2014年大学英语四级考试模拟试题2
2014年大学英语四级综合考试试题(作文和翻译)(二)
大学英语四级综合考试试题(作文和翻译)(二)一、Writing （本大题1小题．每题106.0分，共106.0分。
For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a composition . You should write at least 100 words, and base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below: ）第1题Directions: For this part, you are required to write a short passage about How to Be Likable in Social Life in several paragraphs. The composition should be about 120-150 words.你的作文应包含如下要点：(1)在社交生活中人人都渴望被人喜欢。
(2)要想叫人喜欢，你必须具备什么素质?How to Be Likable in Social Life【正确答案】：How to Be Likable in Social LifeWhether you are climbing the career ladder or just endeavoring to get through collegiate courses, I bet you desire to be likable in social life. To achieve this, however, you need to develop the qualities that the likable people share with one another.First of all, you need to make a strong connection to your "best self". The stronger connection you have to your best self now, the greater attraction you will hold to others. Secondly, you need to find in yourself as much grace and virtue in common with others as possible. Thirdly, you need to be optimistic. The quality of being optimistic enables you to seek opportunity for those stuck in straits. Last, certainly not the least, you need to cultivate the ability to make others comfortable.To sum up, the qualities of being at your best, sharing common ground with others, being optimistic, and keeping others comfortable, as mentioned above, will place you on the way to being the kind of person others enjoy being around.二、Translation（本大题5小题．每题7.0分，共35.0分。
2014年12月年大学英语四级(CET-4)考试真题(第二套)
2014年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第2套)Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a course that has impressed you most in college. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1.A)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 going to Jane^ house-warming party.2.A)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.3.A)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.4.A)The date of Carl’s wedding.C) A significant event in July.B)The birthday of Carl’s bride.D) Preparations for a wedding.5.A)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.6.A)The woman is a marvelous cook. C) The man has to leave in half an hour.B)The woman has just bought an oven. D) The man cannot wait for his meal.7.A)How she can best help the man. C) What items sell well in the store.B)Where the man got the bad news. D) Whether the man can keep his job.8.A)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.9.A) He teaches in a law school. C) He is a diplomat.B)He loves classical music. D) He is a wonderful lecturer.10. A) Went to see a play. C) Took some photos.B) Watched a soccer game. D) Attended a dance.11. A) 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.12.A) Editor. C) Journalist.B)Teacher. D) Typist.13.A) The beautiful Amazon rainforests. C) Big changes in the Amazon valley.B) A new railway under construction. D) In a local evening paper.14.A) In news weeklies. C) In a local evening paper.B) In newspapers5 Sunday editions. D) In overseas editions of U. S. magazines.15.A) To be employed by a newspaper. C) To sell her articles to a news service.B) To become a professional writer. 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 1 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneSection 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.than a few years.[I] In a survey of older workers who were laid off during the recession, just one in six had found another job, and half of that group had accepted pay cuts. 14% of the re-employed said the pay in their new job was less than half what they earned in their previous job. “I just say to myself：‘ Why me? What have I done to deserve this?’ ’’ said John Agati， 56，whose last full-time job, as a product developer, ended four years ago when his employer went out of business. That position paid $90,000, and his resume lists jobs at companies like American Express, Disney and USA Networks. Since being laid off, though, he has worked a series of part-time, low-wage, temporary positions, including selling shoes at Lord & Taylor and making sales calls for a car company.[J] The last few years have taken a toll not only on his family’s finances, but also on his feelings of self- worth. “You just get sad,” Mr. Agati said. “I see people getting up in the morning, going out to their careers and going home. I just wish I was doing that. Some people don’t like their jobs, or they have problems with their jobs, but at least they’re working. I just wish I was in their shoes.” He said he cannot afford to go back to school, as many younger people without jobs have done. Even if he could afford it, economists say it is unclear whether older workers like him benefit much from more education.[K] “It just doesn’t make sense to offer retraining for people 55 and older,” said Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor. “Discrimination by age, long-term unemployment, and the fact that they’ve now at the end of the hiring queue just don’t make it sensible to invest in them.”[L] Many displaced older workers are taking this message to heart and leaving the labor force entirely. The share of older people applying for Social Security early rose quickly during the recession as people sought whatever income they could find. The penalty they will pay is permanent, as retirees who take benefits at age 62 will receive as much as 30% less in each months check for the rest of their lives than they would if they had waited until full retirement age (66 for those born after 1942).[M] Those not yet qualified for Social Security are increasingly applying for another, comparable kind of income support that often goes to people who expect never to work again：disability benefits. More than one in eight people in their late 50 s is now on some form of federal disability insurance program, according to Professor Mark Duggan at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.[N] The very oldest Americans, of course, were battered by some of the same ill winds that tormented (折磨）those now nearing retirement, but at least the most senior were cushioned by a more readily available social safety net. More important, in a statistical twist, they may have actually benefited from the financial crisis in the most fundamental way: longer lives.[O] Death rates for people over 65 have historically fallen during recessions, according to a November 2011 study by economists at the University of California, Davis. Why? The researchers argue that weak job markets push more workers into accepting relatively undesirable work at nursing homes, leading to better care for residents.46.Greater mobility puts younger people at an advantage in seeking new jobs.47.Many of the older workers laid off during the recession had to accept lower pay in their new jobs.48.Those who lose their jobs shortly before retirement age live a shorter-than-average life.49.Seniors at nursing homes could benefit from the weak job market.50.Age discrimination in employment makes it pointless retraining older workers.51.According to recent reports and data analyses, boomers suffer most from the weak economy.52.Unemployed boomers are at a disadvantage in job-hunting because employers tend to hire younger workers.53.People in their fifties and early sixties bear the heaviest family burdens.54.People who take benefits from Social Security before official retirement age will get much less for the restof their lives.55.Older workers5 choice of jobs can be limited because of disability.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.New Yorkers are gradually getting used to more pedaling (骑车的) passengers on those shining blue Citi Bikes. But what about local bike shops? Is Citi Bike rolling up riders at their expense?At Gotham Bikes in Tribeca, manager W. Ben said the shop has seen an increase in its overall sales due to the bike-share program. “ It’s getting more people on the road,’’ he said. James Ryan, an employee at Danny’s Cycles in Gramercy also said Citi Bike is a good option for people to ease into biking in a city famed for its traffic jams and aggressive 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. 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 Citi Bike was rolled out last month. Arroyo’s main rental customers are European tourists, who have since been drawn away by Citi Bikes.However, 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.Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. just north of Christopher St. , said initially he was concerned about bike-share, though, he admitted, “ I was happy to see people on bikes.”Farrell’s early concerns were echoed by Andrew Crooks, owner of NYC Velo, at 64 Second Ave. “It seemed like a great idea, but one that would be difficult to implement,” Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried about inexperienced riders’ lack of awareness of biking rules and strong negative reaction from non-cyclists. However, he said, ifs still too early to tell if his business has been impacted.While it’s possible bike-share will cause a drop in business, Crooks allowed that the idea is a positive step forward for New 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 the bike-share program?A) It found its bike sales unaffected.C) It saw its bike sales on the rise.B) It shifted its business to rentals.D) It rented more bikes to tourists.58.Why is the bike-share program bad news for Franks Bike Shop?A)It cannot meet the demand of the bike-share program.B)Its customers have been drawn away by Citi Bikes.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?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.60.What is the general attitude of local bike shops towards Citi Bike?A) Wait-and-see. B) Negative.C) Indifferent.D) Approving.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Various studies have shown that increased spending on education has not led to measurable improvements in learning. Between 1980 and 2008, staff and teachers at US 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.Some simplistically attribute the decline in our public education system to the drain of 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 underperforming students who were thrown out of public schools and went to private ones.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. Womens liberation opened up new professional opportunities for women, and, over time, some of the best left teaching as a career option, bringing about a gradual decline in the quality of schooling.Also around that time, regulations, government, and unions came to dictate pay, prevent adjustments, and introduce bureaucratic (官僚的）standard for advancement. Large education bureaucracies and unions came to dominate the landscape, confusing activity with achievement. Bureaucrats regularly rewrite curriculums, talk nonsense about theories of education, and require ever more administrators. The end result has been that, after all the spending, students have worse math and reading skills than both their foreign peers 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 teachers.62.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 schools.C)Qualified teachers are far from adequately paid.D)Training of students, basic skills is neglected.63. What was a significant contributor to the past glory of public schools?A)Well-behaved students.C)Talented women teachers.B)Efficient administration.D)Generous pay for teachers.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 administrators.Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国的互联网社区是全世界发展最快的。
2014年英语模拟试卷二答案
2014年英语模拟试卷（二）参考答案Part I阅读理解1~5 CABAD 6~10 B A B A B 11~15 B C D C A 16~20 D CABCPart II 词汇语法21~25 A A C B C 26~30 D A C D B 31~35 C B B D D 36~40 C D A A D41~45 C D C D A 46~50 B D B D A 51~55 C C A C C 56~60 B A A B APart III 完形填空61~65 D B B C C 66~70 B A A D C 71~75 A C B D C 76~80 B A B A DPart IV TranslationSection A81. 读者在不同的心情下看分类广告，同样的看别的报纸也是如此，这是很显然的。
82. 调查就是一种研究,一般以采访或调查问卷的形式,它可以提供有关人们所思所为的信息。
83. 因此,当地人民可以通过各种各样的工作来挣钱,比如：接待员,厨师,清洁工或服务员。
84. 研究行为与结果之间的关系的行为主义者认为：奖励能提高工作和学习表现。
85. 在低年级阶段，使用所谓的“奖赏制度”，即让学生处理有挑战性的问题然后收到基于其表现的分值对应的奖励，这种做法在培养孩子创造力和积极性方面很有效果，德拉维尔的心理学家宣称。
Section B86. It was essential that we (should) accomplish this task by the end of the month.87. The more careful you are, the fewer mistakes you will make in the process of taking exams.88. Barely has she fallen asleep when a knock at the door awakened her.89 . The victim would have survived if he had been taken to hospital in time.90. What surprised me was not what he said but the way he said it.Part V Writing 参考范文Should Food Be Banned on the Subway?Currently, some cities are considering a food ban on subways, which has sparked heated discussion. Some people say food should be banned because of the trash and rats they attract. And, garbage from discarded food can cause track fires. Beyond sanitary and mechanical concerns, food can also cause fights, as was discovered last week by one passenger who criticized a woman eating steamed stuffed bun on the subway.However, some others are opposed to the idea. They argue that people like eating in the train in the morning because they don't have enough time to eat at their houses or restaurants. Sometimes that may be the only time or meal a transit rider may be able to eat especially when traveling long distances. Besides, there are people, for example diabetics, who do require food at various times to maintain blood-sugar levels.Personally, I'm against the ban because of the huge inconvenience it would cause to commuters, and the expense involved in enforcing it. Still, I believe we should have a little common courtesy.I think we all have responsibility to try to treat our subway system and fellow riders with respect, and that extends to food as well.。
2014年6月大学英语四级真题试卷(二)(题后含答案及解析)
2014年6月大学英语四级真题试卷（二）(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. 4. Reading Comprehension 5. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following question. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your campus, what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?正确答案：Culture Square I am excited to hear that you are coming to visit my campus and cannot wait to express my welcome. Hereby I’d like to recommend to you the culture square on the campus, which is of great interest and enjoyment to give it a try. The culture square is the heaven for students where you can see colorful activities organized to add extra pleasure to students’monotonous routine. Besides, you are always free to engage yourself in any of these activities that fascinate you. I am quite confident that you’ll find it beneficial to communicate and interact with other students. Moreover, as a major part of the campus culture, the culture square offers whoever wants to get an insight into the campus an opportunity to know better the campus culture. In a word, the culture square, a world full of vigor and vitality, a window through which you can get a big picture of the campus, is definitely a place worth visiting. I’m sure you’ll have fun. Look forward to seeing you soon in the culture square.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A听力原文：M: Did you buy any of the sweaters that were on sale?W: Buy any? I got five of them. They were such a good bargain. Q: What does the woman say about the sweaters?2．A．They came in five different colors.B．They were good value for money.C．They were a very good design.D．They were sold out very quickly.正确答案：B解析：男士询问女士是否购买了廉价出售的毛线衣，女士说买了五件，很划算。
2014年大学英语四级模拟试题含答案
2014年大学英语四级模拟试题含答案听力部分短对话1. D) providing good education for baby boomers。
2. D) Students’performance declined。
3. D) They are mostly small in size。
4. D) Some large schools have split up into smaller ones。
5. C) their college-level test participation。
6. B) Their school performance was getting worse。
7. A) maintain closer relationships with their teachers。
8. Simplicity9. different measures10. tough subjects11.M: As you can see from the drawings, the kitchen has one door into the dining room, another into the family room and a third to the outside。
W: The door into the family room isn’t big enough. Could it be made wider?Q: What are the speakers doing?【答案】D) Discussing a housing plan。
此题为简单的推理题。
从drawing，kitchen等关键词可知，两人正在看房间的图纸，并讨论希望family room能够再大点。
12.M: I’m thinking about where to go for a bite tonight. Any suggestions, Barbara?W: Well, how about the French restaurant near the KFC? Frankly, I’ve had enough of our canteen food。
2014年12月大学英语四级真题试卷(二)(题后含答案及解析)
2014年12月大学英语四级真题试卷（二）(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. 4. Reading Comprehension 5. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a course that has impressed you most in college. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.正确答案： A Course That Has Impressed Me Most in College There are a variety of courses in college which provide students with multiple options to broaden their knowledge. They can choose different courses according to their own preference.It goes without saying that students really benefit from it in many respects. As far as I am concerned, I do harvest a lot from the courses I choose. Last semester, as a junior student, I chose the course of British Literature which has impressed me most. In the first place, I was deeply charmed by the scholarly image of the professor for this course—his broad range of knowledge and unusual but interesting teaching method.In the second place, my vision has been definitely broadened by this course. Apart from the basic knowledge in our textbook, I have also learnt something practical and got an in-depth understanding of Britain. Last but not least, this course has aroused my enthusiasm for studying English well. This will help perfect my knowledge system. In general, I am satisfied with the broad range of courses offered by my college.And I am glad to have chosen the course of British Literature. It surely has a great effect on me.解析：一、描述现象：大学课程丰富(a variety of courses。
2014年12月英语四级真题试卷(第2套)
2014年12月英语四级考试真题试卷（2）Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a course that has impressed you most in college. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________Part II Listening Comprehension(30 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2014年6月年大学英语四级考试真题(卷二)
2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（二）梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（第2套）Part I Writing(30minutes) Directions：Forthispart,youareallowed30minutestowriteashort essayonthefollowingquestion.Youshouldwriteatleast120wordsbut no morethan180words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your campus,what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?Part II Listening Comprehension(30minutes) SectionADirections：Inthissection,youwillhear8shortconversationsand2longconversations.Attheendofeachconversation,oneormorequestionswill beaskedaboutwhatwassaid.Both theconversation andthequestionswillbespokenonlyonce.Aftereachquestiontherewill bea pause.During the pause,you must read the four choices marked A),B),C)and D),and decide which is the best answer.Thenmarkthecorrespondingletter on Answer Sheet1witha singleline throughthecentre.1.A)They came in five different colors.C)They were a very good design.They were good value for money.D)They were sold out very quickly.2.A)Ask her roommate not to speak loudly on the phone.Ask her roommate to make her phone calls outside.Go and find a quieter place to review her lessons.Report her problem to the dorm management.3.A)The washing machine is totally beyond repair.He will help Wendy prepare her annual report.Wendy should give priority to writing her report.The washing machine should be checked annually.4.A)The man fell down when removing the painting.The wall will be decorated with a new painting.The woman likes the painting on the wall.The painting is now being refrained.5.A)It must be missing.C)The man took it to the market.It was left in the room.D)She placed it on the dressing table.6.A)Go to a play.C)Book some tickets.Meet Janet.D)Have a get-together.7.A)One box of books is found missing.C)Replacements have to be ordered.Some of the boxes arrived too late.D)Some of the books are damaged.8.A)The man will pick up Professor Johnson at her office.The man did not expect his paper to be graded so soon.Professor Johnson has given the man a very high grade.Professor Johnson will talk to each student in her office.Questions9to11arebased ontheconversation youhavejust heard.9.A)To buy a present for his friend who is getting married.To find out the cost for a complete set of cookware.To see what he could ask his friends to buy for him.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人To make inquiries about the price of an electric cooker.10.A)To teach him how to use the kitchenware.To discuss cooking experiences with him.To tell him how to prepare delicious dishes.)To recommend suitable kitchenware to him.11.A)There are so many different sorts of knives.Cooking devices are such practical presents.A mixer can save so much time in making cakes.)Saucepans and frying pans are a must in the kitchen.Questions12to15arebased ontheconversation you havejust heard.12.A)Some new problems in her work.C)Her chance for promotion in the bank.Cooperation with an international bank.D)Her intention to leave her present job.13.A)The World Bank.C)A US finance corporation.Bank of Washington.D)An investment bank in New York.14.A)Supervising financial transactions.Taking charge of public relations.Making loans to private companies in developing countries.)Offering service to international companies in the United States.15.A)It is a first major step to realizing the woman’s dream.It is an honor for the woman and her present employer.It is a loss for her current company.)It is really beyond his expectation.Section BDirections：In this section,you will hear3short passages.At the end of each passage,you will hear some questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C),andD).Then mark thecorresponding letteron Answer Sheet1witha singlelinethrough thecentre.PassageOneQuestions16to18are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A)Carry out a thorough checkup.C)Keep extra gas in reserve.B)Try to keep the gas tank full.D)Fill up the water tank.17.A)Attempting to leave your car to seek help.C)Running the engine every now and then.B)Opening a window a bit to let in fresh air.D)Keeping the heater on for a long time.18.A)It exhausts you physically.C)It causes you to lose body heat.B)It makes you fall asleep easily.D)It consumes too much oxygen.Passage TwoQuestions19to21are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A)They are very generous in giving gifts.C)They regard gifts as a token of friendship.B)They refuse gifts when doing business.D)They give gifts only on special occasions.20.A)They enjoy giving gifts to other people.C)They have to follow many specific rules.)They spend a lot of time choosing gifts.D)They pay attention to the quality of gifts.21A)Gift-giving plays an important role in human relationships.)We must be aware of cultural differences in giving gifts.)We must learn how to give gifts before going abroad.22014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（二）)Reading extensively makes one a better gift-giver.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40minutes)Section ADirections ：Inthissection ,thereisapassagewithtenblanks.Youarerequiredtoselectonewordforeachblankfromalistofchoicesgiveninawordbankfollowingthepassage.Readthepassagethroughcarefullybeforemakingyourchoices.Eachchoiceinthebankisidentifiedby a letter.Pleasemarkthecorrespondingletterforeachitemon Answer Sheet 2witha singlelinethroughthecentre.Youmaynot useanyof the wordsinthebank morethan once.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人Section BDirections：In thissection,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.Eachparagraph ismarked witha letter.Answer thequestions bymarkingthecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet2.TheEnd of theBook?A)Amazon,by far the largest bookseller in the country,reported on May19that it is now selling more books in its electronicKindle format than in the old paper-and-ink format.That is remarkable,considering that the Kindle has only been around for four years.E-books now account for14percent of all book sales in this country and are increasing far faster than overall book sales.E-book sales are up146percent over last year,while hardback sales increased6percent and paperbacks decreased8percent.B)Does this spell the doom of the physical book?Certainly not immediately,and perhaps not at all.What it does mean is thatthe book business will go through a transformation in the next decade or so more profound than any it has seen since Gutenberg introduced printing from moveable type in the1450s.C)Physical books will surely become much rarer in the marketplace.Mass market paperbacks,which have been declining foryears anyway,will probably disappear,as will hardbacks for mysteries,thrillers,“romance fiction,”etc.Such books,which only rarely end up in permanent collections,either private or public,will probably only be available as e-books within a few years.Hardback and trade paperbacks for“serious”nonfiction and fiction will surely last longer.Perhaps it will become the mark of an author to reckon with that he or she is still published in hard copy.D)As for children’s books,who knows?Children’s books are like dog food in that the purchasers are not the consumers,so themarket(and the marketing)is inherently strange.E)For clues to the book’s future,let’s look at some examples of technological change and see what happened to the oldtechnology.F)One technology replaces another only because the new technology is better,cheaper,or both.The greater the difference,thesooner and more thoroughly the new technology replaces the old.Printing with moveable type on paper dramatically reduced the cost of producing a book compared with the old-fashioned ones handwritten on vellum,which comes from sheepskin.A Bible—to be sure,a long book—required vellum made from300sheepskins and countless man-hours of labor.Before printing arrived,a Bible cost more than a middle-class house.There were perhaps50,000books in all of Europe in 1450.By1500there were10million.42014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（二）梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人G)But while printing quickly caused the handwritten book to die out,handwriting lingered on(继续存在)well into the16thcentury.Very special books are still occasionally produced on vellum,but they are one-of-a-kind show pieces.H)Sometimes a new technology doesn’t drive the old one out,but only parts of it while forcing the rest to evolve.The movieswere widely predicted to drive live theater out of the marketplace,but they didn’t,because theater turned out to have qualities movies could not reproduce.Equally,TV was supposed to replace movies but,again,did not.I)Movies did,however,fatally impact some parts of live theater.And while TV didn’t kill movies,it did kill second-ratepictures,shorts,and cartoons.J)Nor did TV kill edy and drama shows(“Jack Benny,“Amos and Andy,“The Shadow”)all migrated to television.But because you can’t drive a car and watch television at the same time,rush hour became radio’s prime time,while music, talk,and news radio greatly enlarged their audiences.Radio is today a very different business than in the late1940s and a much larger one.K)Sometimes old technology lingers for centuries because of its symbolic power.Mounted cavalry(骑兵)replaced the chariot(二轮战车）on the battlefield around1000BC.But chariots maintained their place in parades and triumphs right up until the end of the Roman Empire1,500years later.The sword hasn’t had a military function for a hundred years,but is still part of an officer’s full-dress uniform,precisely because a sword always symbolized“an officer and a gentleman.’’L)Sometimes new technology is a little cranky(不稳定的）at first.Television repairman was a common occupation in the 1950s,for instance.And so the old technology remains as a backup.Steamships captured the North Atlantic passenger business from sail in the1840s because of its much greater speed.But steamships didn’t lose their sails until the1880s, because early marine engines had a nasty habit of breaking down.Until ships became large enough(and engines small enough)to mount two engines side by side,they needed to keep sails.(The high cost of steam and the lesser need for speed kept the majority of the world’s ocean freight moving by sail until the early years of the20th century.)M)Then there is the fireplace.Central heating was present in every upper-and middle-class home by the second half of the 19th century.But functioning fireplaces remain to this day a powerful selling point in a house or apartment.I suspect the reason is a deep-rooted love of fire.Fire was one of the earliest major technological advances for humankind,providing heat, protection,and cooked food(which is much easier to eat and digest).Human control of fire goes back far enough(over a million years)that evolution could have produced a genetic leaning towards fire as a central aspect of human life.N)Books—especially books the average person could afford—haven’t been around long enough to produce evolutionary change in humans.But they have a powerful hold on many people nonetheless,a hold extending far beyond their literary content.At their best,they are works of art and there is a tactile(触觉的）pleasure in books necessarily lost in e-book versions.The ability to quickly thumb through pages is also lost.And a room with books in it induces,at least in some,a feeling not dissimilar to that of a fire in the fireplace on a cold winter’s night.O)For these reasons I think physical books will have a longer existence as a commercial product than some currently predict.Like swords,books have symbolic power.Like fireplaces,they induce a sense of comfort and warmth.And,perhaps, similar to sails,they make a useful backup for when the lights go out.Authors still published in printed versions will be considered important ones.Some people are still in favor of printed books because of the sense of touch they can provide.The radio business has changed greatly and now attracts more listeners.Contrary to many peopled prediction of its death,the film industry survived.Remarkable changes have taken place in the book business.Old technology sometimes continues to exist because of its reliability.The increase of e-book sales will force the book business to make changes not seen for centuries.A new technology is unlikely to take the place of an old one without a clear advantage.Paperbacks of popular literature are more likely to be replaced by e-books.A house with a fireplace has a stronger appeal to buyers.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人Section CDirections：Thereare2passagesin thissection.Each passage isfollowed by somequestions or unfinishedstatements.For each of them thereare four choices marked A),B),C)and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet2witha singlelinethrough thecentre.PassageOneQuestions56to60are based on the following passage.The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education isn’t an either/or proposition(命题),although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM(science,technology, engineering,maths)-related fields can make it seem that way.The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training,but also asserts that the study of the humanities(人文学科）and social sciences must remain central components of America’s educational system at all levels. Both areas are critical to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society,become innovative(创新的）leaders,and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates,job prospects as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs.Under these circumstances,it’s natural to look for what may appear to be the most“practical”way out of the problem:“Major in a subject designed to get you a job”seems the obvious answer to some,though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as“soft”often,in fact,lead to employment and success in the long run.Indeed,according to surveys,employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well,think critically,research creatively,and communicate easily.Moreover,students should be prepared not just for their first job,but for their4th and5th jobs,as there’s little reason to doubt that people entering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers. The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible.The ability to draw upon every available tool and insight—picked up from science,arts,and technology—to solve the problems of the future,and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves,will be helpful to them and the United States.What does the latest congressional report suggest?A)STEM-related subjects help students find jobs in the information society.B)The humanities and STEM subjects should be given equal importance.C)The liberal arts in higher education help enrich students’spiritual life.D)Higher education should be adjusted to the practical needs of society.What is the main concern of students when they choose a major?A)Their interest in relevant subjects.C)The quality of education to receive.B)The academic value of the courses.D)Their chances of getting a good job.What does the author say about the so-called soft subjects?A)They benefit students in their future life.B)They broaden students’range of interests.C)They improve students’communication skills.D)They are essential to students’healthy growth.What kind of job applicants do employers look for?A)Those who have a strong sense of responsibility.B)Those who are good at solving practical problems.C)Those who are likely to become innovative leaders.D)Those who have received a well-rounded education.What advice does the author give to college students?A)Seize opportunities to tap their potential.C)Prepare themselves for different job options.62014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（二）梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人B)Try to take a variety of practical courses.D)Adopt a flexible approach to solving problems. PassageTwoQuestions61to65are based on the following passage.Energy independence.It has a nice ring to it,doesn’t it?If you think so,you’re not alone,because energy independence has been the dream of American presidents for decades,and never more so than in the past few years,when the most recent oil price shock has been partly responsible for kicking off the great recession.“Energy independence”and its rhetorical(修辞的）companion“energy security”are,however,slippery concepts that are rarely thought through.What is it we want independence from,exactly?Most people would probably say that they want to be independent from imported oil.But there are reasons that we buy all that oil from elsewhere.The first reason is that we need it to keep our economy running.Yes,there is a trickle(涓涓细流）of biofuel（生物燃料）available,and more may become available,but most biofuels cause economic waste and environmental destruction.Second,Americans have basically decided that they don’t really want to produce all their own oil.They value the environmental quality they preserve over their oil imports from abroad.Vast areas of the United States are off-limits to oil exploration and production in the name of environmental protection.To what extent are Americans really willing to endure the environmental impacts of domestic energy production in order to cut back imports?Third,there are benefits to trade.It allows for economic efficiency,and when we buy things from places that have lower production costs than we do,we benefit.And although you don’t read about this much,the United States is also a large exporter of oil products,selling about2million barrels of petroleum products per day to about90countries.There is no question that the United States imports a great deal of energy and,in fact,relies on that steady flow to maintain its economy.When that flow is interrupted,we feel the pain in short supplies and higher prices.At the same time,we derive massive economic benefits when we buy the most affordable energy on the world market and when we engage in energy trade around the world.What does the author say about energy independence for America?A)It sounds very attractive.C)It will bring oil prices down.B)It ensures national security.D)It has long been everyone’s dream.What does the author think of biofuels?A)They keep America’s economy running healthily.B)They prove to be a good alternative to petroleum.C)They do not provide a sustainable energy supply.D)They cause serious damage to the environment.Why does America rely heavily on oil imports?A)It wants to expand its storage of crude oil.B)Its own oil reserves are quickly running out.C)It wants to keep its own environment intact.D)Its own oil production falls short of demand.What does the author say about oil trade?A)It proves profitable to both sides.C)It makes for economic prosperity.B)It improves economic efficiency.D)It saves the cost of oil exploration.What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?A)To justify America’s dependence on oil imports.B)To arouse Americans’awareness of the energy crisis.C)To stress the importance of energy conservation.D)To explain the increase of international oil trade.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人Part IV Translation(30minutes) Directions：Forthispart,youareallowed30minutestotranslateapassagefromChineseintoEnglish.Youshouldwriteyouransweron Answer Sheet2.中国教育工作者早就认识到读书对于国家的重要意义。
2014年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第2套)
2014年12月四级真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay about a course thathas impressed you most in college.You should state the reasons and write at least120words but no more than180words.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
Part IIListening Comprehension(30minutes)Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear8short conversations and2long conversations.At the end of each conversation,one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both the conversation and 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 Sheet1with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
1.A．She used to be in poor health.B．She was popular among boys.C．She was somewhat overweight.D．She didn't do well at high school.2.A．At the airport.B．In a restaurant.C．In a booking office.D．At the hotel reception.3.A．Teaching her son by herself.B．In a restaurant.C．Asking the teacher for extra help.D．Telling her son not to worry.4.A．Have a short break.B．Take two weeks off.C．Continue her work outdoors.D．Go on vacation with the man.5.A．He is taking care of his twin brother.B．Take two weeks off.C．He is worried about Rod's health.D．He has been in perfect condition.6.A．She sold all her furniture before she moved house.B．She still keeps some old furniture in her new house.C．She plans to put all her old furniture in the basement.D．She bought a new set of furniture from Italy last month.7.A．The woman wondered why the man didn't return the book.B．The woman doesn't seem to know what the book is about.C．The woman doesn't find the book useful any more.D．The woman forgot lending the book to the man.8.A．Most of the man's friends are athletes.B．Few people share the woman's opinion.C．The man doesn't look like a sportsman.D．The woman doubts the man's athletic ability.Questions9to12are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A．She has packed it in one of her bags.B．She is going to get it at the airport.C．She has probably left it in a taxi.D．She is afraid that she has lost it.10.A．It ends in winter.B．It will cost her a lot.C．It will last one week.D．It depends on the weather.11.A．The plane is taking off soon.B．The taxi is waiting for them.C．There might be a traffic jam.D．There is a lot of stuff to pack.12.A．At home.B．At the airport.C．In the man's car.D．By the side of a taxi.Questions13to15are based on the conversation you have just heard.13.A．She is thirsty for promotion.B．She wants a much higher salary.C．She is tired of her present work.D．She wants to save travel expenses.14.A．Translator.C．Language instructor.B．Travel agent.D．Environmental engineer.15.A．Lively personality and inquiring mind.B．Communication skills and team spirit.C．Devotion and work efficiency.D．Education and experience.Section BDirections:In this section,you will hear3short passages.At the end of each passage,you will hear some questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A．,B．,C．and D．.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with 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月英语四级真题(卷二)
2014年12月四级真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a course thathas impressed you most in college.You should state the reasons and write at least 120words 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 and D,and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。
2014年6月大学英语_四级考试真题_第二套_题目+答案
2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（第2套）Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following topic.You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your campus, what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each questionthere 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 onAnswer 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年大学英语四级模拟题(二)及答案
2014年大学英语四级模拟题及答案（二）Part ⅡReading Comprehension (35 minutes)Directions: There are 4 passages in this part. 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 the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage:Increasingly, over the past ten years, people—especially young people—have become aware of the need to change their eating habits, because much of the food they eat, particularly processed foods, is not good for health. Consequently,there has been a growing interest in natural foods: foods which do not contain chemical additives and which have not been affected by chemical fertilizers widely used in farming today.Natural foods, for example, are vegetables, fruit and grain which have beengrown in soil that is rich in organic matter.In simple terms, this means that the soil has been nourished by unused vegetable matter, which provides it with essential vitamins and minerals. This in itself is a natural process compared with the use of chemicals and fertilizers, the main purpose of which is to increase the amount but not the quality of foods grown in commercial farming areas.Natural foods also include animals which have been allowed to feed and move freely in healthy pastures. Compare this with what happens in the mass production of poultry: there are battery farms, for example, where thousands of chickens live crowded together in one building and are fed on food which is little better than rubbish. Chickens kept in this way are not only tasteless as food; but also produce eggs which lack important vitamins.There are other aspects of healthy eating which are now receiving increasing attention from experts on diet. Take, for example, the question of sugar. This is actually a nonessential food! Although a natural alternative, such as honey, canbe used to sweeten food if this necessary, we can in fact do without it. It isnot that sugar is harmful in itself. But it does seem to be additive: the quantitywe use has grown steadily over the last centuries and in Britain today each person consumes an average of 200 pounds a year! Yet all it does is provide us with energy, in the form of calories. There are no vitamins in it, no minerals and nofiber.It is significant that nowadays fiber is considered to be an important partof a healthy diet. In white bread, for example ,the fiber has been removed. Butit is present in unrefined flour and of course in vegetables. It is interestingto note that in countries where the national diet contains large quantities of unrefined flour and vegetables, certain diseases are comparatively rare. Hence the emphasis is placed on the eating of whole meal bread and more vegetables by modern experts on “healthy eating”.21.Which statement best expresses the main idea of this article?A) People should eat any food to keep themselves healthy and strong.B) People should eat natural foods to keep themselves healthy and strong.C) People should eat fiber foods to keep themselves healthy and strong.D) People should eat vegetables to keep themselves healthy and strong.22.“Particularly processed foods”means ____.A) foods which are particularly processed by adding chemical additivesB) foods which are particularly made by commercial farmsC) foods which are specially produced by commercial factoriesD) foods which are not specially made by adding anything23.Natural foods means ____.A) foods good for healthB) foods not good for healthC) foods such as vegetables, fruit and grain from rich organic matters soilD) crops from rich organic matters soil and meats of animals from healthy pastures24.There are no vitamins, no minerals and no fibers in ____.A) natural foods C) sugarB) animal meats D) fruit25.“Yet all it does is provide us with energy, in the form of calories.”It means ____.A) processed food provides us with energyB) natural food furnishes us with vitamins and mineralsC) sugar gives us enough energy in the form of caloriesD) fiber helps us to digest foodQuestions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage:With a tremendous roar from its rocket engine, the satellite is sent up intothe sky. Minutes later, at an altitude of 300 miles, this tiny electronic moon begins to orbit about the earth. Its radio begins to transmit an astonishing amountof information about the satellite's orbital path, the amount of radiation it detects, and the presence of meteorites. Information of all kinds races back tothe earth.No human being could possibly copy down all these facts, much less remember and organize them. But an electronic computer can.The marvel of the machine age, the electronic computer has been in use onlysince 1946. It can do simple computations—add,subtract, multiply and divide—with lighting speed and perfect accuracy. Some computers can work 500,000 times faster than any person can.Once it is given a “program”—that is, a carefully worked out set of in structions devised by a technician trained in computer language —a computer cagather a wide range of information for many purposes. For the scientist it canget information from outer space or from the depth of the ocean. In business and industry the computer prepares factory inventories, keeps track of sales trends and production needs, mails dividend checks, and makes out company payrolls. It can keep bank accounts up to date and make out electric bills. If you are planning a trip by plane, the computer will find out what to take and what space is available.Not only can the computer gather facts, it can also store them as fast as they are gathered and can pour them out whenever they are needed. The computer is really a high powered“memory”machine that “has all the answers”—or almost all.Bes ides gathering and storing information, the computer can also solve complicated problems that once took months for people to do.At times computers seem almost human. They can “read” hand printed letters, play chess, compose music, write plays and even design other computers. Is it any wonder that they are sometimes called “thinking”machines?Even though they are taking over some of the tasks that were once accomplished by our own brains, computers are not replacing us at least not yet. Our brainhas more than 10 million cells. A computer has only a few hundred thousand parts. For some time to come, then, we can safely say that our brains are at least 10,000 times more complex than a computer.How we use them is for us, not the computer, to decide.26.In the first paragraph, the author thinks an electronic computer can ____.A) copy down all the factsB) remember all the factsC) organize the facts and everythingD) copy down, remember and organize all the facts27.“Program”means ____.A) a plan of what is to be doneB) a complete show on a TV station at a fixed time tableC) a scheduled performanceD) series of coded instructions to control the operations of a computer28.The computer is a high powered “memory”machine, which ____.A) has all the ready answers —or almost all to any questionsB) can remember everythingC) can store everything and work for youD) has all the answers — or almost to all the information that has beenstored29. “Thinking”machines suggest that ____.A) they can “read”hand printed letters etcB) they really can think and do many other jobsC) they even design other computersD) they can't think, but can do something under human control30.Can computers do whatever they want to do?Why?A) Yes, because some computers can work 500,000 times faster than any person can.B) No, because they normally have a few hundred thousand parts.C) No, because human brains are at least 10000 times more complex than any computers.D) No, because how a computer works is decided by human.Questions 31 to 35 are based on the following passage:No one expressed this attitude more strongly than Noah Webster (17581843). Born near Nartford, Connecticut, he received his education at Yale College and later began to practise law. But business in this profession was slow, and he was forced to turn to teaching. As a teacher, he soon discovered that the English schoolbooks then in use were unsatisfactory, and the American Revolution reduced the supply of such books as there were. Webster therefore began to work on three simplebooks on English, a spelling book, a grammar, and a reader, and these were the first books of their kind to be published in this country. The success of the firstpart was surprisingly great. It was soon issued again under the title THE AMERICAN SPELLING BOOK, and in this form about 80 million copies were sold during thenext hundred years. From a profit of less than one cent a copy, Webster got most of his income for the rest of his life. Not only did the little book have great influence on many generations of school children, but it also had the effect or turning its author's attention to questions of language. In 1806 he produced a small dictionary,and this was followed by his greatest work, AN AMERICAN DICTIONARY OFTHE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, published in two volumes in1828. In both of these works and in many smaller writings he had one purpose: to show that the Englsih language in his country was a truly American thing, developing in its own special way and deserving to be considered from an independent, American point of view. As he himself wrote,“ It is not only important, but in a degree necessary, that the people of this country should have an AMERICAN DICTIONARY of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England…some differences exist…. No person in this country will be satisfied with the English definitions of the words congress, senate, assembly, court, and so forth, for although these are words used in England, yet they are applied in this country to express ideas which they do not express in that country.” By giving American meanings and American pronunciation, by adopting a number of American spellings, and especially by introducing quotations from American authors beside those from English literature, he was able, to a great extent, to justify the title of his work. If, after a hundred years, some people still doubt the existence of a separate American language,his efforts, nevertheless, have left a lasting mark on the language of his country.31.Webster first tried to earn his living in the field of ____.A) education C) lawB) journalism D) medicine32.Webster earned most of his money from the sale of his ____.A) dictionary of 1828 C) grammarB) spelling book D) reader33.Apparently Webster published his first books while he was a____.A) teacher C) lawyerB) student D) doctor34.This article could be entitled ____.A) Noah Webster and American English SpellingB) Noah Webster, the author of An American Dictionary of the English Lan guageC) Noah WebsterD) Noah Webster and American English Grammar35.According to the article, Webster ____.A) had created American English and its usagesB) had discovered American English and improved itC) had tried his best and left a milestone on the language of his countryD) had left a language which was not used in England.Questions 36 to 40 are based on the following passage:Once upon a time, the United States seemed to have plenty of land to go around. Plenty of rivers to dam and plenty of rural valleys left over. Plenty of space for parks and factories. Plenty of forests to cut and grasslands to plow. Butthat was once upon a time. The days of unused land are over.Now the land has been spoken for, fenced off, carved up into cities and farms and industrial parks, put to use.At the same time, the population keeps growing. People need places to work and places to play. So we need more sites for more industries, more beaches formore sunbathers, and more clean rivers for more fishers. And it isn't just a matterof population growth. Our modern technology has needs that must be met, too. We need more coal for energy, and we need more power plants; cars must have highwaysand parking lots, and jets must have airports.Each of these land uses swallows up precious space.Highways and expressways alone take some 200,000 acres each year. And urban sprawl — the spreading out of cities — is expected to gobble up vast areas of land by the year 2,000. But thereis only so much land to go around. It is always hard to decide. Take, for example, a forest. A forest can be a timber supply. It can provide a home for wildlife.It is scenery and a recreation area for man. It is soil and watershed protection.36.“…the United States seemed to have plenty of land to go around ”means that ____.A) the United States seemed to have vast land for its people to walk aroundB) the United States seemed to have enough land for sharing with everyoneC) the United States could provide whatever its inhabitents' needsD) the United States was not able to allow its people to do what they wanted to37.The sentence of “Plenty of rivers to dam and plenty of ruralvalleys left over”suggests that ____.A) the United States had a lot of rivers to dam and many rural valleys,tooB) the rivers could be damed laterC) rural valleys would be considered in the futureD) people needn't think of the rivers and valleys38.“Now the land has been spoken for, …”tells us that ____.A) today, land has shown its valuesB) now, people have said something about landC) nowadays, land has been claimed by human beingsD) recently, people spoke for the land39.The phrase of “swallows up”informed us that ____.A) these usages of land have good resultsB) these lands must be used totallyC) the precious space was taken completelyD) the precious space were eaten up40.The word “sprawl”indicates that ____.A) cities are developing very fast to meet the people's demandsB) urban areas are diminishing smoothlyC) urban areas are enlarging steadily in a planned wayD) cities are spreading out without any plansPart ⅢVocabulary and Structure (20 minutes)Directions: There are 30 incomplete sentences in this part. For eachsentence there are four choices marked A),B),C) and D). Choose the oneanswer that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.41.So frightened ____ in darkness that she did not dare to move an inch.A) was the girl C) such a girl wasB) the girl was D) that the girl was42.The students ____ the exercises, the teacher went on to explain the text.A) doing C) having doneB) did D) to do43.They talked about things and persons ____ they remembered in the school.A) who C) thatB) which D) what44.Such an obvious error ____ this would be avoided, if you were more careful.A) like C) asB) with D) of45.They remained full of hope and determination ____ their repeated failures.A) instead of C) because ofB) in search of D) in spite of46.The car ____ seventy miles per hour until it reaches the riverside at about ten o'clock tonight.A) goes C) wentB) will go D) will be going47.He kept rubbing the child until ____ he fell asleep.A) long after C) before longB) soon after D) long before48. ____ his youth and inexperience, he is not suitable for the job.A) Seeing C) Having seenB) Seen D) To see49.When you ____ the test, check your papers before you hand them in.A) will finish C) will have finishedB) are finishing D) have finished50.I am interested in ____ you have told me.A) which C) thatB) all what D) all that51.No other quality is more important for a scientist to acquire____ to observe carefully.A) as C) andB) than D) but52.They were just about to give up the question, ____ suddenly they found the answer.A) as C) whenB) while D) the moment53.It was ____ then that I came to know that knowledge comes from practice.A) until C) tillB) not until D) since54.The world's supplies of petroleum ____.A) have been gradually being exhaustedB) have gradually exhaustedC) are gradually exhaustedD) are being gradually exhausted55.Everything depends on ____ we have enough time.A) if C) whetherB) when D) that56.I'd just as soon ____ rudely to her.A) you not speak C) you didn't speakB) your not speaking D) you hadn't spoken57.The concert was so interesting that we all felt it ended ____ soon.A) but too C) veryB) only too D) too58.The roar of the crowd finally ____ to a murmur.A) reduced C) decreasedB) diminished D) cut down59.It's very discourteous to ____ during some one's conversation.A) inspect C) interfereB) interrupt D) instruct60.Sometimes even the smallest thing will upset an ____ person.A) annoyed C) irritableB) irritated D) angry61.The conversation was so interesting that we were ____ of the lateness of the hour.A) negligible C) irrelevantB) inattentive D) oblivious62.The rainbow is one of the most beautiful ____ in nature.A) phenomenon C) appearanceB) phenomena D) experience63.It is ____ that nowadays fiber is considered to be an important part of a healthy diet.A) serious C) significantB) great D) vital64.The performance will begin ____ at eight thirty.A) precisely C) accordinglyB) consequently D) exceedingly65.Mr.Smith, a chemistry teacher, never stops ____ new and better ways to improve his teaching.A) discovering C) searching forB) looking for D) finding out66.People greatly differ ____ their views of life.A) from C) atB) to D) in67.The geographical location of Hubei is quite favorable for agricultural production. It's ____ the land of fish and rice.A) famous for C) known asB) known by D) known to68.The officials called for an immediate ____ to determine the cause of the accident.A) investigation C) notificationB) preparation D) obligation69.People usually ____ certain foods by keeping them in a refrigerator or freezer.A) store C) keepB) hold D) preserve70.The girl carefully ____ every mispelled word on the page.A) surrounded C) encircledB) draw D) placePart ⅣTranslation from English into Chinese (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, there are five items which you should translate into Chinese, each item consisting of one or two sentences. These sentences are all taken from the Reading Passages you have just read in the Reading Comprehension of the Test Paper. You can refer back to the passages so as to identify their meanings in the context.71.Increasingly, over the past ten years, people—especially young people—havebecome aware of the need to change their eating habits because much ofthe food they eat, particularly processed foods, is not good for health.(Passage 1,Paragraph 1)72.It is interesting to note that in countries where the national diet contains large quantities of unrefined flour and vegetables, certain diseases are comparatively rare.(Passage 1,Paragraph 5)73.Not only can the computer gather facts, it can also store them as fast as they are gathered and can pour them out whenever they are needed.(Passage 2, Paragraph 4)74.For some time to come, then we can safely say that our brains are at least 10000 times more complex than a computer.How to use them is forus, not the computer, to decide.(Passage 2,Paragraph 6)75.From a profit of less than one cent a copy, Webster got mostof his income for the rest of his life. (passage 3)Part ⅤWriting (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic “Advertising”. You should write at least 100 words and you should base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below.1. 广告的目的。
2014年6月四级真题第2套
2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（第二套）Part I Writing(30minutes) Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay on the following question.You should write at least120words but No more than180words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your campus,what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?PartⅡListening Comprehension(30minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear8short conversations and2long conversations.At the end of each conversation,one or more questionswill be asked about what was said.Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once.After each question there will be apause.During the pause,you must read the four choices marked A),B),C)and D),and decide which is the best answer.Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through thecentre.1.A.They came in five different colors.B.They were good value for money.C.They were a very good design.D.They were sold out very quickly.2.A.Ask her roommate not to speak loudly on the phone.B.Ask her roommate to make her phone calls outside.C.Go and find a quieter place to review her lessons.D.Report her problem to the dorm management.3.A.The washing machine is totally beyond repair.B.He will help Wendy prepare her annual report.C.Wendy should give priority to writing her report.D.The washing machine should be checked annually.4.A.The man fell down when removing the painting.B.The wall will be decorated with a new painting.C.The woman likes the painting on the wall.D.The painting is now being reframed.5.A.It must be missing.B.It was left in the room.C.The man took it to the market.D.She placed it on the dressing table.6.A.Go to a play.B.Meet Janet.C.Book some tickets.D.Have a get-together.7.A.One box of books is found missing.B.Some of the boxes arrived too late.C.Replacements have to be ordered.D.Some of the books are damaged.8.A.The man will pick up Professor Johnson at her office.B.The man did not expect Iris paper to be graded too soon.C.Professor Johnson has given the man a very high grade.D.Professor Johnson will talk to each student in her office. Questions9to11are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A.To buy a present for his friend who is getting married.B.To find out the cost for a complete set of cookware.C.To see what he could ask his friends to buy for him.D.To make inquiries about the price of an electric cooker.10.A.To teach him how to use the kitchenware.B.To discuss cooking experiences with him.C.To tell him how to prepare delicious dishes.D.To recommend suitable kitchenware to him.11.A.There are so many different sorts of knives.B.Cooking devices are such practical presents.C.A mixer can save so much time in making cakes.D.Saucepans and frying pans are a must in the kitchen. Questions12to15are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A.Some new problems in her work.B.Cooperation with an international bank.C.Her chance for promotion in the bank.D.Her intention to leave her present job.13.A.The World Bank.B.Bank of Washington.C.A U.S.finance corporation.D.An investment bank in New York.14.A.Supervising financial transactions.B.Taking charge of public relations.C.Making loans to private companies in developing countries.D.Offering service to international companies in the United States.15.A.It is a first major step to realizing the woman’s dream.B.It is an honor for the woman and her present employer.C.It is a loss for her current company.D.It is really beyond his expectation.Section BDirections:In this section,you will hear3short passages.At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions.Both the passage and the questions will bespoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the bestanswer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with a single line through thecentre.Passage OneQuestions16to18are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A.Carry out a thorough checkup.B.Try to keep the gas tank full.C.Keep extra gas in reserve.D.Fill up the water tank.17.A.Attempting to leave your car to seek help.B.Opening a window a bit to let in fresh air.C.Running the engine every now and then.D.Keeping the heater on for a long time.18.A.It exhausts you physically.B.It makes you fall asleep easily.C.It causes you to lose body heat.D.It consumes too much oxygen.Passage TwoQuestions19to21are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A.They are very generous in giving gifts.B.They refuse gifts when doing business.C.They regard gifts as a token of friendship.D.They give gifts only on special occasions.20.A.They enjoy giving gifts to other people.B.They spend a lot of time choosing gifts.C.They have to follow many specific rules.D.They pay attention to the quality of gifts.21.A.Gift-giving plays an important role in human relationships.B.We must be aware of cultural differences in giving gifts.C.We must learn how to give gifts before going abroad.D.Reading extensively makes one a better gift-giver.Passage ThreeQuestions22to25are based on the passage you have just heard.22.A.It reflects American people’s view of French politics.B.It is first published in Washington and then in Paris.C.It explains American politics to the French public.D.It is popular among French government officials.23.A.Work on her column.B.Do housework at home.C.Entertain her guests.D.Go shopping downtown.24.A.To report to her newspaper.B.To refresh her French.C.To visit her parents.D.To meet her friends.25.A.She might be recalled to France.B.She might change her profession.C.She might close her Monday column.D.She might be assigned to a new post.Section CDirections:In this section,you will hear a passage three times.When the passage is read for the first time,you should listen carefully for its general idea.When the passage is read for the second time,you are required to fill inthe blanks with the exact words you have just hoard.Finally,when thepassage is read for the third time,you should check what you havewritten.According to American law,if someone is accused of a crime,he is considered 26until the court proves the person is guilty.To arrest a person,the police have to be reasonably sure that a crime has been 27.The police must give the suspect the reasons why they are arresting him and tell him his rights under the law.Then the police take the suspect to the police station, where the name of the person and the28against him are formally listed.The next step is for the suspect to go before a judge.The judge decides whether the suspect should be kept in jail or29.If the suspect has no previous criminal record and the judge feels that he will return to court30run away,he can go free. Otherwise,the suspect must put up bail(保释金).At this time,too,the judge will 31a court lawyer to defend the suspect if he can’t afford one.The suspect returns to court a week or two later.A lawyer from the district attorney’s office presents a case against the suspect.The attorney may present32 as well as witnesses.The judge then decides whether there is enough reason to33.The American justice system is very complex and sometimes operates slowly. However,every step is34to protect the rights of the people.These individual rights are the35of the American government.PartⅢReading Comprehension(40minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a wordbank following the passage:Read the passage through carefully beforemaking your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2with a single line through the centre.You may not use any of the words inthe bank more than once.Questions36to45are based on the following passage.The fact is,the world has been finding less oil than it has been using for more than twenty years now.Not only has demand been36,but the oil we have been finding is coming from places that are37to reach.At the same time,more of this newly38oil is of the type that requires a greater investment to39.And because demand for this precious resource will grow,according to some,by over40percentby2025,fueling the world’s economic40will take a lot more energy from every possible source.The energy industry needs to get more from existing fields while continuing to search for new41.Automakers must continue to improve fuel efficiency and perfect hybrid(混合动力的)vehicles.Technological improvements are needed so that wind,solar and hydrogen can be more42parts of the energy equation. Governments need to formulate energy policies that promote43and environmentally sound development.Consumers must be willing to pay for some of these solutions,while practicing conservation efforts of their own.Inaction is not an44.So let’s work together to balance this equation.We are taking some of the45needed to get started,but we need your help to go the rest of the way.A)consequentlyB)cultivateC)decliningD)derivedE)difficultF)discoveredG)economicallyH)exception I)feasible J)growth K)Option L)refine M)reserves N)soaring O)stepsSection BDirections:In this section,you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of theparagraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information isderived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraphis marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet2.I Cry,Therefore I Am[A]In2008,at a German zoo,a gorilla(大猩猩)named Gana gave birth to a maleinfant,who died after three months.Photographs of Gana,looking stricken and inconsolable(伤心欲绝的),attracted crowds to the zoo.Sad as the scene was, the humans,not Gana,were the only ones crying.The notion that animals can weep has no scientific basis.Years of observations by biologists Dian Fossey, who observed gorillas,and Jane Goodall,who worked with chimpanzees(黑猩猩),could not prove that animals cry tears from emotion.[B]It’s true that many animals shed tears,especially in response to pain.Tears protectthe eye by keeping it moist.But crying as an expression of feeling is unique to humans and has played an essential role in human evolution and the development of human cultures.[C]Within two days an infant can imitate sad and happy faces.If an infant does notcry out,it is unlikely to get the attention it needs to survive.Around34months, the relationship between the human infant and its environment takes on a more organized communicative role,and tearful crying begins to serve interpersonal purposes:the search for comfort and pacification(抚慰).As we get older,crying becomes a tool of social interaction:grief and joy,shame and pride,fear and manipulation.[D]Tears are as universal as laughter,and grief is more complex than joy.Butalthough we all cry,we do so in different ways.Women cry more frequently and intensely than men,especially when exposed to emotional events.Like crying, depression is,around the world,more commonly seen in women than in men.One explanation might be that women,who despite decades of social advances still suffer from economic inequality,discrimination(歧视)and even violence, might have more to cry about.Men not only cry for shorter periods than women, but they also are less inclined to explain their tears,usually shed them more quietly,and tend more frequently to apologize when they cry openly.Men,like women,report crying at the death of a loved one and in response to a moving religions experience.They are more likely than women to cry when their core identities—as providers and protectors,as fathers and fighters—are questioned.[E]People who score on personality tests as more sympathetic cry more than thosewho are more rigid or have more self-control.Frequency of crying varies widely: some shed tears at any novel or movie,others only a handful of times in their lives.Crying in response to stress and conflict in the home,or after emotional trauma (创伤),lasts much longer than tears induced by everyday sadness—which in turn last longer than tears of delight and joy.[F]Sadness is our primary association with crying,but the fact is that people reportfeeling happier after crying.Surveys estimate that85%of women and73%of men report feeling better after shedding tears.Surprisingly,crying is morecommonly associated with minor forms of depression than with major depression involving suicidal thoughts.[G]People widely report that crying relieves tension,restores emotional balance andprovides“catharsis”,a washing out of bad feelings.The term“catharsis”has religious implications of removing evil and sin;it’s no surprise that religious ceremonies are,around the world,one of the main settings for the release of tears.[H]Crying is a nearly universal sign of grief,though some mourners report that,despite genuine sorrow,they cannot shed tears—sometimes even for years after their loved one has gone.Unlike today,when the privacy of grief is more respected,the public or ceremonial shedding of tears,at the graveside of a spouse or the funeral of a king or queen,was once considered socially or even politically essential.[I]Crying has also served other social purposes.Rousseau wrote in his Confessionsthat while he considered tears the most powerful expression of love,he also just liked to cry over nothing.[J]The association of tears with art has ancient roots.The classic Greek tragedies of the fifth century B.C.were primarily celebrations of gods.Tragedies,like poetry and music,were staged religions events.Even then it was recognized that crying in response to drama brought pleasure.[K]I have argued that there are neurobiological(神经生物方面的)associations linking the arts and mood disorders.When I lecture on crying,I ask my audience to let me know,by a show of hands,which art forms most move them to tears.About80%say music,followed closely by novels(74%),but then the figures fall sharply,to43%,for poetry,and10-22%for paintings,sculpture and architecture.[L]The physical act of crying is mainly one of breathing in air,which is why we choke up when we weep.This suggests to language scientists that emotional crying evolved before language,perhaps explaining why tears communicate states of mind and feelings that are often so difficult to express in words.Of course,from an evolutionary perspective,recognition of emotion(usually through facial gesture)was essential for survival.[M]The earliest humans arrived several million years ago,but only150,000to 200,000years ago,did cultures,language,religion and the arts arise.Along the way,tears became more than a biological necessity to lubricate(润滑)the eye and developed into a sign of intense emotion and a signal of social bonding.The development of self-consciousness and the notion of individual identity,or ego;storytelling about the origins of the world,the creation of humanity and life after death;and the ability to feel others’sadness—all were critical parts of the neurobiological changes that made us human[N]More recently,we’ve learned from neuroscience that certain brain circuits(回路) are activated(激活),rapidly and unconsciously,when we see another in emotional distress.In short,our brain evolved circuits to allow us to experience sympathy,which in turn made civilization,and an ethics based on sympathy, possible.So the next time you reach a tissue box,or sob on a friend’s shoulder,or shed tears at the movies,stop and reflect on why we cry and what it means to cry.Becanse ultimately,while we love to cry,we also cry to love.46.Nowadays people respect the privacy of grief more than in the past.47.Infants cry to attract attention for survival.48.There is no scientific evidence as yet that animals can shed tears from emotion.49.Tears can perform certain communicative functions which words cannot.50.Our ability to experience sympathy is essential to the development of civilization.51.People are more inclined to cry when suffering minor forms of depression.52.Sometimes people cannot cry despite genuine grief.53.In humans’long history,tears have developed an essential role in socialrelationships.54.Men are less likely to give reasons for their tears.55.Crying has long been associated with art.Section CDirections:There are2passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are fourchoices marked A),B),C)and D).You should decide on the best choiceand mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2with a single linethrough the centre.Passage OneQuestions56to60are based on following passage.Hospitals,hoping to curb medical error,have invested heavily to put computers, smartphones and other devices into the hands of medical staff for instant access to patient data,drug information and case studies.But like many cures,this solution has come with an unintended side effect: doctors and nurses can be focused on the screen and not the patient,even during moments of critical care.A poll showed that half of medical technicians had admitted texting during a procedure.This phenomenon has set off an intensifying discussion at hospitals and medical schools about a problem perhaps best described as“distracted doctoring.”In response, some hospitals have begun limiting the use of electronic devices in critical settings, while schools have started reminding medical students to focus on patients instead of devices.“You justify carrying devices around the hospital to do medical records,but you can surf the Internet or do Facebook,and sometimes Facebook is more tempting,”said Dr.Peter Papadakos at the University of Rochester Medical Center.“My gut feeling(本能的感觉)is lives are in danger,”said Dr.Papadakos.“We’re not educating people about the problem,and it’s getting worse.”A survey of439medical technicians found that55percent of technicians who monitor bypass machines acknowledged that they had talked on cellphones during heart surgery.Half said they had texted while in surgery.The study concluded,“Such distractions have the potential to be disastrous.”Medical professionals have always faced interruptions from cellphones,and multitasking is simply a fact of life for many medical jobs.What has changed,say doctors,especially younger ones,is that they face increasing pressure to interact with their devices.The pressure stems from a mantra(信条)of modem medicine that patient care must be“data driven,”and informed by the latest,instantly accessible information.By many accounts,the technology has helped reduce medical error by providing instant access to patient data or prescription details.Dr.Peter Carmel,president of the American Medical Association,said technology“offers great potential in health care.”but he added that doctors’first priority should be with the patient.56.Why do hospitals equip their staff with computers,smartphones and otherdevices?A.To reduce medical error.B.To cope with emergencies.C.To facilitate administration.D.To simplify medical procedures.57.What does the author refer to by“distracted doctoring”?A.The disservice done by modem devices to doctors,nurses,as well as patients.B.The tendency of medical institutions encouraging the use of modem devices.C.The problem of devices preventing doctors from focusing on their patients.D.The phenomenon of medical staff attending to personal affairs while working.58.What does Dr.Peter Papadakos worry about?A.Medical students are not adequately trained to use modem technology.B.Doctor’s interaction with their devices may endanger patients’lives.C.Doctors are relying too heavily on modem electronic technology.D.Pressures on the medical profession may become overwhelming.59.Why do doctors feel increasing pressure to use modem devices?A.Patients trust doctors who use modern technology.e of modem devices adds to hospitals’revenues.C.Data is given too much importance in patient care.D.Patients’data has to be revised from time to time.60.What is Peter Carmel’s advice to doctors?A.They follow closely the advances in medical science.B.They focus their attention on the patient’s condition.C.They observe hospital rules and regulations.D.They make the best use of modem devices.Passage TwoQuestions61to65are based on the following passage.I have closely watched my generation,known as The Millennials,for29years now.Joel Stein wrote an extensive piece on Millennials and he remains rather optimistic about our potential.I hesitate to share his optimism because of a paradox(矛盾的现象)we seem to exhibit,namely,that there are more avenues for us to entertain ourselves than ever before,yet we are more bored than ever before.Entertainment has never been more varied.We have more cable channels, television shows,and movies than ever before.Internet providers allow instantviewing of almost any movie or television program ever created.Social drinking and partying are also widely available for Millennials.Every generation develops these habits at a certain age,but Millennials seem to be extending this phase of life as they postpone marriage.Some of this is undoubtedly due to The Great lennials are having a difficult time finding jobs;only47percent of16-to-24-year-olds are employed,the smallest share since government started recording data in1948.But do Millennials respond to these economic troubles by doing whatever it takes to make ends meet?Hardly.In fact,of the four generations Pew Research has data for,the Millennial generation does not cite work ethic(勤奋工作)as distinctive of lennials want to save the world,but they sit and wait for that world-changing opportunity to be handed to them.Instead of working2-3jobs, launching a business,or doing what it takes to succeed,they lennials may be the first generation to have a lower standard of living than their parents,but with this response to adversity(逆境),perhaps deservingly so.Much ink has been spilled in management books discussing how to get the most out of these youths in the rgely,they come to the same conclusion: Millennials are entitled,over-confident,and expect too much too quickly.We should not be surprised.Today’s young adults were raised by parents who made sure to boost their self-esteem at every turn,telling them they could achieve whatever they set their minds to,and handing out prizes for the sixth place.61.What does the author of the passage think of Millennials?A.They show little interest in entertainment.B.They are not confident about their ability.C.They enjoy an easy life due to high technology.D.They may not have bright prospects for success.62.How do Millennials feel about their life?A.They can hardly do anything about it.B.There is little in it to get excited about.C.It is not as good as their parents’.D.It is full of opportunities for success.63.In what way are Millennials different from previous generations according to PewResearch?A.They spend less time socializing.B.They are indifferent to others.C.They do not value hard work.D.They are more independent.64.What should Millennials do according to the author?A.Remain optimistic in face of adversity.B.Start a business as early as possible.C.Make full use of new opportunities.D.Take action to change their situation.65.Why are Millennials over-confident about themselves?A.They have been spoiled by their parents.B.They can always get whatever they expect.C.They are misguided by management books.D.They think they are young and energetic.PartⅣTranslation(30minutes) Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.中国教育工作者早就认识到读书对于国家的重要意义。
2014年6月英语四级考试真题试卷2
2014年6月英语四级考试真题试卷(第2套)Part One 写作Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following question. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your compus, what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?Part Two 十五选十Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Global warming is a trend toward warmer conditions around the world. Part of the warming is natural; we have experienced a 20,000 -year -long warming as the last ice age ended and the ice 36 away. However, we have already reached temperatures that are in 37 with other minimum-ice periods, so continued warming is likely not natural. We are 38 to a predicted worldwide increase in temperatures 39 between 1℃ and 6℃over the next 100 years. The warming will be more 40 in some areas, less in others, and some places may even cool off. Likewise, the 41 of this warming will be very different depending on where you are—coastal areas must worry about rising sea levels, while Siberia and northern Canada may become more habitable (宜居的) and 42 for humans than these areas are now.The fact remains, however, that it will likely get warmer, on 43 , everywhere. Scientists are in general agreement that the warmer conditions we have been experiencing are at least in part the result of ahuman-induced global warming trend. Some scientists 44 that the changes we are seeing fall within the range of random (无规律的) variation—some years are cold, others warm, and we have just had an unremarkable string of warm years 45 —but that is becoming an increasingly rare interpretation in the face of continued and increasing warm conditions.A) appealingB) averageC) contributingD) dramaticE) frequentlyF) impactG) lineH) maintain I) melted J) persist K) ranging L) recently M) resolved N) sensible O) shockPart Three 仔细阅读Passage OneThe End of the Book?The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education isn’t an either/or proposition(命题)，although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM（science, technology, engineering, maths）-related fields can make it seem that way. The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training, but also asserts that the study of the humanities (人文学科)and social sciences must remain central components of America’s educational system at all levels. Both are critical to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society, become innovative（创新的)leaders, and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates’ job prospects as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs. Under these circumstances, it’s natural to look for what may appear to be the most “practical” way out of the problem “Major in a subject designed to get you a job” seems the obvious answer to some, though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as “soft” often, in fact, lead to employment and success in the long run. Indeed, according to surveys, employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well, think critically, research creatively, and communicate easily.Moreover, students should be prepared not just for their first job, but for their 4th and 5th jobs, as there’s little reason to doubt that people en tering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers. The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible. The ability to draw upon every available tool and insight—picked up from science, arts, and technology—to solve the problems of the future, and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, will be helpful to them and the United States.56. What does the latest congressional report suggest?A) STEM-related subjects help students find jobs in the information society.B) The humanities and STEM subjects should be given equal importance.C) The liberal arts in higher education help enrich students’ spiritual life.D) Higher education should be adjusted to the practical needs of society.57. What is the main concern of students when they choose a major?A) Their interest in relevant subjects. B) The academic value of the courses.C) The quality of education to receive. D) Their chances of getting a good job.58. What does the author say about the so called soft subjects?A) The benefit students in their future life. B) They broaden students’ range of interests.C) They improve students’ communication ski lls. D) They are essential to students’ healthy growth.59. What kind of job applicants do employers look for?A) Those who have a strong sense of responsibility.B) Those who are good at solving practical problems.C) Those who are likely to become innovative leaders.D) Those who have received a well-rounded education.60. What advice does the author give to college students?A) Seize opportunities to tap their potential. B) Try to take a variety of practical courses.C) Prepare themselves for different job options. D) Adopt a flexible approach to solving problems.Passage TwoEnergy independence. It has a nice ring to it. Doesn’t it? If you think so, you’re not alone, because energy independence has been the dream of American president for decades, and never more so than in the past few years, when the most recent oil price shock has been partly responsible for kicking off the great recession.“Energy independence” and its rhetorical (修辞的) companion “energy security” are, however, sl ippery concepts that are rarely though through. What is it we want independence from, exactly?Most people would probably say that they want to be independent from imported oil. But there are reasons that we buy all that old from elsewhere.The first reason is that we need it to keep our economy running. Yes, there is a trickle（涓涓细流）of biofuel（生物燃料）available, and more may become available, but most biofuels cause economic waste and environmental destruction.Second, Americans have basically decided that the y don’t really want to produce all their own oil. They value the environmental quality they preserve over their oil imports from abroad. Vast areas of the United States are off-limits to oil exploration and production in the name of environmental protection. To what extent are Americans really willing to endure the environmental impacts of domestic energy production in order to cut back imports?Third, there are benefits to trade. It allows for economic efficiency, and when we buy things from places that ha ve lower production costs than we do, we benefit. And although you don’t read about this much, the United States is also a large exporter of oil products, selling about 2 million barrels of petroleum products per day to about 90 countries.There is no question that the United States imports a great deal of energy and, in fact, relies on that steady flow to maintain its economy. When that flow is interrupted, we feel the pain in short supplies and higher prices, At the same time, we derive massive economic benefits when we buy the most affordable energy on the world market and when we engage in energy trade around the world.61. What does the author say about energy independence for America?A) It sounds very attractive. C) It will bring oil prices down.B) It ensures national security. D) It has long been everyone’s dream.62. What does the author think of biofuels?A) They keep America’s economy running healthily.B) They prove to be a good alternative to petroleum.C) They do not provide a sustainable energy supply. D) They cause serious damage to the environment.63. Why does America rely heavily on oil imports?A) It wants to expand its storage of crude oil. B) Its own oil reserves are quickly running out.C) It wants to keep its own environment intact. D) Its own oil production falls short of demand.64. What does the author say about oil trade?A) It proves profitable to both sides. C) It makes for economic prosperity.B) It improves economic efficiency. D) It saves the cost of oil exploration.65. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?A) To justify America’s dependence on oil imports.B) To arouse Americans’ awareness of the energy crisis.C) To stress the importance of energy conservation.D) To explain the increase of international oil trade.Part Four 翻译Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国教育工作者早就认识到读书对于国家的重要意义，有些教育工作者2003年就建议设立全民读书日。
大学英语四级卷二真题2014年12月
大学英语四级卷二真题2014年12月(总分：710.00，做题时间：130分钟)一、Part I Writing (30 minutes) (总题数：1，分数：106.50)1.Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about My most impressive friends. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.（分数：106.50）__________________________________________________________________________________________ 正确答案：(范文（一）：The Most Impressive Friends in My College In my memory, there are so many unforgettable men who have rendered me assistance。
Among them, the most impressive one is Lucy, my roommate. During the freshman year with her, it has exerted considerable influence on me. First and foremost, when I entered the university, Lucy set good examples to me in terms of independence. She adapts the new environment quickly. Moreover, she has a cheerful personality, and participates in the Students’ Union soon . With her advice, I soon follow her step and join more activities. Last but not least, what I have learnt most from her is the self-study ability. She spends much time in reading and mastering a new language in the library and often recommend me useful books and information. In a word, I really appreciate it for her modeling power. I wish I can be excellent like her and have a great friendship with Lucy . 范文（二）： The Most Impressive Classmate in My College Without question, Lisa is the person who has influenced my college life most. She is my classmate, who always leaves a deep impression on you by demonstrating her passion for life and the spirit of never yielding, even in the face of extreme challenges. She is the most courageous person I have ever known. During my college years, it is Lisa that kept teaching me how to live through setbacks in the life journey. I’ll never forget that when I failed in my English examination and I felt overwhelmed, Lisa taught me that failure teaches success, everyone had to persevere and face up to innumerable setbacks, as long as I face my problems bravely, I would create my own wonderful life . With her help , I finally gained the confidence and passed the exam. Thanks to Lisa, I have learned the importance of courage, which is the indispensable characteristic in my life. She also let me know the importance of confidence. It means a lot to me and still in my head till this day)解析：二、Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) (总题数：1，分数：56.80)（分数：56.80）A.She will go purchase the gift herself.B.The gift should not be too expensive. √C.The man is not good at balancing his budget.D.They are gonging to Jane's house-warming party.解析：A.It takes patience to go through the statistics.B.He has prepared the statistics for the woman.C.The woman should take a course in statistics.D.He is quite willing to give the woman a hand. √解析：A.The man wants to make some changes in the scripts.B.The woman does not take the recording seriously.C.They cannot begin their recording right away. √D.Page 55 is missing from the woman's scripts.解析：A.A significant event in July.B.Preparation for a wedding.C.The date of Carl's wedding. √D.The birthday of Carl's bride.解析：A.The man was absent from the weekly meeting.B.The man was in charge of scheduling meetings.C.The woman was annoyed at the man's excuse. √D.The woman forgot to tell the man in advance.解析：A.The woman is a marvelous cook.B.The man cannot want for his meal. √C.The woman has just bought an oven.D.The man has to leave in half an hour.解析：A.Whether the man can keep his job. √B.Where the man got the bad news.C.What items sell well in the store.D.How she can best help the man.解析：A.The woman can sign up for a swimming class. √B.He would like to teach the woman how to swim.C.The woman has the potential to swim like a fish.D.He works in the physical education department.解析：Question 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.（分数：21.30）A.He is a wonderful lecturer.B.He is a diplomat. √C.He loves classical music.D.He teaches in a law school.解析：A.Attended a dance.B.Went to see a play.C.Took some photos.D.Watched a soccer game. √解析：A.She decided to get married in three years.B.She insisted that Eric pursue graduate studies.C.Her father said she could marry Eric right away. √D.Her mother objected to Eric’s flying lessons.解析：Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.（分数：28.40）A.Teacher √B.JournalistC.EditorD.Typist解析：A.The beautiful Amazon rainforests.B.A new railway under construction.C.Some newly discovered scenic spot.D.Big changes in the Amazon valley. √解析：A.In news weeklies.B.In a local evening paper.C.In newspapers' Sunday editions. √D.In overseas editions of U.S. magazines.解析：A.To become a professional writer.B.To be employed by a newspaper.C.To get her life story published soon.D.To sell her articles to a news service. √解析：四、Section B (总题数：3，分数：71.00)Passage One Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.（分数：21.30）A.Waving one's hand.B.Nodding one's head. √C.Holding up the forefinger.D.Turning the right thumb down.解析：A.Looking away from them.B.Forming a circle with fingers.C.Waving or pointing to them. √D.Bowing one's head them.解析：A.Showing the sole of one's foot to a guest. √B.Keeping one's arms folded while talking.C.Looking one's superior in the eye.ing a lot of gestures during a conversation.解析：Passage Two Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.（分数：21.30）A.They grew wheat and corn on a small farm.B.They shared a small flat with their relatives.C.The children walked to school on dirt roads.D.They had to beg for foot after the harvest. √解析：A.Send their children to school. √B.Earn an annual income of $2800.C.Tour Ecuador's Andes Mountains.D.Purchase a plot to build a home on.解析：A.A new worldwide economic revolution.B.Different forms of assistance to the needy.C.The achievements of the Trickle Up Program. √D.The life of poor people in developing countries.解析：Passage Three Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.（分数：28.40）A.They are highly sensitive to cold.B.They are a living part of our body. √C.They are a chief source of our pain.D.They are vitally important to our life.解析：A.It has to be removed in time by a dentist.B.It contains many nerves and blood vessels.C.It is sticky and colorless film on the teeth. √D.It is a rare oral disease among old people.解析：A.It makes their nerves and blood vessels more sensitive to acid food.B.It greatly reduces their resistance to the attacks of bacteria.C.It combines with food particles to form a film on their surface.D.It can change into acids causing damage to their outer covering. √解析：A.Gum disease. √B.Unhealthy living habits.C.Food particles.D.Chemical crosion.解析：五、Section C (总题数：1，分数：71.00)Stunt 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) 1 enemies' jaws. Sword fights must be fought with(27) 2 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) 3the stars. You may think you see Tom Cruise running along the top of a train. But it is(29) 4 his stunt double. Stunt people must(30) 5 the stars they stand in for. Their height and build should be about the same. But when close-ups are needed, the film(31) 6 the star. Some stunt people(32) 7 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) 8. 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)9 the famous trick of sliding under a moving stagecoach. Canutt also(35) 10 a new way to makea punch look real. He was the only stunt man ever to get an Oscar.（分数：71.00）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：land on）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：sharp）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：fill in for）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：probably）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：resemble）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：focuses on）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：specialize）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：timing）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：invented）填空项1:__________________ （正确答案：figured out）解析：六、Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) (总题数：1，分数：35.50) Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage. As an Alaskan fisherman. Timothy June, 54, used to think that he was safe from industrial pollutants（污染物）at his home in Haines-atown with a population of 2,400 people and 4,000 eagles, with 8 million acres of protected wild land nearby. But in early 2007, June agreed to take part in a 36 of 35 Americans from seven states. It was a biomonitoring project, in which people’s blood and urine（尿）were tested for 37 of chemicals-in this case, three potentially dangerous classes of compounds found in common household 38 like face cream, tin cans, and shower curtains. The results- 39 in November in a report called“Is It in Us?”by an environmental group-were rather worrying. Every one of the participants, 40 from an Illinois state senator to a Massachusetts minister, tested positive for all three classes of pollutants. And while the 41 presence of these chemicals does not 42 indicate a health risk, the fact that typical Americans carry these chemicals at all 43 June and his fellow participants. Clearly, there are chemicals in our bodies that don’t 44 there. Ongoing study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found 148 chemicals in Americans of all ages. And in 2005, the Environmental Working Group found an 45 of 200 chemicals in the blood of 10 new-borns. “Our babies are being born pre-polluted,” Says Sharyle Patton of Commonweal, which cosponsored“Is It in Us?” “This is going to be the next big environmental issue after climate change.” A)analyses B)average C)belong D)demonstrated E)excess F)extending G)habitually H)neccessarily I)products J)ranging K)released L)shocked M)simple N)survey O)traces （分数：35.50）A.B.C.D. √E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N. √O.解析：A.B.C.D.E. √F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O. √解析：A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I. √J. K. L. M. N.解析：A. √B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I. J. K. √L. M. N. O.解析：A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I. J. √K. L.M. N. O.解析：A.B.C. √D.E.F.G.H.I. J. K. L. M. √N. O.解析：A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H. √I. J. K. L. M. N. O.解析：A.B. √C.D.E.F.G.H.I. J. K. L. √M.N. O.解析：A.B.C. √D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O.解析：A.B. √C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O.解析：七、Section B (总题数：1，分数：71.00)In Hard Economy for All Ages, Older Isn’t Better—It’s Brutal [A] Young graduates are in debt, out of work and on their parents' couches. People in their 30s and 40s can't afford to buy homes or have children. Retirees are earning near-zero interest on their savings. [B] In the current listless (缺乏活力的) economy, every generation has a claim to having been most injured. But the Labor Department's latest jobs snapshot and other recent data reports present a strong case for crowning baby boomers (二战后生育高峰期出生的人) as the greatest victims of the recession and its dreadful consequences. [C] These Americans in their 50s and early 60s —those near retirement age who do not yet have access to Medicare and Social Security — have lost the most earnings power of any age group, with their household incomes 10 percent below what they made when the recovery began three years ago, according to Sentier Research, a data analysis company. Their retirement savings and home values fell sharply at the worst possible time: just before they needed to cash out. They are supporting both aged parents and unemployed young-adult children, earning them the unlucky nickname "Generation Squeeze." [D] New research suggests that they may die sooner, because their health, income security and mental well-being were battered (重创) by recession at a crucial time in their lives. A recent study by economists at Wellesley College found that people who lost their jobs in the few years before becoming qualified for Social Security lost up to three years from their life expectancy (预期寿命), largely because they no longer had access to affordable health care. [E] Unemployment rates for Americans nearing retirement are far lower than those for young people, who are recently out of school, with fewer skills and a shorter workhistory. But once out of a job, older workers have a much harder time finding another one. Over the last year, the average duration of unemployment for older people was 53 weeks, compared with 19 weeks for teenagers, according to the Labor Department's jobs report released on Friday. [F] The lengthy process is partly because older workers are more likely to have been laid off from industries that are downsizing, like manufacturing. Compared with the rest of the population, older people are also more likely to own their own homes and be less mobile than renters, who can move to new job markets. [G] Older workers are more likely to have a disability of some sort, perhaps limiting the range of jobs that offer realistic choices. They may also be less inclined, at least initially, to take jobs that pay far less than their old positions. [H] Displaced boomers also believe they are victims of age discrimination, because employers can easily find a young, energetic worker who will accept lower pay and who can potentially stick around for decades rather than a few years. [I] In a survey by the center of older workers who were laid off during the recession, just one in six had found another job, and half of that group had accepted pay cuts. Fourteen percent of the re-employed said the pay in their new job was less than half what they earned in their previous job. "I just say to myself: 'Why me? What have I done to deserve this?' " said John Agati, 56, of Norwalk, Conn., whose last full-time job, as a merchandise buyer and product developer, ended four years ago when his employer went out of business. That position paid $90,000, and his rsum lists stints at companies like American Express, Disney and USA Networks. Since being laid off, though, he has worked a series of part-time, low-wage, temporary positions, including selling shoes at Lord & Taylor and making sales calls for a limo company. [J] The last few years have taken a toll not only on his family's finances, but also on his feelings of self-worth. "You just get sad," Mr. Agati said. "I see people getting up in the morning, going out to their careers and going home. I just wish I was doing that. Some people don't like their jobs, or they have problems with their jobs, but at least they're working. I just wish I was in their shoes." He said he cannot afford to go back to school, as many younger people without jobs have done. Even if he could afford it, economists say it is unclear whether older workers like him benefit much from more education. [K] "It just doesn't make sense to offer retraining for people 55 and older," said Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor at the University of Texas in Austin. "Discrimination by age, long-term unemployment, the fact that they're now at the end of the hiring queue, the lack of time horizon just does not make it sensible to invest in them." [L] Many displaced older workers are taking this message to heart and leaving the labor force entirely. The share of older people applying for Social Security early spiked during the recession as people sought whatever income they could find. The penalty they will pay is permanent, as retirees who take benefits at age 62 will receive 30 percent less in each month's check for the rest of their lives than they would if they had waited until full retirement age (66 for those born after 1942).（分数：71.00）(1).Greater mobility puts younger people at an advantage in seeking new jobs. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D.E.F. √解析：(2).Many of the older workers laid off during the recession had to accept lower pay in their new jobs. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I. √解析：(3).Those who has their jobs shortly before retirement age live a shorter-than-average life. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D. √解析：(4).Seniors at nursing homes could benefit from the weak job market. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D.E. √F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O. √解析：(5).Age discrimination in employment makes it pointless retraining older workers. （分数：7.10）A. √B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K. √解析：(6).According to recent reports and data analyses, boomers suffer most from the weak economy. （分数：7.10）A.B. √C.D.解析：(7).Unemployed boomers are at a disadvantage in job-hunting because employers tend to hire younger workers. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D.E. √解析：(8).People in their fifties and early sixties bear the heaviest family burdens. （分数：7.10）A.B.C. √D.解析：(9).People who take benefits from Social Security before official retirement age will get much less for the rest of their lives. （分数：7.10）A.B. √C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L. √解析：(10).Older workers' choice of jobs can be limited because of disability. （分数：7.10）A.B.C.D.E.F.G. √解析：八、Section C (总题数：2，分数：142.00)Passage 1 New Yorkers, albeit many of them grudgingly, are gradually getting used to more pedaling passengers on those blazing blue Citi Bikes. But what about local bike shops? Is Citi Bike rolling up riders at their 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 the bike-share program. “It’s getting more people on the road, more people learning about the sport and getting involved,” he said. An employee at Danny’s Cycles in Gramercy said Citi Bike is a good option for people to ease into biking in a city famed for its vehicular congestion and aggressive drivers. “They can try out a bike without committing to buying one,” James Ryan said. “It makes a morecomfortable biki ng environment in the city because there are a lot more bikes, too.” Business at Danny’s Cycles has increased as well since the advent of bike-share. “A lot of people come in for bike gear, and we’ve sold a lot of helmets,” 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 that has been at its current Lower East Side location on Grand St. since1976, the bike-share program has been bad news. Owner Frank Arroyo said that his rental business has decreased by 90 percent since the Citi Bikes were rolled out last month. Arroyo’s main rental customers are European tourists, a demographic that has since been drawn away by Citi Bikes. Initially, a bike-share station was site d a few doors away from Frank’s Bike Shop on the corner of Grand and Henry Sts. But a petition to relocate the bike station gathered more than 1,000 signatures. The Citi Bike dock was eventually removed —but only temporarily, according to the Citi Bike Twitter account, for utility construction in the street. “I was grateful, and it was quite an honor to see how many people responded on my behalf,” Arroyo said of the petition effort. “It was really nice to see that people care. But they have flooded the place with them,” he said of the Department of Transportation, which installs the bike racks. Removing one station does little since the area is overloaded with Citi Bike stations, said Arroyo. “If you put it in front of a hotel, customers are going to walk of the hotel and use it,” he said. However, 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. Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. just north of Christopher St., said initially he was concerned about bike-share, though, he admitted, “I was happy to see people on bikes.” Consisting of equal parts tourists and locals, his customers get a better 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 the second, 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 will cost $126 [if the rider doesn’t re-dock his or her bike at a station every half hour]. Our rentals always include a helmet, a basket and a lock.” Several dozen rental bikes were lined up on Weehawken St. last Sunday behind the store. Benny, who was watching over them, said another advantage over the Citi Bikes is tha t Waterfront’s bikes are 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 to implement,” Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried about inexperienced riders’ lack of awareness of biking rules and backlash from non-cyclists. However, he said, it’s still 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 has bikes that are “lighter, faster and tend to be more 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 the long run, Crooks allowed that the idea, as a whole, is good for the city. （分数：71.00）(1).What is the author's chief concern about the increasing use of Citi Bikes in New York? （分数：14.20）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.解析：关于纽约的Citi Bikes项目的持续实施，作者主要关心的是什么? 文章第一段开头讲参与Citi Bikes项目的骑行者越来越多，给纽约市民带来的影响，即他们感到越来越习惯。
2014年英语专业四级模拟试题及答案解析(二)
英语专业四级模拟试题及答案解析(二)一、Writing (composition)（本大题1小题．每题15.0分，共15.0分。
Writea composition of about 150-200 words on the following topic:）第1题Stress or pressure is really a big problem nowadays. Many people get at loss in face of the stress and some even commit suicide. Write a composition to illustrate your idea of stress and how to deal with the stress properly.Write on ANSWER SHEET TWO a composition of about 200 words on the following topic:How to Deal with StressYou are to write in three parts.In the first part, state specifically what your idea is.In the second part, provide one or two reasons to support your idea OR describe your idea.In the last part, bring what you have written to a natural conclusion or a summary.Marks will be awarded for content, organization, grammar and appropriateness. Failure to follow the instructions may result in a loss of marks.【正确答案】：答案:[范文]How to Deal with StressWhile so many people are at the mercy of stress, some endure and survive, some end. In a sense, stress is a choice. It can strengthen you or tear you down. In most cases, you can choose.Why resent work stress? Let's give it a good name. It's an indicator that our career is advancing. Think of a heavy workload as an exciting opportunity to push us, learn new skills and show our mettle. Complaining depletes our energy; instead greet an overload day with optimism. Stress makes us original and creative, can stimulate us to try our best to do something.Sometimes it's impossible to talk about the positive side of stress, but you can moderate your reaction. During high-pressure periods, socializing with friends and colleagues, getting together with people who make us laugh and change our perspective, will revitalize and inspire us. We'll return to our task refreshed and determined. Regular exercise is critical to stress management, and alternate work can release the pent-up cares. Break away from other people's expectations. It's a liberating step whenwe decide to stop being what other people want us to be. Shake off the fetters set for ourselves, we're just ourselves, we're unique. Be free of the feeling of guilty. No one is perfect. Give ourselves more space and freedom.Life is tough, and we must be stronger. One way out is to keep our upper-lips stiff, adjust our mood and face the pressure with smile.[本题分数]： 15.0 分【答案解析】[审题]“如何面对压力”是一个很现实也很有意义的问题。
2014年公共英语四级考试试题及答案解析(二)
公共英语四级考试试题及答案解析(二)一、Reading Comprehension（共20小题,共20.0分）Read the following three texts．Answer the questions on each text by choosing A, B, C or D．第1题El Nino is the term used for the period when sea surface temperatures are above normal off the South American coast along the equatorial Pacific, sometimes called the Earth's heartbeat, and is a dramatic but mysterious climate system that periodically rages across the Pacific.El Nino means "the little boy" or "the Christ child" in Spanish, and is so called because its warm current is felt along coastal Peru and Ecuador around Christmas. But the local warming is just part of an intricate set of changes in the ocean and atmosphere across the tropical Pacific, which covers a third of the Earth's circumference. Its intensity is such that it affects temperatures, storm tracks and rainfall around the world. Droughts in Africa and Australia tropical storms in the Pacific, torrential rains along the Californian coast and the Peruvian deserts have all been ascribed to the whim of El Nino.This at least is the theory, and it has worked pretty well over the past century, with El Nino occurring about every three to five years and La Nina in between. But there have been some baffling developments in recent years. For one thing, El Nino has returned three times in the past four years. For another, since 1976 El Nino has dominated relative to the cooler phase (La Nina). There has been only one significant La Nina, but five El Ninos, including an extremely severe one in 1982—1983 that caused damage costing 8 billion dollars. Moreover a huge pool of warm water has settled down near the dateline in the central Pacific.Yet it is important to understand the changes if scientists are to be able to forecast the climatic effects of El Ninos with any degree of accuracy. This is not just an academic task— accurate forecasts can spell out feast or famine in many tropical countries around the world. Forecasting efforts have focused on El Nino, whose effects are generally more severe than those of La Nina.A worrying possibility is that the changes maybe due to greenhouse warming. If so, the recent fluctuations may be an early glimpse of worse things to come.When does El Nino happen?A The water temperature is above normal.B Sea surface temperatures are higher than usual.C The water temperature is below normal.D Sea surface temperatures are lower than normal.【正确答案】：B【本题分数】：1.0分【答案解析】[解析] 细节题。