subject?A. We never doubt that her brother is honest.B. The problem is not who will go but who will stay.C. It is clear that the crime was done deliberately.D. Y ou must give it back to whoever it belongs to.16. W hich of the italicized parts functions as an object?A. He doesn’t like the idea of my speaking at the meeting.B. It is no use your pretending not to know the matter.C. Her falling into the river was the climax of the whole trip.D. My parents strongly object to my going out alone at night.17. A ll the following sentences have an appositive EXCEPT ___________.A. Only one problem still remains—the foodB. She bought herself a pair of new shoesC. My friends all understand and support meD. She liked her current job, teaching English18. W hich of the following best explains the meaning of “Shall we buy the tickets first”?A. He said that we were going to buy the tickets first.B. He requested that we buy the tickets first.C. He suggested that we buy the tickets first.D. He advised us to buy the tickets first.l9. Which of the following contains an adverbial clause of cause?A. I got a job as soon as I left university.B. As there was no answer, I wrote again.C. Y ou must do the exercises as I show you.D. Wealthy as he is, Mark is not a happy man.20. W hich of the following prepositional phrases can function as an adverbial?A. Despite the rain, everyone enjoyed the trip.B. The man with a beard is talking to the manager.C. Every precaution was taken against the failure of the plan.D. Are you sure of Simon’s disappearance?21. T he girl cannot come to school today on account of the flu. The underlined part means ___________.A. concerningB. forC. as toD. because of22. M ary and John are busy looking for a hotel for their wedding ___________.A. mealB. banquetC. refreshmentD. snack23. M ini-skirts first ___________ in the 1960s.A. caught onB. caught inC. caught outD. caught up24. T hat outburst at the meeting was ___________ of his bad temper.A. expositoryB. explanatoryC. illustrativeD. revealing25. T he earthquake refugees are ___________ for food and blankets.A. desirousB. badly offC. seriously offD. ambitious26. M ost Chinese people went to work by bike within living ___________.A. mindB. knowledgeC. memoryD. scope27. T he speaker was very good at ___________ his ideas during the discussion.A. putting asideB. putting acrossC. putting backD. putting off28. T he food is good at this hotel, but the ___________ is poor; the waiters don’t seem to be well trained.A. serviceB. repairC. chargeD. maintenance29. S lavery was ___________ in America in the 19th century.A. terminatedB. cancelledC. abandonedD. abolished30. M ercifully, I was able to complete all I had to do within a few days. The underlined part means ____.A. efficientlyB. surprisinglyC. fortunatelyD. shortlyPART IV CLOZE [10 MIN] Decide which of the words given in the box below would best complete the passage if inserted in the corresponding blanks. The words can be used ONCE ONLY. Mark the letter for each word on ANSWERThe earthquake of 26th December 2004 resulted in one of the worst natural disasters in living memory. It was a massive underwater quake and (31) ______ in the Indian Ocean. It destroyed coastlines,communities and brought death to many people.Why do earthquakes happen? The surface of the earth has not always looked as it does today; it is moving (32) ______ (although very slowly) and has done so for billions of years. This is one (33) ______ of earthquakes, when one section of the earth (tectonic plate) collides with another. Scientists can predict where but not when this might happen and the area between plates is called a fault line. On one fault line in Kobe, Japan in 1923 over 200,000 people were killed. However, earthquakes do not always happen on fault lines, which is why they are so dangerous and (34) ______.Where do volcanoes happen? V olcanoes happen where the earth’s crust is thin: lava, dust and gases (35) ______ from beneath the earth. They can rise into a huge cone shape like a mountain and erupt, (36) ______ they can be so violent that they just explode directly from the earth with no warning. There are 1511 “active” volcanoes in the world. This means that they may (37) ______ be dangerous. In 1985 the Colombian volcano Nevado del Ruiz erupted. The lava melted a glacier and sent (38) ______ of mud down the town below. Twenty thousand people died.Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions are often unpredictable. We regularly do not know when they might happen, or even where they will happen. In the future, scientists may be (39) ______ to watch and predict events before they happen. This could (40) ______ many lives.PART V READING COMPREHENSION [35 MIN] SECTION A MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONSIn this section there are three passages followed by ten multiple-choice questions. For each question, there are four suggested answers marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that you think is the best answer and mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET TWO.PASSAGE ONE(1) Saying “thank you” is probably the first thing most of us learn to do in a foreign language. After all, we’re brought up to be polite, and it is important to make a good impression upon other people—especially across national divides.(2) So, what exactly are you supposed to say when “thank you” is only the 20h most popular way to express gratitude? According to a recent survey, 19 other ways of expressing appreciation finished ahead of “thank you” in a poll of 3,000 people.(3) Pollsters found almost half of those asked preferred the more informal “cheers”, while others liked to use such expressions as “ta”, “great” and “nice one”.(4) So, just what is the appropriate form of words to express your thanks?(5) Fortunately, the clue is in the language itself. “Cheers”, despite its popularity, is considered an informal way to say thank you—and this is a definite clue as to when you can best use it.(6) For instance, when going for a drink with friends, a smile and a “cheers” by way of thanks is not only appropriate to the situation, it is also culturally accurate.(7) “Ta”, originated from the Danish word “tak”, was the second-most popular expression of thanks, and is also commonly used in informal situations, along with phrases such as “nice one”, and “brilliant”. Interestingly, one word that didn’t make it into the top 20 was “thanks”, thank you’s shorter, more informal cousin.(8) “Thanks” can be useful, as it is able to bridge the divide between the formality of “thank you”and the downright relaxed “cheers”.(9) Certain words can double as an expression of thanks as well as delight. Again, the wordsthemselves offer the clue as to when best to use them.(10) For example, words like “awesome”, “brilliant” and “you star” featured highly in the new poll and they can hint at both your pleasure at someone’s action, as well as serving to express your thanks. If you’re on the receiving end of a “new” thank you, you can respond with a simple “no problem”, or “sure”(11) Of course, in certain circumstances, a simple wave, nod or smile may be appropriate. For instance, if a car driver slows down to let you cross the road, simply raising your hand in acknowledgement is enough to show that you appreciate the driver’s consideration.(12) Sometimes, formality is necessary, and “thank you” is still the best choice in such situations. But students should not worry about when exactly to use certain expressions.(13) Many people in Western countries are worried that good manners are in decline. People are tired of seeing their acts of kindness and service pass without comment. So don’t think that your “thank you”was clumsy or awkwardly formal. The chances are, if you said “thank you”, you made someone’s day. Y ou star.41. W e can tell from the results of the poll that ____________.A. people are unconcerned about politeness nowadaysB. “thank you” remains the best expression of gratitudeC. there is a variety of expressions of appreciationD. there are more formal expressions than informal ones42. W hich word phrase does NOT appear in the top 20?A. Thanks.B. Cheers.C. Brilliant.D. Y ou star.43. A ccording to the passage, the way in which we express our gratitude depends on all the followingEXCEPT ____________.A. cultureB. genderC. formalityD. circumstance PASSAGE TWO(1) “I’m a little worried about my future,” said Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate. He should be so lucky. All he had to worry about was whether to have an affair with Mrs. Robinson. In the sixties, that was the sum total of post-graduation anxiety syndrome.(2) Hoffman’s modern counterparts are not so fortunate. The Mrs. Robinsons aren’t sitting around at home any more, seducing graduates. They are out in the workplace, doing the high-powered jobs the graduates want, but cannot get. For those fresh out of university, desperate for work but unable to get it, there is a big imbalance between supply and demand. And there is no narrowing of the gap in sight.(3) The latest unemployment figures show that 746,000 of 18-24 year-olds are unemployed—a record rate of 18 per cent. Many of those will have graduated this summer. They are not panicking yet, but as the job rejections mount up, they are beginning to feel alarmed.(4) Others—fewer in number, but now past the panic stage and plunged deeper and deeper into depression—graduated in summer 2008, nearly 18 months ago. I know one of them, the son of friends. He went to one of the country’s top grammar schools, got a place at Warwick University, worked hard, got a 2:1 in maths—maths, note, not something wishy-washy like media studies—and is still living at home with his parents, doing shift work at the local pub. The only maths he needs to know is the cost of a pint of bitter.(5) He would be a tragic figure, a one-man paradise lost, if his plight were not so common. Graduates struggling to get jobs commensurate with their qualifications are becoming sadly familiar.(6) Of course, it is easy to blame the Government and, in particular, the. target that Labour has longtrumpeted—50 per cent of school-leavers in higher education. That was not too smart. The Government has not only failed to meet its target—the actual figure is still closer to 40 per cent- -but it has raised expectations to unrealistic levels.(7) Parents feel as badly let down as the young people themselves. Middle-class families see their graduate offspring on the dole(救济金) queue and wonder why they bothered paying school fees. Working-class families feel an even keener sense of disappointment. For many such families, getting a child into university was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. It represented upward social and financial mobility. It was proof that they were living in a dynamic, economically successful country. That dream does not seem so rosy now.(8) Graduate unemployment is not, ultimately, a political problem ready to be solved. Job-creation schemes for graduates are very low down in ministerial in-trays. If David Cameron’s Conservatives had a brilliant idea for guaranteeing every graduate a well-paid job, they would have unveiled it by now. It is a social problem, though a more deep-seated social problem than people perhaps realize.(9) The life of a student used to be pretty straightforward, all things considered. Y ou had to work hard at school to get into university, but once you had got there, you were on a magic carpet that would take you, via a bit of pot-smoking and binge-drinking, to the higher echelons of society: a secure job; a decent income; your own flat by the time you were 25; your own house by the time you were 30; a manageable mortgage; a pension plan; spare cash for school fees; then the same magic carpet for your own children.(10) There wasn’t room on the magic carpet for everyone, but almost anyone could get on the car-pet, provided only that they buckled down at school and worked hard enough to get the exam grades they needed. Now, with mounting graduate unemployment, schools will struggle to convince children that a Good University, that shining city on the hill, is everything it is cracked up to be. There is a whole world of anxiety and disillusion behind those bald employment figures.44. T he author begins with an episode from The Graduate in order to ____________.A. support the fact that more women are working nowB. emphasize the sharp contrast between now and thenC. demonstrate that there were much fewer graduates than nowD. show that few graduates started working right after graduation45. W ith regard to job opportunities for young graduates, the author sounds ____________.A. pessimisticB. hopefulC. indifferentD. furious46. T he author is ________ the Labour Government’s target: 50% of school leavers in higher education.A. in favour ofB. doubtful aboutC. strongly critical ofD. mildly critical of47. I n Para. 8, the author implies that ____________.A. there will be job-creation schemes for graduatesB. graduate unemployment is more of a political issueC. the Conservatives are doing far from enough to solve the issueD. graduate unemployment is both a political and a social issuePASSAGE THREE(1) No matter how many times you have seen images of the golden mask of boy-king Tutankhamen, come face to face with it in Egypt’s Cairo museum, and you will suck in your breath.(2) It was on Nov 4, 1923, that British archaeologist Howard Carter stumbled on a stone at the base of the tomb of another pharaoh (法老) in Luxor that eventually led to a sealed doorway.(3) Then, on Nov 23, Carter found a second door and when he stuck his head through it, what he saw was to stun the world. Inside lay the great stone coffin, enclosing three chests of gilded wood.(4) A few months later, when a crane lifted its granite cover and one coffin after another was removed, Carter found a solid block of gold weighing 110kg. In it was the mummy(木乃伊) of the 19-year-old Tutankhamen, covered in gold with that splendid funeral mask. And all this lay buried for more than 3,000 years.(5) Months after my trip to Egypt, I can relive the rush of emotion I felt and sense the hush that descended on the crammed Cairo museum’s Tutankhamen gallery.(6) Cairo, a dusty city of 20 million people, is a place where time seems to both stand still and rush into atter chaos. It is a place where the ancient and contemporary happily go along on parallel tracks.(7) Take the Great Pyramids of Giza, sitting on the western edge of the city. Even as the setting sun silhouettes these gigantic structures against the great desert expanse, a call for prayer floats over semi-finished apartment blocks filled with the activity of city life.(8) Dwarfed by these pyramids in the light of day, you can’t but marvel at the genius of man. The largest of these, the Pyramid of Khufu that rises to an astonishing 450 meter, is estimated to contain more than 2.5 million blocks of limestone, each weighing more than 2 tons. That such 5 a structure as this was erected in an age when the winch, pulley and wheel were unknown, defies the imagination.(9) Going into the pyramid, doubled over, up a steep incline, is a truly memorable experience and the few minutes you spend inside takes you back thousands of years, literally.(10) Standing guard at the entrance to the pyramid of Khafre is the 4,500-year-old Sphinx (獅身人面像), a magnificent structure that stands 20 meter tall and is 57 meter long, and was built to inspire awe for the pharaoh. But the creepy feeling inside the pyramid is nothing compared to what awaits visitors at the mummification section of Cairo museum. Thank heavens, there’s always a crowd in there despite the extra 100 Egyptian pounds ($18) charge.(11) The vast necropolis of Luxor is an immense archeological site. Each one of its tombs brings to mind life as it was lived 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, through its miraculously preserved wall paintings and reliefs.(12) North of Cairo lies the city of Alexandria founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Alexandria was Egypt’s capital for more than 1,000 years, before its Islamic conquest in AD 640, and shows considerable Roman influence.(13) Here, historians are still searching for the coffins of romance’s legendary couple, Anthony and Cleopatra. They believe a large part of the history remains buried in a massive underwater city. It is also in Alexandria that you will find the intriguing catacombs,’a massive underground complex where the early Christians hid from the Romans.(14) While careful planning for the afterlife may lie buried underground in Cairo, it is noise and confusion on the streets. Donkey carts battle for space with pedestrians and the only operative road rule is “might is right.” But it is a city that is full of life- from the small roadside restaurants to the coffee shops where men and women smoke the shisha (水烟壶).(15) Donkey carts piled high with flat-breads magically find their way in and out the maddening traffic; young women in long skirts and headscarves hold hands with young men in open collar shirts, while conversations dwell on Kuwait’s chances at the soccer World Cup.48. A ccording to the context, “suck in your breath” means” feel a sense of ____________.A. aweB. horrorC. doubtD. delight49. W hich word CANNOT be used to describe the city of Cairo?A. Crowdedness.B. Quiet.C. Noise.D. Confusion.50. W hat is the author’s attitude towards Cairo?A. Positive.B. Negative.C. Objective.D. Not clear. SECTION B SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONSIn this section there are five short answer questions based on the passages in Section A. Answer the questions with NO more than TEN words in the space provided on ANSWER SHEET TWO.PASSAGE ONE51. According to the passage, which is an appropriate response to “awesome” or “brilliant”?52. What does the author encourage people to do in the last paragraph?PASSAGE TWO53. How do parents feel about graduate unemployment?PASSAGE THREE54. How was the mummy discovered according to the second paragraph?55. What can be inferred from the road rule “might is right”?PART VI WRITING [45 MIN] Read carefully the following excerpt on private-education arguments in the UK, and then write your response in NO LESS THAN 200 words, in which you should:●summarize the main message of the excerpt, and then●comment on whether pr ivate education should be advocated.Y ou should support yourself with information from the excerpt.Marks will be awarded for content relevance, content sufficiency, organization and language quality. Failure to follow the above instructions may result in a loss of marks.Write your response on ANSWER SHEET THREE.-THE END-ANSWER SHEET 1 (TEM 4)请勿在此处作任何标记PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A TALKKEYSPART I DICTATIONEco-tourismNowadays, many of us try to live in a way that would damage the environment as little as possible. And we want to take these attitudes on holiday with us. This is why alternative forms of tourism are becoming popular in the world. Most people agree that these new forms of tourism should do the following. First, they should conserve the wildlife and culture of the area. Second, they should benefit the local people. Third, they should make a profit without destroying natural resources. And finally they should provide an experience that tourists want to pay for.PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A1. written records2. Germanic / Anglo-Saxon3. English-speaking world4. defeated5. education programs6. Danish7. Norman French 8. verged on extinction 9. Modern 10. colonization SECTION B1. D2. A3. D4. B5. C6. C7. B8. B9. A 10. BPART III LANGUAGE USAGE11. C 12. D 13. B 14. A 15. C16. A 17. D 18. C 19. A 20. C21. C 22. B 23. A 24. C 25. B26. B 27. D 28. C 29. A 30. DPART IV CLOZE31. F 32. A 33. I 34. H 35. L36. G 37. K 38. D 39. O 40. JPART V READING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A41. C 42. B 43. A 44. B 45. A46. C 47. A 48. B 49. C 50. D SECTION B51. To show their gratitude to others.52. It made her confident and optimistic.53. To emphasize the sharp contrast between now and then.54. Graduate unemployment is both a political and a social issue.55. Feel a sense of awe.PART VI WRITINGShould Museum Entry Be Free?Visiting museums is a relaxing and enjoyable way to broaden one’s horizons. Hence, some suggest that the admission should be free. They believe that free access is essential to provide people with cultural and educational opportunities. Besides, it can also boost the number of visitors, which consequently will help build the general national pride and promote cross-cultural understanding. In the long run, this will also exert substantial influence over the prosperity of the nation.In contrast, those against the suggestion claim that museums need to charge entrance fees in order to survive in the modern world. Furthermore, the government does not have sufficient funds to subsidize all institutions and there are other priorities for the government to fund. And free admission will only result in a decline in the field. What’s worse, funded by the government, the museums will no longer care about the number of their visitors, and thus will stop catering to the needs of customers to produce popular exhibitions and offer convenient services.I believe there is no clear answer to this question as there are such strong arguments on both sides. Perhaps it is possible for some museums to charge fees and for others not to. It will depend on the individual situation of museums.2012-TEM4-11。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案。

Doctoral degree 1,550 1,272 1,038 712 626 444 Master Master’’s degree Bachelor Bachelor’’s degree Some college, no degree High school diploma Less than high school degree 2012年12月大学英语四级(CET-4)真题试卷Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes) 注意:此部分试题在答题卡1上,请在答题卡1上作答。

上作答。

Direction: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition entitled E ducation Pays based on the statistics provided in the chart below (Weekly earnings of 2010). Please write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Education: A Worthy Investment Weekly earnings in 2010($) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Education Pays Part Ⅱ Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Di rections: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), . For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.Should Sugar Be Regulated like Alcohol and Tobacco? Sugar Sugar poses poses enough enough health health health risks risks risks that that that it it it should should should be be be considered considered considered a a a controlled controlled controlled substance substance substance just just just like like like alcohol alcohol alcohol and and tobacco, argue a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). In In an an an opinion opinion opinion piece piece piece called called called ““The T oxic (毒性的) ) Truth Truth Truth About About About Sugar Sugar Sugar”” published published Feb.1 Feb.1 Feb.1 in in in Nature, Nature, Nature, Robert Robert “There is nothing empty about these calories. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that fructose (果糖) can trigger processes that lead to liver toxicity and a host of other chronic diseases. A little is not a problem, but a lot kills — slowly.”Almost Almost everyone everyone everyone’’s s heard heard heard of of of —— or or personally personally personally experienced experienced experienced —— the the well-known well-known well-known sugar sugar sugar high, high, high, so so so perhaps perhaps perhaps the the comparison between sugar and alcohol or tobacco shouldn ’t come as a surprise. But it ’s doubtful that Americans will will look look look favorably favorably favorably upon upon upon regulating regulating regulating their their their favorite favorite favorite vice. vice. vice. W e W e’’re re a a a nation nation nation that that that’’s s sweet sweet sweet on on on sugar: sugar: sugar: the the the average average average U.S. U.S. adult downs 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the American Heart Association, and surveys have found that teens swallow 34 teaspoons. To counter our consumption, the authors advocate taxing sugary foods and controlling sales to kids under 17. Already, Already, 17% 17% 17% of of of U.S. U.S. U.S. children children children and and and teens teens teens are are obese (肥胖), ), and and and across across across the the the world world world the the the sugar sugar intake (摄入) ) has has increased three times in the past 50 years. The increase has helped create a global obesity plague that contributes to 35 million annual deaths worldwide from noninfectious diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Linda Matzigkeit, a senior vice president at Children ’s Healthcare, said “We have to do something about this or our country is in danger. It ’s not good if your state has the second-highest obesity rate. Obese children turn into obese adults.”“There are good calories and bad calories, just as there are good fats and bad fats, good amino acids (氨基氨基酸) and bad amino acids,” Lustig, director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health program at UCSF, said in a statement. “But sugar is toxic beyond its calories.” The food industry tries to imply that “a calorie is a calorie is a calorie,” says Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Rudd Center Center Center for for for Food Food Food Policy Policy Policy and and and Obesity Obesity Obesity at at at Y ale Y ale University. University. University. ““But But this this this and and and other other other research research research suggests suggests suggests there there there is is something different about sugar,” says Brownell. The UCSF report emphasizes the metabolic (新陈代谢新陈代谢) effects of sugar. Excess sugar can alter metabolism, raise blood pressure, affect the signaling of hormones and damage the liver — outcomes that sound suspiciously similar similar to to to what what what can can can happen happen happen after after after a a a person person person drinks drinks drinks too too too much much much alcohol. alcohol. alcohol. Schmidt, Schmidt, Schmidt, co-chair co-chair co-chair of of of UCSF UCSF UCSF’’s s Community Community Engagement and Health Policy program, noted on CNN: “When you think about it, this actually makes a lot of sense. Alcohol, after all, is simply made from sugar. Where does vodka come from? Sugar.”But there are also other areas of impact that researchers have investigated: the effect of sugar on the brain and and how how how liquid liquid liquid calories calories calories are are are interpreted interpreted interpreted differently differently differently by by by the the the body body body than than than solids. solids. solids. Research Research Research has has has suggested suggested suggested that that that sugar sugar activates the same reward pathways in the brain as traditional drugs of abuse like morphine or heroin. No one is claiming claiming the the the effect effect effect of of of sugar sugar sugar is is is quite quite quite that that that strong, strong, strong, but, but, but, says says says Brownell, Brownell, Brownell, ““it it helps helps helps confirm confirm confirm what what what people people people tell tell tell you you sometimes, that they hunger for sugar and have withdrawal symptoms when they stop eating it.”There There’’s also something particularly tricky about sugary drinks. “When calories come in liquids, the body doesn doesn’’t t feel feel feel as as as full,full,full,”” says says Brownell. Brownell. Brownell. ““People People are are are getting getting getting more more more of of of their their their calories calories calories than than than ever ever ever before before before from from from sugared sugared drinks.drinks.””Other Other countries, countries, countries, including including including France, France, France, Greece Greece Greece and and and Denmark, Denmark, Denmark, impose impose impose soda soda soda taxes, taxes, taxes, and and and the the the concept concept concept is is is being being considered in at least 20 U.S. cities and states. Last summer, Philadelphia came close to passing a 2-cents-per-ounce soda tax. The Rudd Center has been a strong advocate of a more modest 1-cent-per-punce tax. But But at at at least least least one one one study, study, study, from from from 2010, 2010, 2010, has has has raised raised raised doubts doubts doubts that that that soda soda soda taxes taxes taxes would would would result result result in in in significant significant significant weight weight weight loss: loss: apparently apparently people people people who who who are determined are determined to to eat eat eat —— and drink — unhealthily will will find find find ways ways ways to to to do do do it. it. it. Teens Teens Teens —— no surprise — are good at finding ways to get the things they can can’’t have, so state policies banning all sugar-sweetened drinks from public schools and providing only water, milk or 100% fruit juices haven ’t had the intended effect of steering kids away from drinking sugared drinks: the average teen consumes about 300 calories per day — that ’s nearly 15% of his daily calories — in sweetened drinks, and the food and drink industry is only too happy to feed this need. Ultimately, regulating sugar will prove particularly tricky because it goes beyond health concerns; sugar, for so many people, is love. A plate of cut-up vegetables just doesn ’t pack the same emotional a cupcake and not an 4. The food industry tries to relieve the public worry about sugar intake by suggesting that  .5. According to Brownell, liquid sugar . 7. Regulating sugar will prove tricky because . its . snack-bars selling high sugar products be . 10. A gentle way to steer people away from sugar is to make inexpensive, low-sugar foods . American today have different eating habits than they had in the past. There is a wide (36) of food available. They have a broader (37) (38) than ever before. At the same time, Americans (39) Statistics show that the way people live (40) There are now growing numbers of people who live alone, (41) food. (44) . Moreover, Americans eat out nearly four times a week on It is easy to study the amounts and kinds of food that people consume. (45) . This information not only tells us what people eating, but also tells us about the changes in attitudes and tastes. (46) . . Instead, You may not use any ofcenter.words in the bank more than once.47 at all. Seven of the 18 women who are 48 49 This role change is 50 52 51 a majority of jobs in the U.S., including 51.4 percent of managerial and professional 53 is more dramatic among younger people. Women 30 and under make more money, on 55 ended up caring for their children full-time while their wives are the the U.S. who 56 A) appealing I) occupations B) average J) occurring C) conflict K) positions D) currently L) primary E) elementary M) recession F) ensure N) regularly G) female O) unusual H) fill Try Try to to to imagine imagine imagine what what what it it it is is is like like like to to to live live live without without without electricity. electricity. electricity. It It It is is boring, 67 one one thing thing — no no television, television, television, on on on MP3 MP3 MP3 player, player, player, no no video games. And you feel 68 and disconnected as well — no computer, computer, no no no Internet, Internet, Internet, no no no mobile mobile mobile phone. phone. phone. Y ou Y ou can can can read read read books, books, books, of of course — 69 at at night night night you you you won won won’’t t have have have light, light, light, other other other than than than the the flicker (闪烁) ) of of of firewood. firewood. firewood. And And And about about about that that that firewood firewood — you you or or someone in your family had to 70 it during the day, taking you away from more 71 work or schooling, 67. [A] about [B] with [C] as [D] for 68. [A] lonely [B] tedious [C] ignored [D] tough 69. [A] so [B] but [C] since [D] if 70. [A] transfer [B] select [C] assemble [D] gather 71. [A] relative [B] massive [C] productive [D] extensive 72. [A] to [B] of [C] amid [D] under 73. [A] seeking out [B] giving up [C] throwing off [D] carrying away 74. [A] harmful [B] aggressive [C] visible [D] allergic 75. [A] although [B] whereas [C] while [D] because 76. [A]strength [B] power [C] source [D] force 77. [A] desperately [B] oddly [C] marvelously [D] vastly 78. [A] engage [B] insist [C] ensure [D] induce 79. [A] continent [B] location [C] territory [D] planet 80. [A] solemn [B] severe [C] compound [D] comparable 81. [A] that [B] which [C] those [D] ones 82. [A] Unless [B] Though [C] Until [D] Before 83. [A] global [B] fashionable [C] grand [D] famous 84. [A]commanded [B] withdrawn [C] offered [D] received 85. [A] solution [B] target [C] obstacle [D] retreat 86. [A] interrupts [B] affects and in more parts of the world, exposing you 72 danger. That same firewood is used to cook dinner, 73 smoke that can turn the air inside your home far more 74 than that breathed in an industrial city. You may lack access to modern drugs 75 the nearest hospital does not have continuous 76 to keep the medicine refrigerated. You are 77 poor — and the lack of electricity helps to 78 that you’ll stay that way. That is life for the 1.3 billion people around that 79 who lack access to the grid (电网电网). It is a 80 problem of the developing world and the countryside — more than 95% of 81 Without electricity are either in sub-Saharan Africa or developing Asia, and 84% live in rural areas. 82 it hasn hasn’’t gotten the attention that 83 problems like HIV/AIDS and water shortage have 84 in recent years, lack of power remains a major 85 to any progress in the world’s development. “Lacking Lacking access access access to to to electricity electricity 86 health, health, well-being well-being well-being and and and income,income,income,”” says says Fatih Fatih Fatih Birol, Birol, Birol, the the the chief chief economist of the International Energy Agency. “It It’’s a problem the world has to pay attention to.”[C] halts [D] suspends 87. David turned away and walked quickly down the street, s intellect 89. I read the book last week, but now it is 90. Hardly had John finished his introductory remark 91. If the reaction were to take place, 2012年12月大学英语四级(CET-4)参考答案作文范文Education Pay What is shown in the chart above is that those people with high degree earn more than those with lower. For example, staff with master’s degree receive a better payment than those with bachelor’s degree, according to a survey of the payment to the employee. These survey indicates that education degree does have a relationship with earnings, contrary to the recent theory of useless education. Recently, there is a heated discussion about the significance of the education. Some people hold a view view that that that higher higher higher education education education is is is useless useless useless since since since college college college education education education cannot cannot cannot mesh mesh mesh with with with the the the social social social needs. needs. Some think that higher education is indispensable if you want to go far in both your studies and life. Now that survey has proved which part is wiser. As for me, I definitely support the view that education is necessary for people’s life. Reading can not only make me survive well in this society with fierce competition but also help me make sense of life. I pursue for it for my whole life. 1-5 DCAAD 6-7 BC 8.hazards 9. tightened 10. comparatively easier to get 11-15 BADAA 16-20 DBBCA 21-25 DCDCA 26-30 BCDAC 31-35 DDBCB 36. selection 37. knowledge 38. vegetables 39. purchase 40. determines 41. single 42. responsible 43. rush 44. Partly as a result of this limited time, over half of all American homes now have microwave ovens 45. The United States Department of Agriculture and the food industry collect sales statistics and keep accurate records 46. 46. Red Red Red meat, meat, meat, which which which used used used to to to be be be the the the most most most popular popular popular choice choice choice for for for dinner dinner dinner ,is ,is ,is no no no longer longer longer an an an American American favorite. 47. O 48. D 49. G 50. J 51. H 52. K 53. B 54. M 55. L 56. N 57-61 BCBDA 62-66 CABBC 67-71 DABDC 72-76 ACADB 77-81 ACDBC 82-86 BADCB 87. completely ignoring her presence 88. that separate him from other higher animals 89. nowhere to find 90. when he was interrupted by the audience 91. a tremendous amount of energy would be releasedPart III Listening ComprehensionBill says he’s not working so hard on his biology project.W: But he spends a lot of time in the lab, doesn’t he?Q: What does the woman imply about Bill? 15.M: I have to say i find the new smoking regulations too strict. W: Well, they are for everyone’s health. I have no complaints.Q: What are the speakers talking about? He’s tight up in meetings all morning.16.W: Jack asked me to drop off this report. M: I was hoping he brings it in himself, I need to talk with him about it. M: Well ,did you enjoy it? W: Yes, I enjoy it much more that I thought I would. M: Really? W: Yes, I don’t usually go to science fiction films.I don’t think they are much better than comics on film, if you know what I mean. M : Yes, sure.And a few years ago,they were certainly like that. But they’ve got a lot better now.at I really like. I never miss a good film set in middle ages. Oh, and W: Yes, and historical films, that’s whlove stories, I never miss one on TV. M: Fondly enough, I don’t like those kinds of films at all. But to come back to this one, I personally didn’t ly wasn’t as good as other science fiction films I’ve ever seen.think it was very good . It certainW: Wasn’t it?M: No, not at all. Oh, the effects were very good. W: Yes, I thought they were marvelous. Especially the battle in space, incredable. M: Yes, but I was going to say I thought the acting was terrible. W: Yes. I suppose Jason was too good to be true. And what was the name of the Baddy? M: Cargon? W: Yeah. Cargon was really evil, wasn’t he? But I suppose that’s what these films are all about—good triumphing over evil. And the characters have to be black and white. M: Well ,yes, but not always. Worth the well wasn’t like for example. Anyway, you enjoy the film. That’s the most important. W: Yes, I did. Thanks for taking me. Q: 19. What does the man say about the science fiction films? 20. What opinion did the speakers share about the film they just seen? 21. What to be learned about Jason and Cargon? Long Conversation 2 M: Can I ask you about your evening class? What class do you go to? W: Car maintance. M: What night of the week it on? 22. What does the woman say about her evening class? 23. Why did the wman want to attend to the class? 24.What do the people who attend the class do in the first part of the lesson? 25. What do we learn about participants in the class? Passageswishes and feelings ,she says, “ it’s very important to me to carry my own weight. I’m not comfortable in any ake. ”relationship where all I do is tThe difficult situation finally changed when Aaron moved recently. Pat’s children were with their father, so she took a picnik lunch to her friends new plays, then spend the day helping her unpack and get settled. “ I was so grateful, ” Aarons says, “ but I persuaded Pat to let me return the favour in my own way with season tickets to our little theater group. I think she’s beginning to recognize that she contributes as much to our friendship, but I do”26. What do we learn about Pat? 27. What draws Aaron and Pat together? 28. What does Aaron do to return Pat’s favor?29. What do we learn friendship from the passage? Passage 2 Sun School in the town of Ashbert in England is a day school for children age 10 to 18.It is based on the value of social equality between students and stuff, and has few rules.Sun School believes that the healthy growth of the child is more important than academic success. It offers a variety of lessons and activities for students to choose from. In free time for children to follow their own interests.Classes are small,and based on the individual needs of each child. The timetable is fixed.But democratically decided and students are expected to attend.The weekly school meeting is at the center of the way sun school is orgnized.It mix all the decisions that affect theschool,including rules, the timetable and accepting or rejecting new students and teachers.Participating in thease meetings gives children an understand of democratic decision making and helps them develops their skills of argument and persuasion.The most import advantage of the school meeting is that it shows the children that the school is really their’s.They have the right to decide on changes. And the school’s success or failure depends on their decisions and their behavior.Sun School employs no cooking or cleaning stuff,these jobs are done by students and teachers.Decorating and simple repairs are also done by students, it is believed that school truly belongs to who use it, they must take responsibility for its maintenance. 30. what value is Sun School based on? 31. what is characteristic of the school decision making processur program? 32. why does sun school ask the students to do the maintainance? Passage 3 Well, to continue, as i mentioned earlier, there is also research that demonstrates that individuals perform worse, not better on tasks when other people are there. R.W.Harburt did an interesting experiment. He had his 35. What does Roberts think as a better way to learn new things? habits than they had in the past. There is have a broader knowledge of nutrition, so they buy more fresh fruit before. At the same time, Americans purchase increasing quantities of sweets and sodas. show that the way people live determines growing numbers of people who live families. These changing life styles are responsible for the incresing number of people who must rush meals or  全国英语四级历年真题21 / 21 longer an American favorite. Instead, chicken, turkey, and fish have become more popular. Sales of these foods have greatly increased in recent years. 。

2012年12月四级考试真题及答案

2012年12月四级考试真题及答案

Doctoral degree1,550 1,272 1,038712 626 444 Master ’s degreeBachelor ’s degreeSome college, no degreeHigh school diplomaLess than high school degree 2012年12月大学英语四级真题及答案(3) Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes) 注意:此部分试题在答题卡1上,请在答题卡1上作答。

Direction: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write acomposition entitled Education Pays based on the statistics providedin the chart below (Weekly earnings of 2010). Please write at least120 words but no more than 180 words.Education: A Worthy InvestmentWeekly earnings in 2010($)Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsEducation PaysPartⅡ Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Di rections: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.Suffering in silenceDespite a law designed to protect them, many people with disabling conditions are unaware of their rights. Carole Concha-Bell tells of her experiences.Being diagnosed with a disabling condition is always a shock. Learning to live without the guarantee of health is like having to unlearn a previous life. The implications for your working life may seem intimidating.There is the disability Discrimination Act (DDA), of course. But does it really provide the protection in the workplace that parliamentintended? Are employers merely paying lip service to the DDA? Or are they even aware of an employer’s legal duties and responsibilities?In my experience, it is the latter. I have received little support from employers to whom I have revealed my condition. This has often left me feeling at a disadvantage and wondering why I bothered doing so in the first place.I had been struggling with illness long before I was diagnosed. In practical terms the diagnosis did little to aid me. Of course, it enabled me to understand my body, my limitations and set me on a course to stabilize my symptoms. But it brought a new dilemma. Where I had previously struggled to work while ill, ignorant of why my body was misbehaving, I now had a name for my daily struggle: Lupus (狼疮). This is a chronic (慢性的), auto-immune disorder that can affect virtually any system in the body. It also leaves a huge, dark question hanging over my head when seeking employment: should I tell my employers I have a condition? It is a dilemma that continues to be a root cause of anxiety both for myself and for thousands of other UK employees.The rocky road to my unfortunate enlightenment about work and disability began just after graduation when I’d set my sights on a career in communications and landed my dream job with a respected public relations consultancy (咨询公司) in Bristol. But while I was learning the art of media relations, my body wasn’t quite making it in health terms. Ioften went to work with swollen limbs and fevers. At my first and last performance review, my boss was amazed that, despite my many capabilities, I hadn’t quite taken control of my responsibilities. A few months later, my contract wasn’t renewed and I plunged further into new depths of ill health.However, I was determined not to be beaten and returned to the interview trail. My next job was in publishing. But despite a shining performance at the interview, I felt like a fraud. How long would it be before I sank into ill health and depression again?The job was to end with a monumental bang when I became so poorly I could no longer function. A few feverish weeks in bed ended in a specialist appointment, where I was diagnosed with Lupus and rushed into hospital for fear that it may have attacked my internal organs.The next 12 months were filled with confusion. I had no idea about benefits, felt alienated(被视为另类) by the medical establishment and lived off my savings until I was broke. I realized I needed help from my family and moved to London.As soon as I felt better, I marched into a marketing recruitment consultancy and, within 10 minutes, I had impressed the interviewer enough to be offered a job with the agency. We agreed on a decent salary and I told him had arthritis (关节炎) and would need to work a four-day week.Things went well at the start but soon the client meetings began to fall on my day off, and I rarely left the office on time. I began to slip both in health and professional terms. The 10-hour days crashed around my head; no amount of make-up could disguise my ill health as I battled against the odds to prove to myself that I cold still make it in the business world. I often cried on the bus on the way back from work.Not long before my contract was due to be made permanent, I was called to the boss’s office and given the “talk” abut how my performance was slipping, how awful I looked. I felt too weak to fight back and agreed to leave. No attempts to offer adjustments to my job, such as being able to work from home, were ever made. I had a case for unfair dismissal under the DDA, but was ignorant of this at the time.An estimated 10 million people in UK, or 17% of the population, qualify for disability status under the DDA. I have encountered a number of them: the liver-diseased boss; the co-worker with a heart condition; and my asthmatic(哮喘的) trainee-teacher friend. None had disclosed (透露) their conditions to employers, and all were feeling the strain of not doing so.To access your rights under the DDA and to request “reasonable adjustments”to your working conditions or your workplace requires disclosure. I had warned my former employer about my condition but it served little purpose. They were ignorant about their obligations to theirdisabled staff.However, there are plenty of forward-thinking organizations that have inclusive recruitment policies; are more likely to employ a worker with a disability; and are more aware of their legal duties. The public sector out-performs the private, but not always the voluntary, according to studies for the Disabilities Rights Commission.I decided to give the voluntary sector a go and was surprised to be offered flexible working conditions and other solutions to meet my needs as an employee. But given the choice, I would still prefer a career in the private sector, which for me is more dynamic, has more attractive salaries and offers better prospects than the voluntary or public sectors.Despite the advances of the DDA, there will always be an army of workers who will soldier on, maybe aware of their rights but choosing to remain silent for personal reasons. It is important, though, to recognize the significance of the act, the protection it affords and the obligations that employers have to us as employees and as human beings.注意: 此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案(完整版)

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案(完整版)

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案(完整版)2012年下半年英语四级考试作文真题及答案From the bar chart given above, we can observe that it reflects the statistics of income among people of different educational background. Those who possess a doctoral degree earn 1,551dollars median weekly, ranking first among people of other education level. The median weekly earnings of people with associate degree and below cannot reach the average of 797 dollars, ranking from 768 dollars to 451 dollars. As for the unemployment rate, 2.5 % of people with doctoral degree will suffer form unemployment. However, the unemployment rate of people with some college, no degree and lower degree surpass the mean value of 7.6%, ranking from 8.7% to 14.1%.The bar chart of Education Pays reveals a phenomenon that there exits some difference in incomes and unemployment rate among people with different educational level. Quite a few reasons can account for this phenomenon: for one thing, with the advancement of technology and the adjustment of industrial structure, quite a few high-tech industries emerge overnight, which leads to a soar demand of workforces with high educational degree, thus, it is natural that graduates with bachelor’ and higher degree get a high pay-packet and enjoy a stable job. Additionally, those with educational background under associate degree are easily dismissed and paid by low salary. They can be replaced any time due to the fact that their jobs are easy and can be finished by average people.Definitely, the higher education degree you get, the more likely you are to enjoy a competitive edge in the employment market. Thus, the authorities should enforce some policies to ensure the equity of education. Only in this way can more people lead a stable and comfortable life. 2012年英语四级答案:12月四级快速阅读答案第一套英语四级快速阅读答案1. A.soil erosion, landslides and floods。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版Part I Writing【标准版】Nothing Succeeds Without a Strong WillNothing runs smoothly in our life. To achieve things successfully, a strong will is essential. Life is like a Marathon. Many people can’t get to the t erminal. This is not because they are lack of vitality but because their will of success is not strong enough.To take quitting smoking as an example, some regard it as a piece of cake. They make up their minds to quit it in the morning, but in the evening they feel that the smell of cigarettes is tempting. Their throats are sore, their mouths are thirsty, and their hands are shaking. After the painful mental struggle, they tell themselves that “One cigarette is enough. Just take one, and the next day I will quit it.” By doing this, they surrender to their weak will. In the end, they have quitted smoking “a hundred times”, but in no time they succeed.在论述上,叙述略显罗嗦。

2012年12月四级考试真题汇总版 真题+听力原文+答案详解

2012年12月四级考试真题汇总版 真题+听力原文+答案详解

2012年12月四级考试真题汇总版Part Ⅰ Writing1Direction:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essayentitled Education Pays You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)Why Integrity MattersWhat is Integrity?"Integrity" is defined as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty." The key to integrity is consistency--not only setting high personal standards for oneself (honesty, responsibility, respect for others, fairness) but also living up to those standards each day. One who has integrity is bound by and follows moral and ethical standards even when making life's hard choices, choices which may be clouded by stress, pressure to succeed, or temptation.What happens if we lie, cheat, steal, or violate other ethical standards? We feel disappointed in ourselves and ashamed. But a lapse of integrity also affects our relationships with others. Trust is essential in any important relationship, whether personal or professional. Who can trust someone who is dishonest or unfair? Thus, integrity must be one of our most important goals.Risky BusinessWe are each responsible for our own decisions, even if the decision-making process has been undermined by stress or peer pressure. The real test of character is whether we can learn from our mistake, by understanding why we acted as we did, and then exploring ways to avoid similar problems in the future.Making ethical decisions is a critical part of avoiding future problems. We must learn to recognize risks, because if we can't see the risks we're taking, we can't make responsible choices. To identify risks, we need to know the rules and be aware of the facts. For example, one who doesn't know the rules about plagiarism may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit, or one who fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote and cite sources as required. But the fact that such a violation is "unintentional" does not excuse the misconduct. Ignorance is not a defense."But Everybody Does It"Most people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts, but manage to fool themselves about the risks they’re taking by using excuses: "Everyone else does it," "I'm not hurting anyone," or "I really need this grade." Excuses can get very elaborate: "I know I'm looking at another's exam, even though I'm supposed to keep my eyes on my own paper, but that's not cheating because I'm just checking my answers, not copying." We must be honest about our actions, and avoid excuses. If we fool ourselves into believing we're not doing anything wrong, we can't see the real choice we're making--and that leads to bad decisions.To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Ask how you would feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over your shoulder. Would you feel proud or ashamed of your actions? If you'd rather hide your actions, that's a good indication that you're taking a risk and rationalizing it to yourself.Evaluating RisksTo decide whether a risk is worth taking, you must examine the consequences, in the future as well as right now, negative as well as positive, and to others as well as to yourself. Those who take risks they later regret usually focus on immediate benefits ("what's in it for me"), and simply haven't considered what might go wrong. The consequences of getting caught are serious, and may include a "0" on a test or assignment; an "F" in the class; Suspension or Dismissal from school; transcriptnotation; and a tarnished reputation. In fact, when you break a rule or law, you lose control over your life, and give others the power to impose punishment: you have no control over what that punishment might be. This is an extremely precarious and vulnerable position. There may be some matters of life and death, or highest principle, which might justify such a risk, but there aren't many things that fall in this category.Getting Away With It--Or NotThose who don't get caught pay an even higher price. A cheater doesn't learn from the test, depriving him/herself of an education. Cheating undermines confidence and independence: the cheater is a fraud, and knows that without dishonesty, he/she would have failed. Cheating destroys self-esteem and integrity, leaving the cheater ashamed, guilty, and afraid of getting caught. Worst of all, a cheater who doesn't get caught the first time usually cheats again, not only because he/she is farther behind, but also because it seems "easier." This slippery slope of eroding ethics and bigger risks leads only to disaster. Eventually, the cheater gets caught, and the later he/she gets caught, the worse the consequences. Students have been dismissed from school because they didn't get this simple message: Honesty is the ONLY policy that works.Cheating Hurts Others, TooCheaters often feel invisible, as if their actions "don't count" and don't really hurt anyone. But individual choices have a profound cumulative effect. Cheating can spread like a disease, and a cheater can encourage others just by being seen from across the room. Recent statistics suggest 30% or more of college students cheat. If a class is graded on a curve, cheating hurts others' grades. Even if there is no curve, cheating "poisons" the classroom, and others may feel pressured to join in. ("If I don't cheat, I can't compete with those who do.") Cheating also has a destructive impact on teachers. The real reward of good teaching is seeing students learn, but a cheater says, "I'm not interested in what you're trying to teach; all I care about is stealing a grade, regardless of the effect on others." The end result is a blatant and destructive attack on the quality of your education. Finally, cheating can hurt the reputation of the University, and harm those who worked hard for their degree.Why Integrity MattersIf cheating becomes the norm, then we are in big trouble. We must rely on the honesty and good faith of others every day. If not, we couldn't put money in the bank, buy food, clothing, or medicine from others, drive across a bridge, get on a plane, go to the dentist--the list is endless. There are many examples of the vast harm that is caused when individuals forget or ignore the effect their dishonesty can have. The savings and loan scandal, the stock market and junk bond swindles, and, of course, Watergate, have undermined the faith of many Americans in the integrity of political and economic leaders and society as a whole. Such incidents take a tremendous toll on our nation's economy and our individual well-being. For example, but for the savings and loan debacle, there might be funds available to reduce the national debt and pay for education.In sum, we all have a common stake in our school, our community, and our society. Our actions do matter. It is essential that we act with integrity in order to build the kind of world in which we want to live.1. A person of integrity not only sets high moral and ethical standards but also _______.A) sticks to them in their daily lifeB) makes them known to othersC) understands their true valuesD)sees that others also follow them2. What role does integrity play in personal and professional relationships?A) It helps to create team spiritB) It facilitates communicationC) It is the basis of mutual trustD) It inspires mutual respect3. why must we learn to identify the risks we are going to take?A. To ensure we make responsible choices.B. To avoid being overwhelmed by stress.C. so that we don’t break any rules.D. so that we don’t run into trouble.4. Violation of a rule is misconduct even if _______?A. it has caused no harm.B. it is claimed to be unintentional.C. it has gone unnoticed.D. it is committed with good intentions.5. What should one do if he doesn’t wish to fool himself?A. Avoid making excuses.B. Listen to other people’s advice.C. Make his intensions public.D. Have others watch over his shoulder.6. Those who take risks they regret later on _______.A. will often become more cautiousB. are usually very aggressiveC. value immediate benefits most.D. may lose everything in the end7. According to the author, a cheater who doesn’t get caught right away will _______.A) pay more dearlyB) become more confidentC) be widely admiredD) feel somewhat lucky8. Cheaters at exam don’t care about their education, all they care about is how to _______9. Integrity matters in that all social activities rely on people’s _______10. Many Americans lost faith in the integrity of their political leaders asa result of _______.Part III Listening ComprehensionSection 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 2 with a single line through the centre.11.W: I just heard about a really beautiful park in the east end of the town. There are a lot of roses in bloom.M: Why don’t we walk over there and see for ourselves?Q: What will the speakers probably do?12.M: My presentation is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning at the lecture hall.I hope to see you there.W: Oh, sorry. I was about to tell you that I have an appointment with my dentist at 9:00 o’clock tomorrow.Q: What do we learn about the woman?13.W: How long have you been running this company?M: Twenty years if you can believe that. I brought it from a small operation to what it is today.Q: What do we learn about the man?14.M: Have you read the news on the campus net? Susan has won the scholarship for next year.W: I knew she would from the very beginning. Such a brilliant and diligent girl! She certainly deserves it.Q: What does the woman mean?15.W: Taking a bus to Miami, it’s cheaper than going by train.M: That’s true. But I’d rather pay a little more for the added comfort and convenience.Q: What does the man mean?16.M: I think it’s time we got rid of all this old furniture.W: You’re right. We need to promote our image besides it’s not a real antique.Q: What do the speakers mean?17.M: That was some storm yesterday. How was I afraid I couldn’t make it home.W: Yeah, most of the roads to my house were flooded. I didn’t get home from the lab until midnight.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?18.W: My boys are always complaining that they’re bored.M: Why don’t you get them into some team sports? My son and daughter play soccer every Saturday. And they both look forward to it all week.Q: What does the man mean?Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.W: I don’t know what to do. I can’t seem to get anyone in the hospital to listen to my complaints and this outdated equipment is dangerous. Just look at it.M: Hmm, uh, are you trying to say that it presents a health hazard?W: Yes, I am. The head technician in the lab tried to persuade the hospital administration to replace it, but they are trying to cut costs.M: You are pregnant, aren’t you?W: Yes, I am. I made an effort to get my supervisor to transfer me to another department, but he urged me not to complain too loudly. Because the administrationis more likely to replace me than an X-ray equipment, I’m afraid to refuse to work. But I’m more afraid to expose my unborn child to the radiation.M: I see what you mean. Well, as your union representative, I have to warn you that it would take quite a while to force management to replace the old machines and attempt to get you transferred may or may not be successful.W: Oh, what am I supposed to do then?M: Workers have the legal right to refuse certain unsafe work assignments under two federal laws, the Occupation or Safety and Health Act and the National Labor Relations Act. But the requirements of either of the Acts may be difficult to meet.W: Do you think I have a good case?M: If you do lose your job, the union will fight to get it back for you along with back pay, your lost income. But you have to be prepared for a long wait, maybe after two years.Q19. What does the woman complain about?Q20. What has the woman asked her supervisor to do?Q21. What does the man say about the two federal laws?Q22. What will the union do if the woman loses her jobQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.W: Mr. Green, is it fair to say that negotiation is an art?M: Well, I think it’s both an art and science. You can prepare for a negotiation quite scientifically, but the execution of the negotiation has quite a lot to do with one’s artistic quality. The scientific part of a negotiation is in determining your strategy. What do you want out of it? What can you give? Then of course there are tactics. How do you go about it? Do you take an opening position in a negotiation which differs from the eventual goal you are heading for? And then of course there are the behavioral aspects.W: What do you mean by the behavioral aspects?M: Well, that’s I think where the art comes in. In your behavior, you can either be an actor. You can pretend that you don’t like things which you are actually quite pleased about. Or you can pretend to like things which you are quite happy to do without. Or you can be the honest type negotiator who’s known to his partners innegotiation and always plays everything straight. But the artistic part of negotiation I think has to do with responding immediately to cues one gets in the process of negotiation. These can be verbal cues or even body language. This is where the artistic quality comes in.W: So really, you see two types of negotiator then, the actor or the honest one.M: That’ right. And both can work. I would say the honest negotiator can be quite effective in some circumstances. In other circumstances you need an actor.Q23. When is a scientific approach best embodied in a negotiation according to the man?Q24. In what way is a negotiator like an actor according to the man?Q25. What does the man say about the two types of negotiator?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 2 with a single line through the center.Passage 1Questions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.Since I started working part-time at a grocery store, I have learned that a customer is more than someone who buys something. To me, a customer is a person whose memory fails entirely once he or she starts to push a shopping cart. One of the first things customers forget is how to count. There is no other way to explain how so many people get in their express line, which is clearly marked 15 items or less, with 20, 25 or even a cart load of items. Customers also forget why they came to the store in the first place. Just as I finish ringing up an order, a customer will say, “Oops, I forgot to pick up a fresh loaf of bread. I hope you don’t mind waiting while I go get it.” Five minutes later, he is back with the bread, a bottle of milk, and three rolls of paper towels. Strange as it seems, customers also seem to forget that they have to pay for their groceries. Instead of writing a check or looking for a credit card while I am ringing up the groceries, my customers will wait untilI announce the total. Then, in surprise, she says, “Oh no, what did I do with my check book?” After 5 minutes of digging through her purse, she borrows my pen because she’s forgotten hers. But I have to be tolerant of customers because they pay my salary, and that’s something I can’t afford to forget.Q26. What does the speaker say about customers’ entering the grocery store?Q27. Which customers are supposed to be in the express line?Q28. What does the speaker say some customers do when they arrive at the check-out counter?Q29. What does the speaker say about his job at the end of the talk?Passage 2Questions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.The speech delivery style of Europeans and Asians tends to be very formal. Speakers of these cultures often read oral presentations from carefully written manuscripts. On the other hand, American speakers are generally more informal relative to speakers in other cultures. American audiences prefer natural, spontaneous delivery that conveys a lively sense of communication. They don’t relate well to speakers who read from a manuscript. If you use an outline of your ideas instead of a prepared text, your speech will not only sound more natural, but you will also be able to establish better relationship with your listeners and keep their attention. The language and style you use when making an oral presentation should not be the same as the language and style you use when writing. Well-written information, that is meant to be read, does not work as well when it is heard. It is, therefore, important for you to adapt written texts or outlines for presentations. Good speakers are much more informal when speaking than when writing. They also use their own words and develop their own speaking styles. Whenever possible, they use short words. Listeners appreciate it when speakers use simple, everyday words in a presentation. One advantage is that it’s much easier for speakers to pronounce short words correctly. Another is that long and sophisticated vocabulary choices make listening more difficult.Question 30 to 3230. What does the speaker say American audiences prefer?31. What should one pay attention to when making an oral presentation?32. What does the speaker focus on in the talk?Passage 3Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.Let children learn to judge their own work. A child learning to talk does not learn by being corrected all the time. If corrected too much, he will stop talking. He compares a thousand times a day the difference between language as he uses it and language as those around him use it. Bit by bit, he makes the necessary changes to make his language like other people’s. In the same way, kids learning to do all the other things they learn without adult teachers, to walk, run, climb, ride a bike, play games, compare their own performance with what more skilled people do, and slowly make the needed changes. But in school we never give a child a chance to detect his mistakes. We do it all for him. We act as if we thought he would never notice a mistake unless it was pointed out to him. Soon he becomes dependent on the expert. We should let him do it himself. Let him figure out, with the help of other children if he wants it, what this word says, what is the answer to that problem, whether this is a good way of saying or doing this or that. If right answers need to be given, as in mathematics or science, give him the answer book. Let him correct his own papers. Why should we teachers waste time on such tedious work? Our job should be to help children when they tell us that they can’t find a way to get the right answer.Question 33 to 3533. How does a child learn to do something according to the speaker?34. What belief do teachers commonly hold according to the speaker?35. What does the speaker imply about the current way of teaching?Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the pas sage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general i dea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill inthe blanks numbered from 36 to43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing inform ation. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.(听力原文)Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the foreign visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things accomplished on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep interpersonal relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail. It may seem to you that most Americans are completely controlled by the little machines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off abruptly to make it to their next appointment on time. Americans’ language is filled with references to time, giving a clear indication of how much it is valued. Time is something to be “on,” to be “kept,”“filled,”“saved,”“wasted,”“gained,”“planned,”“given,”“made the most of,”even “killed.” The international visitor soon learns that it is considered very rude to be late -- even by 10 minutes -- for an appointment in America. Time is so valued in America, because by considering time to be important one can clearly achieve more than if one “wastes” time and doesn’t keep busy. This philosophy has proven its worth. It has enabled Americans to be extremely productive, and productivity itself is highly valued in America. Many American proverbs stress the value of guarding time, using it wisely, and setting and working toward specific goals. Americans believe in spending their time and energy today so that the fruits of their labor may be enjoyed at a later time.Part IV Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth)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 choicesgiven in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage throughcarefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for eachitem on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You maynot use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 47 to 56 is based on the following passage.So many people use the cell phones so frequently every day. But 47 little is certain about the health effects of its use. Manufacturers 48 that cell phones meet government standards for safe radio-frequency radiation emission, but enough studies are beginning to document a possible 49 in rare brain tumors (脑瘤),headaches and behavioral disorders in children to cause concern. So far, theevidence isn’t 50 on whether the use of cell phones 51 to any increased risk of cancer . In a new trial, researchers asked 47 volunteers to 52 in a project to censure glucose (葡萄糖) consumption in the brain by scanning the brain to see how cells use energy. For both 50-minute scans, the volunteers had a cell phone 53 to each ear. During the first scan, the devices were turned off, but for the second scan, the phone on the right ear was 54 on and received a recorded-message call, although the volume was muted(消音)so the noise wouldn’t bias the results. The results of the second scan showed that the 55 of the brain nearest to the device had higher rates of glucose consumption than the rest of the brain. The study shows that cell phones can change brain activity,and 56 a whole new avenue for scientific inquiry, though it doesn’t say anything about whether cell-phone radiation can cause cancer.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2012年12月大学英语四级考试CET-4真题及答案超详解汇总

2012年12月大学英语四级考试CET-4真题及答案超详解汇总

2012年12月英语四级考试真题及答案超详解汇总Part I Writing标准版:The above bar chart clearly shows us education pays in 2010. We see that one with higher education background earns more money weekly than those with lower ones. For instance, the college students with no degree get paid$712 per week whereas those with a Bachelor‟s degree can earn $1038.Several reasons, in my opinion, can be identified to account for this phenomenon. To begin with, compared with those with comparatively lower education degree, people who have received higher education possess considerably wider knowledge, more remarkable learning and research ability, greater innovation and most of all, resourceful social network, all of which are essential to a high-income work. Also, the higher one‟s education degree is, the bigger platform he will have to show his ability. For example, his college, university, or research institute will organize various job fairs for them to communicate face to face with employers.This phenom enon tells us that education is a worthy investment. Therefore, substantial education investment should be strengthened while we, as college students, should study harder to build our country and strive for a better life for ourselves.高分版:Education PaysJudging from the table, we can see that people‟s income increases along with their education levels. Above all,the average college graduates earn much more than the typical high-school graduates.The fact revealed by these data is obvious: a degree does bring distinctive financial benefits to its holders. But is it true that a degree alone can ensure a bright future? I don‟t think so because, on the one hand, the financial value of high education depends heavily on what skills graduates can gain from it instead of the degree itself. After a ll, an employer only pays for your ability and performance, not for your certificate. On the other hand, the most valuable bless high education brings to graduates is the ability to learn quickly and efficiently. People received more education tend to keep lifelong learning habits after their graduation, which would help them gain more opportunities in their career path.In conclusion, what accounts for education pays is not the degree alone, but the graduate‟s ability and leaning habit.作文B:标准版:Education PaysThe above bar chart clearly shows us education pays in 2010. We see that unemployment rate of those with higher education background is much lower than those with lower education degree. For instance, the unemployment rate of college students with no degree is as high as 14.9% while that of those with doctoral degree is only 1.9%.The followingreason, in my opinion, is the most important one to account for this phenomenon. Compared with those with comparatively lower education degree, people who have received higher education possess considerably wider knowledge, more remarkable learning and research ability, greater innovation and most of all, resourceful social network, all of which make them more qualified and competent for their task. Thus, they are less likely to lose their jobs.This phenomenon tells us that education is a worthy investment. Therefore, education investment should be strengthened while we, as college students, should study harder to avoid unemployment.高分版:Education PaysAs is shown in the table, the unemployment rate decreases steadily as the education level increases. The fact revealed by the statistics is obvious: graduates with a degree are less likely to be unemployed.What has brought about this effect? I believe there are three main reasons. To begin with, the education level is still the top factor that employers would take into account when selecting job candidates. It is believed that people with a college degree tend to be more intelligent and qualified. In addition, as a result of good learning habit formed during college, job hunters with high education background are also more efficient in acquiring and processing job hunting information. Finally, college education equips graduates with specialized skills, leading to greater attachment to the company they are employed and higher possibility to be reemployed even if they leave their previous company.In conclusion, it is the qualifications, learning habit and specialized skills that high education equip a graduate that make one distinctive in labor market.【标准版点评】这次四级作文出了图表题,可能让大家有些意外,但是四六级考察图表作文已经并不是第一次,早在2002年的时候就已经出现过,是图表+提纲的形式,图表反应的是大学生使用计算机的情况。

2012年12月大学英语四级真题答案与解析

2012年12月大学英语四级真题答案与解析

2012 年 12 月大学英语四级真题答案与解析Part I Writing参考范文:第一种图表(即我们试题部分的图表)Education PaysThe bar graph describes the unemployment rates in 2010 for social groups with different education degrees in theUnited States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,the better you are educated, the more likely you are to get employed. For example,there are only about1.9% and 4% of people with doctoral degree and master degree respectively who are unemployed,while people with only a high school diploma or less suffer a much higher unemployment rate ( 14.9% and 10.3% respectively ) .These data clearly indicate that education pays in the long run and it is a worthy investment.In this IT age especially , when knowledge of science and technology is power , people need tobe well equipped with knowledge and skills in order to be competitive in job hunting and be better paid. A higher degree is definitely an advantage in the first place in the job market.It must be added , however , a high degree alone is not enough. It will not ensure a better employment opportunity. In order to succeed in the career , people must also develop practical skills and techniques as well as good communication , teamwork and social experience.第二种图表(这也是本次考试的另一份试卷的图表)(见图表2)Education PaysAs is shown in the bar chart above , the social groups with higher degree are not only more likely to be employed in the first place,but they are also better paid later in the workplace. Thosewith doctoral and professional degrees enjoy a much higher weekly median earning($1551 and1665 respectively) and suffer a much lower unemployment rate ( 2.5% and 2.4% ). On the other hand, those with less education suffer a considerably higher unemployment rate and have a muchlower weekly income. For example, there are a total of 23.5% ( 9.4%+14.1% ) of people unemployed with high school diploma or less , who have only a median weekly income of $545 ,as compared with the average $797.These data clearly indicate that education pays in the long run and it is a worthy investment.In this IT age especially , when knowledge of science and technology is power , people need tobe well equipped with knowledge and skills in order to be competitive in job hunting and be better paid. A higher degree is definitely an advantage in the first place in the job market and a competitive edge for workplace promotions.It must be added, however , a high degree alone is not enough. It will not ensure a better employment opportunity and higher salary. In order to succeed in the career, people must also develop practical skills and techniques as well as good communication , teamwork and socialexperience.概述四级考试主要的作文命题形式是图表作文,图表作文曾在1991“文示”提纲作文,但不时也考应用文(书信、演讲词等)和年 6 月(表格: Changes in People Diet)和 2002 年 6 月(柱状图: Student Use of Computers),似乎是 10 年考一次,但不排除今后会更频繁地考到。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案Passage OneQuestions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage.The predictability of our mortality rates is something that has long puzzled social scientists. After all, there is no natural reason why 2,500 people should accidentally shoot themselves each year or why 7,000 should drown or 55,000 die in their cars. No one establishes a quota for each type of death. It just happens that they follow a consistent pattern year after year.A few years ago a Canadian psychologist named Gerald Wilde became interested in this phenomenon. He noticed that mortality rates for violent and accidental deaths throughout the Western world have remained oddly static throughout the whole of the century, despite all the technological advances and increases in safety standards that have happened in that time. Wilde developed an intriguing theory called “risk homeostasis”. According to this theory, people instinctively live with a certain level of risk. When something is made safer, people willget around the measure in some way to reassert the original level of danger. If, for instance, they are required to wear seat belts, they will feel safer and thus will drive a little faster and a little more recklessly, thereby statistically canceling out the benefits that the seat belt confers. Other studies have shown that where an intersection is made safer, the accident rate invariably falls there but rises to a compensating level elsewhere along the same stretch of road. It appears, then, that we have an innate need for danger.In all events, it is becoming clearer and clearer to scientists that the factors influencing our lifespan are far more subtle and complex than had been previously thought. It now appears that if you wish to live a long life, it isn’t simply a matter of adhering to certain precautions … eating the right foods, not smoking, driving with care. You must also have the right attitude. Scientists at the Duke University Medical Center made a 15-year study of 500 persons personalities and found, somewhat to their surprise, that people with a suspicious or mistrustful nature die prematurely far more often thanpeople with a sunny disposition. Looking on the bright side, it seems, can add years to your life span.11. What social scientists have long felt puzzled about is why .A) the mortality rate can not be predictedB) the death toll remained stable year after yearC) a quota for each type of death has not come into beingD) people lost their lives every year for this or that reason12. In his research, Gerald Wilde finds that technological advances and increases in safety standards .A) have helped solve the problem of so high death rateB) have oddly accounted for mortality rates in the past centuryC) have reduced mortality rates for violent and accidental deathsD) have achieved no effect in bringing down the number of deaths13. According to the theory of “risk homeostasis”, some traffic accidents result from .A) our innate desire for riskB) our fast and reckless drivingC) our ignorance of seat belt benefitsD) our instinctive interest in speeding14. By saying “…statistically canceling out the benefits that the seat belt confers” (Para. 2),the author means .A) wearing seat belts does not have any benefits from the statistic point of viewB) deaths from wearing seat belts are the same as those from not wearing themC) deaths from other reasons counterbalance the benefits of wearing seat beltsD) wearing seat belts does not necessarily reduce deaths from traffic accidents15. Which of the following may contribute to a longer life span?A) Showing adequate trust instead of suspicion of othersB) Eating the food low in fat and driving with great careC) Cultivating an optimistic personality and never losing heartD) Looking on the bright side and developing a balanced level of riskPassage TwoQuestions 16 to 20 are based on the following passage.In California the regulators, the utilities and the governor all want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to cap spot (现货的) market prices. The Californians claim it will rein in outrageous prices. Federal regulators have refused. The battle is on.Governor Gray Davis says,“I’m not happy with the Federal Regulatory Commission at all. They’re living in an ivory tower. If their bills were going up like the people in San Diego, they would know that this is a real problem in the real world.”As part of deregulation, price caps were removed to allow for a free market. Timing is everything; natural gas prices had already skyrocketed. Demand was high from Californi a’s booming economy. No new power plants had been built here in ten years, and power producers had the right to hike prices along with demand. And hike them they did.Loretta Lynch of the Public Utilities Commission says,” This commission and all of Califo rnia was beating down the door of federal regulators to say‘help us impose reasonable price caps to help to keep our market stable.”Federal regulators did ask for longer-term contracts between power producers and the utilities to stabilize prices. The federal commission, unavailable for comment on this story, released a recent statement defending its position not to re-regulate.Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Dec. 15,2000: “The commission?s intention is to enable the markets to catch up to current supply and demand problems and not to reintroduce command and control regulation that has helped to produce the current crisis.”Some energy experts believe that, without temporary price caps, the crisis will continue.Severin Borenstein of the U.C. Energy Institute says,“Some federal regulators have a blind commitment to making the market work and I think part of the problem is they really don?t understand what?s going on.”Gary Ackerman of the Western Power Trading Forum says,“He’s dead wrong about that. Th e federal regulators understand far better than any individual state that, though it might be painful and it certainly is painful in California, price caps don’t work. They never work.”16. The battle between Californians and federal regulators is about .A) control over the price of powerB) necessity of removing price capsC) hiking the energy prices in CaliforniaD) a regulation concerning power supply17. Governor Gray Davis was dissatisfied with the Federal Regulatory Commission because .A) they did not know what the real problem wasB) they were living an easy life in an ivory towerC) they could not experience the life in San DiegoD) they turned a blind eye to the situation in California18. The Federal Commission uncapped the energy price with the intention to .A) help California’s economy booming steadilyB) prevent power price from going up any furtherC) enable the market to deal with supply and demand problemsD) have contracts signed between power producers and the utilities19. To help keep prices from going higher, people and groups in California .A) imposed reasonable price capsB) beat down the door of federal regulatorsC) urged the federal authorities to take actionD) struggled against federal policy to hike prices20. Energy experts against price caps believe that .A) the present situation in California will continue unless there is price controlB) the current crisis is partly attributed to previous command and control policyC) price caps can temporarily solve energy problems an individual state meets withD) they do understand what is going on in California and will take proper measuresPassage ThreeQuestions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage.Another cultural aspect of nonverbal communication is one that you might not think about: space. Every person perceives himself to have a sort of invisible shield surrounding his physical body. When someone comes too close, he feels uncomfortable. When he bumps onto someone, he feels obligated to apologize. But the size of a person’s “comfort zone” depends on his cultural ethnic origin. For example, in casual conversation, many Americans standabout four feet apart. In other words, they like to keep each other “at arm?s length”,people in Latin or Arab cultures, in contrast, stand very close to each other, and touch each other often. If someone from one of those cultures stands too close to an American while in conversation, the American may feel uncomfortable and back away.When Americans are talking, they expect others to respond to what they are saying. To Americans, polite conversationalists empathize by displaying expressions of excitement or disgust, shock or sadness. People with a “poker face”, whose emotions are hidden by a deadpan expression, are looked upon with suspicion. Americans also indicate their attentiveness in a conversation by raising their eyebrows, nodding, smiling politely and maintaining good eye contact. Whereas some cultures view direct eye contact as impolite or threatening, Americans see it as a sign of genuinen ess and honesty. If a person doesn’t look you in the eye, American might say, you should question his motives—or assume that he doesn’t like you. Yet with all the concern for eye contact, Americans still consider staring—especially at strangers—to be rude.21. What the author discussed in the previous section is most probably about .A) classification of nonverbal communicationB) the reasons why people should think about spaceC) the relationship between communication and spaceD) some other cultural aspects of nonverbal communication22. How far people keep to each other while talking is closely associated with their .A) origin B) culture C) custom D) nationality23. When an Italian talks to an Arabian on informal occasions,.A) he stands about four feet awayB) “comfort zone” does not existC) keeping close enough is preferredD) communication barriers may emerge24. A “poker face” (Line 3,Para. 2) refers to a face which is .A) attentive B) emotional C) suspicious D) expressionless25. In a conversation between friends, Americans regard it as sincere and truthful to .A) maintain direct eye contactB) hide emotions with a deadpan expressionC) display excitement or disgust, shock or sadnessD) raise their eyebrows,nod and smile politelyPassage FourQuestions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.We all know that DNA has the ability to identify individuals but, because it is inherited, there are also regions of the DNA strand which can relate an individual to his or her family (immediate and extended), tribal group and even an entire population. Molecular Genealogy (宗谱学) can use this unique identification provided by the genetic markers to link people together into family trees. Pedigrees (家谱) based on such genetic markers can mean a breakthrough for family trees where information is incomplete or missing due to adoption, illegitimacy orlack of records. There are many communities and populations which have lost precious records due to tragic events such as the fire in the Irish courts during Civil War in 1921 or American slaves for whom many records were never kept in the first place.The main objective of the Molecular Genealogy Research Group is to build a database containing over 100,000 DNA samples from individuals all over the world. These individuals will have provided a pedigree chart of at least four generations and a small blood sample. Once the database has enough samples to represent the world genetic make-up, it will eventually help in solving many issues regarding genealogies that could not be done by relying only on traditional written records. Theoretically, any individual will someday be able to trace his or her family origins through this database.In the meantime, as the database is being created, molecular genealogy can already verify possible or suspected relationships between individuals. “For example, if two men sharing the same last name believe that they are related, but no written record proves thisrelationship, we can verify this possibility by collecting a sample of DNA from both and looking for common markers (in this case we can look primarily at the Y chromosome (染色体)),” explains Ugo A. Perego, a member of the BYU Molecular Genealogy research team.26. People in a large area may possess the same DNA thread because .A) DNA is characteristic of a regionB) they are beyond doubt of common ancestryC) DNA strand has the ability to identify individualsD) their unique identification can be provided via DNA27. The possible research of family trees is based on the fact that .A) genetics has achieved a breakthroughB) genetic information contained in DNA can be revealed nowC) each individual carries a unique record of who he is and how he is related to othersD) we can use DNA to prove how distant an individual is to a family, a group or a population28. The Molecular Genealogy Research Group is buildinga database for the purpose of .A) offering assistance in working out genealogy-related problemsB) solving many issues without relying on traditional written recordsC) providing a pedigree chart of at least four generations in the worldD) confirming the assumption that all individuals are of the same origin29. If two men suspected for some reason they have a common ancestor, .A) we can decide according to their family treeB) we can find the truth from their genetic markersC) we can compare the differences in their Y chromosomeD) we can look for written records to prove their relationship30. Which of the following CANNOT be inferred from the passage?A) We are a walking,living,breathing record of our ancestorsB) Many American slaves did not know who their ancestors were.C) An adopted child generally lacks enough information to prove his identity.D) Molecular genealogy can be used to prove a relationship between individuals.Part Ⅴ Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write A Letter Applying for a Bank Loan. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below in Chinese.1.你的基本情况2.你申请贷款的原因、数额及用途3.你如何保证专款专用以及你的还款打算Part ⅡReading ComprehensionPassage One这是一篇人文类说明文。

2012年12月英语四级试题及答案

2012年12月英语四级试题及答案

Part I Writing (30 minutes) 上。

注意:此部分试题在答题卡1上。

How Will Our Life Go 30 minutes to write a short easy entitled Directions: For this part,you are allowed 120 words following the outline given below on without Internet. You should write at least in Chinese:1. 网络提供给了人们丰富多彩和便捷的生活网络提供给了人们丰富多彩和便捷的生活2. 很多人开始感觉离开网络寸步难行3. 你对网络依赖症的看法你对网络依赖症的看法How Will Our Life Go on without Internet _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Part II Reading Comprehension (skimming and scanning) (15 minutes) Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions . For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage. Time Off from Work Gains in ImportanceAmerican workers are saying they need a break. As their number of hours clocked on the job has crept higher, more time off has become a bigger priority. In the past few years, human resources experts say time off has consistently placed among the top three employee concerns, along with compensation and staffing levels, whereas it used to be farther down the list. In a  poll taken online in November 2004, 39% of workers said if given the choice, they would choose time off over the equivalent in additional base salary. Of course, most of the 4,600 respondents are still opting for the bigger paycheck, but the desire for time off is up almost 20% from just three years ago when  conducted a similar poll. The reasons for this shift are many and varied. Some have to do with the way a new generation is thinking about work, while others are driven by how companies are responding to recent economic pressures. A New GenerationThe results may in part represent the needs of a new breed of workers. The average American is working one month (160 hours) more each year than a generation ago. According to recruiting and human capital management expert John Sumser, younger workers work for meaning first and money second. He goes on to warn employers that these are the people who are the foundation for the next workforce and they may not buy the existing paradigm (范例). A study released in late 2004 by the New York-based Families and Work Institute concludes that the new brand of young workers is rejecting the work-centric  past 25 style of their parents’ generation. The study, which examines changes in the workforce over theyears, found that younger workers are more likely to be “family-centric” or “dual-centric” (with equal -centric” when compared to members of the priorities on both career and family) rather than “workBoomer Generation. September 11th and the End of the Roaring NinetiesThe impact of the terrorist attacks of September 11th cut across all age groups of the workforce. We collectively entered a new era, reevaluating life’s priorities and making changes in our attitude toward started looking at things completely differently. I’ve time spent at work versus hobbies and family. “Ihour days necessary to get noticed and climb the corporate ladder,” been far less willing to put in the 14-said Tony Jackson, a 43-year-old employee of a New York City-based financial services company. “Frankly, I can’t see that changing.”Even before September 11th, some experts say the slow shift in worker attitudes was already underway due to the end of the roaring 1990’s, when hours were long and significant personal wealth was created. For those who fared well financially, some opted for careers of contract work where they could call more of the shots pertaining to (与……有关的) time off, or new occupations with greater personal rewards. For others, even if their bank accounts were not spilling over from America’s economic heyday (全盛时期), their own energy had been depleted due to unrelenting (毫不松懈的) years of work hours and high stress. They were ready for something less taxing. Families and Work Institute President and co-founder Ellen Galinsky agrees. She says the  poll numbers show evidence of an increase in need for time off and a shift in thinking due to the fact that workers have been pushed to their limit in recent years. “This new generation of workers is at the edge of how long they can work. It just feels like too much. They are not slackers (懒虫); they just don’t want more,” says Galinsky.Monetary Needs Less Intense Due to Dual Income Households“We’ve decided we prefer to have more time to ourselves,” says Carol Kornhaber, a New England software programmer in her late twenties. Kornhaber and her husband are both working but have sought out jobs where they are not pressed to put in long hours. Instead, they have insisted upon eight-hour days and having enough vacation time to travel, a major interest they share. Financial pressures are eased by both of them working and keeping a careful watch on their expenses. “We are lucky in a lot of ways to have found bosses who understand our needs.”BurnoutTrying to squeeze more productivity out of workers may be nothing new, but it has become particularly acute in recent years. This has been due in large measure to recession-induced layoffs and other trends such as the rising cost of healthcare benefits. After a layoff, workers who remain behind are often asked to pick up most or even all the load of the people who were let go, requiring more and more hours at the office. As new corporate initiatives are planned, the inverse is also true. As Sumser observes, “the additional workload, which runs across the economy from the office worker to the manufacturing line, seems to be a function of the cost of benefits. The regulations make it cheaper to add workload for existing employees than to hire new players.” The Families and Work Institute reports that nearly one third of U.S. employees often or very often feel overworked or overwhelmed by how much work they have to do. Nearly three out of four report that they frequently dream about doing something different from their current job. Show Me the MoneyOverworked or not, the majority in the  poll still chose to fatten their paycheck if given the choice. For many, it was a practical matter. Says Peggy Jones, an accountant in a Boston area business year that I can’t use up because I’m so busy. I’d definitely services company, “I already get three weeks ago for the extra money to pay some bills or make a big purchase I’ve been holding off on.” For Jones, the realities of running a household and saving up for college for her children simply need to take precedence over extra free time. Companies Are Already RespondingTo many human resources experts it is inevitable that, given the growing health of the economy and the upcoming population-driven labor shortages as the Boomer Generation moves into retirement, the pendulum of control in the employee-employer relationship will swing back to the employee side. That is expected to begin in just a few years. According to human resources expert, Larry Schumer, at , “since most companies succeed based on a motivated and capable workforce, they have offered and will continue to offer more paid flexibility, whether it be through tried and tested time-off programs or the next lie? Time, or perhaps time great idea.” Where will that new balance of employer versus employee needs off, surely will tell. 1. Which of the following has been rising in importance in the past few years? A) Compensation. B) Time off. C) Right to vote. D) Staffing levels. 2. According to the passage, we know that the Boomer Generation is concerned ________. A) about family and work equally B) more about work C) more about family D) about neither work nor family 3. What can be inferred about Tony Jackson? A) He is 43 years old. B) He works in a financial services company. C) He has changed his life and work attitude. D) He spends 14 hours a day on his work. 4. When did American workers gradually begin to change their attitudes towards work? A) After September 11. B) In November 2004. C) In late 2004. D) At the end of the roaring 1990’s.5. According to Ellen Galinsky, why did workers change their mind about work? A) They have been pushed to the limit of their working hours. B) They increased their need to enjoy life. C) They have more rights than before. D) They don’t want to work for a living.6. Carol Kornhaber and her husband don’t have too much financial pressure because ___________.A) they have parents who are rich B) they don’t have children to feedC) they both have a high salary D) they both have work and they are thrifty 7. After a layoff, the employees who keep their jobs usually have to ___________. A) find another job in case they are fired B) do what their bosses tell them to C) work longer hours to avoid being fired D) do the work left by the laid-off workers 8. 8. According According According to to to , , compared compared with with with three three three years years years ago, ago, ago, the the the desire desire desire for for for time time time off off off is is is up up up almost almost ________________________. 9. According to the poll from , the majority of employees preferred to ________________________ if they had the choice. 10. Larry Schumer said that most companies succeeded based on a motivated and capable __________________________. Part Ⅲ Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section A注意:此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

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Questions 47 to 56 are based on the following passage.Have you ever been afraid to talk back when you were treated ____47 ___? Have you ever bought something just because the salesman talked you into it? Are you afraid to ask someone for a date.Many people are afraid to assert(表现)themselves. Dr. Alberti thinks it's because their self-respect is low. "Our whole ____48 ___ is designed to make people distrust themselves," says Alberti. "There's always '____49 ___' around-a parent, a teacher, a boss-who 'knows better'. These superiors often gain when they chip(削弱) away at your self-image."But Alberti and other scientists are doing something to help people ____50 ___ themselves. They ____51 ___ "assertiveness training" courses-At for short. In the AT courses people learn that they have a right to be themselves. They learn to speak out and feel good about doing so. They learn to be more ____52 ___ without hurting other people.In one way. learning to speak out is to ____53 ___ fear. A group taking a course will help the timid person to lose his fear. But AT uses an even stronger ____54 ___-the need to share. The timid person speaks out in the group because he wants to tell how he feels.Whether or not you speak up for yourself depends on your self-image. If someone you face is more "important" than you, you may feel less of a person. You start to ____55 ___ your own good sense.You go by the other person's ____56___ . But, why should you? AT says you can get to feel good about yourself. And once you do, you can learn to speak out.[A] doubt [I] peace[B] active [J] demand[C] system [K] ask[D] offer [L] superior[E] unfairly [M] overcome[F] unfortunately [N] confidence[G] motive [O] roar[H] imageSection BDirections: 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 center.Passage OneQuestion 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.Among all the animals, the ape is most like human beings. Both people and apes have the similar brain structure, the similar nerve system, and the similar kind of blood.There are four kinds of apes: the chimpanzee(黑猩猩), the orangutan(猩猩), the gorilla(大猩猩), and the gibbon(长臂猿). They live in the deep forests and warm tropical regions of Africa and of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.All apes are covered with brown, reddish-brown, or black hair everywhere on their bodies except their faces, feet, and hands. Their hands each have four fingers and a thumb that helps them grip things the way our thumbs help us. But they also have a thumb on each foot instead of a big toe. Thus they can hold things with their feet also. Having short, weak legs, apes do not walk on the ground very much. However, their arms are very strong. This enables them to swing from branches and travel very quickly from tree to tree.These animals live in small family groups that move from place to place in search of vegetables and fruits. They also eat eggs, small animals, nuts, and insects. When they are tired, they build nests in the trees. But they rarely sleep there for more than a night or two. Then they move on to look for more food.There are some differences among the following three kids of apes. The gibbon is never more than three feet high and weight only about fourteen pounds. The gorilla grows to be six feet tall and weight up to 600 pounds. The orangutan is smaller than the gorilla. It stands three to five feet tall and weight up to 200 pounds.Chimpanzees are the smartest of all apes. They can be taught to sit at a table and eat, to dress themselves, and to do things that human children can do.57. What does the first paragraph tell us?[A] The ape looks like human beings most.[B] People and the ape think alike.[C] People and the ape behave alike.[D] The ape is the most intellectual animal in the world.58. Which of the following sentences is TRUE?[A] All apes are brown or black.[B] All parts of apes' bodies are covered with hair.[C] Apes have weak legs but very strong arms.[D] Apes' arms are strong enough to swim.59. Apes build nests in the trees but seldom sleep there for more than a night or two because ________.[A] They like to live in small family groups[B] They like to move from place to place in search of more food[C] They like to eat eggs, small animals, nuts and insects[D] it rains too often in the deep forests60. Among the three kinds of apes, ________.[A] the gorilla is the biggest[B] the gibbon is only three feet high but it is heavier than the orangutan[C] the orangutan is smaller than the gorilla and cleverer than the gibbon[D] the orangutan can stand up to a great height, but others cannot61. The last paragraph tells us that ________.[A] chimpanzees can do better than human children[B] chimpanzees can do many things that human children cannot do[C] human children can do many things that chimpanzees cannot do[D] the intelligence of chimpanzees is similar to that of human childrenPassage TwoQuestions 62 to 66 are based on the following passage.Videodisc holds great promise of helping to meet the needs of American schoolchildren who have problems seeing, hearing, speaking, or socializing. Almost eleven percent of the students aged 3~21 in this country have an impairment that affects their ability to benefit from a regular education program. Handicapped students require special education because they are often markedly different from most children in one or more of the following ways: mentally retarded(发展迟缓的) learning-disabled, emotionally disturbed, deaf, visually handicapped, physically handicapped, or other health impairments. The education of these handicapped children is rewarding but challenging.A special education student usually needs a longer period of time to acquire information. Repetitive teaching techniques are often beneficial, and indefatigable(孜孜不倦的) consistency on the part of the teacher is frequently necessary. Interactive videodisc courseware has characteristics that can be capitalized upon to meet the challenges that special education poses. A videodisc program is infinitely patient. Repetition of any videodisc lesson can continue endlessly, and designers can assure absolute consistency within a program. Most important, according to special educator William Healey of the University of Arizona, is that videodisc "adds an extra dimension of realism for children who need graphic representations."Healey explained that deaf and mentally retarded children especially have difficulty grasping figurative(比喻的)language and higher-order language concepts. He believes that for special education, the power of videodisc lies in the ability of the technology to visually represent language concepts normally taken for granted by non-handicapped persons. Complex figurative language forms such as idioms and metaphors come most readily to mind as being difficult for handicapped learners.62. The special education mentioned in the text is mainly concerned with ________.[A] genius students from day-care centers to colleges[B] students who are fond of computer video games[C] teachers of language in the University of Arizona[D] students who are either mentally or physically disabled63. A videodisc courseware is beneficial to those who have study difficulties because ________.[A] its fancy design is very attractive[B] it allows the user to go back to where he wants to restudy[C] the content of it is healthy and promising[D] it is developed by university professors64. According to Professor Healey, we may infer that mentally retarded children perhaps ________.[A] need graphic representations in order to understand higher-order language concepts[B] are good at studying English idioms but often fail to grasp higher-order language concepts[C] are not very patient with videodisc which helps them to understand the worldconcepts[D] tend to be deaf as well and have difficulty learning the simple concept "before and after"65. The best phrase that summarizes the main idea of the text is ________.[A] handicapped students and their problems[B] videodisc and special education[C] computer assisted teaching programs[D] normal children and handicapped kids66. The word "impairment" (Line 2, Para. 1) probably means ________.[A] habit[B] disability[C] misconception[D] beliefPart V Cloze (15 minutes)Directions: There are 20 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D] on the right side of the paper. You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the center.Many people wrongly believe that when people reach old age, their families place them in nursing homes. They are left in the ____67 ___ of strangers for the rest of their lives. Their ____68 ___ children visit them only occasionally, but more often, they do not have any ____69___ visitors. The truth is that this idea is an unfortunate myth-an ____70 ___ story. In fact, family members provide over 80 percent of the care ____71 ___ elderly people need. Samuel Preston, a sociologist, studied ____72 ___ the American family is changing. He reported that by the time the ____73 ___ American couple reaches 40 years of age, they have more parents than children. ____74 ___, because people today live longer after an illness than people did years ____75 ___, family members must provide long term care. More psychologists have found that all caregivers ____76 ___ a common characteristic: All caregivers believe that they are the best ____77 ___ for the job. In other words, they all felt that they ____78 ___ do the job better than anyone else. Social workers ____79 ___ caregivers to find out why they took ___ 80 ___ the responsibility of caring for an elderly relative. Many caregivers believed they had ___81 ___ to help their relative. Some stated that helping others ____82 ___ them feel more useful. Others hoped that by helping ____83___ now, they would deserve care when they became old and ____84 ___. Caring for the elderly and being taken care of can be a ____85 ___ satisfying experience for everyone who might be ____86 ___.67. [A] hands [B] arms [C] bodies [D] homes68. [A] growing [B] grown [C] grow [D] grows69. [A] constant [B] lasting [C] regular [D] normal70. [A] imaginary [B] imaginable [C] imaginative [D] imagery71. [A] that [B] this [C] those [D] these72. [A] when [B] how [C] what [D] where73. [A] common [B] ordinary [C] standard [D] average74. [A] Still [B] However [C] Moreover [D] Whereas75. [A] before [B] ago [C] later [D] lately76. [A] share [B] enjoy [C] divide [D] consent77. [A] person [B] people [C] character [D] man78. [A] would [B] will [C] could [D] can79. [A] questioned [B] interviewed [C] inquired [D] interrogate80. [A] in [B] up [C] on [D] off81. [A] admiration [B] initiative [C] necessity [D] obligation82. [A] cause [B] enable [C] make [D] get83. [A] someone [B] anyone [C] everyone [D] anybody84. [A] elderly [B] dependent [C] dependable [D] independent85. [A] similarly [B] differently [C] mutually [D] certainly86. [A] involved [B] excluded [C] included [D] consideredPart VI Translation (5 minutes)Directions: Complete the sentences on Answer Sheet 2 by translating into English the Chinese given in brackets.87. ________________________ (幸亏遇到一位好心的出租车司机), Amy arrived at the test room in time.88. ________________________ (这是一个生死攸关的问题) and therefore we must pay more attention to it.89. The problem of internet crime ________________________ (近些年来引起了广泛关注).90. The computer isn't working properly; ________________________ (肯定有什么地方出了毛病).91. ________________________ (应当注意的是) that pollution has become one of the thorniest problems in many big cities.2010年12月英语四级考试模拟试题(4)答案详解Part I WritingThe Importance of Keeping A Good MoodIn today's increasingly competitive world it is essential to maintain a positive attitude towards life. To put it in a metaphor, keeping a good mood is a foundation upon which our life is built.Keeping a good mood is important because it can help us solve various problems in life. The following two situations can enable us to clearly see how a positive attitude helps us cope with unpleasant things. Take English learning for example. In our effort to grasp English, mistakes are unavoidable. From one perspective mistakes are annoying, but a positive attitude can make us realize that only through making mistakes can a learner be expected to make progress. Sometimes one may come down with a serious cold, feeling depressed. But a change in attitude will enable us to look at the matter from a positive perspective. The illness may teach us the importance of health.As we can see, keeping a good mood can help us to deal with mistakes in theright way and find comfort in time of sorrow. Its importance cannot be denied.Part II Reading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)1. Y 通读全文后,即可发现本文描写了新奥尔良被“卡特利娜”飓风袭击后的景象,可知题干表述正确。

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