2014年研究生入学考试英语(二)试题

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2014年考研英语二真题及答案解析

2014年考研英语二真题及答案解析

2014年考研英语二真题及答案解析Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have __1___ that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually ___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. ___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health.Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.Today we have a(an) _14 _ to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes _16_ with obesity include laziness, lack of will power,and lower prospects for success.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. _17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.Negative attitudes toward obesity, _18_in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity _19_.My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities. Many employers have instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama launched a high-visibility campaign _20_ childhood obesity, even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1. [A] denied [B] conduced [C] doubled [D] ensured、【答案】B concluded【解析】题干中,一系列的研究已经_____,事实上,正常体重的人的患病风险要高于超重的人。

2014考研英语二答案及解析

2014考研英语二答案及解析

2014考研英语二答案及解析2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题解析Section I Use of English1、【答案】B concluded【解析】题干中,一系列的研究已经_____,事实上,正常体重的人的患病风险要高于超重的人。

根据句义,后面的部分实际上是研究的结论,因此concluded符合题意,其他选项denied(否认)与意义相反,doubled(翻倍)与题意较远,ensured(确保)不符合题意,因为研究不能确保后面的事实,只能得出后面的事实作为结论。

所以正确答案为B。

2、【答案】A protective【解析】题干中,对于某些健康情况,超重事实上是有_____。

根据前文研究的结论,超重能减少罹患疾病的风险,说明超重具有一定的保护作用。

Dangerous和文章意思相反,sufficient表示充足,troublesome表示有麻烦,不符合题意,所以正确答案为A。

3、【答案】C likewise【解析】第三句话中,较重的女人患缺钙的比例低于较瘦的女人。

_____,在老年人中,一定程度上超重……。

需要填入的是和前半句表示顺接的词语。

A 选项instead表示逆接的句意关系,B选项however也表示逆接,D选项therefore 表示因此,只有C选项likewise意为同样地;也,而且。

因此正确答案为C。

4、【答案】A indicator【解析】本句话中,_____,一定程度上超重,经常是健康的_____。

A选项,表示指示器,指标。

B选项objective表示客观;C选项origin表示来源,D选项example表示例子。

根据前面的文章内容,已经明确指出超重代表了健康,因此超重是健康的指标。

因此正确答案为A。

5、【答案】D concern【解析】本句话的句意是,需要更加_____是,很难对肥胖加以定义。

A、impact(印象);B、relevance(相关性);C、assistance(辅助);D、concern (关注)。

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)真题及详解[视频讲解]【圣才出品】

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)真题及详解[视频讲解]【圣才出品】

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)真题及详解[视频讲解]Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text.Choose the best word(s)for each numbered blank and mark A,B,C or D on the ANSWER SHEET.(10points)Thinner isn’t always better.A number of studies have(1)_____that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight.And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually(2)_____For example,heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women.(3)_____among the elderly,being somewhat overweight is often an(4)_____of good health.Of even greater(5)_____is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define.It is often defined(6)_____body mass index,or BMI.BMI(7)_____body mass divided by the square of height.An adult with a BMI of18to25is often considered to be normal weight.Between25and30is overweight. And over30is considered obese.Obesity,(8)_____,can be divided into moderately obese,severely obese,and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem(9)_____they are not.Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat.Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit,(10)_____others with a low BMI may be in poor(11)_____For example,many collegiate and professional football players(12)_____ as obese,though their percentage body fat is low.Conversely,someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a(13)_____BMI.Today we have a(n)(14)_____to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes(15)_____power,and lower prospects for success.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese.(17)_____very young children tend to look down on the overweight,and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.Negative attitudes toward obesity,(18)_____in health concerns,have stimulated a number of anti-obesity(19)_____My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities.Many employers have instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives.Michelle Obama has launched a high-visibility campaign(20)_____childhood obesity,even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1.[A]denied[B]concluded[C]doubted[D]ensured2.[A]protective[B]dangerous[C]sufficient[D]troublesome3.[A]Instead[B]However[C]Likewise[D]Therefore4.[A]indicator[B]objective[C]origin[D]example[B]relevance[C]assistance[D]concern6.[A]in terms of[B]in case of[C]in favor of[D]in respect of7.[A]measures[B]determines[C]equals[D]modifies8.[A]in essence[B]in contrast[C]in turn[D]in part9.[A]complicated[C]variable[D]straightforward10.[A]so[B]while[C]since[D]unless11.[A]shape[B]spirit[C]balance[D]taste12.[A]start[B]qualify[C]retire[D]stay13.[A]strange[B]changeable[C]normal[D]constant14.[A]option[B]reason[C]opportunity[D]tendency15.[A]employed[B]pictured[D]monitored16.[A]compared[B]combined[C]settled[D]associated17.[A]Even[B]Still[C]Yet[D]Only18.[A]despised[B]corrected[C]ignored[D]grounded19.[A]discussions[B]businesses[C]policies[D]studies20.[A]for[B]against[C]with[D]without【文章导读】本文节选自2013年6月24日的The Atlantic(《大西洋月刊》),原标题为“Is Obesity Really a Disease?”(“肥胖真的是种疾病吗?”)。

2014考研英语二真题

2014考研英语二真题

2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text.Choose the best word(s)for each numbered blank and mark A,B,C or D on ANSWER SHEET.(10points) Thinner isn’t always better.A number of studies have__1___that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight.And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually___2___.For example,heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women.___3___among the elderly,being somewhat overweight is often an___4___of good health.Of even greater___5___is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define.It is often defined___6___body mass index,or BMI. BMI___7__body mass divided by the square of height.An adult with a BMI of18to25is often considered to be normal weight.Between25and30 is overweight.And over30is considered obese.Obesity,___8___,can be divided into moderately obese,severely obese,and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem9,they are not.Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat.Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit,10others with a low BMI may be in poor11.For example,many collegiate and professional football players12as obese, though their percentage body fat is low.Conversely,someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a13BMI.Today we have a(an)_14_to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered.Stereotypes_16_ with obesity include laziness,lack of will power,and lower prospects for success.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese._17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight,and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.1.[A]denied[B]conduced[C]doubled[D]ensured2.[A]protective[B]dangerous[C]sufficient[D]troublesome3.[A]Instead[B]However[C]Likewise[D]Therefore4.[A]indicator[B]objective[C]origin[D]example5.[A]impact[B]relevance[C]assistance[D]concern6.[A]in terms of[B]in case of[C]in favor of[D]in of7.[A]measures[B]determines[C]equals[D]modifies8.[A]in essence[B]in contrast[C]in turn[D]in part9.[A]complicated[B]conservative[C]variable[D]straightforward10.[A]so[B]unlike[C]since[D]unless11.[A]shape[B]spirit[C]balance[D]taste12.[A]start[B]quality[C]retire[D]stay13.[A]strange[B]changeable[C]normal[D]constant14.[A]option[B]reason[C]opportunity[D]tendency15.[A]employed[B]pictured[C]imitated[D]monitored16.[A][B]combined[C]settled[D]associated17.[A]Even[B]Still[C]Yet[D]Only18.[A]despised[B]corrected[C]ignored[D]grounded19.[A]discussions[B]businesses[C]policies[D]studies20.[A]for[B]against[C]with[D]withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts.Answer the questions below each text by choosing A,B,C or D.Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET.(40points) Text1What would you do with590m?This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small,tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-found for tune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment,she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dumn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive.Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly what was once exciting and new becomes old-hat;regret creeps in.It is far better to spend money on experiences,say Ms Dumn and Mr Norton,like interesting trips,unique meals or even going to the cinema.These purchases often become more valuable with time-as stories or memories-particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most"happiness bang for your buck."It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it).Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself,and luxuries are most enjoyable when they are consumed sparingly.This is apparently the reason MacDonald's restricts the availability of its popular McRib-a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of“HappyMoney”are clearly a privileged lot,anxious about fulfillment,not hunger.Money may not quite buy happiness,but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones.Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world,and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people.Not everyone will agree with the authors’policy ideas,which range from mandating more holiday time toreducing tax incentives for American homebuyers.But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent。

2014年考研英语2真题

2014年考研英语2真题

2014年考研英语2真题IntroductionThe 2014 English Language Proficiency Test for Postgraduate Admission (English 2) was a significant milestone for students preparing to pursue higher education in China. This article aims to analyze the content, structure, and language skills required in the exam, as well as provide tips for effective preparation.Overview of the ExamThe 2014 English Language Proficiency Test for Postgraduate Admission (English 2) consisted of three sections: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, and Translation. Each section assessed different language abilities and required students to demonstrate their understanding and proficiency in English.Section 1: Reading ComprehensionIn this section, students were required to read a set of passages and answer related questions. The passages covered a range of topics, including literature, science, history, and social issues. The questions focused on various aspects such as main ideas, supporting details, vocabulary usage, and inferencing skills. To excel in this section, students needed to have a solid grasp of vocabulary and be able to comprehend and analyze complex texts.Section 2: Cloze TestThe Cloze Test aimed to assess students' abilities in grammar, vocabulary, and context. Participants were presented with a passage fromwhich certain words were omitted. They had to choose the most appropriate word from a list of options to fill in the blanks. This section required a good understanding of sentence structures, collocations, and idiomatic expressions.Section 3: TranslationThe Translation section required students to translate a Chinese passage into English. The passage touched upon academic content from fields such as politics, economics, and literature. Students were evaluated based on the accuracy, fluency, and coherence of their translations. To excel in this section, candidates needed to have a deep understanding of both languages, as well as strong translation skills.Tips for Effective Preparation1. Expand Vocabulary: Enhancing vocabulary is crucial for success in the Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test sections. Students should regularly read English books, newspapers, and articles to improve their word bank. Flashcards, vocabulary quizzes, and word association exercises are effective tools for learning and memorizing new words.2. Practice Reading Comprehension: Familiarize yourself with various topics and passage structures by practicing reading comprehension exercises. Focus on improving your reading speed while maintaining comprehension. Pay special attention to identifying the main idea, supporting details, and logical connections within the passages.3. Master Grammar and Syntax: Develop a strong foundation in grammar and syntax to excel in the Cloze Test. Regularly practice exercises that focus on different grammar rules, sentence structures, and idiomaticexpressions. Pay attention to collocations and word forms as they play a crucial role in sentence completion.4. Enhance Translation Skills: To improve translation skills, students should practice translating both from English to Chinese and Chinese to English. Familiarize yourself with specialized terms and phrases in various academic fields. Focus on maintaining accuracy, clarity, and naturalness in your translations.ConclusionThe 2014 English Language Proficiency Test for Postgraduate Admission (English 2) posed significant challenges for students. By understanding the exam structure, honing necessary language skills, and following effective preparation strategies, students can enhance their chances of success in this important milestone towards their academic pursuits. With dedication and consistent practice, students can improve their English proficiency and excel in the exam.。

2014考研英语(二)真题

2014考研英语(二)真题

2014研究生入学统一考试试题(英语二)Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have __1___ that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually ___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. ___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health.Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.Today we have a(an) _14 _ to label obesity as a disgrace. The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes _16_ with obesity include laziness, lack of will power, and lower prospects for success. Teachers, employers, and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. _17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.Negative attitudes toward obesity, _18_in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity _19_.My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities. Many employers have instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama launched a high-visibility campaign _20_ childhood obesity, even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1. [A] denied [B] concluded [C] doubled [D] ensured2. [A] protective [B] dangerous [C] sufficient [D]troublesome3. [A] Instead [B] However [C] Likewise [D] Therefore4. [A] indicator [B] objective [C] origin [D] example5. [A] impact [B] relevance [C] assistance [D] concern6. [A] in terms of [B] in case of [C] in favor of [D] in of7. [A] measures [B] determines [C] equals [D] modifies8. [A] in essence [B] in contrast [C] in turn [D] in part9. [A] complicated [B] conservative[C] variable [D] straightforward10. [A] so [B] while[C] since [D] unless11. [A] shape [B] spirit [C] balance [D] taste12. [A] start [B] quality [C] retire [D] stay13. [A] strange [B] changeable [C] normal [D] constant14. [A] option [B] reason [C] opportunity [D] tendency15. [A] employed [B] pictured [C] imitated [D] monitored16. [A] computed [B] combined [C] settled [D] associated17. [A] Even [B] Still [C] Yet [D] Only18. [A] despised [B] corrected[C] ignored [D] grounded19. [A] discussions [B] businesses [C] policies [D] studies20. [A] for [B] against [C] with [D] withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would you do with $590m? This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-found fortune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment, she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dumn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly. What was once exciting and new becomes oldhat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms. Dumn and Mr. Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time—as stories or memories—particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most “happiness bang for your buck.” It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it). Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjoyable when they are consumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason MacDonald's restricts the availability of its popular McRib—a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy Money are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfillment, not hunger. Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors’policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.21. According to Dumn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewarding purchase?[A] A big house. [B] A special tour. [C] A stylish car. [D] A rich meal.22. The author's attitude toward Americans’ watching TV is ________.[A] critical [B] supportive [C] sympathetic [D] ambiguous23. McRib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that ________.[A] consumers are sometimes irrational [B] popularity usually comes after quality[C] marketing tricks are after effective [D] rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph, Happy Money ________.[A] has left much room for readers’ criticism[B] may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C] has predicted a wider income gap in the US[D] may give its readers a sense of achievement25. This text mainly discusses how to ________.[A] balance feeling good and spending money[B] spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C] obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D] become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText 2An article in Scientific America has pointed out that empirical research says that, actually, you think you’re more beautiful than you are. We have a deepseated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturally employ a number of selfenhancing strategies to research into what they call the “above average effect”, or “illusory superiority”, and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others—all obviously statistical impossibilities.We rose tint our memories and put ourselves into selfaffirming situations. We become defensive when criticized, and apply negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem, we stalk around thinking we’re hot stuff.Psychologist and behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley oversaw a key studying into selfenhancement and attractiveness. Rather that have people simply rate their beauty compress with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves’ from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is “an automatic psychological process occurring rapidly and intuitively with little or no apparent conscious deliberation”. If the subjects quickly chose a falsely flattering image—which must did—they genuinely believed it was really how they looked.Epley found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there any evidence that, those who self-enhance the must (that is, the participants who thought the most positively doctored picture were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directly corresponded with those who showed other makers for having higher selfesteem. “I don't think the findings that we having have are any evidence of personal delusion”, says Epley. “It's a reflection simply of people generally thinking well of themselves’. If you are depressed, you won't be selfenhancing.Knowing the results of Epley's study, it makes sense that why people heat photographs of themselves viscerally—on one level, they don't even recognize the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook therefore, is a selfenhancer's paradise, where people can share only the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, style, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. “It's not that people's profiles are dishonest”, says Catalina Toma of Wiscon—Madison university,” but they portray an idealized version of themselves.26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that ________.[A] our selfratings are unrealistically high[B] illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C] our need for leadership is unnatural[D] self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27. Visual recognition is believed to be people's ________.[A] rapid watching [B] conscious choice[C] intuitive response [D] automatic self-defence28. Epley found that people with higher selfesteem tended to ________.[A] underestimate their insecurities [B] believe in their attractiveness[C] cover up their depressions [D] oversimplify their illusions29. The word “viscerally” (Line 2, Para. 5) is closest in meaning to ________.[A] instinctively [B] occasionally [C] particularly [D] aggressively30. It can be inferred that Facebook is self-enhancer’s paradise because people can ________.[A] present their dishonest profiles [B] define their traditional life styles[C] share their intellectual pursuits [D] withhold their unflattering sidesText 3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutely felt during economic downturns and fragile recoveries. And yet, it would be a mistake to think we are right now simply experiencing the painful side of a boom and bust cycle. Certain jobs have gone away for good, outmoded by machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eating up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our economy in ways we can't immediately foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thought to be immune from automation suddenly become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the Machine, by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT's Center for Digital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And yet, John Hagel, author of The Power of Pull and other books, says Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason why these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Hagel says we have designed jobs in the U. S. that tend to be “tightly scripted” and “highly standardized”ones that leave no room for “individual initiative or creativity.” In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human beings. That is how we have put a giant target sign on the backs of American workers, Hagel says.It's time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still relying on a very 20th century notion of work, Hagel says. In our rapidly changing economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their imagination “to respond to unexpected events.” That's not something machines are good at. They are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Hagel notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the ways in which machines can augment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not really about technology, but rather, “how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?”31. According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would ________.[A] ease the competition of man vs. Machine [B] highlight machines' threat to human jobs[C] provoke a painful technological revolution [D] outmode our current economic structure32. The authors of Race Against the Machine argue that ________.[A] technology is diminishing man's job opportunities [B] automation is accelerating technological development[C] certain jobs will remain intact after automation [D] man will finally win the race against machine33. Hagel argues that jobs in the U. S. are often ________.。

2014年考研英语(二)真题试卷(题后含答案及解析)

2014年考研英语(二)真题试卷(题后含答案及解析)

2014年考研英语(二)真题试卷(题后含答案及解析) 题型有:1. Use of English 2. Reading Comprehension 3. WritingSection I Use of EnglishDirections: Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D. (10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have【C1】______that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually【C2】______. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. 【C3】______, among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an【C4】______of good health. Of even greater【C5】______is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined【C6】______body mass index, or BMI. BMI【C7】______body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, 【C8】______, can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese. While such numerical standards seem【C9】______, they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 【C10】______others with a low BMI may be in poor【C11】______. For example, many collegiate and professional football players 【C12】______as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a【C13】______BMI. Today we have a(an) 【C14】______to label obesity as a disgrace. The overweight are sometimes【C15】______in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes【C16】______with obesity include laziness, lack of will power, and lower prospects for success. Teachers, employers, and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. 【C17】______very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools. Negative attitudes toward obesity, 【C18】______in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity【C19】______My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities. Many employers have instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama has launched a high-visibility campaign【C20】______childhood obesity, even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1.【C1】A.deniedB.concludedC.doubtedD.ensured正确答案:B2.【C2】A.protective B.dangerous C.sufficient D.troublesome正确答案:A3.【C3】A.Instead B.However C.Likewise D.Therefore 正确答案:C4.【C4】A.indicator B.objective C.origin D.example正确答案:A5.【C5】A.impact B.relevance C.assistance D.concern正确答案:D6.【C6】A.in terms of B.in case of C.in favor of D.in respect of 正确答案:A7.【C7】A.measures B.determines C.equals D.modifies正确答案:C8.【C8】A.in essence B.in contrast C.in turnD.in part正确答案:C9.【C9】A.complicated B.conservative C.variable D.straightforward正确答案:D10.【C10】A.soB.while C.since D.unless正确答案:B11.【C11】A.shape B.spirit C.balance D.taste正确答案:A12.【C12】A.start B.qualify C.retire D.stay正确答案:B13.【C13】A.strange B.changeable C.normal D.constant正确答案:C14.【C14】A.option B.reason C.opportunity D.tendency 正确答案:D15.【C15】A.employed B.pictured C.imitated D.monitored 正确答案:B16.【C16】A.compared B.combined C.settled D.associated 正确答案:D17.【C17】A.Even B.Still C.Yet D.Only正确答案:A18.【C18】A.despisedB.correctedC.ignoredD.grounded正确答案:D19.【C19】A.discussionsB.businessesC.policiesD.studies正确答案:C20.【C20】A.forB.againstC.withD.without正确答案:BSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections: Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. (40 points)What would you do with? $ 590m? This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-found fortune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment, she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly. What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms. Dunn and Mr. Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time—as stories or memories —particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others. This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most “happiness bang for your buck.”It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family andless of it watching television(something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it). Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjoyable when they are consumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason MacDonald’ s restricts the availability of its popular McRib —a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession. Readers of Happy Money are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfillment, not hunger. Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors’policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.21.According to Dunn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewarding purchase?A.A big house.B.A special tour.C.A stylish car.D.A rich meal.正确答案:B22.The author’ s attitude toward Americans’ watching TV is______.A.criticalB.supportiveC.sympatheticD.ambiguous正确答案:A23.McRib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that______.A.consumers are sometimes irrationalB.popularity usually comes after qualityC.marketing tricks are often effectiveD.rarity generally increases pleasure正确答案:D24.According to the last paragraph, Happy Money______.A.has left much room for readers’ criticismB.may prove to be a worthwhile purchaseC.has predicted a wider income gap in the USD.may give its readers a sense of achievement正确答案:B25.This text mainly discusses how to______.A.balance feeling good and spending moneyB.spend large sums of money won in lotteriesC.obtain lasting satisfaction from money spentD.become more reasonable in spending on luxuries正确答案:CAn article in Scientific American has pointed out that empirical research says that, actually, you think you’re more beautiful than you are. We have a deep-seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturally employ a number of self-enhancing strategies to achieve this. Social psychologists have amassed oceans of research into what they call the “above average effect”, or “illusory superiority” ,and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others—all obviously statistical impossibilities. We rose-tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticised, and apply negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem. We stalk around thinking we’ re hot stuff. Psychologist and behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley oversaw a key study into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather than have people simply rate their beauty compared with others,he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition,reads the study, is “an automatic psychological process occurring rapidly and intuitively with little or no apparent conscious deliberation”. If the subjects quickly chose a falsely flattering image —which most did—they genuinely believed it was really how they looked. Epley found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there any evidence that those who self-enhanced the most(that is, the participants who thought the most positively doctored pictures were real)were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact, those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directly corresponded with those who showed other markers for having higher self-esteem. “I don’ t think the findings that we have are any evidence of personal delusion”, says Epley. “It’s a reflection simply of people generally thinking well of themselves”. If you are depressed, you won’t be self-enhancing. Knowing the results of Epley’s study, it makes sense that many people hate photographs of themselves so viscerally—on one level, they don’ t even recognise the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook, therefore, is a self-enhancer’s paradise, where people can share only the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, style, beauty, intellect and lifestyle. “It’s not that people’s profiles are dishonest”, says CatalinaToma of Wisconsin-Madison University, “but they portray an idealized version of themselves”.26.According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that______.A.our self-ratings are unrealistically highB.illusory superiority is baseless effectC.our need for leadership is unnaturalD.self-enhancing strategies are ineffective正确答案:A27.Visual recognition is believed to be people’ s______.A.rapid watchingB.conscious choiceC.intuitive responseD.automatic self-defence正确答案:C28.Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to______.A.underestimate their insecuritiesB.believe in their attractivenessC.cover up their depressionsD.oversimplify their illusions正确答案:B29.The word “viscerally”(Line 2,Para.5)is closest in meaning to______.A.instinctivelyB.occasionallyC.particularlyD.aggressively正确答案:A30.It can be inferred that Facebook is self-enhancer’ s paradise because people canA.present their dishonest profilesB.define their traditional lifestylesC.share their intellectual pursuitsD.withhold their unflattering sides正确答案:DThe concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutely felt during economic downturns and fragile recoveries. And yet, it would be a mistake to think we are right now simply experiencing the painful side of a boom and bust cycle. Certain jobs have gone away for good, outmoded by machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eating up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our economy in ways we can’t immediately foresee. When there is exponential improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thought to be immune from automation suddenly become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the Machine, by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT’ s Center for Digital Business. This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And yet, John Hagel, author of The Power of Pull and other books, says Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason why these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place. Hagel says we have designed jobs in the U.S. that tend to be “tightly scripted” and “highly standardized” ones that leave no room for “individual initiative or creativity.” In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human beings. That is how we have put a giant target sign on the backs of American workers, Hagel says. It’ s time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still relying on a very 20th century notion of work, Hagel says. In our rapidly changing economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their imagination “to respond to unexpected events.” That’ s not something machines are good at. They are designed to perform very predictable activities. As Hagel notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the ways in which machines can augment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not really about technology, but rather, “how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?”31.According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would______.A.ease the competition of man vs. machineB.highlight machines’ threat to human jobsC.provoke a painful technological revolutionD.outmode our current economic structure正确答案:A32.The authors of Race Against the Machine argue that______.A.technology is diminishing man’ s job opportunitiesB.automation is accelerating technological developmentC.certain jobs will remain intact after automationD.man will finally win the race against machine正确答案:A33.Hagel argues that jobs in the U.S. are often______.A.performed by innovative mindsB.scripted with an individual styleC.standardized without a clear targetD.designed against human creativity正确答案:D34.According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed______.A.the predictability of machine behavior in practiceB.the formula for how work is conducted efficientlyC.the ways machines replace human labor in modern timesD.the necessity of human involvement in the workplace正确答案:B35.Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?A.How to Innovate Our Work PracticesB.Machines will Replace Human LaborC.Can We Win the Race Against MachinesD.Economic Downturns Stimulate Innovations正确答案:CWhen the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the economy the focus is usually on roads, railways, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned. Why is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at communicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure projects, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has always been so politically charged. This government does not want to see a return to large-scale provision of council housing, so it is naturally wary of measures that will lead us down that route. Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simply not building enough new homes. The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunity for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need. There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communitiesminister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibility to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five years if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP by 0.6%. Ministers should also look at creating greater certainty in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues. But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing £4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015, is unlikely to be extended beyond then. The Labour party has recently announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition’ s spending plans if it returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikely to ever return to the era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.36.The author believes that the housing sector______.A.has attracted much attentionB.involves certain political factorsC.shoulders too much responsibilityD.has lost its real value in economy正确答案:B37.It can be learned that affordable housing has______.A.increased its home supplyB.offered spending opportunitiesC.suffered government biasesD.disappointed the government正确答案:C38.According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may______.A.allow greater government debt for housingB.stop local authorities from building homesC.prepare to reduce housing stock debtD.release a lifted GDP growth forecast正确答案:A39.It can be inferred that a stable rental environment would______.A.lower the costs of registered providersB.lessen the impact of government interferenceC.contribute to funding new developmentsD.relieve the ministers of responsibilities正确答案:C40.The author believes that after 2015, the government may______.A.implement more policies to support housingB.review the need for large-scale public grantsC.renew the affordable housing grants programmeD.stop generous funding to the housing sector正确答案:DEmerging in the late Sixties and reaching a peak in the Seventies, Land Art was one of a range of new forms, including Body Art, Performance Art, Action Art and Installation Art, which pushed art beyond the traditional confines of the studio and gallery. Rather than portraying landscape, land artists used the physical substance of the land itself as their medium. The message of this survey of British land art —the most comprehensive to date —is that the British variant, typified by Long’ s piece, was not only more domestically scaled, but a lot quirkier than its American counterpart. Indeed, while you might assume that an exhibition of Land Art would consist only of records of works rather than the works themselves, Long’ s photograph of his work is the work. Since his “action” is in the past the photograph is its sole embodiment. That might seem rather an obscure point, but it sets the tone for an exhibition that contains a lot of black-and-white photographs and relatively few natural objects. Long is Britain’ s best-known Land Artist and his Stone Circle, a perfect ring of purplish rocks from Portishead beach laid out on the gallery floor, represents the elegant, rarefied side of the form. The Boyle Family, on the other hand, stand for its dirty, urban aspect. Comprising artists Mark Boyle and Joan Hills and their children, they recreated random sections of the British landscape on gallery walls. Their Olaf Street Study, a square of brick-strewn waste ground, is one of the few works here to embrace the mundanity that characterises most of our experience of the landscape most of the time. Parks feature, particularly in the earlier works, such as John Hilliard’ s very funny Across the Park, in which a long-haired stroller is variously smiled at by a pretty girl and unwittingly assaulted in a sequence of images that turn out to be different parts of the same photograph. Generally however British land artists preferred to get away from towns, gravitating towards landscapes that are traditionally considered beautiful such as the Lake District or the Wiltshire Downs. While it probably wasn’t apparent at the time, much of this work is permeated by a spirit of romantic escapism that the likes of Wordsworth would have readily understood. Derek Jarman’ s yellow-tinted film Towards Avebury, a collection of long, mostly still shots of the Wiltshire landscape, evokes a tradition of English landscape painting stretching from Samuel Palmer to Paul Nash. In the case of Hamish Fulton, you can’ t help feeling that the Scottish artist has simply found a way of making his love of walking pay. A typical work, such as Seven Days, consists of asingle beautiful black-and-white photograph taken on an epic walk, with the mileage and number of days taken listed beneath. British Land Art as shown in this well selected, but relatively modestly scaled exhibition wasn’t about imposing on the landscape, more a kind of landscape-orientated light conceptual art created passing through. It had its origins in the great outdoors, but the results were as gallery-bound as the paintings of Turner and Constable.41.正确答案:D42.正确答案:E43.正确答案:G44.正确答案:C45.正确答案:APart CDirections: Read the following text carefully and then translate the underlined segments into Chinese. (10 points)46.Most people would define optimism as being endlessly happy, with a glass that’ s perpetually half full. But that’ s exactly the kind of false cheerfulness that positive psychologists wouldn’t recommend. “Healthy optimism means being in touch with reality,”says Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor. According to Ben-Shahar, realistic optimists are those who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best. Ben-Shahar uses three optimistic exercises. When he feels down —say, after giving a bad lecture —he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that not every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction. He analyzes the weak lecture, learning lessons for the future about what works and what doesn’ t. Finally, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the grand scheme of life, one lecture really doesn’ t matter.正确答案:①多数人会把乐观定义为永远快乐,(他们)总能看到杯子里还有着半杯水。

2014年考研英语二真题试卷(后附答案详解)

2014年考研英语二真题试卷(后附答案详解)

Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Thinner isn't always better. A number of studies have __1___ that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. ___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health.Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.Today we have a(an) _14 _ to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes _16_ with obesity include laziness, lack of will power,and lower prospects forsuccess.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. _17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.Negative attitudes toward obesity, _18_in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obe sity _19_.My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities. Many employers h ave instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama launched a high-visibility campa ign _20_ childhood obesity, even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1. A. denied B. conduced C. doubled D. ensured2. A. protective B. dangerous C. sufficient D. troublesome3. A. Instead B. However C. Likewise D. Therefore4. A. indicator B. objective C. origin D. example5. A. impact B. relevance C. assistance D. concern6. A. in terms of B. in case of C. in favor of D. in of7. A. measures B. determines C. equals D. modifies8. A. in essence B. in contrast C. in turn D. in part9. A. complicated B. conservative C. variable D. straightforward10. A. so B. unlike C. since D. unless11. A. shape B. spirit C. balance D. taste12. A. start B. quality C. retire D. stay13. A. strange B. changeable C. normal D. constant14. A. option B. reason C. opportunity D. tendency15. A. employed B. pictured C. imitated D. monitored16. A. compared B. combined C. settled D. associated17. A. Even B. Still C. Yet D. Only18. A. despised B. corrected C. ignored D. grounded19. A. discussions B. businesses C. policies D. studies20. A. for B. against C. with D. withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would you do with 590m? This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-foundfor tune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment, she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dumn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly what was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms Dumn and Mr Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time-as stories or memories-particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most "happiness bang for your buck." It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it).Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjoyable when they are consumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason MacDonald's restricts the availability of its popular McRib - a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of "HappyMoney" are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfillment, not hunger.Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors' policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.21. According to Dumn and Norton,which of the following is the most rewarding purchase?[A]A big house[B]A special tour[C]A stylish car[D]A rich meal22. The author's attitude toward Americans' watching TV is________.[A]critical[B]supportive[C]sympathetic[D]ambiguous23. Macrib is mentioned in paragraph 3 to show that_______.[A]consumers are sometimes irrational[B]popularity usually comes after quality[C]marketing tricks are after effective[D]rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph,Happy Money_______.[A]has left much room for readers'criticism[B]may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C]has predicted a wider income gap in the us[D]may give its readers a sense of achievement25. This text mainly discusses how to______.[A]balance feeling good and spending money[B]spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C]obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D]become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText 2An article in Scientific America has pointed out that empirical research says that, actually, you think you're more beautiful than you are. We have a deep-seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturally employ a number of self-enhancing strategies to research into what the call the "above average effect", or "illusory superiority", and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others-all obviously statistical impossibilities.We rose tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticized, and apply negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem, we stalk around thinking we're hot stuff.Psychologist and behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley oversaw a key studying into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather that have people simply rate theirbeauty compress with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves' from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is "an automatic psychological process occurring rapidly and intuitively with little or no apparent conscious deliberation". If the subjects quickly chose a falsely flattering image- which must did- they genuinely believed it was really how they looked. Epley found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there any evidence that, those whoself-enhance the must (that is, the participants who thought the most positively doctored picture were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directly corresponded with those who showed other makers for having higher self-esteem. "I don't think the findings that we having have are any evidence of personal delusion", says Epley. "It's a reflection simply of people generally thinking well of themselves'. If you are depressed, you won't be self-enhancing. Knowing the results of Epley 's study,it makes sense that why people heat photographs of themselves Viscerally-on one level, they don't even recognize the person in the picture as themselves, Facebook therefore ,is a self-enhancer's paradise,where people can share only the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit ,style ,beauty, intellect and lifestyle it's not that people's profiles are dishonest,says Catalina toma of Wiscon-Madison university ,"but they portray an idealized version of themselves.26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologist have found that ______.[A] our self-ratings are unrealistically high[B] illusory superiority is baseless effect[C] our need for leadership is unnatural[D] self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27. Visual recognition is believed to be people's______.[A] rapid watching[B] conscious choice[C] intuitive response[D] automatic self-defence28. Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to______.[A] underestimate their insecurities[B] believe in their attractiveness[C] cover up their depressions[D] oversimplify their illusions29.The word "Viscerally"(Line 2,para.5) is closest in meaning to_____.[A]instinctively[B]occasionally[C]particularly[D]aggressively30. It can be inferred that Facebook is self-enhancer's paradise because people can _____.[A]present their dishonest profiles[B]define their traditional life styles[C]share their intellectual pursuits[D]withhold their unflattering sidesText 3Crying is hardly an activity encouraged by society. Tears, be they of sorrow, anger, on joy, typically make Americans feel uncomforuble and embarrassed. The shedder of tears is likely to apologize, even when a devastating (毁灭性的) tragedy was the provocation. The observer of tears is likely to do everything possible to put an end to the emotional outpouring. But judging form recent studies of crying behavior, links between illness and crying and the chemical composition of tears, both those responses to tears are often inappropriate and may even be counterproductive.Humans are the only animals definitely known to shed emotional tears. Since evolution has given rise to few, if any, purposeless physiological responset, it is logical to assume that crying has one or more functions that enhance survival.Although some observers have suggested that crying is a way to clicit assistance form others (as a crying baby might from its mother), the shedding of tears is hardly necessary to get help. Vocal cries would have been quite enough, more likely thantears to gain attention, So, it appears, there must be something special about tears themselves.Indeed, the new studies suggest that emotional tears may play a direct role in alleviating stress, University of Minnesota researchers who are studying the chemical composition of tears have recently isolated two important chemicals from emotional tears. Both chemicals are found only in tears that are shed in response to emotion. Tears shed because of exposure to =cut onion would contain no such substance.Researchers at several other institutions are investigating the usefulness of tears as a means of diagnosing human ills and monitoring drugs.At Tulane University's Teat Analysis Laboratory Dr.Peter Kastl and his colleagues report that they can use tears to detect drug abuse and exposure to medication(药物), to determine whether a contact lens fits properly of why it may be uncomfortable, to study the causes of "dry eye" syndrome and the effects of eye surgery, and perhaps even to measure exposure to environmental pollutants.At Columbia University Dt.Liasy Faris and colleagues are studying tears for clues to the diagnosis of diseases away from the eyes. Tears can be obtained painlessly without invading the body and only tiny amounts are needed to perform highly refined analyses.31. It is known from the first paragraph that ________.[A] shedding tears gives unpleasant feelings to American[B] crying may often imitate people or even result in tragedy[C] crying usually wins sympathy from other people[D] one who sheds tears in public will be blamed32. What does "both those responses to tears"(Line 6, Para, 1) refer to?[A] Crying out of sorrow and shedding tears for happiness.[B] The embarrassment and unpleasant sensation of the observers.[C] The tear shedder's apology and the observer's effort to stop the crying.[D] Linking illness with crying and finding the chemical composition of tears.33. "Counterproductive" (Lines 6-7, Para,1) very probably means "________".[A] having no effect at all[B] leading to tension[C] producing disastrous impact[D] harmful to health34. What does the author say about crying?[A] It is a pointless physiological response to the environment.[B] It must have a role to play in man's survival.[C] It is meant to get attention and assistance.[D] It usually produces the desired effect.35. What can be inferred from the new studies of tears?[A] Emotional tears have the function of reducing stress.[B] Exposure to excessive medication may increase emotional tears.[C] Emotional tears can give rise to "dry eye" syndrome in some cases.[D] Environmental pollutants can induce the shedding of emotional tears.Text 4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the economy the focus is usually on roads, railways, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Why is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at communicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure project, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has always been so politically charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simply not building enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunity for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer,may introduce more flexibility to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five years if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP by 0.6%.Ministers should also look at creating greater certainty in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing ?4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015,is unlikely to be extended beyond then. The Labour party has recently announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition's spending plans if returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikely to ever return to era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.36. The author believes that the housing sector__[A] has attracted much attention[B] involves certain political factors[C] shoulders too much responsibility[D] has lost its real value in economy37. It can be learned that affordable housing has__[A] increased its home supply[B] offered spending opportunities[C] suffered government biases[D] disappointed the government38. According to Paragraph 5,George Osborne may_______.[A] allow greater government debt for housing[B] stop local authorities from building homes[C] prepare to reduce housing stock debt[D] release a lifted GDP growth forecast39. It can be inferred that a stable rental environment would_______.[A]lower the costs of registered providers[B]lessen the impact of government interference[C]contribute to funding new developments[D]relieve the ministers of responsibilities40. The author believes that after 2015,the government may______.[A]implement more policies to support housing[B]review the need for large-scale public grants[C]renew the affordable housing grants programme[D]stop generous funding to the housing sectorSection III TranslationDirections:Translate the following text from English into Chinese. Write your translation on ANSWER SHEET 2. (15 points)Most people would define optimism as endlessly happy, with a glass that's perpetually half fall. But that's exactly the kind of false deerfulness that positive psychologists wouldn't recommend. "Healthy optimists means being in touch with reality." says Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor, According to Ben- Shalar,realistic optimists are these who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best.Ben-Shalar uses three optimistic exercisers. When he feels down-sag, after giving a bad lecture-he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that mot every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction, He analyzes the weak lecture, leaning lessons, for the future about what works and what doesn't. Finally, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the ground scheme of life, one lecture really doesn't matter.Section IV WritingPart A47. Directions: Suppose you are going to study abroad and share an apartment with John, a local student. Write him to email to1)tell him about your living habits, and2)ask for advice about living there.You should write about 100 words on answer sheet.Do not use your own name.Part B48. Directions: Write your essay on ANSWER SHEET. (15 points) You should1. interpret the chart, and2. give your comments.You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15points)2014年考研英语(二)真题答案1. [B] concluded2. [A ]protective3. [[C] Likewise4. [A] indicator5. [D] concern6. [A]in terms of7. [C] equals8. [C] in turn9. [D] straightforward10. [B] while11. [A]shape12. [B] qualify13. [C] normal14. [D] tendency15. [B] pictured16. [D] associated17. [A]Even18. [D] grounded19.[C] policies20.[B] againstPart AText 121、【答案】B A special tour【解析】细节题。

2014年英语二真题和参考解析(专硕)

2014年英语二真题和参考解析(专硕)

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)(科目代码:204)☆考生注意事项☆1.答题前,考生须在试题册指定位置上填写考生编号和考生姓名;在答题卡指定位置上填写报考单位、考生姓名和考生编号,并涂写考生编号信息点。

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5.考试结束,将答题卡和试题册按规定交回。

(以下信息考生必须认真填写)考生编号考生姓名2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the followin g text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (lOpoints)Thinner isn't alwa y s better. A number of studies have 1 that normal-wei g ht people are in fact at hi g her risk of some diseases compared to those who are overwei g ht. And there are health conditions for which bein g overwei g ht is actuall y 2 . For example, heavier women are less likel y to develop calcium deficienc y than thin women. 3 , amon g the elderl y, bein g somewhat overwei g ht is often an 4 of g ood health.Of even greater 5 is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined 6 body mass index, or BMI. BMI 7 bod y mass divided b y the square of hei g ht. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal wei g ht. Between 25 and 30 is overwei g ht. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, 8 , can be divided into moderatel y obese, severel y obese, and very severel y obese.While such numencal standards seem 9 , the y are not. Obesity is probabl y less a matter of wei g ht than bod y fat. Some people with a hi g h BMI are in fact extremel y fit, 10 others with a low BMI ma y be in poor 11 . For example, man y colle g iate and professional football pla y ers 12 as obese, thou g h their percenta g e bod y fat is low. Conversel y, someone with a small frame ma y have hi g h bod y fat but a 13 BMI.Toda y we have a(n) 14 to label obesity as a disgrace. The overwei g ht are sometimes 15 in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes 16 with obesity include laziness, lack of will power, and lower prospects for success. Teachers, emplo y ers, and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases a g ainst the obese. 17 very y oun g children tend to look down on the overwei g ht, and teasin g about bod y build has lon g been a problem in schools.Ne g ative attitudes toward obesity, 18 in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity 19 . M y own hospital s y stem has banned su g ary drinks from its facilities. Man y emplo y ers have instituted wei g ht loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama has launched a hi g h-visibilit y campaign 20 childhood obesit y, even claimin g that it represents our g reatest national security threat.1.[A] denied[B]concluded[C]doubted[D]ensured2.[A] protective[B]dangerous[C]sufficient[D]troublesome3.[A] Instead[B]However[C]Likewise[D]Therefore4.[A] indicator[B]ob j ective[C]o ri g in[D]e xample5.[A] im pact[B]relevance[C]assistance[D]concern6.[A] in terms of[B]in case of[C]in favor of[D]in respects of7.[A] measures[B]detern血es[C]equals[D]modifies8.[A] in essence[B]in contrast[C]in turn[D]in pa rt9.[A] complicated [B] conservative[C]variable[D]straightforward10.[A] so[B]while[C]since[D]unless11.[A] shape[B]spirit[C]balance[D]taste12.[A] start[B]qualify[C]retire[D]stay13.[A] strange[B]changeable[C]normal[D]constant14.[A] option[B]reason[C]o pp ortunity[D]tendency15.[A] employed[B]p ic t ured[C]imitated[D]monitored16.[A] compared[B]combined[C]settled[D]associated17.[A] Even[B]Still[C]Y et[D]O nly18.[A] despised[B]corrected[C]ignored[D]g rounded19.[A] discussions[B]businesses[C]policies[D]studies20.[A] for[B]against[C]with[D]withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would y ou do with $590m? This is now a q uestion for Gloria MacKenzie, an 84-y ear-old widow who recentl y emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jack p ot in history. If she ho p es her new-found fortune will y ield lasting feelings of fulfilment, she could do worse than read Happy Money b y Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding wa y s to spend mone y can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fanc y cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairl y quickl y. What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret cree p s in. It is far better to s p end mone y on ex p eriences, sa y Ms D unn and Mr Norton, like interesting tri p s, uni q ue meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time as stories or memories particularl y if the y involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with ti p s to hel p wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most "happiness bang for y our buck." It seems most p eo p le would be better off if the y could shorten their commutes to work, s p end more time with friends and famil y and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a y ear doing, and is hardl y jollier for it). Bu y ing gifts or giving to charit y is often more p leasurable than p urchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjo y able when the y are consumed s p aringl y. This is a pp arentl y the reason Mc D onald's restricts the availability of its p o p ular McRib a marketing trick that has turned the p ork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy M oney are clearl y a p rivileged lot, anxious about fulfilment, not hunger. Mone y ma y not q uite bu y ha pp iness, but p eo p le in wealthier countries are generall y ha p pier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and s p ending mone y on others can be seen among rich and p oor p eo p le around the world, and scarcity e呻ances the p leasure of most things for most p eo p le. Not everyone will agree with the authors'p olic y ideas, which range from mandating more holida y time to reducing tax incentives for American homebu y ers. But most eo p le will come awa y from this book believing it was mone y well s p ent.p21.According to Dunn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewardingpurchase?[A]A big house.[B]A special tour.[C]A stylish car.[D]A rich meal.22.The author's attitude toward A mericans'watching TV is.[A]critical[B]supportive[C]sympath e tic[D]a mb iguous23.Mc R ib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that.[A]consumers are sometimes 1rrat10nal[B]popularity usually comes after quality[C]marketing tricks are often effective[D]rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph, Happy Money.[A]has left much room for readers'criticism[B]may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C]has predicted a wider income gap in the US[D]may give its readers a sense of a chievement25.This text mainly discusses how to.[A]balance feeling good and spending money[B]spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C]obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D]become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText2An article in Scientific American has pointed out that empirical research sa y s that, actuall y, y ou think y ou're more beautiful than y ou are. We have a deep­seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturall y emplo y a number of self-enhancing strategies to achieve this. Social ps y chologists have amassed oceans of research into what the y call the "above average effect", or "illusory superiority", and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others all obviousl y statistical impossibilities.We rose-tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticised, and appl y negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem. We stalk around thinking we're hot stuff.Ps y chologist and behavioural scientist Nicholas Eple y oversaw a ke y stud y into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather than have people simpl y rate their beaut y compared with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is "an automatic ps y chological process, occurring rapidl y and intuitivel y with little or no apparent conscious deliberation". If the subjects quickl y chose a falsel y flattering image which most did the y genuinel y believed it was reall y how the y looked.Eple y found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there an y evidence that those who self-e呻anced the most (that is, the participants who thought the most positivel y doctored pictures were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact, those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directl y corresponded with those who showed other markers for having higher self-esteem. "I don't think the findings that we have are an y evidence of personal delusion," sa y s Eple y. "It's a reflection simpl y of people generall y thinking well of themselves." If y ou are depressed, y ou won't be self­enhancing.Knowing the results of Eple y's study, it makes sense that man y people hate photographs of themselves viscerally on one level, the y don't even recognise the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook, therefore, is a self-enhancer's paradise, where people can share onl y the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, st y le, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. It's not that people's profiles are dishonest, sa y s Catalina Toma of Wisconsin-Madison University, "but the y portray an idealised version of themselves."26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that.[A]our self-ratings are unrealistically high[B]illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C]our need for leadership is unnatural[D]self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27.Visual recognition is believed to be people's.[A]rapid matching[B]conscious choice[C]intuitive response[D]automatic self-defence28.Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to.[A]underestimate their msecuntles[B]b r e 1eve m their attractiveness[C]cover up their depressions[D]oversimplify their illusions29.The word "viscerally" (Line 2, Para.5) is closest in meaning to.[A]instinctively[B]occasionally[C]parti c ul a rly[D]ag g re ss iv ely30.It can be inferred that Facebook is a self-enhancer's paradise because peoplecan[A]present their dishonest profiles[B]define their traditional lifestyles[C]share their intellectual pursuits[D]withhold their unflattering sidesText3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutel y felt durin g economic downturns and fra g ile recoveries. And y et, it would be a mistake to think we are ri g ht now simpl y experiencin g the painful side of a boom and bust c y cle. Certain jobs have g one awa y for g ood, outmoded b y machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eatin g up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our econom y in wa y s we cannot immediatel y foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thou g ht to be immune from automation suddenl y become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the M achine, b y Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT's Center for D i g ital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And y et, John Ha g el, author of The Power of Pull and other books, sa y s Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason wh y these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Ha g el sa y s we have designed jobs in the U.S. that tend to be "ti g htl y scripted" and "hi g hl y standardized" ones that leave no room for "individual initiative or creativit y". In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human bein g s. That is how we have put a g iant tar g et sign on the backs of American workers, Ha g el sa y s.It's time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still rel y in g on a very 20th century notion of work, Ha g el sa y s. In our rapidl y chan g in g economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their ima g ination "to respond to unexpected events". That is not somethin g machines are g ood at. The y are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Ha g el notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the wa y s in which machines can au g ment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not reall y about technolo gy, but rather, "how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?"31.According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would.[A]ease the competition of man vs. machine[B]highlight machines'threat to human j obs[C]provoke a painful technological revolution[D]outmode our current economic structure32.The authors of Race Against the M achine argue that.[A]technology is diminishing man's job opportunities[B]automation is accelerating technological development[C]certain jobs will remain intact after automation[D]man will finally win the race against machine33.Hagel argues that jobs in the U.S. are often.[A]performed by innovative minds[B]scripted with an individual style[C]standardized without a clear target[D]designed against human creativity34.According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed.[A]the predictability of machine behavior in practice[B]the formula for how work is conducted efficiently[C]the ways machines replace human labor in modem times[D]the necessity of human involvement in the workplace3 5. Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?[A]How to Innovate Our Work Practices?[B]Machines Will Replace Human Labor[C]Can We Win the Race Against Machines?[D]E c onomic Downturns Stimulate Innovat10nsText4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the econom y the focus is usuall y on roads, railwa y s, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Wh y is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at con皿unicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure projects, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has alwa y s been so politicall y charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simpl y not b uilding enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunit y for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibilit y to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five y ears if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP b y 0.6%.Ministers should also look at creating greater certaint y in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing£4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015, is unlikel y to be extended be y ond then. The Labour party has recentl y announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition's spending plans if it returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikel y to ever return to the era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.While the government's commitment to long-term funding ma y have changed, the very pressing need for more affordable housing is real and is not going away.36.The author believes that the housing sector.[A]has attracted much attention[B]involves certain political factors[C]shoulders too much responsibility[D]has lost its real value in economy37.It can be learned that affordable housing has.[A]increased its home supply[B]offered spending opportunities[C]suffered government biases[D]disappointed the government38. According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may.39. [A]allow greater government debt for housing[B]stop local authorities from building homes[C]prepare to reduce housing stock debt[D]release a lifted GDP growth forecastIt can be mferred that a stable rental environment would[A]lower the costs of registered providers[B]lessen the impact of government interference[C]contribute to funding new developments[D]relieve the ministers of responsibilities40.The author believes that after 2015, the government may.[A]implement more policies to support housing[B]review the need for large-scale public grants[C]renew the affordable housing grants programme[D]stop generous funding to the housing sectorPartBDirections:Read the followin g text and match each of the numbered items in the left column to its correspondin g information in the ri g ht column. There are two extra choices in the ri g ht column. Mark y our answers on the ANSWER SHEERT. (10 points) Emer g in g in the late Sixties and reachin g a peak in the Seventies, Land Art was one of a ran g e of new forms, includin g Bod y Art, Performance Art, Action Art and Installation Art, which pushed art be y ond the traditional confines of the studio and g allery. Rather than portra y in g landscape, land artists used the ph y sical substance of the land itself as their medium.The British land art, typified b y Richard Lon g's piece, was not onl y more domesticall y scaled, but a lot quirkier than its American counterpart. Indeed, while y ou mi g ht assume that an exhibition of Land Art would consist onl y of records of works rather than the works themselves, Lon g's photograph of his work is the work. Since his "action" is in the past, the photograph is its sole embodiment.That mi g ht seem rather an obscure point, but it sets the tone for an exhibition that contains a lot of black-and-white photographs and relativel y few natural objects.Lon g is Britain's best-known Land Artist and his Stone Circle, a perfect rin g of purplish rocks from Portishead beach laid out on the g allery floor, represents the ele g ant, rarefied side of the form. The Bo y le Famil y, on the other hand, stand for its dirty, urban aspect. Comprisin g artists Mark Bo y le and Joan Hills and their children, the y recreated random sections of the British landscape on g allery walls. Their Olaf Street Study, a square of brick-strewn waste ground, is one of the few works here to embrace the commonplaceness that characterises most of our experience of the landscape most of the time.Parks feature, particularl y in the earlier works, such as John Hilliard's very funn y Across the Park, in which a lon g-haired stroller is variousl y smiled at b y a prett y g irl and unwittin g l y assaulted in a sequence of ima g es that tum out to be different parts of the same photograph.Generall y however British land artists preferred to g et away from towns, gravitatin g towards landscapes that are traditionall y considered beautiful such as the Lake District or the Wiltshire Downs. While it probabl y wasn't apparent at the time, much of this work is permeated b y a spirit of romantic escapism that the likes of Wordsworth would have readil y understood. Derek Jarman's y ellow-tinted film Towards Avebury, a collection of lon g, mostl y still shots of the Wiltshire landscape, evokes a tradition of En g lish landscape paintin g stretchin g from Samuel Palmer to Paul Nash.In the case of Hamish Fulton, y ou can't help feelin g that the Scottish artist has simpl y found a wa y of makin g his love of walkin g pa y. A typical work, such asSeven Da y s, consists of a single beautiful black-and-white photograph taken on an epic walk, with the mileage and number of da y s taken listed beneath. British Land Art as shown in this well selected, but relativel y modestl y scaled exhibition wasn't about imposing on the landscape, more a kind of landscape-orientated light conceptual art created passing through. It had its origins in the great outdoors, butthe results were as gallery-bound as the paintings of Turner and Constable.[A]originates from a long walk that the artisttook.41.Stone Circle[B]illustrates a kind of landscape-orientatedlight conceptual art.42.Olaf Street Stud y [C]reminds people of the English landscapepainting tradition.43.Across the Park[D]represents the elegance of the British landart.44.Towards Avebury[E]depicts the ordinary side of the Britishland art.45.Seven Da y s[F]embodies a romantic escape into theScottish outdoors.[G]contains images from different parts of thesame photograph.Section III Translation46.Directions:Translate the following text into Chinese. Write y our translation on the ANSWER SHEET.(15 points)Most people would define optimism as being endlessl y happ y, with a glass that's perpetuall y half full. But that's exactl y the kind of false cheerfulness that positive ps y chologists wouldn't recommend. "Health y optimism means being in touch with reality," sa y s Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor. According to Ben­Shahar, realistic optimists are those who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best.Ben-Shahar uses three optimistic exercises. When he feels down—sa y, after giving a bad lecture he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that not every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction. He anal y zes the weak lecture, learning lessons for the future about what works and what doesn't. Finall y, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the grand scheme of life, one lecture reall y doesn't matter.Section IV WritingPartA47.Directions:Suppose you are going to study abroad and share an apartment with John, a local student. Write him an email to1)tell him about your living habits, and2)ask for advice about living there.You should write about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.Do not use your own name. Use "Li Ming" insteadDo not write your address. (10 points)PartB48.Directions:Write an essay based on the fo llowing chart. In your writing, you should1)interpret the chart, and2)give your comments.You should write about150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)20 年间中国城镇人口与乡村人口变化图2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I: Use of English (10 points)1 - 5: BACAD6 - 10: ACCDB11-15: ABCDB16-20: DADCBSection II: Reading Comprehension (50 points)21-25: BADBC26-30: ACBAD31-35: BADDC36-40: BCACD41-45: DEGCASection III :Translation (15 Points)大多数人将乐观定义为永远快乐,总觉得杯子里的水还有一半。

2014年全国研究生考试英语二真题及详细答案

2014年全国研究生考试英语二真题及详细答案

2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have __1___ thatnormal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually ___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. ___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health。

Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese。

2014年考研英语试题(二)

2014年考研英语试题(二)

1. [A] denied
[B] conduced
[C] doubled
[D] ensured
2. [A] protective
[B] dangerous
[C] sufficient
[D]troublesome
3. [A] Instead
[B] However
[C] Likewise
[D] Therefore
[B] changeable
[C] normal
[D] constant
14. [A] option
&n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b s p ; &n b
While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.

2014考研英语二真题

2014考研英语二真题

2014考研英语二真题IntroductionThe 2014 English II exam for the graduate entrance examination in China was known for its challenging nature. This article aims to review and discuss the content and structure of the exam, as well as provide tips for future test-takers to improve their performance.Section 1: Listening ComprehensionThe listening comprehension section of the 2014 English II exam consisted of multiple-choice questions based on various recordings. These recordings included conversations, monologues, and speeches. The questions tested the candidates' ability to understand spoken English in different contexts.Section 2: Reading ComprehensionThe reading comprehension section required candidates to read through various passages and answer multiple-choice questions based on the information provided. The passages covered a range of topics, including scientific research, cultural events, and social issues. Each passage was followed by a set of questions that assessed the candidates' understanding of the text and their ability to analyze and interpret the information.Section 3: TranslationThe translation section tested the candidates' ability to accurately translate Chinese sentences into English. The sentences covered a wide range of topics, such as literature, politics, economics, and technology. Thissection aimed to evaluate the candidates' knowledge of both languages and their translation skills.Section 4: WritingThe writing section required candidates to write an essay on a given topic within a specified time frame. The essay prompt provided a statement or a question that candidates needed to develop and support with relevant examples and arguments. This section aimed to assess the candidates' ability to express their ideas clearly and coherently in written English.Tips for Success1. Develop Listening Skills: To improve listening comprehension, candidates should regularly expose themselves to authentic English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and movies. Practicing active listening and taking notes can also enhance comprehension abilities.2. Enhance Reading Skills: Reading extensively is crucial for improving reading comprehension. Candidates should read a variety of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, academic articles, and literature, to broaden their vocabulary and understanding of different writing styles.3. Improve Translation Skills: Regular practice is key to improving translation skills. Candidates can start by translating simple sentences and gradually move on to more complex texts. Analyzing the differences in sentence structure and cultural nuances between Chinese and English will also help candidates produce accurate translations.4. Master Essay Writing: To excel in the writing section, candidates should practice structuring their essays with clear introductions, well-developed body paragraphs, and concise conclusions. Using appropriate vocabulary and varied sentence structures will enhance the quality of the writing.ConclusionThe 2014 English II exam for the graduate entrance examination in China was a challenging test that assessed candidates' listening, reading, translation, and writing skills. By following the tips provided, future test-takers can enhance their performance and improve their chances of success on the exam.。

2014年考研英语二真题

2014年考研英语二真题

绝密★启用前2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)(科目代码:204)☆考生注意事项☆1.答题前,考生须在试题册指定位置上填写考生编号和考生姓名;在答题卡指定位置上填写报考单位、考生姓名和考生编号,并涂写考生编号信息点。

2.考生须把试题册上的“试卷条形码”粘贴条取下,粘贴在答题卡的“试卷条形码粘贴位置”框中。

不按规定粘贴条形码而影响评卷结果的,责任由考生自负。

3.选择题的答案必须涂写在答题卡相应题号的选项上,非选择题的答案必须书写在答题卡指定位置的边框区域内。

超出答题区域书写的答案无效;在草稿纸、试题册上答题无效。

4.填(书)写部分必须使用黑色字迹签字笔书写,字迹工整、笔迹清楚;涂写部分必须使用2B铅笔填涂。

5.考试结束,将答题卡和试题册按规定交回。

(以下信息考生必须认真填写)考生编号考生姓名2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the followin g text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (lOpoints)Thinner isn't alwa y s better. A number of studies have 1 that normal-wei g ht people are in fact at hi g her risk of some diseases compared to those who are overwei g ht. And there are health conditions for which bein g overwei g ht is actuall y 2 . For example, heavier women are less likel y to develop calcium deficienc y than thin women. 3 , amon g the elderl y, bein g somewhat overwei g ht is often an 4 of g ood health.Of even greater 5 is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined 6 body mass index, or BMI. BMI 7 bod y mass divided b y the square of hei g ht. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal wei g ht. Between 25 and 30 is overwei g ht. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, 8 , can be divided into moderatel y obese, severel y obese, and very severel y obese.While such numencal standards seem 9 , the y are not. Obesity is probabl y less a matter of wei g ht than bod y fat. Some people with a hi g h BMI are in fact extremel y fit, 10 others with a low BMI ma y be in poor 11 . For example, man y colle g iate and professional football pla y ers 12 as obese, thou g h their percenta g e bod y fat is low. Conversel y, someone with a small frame ma y have hi g h bod y fat but a 13 BMI.Toda y we have a(n) 14 to label obesity as a disgrace. The overwei g ht are sometimes 15 in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes 16 with obesity include laziness, lack of will power, and lower prospects for success. Teachers, emplo y ers, and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases a g ainst the obese. 17 very y oun g children tend to look down on the overwei g ht, and teasin g about bod y build has lon g been a problem in schools.Ne g ative attitudes toward obesity, 18 in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity 19 . M y own hospital s y stem has banned su g ary drinks from its facilities. Man y emplo y ers have instituted wei g ht loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama has launched a hi g h-visibilit y campaign 20 childhood obesit y, even claimin g that it represents our g reatest national security threat.1.[A] denied[B]concluded[C]doubted[D]ensured2.[A] protective[B]dangerous[C]sufficient[D]troublesome3.[A] Instead[B]However[C]Likewise[D]Therefore4.[A] indicator[B]ob j ective[C]o ri g in[D]e xample5.[A] im pact[B]relevance[C]assistance[D]concern6.[A] in terms of[B]in case of[C]in favor of[D]in respects of7.[A] measures[B]detern血es[C]equals[D]modifies8.[A] in essence[B]in contrast[C]in turn[D]in pa rt9.[A] complicated [B] conservative[C]variable[D]straightforward10.[A] so[B]while[C]since[D]unless11.[A] shape[B]spirit[C]balance[D]taste12.[A] start[B]qualify[C]retire[D]stay13.[A] strange[B]changeable[C]normal[D]constant14.[A] option[B]reason[C]o pp ortunity[D]tendency15.[A] employed[B]p ic t ured[C]imitated[D]monitored16.[A] compared[B]combined[C]settled[D]associated17.[A] Even[B]Still[C]Y et[D]O nly18.[A] despised[B]corrected[C]ignored[D]g rounded19.[A] discussions[B]businesses[C]policies[D]studies20.[A] for[B]against[C]with[D]withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would y ou do with $590m? This is now a q uestion for Gloria MacKenzie, an 84-y ear-old widow who recentl y emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jack p ot in history. If she ho p es her new-found fortune will y ield lasting feelings of fulfilment, she could do worse than read Happy Money b y Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding wa y s to spend mone y can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fanc y cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairl y quickl y. What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret cree p s in. It is far better to s p end mone y on ex p eriences, sa y Ms D unn and Mr Norton, like interesting tri p s, uni q ue meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time -as stories or memories -particularl y if the y involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with ti p s to hel p wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most "happiness bang for y our buck." It seems most p eo p le would be better off if the y could shorten their commutes to work, s p end more time with friends and famil y and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a y ear doing, and is hardl y jollier for it). Bu y ing gifts or giving to charit y is often more p leasurable than p urchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjo y able when the y are consumed s p aringl y. This is a pp arentl y the reason Mc D onald's restricts the availability of its p o p ular McRib—a marketing trick that has turned the p ork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy M oney are clearl y a p rivileged lot, anxious about fulfilment, not hunger. Mone y ma y not q uite bu y ha pp iness, but p eo p le in wealthier countries are generall y ha p pier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and s p ending mone y on others can be seen among rich and p oor p eo p le around the world, and scarcity e呻ances the p leasure of most things for most p eo p le. Not everyone will agree with the authors'p olic y ideas, which range from mandating more holida y time to reducing tax incentives for American homebu y ers. But most eo p le will come awa y from this book believing it was mone y well s p ent.p21.According to Dunn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewardingpurchase?[A]A big house.[B]A special tour.[C]A stylish car.[D]A rich meal.22.The author's attitude toward A mericans'watching TV is.[A]critical[B]supportive[C]sympath e tic[D]a mb iguous23.Mc R ib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that.[A]consumers are sometimes 1rrat10nal[B]popularity usually comes after quality[C]marketing tricks are often effective[D]rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph, Happy Money.[A]has left much room for readers'criticism[B]may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C]has predicted a wider income gap in the US[D]may give its readers a sense of a chievement25.This text mainly discusses how to.[A]balance feeling good and spending money[B]spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C]obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D]become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText2An article in Scientific American has pointed out that empirical research sa y s that, actuall y, y ou think y ou're more beautiful than y ou are. We have a deep­seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturall y emplo y a number of self-enhancing strategies to achieve this. Social ps y chologists have amassed oceans of research into what the y call the "above average effect", or "illusory superiority", and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others -all obviousl y statistical impossibilities.We rose-tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticised, and appl y negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem. We stalk around thinking we're hot stuff.Ps y chologist and behavioural scientist Nicholas Eple y oversaw a ke y stud y into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather than have people simpl y rate their beaut y compared with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is "an automatic ps y chological process, occurring rapidl y and intuitivel y with little or no apparent conscious deliberation". If the subjects quickl y chose a falsel y flattering image—which most did—the y genuinel y believed it was reall y how the y looked.Eple y found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there an y evidence that those who self-e呻anced the most (that is, the participants who thought the most positivel y doctored pictures were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact, those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directl y corresponded with those who showed other markers for having higher self-esteem. "I don't think the findings that we have are an y evidence of personal delusion," sa y s Eple y. "It's a reflection simpl y of people generall y thinking well of themselves." If y ou are depressed, y ou won't be self­enhancing.Knowing the results of Eple y's study, it makes sense that man y people hate photographs of themselves viscerally—on one level, the y don't even recognise the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook, therefore, is a self-enhancer's paradise, where people can share onl y the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, st y le, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. It's not that people's profiles are dishonest, sa y s Catalina Toma of Wisconsin-Madison University, "but the y portray an idealised version of themselves."26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that.[A]our self-ratings are unrealistically high[B]illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C]our need for leadership is unnatural[D]self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27.Visual recognition is believed to be people's.[A]rapid matching[B]conscious choice[C]intuitive response[D]automatic self-defence28.Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to.[A]underestimate their msecuntles[B]b r e 1eve m their attractiveness[C]cover up their depressions[D]oversimplify their illusions29.The word "viscerally" (Line 2, Para.5) is closest in meaning to.[A]instinctively[B]occasionally[C]parti c ul a rly[D]ag g re ss iv ely30.It can be inferred that Facebook is a self-enhancer's paradise because peoplecan[A]present their dishonest profiles[B]define their traditional lifestyles[C]share their intellectual pursuits[D]withhold their unflattering sidesText3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutel y felt durin g economic downturns and fra g ile recoveries. And y et, it would be a mistake to think we are ri g ht now simpl y experiencin g the painful side of a boom and bust c y cle. Certain jobs have g one awa y for g ood, outmoded b y machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eatin g up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our econom y in wa y s we cannot immediatel y foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thou g ht to be immune from automation suddenl y become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the M achine, b y Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT's Center for D i g ital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And y et, John Ha g el, author of The Power of Pull and other books, sa y s Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason wh y these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Ha g el sa y s we have designed jobs in the U.S. that tend to be "ti g htl y scripted" and "hi g hl y standardized" ones that leave no room for "individual initiative or creativit y". In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human bein g s. That is how we have put a g iant tar g et sign on the backs of American workers, Ha g el sa y s.It's time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still rel y in g on a very 20th century notion of work, Ha g el sa y s. In our rapidl y chan g in g economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their ima g ination "to respond to unexpected events". That is not somethin g machines are g ood at. The y are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Ha g el notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the wa y s in which machines can au g ment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not reall y about technolo gy, but rather, "how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?"31. According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would .[A] ease the competition of man vs. machine[B] highlight machines'threat to human j obs[C] provoke a painful technological revolution[D] outmode our current economic structure32. The authors of Race Against the M achine argue that .[A] technology is diminishing man's job opportunities[B] automation is accelerating technological development[C] certain jobs will remain intact after automation[D] man will finally win the race against machine33. Hagel argues that jobs in the U.S. are often .[A] performed by innovative minds[B] scripted with an individual style[C] standardized without a clear target[D] designed against human creativity34. According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed .[A] the predictability of machine behavior in practice[B] the formula for how work is conducted efficiently[C] the ways machines replace human labor in modem times[D] the necessity of human involvement in the workplace3 5. Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?[A] How to Innovate Our Work Practices?[B] Machines Will Replace Human Labor[C] Can We Win the Race Against Machines?[D] E c onomic Downturns Stimulate Innovat10nsText4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the econom y the focus is usuall y on roads, railwa y s, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Wh y is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at con皿unicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure projects, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has alwa y s been so politicall y charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simpl y not b uilding enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunit y for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibilit y to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five y ears if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP b y 0.6%.Ministers should also look at creating greater certaint y in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing£4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015, is unlikel y to be extended be y ond then. The Labour party has recentl y announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition's spending plans if it returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikel y to ever return to the era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.While the government's commitment to long-term funding ma y have changed, the very pressing need for more affordable housing is real and is not going away.36. The author believes that the housing sector .[A] has attracted much attention[B] involves certain political factors[C] shoulders too much responsibility[D] has lost its real value in economy37. It can be learned that affordable housing has .[A] increased its home supply[B] offered spending opportunities[C] suffered government biases[D] disappointed the government38. According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may .39. [A] allow greater government debt for housing[B] stop local authorities from building homes[C] prepare to reduce housing stock debt[D] release a lifted GDP growth forecastIt can be mferred that a stable rental environment would[A] lower the costs of registered providers[B] lessen the impact of government interference[C] contribute to funding new developments[D] relieve the ministers of responsibilities40. The author believes that after 2015, the government may .[A] implement more policies to support housing[B] review the need for large-scale public grants[C] renew the affordable housing grants programme[D] stop generous funding to the housing sectorPartBDirections:Read the followin g text and match each of the numbered items in the left column to its correspondin g information in the ri g ht column. There are two extra choices in the ri g ht column. Mark y our answers on the ANSWER SHEERT. (10 points) Emer g in g in the late Sixties and reachin g a peak in the Seventies, Land Art was one of a ran g e of new forms, includin g Bod y Art, Performance Art, Action Art and Installation Art, which pushed art be y ond the traditional confines of the studio and g allery. Rather than portra y in g landscape, land artists used the ph y sical substance of the land itself as their medium.The British land art, typified b y Richard Lon g's piece, was not onl y more domesticall y scaled, but a lot quirkier than its American counterpart. Indeed, while y ou mi g ht assume that an exhibition of Land Art would consist onl y of records of works rather than the works themselves, Lon g's photograph of his work is the work. Since his "action" is in the past, the photograph is its sole embodiment.That mi g ht seem rather an obscure point, but it sets the tone for an exhibition that contains a lot of black-and-white photographs and relativel y few natural objects.Lon g is Britain's best-known Land Artist and his Stone Circle, a perfect rin g of purplish rocks from Portishead beach laid out on the g allery floor, represents the ele g ant, rarefied side of the form. The Bo y le Famil y, on the other hand, stand for its dirty, urban aspect. Comprisin g artists Mark Bo y le and Joan Hills and their children, the y recreated random sections of the British landscape on g allery walls. Their Olaf Street Study, a square of brick-strewn waste ground, is one of the few works here to embrace the commonplaceness that characterises most of our experience of the landscape most of the time.Parks feature, particularl y in the earlier works, such as John Hilliard's very funn y Across the Park, in which a lon g-haired stroller is variousl y smiled at b y a prett y g irl and unwittin g l y assaulted in a sequence of ima g es that tum out to be different parts of the same photograph.Generall y however British land artists preferred to g et away from towns, gravitatin g towards landscapes that are traditionall y considered beautiful such as the Lake District or the Wiltshire Downs. While it probabl y wasn't apparent at the time, much of this work is permeated b y a spirit of romantic escapism that the likes of Wordsworth would have readil y understood. Derek Jarman's y ellow-tinted film Towards Avebury, a collection of lon g, mostl y still shots of the Wiltshire landscape, evokes a tradition of En g lish landscape paintin g stretchin g from Samuel Palmer to Paul Nash.In the case of Hamish Fulton, y ou can't help feelin g that the Scottish artist has simpl y found a wa y of makin g his love of walkin g pa y. A typical work, such asSeven Da y s, consists of a single beautiful black-and-white photograph taken on an epic walk, with the mileage and number of da y s taken listed beneath. British Land Art as shown in this well selected, but relativel y modestl y scaled exhibition wasn't about imposing on the landscape, more a kind of landscape-orientated light conceptual art created passing through. It had its origins in the great outdoors, butthe results were as gallery-bound as the paintings of Turner and Constable.[A] originates from a long walk that the artisttook.41. Stone Circle [B] illustrates a kind of landscape-orientatedlight conceptual art.42. Olaf Street Stud y [C] reminds people of the English landscapepainting tradition.43. Across the Park [D] represents the elegance of the British landart.44.Towards Avebury [E] depicts the ordinary side of the Britishland art.45. Seven Da y s [F] embodies a romantic escape into theScottish outdoors.[G] contains images from different parts of thesame photograph.Section III Translation46. Directions:Translate the following text into Chinese. Write y our translation on the ANSWER SHEET.(15 points)Most people would define optimism as being endlessl y happ y, with a glass that's perpetuall y half full. But that's exactl y the kind of false cheerfulness that positive ps y chologists wouldn't recommend. "Health y optimism means being in touch with reality," sa y s Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor. According to Ben­Shahar, realistic optimists are those who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best.Ben-Shahar uses three optimistic exercises. When he feels down—sa y, after giving a bad lecture—he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that not every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction. He anal y zes the weak lecture, learning lessons for the future about what works and what doesn't. Finall y, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the grand scheme of life, one lecture reall y doesn't matter.Section IV WritingPart A47.Directions:Suppose you are going to study abroad and share an apartment with John, a local student. Write him an email to1)tell him about your living habits, and2)ask for advice about living there.You should write about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.Do not use your own name. Use "Li Ming" instead.Do not write your address. (10 points)PartB48.Directions:Write an essay based on the following chart. In your writing, you should1)interpret the chart, and2)give your comments.You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)图城镇人口乡村人1000I 00 I 834 807666 674�600过400:mt-I 300、2001990年2000年2010年20年间中国城镇人口与乡村人口变化图。

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)试题

2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)试题

2014年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the followin g text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (lOpoints)Thinner isn't alwa y s better. A number of studies have 1 that normal-wei g ht people are in fact at hi g her risk of some diseases compared to those who are overwei g ht. And there are health conditions for which bein g overwei g ht is actuall y 2 . For example, heavier women are less likel y to develop calcium deficienc y than thin women. 3 , amon g the elderl y, bein g somewhat overwei g ht is often an 4 of g ood health.Of even greater 5 is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined 6 body mass index, or BMI. BMI 7 bod y mass divided b y the square of hei g ht. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal wei g ht. Between 25 and 30 is overwei g ht. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, 8 , can be divided into moderatel y obese, severel y obese, and very severel y obese.While such numencal standards seem 9 , the y are not. Obesity is probabl y less a matter of wei g ht than bod y fat. Some people with a hi g h BMI are in fact extremel y fit, 10 others with a low BMI ma y be in poor 11 . For example, man y colle g iate and professional football pla y ers 12 as obese, thou g h their percenta g e bod y fat is low. Conversel y, someone with a small frame ma y have hi g h bod y fat but a 13 BMI.Toda y we have a(n) 14 to label obesity as a disgrace. The overwei g ht are sometimes 15 in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes 16 with obesity include laziness, lack of will power, and lower prospects for success. Teachers, emplo y ers, and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases a g ainst the obese. 17 very y oun g children tend to look down on the overwei g ht, and teasin g about bod y build has lon g been a problem in schools.Ne g ative attitudes toward obesity, 18 in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity 19 . M y own hospital s y stem has banned su g ary drinks from its facilities. Man y emplo y ers have instituted wei g ht loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama has launched a hi g h-visibilit y campaign 20 childhood obesit y, even claimin g that it represents our g reatest national security threat.1. [A] denied [B] concluded [C] doubted [D] ensured2. [A] protective [B] dangerous [C] sufficient [D] troublesome3. [A] Instead [B] However [C] Likewise [D] Therefore4. [A] indicator [B] ob j ective [C] o ri g in[D] example5. [A] im pact [B] relevance [C] assistance [D] concern6. [A] in terms of [B] in case of [C] in favor of [D] in respects of7. [A] measures [B] detern血es[C] equals [D] modifies8. [A] in essence [B] in contrast [C] in turn [D] in pa rt9. [A] complicated [B] conservative [C] variable [D] straightforward10. [A] so [B] while [C] since [D] unless11. [A] shape [B] spirit [C] balance [D] taste12. [A] start [B] qualify [C] retire [D] s tay13. [A] strange [B] changeable [C] normal [D] constant14. [A] option [B] reason [C] o pp ortunity[D] te nd e nc y15. [A] employed [B] p ic t ured [C] imitated [D] monitored16. [A] compared [B] combined [C] settled [D] associated17. [A] Even [B] Still [C] Y et [D] O nly18. [A] despised [B] corrected [C] igno re d [D] g rounded19. [A] discussions [B] businesses [C] policies [D] studies20. [A] for [B] against [C] with [D] withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would y ou do with $590m? This is now a q uestion for Gloria MacKenzie, an 84-y ear-old widow who recentl y emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jack p ot in history. If she ho p es her new-found fortune will y ield lasting feelings of fulfilment, she could do worse than read Happy Money b y Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding wa y s to spend mone y can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fanc y cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairl y quickl y. What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret cree p s in. It is far better to s p end mone y on ex p eriences, sa y Ms D unn and Mr Norton, like interesting tri p s, uni q ue meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time -as stories or memories -particularl y if the y involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with ti p s to hel p wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most "happiness bang for y our buck." It seems most p eo p le would be better off if the y could shorten their commutes to work, s p end more time with friends and famil y and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a y ear doing, and is hardl y jollier for it). Bu y ing gifts or giving to charit y is often more p leasurable than p urchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjo y able when the y are consumed s p aringl y. This is a pp arentl y the reason Mc D onald's restricts the availability of its p o p ular McRib—a marketing trick that has turned the p ork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy M oney are clearl y a p rivileged lot, anxious about fulfilment, not hunger. Mone y ma y not q uite bu y ha pp iness, but p eo p le in wealthier countries are generall y ha p pier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and s p ending mone y on others can be seen among rich and p oor p eo p le around the world, and scarcity e呻ances the p leasure of most things for most p eo p le. Not everyone will agree with the authors'p olic y ideas, which range from mandating more holida y time to reducing tax incentives for American homebu y ers. But most eo p le will come awa y from this book believing it was mone y well s p ent.p21. According to Dunn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewardingpurchase?[A] A big house.[B] A special tour.[C] A stylish car.[D] A rich meal.22. The author's attitude toward A mericans'watching TV is .[A] critical[B] supportive[C] sympath e tic[D] a mb iguous23. Mc R ib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that .[A] consumers are sometimes 1rrat10nal[B] popularity usually comes after quality[C] marketing tricks are often effective[D] rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph, Happy Money .[A] has left much room for readers'criticism[B] may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C] has predicted a wider income gap in the US[D] may give its readers a sense of a chievement25. This text mainly discusses how to .[A] balance feeling good and spending money[B] spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C] obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D] become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText2An article in Scientific American has pointed out that empirical research sa y s that, actuall y, y ou think y ou're more beautiful than y ou are. We have a deep­seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturall y emplo y a number of self-enhancing strategies to achieve this. Social ps y chologists have amassed oceans of research into what the y call the "above average effect", or "illusory superiority", and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others -all obviousl y statistical impossibilities.We rose-tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticised, and appl y negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem. We stalk around thinking we're hot stuff.Ps y chologist and behavioural scientist Nicholas Eple y oversaw a ke y stud y into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather than have people simpl y rate their beaut y compared with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is "an automatic ps y chological process, occurring rapidl y and intuitivel y with little or no apparent conscious deliberation". If the subjects quickl y chose a falsel y flattering image—which most did—the y genuinel y believed it was reall y how the y looked.Eple y found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor was there an y evidence that those who self-e呻anced the most (that is, the participants who thought the most positivel y doctored pictures were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact, those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directl y corresponded with those who showed other markers for having higher self-esteem. "I don't think the findings that we have are an y evidence of personal delusion," sa y s Eple y. "It's a reflection simpl y of people generall y thinking well of themselves." If y ou are depressed, y ou won't be self­enhancing.Knowing the results of Eple y's study, it makes sense that man y people hate photographs of themselves viscerally—on one level, the y don't even recognise the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook, therefore, is a self-enhancer's paradise, where people can share onl y the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, st y le, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. It's not that people's profiles are dishonest, sa y s Catalina Toma of Wisconsin-Madison University, "but the y portray an idealised version of themselves."26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that .[A] our self-ratings are unrealistically high[B] illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C] our need for leadership is unnatural[D] self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27. Visual recognition is believed to be people's .[A] rapid matching[B] conscious choice[C] intuitive response[D] automatic self-defence28. Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to .[A] underestimate their msecuntles[B] b r e 1eve m their attractiveness[C] cover up their depressions[D] oversimplify their illusions29. The word "viscerally" (Line 2, Para.5) is closest in meaning to .[A] instinctively[B] occasionally[C] parti c ul a rly[D] ag g re ss iv ely30. It can be inferred that Facebook is a self-enhancer's paradise because peoplecan[A] present their dishonest profiles[B] define their traditional lifestyles[C] share their intellectual pursuits[D] withhold their unflattering sidesText3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutel y felt durin g economic downturns and fra g ile recoveries. And y et, it would be a mistake to think we are ri g ht now simpl y experiencin g the painful side of a boom and bust c y cle. Certain jobs have g one awa y for g ood, outmoded b y machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eatin g up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our econom y in wa y s we cannot immediatel y foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thou g ht to be immune from automation suddenl y become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the M achine, b y Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT's Center for D i g ital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And y et, John Ha g el, author of The Power of Pull and other books, sa y s Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason wh y these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Ha g el sa y s we have designed jobs in the U.S. that tend to be "ti g htl y scripted" and "hi g hl y standardized" ones that leave no room for "individual initiative or creativit y". In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human bein g s. That is how we have put a g iant tar g et sign on the backs of American workers, Ha g el sa y s.It's time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still rel y in g on a very 20th century notion of work, Ha g el sa y s. In our rapidl y chan g in g economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their ima g ination "to respond to unexpected events". That is not somethin g machines are g ood at. The y are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Ha g el notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the wa y s in which machines can au g ment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not reall y about technolo gy, but rather, "how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?"31. According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would .[A] ease the competition of man vs. machine[B] highlight machines'threat to human j obs[C] provoke a painful technological revolution[D] outmode our current economic structure32. The authors of Race Against the M achine argue that .[A] technology is diminishing man's job opportunities[B] automation is accelerating technological development[C] certain jobs will remain intact after automation[D] man will finally win the race against machine33. Hagel argues that jobs in the U.S. are often .[A] performed by innovative minds[B] scripted with an individual style[C] standardized without a clear target[D] designed against human creativity34. According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed .[A] the predictability of machine behavior in practice[B] the formula for how work is conducted efficiently[C] the ways machines replace human labor in modem times[D] the necessity of human involvement in the workplace3 5. Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?[A] How to Innovate Our Work Practices?[B] Machines Will Replace Human Labor[C] Can We Win the Race Against Machines?[D] E c onomic Downturns Stimulate Innovat10nsText4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the econom y the focus is usuall y on roads, railwa y s, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Wh y is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at con皿unicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure projects, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has alwa y s been so politicall y charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simpl y not b uilding enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunit y for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibilit y to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five y ears if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP b y 0.6%.Ministers should also look at creating greater certaint y in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing£4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015, is unlikel y to be extended be y ond then. The Labour party has recentl y announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition's spending plans if it returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikel y to ever return to the era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.While the government's commitment to long-term funding ma y have changed, the very pressing need for more affordable housing is real and is not going away.36. The author believes that the housing sector .[A] has attracted much attention[B] involves certain political factors[C] shoulders too much responsibility[D] has lost its real value in economy37. It can be learned that affordable housing has .[A] increased its home supply[B] offered spending opportunities[C] suffered government biases[D] disappointed the government38. According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may .39. [A] allow greater government debt for housing[B] stop local authorities from building homes[C] prepare to reduce housing stock debt[D] release a lifted GDP growth forecastIt can be mferred that a stable rental environment would[A] lower the costs of registered providers[B] lessen the impact of government interference[C] contribute to funding new developments[D] relieve the ministers of responsibilities40. The author believes that after 2015, the government may .[A] implement more policies to support housing[B] review the need for large-scale public grants[C] renew the affordable housing grants programme[D] stop generous funding to the housing sectorPartBDirections:Read the followin g text and match each of the numbered items in the left column to its correspondin g information in the ri g ht column. There are two extra choices in the ri g ht column. Mark y our answers on the ANSWER SHEERT. (10 points) Emer g in g in the late Sixties and reachin g a peak in the Seventies, Land Art was one of a ran g e of new forms, includin g Bod y Art, Performance Art, Action Art and Installation Art, which pushed art be y ond the traditional confines of the studio and g allery. Rather than portra y in g landscape, land artists used the ph y sical substance of the land itself as their medium.The British land art, typified b y Richard Lon g's piece, was not onl y more domesticall y scaled, but a lot quirkier than its American counterpart. Indeed, while y ou mi g ht assume that an exhibition of Land Art would consist onl y of records of works rather than the works themselves, Lon g's photograph of his work is the work. Since his "action" is in the past, the photograph is its sole embodiment.That mi g ht seem rather an obscure point, but it sets the tone for an exhibition that contains a lot of black-and-white photographs and relativel y few natural objects.Lon g is Britain's best-known Land Artist and his Stone Circle, a perfect rin g of purplish rocks from Portishead beach laid out on the g allery floor, represents the ele g ant, rarefied side of the form. The Bo y le Famil y, on the other hand, stand for its dirty, urban aspect. Comprisin g artists Mark Bo y le and Joan Hills and their children, the y recreated random sections of the British landscape on g allery walls. Their Olaf Street Study, a square of brick-strewn waste ground, is one of the few works here to embrace the commonplaceness that characterises most of our experience of the landscape most of the time.Parks feature, particularl y in the earlier works, such as John Hilliard's very funn y Across the Park, in which a lon g-haired stroller is variousl y smiled at b y a prett y g irl and unwittin g l y assaulted in a sequence of ima g es that tum out to be different parts of the same photograph.Generall y however British land artists preferred to g et away from towns, gravitatin g towards landscapes that are traditionall y considered beautiful such as the Lake District or the Wiltshire Downs. While it probabl y wasn't apparent at the time, much of this work is permeated b y a spirit of romantic escapism that the likes of Wordsworth would have readil y understood. Derek Jarman's y ellow-tinted film Towards Avebury, a collection of lon g, mostl y still shots of the Wiltshire landscape, evokes a tradition of En g lish landscape paintin g stretchin g from Samuel Palmer to Paul Nash.In the case of Hamish Fulton, y ou can't help feelin g that the Scottish artist has simpl y found a wa y of makin g his love of walkin g pa y. A typical work, such asSeven Da y s, consists of a single beautiful black-and-white photograph taken on an epic walk, with the mileage and number of da y s taken listed beneath. British Land Art as shown in this well selected, but relativel y modestl y scaled exhibition wasn't about imposing on the landscape, more a kind of landscape-orientated light conceptual art created passing through. It had its origins in the great outdoors, butthe results were as gallery-bound as the paintings of Turner and Constable.[A] originates from a long walk that the artisttook.41. Stone Circle [B] illustrates a kind of landscape-orientatedlight conceptual art.42. Olaf Street Stud y [C] reminds people of the English landscapepainting tradition.43. Across the Park [D] represents the elegance of the British landart.44.Towards Avebury [E] depicts the ordinary side of the Britishland art.45. Seven Da y s [F] embodies a romantic escape into theScottish outdoors.[G] contains images from different parts of thesame photograph.Section III Translation46. Directions:Translate the following text into Chinese. Write y our translation on the ANSWER SHEET.(15 points)Most people would define optimism as being endlessl y happ y, with a glass that's perpetuall y half full. But that's exactl y the kind of false cheerfulness that positive ps y chologists wouldn't recommend. "Health y optimism means being in touch with reality," sa y s Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor. According to Ben­Shahar, realistic optimists are those who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best.Ben-Shahar uses three optimistic exercises. When he feels down—sa y, after giving a bad lecture—he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that not every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction. He anal y zes the weak lecture, learning lessons for the future about what works and what doesn't. Finall y, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the grand scheme of life, one lecture reall y doesn't matter.Section IV WritingPart A47. Directions:Suppose you are going to study abroad and share an apartment with John, a local student. Write him an email to1) tell him about your living habits, and2) ask for advice about living there.You should write about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.Do not use your own name. Use "Li Ming" instead.Do not write your address. (10 points)PartB48. Directions:Write an essay based on the following chart. In your writing, you should1) interpret the chart, and2) give your comments.You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)图城镇人口乡村人1000I 00 I 834 807666 674�600过400:mt-I 300、2001990年2000年2010年20年间中国城镇人口与乡村人口变化图。

2014年的考研英语二真的题目及解析汇报

2014年的考研英语二真的题目及解析汇报

2014年全国硕士研究生入学考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have __1___ that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually ___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women. ___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health.Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese. Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.Today we have a(an) _14 _ to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes _16_ with obesity include laziness, lack of will power,and lower prospects for success.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. _17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.Negative attitudes toward obesity, _18_in health concerns, have stimulated a number of anti-obesity _19_.My own hospital system has banned sugary drinks from its facilities. Many employers have instituted weight loss and fitness initiatives. Michelle Obama launched a high-visibility campaign _20_ childhood obesity, even claiming that it represents our greatest national security threat.1. [A] denied [B] concluded [C] doubled [D] ensured2. [A] protective [B] dangerous [C] sufficient [D]troublesome3. [A] Instead [B] However [C] Likewise [D] Therefore4. [A] indicator [B] objective [C] origin [D] example5. [A] impact [B] relevance [C] assistance [D] concern6. [A] in terms of [B] in case of [C] in favor of [D] in of7. [A] measures [B] determines [C] equals [D] modifies8. [A] in essence [B] in contrast [C] in turn [D] in part9. [A] complicated [B] conservative [C] variable [D] straightforward10. [A] so [B] while[C] since [D] unless11. [A] shape [B] spirit [C] balance [D] taste12. [A] start [B] quality [C] retire [D] stay13. [A] strange [B] changeable [C] normal [D] constant14. [A] option [B] reason [C] opportunity [D] tendency15. [A] employed [B] pictured [C] imitated [D] monitored16. [A] computed [B] combined [C] settled [D] associated17. [A] Even [B] Still [C] Yet [D] Only18. [A] despised [B] corrected [C] ignored [D] grounded19. [A] discussions [B] businesses [C] policies [D] studies20. [A] for [B] against [C] with [D] withoutSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would you do with $590m? This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an 84yearold widow who recently emerged from her small, tinroofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her newfound fortune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment, she could do worse than readHappy Money by Elizabeth Dumn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly. What was once exciting and new becomes oldhat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms. Dumn and Mr. Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchasesoften become more valuable with time—as stories or memories—particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most “happiness bang for your buck.” It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it). Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjoyable when they areconsumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason MacDonald's restricts the availability of its popular McRib—a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy Money are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfillment, not hunger. Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors’ policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.21. According to Dumn and Norton, which of the following is the most rewarding purchase?[A] A big house. [B] A special tour. [C] A stylish car. [D] A rich meal.22. The author's attitude toward Americans’ watching TV is ________.[A] critical [B] supportive [C] sympathetic [D] ambiguous23. McRib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that ________.[A] consumers are sometimes irrational [B] popularity usually comes after quality[C] marketing tricks are after effective [D] rarity generally increases pleasure24. According to the last paragraph, Happy Money ________.[A] has left much room for readers’ criticism [B] may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C] has predicted a wider income gap in the US [D] may give its readers a sense of achievement25. This text mainly discusses how to ________.[A] balance feeling good and spending money [B] spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C] obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent [D] become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText 2An article in Scientific America has pointed out that empirical research says that, actually, you think you’re more beautiful than you are. We have a deepseated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturally employ a number of selfenhancing strategies to researchinto what they call the “above average effect”, or “illusory superiority”, and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others—all obviously statistical impossibilities.We rose tint our memories and put ourselves into selfaffirming situations. We become defensive when criticized, and apply negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem, we stalk around thinking we’re hot stuff.Psychologist and behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley oversaw a key studying into selfenhancement and attractiveness. Rather that have people simply rate their beauty compress with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves’ from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is “an automatic psychologicalprocess occurring rapidly and intuitively with little or no apparent conscious deliberation”. If the subjects quickly chose a falsely flattering image—which must did—they genuinely believed it was really how they looked.Epley found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor wasthere any evidence that, those who selfenhance the must (that is, the participants who thought the most positively doctored picture were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directly corresponded with those who showed other makers for having higher selfesteem. “I don't think the findings that we having have are any evidence of personal delusion”, says Epley. “It's a reflection simply of people generally thinking well of themselves’. If you are depressed, you won't be selfenhancing.Knowing the results of Epley's study, it makes sense that why people heat photographs of themselves viscerally—on one level, they don't even recognize the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook therefore, is a selfenhancer's paradise, where people can share only the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, style, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. “It's not that people's profiles are dishonest”, says Catalina Toma of Wiscon—Madison university,” but they portray an idealized version of themselves.26. According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that ________.[A] our selfratings are unrealistically high [B] illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C] our need for leadership is unnatural [D] selfenhancing strategies are ineffective27. Visual recognition is believed to be people's ________.[A] rapid watching [B] conscious choice [C] intuitive response [D] automatic self-defence28. Epley found that people with higher selfesteem tended to ________.[A] underestimate their insecurities [B] believe in their attractiveness[C] cover up their depressions [D] oversimplify their illusions29. The word “viscerally” (Line 2, Para. 5) is closest in meaning to ________.[A] instinctively [B] occasionally [C] particularly [D] aggressively30. It can be inferred that Facebook is selfenhancer's paradise because people can ________.[A] present their dishonest profiles [B] define their traditional life styles[C] share their intellectual pursuits [D] withhold their unflattering sidesText 3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutely felt during economic downturns and fragile recoveries. And yet, it would be a mistake to think we are right now simply experiencing the painful side of a boom and bust cycle. Certain jobs have gone away for good, outmoded by machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eating up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our economy in ways we can't immediately foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thought to be immune from automation suddenly become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the Machine, by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT's Center for Digital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And yet, John Hagel, author of The Power of Pull and other books, says Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason why these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Hagel says we have designed jobs in the U. S. that tend to be “tightly scripted” and “highly standardized” ones that leave no room for “individual initiative or creativity.” In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human beings. That is how we have put a giant target sign on the backs of American workers, Hagel says.It's time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still relying on a very 20th century notion of work, Hagel says. In our rapidly changing economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their imagination “to respond to unexpected events.”That's not something machines are good at. They are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Hagel notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the ways in which machines can augment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not really about technology, but rather, “how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?”31. According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would ________.[A] ease the competition of man vs. Machine [B] highlight machines' threat to human jobs[C] provoke a painful technological revolution [D] outmode our current economic structure32. The authors of Race Against the Machine argue that ________.[A] technology is diminishing man's job opportunities [B] automation is accelerating technological development[C] certain jobs will remain intact after automation [D] man will finally win the race against machine33. Hagel argues that jobs in the U. S. are often ________.[A] performed by innovative minds [B] scripted with an individual style[C] standardized without a clear target [D] designed against human creativity34. According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed ________.[A] the predictability of machine behavior in practice[B] the formula for how work is conducted efficiently[C] the ways machines replace human labor in modern times[D] the necessity of human involvement in the workplace35. Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?[A] How to Innovate Our Work Practices? [B] Machines will Replace Human Labor[C] Can We Win the Race Against Machines? [D] Economic Downturns Stimulate InnovationsText 4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the economy the focus is usually on roads, railways, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Why is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at communicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillionpound infrastructure project, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has always been so politically charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simply not building enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunity for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. Thecommunities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibility to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60, 000 extra new homes could be built over the next five years if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP by 0.6%.Ministers should also look at creating greater certainty in the rental environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing £4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015,is unlikely to be extended beyond then. The Labour party has recently announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition's spending plans if returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikely to ever return to era of largescale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.While the government’s commitment to long-term funding mayhave changed, the very pressing need for more affordable housing is real and is not going away.36. The author believes that the housing sector ________.[A] has attracted much attention [B] involves certain political factors[C] shoulders too much responsibility [D] has lost its real value in economy37. It can be learned that affordable housing has ________.[A] increased its home supply [B] offered spending opportunities[C] suffered government biases [D] disappointed the government38. According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may ________.[A] allow greater government debt for housing [B] stop local authorities from building homes[C] prepare to reduce housing stock debt [D] release a lifted GDP growth forecast39. It can be inferred that a stable rental environment would ________.[A] lower the costs of registered providers [B] lessen the impact of government interference[C] contribute to funding new developments [D] relieve the ministers of responsibilities40. The author believes that after 2015, the government may ________.[A] implement more policies to support housing [B] review the need for largescale public grants [C] renew the affordable housing grants programme [D] stop generous funding to the housing sector Part BDirections:Read the following text and match each of the numbered items in the left column to its corresponding information in the right column. There are two extra choices in the right column. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)Emerging in the late Sixties and reaching a peak in the Seventies, Land Art was one of a range of new forms, including Body Art, Performance Art, Action Art and Installation Art, which pushed art beyond the traditional confines of the studio and gallery. Rather than portraying landscape, land artists used the physical substance of the land itself as their medium.The British Land Art, typified by Long's piece, was not only more domestically scaled, but a lot quirkier than its American counterpart.Indeed, while you might assume that an exhibition of Land Art would consist only of records of works rather than the works themselves, Long's photograph of his work is the work. Since his “action” is in the past, the photograph is its sole embodiment.Translate the following text from English into Chinese. Write your translation on ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)Most people would define optimism as endlessly happy, with a glass that’s perpetually half full. But that’s exactly the kind of false cheerfulness that positive psychologists wouldn’t recommend. “Healthy optimism means being in touch with reality,” says Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor. According to Ben-Shahar, realistic optimists are those who make the best of things that happen, but not those who believe everything happens for the best.Ben-Shahar uses three optimistic exercisers. When he feels down --- say, after giving a bad lecture ——he grants himself permission to be human. He reminds himself that not every lecture can be a Nobel winner; some will be less effective than others. Next is reconstruction.He analyzes the weak lecture, leaning lessons for the future about what works and what doesn’t. Finally, there is perspective, which involves acknowledging that in the grand scheme of life, one lecture really doesn’t matter.Section IV WritingPart A47. Directions:Suppose you are going to study abroad and share an apartment with John, a local student. Write him to email to1) tell him about your living habits, and2) ask for advice about living there.You should write about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.Do not use your own name. Use “Li Ming” instead.Do not write your address. (10 points)Part B48. Directions:Write an essay based on the following chart. In your writing, You should1) interpret the chart, and2) give your comments.You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15points)2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语(二)答案详解SectionⅠUse of English文章分析本文是一篇关于肥胖与健康关系新说法的议论文。

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2014年研究生入学考试英语(二)试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET.(10 points)Thinner isn’t always better. A number of studies have __1___ that normal-weight people are in fact at higher risk of some diseases compared to those who are overweight. And there are health conditions for which being overweight is actually ___2___. For example, heavier women are less likely to develop calcium deficiency than thin women.___3___ among the elderly, being somewhat overweight is often an ___4___ of good health.Of even greater ___5___ is the fact that obesity turns out to be very difficult to define. It is often defined ___6___ body mass index, or BMI. BMI ___7__ body mass divided by the square of height. An adult with a BMI of 18 to 25 is often considered to be normal weight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight. And over 30 is considered obese.Obesity, ___8___,can be divided into moderately obese, severely obese, and very severely obese.While such numerical standards seem 9 , they are not. Obesity is probably less a matter of weight than body fat. Some people with a high BMI are in fact extremely fit, 10 others with a low BMI may be in poor 11 .For example, many collegiate and professional football players 12 as obese, though their percentage body fat is low. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have high body fat but a 13 BMI.Today we have a(an) _14 _ to label obesity as a disgrace.The overweight are sometimes_15_in the media with their faces covered. Stereotypes _16_ with obesity include laziness, lack of will power,and lower prospects for success.Teachers,employers,and health professionals have been shown to harbor biases against the obese. _17_very young children tend to look down on the overweight, and teasing about body build has long been a problem in schools.1. [A] denied [B] conduced [C] doubled [D] ensured2. [A] protective [B] dangerous [C] sufficient[D]troublesome3. [A] Instead [B] However [C] Likewise [D] Therefore4. [A] indicator [B] objective [C] origin [D] example5. [A] impact [B] relevance [C] assistance [D] concern6. [A] in terms of [B] in case of [C] in favor of [D] in of7. [A] measures [B] determines [C] equals [D] modifies8. [A] in essence [B] in contrast [C] in turn [D] in part9. [A] complicated [B] conservative [C] variable [D] straightforward10. [A] so [B] unlike [C] since [D] unless11. [A] shape [B] spirit [C] balance [D] taste12. [A] start [B] quality [C] retire [D] stay13. [A] strange [B] changeable [C] normal [D] constant14. [A] option [B] reason [C] opportunity [D] tendency15. [A] employed [B] pictured [C] imitated [D] monitored16. [A] [B] combined [C] settled [D] associated17. [A] Even [B] Still [C] Yet [D] Only18. [A] despised [B] corrected [C] ignored [D] grounded19. [A] discussions [B] businesses [C] policies [D] studies20. [A] for [B] against [C] with [D] without第2页 :阅读真题Section II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text 1What would you do with 590m? This is now a question for Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-found for tune will yield lasting feelings of fulfillment, she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dumn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly what was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms Dumn and Mr Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time-as stories or memories-particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most "happiness bang foryour buck." It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it).Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are most enjoyable when they are consumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason MacDonald's restricts the availability of its popular McRib - a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of "HappyMoney" are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfillment, not hunger.Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors’ policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But mostpeople will come away from this book believing it was money well spent。

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