2014年12月英语四级阅读练习及答案
2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试答案及解析(完整版)
听力部分短对话1.B He has not cleared the apartment since his mother’s visit.2.C They might as well take the next bus.3.C She has to do extra work for a few days.4.A change her job.5.D He failed to do what he promised to do.6.B The woman does not like horror films.7.C The speakers share a common view on love.8.A Preparations for a forum.长对话9. B Scandinavia10. D More women will work outside the family11. D Spend more time changing women’s attitudes12. A In a restaurant13. C He is the Managing Director of Jayal Motors14. B To get a good import agent15. D His determination短文第一篇16. What are scientists trying to explain according to the passage?答案：(A) How being an identical twin influences one’s identify.【点评】：细节题。
本篇文章开头即指出‘they(scientists) are trying to explain how being half of the biological pair influences a twin’s identity.’由此可知科学家一直试图想要解释双胞胎的身份人格是如何受到影响的。
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案详解
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案Part I WritingDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following topic. You shoul d write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.作文题一：印象最深的活动AA campus activity that has benefited most.作文题二：印象最深的课程A course that has impressed you most in college.作文题三:印象最深的同学A classmate of yours who has influenced you most in college．Part II ListeningSection AQuestion 1A.The man is not good at balancing his budget.B.She will go purchase the gift herself.C.The gift should not be too expensive.D.They are gonging to Jane's house-warming party.Question 2A.He is quite willing to give the woman a hand.B.It takes patience to go through the statistics.C.He has prepared the statistics for the woman.D.The woman should take a course in statistics.Question 3A.Page 55 is missing from the woman's scripts.B.They cannot begin their recording right away.C.The woman does not take the recording seriously.D.The man wants to make some changes in the scripts.Question 4A.The date of Carl's wedding.B.The birthday of Carl's bride.C.A significant event in July.D.Preparation for a wedding.Question 5A.The woman forgot to tell the man in advance.B.The man was absent from the weekly meeting.C.The woman was annoyed at the man's excuse.D.The man was in charge of scheduling meetings.Question 6A.The woman is a marvelous cook.B.The woman has just bought an oven.C.The man has to leave in half an hour.D.The man cannot want for his meal.Question 7A.How she can best help the man.B.Where the man got the bad news.C.What items sell well in the store.D.Whether the man can keep his job.Question 8A.The woman can sign up for a swimming class.B.He works in the physical education department.C.The woman has the potential to swim like a fish.D.He would like to teach the woman how to swim.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 9A.He teaches in a law school.B.He loves classical music.C.He is a diplomat.D.He is a wonderful lecturer.Question 10A.Went to see a play.B.Watched a soccer game.C.Took some photos.D.Attended a dance.Question 11A.She decided to get married in three years.B.Her mother objected to Eric’s flying lessons.C.She insisted that Eric pursue graduate studies.D.Her father said she could marry Eric right away.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12A.Editor.B.Teacher.C.JournalistD.Typist.Question 13A.The beautiful Amazon rainforests.B.A new railway under construction.C.Big changes in the Amazon valley.D.Some newly discovered scenic spot.Question 14A.In news weeklies.B.In newspapers' Sunday editions.C.In a local evening paper.D.In overseas editions of U.S. magazines.Question 15A.To be employed by a newspaper.B.To become a professional writer.C.To sell her articles to a news service.D.To get her life story published soon.Section BPassage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16A.Nodding one's head.B.Waving one's hand.C.Holding up the forefinger.D.Turning the right thumb down.Question 17A.Looking away from them.B.Forming a circle with fingers.C.Bowing one's head them.D.Waving or pointing to them.Question 18A.Looking one's superior in the eye.B.Keeping one's arms folded while talking.C.Showing the sole of one's foot to a guest.ing a lot of gestures during a conversation.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19A.They had to beg for foot after the harvest.B.They grew wheat and corn on a small farm.C.They shared a small flat with their relatives.D.The children walked to school on dirt roads.Question 20A.Tour Ecuador's Andes Mountains.B.Earn an annual income of $2800.C.Purchase a plot to build a home on.D.Send their children to school.Question 21A.The achievements of the Trickle Up Program.B.A new worldwide economic revolution.C.Different forms of assistance to the needy.D.The life of poor people in developing countries.Passage ThreeQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22A.They are highly sensitive to cold.B.They are vitally important to our life.C.They are a living part of our body.D.They are a chief source of our pain.Question 23A.It has to be removed in time by a dentist.B.It is a rare oral disease among old people.C.It contains many nerves and blood vessels.D.It is sticky and colorless film on the teeth.Question 24A.It can change into acids causing damage to their outer covering.B.It greatly reduces their resistance to the attacks of bacteria.C.It makes their nerves and blood vessels more sensitive to acid food.D.It combines with food particles to form a film on their surface.Question 25A.Food particles.B.Gum disease.C.Unhealthy living habits.D.Chemical crosion.Section CStunt people(替身演员) are not movie stars, but they are the hidden heroes of many movies.They were around long before films. Even Shakespeare may have used them in fight scenes. To be good, a fight scene has to look real. Punches must (26)______ enemies' jaws. Sword fights must be foug ht with(27)______ swords. Several actors are usually in a fight scene. Their moves must be set up so tha t no one gets hurt. It is almost like planning a dance performance.If a movie scene is dangerous, stun people usually(28)______the stars. You may think you see Tom Cruise running along the top of a train. But it is(29)______ his stunt double. Stunt people must(30)_____ _ the stars they stand in for. Their height and build should be about the same. But when close-ups are n eeded, the film(31)______ the star.Some stunt people(32)______ in certain kinds of scenes. For instance, a stunt woman named Jan Dav is does all kinds of jumps. She has leapt from planes and even off the top of a waterfall. Each jump re-quired careful planning and expert(33)______.Yakima Canutt was a famous cowboy stunt man. Among other stunts, he could jump from a second story window onto a horse's back. He(34)______ the famous trick of sliding under a moving stagecoach. Canutt also(35)______ a new way to make a punch look real. He was the only stunt man ever to get an Oscar.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section AFor decades, Americans have taken for granted the XXXX development of new technologies. The inn ovations(创新)XXXX opment during World War II and afterwards were(36)_____ to the prosperity of the nation in the second half of the 20th century. Those innovations, upon which virtually all aspects of(37)_ ____ society now depend, were possible because the United States then(38)_____ the world in mathematic s and science education. Today, however, despite increasing demand for workers with strong skills in mat hematics and science, the(39)_____ of degrees awarded in science, math, and engineering are decreasing.The deeling in degree production in what are called the STEM disciplines(science, technology, engine ering, and math.)seems to be(40)_____related to the comparatively weak performance by U.S. schoolchildr en on international assessments of math and science. Many students entering college have weak skills in mathematics. According to the 2005 report of the Business Higher Education Forum, 22 percent of colleg e freshmen must take remediat(补习的)math(41)_____, and less than half of the students who plan to maj or in science or engineering(42)_____complete a major in those fields.The result has been a decrease in the number of American college graduates who have the skills, (43)_____ in mathematics, to power a workforce that can keep the country at the forefront(前言)of innovati on and maintain its standard of living. With the(44)_____ performance of American students in math and science has come increased competition from students from other countries that have strongly supported e ducation in these areas. Many more students earn(45)_____ in the STEM disciplines in developing countri es than in the United States.A.acceleratingB.actuallyC.closelyD.contemporaryE.coursesF.criticalG.decliningH.degrees I.especially J.future K.led L.met M.procedures N.proportions O.sphetesSection B Ban sugary drinks that will add fuel to the obesity war[A] On a train last Thursday, I sat opposite a man who was so fat he filled more than one seat. He was pale and disfigured and looked sick to death, which he probably was: obesity(肥胖的)leads to many nasty ways of dying. Looking around the carriage, I saw quite a few people like him, including a coupl e of fatty children with swollen checks pressing against their eyes. These people are part of what is with out exaggeration an epidemic(流行病)of obesity.[B] But it is quite unnecessary: there is a simple idea- far from new- that could spare millions of su ch people a lifetime of chronic(长期的)ill health, and at the same time save the National Health Service (NHS)at least ￡14 billion a year in England and Wales. There would, you might think, be considerable public interest in it. This simple idea is that sugar is as good- or as bad- as poison and should be avoid ed. It is pure, white and deadly, as Professor John Yudkin described it 40 years ago in a revolutionary b ook of that name. The subtitle was How Sugar Is Killing Us.[C] In its countless hidden forms, in ready meals, junk food and sweet drinks, sugar leads to addicti on(瘾), to hormonal upsets to the appetite, to metabolic(新陈代谢的)malfunctions and obesity and from th ere to type 2 diabetes(糖尿病)and its many horrible complication. If people really grasped that, they woul d try to kick the habit, particularly as Britain is the ― fat man of Europe‖ . They might even feel driven to support government measures to prevent people from consuming this deadly stuff. Yet so far this idea has met little but resistance.[D] It is not difficult to imagine the vested interests(既得利益集团)lined up against any sugar control - all the food and drink manufacturers, processors, promoters and retailers who make such easy pickings out of the magic powers of sugar. Then there are the liberals, with whom I would normally side, who pr otest that government regulation would be yet another instance of interference in our lives.[E]That is true, but people should realize that you cannot have a welfare state without a nanny state (保姆国家), to some degree. If we are all to be responsible for one another’s health insurance, through so cialized medicine, then we are all closely involved in one another’s health, including everyone’s eating an d drinking. That has already been admitted, finally, with smoking. But it has yet to be admitted with overeating, even though one in four adults in this country is obese and that number is predicted to double b y the year 2050.Quite apart from anything else, obesity will cripple the NHS.[F]Recently, though, there have been signs that the medical establishment is trying to sound the alar m. Last month the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges(AMRC)published a report saying that obesity is t he greatest public health issue affecting the UK and urging government to do something.[G]The report offers 10 recommendations, of which the first is imposing a tax of 20 percent on suga ry drinks for at least a year, on top of the existing 20 percent value-added tax. That at least would be a n excellent start. The amounts of sugar in soft drinks are horrifying, and turn straight to fat. As Professor Terence Stephenson, head of the AMRC, has said, sugary soft drinks are ―the ultimate bad food. You ar e just consuming neat sugar. Your body didn’t evolve to handle this kind of thing.‖[H]Precisely. The risks of eating too much fat or salt(which are very different)pale into insignificant compared with the harm done by sugar. And it is everywhere.[I]It is difficult to buy anything in a supermarket, other than plain, unprepared meat, fish or vegetabl es, that doesn’t have a large amount of sugar in it. This has come about because the prevailing scientific views of the 1960s and 1970s ignored the evidence about sugar, and instead saw fat as the really seriou s risk, both to the heart and other organs, as well as the cause of obesity.[J]The fashion was to avoid fat. But finding that food with much of its fat removed is not very app etizing, food producers turned to sugar as a magic alternative flavor enhancer, often in the forms of syrup s(糖浆)that had recently been developed from corn, and put it generously into most prepared foods and so ft drinks.[K]This stuff is not just fattening. It is addictive. It interferes with the body’s metabolism, possibly v ia the activity of an appetite-controlling hormone. There’s plenty of evidence for this, for those who will accept the truth.[L]Theoretically, people ought to make ―healthy choices‖ and avoid overeating. But sugar additives ar e not easy to identify and are hard to avoid. So the snacking, over-drinking and over eating that makes p eople fat is not really their own fault: obesity is in large part something that is being done to them. It s hould be stopped, or rather the government should stop it.[M]Going round my local supermarket, I am constantly astonished that it is still legal to sell all the poisons stacked high on the shelves. The problem is that they are worse than useless. They are poisonous. They are known to be addictive. They are known to make people obese. And giving small children swe et drinks or bottles of fake juice all day long is nothing less than child abuse.[N]Clearly, the sale of such stuff ought to be illegal. I hate to think of yet more government regulati on. But a bit of tax on sweet soda and a little more health education, a bit of cooking in schools and b anning vending machines(自动售货机)here and there —as suggested try the AMRC report —is not goin g to achieve very much. Labelling is quite inadequate. What is needed is legislation banning high levels of sugary syrups used in foods and drinks.[O]In June 2012, the then minister for public health said the government was not scared of the food industry and had not ruled out legislation, because of the costs of obesity to the NHS. However, nothing has happened yet. Why not have another Jammie Dodger biscuit and forget about it.46、Avoiding over-consumption of sugar can improve people’s health as well as save medical expenses.47、Laws should be passed to make it illegal to produce overly sweet foods or drinks.48、Giving small children sweet juices to drink all the time is equal to child abuse.59、Looking around, the author found obesity quite widespread.50、The number of obese people is expected to increase quickly in the next few decades.51、If people really understood the horrible consequences of sugary foods and drinks, they would support government measures against sugar consumption.52、It would be a very good beginning wo improve an additional tax on sugary drinks.53、The government has not yet taken any action to regulate sugar consumption although it indicated its i ntention to do so some time ago.54、Sugar is far more harmful to health than fat and salt.55、Consumers of sweet foods are not really to blame because they cannot tell what food is sugary.Section CThe rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people w orldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each o ther instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremen dous impacts has only just begun.―Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political trans formations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,‖ Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book. The New Digital Age.Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Inter net revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But if the book has one major shortcoming, it’s that authors don’t spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Intern et businesses in these weeping changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes —and more importantly predicts —how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities, on e physical, and one virtual.At the core of the book is the idea that ―technology is neutral, but people aren’t.‖ By using this con cept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotom y(对立观点)that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimatel y be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they’re also realistic about t he risks and d angers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance(监视).56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the tele graph?A.It transforms human history.B.It facilitates daily communication.C.It is adopted by all humanity.D.It revolutionizes people's thinking.57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet?A.They are immeasurable.B.They are worldwide.C.They are unpredictable.D.They are contaminating.58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate?A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology.B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet.C.It lacks an objective evaluation of the role of Internet businesses.D.It does not address the technical aspects of Internet communication.59、What will the future be like when everybody gets online?A.People will be living in two different realities.B.People will have equal access to information.C.People don’t have to travel to see the world.D.People don’t have to communicate face to face.60、What does the passage say about the authors of The New Digital Age?A.They leave many questions unanswered concerning the Internet.B.They are optimistic about the future of the Internet revolution.C.They have explored the unknown territories of the virtual world.D.They don’t take sides in analyzing the effects of the Internet.In 1950, a young man would have found it much easier than it is today to get and keep a job in th e auto industry. And in that year the average autoworker could meet monthly mortgage(抵押贷款)payment s on an average home with just 13.4 percent of his take-home pay. Today a similar mortgage would clai m more than twice that share of his monthly eamings.Other members of the autoworker’s family, however might be less inclined to tried the present for th e past. His retired parents would certainly have had less economic security back then. Through-out much of the 1960s,more than a quarter of men and women and women age 65 and older lived below the pover ty level, compared to less than 10 percent in 2010.In most stales, his wife could not have taken out a loan or a card in her own name. In 42 states, a homemaker had no legal claim on the earnings of her husband. And nowhere did a wife have legal prot ection against family violence.Most black workers would not want to return to a time when, on average they earned 40 percent les s than their white counterparts(职位相当的人),white racially restrictive agreements largely prevented them f rom buying into the suburban neighborhoods being built for white working –class families.Today, new problems have emerged in the process of resolving old ones, but the solution is not to go ba ck to the past. Some people may long for an era when divorce was still hard to come by. The spread of no -fault divorce has reduced the bargaining power of whichever spouse is more interested in continuing the relationship. And the breakup of such marriages has caused pain for many families.The growing diversity of family life comes with new possibilities as well as new challenges. Accordi ng to a recent poll, more than 80 percent of Americans believe that their current family is as close as th e one in which they grew up, or closer. Finding ways to imaginary golden age.61、What do we learn about American autoworkers in 1950?A.They had less job security than they do today.B.It was not too difficult for them to buy a house.C.Their earnings were worth twice as much as today.D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.63、Why couldn’t black workers buy a ho use in a whitc suburban neighborhood ?A.They lacked the means of transportation.B.They were subjected to racial inequality.C.They were afraid to break the law.D.They were too poor to afford it.64、What is the result of no-fault divorce ?A.Divorce is easier to obtain.B.Domestic violence is lessened.C.It causes little pain to either side.D.It contributes to social unrest.65 、What does the author suggest society do?A.Get prepared to face any new challenges.B.Try to better the current social security.C.Narrow the gap between blacks and whites.D.Improve the lives of families with problemsPart IV Translation翻译题一：大熊猫是一种温顺的动物，长着独特的黑白皮毛。
2014年12月四级深度阅读真题详解
2014年12月大学英语四级深度阅读真题答案解析第一套Passage OneQuestion 56 to 60 are based on the following passage. 56-60 ACBDBChildren are a delight(=hapiness/joy). They are our future. (56)But sadly, hiring someone to take care of them while you go to work is getting more expensive by the year.Earlier this month, it was reported that the cost of enrolling an infant or small kid at a childcare center rose 3% in 2012, faster than the overall cost of living. There are now large strip s(狭长地带) of the country where daycare for an infant costs more than a tenth of the average married couple's income.(57)This is not necessarily a new trend,but it is a somewhat puzzling one. The price of professional childcare has been rising since the 1980s. Yet during that time, pay for professional childcare workers has stood still. Actually(=in fact) caregivers make less today, in real terms(扣除物价因素；按实质计算), than they did in 1990. Considering that labor costs are responsible for up to 80% of a daycare center's expenses, one would expect flat wages to have meant flat prices.So who's to blame for higher childcare costs?Childcare is a carefully regulated industry. States lay down rules about how many children each employee is allowed to watch over, the space care centers need per child, and other minute details. (58)And the stricter the regulation s, the higher the costs. If it(保育中心) has to hire a caregiver for every two children, it can't really achieve any economics of scale on labor to save money (通过压缩劳动力成本来省钱)when other expenses go up. (59) In Massachusetts, where childcare centers must hire one teacher for every three infant s, the price of care averaged more than $16,000 per year. In Mississippi, where centers must hire one teacher for every five infant s, the price of care averaged less than $5,000.Unfortunately, I don't have all the daycare-center regulations handy. (60)But I wouldn't be surprised if as the rules have become more elaborate, prices have risen. The trade off(交换)might be worth it in some cases; after all, the health and safety of children should probably come before cheap service. (60)But certainly, it doesn't seem to be an accident that some of the cheapest daycare available is in the least regulate d(=rule/manage) South.56. What problem do parents of small kids have to face?A) The ever-rising childcare prices. B) The budgeting of family expenses.C) The balance between work and family. D) The selection of a good daycare center.57. What does the author feel puzzled about?A) Why the prices of childcare vary greatly from state to state.B) Why increased childcare prices have not led to better service.C) Why childcare workers' pay has not increased with the rising childcare costs.D) Why there is a severe shortage of childcare professionals in a number of states.58. What prevents childcare centers from saving money?A) Steady increase in labor costs. B) Strict government regulations.C) Lack of support from the state. D) High administrative expenses.【解析】infant['?nf?nt]n.baby/child 婴/幼儿；未成年人59. Why is the average cost of childcare in Mississippi much lower than in Massachusetts?A) The overall quality of service is not as good. B) Payments for caregivers there are not as high.C) Living expenses there are comparatively low. D) Each teacher is allowed to care for more kids.view on daycare service?60. What is the author’sA)Caregivers should receive regular professional training. B) Less elaborate rules about children might lower costs.C) It is crucial to strike a balance between quality and costs. D) It is better for different states to learn from each other.【解析】elaborate[?'l?b?r?t]adj. complicated/complex/detailed/full精心制作/复杂/详尽/煞费苦心的Passage TwoQuestions 61-65 are based on the following passage. 61-65DDCBC(61)Alex Pang's amusing new book The Distraction Addiction (分心成瘾)addresses(v.向…讲话) those of us who feel panic without a cellphone or computer. And that, he claims, is pretty much all of us. When we're not online, where we spendthe dangers of our computing overdose(过度使用) and a historical overview(历史性概述) of how technologicaladvances(科技进步) change consciousness(意识). A “professional futurist”, Pang urges an approach which he calls “contemplative (沉思的) comput ing.” He asks that you pay full attention to “how your mind and body interact wit computers and how your attention and creativity are influenced by technology.”(63)Pang's first job is to free you from the common misconception(常见的错误认识) that doing two things at onceallows you to get more done（同时做两件事效率更高）. What is commonly called multitasking(多重任务) is, in fact,switch-tasking, and its harmful effects on productivity are well documented(有据可查的). Pang doesn't advocate returning生态的) view of your relationships withto a pre-Internet world. Instead, he asks you to “take a more ecological (technologies and look for ways devices or media may be making specific tasks easier or faster but at the same time makingyour work and life harder.”The Distraction Addiction is particularly fascinating on how technologies have changed certain fields of labor—oftenfor the worse. (64)For architects, computer-aided design has become essential but in some ways has cheapened the design process. As one architect puts it, “Architecture is first and foremost about thinking...and drawing is a more productive way-aided design. Somewhat less amusing are Pang's solutions for kicking the Internet habit. (65)Heof thinking” than computerrecommends the usual behavior-modification approaches(常见的行为矫正法), familiar to anyone who has completed aquit-smoking program. Keep logs to(记录下上网日志) study your online profile(上网概况) and decide what you canknock out(剔除), download a program like Freedom that locks you out of your browser, or take a “digitabath (安息-department doctor, you'll discover that your world doesn't fall apart when you日)”: “Unless you're a reporter or emergencygo offline.”61. Alex Pang's new book is aimed for readers who________.A) find their work online too stressful B) go online mainly for entertainmentC) are fearful about using the cellphone or computerD) can hardly tear themselves away from the Internet(很难让自己远离互联网)【解析】tear oneself away from: reluctant to leave ([r?'l?kt?nt])舍不得离开,爱不释手62. What does Alex Pang try to do in his new book?A) Offer advice on how to use the Internet effectively. B) Warn people of the possible dangers of internet use.C) Predict the trend of future technological development. D) Examine the influence of technology on the human mind.63. What is the common view on multitasking?A) It enables people to work more efficiently. B) It is a way quite similar to switch-tasking.C) It makes people's work and life even harder. D) It distracts people's attention from useful work.64. What does the author think of computer-aided design?A) It considerably cuts down the cost of building design. B) It somewhat restrains architects' productive thinking.C) It is indispensable in architects' work process. D) It can free architects from laborious drawing.【解析】restrain /r??stre?n/vt. restrict/control/stop/prevent抑/控制；约束；制止first and foremost/?f???m??s t/首先；首要地/的是productive thinking有成效的思维方式65. What is Ales Pang's recommendation for Internet users?A) They use the Internet as little as possible. B) They keep a record of their computer use time.C) They exercise self-control over their time online. D) They entertain themselves online on off-days only.【解析】keep logs to保存日志/聊天记录第二套Passage oneQuestions 56 to 60are based on the following passage.(1)New Yorkers are gradually getting used to more pedaling (骑车) passengers on those blazing blue Citi Bikes. Butwhat about local bike shops? Is Citi Bike rolling up(increase) riders at their expense(在损害他们的利益/情况下)？(2)At Gotham Bikes in Tribeca, a manager W. Ben said the shop has seen an increase in its overall sales(总销售额)due to(=as a result of) the bike-share program. "It's getting more people on the road" he said. (5)James Ryan, anemployee at Danny's Cycles in Gramercy also said Citi Bike is a good option(=choice) for people to ease into biking in a city famed for its traffic jams and and aggressive(好斗的) drivers. "They can try out a bike without committing to buying one," he said.Rentals are not a big part of the business at either Gotham Bikes or Danny's Cycles.(3) But for Frank's Bike Shop, a small business on Grand St., the bike-share program has been bad news. Owner Frank Arroyo said his rental business has decreased by 90% since the Citi Bikes were rolled out(=come out) last month. Arroyo's main rental customers are European tourists, who have since been drawn away by Citi Bikes.However,(5) Ben said the bike-share is good for bike sales at his shop. "People have used the bike-share and realized how great it is to bike in the city, then decide that they want something nicer for themselves," he noted.(5) Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. just north of Christopher St., said initially(=at first) he was concerned about(=worried about)bike-share, though, he admitted, "I was happy to see people on bikes. "(5) Farrell's early concerns were echoed (随声附和,认同) by Andrew Crooks, owner of NYC Velo, at 64 SecondAve.(4)"It seemed like a great idea, but one that would be difficult to implement," Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried about (be concerned about)inexperienced riders' lack of awareness(知道，认识) of biking rules and backlash(强烈反对) from non-cyclists. However, he said, it's still too early to tell if his business has been impact ed(=influence).While it's possible bike-share will cause a drop in business, Crooks allowed that the idea is a positive step forward forNew York City.56 . What is the author's chief concern about the increasing use of Citi Bikes in New York?A How non-cyclists will respond to it.B Whether local bike shops will suffer.C Whether local bike businesses will oppose it.D How the safety of bike riders can be ensured.57 . What happened to Gotham Bikes as a result of (due to)the bike-share program?A It found its bike sales unaffected.B It shifted its business to rentals.C It saw its bike sales on the rise.D It rented more bikes to tourists.58 . Why is the bike-share program bad news for Frank's Bike Shop?A It cannot meet the demand of the bike—share program.B Its customers have been drawn away by (被吸引走了)CitiBikes.C Its bike prices have to be lowered again and again.D It has to compete with the city's bike rental shops.59. Why did Andrew Crooks think that the bike—share program would be difficult to execute(=implement)?A inexperienced riders might break biking rules.B Conflicts might arise among bike rental shops.C Traffic conditions might worsen in the downtown area.D There are not enough lanes to accommodate the bikes.【解析】execute vt. carry out/put into practice/implement实/执行；处死/决60 . What is the general attitude(总体态度) of local bike shops towards Citi Bike?A Wait-and-see(等待并观望).B Negative(消极否定的).C Indifferent(漠不关心的).D Approving(认可的). Passage TwoQuestions 61to 65 are based on the following passage. 61-65 CBCAD(61)Various studies have shown that increased spending on education has not led to measurable improvements(带来显著提高) in learning. Between 1980 and 2008,staff and teachers at U.S. public schools grew roughly twice as fast as students. Yet students showed no additional learning in achievement tests.Universities show similar trends of increased administration personnel and costs without greater learning, as documented in Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa's recent book Academically Adrift Limited Learning on College Campuses.A survey shows that 63% of employers say that recent college graduates don't have the skills they need to succeed and 25% of employers say that entry-level writing skills are lacking.(62)Some simplistically attribute the decline in our public education system to the drain of the skilled students by private schools, but far more significant events were at work.Public schools worked well until about the 1970s. In fact, until that time, public schools provided far better education than private ones. It was the under performing students who were threw out of public schools and went to private ones.(63)A prominent reason public schools did well was that many highly qualified women had few options for working outside the house other than being teachers or nurses. They accepted relatively low pay, difficult working conditions, and gave their very best.Having such a large supply of talented women teachers meant that society could pay less for their services. (64) Women's liberation opened up new professional(职业/专门的) opportunities for women, and, over time, some of the best left teaching as a career option, bringing about a gradual decline(逐渐下降) in the quality of schooling.(65)Also around that time, regulations, government, and unions came to dictate pay(规定工资), prevent adjustments, and introduce bureaucratic( /?bj??r??kr?t?k/官僚的) standard for advancement. Large education bureaucracies and unions came to dominate(=rule/control) the landscape, confusing activity with achievement. Bureaucrats regularly rewrite curriculums,talk nonsense about the theories of education, and require ever more administrators. The end result had been that, after all the spending, students have worse math and reading skills than both their foreign peer s(同龄人) and earlier generations spending far less on education—as all the accumulating evidence now documents.61. What do we learn from various studies on America's public education?A Achievement tests have failed to truly reflect the quality of teaching.B Public schools lack the resources to compete with private schools．C Little improvement in education has resulted from increased spending．D The number of students has increased much faster than that of teachers62. How do some people explain the decline in public education?A Government investment does not meet schools' needs．B Skilled students are moving to private schoolsC Qualified teachers are far from adequately paidD Training of students' basic skills is neglected．【解析】attribute … to…([?'tr?bju?t]=due to) 把……归因于……drain/dre?n/ n. flow out/consume/use up(资源/资金的) 外流; 消耗63. What was a significant contributor(重大的贡献/重要因素) to the past glory of public schools?A Well-behaved students.B Efficient administration.C Talented women teachers.D Generous pay for teachers.【解析】prominent['pr?m?n?nt]adj. obvious/excellent /remarkable /brilliant/outstanding/marked突出/显著/杰出/卓越的64. Why did some of the best women teachers leave teaching?A New career opportunities were made available to them by women's liberation.B Higher academic requirements made it difficult for them to stay in their jobs.C They were unhappy with the bureaucratic administration in their schools.D The heavy teaching loads left them little time and energy for family life.65. What does the author think is one of the results of government involvement in education?A Increasing emphasis on theories of education.B Highly standardized teaching methods.C Students' improved academic performance.D An ever-growing number of administration(管理，监管).【解析】dictate vt.rule/set；order/command/instruct规定,命令；指示;口述；听写第三套56—60BBCAD 61—65 BCBADPassage one56. The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable inimpact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwide now have access tovastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connectedmobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremendous impacts has only just begun.“Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciti ng social, cultural, and political transformations inhistory, 57. and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,” Schmidt and Cohen write in theirnew book. The New Digital Age.Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internetaccess get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. 58. But i f the book has one major shortcoming, it’s that authors do spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these weeping changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes — and more importantlypredicts — how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, 59.and governments must deal with two realities, one physical, and one virtual.At the core of the book is the idea that “technology is neutral, but people aren’t.” By using point, 60.the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy(对立观点)that hascharacterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In aninterview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects ofut the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online,the Internet,they’re also realistic aboparticularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance(监视).56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph?A.It transforms human history.B.It facilitates daily communication.C.It is adopted by all humanity.D.It revolutionizes people's thinking.【解析】transformative developments[tr?ns'f?:m?tiv]革命性的发展57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet?A.They are immeasurable.B.They are worldwide.C.They are unpredictable.D.They are contaminating.58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate?A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology.B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet.C.It lacks an objective evaluation of the role of Internet businesses.D.It does not address the technical aspects of Internet communication.59、What will the future be like when everybody gets online?A.People will be living in two different realities.B.People will have equal access to information.to see the world.C.People don’t have to travelD.People don’t have to communicate face to face.60、What does the passage say about the authors of The New Digital Age?A.They leave many questions unanswered concerning the Internet.B.They are optimistic about the future of the Internet revolution.C.They have explored the unknown territories of the virtual world.D.They don’t take sides in analyzing the effects of the Internet.Passage two61. In 1950, a young man would have found it much easier than it is today to get and keep a job in the auto industry. And in that year the average autoworker could meet monthly mortgage(抵押贷款)payments on an average home with just 13.4 percent of his take-home pay. Today a similar mortgage would claim more than twice that share of his monthly earnings.be less inclined to tried the present for the past. His62. Other members of the autoworker’s family, however mightretired parents would certainly have had less economic security back then. Through-out much of the 1960s,more than a quarter of men and women and women age 65 and older lived below the poverty level, compared to less than 10 percentin 2010.In most stales, his wife could not have taken out a loan or a card in her own name. In 42 states, a homemaker had no legal claim on the earnings of her husband. And nowhere did a wife have legal protection against family violence.63. Most black workers would not want to return to a time when, on average they earned 40 percent less than their white counterparts(职位相当的人),white racially restrictive agreements largely prevented them from buying into the suburban neighborhoods being built for white working –class families.Today, new problems have emerged in the process of resolving old ones, but the solution is not to go back to the past.64. Some people may long for an era when divorce was still hard to come by. The spread of no -fault divorce has reduced the bargaining power of whichever spouse is more interested in continuing the relationship. And the breakup of such marriages has caused pain for many families.65. The growing diversity of family life comes with new possibilities as well as new challenges. According to arecent poll, more than 80 percent of Americans believe that their current family is as close as the one in which they grew up, or closer. Finding ways to imaginary golden age.61、What do we learn about American autoworkers in 1950?A.They had less job security than they do today.B.It was not too difficult for them to buy a house.C.Their earnings were worth twice as much as today.D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.【解析】be less inclined to不倾向于,就不会那么想,更不想however might be less inclined to tried the present for the past.但是可能更倾向于尝试现在而不是过去。
2014年12月全国大学英语四级真题答案
2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第一套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)【作文范文】The Classmate Who Has Influenced Me Most in CollegeClassmates play an essential role in our life. When it comes to the classmate who has influenced me most in college, undoubtedly. Zhao Lei is the one who comes to my mind first. Zhao Lei is my roommate and my best friend. The reasons why I deem that Zhao Lei has influenced me most are as follows: firstly, one can always find a smile on his face which not only reflects his pleasant and optimistic character but also gives others a good impression. This is what I need to learn from Zhao Lei first. Secondly, Zhao Lei is diligent. He does well in all his subjects. However, he is no bookworm. He joins societies such as basketball club and poetry society. He never plays computer games, and only spends time-and energy on things that are conducive to personal development. Thirdly, Zhao Lei is always ready to help others. I never saw him turn a deaf ear to other's request for help.Thanks to Zhao Lei, I have learned the importance of optimism, diligence and kindness, the indispensable virtues in life.1-8：BDCCCBAA9-11：CBD12-15：BCBC16-18：ADC19-21：ADA22-25：CDAB27. sharp28. fill in for29. probably30. resemble31. focuses on32. specialize33. timing34. invented35. figured out36-45：NOIKJ MHLCB46-55：FIDOK BECLG56-65：BBCAD BCBADTranslationMore and more Chinese young people are gaining interest in tourism, which is a new trend recently. The rising number of young tourists can be attributed to their rapidly increasing income and the curiosity of exploring the outside world. With the increase of traveling, young people spend less time in big cities and famous scenic spots, instead they are more attracted by remote locations. Some even choose long-distance backpacking trip. A recent survey shows that many young people want to experience different culture, enrich knowledge and expand their horizon via traveling.2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第二套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)A Course that Has Impressed Me Most in CollegeDuring my college life, there were so many fantastic courses impressing me deeply. Among them the course which impressed me most is Fundamentals of Law given by Professor Lin Xuezheng.At first I was not very interested in the course. As time goes on, the course and Professor Lin's lecture attracted me greatly. Firstly, in this course, for the first time in my life did I realize that law is related closely lo everyone's life. 1 get to know that people need to know law to turn our country a legal society, and that everyone need the weapon of law to protect his lawful rights and interests. Secondly, in his wonderful lectures Professor Lin cited many vivid examples which have really happened so that we not only grasped knowledge but also learn how to analyze and settle the matters by law. It was in this course that we cultivated legal consciousness.Overall, this course exerted great influence on me and my life. I believe it will still have far-reaching effects on me in the days to come.1-8：BCCADBCA9-11：BDD12-15：ACCD16-18：ABA19-21：DBC22-25：ADCB26. familiar27. put forward28. caution29. live30. alternatives31. ignore32. participated33. in need of34. focus35. judgments36-45：FDKNC EBIGH46-55：BNMAE CGCHL56-65：BCBAD CBCADTranslationGiant panda is a kind of tame animal with unique black-and-white fur. It has been listed as an endangered species due to its very limited number. Panda has a special meaning to WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature). Panda has been its symbol ever since WWF's establishment in 1961. Panda, which lives in the forest of Southwest China, is the rarest member in the bear family. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 giant pandas in the world. These bamboo-eating creatures are now facing many threats. Therefore, to ensureits survival is of greater importance2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第三套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)【作文范文】A Campus Activity that Benefited Me MostUniversity provides many interesting activities to enrich our life on campus. In the past two years, I attended a couple of student societies such as mountain-climbing club andliterature society. The most beneficial activity I participated is attending English Comer. First, attending English Comer offers a great opportunity to draw my attention away from busy studies so that 1 can relax, since the Comer is held in a square. As a college student, most of my time is killed in the classroom and library. At the Corner, I can talk in English with my peers on topics of our interest, so it's a relaxation in tedious school life. Second, joining English Corner significantly improved my oral English as well as English listening comprehension. It's the most efficient way for me to practice spoken English because mine is far better now than before.Third, it is a terrific way of socializing. I can get to know unacquainted students, and make friends with them.Therefore, it is safe to conclude that, attending English Corner has benefited me most among campus activities.1-8：BDCCCBAA9-11：CBD12-15：BCBC16-18：ADC19-21：ADA22-25：CDAB26. land on27. sharp28. fill in for29. probably30. resemble31. focuses on32. specialize33. timing34. invented35. figured out36-45：HNKFJ ELMBG46-55：FDJCI MBHEG56-65：ACBDB DDABCTranslationThe Internet community in China develops fastest in the world. China has about 420 million netizens in 2010, and the number is still growing rapidly. The increasing popularity of Internet has produced a significant social changc. The Chinese netizens are often different from the American netizens. Driven by practical needs, American netizens often use the Internet to send emails, buy and sell goods, do research, plan trips or pay for the bills. While Chinese netizens use the Internet more out of social reasons, therefore, the Internet is more widely used in forums, blogs, chat rooms, and so on.。
201412月大学英语四级考试真题答案及解析2套
2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题答案解析(二)Part 1 writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people’s life and then explain the consequences of overus ing it.You should write at least IW words but no more than 180 words.People are crossing the street looking at their cell phones and using walking sticks in order to see.Part 2 Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections ： In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which the best answer is. Then mark the corresponding letter o" Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2014年12月英语四级考试真题以及答案(第1套)
2014年12月英语四级考试真题以及答案(第1套)2014年12月英语四级考试真题以及答案(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic of "The Importance of Time Management". You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.The Importance of Time ManagementTime management is an essential skill that everyone should possess. It is the process of planning and organizing how much time you spend on various activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. Effective time management can help you achieve your goals, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.Firstly, time management helps you achieve your goals. By setting priorities and allocating time to each task, you can ensure that you are making progress towards your objectives. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and ultimately lead to greater success.Secondly, time management can reduce stress. When you have a lot of tasks to complete, it can be overwhelming and stressful. However, by breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and make progress towards your goals.Finally, effective time management can improve your overall quality of life. By managing your time effectively, you can create more time for the things that matter most to you, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.In conclusion, time management is a crucial skill that can help you achieve your goals, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life. By taking the time to plan and organize your activities, you can make the most of your time and achieve greater success.。
2014年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析（12月）
2014年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析（12月）2014年英语四级阅读真题及答案解析（12月）Part I WritingDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a shor t essay on the following topic. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.作文题一：印象最深的活动AA campus activity that has benefited most.作文题二：印象最深的课程A course that has impressed you most in college.作文题三:印象最深的同学A classmate of yours who has influenced you most in college．Part II ListeningSection ADirections：In this section，you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A) , B) , C) and D)，and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.Question 1A.The man is not good at balancing his budget.B.She will go purchase the gift herself.C.The gift should not be too expensive.D.They are gonging to Jane's house-warming party. Question 2A.He is quite willing to give the woman a hand.B.It takes patience to go through the statistics.C.He has prepared the statistics for the woman.D.The woman should take a course in statistics. Question 3A.Page 55 is missing from the woman's scripts.B.They cannot begin their recording right away.C.The woman does not take the recording seriously.D.The man wants to make some changes in the scripts. Question 4A.The date of Carl's wedding.B.The birthday of Carl's bride.C.A significant event in July.D.Preparation for a wedding.Question 5A.The woman forgot to tell the man in advance.B.The man was absent from the weekly meeting.C.The woman was annoyed at the man's excuse.D.The man was in charge of scheduling meetings. Question 6A.The woman is a marvelous cook.B.The woman has just bought an oven.C.The man has to leave in half an hour.D.The man cannot want for his meal.Question 7A.How she can best help the man.B.Where the man got the bad news.C.What items sell well in the store.D.Whether the man can keep his job.Question 8A.The woman can sign up for a swimming class.B.He works in the physical education department.C.The woman has the potential to swim like a fish.D.He would like to teach the woman how to swim.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 9A.He teaches in a law school.B.He loves classical music.C.He is a diplomat.D.He is a wonderful lecturer.Question 10A.Went to see a play.B.Watched a soccer game.C.Took some photos.D.Attended a dance.Question 11A.She decided to get married in three years.B.He r mother objected to Eric’s flying lessons.C.She insisted that Eric pursue graduate studies.D.Her father said she could marry Eric right away.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12A.Editor.B.Teacher.C.JournalistD.Typist.Question 13A.The beautiful Amazon rainforests.B.A new railway under construction.C.Big changes in the Amazon valley.D.Some newly discovered scenic spot.Question 14A.In news weeklies.B.In newspapers' Sunday editions.C.In a local evening paper.D.In overseas editions of U.S. magazines.Question 15A.To be employed by a newspaper.B.To become a professional writer.C.To sell her articles to a news service.D.To get her life story published soon.Section BDirections：In this section，you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage，you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question，you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 16A.Nodding one's head.B.Waving one's hand.C.Holding up the forefinger.D.Turning the right thumb down.Question 17A.Looking away from them.B.Forming a circle with fingers.C.Bowing one's head them.D.Waving or pointing to them.Question 18A.Looking one's superior in the eye.B.Keeping one's arms folded while talking.C.Showing the sole of one's foot to a guest./doc/ab86422ad1f34693daef3eec.html ing a lot of gestures during a conversation.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 19A.They had to beg for foot after the harvest.B.They grew wheat and corn on a small farm.C.They shared a small flat with their relatives.D.The children walked to school on dirt roads.Question 20A.Tour Ecuador's Andes Mountains.B.Earn an annual income of $2800.C.Purchase a plot to build a home on.D.Send their children to school.Question 21A.The achievements of the Trickle Up Program.B.A new worldwide economic revolution.C.Different forms of assistance to the needy.D.The life of poor people in developing countries.Passage ThreeQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have justheard.Question 22A.They are highly sensitive to cold.B.They are vitally important to our life.C.They are a living part of our body.D.They are a chief source of our pain.Question 23A.It has to be removed in time by a dentist.B.It is a rare oral disease among old people.C.It contains many nerves and blood vessels.D.It is sticky and colorless film on the teeth.Question 24A.It can change into acids causing damage to their outer covering.B.It greatly reduces their resistance to the attacks of bacteria.C.It makes their nerves and blood vessels more sensitive to acid food.D.It combines with food particles to form a film on their surface.Question 25A.Food particles.B.Gum disease.C.Unhealthy living habits.D.Chemical crosion.Section CStunt people(替身演员) are not movie stars, but they are the hidden heroes of many movies.They were around long before films. Even Shakespeare may have used them in fight scenes. To be good, a fight scene has to look real. Punches must (26)______ enemies' jaws. Sword fightsmust be fought with(27)______ swords. Several actors are usually in a fight scene. Their moves must be set up so that no one gets hurt. It is almost like planning a dance performance.If a movie scene is dangerous, stun people usually(28)______the stars. You may think you see Tom Cruise running along the top of a train. But it is(29)______ his stunt double. Stunt people must(30)______ the stars they stand in for. Their height and build should be about the same. But when close-ups are needed, the film(31)______ the star.Some stunt people(32)______ in certain kinds of scenes. For instance, a stunt woman named Jan Davis does all kinds of jumps. She has leapt from planes and even off the top of a waterfall. Each jump required careful planning and expert(33)______.Yakima Canutt was a famous cowboy stunt man. Among other stunts, he could jump from a second story window onto a horse's back. He(34)______ the famous trick of sliding under a moving stagecoach. Canuttalso(35)______ a new way to make a punch look real. He was the only stunt man ever to get an Oscar.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections：In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.For decades, Americans have taken for granted the XXXXdevelopment of new technologies. The innovations(创新)XXXX opment during World War II and afterwards were(36)_____ to the prosperity of the nation in the second half of the 20th century. Those innovations, upon which virtually all aspects of(37)_____ society now depend, were possible because the United States then(38)_____ the world in mathematics and science education. Today, however, despite increasing demand for workers with strong skills in mathematics and science, the(39)_____ of degrees awarded in science, math, and engineering are decreasing.The deeling in degree production in what are called the STEM disciplines(science, technology, engineering, and math.)seems tobe(40)_____related to the comparatively weak performance by U.S. schoolchildren on international assessments of math and science. Manystudents entering college have weak skills in mathematics. According to the 2005 report of the Business Higher Education Forum, 22 percent of college freshmen must take remediat(补习的)math(41)_____, and less than half of the students who plan to major in science orengineering(42)_____complete a major in those fields.The result has been a decrease in the number of American college graduates who have the skills, (43)_____ in mathematics, to power a workforce that can keep the country at the forefront(前言)of innovation and maintain its standard of living. With the(44)_____ performance of American students in math and science has come increased competition from students from other countries that have strongly supported education in these areas. Many more students earn(45)_____ in the STEM disciplines in developing countries than in the United States.A.acceleratingB.actuallyC.closelyD.contemporaryE.coursesF.criticalG.decliningH.degreesI.especiallyJ.futureK.ledL.metM.proceduresN.proportionsO.sphetesSection BDirections：In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Ban sugary drinks that will add fuel to the obesity war[A] On a train last Thursday, I sat opposite a man who was so fat he filled more than one seat. He was pale and disfigured and looked sick to death, which he probably was: obesity(肥胖的)leads to many nasty ways of dying. Looking around the carriage, I saw quite a few people like him,including a couple of fatty children with swollen checkspressing against their eyes. These people are part of what is without exaggeration an epidemic(流行病)of obesity.[B] But it is quite unnecessary: there is a simple idea- far from new- that could spare millions of such people a lifetime of chronic(长期的)ill health, and at the same time save the National Health Service(NHS)at least ￡14 billion a year in England and Wales. There would, you might think, be considerable public interest in it. This simple idea is that sugar is as good- or as bad- as poison and should be avoided. It is pure, white and deadly, as Professor John Yudkin described it 40 years ago in a revolutionary book of that name. The subtitle was How Sugar Is Killing Us.[C] In its countless hidden forms, in ready meals, junk food and sweet drinks, sugar leads to addiction(瘾), to hormonal upsets to the appetite, to metabolic(新陈代谢的)malfunctions and obesity and from there to type 2 diabetes(糖尿病)and its many horrible complication. If people really grasped that, they would try to kick the habit, particularly as Britain i s the “ fat man of Europe” . They might even feel driven to support government measures to prevent people from consuming this deadly stuff. Yet so far this idea has met little but resistance.[D] It is not difficult to imagine the vested interests(既得利益集团)lined up against any sugar control- all the food and drink manufacturers, processors, promoters and retailers who make such easy pickings out of the magic powers of sugar. Then there are the liberals, with whom I would normally side, who protest that government regulation would be yet another instance of interference in our lives.[E]That is true, but people should realize that you cannot have a welfare state without a nanny state(保姆国家), to some degree. If we are all to be responsible for one another’s healt hinsurance, through socialized medicine, then we are all closely involved in one another’s health, including everyone’s eating and drinking. That has already been admitted, finally, with smoking. But it has yet to be admitted with overeating, even though one in four adults in this country is obese and that number is predicted to double by the year 2050.Quite apart from anything else, obesity will cripple the NHS.[F]Recently, though, there have been signs that the medical establishment is trying to sound the alarm. Last month the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges(AMRC)published a report saying that obesity is the greatest public health issue affecting the UK and urging government to do something.[G]The report offers 10 recommendations, of which the first is imposing a tax of 20 percent on sugary drinks for at least a year, on top of the existing 20 percent value-added tax. That at least would be an excellent start. The amounts of sugar in soft drinks are horrifying, and turn straight to fat. As Professor Terence Stephenson, head of the AMRC, has said, sugary soft drinks are “the ultimate bad food. You are just consuming neat sugar. Your body didn’t evolve to handle this kind of thing.”[H]Precisely. The risks of eating too much fat or salt(which are very different)pale into insignificant compared with the harm done by sugar. And it is everywhere.[I]It is difficult to buy anything in a supermarket, other than plain, unprepared meat, f ish or vegetables, that doesn’t have a large amount of sugar in it. This has come about because the prevailing scientific views of the 1960s and 1970s ignored the evidence about sugar, and instead saw fat as the really serious risk, both to the heart and other organs, as well as the cause of obesity.[J]The fashion was to avoid fat. But finding that food with much of its fat removed is not very appetizing, food producers turned to sugar as a magic alternative flavor enhancer, often in the forms of syrups(糖浆)that had recently been developed from corn, and put it generously into most prepared foods and soft drinks.[K]This stuff is not just fattening. It is addictive. It interferes with the body’s metabolism, possibly via the activity of an appetite-controlling hormone. There’s plenty of evidence for this, for those who will accept the truth.[L]Theoretically, people ought to make “healthy choices” and avoid overeating. But sugar additives are not easy to identify and are hard to avoid. So the snacking, over-drinking and over eating that makes people fat is not really their own fault: obesity is in large part something that is being done to them. It should be stopped, or rather the government should stop it.[M]Going round my local supermarket, I am constantly astonished that it is still legal to sell all the poisons stacked high on the shelves. The problem is that they are worse than useless. They are poisonous. They are known to be addictive. They are known to make people obese. And giving small children sweet drinks or bottles of fake juice all day long is nothing less than child abuse.[N]Clearly, the sale of such stuff ought to be illegal. I hate to think of yet more government regulation. But a bit of tax on sweet soda and a little more health education, a bit of cooking in schools and banning vending machines(自动售货机)here and there —as suggested try the AMRC report —is not going to achieve very much. Labelling is quite inadequate. What is needed is legislation banning high levels of sugary syrups used in foodsand drinks.[O]In June 2012, the then minister for public health said the government was not scared of the food industry and had not ruled out legislation, because of the costs of obesity to the NHS. However, nothing has happened yet. Why not have another Jammie Dodger biscuit and forget about it.46、Avoiding over-consumption of sugar can improve people’s health aswell as save medical expenses.47、Laws should be passed to make it illegal to produce overly sweet foodsor drinks.48、Giving small children sweet juices to drink all the time is equal tochild abuse.59、Looking around, the author found obesity quite widespread. 50、The number of obese people is expected to increase quickly in the nextfew decades.51、 If people really understood the horrible consequences of sugary foodsand drinks, they would support government measures against sugarconsumption.52、It would be a very good beginning wo improve an additional tax on sugarydrinks.53、The government has not yet taken any action to regulate sugar consumption although it indicated its intention to do so some time ago.54、Sugar is far more harmful to health than fat and salt.55、Consumers of sweet foods are not really to blame because they cannottell what food is sugary.Section CDirections：There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C)and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage oneThe rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwidenow have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremendous impacts has only just begun.“Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,” Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book. The New Digital Age.Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But if thebook has one major shortco ming, it’s that authors don’t spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these weeping changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes —and more importantly predicts —how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities, one physical, and one virtual.At the core of the book is the ide a that “technolog y is neutral, but people aren’t.” By using this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy(对立观点)that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they’re also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance(监视).56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph?A.It transforms human history.B.It facilitates daily communication.C.It is adopted by all humanity.D.It revolutionizes people's thinking.57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet?A.They are immeasurable.B.They are worldwide.C.They are unpredictable.D.They are contaminating.58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate?A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology.B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet.C.It lacks an objective evaluation of the role of Internet businesses.D.It does not address the technical aspects of Internet communication.59、What will the future be like when everybody gets online?A.People will be living in two different realities.B.People will have equal access to information.C.Pe ople don’t have to travel to see the world.D.People don’t have to communicate face to face.60、What does the passage say about the authors of The New Digital Age?A.They leave many questions unanswered concerning the Internet.B.They are optimistic about the future of the Internet revolution.C.They have explored the unknown territories of the virtual world.D.They don’t take sides in analyzing the effects of the Interne t.Passage twoIn 1950, a young man would have found it much easier than it is today to get and keep a job in the auto industry. And in that year the average autoworker could meet monthly mortgage(抵押贷款)payments on an average home with just 13.4 percent of histake-home pay. Today a similar mortgage would claim more than twice that share of his monthly eamings.Other members of the autoworker’s family, however might be less inclined to tried the present for the past. His retired parents would certainly have had less economic security back then. Through-out much of the 1960s,more than a quarter of men and women and women age 65 and older lived below the poverty level, compared to less than 10 percent in 2010.In most stales, his wife could not have taken out a loan or a card in her own name. In 42 states, a homemaker had no legal claim on the earnings of her husband. And nowhere did a wife have legal protection against family violence.Most black workers would not want to return to a time when, on average they earned 40 percent less than their white counterparts(职位相当的人),white racially restrictive agreements largely prevented them from buying into the suburban neighborhoods being built for white working–class families.Today, new problems have emerged in the process of resolving old ones, but the solution is not to go back to the past. Some people may long for an era when divorce was still hard to come by. The spread of no -fault divorce has reduced the bargaining power of whichever spouse is more interested in continuing the relationship. And the breakup of such marriages has caused pain for many families.The growing diversity of family life comes with new possibilities as well as new challenges. According to a recent poll, more than 80 percentof Americans believe that their current family is as close as the one in which they grew up, or closer. Finding ways toimaginary golden age.61、What do we learn about American autoworkers in 1950?A.They had less job security than they do today.B.It was not too difficult for them to buy a house.C.Their earnings were worth twice as much as today.D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.63、Why couldn’t black workers buy a house in a whitc suburba n neighborhood ?A.They lacked the means of transportation.B.They were subjected to racial inequality.C.They were afraid to break the law.D.They were too poor to afford it.64、What is the result of no-fault divorce ?A.Divorce is easier to obtain.B.Domestic violence is lessened.C.It causes little pain to either side.D.It contributes to social unrest.65 、What does the author suggest society do?A.Get prepared to face any new challenges.B.Try to better the current social security.C.Narrow the gap between blacks and whites.D.Improve the lives of families with problemsPart IV TranslationDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should writeyour answer on Answer Sheet 2.翻译题一：大熊猫是一种温顺的动物，长着独特的黑白皮毛。
2014年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第1套)
passage, you will hoar some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be
spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose tho best answer from
15. A ． His flexibility.
B． His vision.
C． His intelligence.
D． His determination.
Section B
Directions: In this section, you will hoar 3 short passages. At tho end of each
9. A ． France.
B． Scandinavia.
C． Russia.
D． East Europe.
10. A ． More women will be promoted in the workplace.
B． More women will overcome their inadequacies.
-
8. A ． Preparations for a forum.
B． Participants in the forum.
C． Organizers of a forum.
D． Expectations of the forum. Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1 上作答。
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
2014.12 英语四级考试真题试卷(第三套)阅读
Growing Up Colored[A] You wouldn't know Piedmont anymore—my Piedmont, I mean—the town in West Virginia where I learned to be a colored boy.[B] The 1950s in Piedmont was a time to remember, or at least to me. People were always proud to be from Piedmont—lying at the foot of a mountain, on the banks of the mighty Potomac. We knew God gave America no more beautiful location. I never knew colored people anywhere who were crazier about mountains and water, flowers and trees, fishing and hunting. For as long as anyone could remember, we could outhunt, outshoot, and outswim the white boys in the valley.[C] The social structure of Piedmont was something we knew like the back of our hands. It was an immigrant town; white Piedmont was Italian and Irish, with a handful of wealthy WASPs (盎格鲁撒克逊裔的白人新教徒) on East Hampshire Street, and "ethnic" neighborhoods of working-class people everywhere else, colored and white.[D] For as long as anyone can remember, Piedmont's character has been completely bound up with the Westvaco paper mill: its prosperous past and doubtful future. At first glance, the town is a typical dying mill center. Many once beautiful buildings stand empty, evidencing a bygone time of spirit and pride. The big houses on East Hampshire Street are no longer proud, as they were when I[E] Like the Italians and the Irish, most of the colored people migrated to Piedmont at the turn of the 20th century to work at the paper mill, which opened in 1888. All the colored men at the paper mill worked on "the platform"—loading paper into trucks until the craft unions were finally integrated in 1968. Loading is what Daddy did every working day of his life. That's what almost every colored grown-up I knew did.[F] Colored people lived in three neighborhoods that were clearly separated. Welcome to the Colored Zone, a large stretched banner could have said. And it felt good in there, like walking around your house in bare feet and underwear, or snoring right out loud on the couch in front of the TV—enveloped by the comforts of home, the warmth of those you love.[G] Of course, the colored world was not so much a neighborhood as a condition of existence. And though our own world was seemingly self-contained, it impacted on the white world of Piedmont in almost every direction. Certainly, the borders of our world seemed to be impacted on when some white man or woman showed up where he or she did not belong, such as at the black Legion Hall. Our space was violated when one of them showed up at a dance or a party. The rhythms would be off. The music would sound notquite right: attempts to pat the beat off just so. Everybody would leave early.[H] Before 1955, most white people were just shadowy presences in our world, vague figures of power like remote bosses at the mill or tellers at the bank. There were exceptions, of course, the white people who would come into our world in ritualized, everyday ways we all understood. Mr. Mail Man, Mr. Insurance Man, Mr. White-and-Chocolate Milk Man, Mr. Landlord Man, Mr. Police Man: we called white people by their trade, like characters in a mystery play. Mr. Insurance Man would come by every other week to collect premiums on college or death policies, sometimes 50 cents or less.[I] "It's no disgrace to be colored," the black entertainer Bert Williams famously observed early in the century, "but it is awfully inconvenient." For most of my childhood, we couldn't cat in restaurants or sleep in hotels, we couldn't use certain bathrooms or try on clothes in stores. Mama insisted that we dress up when we went to shop. She was carefully dressed when she went to clothing stores, and wore white pads called shields under her arms so her dress or blouse would show no sweat. "We'd like to try this on," she'd say carefully, uttering her words precisely and properly. "We don't buy clothes we can't try on," she'd say when they declined, and we'd walk out in Mama's dignified (有尊严的) manner. She preferred to shop where we had an account and where everyone knew who she was. [J] At the Cut-Rate Drug Store, no one colored was allowed to sit down at the counter or tables, with one exception: my father. I don't know for certain why Carl Dadisman, the owner, wouldn't stop Daddy from sitting down. But I believe it was in part because Daddy was so light-colored, and in part because, during his shift at the phone company, he picked up orders for food and coffee for the operators. Colored people were supposed to stand at the counter, get their food to go, and leave. Even when Young Doc Bess would set up the basketball team with free Cokes after one of many victories, the colored players had to stand around and drink out of paper cups while the white players and cheerleaders sat down in comfortable chairs and drank out of glasses.[K] I couldn't have been much older than five or six as I sat with my father at the Cut-Rate one afternoon, enjoying two scoops of caramel ice cream. Mr. Wilson, a stony-faced, brooding Irishman, walked by."Hello, Mr. Wilson," my father said."Hello, George."[L] I was genuinely puzzled. Mr. Wilson must have confused my father with somebody else, but who? There weren't any Georges among the colored people in Piedmont. "Why don't you tell him your name, Daddy?" I asked loudly. "Your name isn't George.""He knows my name, boy," my father said after a long pause. "He calls all colored people George."[M] I knew we wouldn't talk about it again; even at that age, 1 was given to understand that there were some subjects it didn't do to worry to death about. Now that I have children, I realize that what distressed my father wasn't so much the Mr. Wilsons of the world as the painful obligation to explain the racial facts of life to someone who hadn't quite learned them yet. Maybe Mr. Wilson couldn't hurt my father by calling him George; but I hurt him by asking to know why.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
2014年12月英语四级仔细阅读真题(总三套题)及问题详解
2014年12月四级真题（第1套）第一套：Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history,comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet's tremendous impact has only just begun."Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,"Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book, The New Digital Age.Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But ff the book has one major shortcoming, it's that the authors don't spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these sweeping changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes--and more importantly predicts--how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities,one physical, and one virtual.At the core of the book is the idea that"technology is neutral, but people aren't." By using this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy (对立观点) that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they're also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance (监视).注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案「完整版」（6）
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案「完整版」（6）D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.63、Why couldn’t black workers buy a house in a whitc suburban neighborhood ?A.They lacked the means of transportation.B.They were subjected to racial inequality.C.They were afraid to break the law.D.They were too poor to afford it.64、What is the result of no-fault divorce ?A.Divorce is easier to obtain.B.Domestic violence is lessened.C.It causes little pain to either side.D.It contributes to social unrest.65 、What does the author suggest society do?A.Get prepared to face any new challenges.B.Try to better the current social security.C.Narrow the gap between blacks and whites.D.Improve the lives of families with problemsPart IV TranslationDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.翻译题一：大熊猫是一种温顺的动物，长着独特的黑白皮毛。
2014年12月英语四级真题答案及解析（长篇阅读）
2014年12月英语四级真题答案及解析（长篇阅读）紧张的考试已经落下帷幕，为大家准备了2014年12月英语四级长篇阅读真题及答案，供大家参考!原文：Bike store owners put their spin on new bikeNew Yorkers, albeit many of them grudgingly, aregradually getting used to more pedaling passengers on those blazingblue Citi Bikes.But what about local bike shops? Is Citi Bike rolling up riders attheir expense?At Gotham Bikes in Tribeca, a manager who gave his name as “Ben W.”said the shop has seen an increase in its overall sales due to thebike-share program.“It’s getting more people on the road, more people learning aboutthe sport and getting involved,” he said.An employee at Danny’s Cycles in Gramercy said Citi Bike is a goodoption for people to ease into biking in a city famed for itsvehicular congestion and aggressive drivers.“They can try out a bike without committing to buying one,” JamesRyan said. “It makes a more comfortable biking environment in thecity because there are a lot more bikes, too.”Busi ness at Danny’s Cycles has increased as well since the adventof bike-share.“A lot of people come in for bike gear, and we’ve sold a lot ofhelmets,” he noted.Rentals are not a big part of the business at either Gotham Bikesor Danny’s Cycles. But for Frank’s Bike Shop, a small business thathas been at its current Lower East Side location on Grand St. since1976, the bike-share program has been bad news.Owner Frank Arroyosaid that his rental business has decreased by 90 percent since theCiti Bikes were rolled out last month.Arroyo’s main rental customers are European tourists, a demographicthat has since been drawn away by Citi Bikes. Initially, abike-share station was sited a few doors away from Frank’s BikeShop on the corner of Grand and Henry Sts. But a petition to relocate the bike station gatheredmore than 1,000 signatures. The Citi Bike dock was eventuallyremoved — but only temporarily, according to the Citi Bike Twitteraccount, for utility construction in the street.“I was grateful, and i t was quite an honor to see how many peopleresponded on my behalf,” Arroyo said of the petition effort. “Itwas really nice to see that people care. But they have flooded theplace with them,” he said of the Department of Transportation,which installs the bike racks.Removing one station does little since the area is overloaded withCiti Bike stations, said Arroyo.“If you put it in front of a hotel, customers are going to walk ofthe hotel and use it,” he said.However, Ben said the bike-share is good for bike sales at hisshop.“People have used the bike-share and realized how great it is tobike in the city, then decide that they want something nicer forthemselves,” he noted.Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. justnorth of Christopher St., said initially he was concerned aboutbike-share, though, he admitted, “I was happy to see people onbikes.”Consisting of equal parts tourists and locals, his customers get abetter rental deal at his shop because, despite charging only$10for a daily rental, the bike-share program requires cyclists tocheck their bikes in at a bike station every half hour. His store,on the other hand, charges $10 for the first hour, $5 for thesecond, and $2.50 per hour after that.“Six hours with Waterfront Bicycle Shop will costa customer $25,” he said. “With Citi Bike, a six-hour rental willcost $126 [if the rider doesn’t re-dock his or her bike at astation every half hour]. Our rentals always include a helmet, abasket and a lock.”Several dozen rental bikes were lined up on Weehawken St. lastSunday behind the store. Benny, who was watching over them, saidanother advantage over the Citi Bikes is that Waterfront’s bikesare all in good working order.Farrell’s early concerns were echoed by Andrew Crooks, owner of NYCVelo, at 64 Second Ave.“It seemed like a great idea, but one that would be difficult toimplement,” Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried aboutinexperienced riders’ lack of awareness of biking rules andbacklash from non-cyclists. However, he said, it’s st ill too earlyto tell if his business has been impacted.The actual Citi Bikes themselves have been criticized as “heavy,”“clunky,” even “ugly.” In comparison, Crooks said NYC Velo hasbikes that are “lighter, faster and tend to bemore comfortable.” Farrell of Waterfront also said his bikes are of“better quality” than the bike-share two-wheelers.While it’s possible bike-share will cause a drop in business in thelong run, Crooks allowed that the idea, as a whole, is good for thecity.“I believe that the progr am is a positive step forward for New YorkCity,” he said, “and will prove to benefit New York City cyclingconditions —in terms of greater acceptance, safetyandaccessibility.”。
2014年12月英语四级考试阅读真题及答案
2014年12⽉英语四级考试阅读真题及答案 Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section A Directions：In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once. For decades, Americans have taken for granted the XXXX development of new technologies. The innovations(创新)XXXX opment during World War II and afterwards were(36)_____ to the prosperity of the nation in the second half of the 20th century. Those innovations, upon which virtually all aspects of(37)_____ society now depend, were possible because the United States then(38)_____ the world in mathematics and science education. Today, however, despite increasing demand for workers with strong skills in mathematics and science, the(39)_____ of degrees awarded in science, math, and engineering are decreasing. The deeling in degree production in what are called the STEM disciplines(science, technology, engineering, and math.)seems to be(40)_____related to the comparatively weak performance by U.S. schoolchildren on international assessments of math and science. Many students entering college have weak skills in mathematics. According to the 2005 report of the Business Higher Education Forum, 22 percent of college freshmen must take remediat(补习的)math(41)_____, and less than half of the students who plan to major in science or engineering(42)_____complete a major in those fields. The result has been a decrease in the number of American college graduates who have the skills, (43)_____ in mathematics, to power a workforce that can keep the country at the forefront(前⾔)of innovation and maintain its standard of living. With the(44)_____ performance of American students in math and science has come increased competition from students from other countries that have strongly supported education in these areas. Many more students earn(45)_____ in the STEM disciplines in developing countries than in the United States. A.accelerating B.actually C.closely D.contemporary E.courses F.critical G.declining H.degrees I.especially J.future K.led L.met M.procedures N.proportions O.sphetes Section B Directions：In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2. Ban sugary drinks that will add fuel to the obesity war [A] On a train last Thursday, I sat opposite a man who was so fat he filled more than one seat. He was pale and disfigured and looked sick to death, which he probably was: obesity(肥胖的)leads to many nasty ways of dying. Looking around the carriage, I saw quite a few people like him, including a couple of fatty children with swollen checks pressingagainst their eyes. These people are part of what is without exaggeration an epidemic(流⾏病)of obesity. [B] But it is quite unnecessary: there is a simple idea- far from new- that could spare millions of such people a lifetime of chronic(长期的)ill health, and at the same time save the National Health Service(NHS)at least ￡14 billion a year in England and Wales. There would, you might think, be considerable public interest in it. This simple idea is that sugar is as good- or as bad- as poison and should be avoided. It is pure, white and deadly, as Professor John Yudkin described it 40 years ago in a revolutionary book of that name. The subtitle was How Sugar Is Killing Us. [C] In its countless hidden forms, in ready meals, junk food and sweet drinks, sugar leads to addiction(瘾), to hormonal upsets to the appetite, to metabolic(新陈代谢的)malfunctions and obesity and from there to type 2 diabetes(糖尿病)and its many horrible complication. If people really grasped that, they would try to kick the habit, particularly as Britain is the ― fat man of Europe‖ . They might even feel driven to support government measures to prevent people from consuming this deadly stuff. Yet so far this idea has met little but resistance. [D] It is not difficult to imagine the vested interests(既得利益集团)lined up against any sugar control- all the food and drink manufacturers, processors, promoters and retailers who make such easy pickings out of the magic powers of sugar. Then there are the liberals, with whom I would normally side, who protest that government regulation would be yet another instance of interference in our lives. [E]That is true, but people should realize that you cannot have a welfare state without a nanny state(保姆国家), to some degree. If we are all to be responsible for one another’s health insurance, through socialized medicine, then we are all closely involved in one another’s health, including everyone’s eating and drinking. That has already been admitted, finally, with smoking. But it has yet to be admitted with overeating, even though one in four adults in this country is obese and that number is predicted to double by the year 2050.Quite apart from anything else, obesity will cripple the NHS. [F]Recently, though, there have been signs that the medical establishment is trying to sound the alarm. Last month the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges(AMRC)published a report saying that obesity is the greatest public health issue affecting the UK and urging government to do something. [G]The report offers 10 recommendations, of which the first is imposing a tax of 20 percent on sugary drinks for at least a year, on top of the existing 20 percent value-added tax. That at least would be an excellent start. The amounts of sugar in soft drinks are horrifying, and turn straight to fat. As Professor Terence Stephenson, head of the AMRC, has said, sugary soft drinks are ―the ultimate bad food. You are just consuming neat sugar. Your body didn’t evolve to handle this kind of thing.‖ [H]Precisely. The risks of eating too much fat or salt(which are very different)pale into insignificant compared with the harm done by sugar. And it is everywhere. [I]It is difficult to buy anything in a supermarket, other than plain, unprepared meat, fish or vegetables, that doesn’t have a large amount of sugar in it. This has come about because the prevailing scientific views of the 1960s and 1970s ignored the evidence about sugar, and instead saw fat as the really serious risk, both to the heart and other organs, as well as the cause of obesity. [J]The fashion was to avoid fat. But finding that food with much of its fat removed is not very appetizing, food producers turned to sugar as a magic alternative flavor enhancer, often in the forms of syrups(糖浆)that had recently been developed from corn, and put it generously into most prepared foods and soft drinks. [K]This stuff is not just fattening. It is addictive. It interferes with the body’s metabolism, possibly via the activity of an appetite-controlling hormone. There’s plenty of evidence for this, for those who will accept the truth. [L]Theoretically, people ought to make ―healthy choices‖ and avoid overeating. But sugar additives are not easy to identify and are hard to avoid. So the snacking, over-drinking and over eating that makes people fat is not really their own fault: obesity is in large part something that is being done to them. It should be stopped, or rather the government should stop it. [M]Going round my local supermarket, I am constantly astonished that it is still legal to sell all the poisons stacked high on the shelves. The problem is that they are worse than useless. They are poisonous. They are known to be addictive. They are known to make people obese. And giving small children sweet drinks or bottles of fake juice all day long is nothing less than child abuse. [N]Clearly, the sale of such stuff ought to be illegal. I hate to think of yet more government regulation. But a bit of tax on sweet soda and a little more health education, a bit of cooking in schools and banning vending machines(⾃动售货机)here and there — as suggested try the AMRC report — is not going to achieve very much. Labelling is quite inadequate. What is needed is legislation banning high levels of sugary syrups used in foods and drinks. [O]In June 2012, the then minister for public health said the government was not scared of the food industry and had notruled out legislation, because of the costs of obesity to the NHS. However, nothing has happened yet. Why not have another Jammie Dodger biscuit and forget about it. 46、Avoiding over-consumption of sugar can improve people’s health as well as save medical expenses. 47、Laws should be passed to make it illegal to produce overly sweet foods or drinks. 48、Giving small children sweet juices to drink all the time is equal to child abuse. 59、Looking around, the author found obesity quite widespread. 50、The number of obese people is expected to increase quickly in the next few decades. 51、If people really understood the horrible consequences of sugary foods and drinks, they would support government measures against sugar consumption. 52、It would be a very good beginning wo improve an additional tax on sugary drinks. 53、The government has not yet taken any action to regulate sugar consumption although it indicated its intention to do so some time ago. 54、Sugar is far more harmful to health than fat and salt. 55、Consumers of sweet foods are not really to blame because they cannot tell what food is sugary.Section C Directions：There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C)and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremendous impacts has only just begun. ―Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,‖ Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book. The New Digital Age. Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But if the book has one major shortcoming, it’s that authors don’t spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these weeping changes. In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes — and more importantly predicts — how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities, one physical, and one virtual. At the core of the book is the idea that ―technology is neutral, but people aren’t.‖ By using this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy(对⽴观点)that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they’re also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance(监视). 56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph? A.It transforms human history. B.It facilitates daily communication. C.It is adopted by all humanity. D.It revolutionizes people's thinking. 57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet? A.They are immeasurable. B.They are worldwide. C.They are unpredictable. D.They are contaminating 58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate? A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology. B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet. / p > p > 0 0 C . I t l a c k s a n o b j e c t i v e e v a l u a t i o n o f t h e r o l e o f I n t e r n e t b u s i n e s s e s . / p > p > 0 0 D . I t d o e s n o t a d d r e s s t h e t e c h n i c a l a s p e c t s o f I n t e r n e t c o m m u n i c a t i o n . / p > p > 0 0 5 9 0 W h a t w i l l t h e f u t u r e b e l i k e w h e n e v e r y b o d y g e t s o n l i n e ? / p > p > 0 0 A . P e o p l e w i l l b e l i v i n g i n t w o d i f f e r e n t r e a l i t i e s . / p > p > 0 0 B . P e o p l e w i l l h a v e e q u a l a c c e s s t o i n f o r m a t i o n . / p > p > 0 0 C . P e o p l e d o n t h a v e t o t r a v e l t o s e e t h e w o r l d . / p > p > 00 D . P e o p l e d o n t h a v e t o c o m m u n i c a t e f a c e t o f a c e . / p > p > 0 0 6 0 0 W h a t d o e s t h e p a s s a g e s a ya b o u t t h e a u t h o r s o f T h e N e w D i g i t a l A g e ? / p > p > 0 0 A . T h e y l e a v e m a n y q u e s t i o n s u n a n s w e r e d c o n c e r n i n g t h e I n t e r n e t . / p > p > 0 0 B . T h e y a r e o p t i m i s t i c a b o u t t h e f u t u r e o f t h e I n t e r n e t r e v o l u t i o n . / p > p > 0 0 C . T h e y h a v e e x p l o r e d t h e u n k n o w n t e r r i t o r i e s o f t h e v i r t u a l w o r l d . / p > p > 0 0 D . T h e y d o n t t a k e s i d e s i n a n a l y z i n g t h e e f f e c t s o f t h e I n t e r n e t . / p >。
2014年12月四级考题答案
抱歉，阅读第一大题（P5）最左边的单词第一个字母没有印出来，分别为pollutants, eagles, part, people, dangerous, shower, environmental, State, while, typical, conducted, cans, in, Commonweal, issue2014年12月四级考试参考答案1-5:AADDB 6—10:BACDB 11-15:ABCDA16-20 CADAC 21-25 BABDC26.familiar 27. put forward 28. caution29. live with 30. alternatives 31.ignore32. participated 33. in need of 34. focus only on35. judgments36.N 37.O 38.I 39.K 40.J41.M 42.H 43.L 44.C 45.B46.F 47. I48. D 49. O 50. K 51. B52. H53. C 54. L 55. G56.【B 】Whether local bike shops will suffer. (细节定位题)定位到第一段前两句57.【C】It saw its bike sales on the rise.(细节定位题)根据大写人名Gotham定位在第一段的第三行58. 【B】Its customers have been drawn away by Citi Banks.(细节定位题)根据大写名词Frank’s Bike Shop定位到原文第二段第三行59. 【A】Inexperienced riders might break biking rules.(细节定位题)根据题干关键词定位到文章第五段第三句60. 【D】Approving.(态度题)根据题干关键词定位在最后一段。
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案第一套
2014年12月英语四级真题及答案第一套Part I Writing ( 30 minutes) Directions: For this part, .you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay abouta campus activity that has benefited you most. You should write at least120 words but No more than 180 words.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
Part ⅡListening Comprehension ( 30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A．, B．, C． andD．, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2014年12月英语四级仔细阅读真题(总三套题)及答案
2014年12月四级真题（第1套）第一套：Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history,comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet's tremendous impact has only just begun. "Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,"Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book, The New Digital Age.Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But ff the book has one major shortcoming, it's that the authors don't spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these sweeping changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes--and more importantly predicts--how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities,one physical, and one virtual. At the core of the book is the idea that"technology is neutral, but people aren't." By using this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy (对立观点) that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they're also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance (监视).注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
2014年12月大学英语四级阅读练习题及答案
Questions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage． Until recently,I had liale idea what palm oil(棕榈油)is and why some people consider it one of the most controversial ingredients found in nearly half of our supermarket products．But when I found out why people were upset，1 was moved to take action． The Southeast Asian country of Indonesia is the world’s biggest exporter of palm oil，which has been both a blessing and a curse．It's a massive industry,providing income for thousands of workers，but palm oilis also the largest driver of the mass destruction of Indonesia’s rain forests．The consequences of this destruction are significant：the loss of biodiversity,conflicts with communities who depend on the forest for their own livelihoods，and increasing emissions of greerthouse gases that cause climate change． Forests are home to countless species．There are as few as 400 Sumatran tigers left in Indonesia,and their time on earth is running out．Greenpeace has released research showing that the expansion of oil palm and pulpwood plantations was responsible for nearly two-thirds of the destruction of Sumatran tiger habitat from 2009 to 20 11．Sumatrantigers，forced to flee from the destruction of their homes,also find themselves in direct contact with humans．Many are killed or maimed as local residents try to protect themselves from the scared animals． The decline of Sumatlan tigers is a measure of the loss of rain forest，biodiversity and also climate stability．If the tigers disappear,then we are facing all environmentA. tragedy． If you eat chocolate，wash your hair or your clothes，there’s a good chance you are being made a part of this cycle of destruction．And not by choice．Palm oil can and must make a genuine contribution to Indonesia and its people．And part of the solution rests with global brands that make the products we consume daily．Palm oil that results from forest destruction is traded around the world．But together we can say enough is enough．It’s time big brands guarantee you and me that forest destruction is not a part of their products．We are all a part of the future，and together we can ensure these magnificent animals are．too．56．Why is the great export of palm oil both a blessing and a curse?A.Because every coin has two sides，without the exception of export of palm oil．B.Because it is both a stimulation of economy increase and climate warming．C.Because it both makes contribution to climate improvement and economy decline．D.Because it is both the driver of large income and huge destruction of forests．57．Which one is not included in the negative consequences of rain forests destruction?A.The dramatic decrease of biological diversity in rain forests．B.Huge profits benefit from the great exportation of palm oil．C.Frequent clashes with people who live on those rain forests．D. Increasing release of a great deal of greenhouse gases．58．What is responsible for the destruction of Sumatlan tiger habitat?A. People who killed or maimed those scared animals．B.People who cut down the rain forests in abundance．C.The extension of oil palm and pulpwood cultivation．D. The loss of lain forests owing to palm plantations．59．What advice does the author give to the productive process of global brands?A.Global brands should not be at cost of forest destruction．B.They should guarantee the protection of lain forests．C.They should pay attention to law materials of products．D、They should not demand anything from rain forests．60．What is the attitude of author to plentiful palm oil production?A.Critical．B.Positive．C.Partial．D.Negative． Questions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage Room for all，for now． But there are signs that the sharing site(住房分享站)is starting to threaten budget hotels．Even as they lobby regulators to crack down on residential sharing services，hoteliers play down the threat such companies pose to their industry．The top brass at the Four Seasons and Hilton chains have all said that these firms do not compete for their core market；a vice-president of The Ritz-Carlton group recently claimed she had not even heard of Airbnb．And Airbnb itself agrees，arguing that it does not displace existing lodging but is creating new demand．“I’m optimistic that there isn’t going to be a war”with hotels．Brian Chesky,its boss，said in January． A recent study seems to confirm that，for now at least，Airbnb is only nibbling at influence from Airbnb on business and luxury hotels．But in places where it has established a presence，it cut the revenues of budget hotels by 5％in the two years to December 2013． If Airbnb were to keep growing at its current rate，the Texas study suggests that by 20 1 6 the dent in budgethotels’takings will be 10％．Wim their high fixed costs，that could push many ofthem into the red．of course．Airbnb may hit me limits of either supply or demand before then，but smaller hotels are already blaming it for their woes．“I see a directcorrelation between our revenues going down and Airbnb’s going up，”says Vijay Dandapani，the president of Apple Core Hotels in New York．“We had continued growth until Airbnb．”The financing round that Airbnb has iust closed，valuing it at more than all but the four largest global hotel groups，suggests that investors agree． Concur,a travel-and expense-management firm．has seen its corporate clients’Airbnb bookings grow from a rounding error at the start of 2012 to more than lmillion so far this year．If Airbnb can integrate with online travel agencies such as Expedia and increase the share of its hosts that provide instant booking coniirmation．business hotels may find themselves with a surprisingly unignorable competitor．61．What is the reaction of other competitors to the appearance of Airbnb?A. They highlight the threat it poses to their industries．B.They never pay attention to this unworthy competitor．C.They did not obviously worry about the appearance of Airbnb．D.TheY are optimistic about their close cooperation in future．62．What does the Texas study show about the future ofAirbnb in Para．47A.Airbnb will never swallow the whole of hotel industry’s lunch．B. Airbnb may threaten the status of luxury and business hotels．C.Airbnb had cut a great deal of the revenues of budget hotels．D. Airbnb probably has a bright future among its competitors．63．What can we infer from the statements ofPara．57A. Airbnb will become a powerful competitor in the future market．B. Airbnb should be responsible for the woe of smA.ler hotels．C.Airbnb’s going up correlates with others’going down．D.Airbnb would capture 10％takings ofbudget hotels by 2016．64．What can Airbnb do to be a surprisingly unignorable competitor?A.Willingly collaborating with the four largest global hotel groups．B. Cooperating with online travel agencies and increasing the share of its hosts．C.Beating against all the potential rivals to gain its market shares．D.Expanding its online bookings by the help of online travel agencies．65．What’s the meaning of“Room for all．for now．”?A. Everyone will have a private room as soon as possible．B. The online travel agencies will offer us a room quickly．C.It is quite convenient for people to book rooms on sharing site．D. The information on sharing site is useful for us to book rooms．56．Why is the great export ofpalm oil both a blessing and a curse?为什么说棕榈油的出⼝既是福⾳⼜是诅咒?A.Because every coin has two sides，without the exception ofexport ofpalm oil．因为事物都具有两⾯性，棕榈油也不例外。
2014年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第1套)
2014年12月四级真题〔第1套〕注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
Part ⅡListening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A．, B．, C． andD．, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
1. A． The woman is fussy about the cleanness of the apartment.B． He has not cleaned the apartment since his mother's visit.C． He does not remember when his mother canoe over.D． His mother often helps him to clean the apartment.2. A． The bus stop is only two minutes' walk.B． The nmning made him short of breath.C． They might as well take the next bus.D． The woman is late by a couple of minutes.3. A． She is suffering a pain in her neck.B． She is likely to replace Miss Smith.C． She has to do extra work for a few days.D． She is quite sick of working overtime.4. A． Change her job.B． Buy a dishwasher.C． Open a flower shop.D． Start her own business.5. A． He forgot where he had left the package.B． He slipped on his way to the post office.C． He wanted to deliver the package himself.D． He failed to do what he promised to do.6. A． The speakers do not agree with each other.B． The woman does not like horror films.C． The man pays for the tickets as a rule.D． The speakers happened" to meet in the cinema.7. A． The woman is just as unlucky as the man.B． The woman is more sensitive than the man.C． The speakers share a common view on love.D． The speakers are unhappy with their marriage.8. A． Preparations for a forum.B． Participants in the forum.C． Organizers of a forum.D． Expectations of the forum.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A． France.B． Scandinavia.C． Russia.D． East Europe.10. A． More women will be promoted in the workplace.B． More women will overcome their inadequacies.C． More women will receive higher education.D． More women will work outside the family.11. A． Try hard to protect women's rights.B． Educate men to respect women more.C． Help women acquire more professional skills.D． Spend more time changing women's attitudes.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A． In a restaurant.B． In a hotel lobby.C． At the man's office.D． At the woman's place.13. A． He is the chief designer of the latest bike model.B． He has completed an overseas market survey.C． He is the Managing Director of Jayal Motors.D． He has just come back from a trip to Africa.14. A． To select the right model.B． To get a good import agent.C． To convince the board members.D． To cut down production costs.15. A． His flexibility.B． His vision.C． His intelligence.D． His determination.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hoar 3 short passages. At tho end of each passage, you will hoar some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose tho best answer from tho four choices marked A．, B．, C．andD．. Then mark tho corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through tho centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2014年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第1套)
2014年12月四级真题（第1套）注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
Part ⅡListening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A．, B．, C． andD．, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
1. A． The woman is fussy about the cleanness of the apartment.B． He has not cleaned the apartment since his mother's visit.C． He does not remember when his mother canoe over.D． His mother often helps him to clean the apartment.2. A． The bus stop is only two minutes' walk.B． The nmning made him short of breath.C． They might as well take the next bus.D． The woman is late by a couple of minutes.3. A． She is suffering a pain in her neck.B． She is likely to replace Miss Smith.C． She has to do extra work for a few days.D． She is quite sick of working overtime.4. A． Change her job.B． Buy a dishwasher.C． Open a flower shop.D． Start her own business.5. A． He forgot where he had left the package.B． He slipped on his way to the post office.C． He wanted to deliver the package himself.D． He failed to do what he promised to do.6. A． The speakers do not agree with each other.B． The woman does not like horror films.C． The man pays for the tickets as a rule.D． The speakers happened" to meet in the cinema.7. A． The woman is just as unlucky as the man.B． The woman is more sensitive than the man.C． The speakers share a common view on love.D． The speakers are unhappy with their marriage.8. A． Preparations for a forum.B． Participants in the forum.C． Organizers of a forum.D． Expectations of the forum.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A． France.B． Scandinavia.C． Russia.D． East Europe.10. A． More women will be promoted in the workplace.B． More women will overcome their inadequacies.C． More women will receive higher education.D． More women will work outside the family.11. A． Try hard to protect women's rights.B． Educate men to respect women more.C． Help women acquire more professional skills.D． Spend more time changing women's attitudes.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A． In a restaurant.B． In a hotel lobby.C． At the man's office.D． At the woman's place.13. A． He is the chief designer of the latest bike model.B． He has completed an overseas market survey.C． He is the Managing Director of Jayal Motors.D． He has just come back from a trip to Africa.14. A． To select the right model.B． To get a good import agent.C． To convince the board members.D． To cut down production costs.15. A． His flexibility.B． His vision.C． His intelligence.D． His determination.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hoar 3 short passages. At tho end of each passage, you will hoar some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose tho best answer from tho four choices marked A．, B．, C．andD．. Then mark tho corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through tho centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
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2014年12月英语四级阅读练习及答案Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes) Directions: In this passage, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1.How to Buy a Used CarNearly everybody buys a used car sooner or later, as a primary vehicle or as a second car. Indeed, three out of four sales today are used cars, and they're not cheap junkers either—the average price now is $ 5500, about half what a new car costs. Make the wrong selection and a major investment can be lost the moment you drive off the lot.There is far less chance of this happening to you if you know: when to buy, where to buy, how to examine the car, how to conduct your own road test, and how to bargain over the price.When to buyShop during the day. Lighting makes cars gleam like jewels at night. In daylight they look dull, but realistic.Don't shop in the rain. It can mask liquids that might be leaking. If possible, shop in the winter when supplies are high and demand is low.Where to buyShop the suburbs. In more affluent neighbourhoods cars are more likely to have been well cared for.A private owner normally sells a car for less than a dealer does, but almost always "as is," with no guarantee. That's an acceptable risk if what you're looking for is a cheap second car to "drive to the station. "Even though a used-car dealer generally charges more, you can often get some type of limited guarantee. This is often a 50-50 plan, in which you each pay half on repairs for a period that may range from 30 days to a year. Ask the dealer about the availability of an optional service policy.Used-car dealers often claim to have gone over the car, and many have. But remember that small dealers often buy cars that are auctioned (拍卖 ) because nobody else wants them.Some experts feel that a new-car dealer is the best place to buy a secondhand car, especially if you're laying out a large sum for a late model. Some of these dealers offer extensive guarantees, such as one on the "drive train," which covers any problems with engine, transmission(变速器) ， drive shaft and differential (差速器 ). Expect to pay for this, as well as for the markup. But if you shop soon after the new models have arrived, when a dealer has a lot of trade-ins tying up his profits, he might deal. The visual examinationYou've found your dream car, and can hardly wait to get in and roar away. Wait.First, look for any flaws or ripples(划痕) in the body that might indicate a past accident. To see if a car has been repainted, look under the rubber seals around the door or under the chrome trim. Repainting may mask deep flaws.Check the odometer (计程器) for total mileage, and then compare that figure with any stickers still attached to door posts. It's illegal to change odometer readings, but it happens. If there are no stickers, bea little suspicious. Check pedals and controls: wear on these parts should agree with the mileage. If they are brand new, be suspicious. If they are worn out, beware.Check that the doors, hood and trunk all open smoothly and close with solid sound. Sight along the sides of the car from 30 feet away to be sure that the rear and front wheels line up.Look under the car for fluid leaks. Except for condensation from a working air conditioner on a hot day, no car should ever drip anything, any time.Now sit in the driver's seat and try the controls. The car should fit you—it should be comfortable. Check seat adjustment, door locks, window-raising mechanisms, horn, lights, directional signals, radio—all accessories.Start the engine. It should turn over quickly and then settle down to a rather fast idle. Give the engine a moment or two before you press the accelerator a bit. Watch for smoke from the rear. Blue smoke mightmean a complete engine overhaul (大修) , black a maladjusted carburettor (化油器). • 2 •White smoke can be.ignored if the engine is cold, but once it is warmed up, white smoke can mean a leaking head gasket (垫圈) : expensive. Reject this car.After the engine has warmed, shut it off, and then go wipe your finger inside the tailpipe (making sure it's not too hot). The residue should be whitish-gay. If you get a black, oily mark, refuse the car—it's probably an oil burner.Restart the engine and check the oil in an automatic transmission. It should be clean and clear, with no burned odor. The test drive The salesman may try to convince you that a short drive around the block is enough. Wrong. Make it clear that you plan to road test the car, and if he isn't happy with this look elsewhere.The test route you have mapped out should include dry city streets, a freeway, a hill, a bumpy road and an empty parking lot. All gauges(计量器) should read steady and normal throughout the test, especially oil pressure and engine heat. If not, don't buy the car.Drive to a traffic-free city street on your predetermined route and then accelerate smoothly to about 35 miles per hour. The automatic transmission should shift without jerking and with no noise.Slow to about 7 m. p. h. by gently applying the brakes. There should be no noise, no sharp sound or grinding. The car should slow in a straight line, with no pulling to the right or left.Pick up speed to about 15; then making certain nobody is behind you, hit the brakes hard! The car should come to an immediate stop without making noise or swerving.In an empty, level parking lot, brake to a complete stop. Shift into reverse and back up at about 4 m. p. h. , brake to a halt, shift into forward, etc. Do this four or five times to test the transmission. All shifting should be smooth, with no noise or hesitation.Accelerate up a hill to about 40 m. p. h. The car should not labour. If it does, you could have a rotten transmission. Go back down the hill.Stop halfway, shift into neutral and set the parking brake. The car should remain stationary when you take your foot off the brake pedal.Drive the car over the bumpy road, up a hill, and on the highway. Rarely will a car be perfect. However by now you should have a pretty good idea what needs to be done. How to bargainUse what you've learned from the visual exam, test drive and outside mechanic to get the price down. Have a maximum figure in mind, based on your inspection and on current prices from a used-car guide. Start your bidding lower than that. When you have nearly arrived at a price, get the seller to throw in certain repairs. It may be cheaper for him than further price cuts.1. Following the instructions here will help you make a good selection when buying a used car.2. Winter is a good time for purchasing a car because there is little rain in winter.3. You are more likely to pay less to a private owner for a car of poor quality.4. Refuse the car if you find any signs of a past accident in the visual examination.5. Don't buy the car if there is white smoke coming out of the rear because it is probably an oil burner.6. At certain speeds in the tests, a good car should not make any noise when the driver brakes either hard or gently.7. If you are patient and careful enough, you will certainly find a perfect used car.8. The last step before you make a decision to buy a car is______.9. Besides all gauges, the two very important systems mainly examined in the test drive are______.10. According to some experts, the best place to buy a second-hand car is______.答案：I. Y 2. N 3. Y 4. NG 5. N 6. Y 7. N8. to bargain over the price 9. brake and transmission 10. a new-car dealer。