2015大学英语四级真题

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2015年12月英语四级真题及答案第三套

2015年12月英语四级真题及答案第三套

2015年12月英语四级真题及答案第三套Part Ⅰ Writing ( 30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying"Never go out there to see what happens, go out there to make things happen." You can citexamples to illustrate the importance of being participants rather than mere onlookers inlife.You should 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 ofeach conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both theconversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After each question there will bea pause.During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, Cand D,and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1.A.Children should be taught to be more careful.B.Children shouldn't drink so much orange juice.C.There is no need for the man to make such a fuss.D.Timmy should learn to do things in the right way.2.A.Fitness training.B.The new job offer.puter programming.D.Directorship of the club.3.A.He needs to buy a new sweater.B.He has got to save on fuel bills.C.The fuel price has skyrocketed.D.The heating system doesn't work.mitting theft.B.Taking pictures.C.Window shopping.D.Posing for the camera.5.A.She is taking some medicine.B.She has not seen a doctor yet.C.She does not trust the man's advice.D.She has almost recovered from the cough.6.A.Pamela's report is not finished as scheduled.B.Pamela has a habit of doing things in a hurry.C.Pamela is not good at writing research papers.D.Pamela's mistakes could have been avoided.7.A.In the left-luggage office.B.At the hotel reception.C.In a hotel room.D.At an airport.8.A.She was an excellent student at college.B.She works in the entertainment business.C.She is fond of telling stories in her speech.D.She is good at conveying her message.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A.Arranging the woman's appointment with Mr.Romero.B.Fixing the time for the designer's latest fashion show.C.Talking about an important gathering on Tuesday.D.Preparing for the filming on Monday morning.10.A.Her travel to Japan.B.The awards ceremony.C.The proper hairstyle for her new role.D.When to start the make-up session.11.A.He is Mr.Romero's agent.B.He is an entertainment journalist.C.He is the woman's assistant.D.He is a famous movie star.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A.Make an appointment for an interview.B.Send in an application letter.C.Fill in an application form.D.Make a brief self-introduction on the phone.13.A.Someone having a college degree in advertising.B.Someone experienced in business management.C.Someone ready to take on more responsibilities.D.Someone willing to work beyond regular hours.14.A.Travel opportunities.B.Handsome pay.C.Prospects for promotion.D.Flexible working hours.15.A.It depends on the working hours.B.It is about 500 pounds a week.C.It will be set by the Human Resources.D.It is to be negotiated.Section BDirections..In this section, you will hear 3 short passages.At the end of each passage, you will hearsome questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After youhear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A., B,Cand D..Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single linethrough the center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A.To give customers a wider range of choices.B.To make shoppers see as many items as possible.C.To supply as many varieties of goods as it can.D.To save space for more profitable products.17.A.On the top shelves.B.On the bottom shelves.C.On easily accessible shelves.D.On clearly marked shelves.18.A.Many of them buy things on impulse.B.A few of them are fathers with babies.C.A majority of them are young couples.D.Over 60% of them make shopping lists.19.A.Sales assistants promoting high margin goods.B.Sales assistants following customers around.C.Customers competing for good bargains.D.Customers losing all sense of time.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20.A.Teaching mathematics at a school.B.Doing research in an institute.C.Studying for a college degree.D.Working in a hi-tech company21.A.He studied the designs of various clocks.B.He did experiments on different materials.C.He bought an alarm clock with a pig face.D.He asked different people for their opinions.22.A.Its automatic mechanism.B.Its manufacturing process.C.Its way of waking people up.D.Its funny-looking pig face.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A.It is often caused by a change of circumstances.B.It actually doesn't require any special treatment.C.It usually appears all of a sudden.D.It generally lasts for several years.24.A.They cannot mix well with others.B.They irrationally annoy their friends.C.They depend heavily on family members.D.They blame others for ignoring their needs.25.A.They lack consistent support from peers.B.They doubt their own popularity.C.They were born psychologically weak.D.They focus too much on themselves.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times.When the passage is read for the firsttime, you should listen carefully for its general idea.When the passage is read for thesecond time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have justheard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what youhave written.There was a time when any personal information that was gathered about us was typed on a pieceof paper and26 in a file cabinet.It could remain there for years and, often27, never reachthe outside world.Things have done a complete about-face since then.28 the change has been the astonishingly29 development in recent years of the computer.Today, any data that is 30 about us in oneplace or another--and for one reason or another--can be stored in a computer bank.It can then beeasily passed to other computer banks.They are owned by individuals and by private businesses andcorporations, lending 31 , direct mailing and telemarketing firms, credit bureaus, credit cardcompanies, and32 at the local, state, and federal level.A growing number of Americans are seeing the accumulation and distribution of computerized dataas a frightening33 of their privacy.Surveys show that the numberof worried Americans has beensteadily growing over the years as the computer becomes increasingly 34, easier to operate, andless costly to purchase and maintain.In 1970, a national survey showed that 37 percent of the people35felt their privacy was being invaded.Seven years later, 47 percent expressed the same worry.Arecent survey by a credit bureau revealed that the number of alarmed citizens had shot up to 76percent.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given, in a word bank following the passage.Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each.choice in the bank isidentified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the center.You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Children do not think the way adults do.For most of the first year of life, if something is out ofsight, it's out of mind.If you cover a baby's36toy with a piece of cloth, the baby thinks the toyhas disappeared and stops looking for it.A 4-year-old may 37 that a sister has more fruit juicewhen it is only the shapes of the glasses that differ, not the38 of juice.Yet children are smart in their own way.Like good little scientists, children are always testingtheir child-sized39 about how things work.When your child throws her spoon on the floor for thesixth time as you try to feed her, and you say, "That's enough! I will not pick up your spoon again!"the child will 40 test your claim.Are you serious? Are you angry? What will happen if she throwsthe spoon again? She is not doing this to drive you41; rather, she is learning that her desires andyours can differ, and that sometimes those42 are important and sometimes they are not.How and why does children's thinking change? In the 1920s, Swiss psychologist Jean Piagetproposed that children's cognitive (认知的) abilities unfold 43, like theblooming of a flower,almost independent of what else is44in their lives.Although many of his specific conclusions havebeen45 or modified over the years, his ideas inspired thousands of studies by investigators all overthe world.A.advocateB.amountC.confirmedD.crazyE. definiteF. differencesG. favoriteH. happeningI. ImmediatelyJ. NaturallyK. ObtainingL. PrimarilyM. ProtestN. RejectedO. theoriesSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with, ten statements attached to it.Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraphfrom which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Perfect EssayA.Looking back on too many years of education, I can identify one truly impossible teacher.Shecared about me, and my intellectual life, even when I didn't.Her expectations were high--impossibly so.She was an English teacher.She was also my mother.B.When good students turn in an essay, they dream of their instructor returning itto them in exactlythe same condition, save for a single word added in the margin of the finalpage : "Flawless." Thisdream came true for me one afternoon in the ninth grade.Of course, I had heard that genius couldshow itself at an early age, so I was only slightly taken aback that I had achieved perfection at thetender age of 14.Obviously, I did what any professional writer would do; I hurried off to spread thegood news.I didn't get very far.The first person I told was my mother.C.My mother, who is just shy of five feet tall, is normally incredibly soft-spoken, but on the rareoccasion when she got angry, she was terrifying.I am not sure if she was more upset by my hubris(得意忘形) or by the fact that my English teacher had let my ego get so out of hand.In any event,my mother and her red pen showed me how deeply flawed a flawless essay could be.At the time,I am sure she thought she was teaching me about mechanics, transitions (过渡), structure, styleand voice.But whatI learned, and what stuck with me through my time teaching writing atHarvard, wasa deeper lesson about the nature of creative criticism.D.First off, it hurts.Genuine criticism, the type that leaves a lasting mark on you as a writer, alsoleaves an existential imprint (印记) on you as a person.I have heard people say that a writershould never take criticism personally.I say that we should never listen to these people.E. Criticism, at its best, is deeply personal, and gets to the heart of why we write the way we do.Theintimate nature of genuine criticism implies something about who is able to give it, namely,someone who knows you well enough to show you how your mental life is getting in the way ofgood writing.Conveniently, they are also the people who care enough to see you through thispainful realization.For me it took the form of my first, and I hope only, encounter with writer'sblock--I was not able to produce anything for three years.F. Franz Kafka once said: "Writing is utter solitude (独处), the descent into the cold abyss (深渊) ofoneself." My mother's criticism had shown me that Kafka is right about the cold abyss, and whenyou make the introspective (内省的) descent that writing requires you are not always pleased bywhat you find.But, in the years that followed, her sustained tutoring suggested that Kafka might bewrong about thesolitude.I was lucky enough to find a critic and teacher who was willing to makethe journey of writing with me."It is a thing of no great difficulty," according to Plutarch, "toraise objections against another man's speech, it is a very easy matter; but to produce a better in itsplace is a work extremely troublesome." I am sure I wrote essays in the later years of high schoolwithout my mother's guidance, but I can't recall them.What I remember, however, is how shetook up the "extremely troublesome" work of ongoing criticism.G. There are two ways to interpret Plutarch when he suggests that a critic should be able to produce "abetter in its place." In a straightforward sense, he could mean that a critic must be more talentedthan the artist she critiques (评论).My mother was well covered on this count.But perhapsPlutarch is suggesting something slightly different, something a bit closer to Marcus Cicero's claimthat one should "criticize by creation, not by finding fault." Genuine criticism creates a preciousopening for an author to become better on his own terms--a process that is often extremely painful,but also almost always meaningful.H. My mother said she would help me with my writing, but first I had to help myself.For eachassignment, I was to write the best essay I could.Real criticism is not meant to find obviousmistakes, so if she found any--the type I could have found on my own--I had to start from scratch.From scratch.Once the essay was "flawless," she would take an evening to walk me through myerrors.That was when true criticism, the type that changed me as a person, began.I. She criticized me when I included little-known references and professional jargon (行话).She hadno patience for brilliant but irrelevant figures of speech."Writers can't bluff (虚张声势) their waythrough ignorance." That was news to me--I would need to freed another way to structure my dailyexistence.J. She trimmed back my flowery language, drew lines through my exclamation marks and argued forthe value of restraint in expression."John," she almost whispered.I leaned in to hear her:"I can'thear you when you shout at me." So I stopped shouting and bluffing, and slowly my writingimproved.K. Somewhere along the way I set aside my hopes of writing that flawless essay.But perhaps I missedsomething important in my mother's lessons about creativity and perfection.Perhaps the point ofwriting the flawless essay was not to give up, but to never willingly finish.Whitman repeatedlyreworked "Song of Myself' between 1855 and 1891.Repeatedly.We do our absolute best with apiece of writing, and come as close as we can to the ideal.And, for the time being, we settle.Incritique, however, we are forced to depart, to give up the perfection we thought we had achievedfor the chance of being even a little bit better.This is the lesson I took from my mother: Ifperfection were possible, it would not be motivating.46.The author was advised against the improper use of figures of speech.47.The author's mother taught him a valuable lesson by pointing out lots of flaws in his seeminglyperfect essay.48.A writer should polish his writing repeatedly so as to get closer to perfection.49.Writers may experience periods of time in their life when they just can't produce anything.50.The author was not much surprised when his school teacher marked his essay as "flawless".51.Criticizing someone's speech is said to be easier than coming up with a better one.52.The author looks upon his mother as his most demanding and caring instructor.53.The criticism the author received from his mother changed him as a person.54.The author gradually improved his writing by avoiding fancy language.55.Constructive criticism gives an author a good start to improve his writing. Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions orunfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C.andD .You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the center.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.Could you reproduce Silicon Valley elsewhere, or is there something unique about it?It wouldn't be surprising if it were hard to reproduce in other countries, because you couldn'treproduce it in most of the US either.What does it take to make a Silicon Valley?It's the right people.If you could get the right ten thousand people to move from Silicon Valley toBuffalo, Buffalo would become Silicon Valley.You only need two kinds of people to create a technology hub (中心) : rich people and nerds (痴迷科研的人).Observation bears this out.Within the US, towns have become star,up hubs if and only if theyhave both rich people and nerds.Few startups happen in Miami, for example, because although it's fullof rich people, it has few nerds.It's not the kind of place nerds like.Whereas Pittsburgh has the opposite problem: plenty of nerds, but no rich people.The top USComputer Science departments are said to be MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie-Mellon.MITyielded Route 128.Stanford and Berkeley yielded Silicon Valley.But what did Carnegie-Mellon yield inPittsburgh? And what happened in Ithaca, home of Cornell University, which is also high on the list?I grew up in Pittsburgh and went to college at Cornell, so I can answer for both.The weather isterrible, particularly in winter, and there's no interesting old city to make up for it, as there is inBoston.Rich people don't want to live in Pittsburgh or Ithaca.So while there're plenty of hackers (电脑迷) who could start startups, there's no one to invest in themDo you really need the rich people? Wouldn't it work to have the government invest in the nerds?No, it would not.Startup investors are a distinct type of rich people.They tend to have a lot ofexperience themselves in the technology business.This helps them pick the right startups, and meansthey can supply advice and connections as well as money.And the fact that they have a personal stakein the outcome makes them really pay attention.56.What do we learn about Silicon Valley from the passage?A.Its success is hard to copy anywhere else.B.It is the biggest technology hub in the US.C.Its fame in high technology is incomparable.D.It leads the world in information technology.57.What makes Miami unfit to produce a Silicon Valley?ck of incentive for investment.ck of the right kind of talents.ck of government support.ck of famous universities.58.In what way is Carnegie-Mellon different from Stanford, Berkeley and MIT?A.Its location is not as attractive to rich people.B.Its science departments are not nearly as good.C.It does not produce computer hackers and nerds.D.It does not pay much attention to business startups.59.What does the author imply about Boston?A.It has pleasant weather all year round.B.It produces wealth as well as high-tech.C.It is not likely to attract lots of investors and nerds.D.It is an old city with many sites of historical interest.60.What does the author say about startup investors?A.They are especially wise in making investments.B.They have good connections in the government.C.They can do more than providing money.D.They are rich enough to invest in nerds.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.It's nice to have people of like mind around.Agreeable people boost your confidence and allow youto relax and feel comfortable.Unfortunately, that comfort can hinder the very learning that can expandyour company and your career.It's nice to have people agree, but you need conflicting perspectives to dig out the truth.Ifeveryone around you has similar views, your work will suffer from confirmation bias (偏颇).Take a look at your own network.Do your contacts share your point of view on most subjects? Ifyes, it's time to shake things up.As a leader, it can be challenging to create an environment in whichpeople will freely disagree and argue, but as the saying goes: From confrontation comes brilliance.It's not easy for most people to actively seek conflict.Many spend their lives trying to avoidarguments.There's no need to go out and find people you hate, but you need to do some self-assessment to determine where you have become stale in your thinking.You may need to start byencouraging your current network to help you identify your blind spots.Passionate, energetic debate does not require anger and hard feelings to be effective.But it doesrequire moral strength. Once you have worthy opponents, set some ground rules so everyoneunderstands responsibilities and boundaries.The objective of this debating game is not to win but to getto the truth that will allow you to move faster, farther, and better.Fierce debating can hurt feelings, particularly when strong personalities are involved.Make sureyou check in with your opponents so that they are not carrying the emotion of the battles beyond thebattlefield.Break the tension with smiles and humor to reinforce the idea that this is friendly discourseand that all are working toward a common goal.Reward all those involved in the debate sufficiently when the goals are reached.Let your sparringpartners (拳击陪练) know how much you appreciate their contribution. The more they feelappreciated, the more they'll be willing to get into the ring next time.61.What happens when you have like-minded people around you all the while?A.It will help your company expand more rapidly.B.It will create a harmonious working atmosphere.C.It may prevent your business and career from advancing.D.It may make you feel uncertain about your own decisions.62.What does the author suggest leaders do?A.Avoid arguments with business partners.B.Encourage people to disagree and argue.C.Build a wide and strong business network.D.Seek advice from their worthy competitors.63.What is the purpose of holding a debate?A.To find out the truth about an issue.B.To build up people's moral strength.C.To remove misunderstandings.D.To look for worthy opponents.64.What advice does the author give to people engaged in a fierce debate?A.They listen carefully to their opponents' views.B.They show due respect for each other's beliefs.C.They present their views clearly and explicitly.D.They take care not to hurt each other's feelings.65.How should we treat our rivals after a successful debate?A.Try to make peace with them.B.Try to make up the differences.C.Invite them to the ring next time.D.Acknowledge their contribution.Part Ⅳ Translation( 30 minutes )Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese intoEnglish.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.今年在长沙举行了一年一度的外国人汉语演讲比赛.这项比赛证明是促进中国和世界其他地区文化交流的好方法.它为世界各地的年轻人提供了更好地了解中国的机会.来自87个国家共计126位选手聚集在湖南省省会参加了从7月6日到8月5日进行的半决赛和决赛.比赛并不是唯一的活动.选手们还有机会参观了中国其他地区的著名景点和历史名胜.2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题答案与详解(第3套)Part ⅠWriting这是一篇四级考试中常见的议论文.话题围绕“Never go out there to see what happens,go out there tomake things happen.”这句话展开,要求考生进行评论,同时在题目要求中也明确给出了作文主题the importanceof being participants rather than mere onlookers in life.考生应该明确这一主题,并围绕其展开论述.一、点明主题:不做看客,要做实践者(being participants instead of onlookers in life)二、分析原因三、提出问题和建议主题词汇put…into practice将……付诸实践carry out执行;实现gain获得accumulate积累gradually逐渐地make a progress取得进步theory理论action行动would rather…than比起……更情愿……stand by袖手旁观句式拓展1.For some people, watching what happens to others is goodenough to learn a lesson, while for others, only practicingby themselves can finally make them get the real skills in对一些人而言,看发生在别人身上的事情足以让他们吸取教训,而对于其他人而言,他们只有亲身实践才能最终得到生活中的真正技能.2.No matter how many authentic theories you've got before,nothing will happen until you put them into practice.无论你曾经接受了多少权威的理论,若不付诸实践,一切都无济于事.Part ⅡListening ComprehensionM: I don't know what to do with Timmy.This morning I found orange juice spilled all over the kitchenfloor.W: Don't be so hard on him.He's only four.Q: What does the woman mean?C.四个选项中出现了children,careful,juice和Timmy等词,故推测本题考查的内容与孩子的行为相关.对话中,男士抱怨说他都不知道该拿蒂米怎么办了,今天早上,他发现桔子汁在厨房洒了一地,而女士则说,别对蒂米太严厉了,他才四岁.由此可见,女士认为男士不用小题大做,故答案为C..2.W: Excuse me, sir.I would like to know about the fitness training program in your club.M: I'll have you speak with the director in charge of new accounts.Q: What is the woman interested in?A.四个选项均为名词短语,且出现了fitness,job,computer和club等词,故推测本题考查的内容与健身或者工作相关.对话中,女士向男士询问俱乐部健身锻炼的事情,男士则说他会带着女士去找专门负责新会员的经理.由此可知,女士是对俱乐部健身锻炼感兴趣,故答案为A..3.W: It's really cold in this apartment.Can we turn up the heat a little bit? M: Sorry.I've run out of money and can hardly pay the fuel bill.Maybe you'd better put on a sweater.Q: what does the man mean?B.四个选项中出现了sweater,save,fuel bills和heating等词,故推测本题考查的内容与寒冷天气以及取暖相关.对话中,女士说她觉得很冷,问能不能把暖气开大一点,而男士则表示抱歉,说自己没钱了,都快付不起燃料费账单了,建议女士穿上毛衣.由此可知,男士想要节省燃料费,故答案为B.4.M: I'm sorry, Miss.But you have to come with me to the security office.The video cameras in our shophave recorded everything you did.W: No, no.I...I didn't do anything.I'll call the police if you dare insult me. Q: What does the man think the woman was doing?A.四个选项均为动名词短语,且出现了theft,pictures,shopping和camera 等词,故推测本题考查的内容与商店里发生的事情相关.对话中,男士要将女士带到保安室去,并说商店里的摄像头已经把女士所做的事都录下来了,而女士则表示自己什么都没有做,如果男士敢侮辱她的话,她就报警.由此可知,男士认为女士偷了商店里的东西,故答案为A.5.M: I think you ought to see a doctor right away about that cough.W: Well, I'll wait a few more days.I'm sure I'll get over it soon.Q: What do we learn about the woman?B.选项均以she开头,且出现了medicine,doctor和cough等词,故推测本题考查的内容与女士的健康状况相关.男士说女士应该马上去看医生,而女士则说再等几天,她相信自己的咳嗽很快就会好的.由此可知,直到本对话发生时,女士都还没有去看医生,故答案为B..6.M: I've heard that Pamela made quite a few mistakes in her lab report.W: Well, she wouldn't have if she hadn't been in such a hunt to get it done. Q: What does the woman imply?D.四个选项均提到了Pamela,且出现了report,hurry,writing和mistakes 等词,故推测本题考查的内容与帕米拉的报告相关.对话中,男士说他听说帕米拉的实验报告出了很多错,而女士则说,如果她不是那么急着做完的话,就不会出这么多的错.由此可知,帕米拉实验报告中的错误本来是可以避免的,故答案为D..7.M: We'd better check out before 12 o'clock, Marry.And now there are only 30 minutes left.W: Let's hurry up.You go pay the bill and I'll call the reception to have our luggage taken downstairs.Q : Where did this conversation most probably take place?C.四个选项均是表示地点的介词短语,故推测本题考查的内容与对话发生的地点相关.对话中,男士说他们最好能在中午l2点之前退房,现在只剩半小时了,女士建议加快速度,并让男士去付账,她自己给前台打电话,叫人把行李送到楼下.由此可知,对话发生的时候,两人还没有开始办理退房手续,还在宾馆的房间里,故答案为C..8.W: Have you ever heard this speaker before?。

2015年6月大学英语四级考试真题(第二套)

2015年6月大学英语四级考试真题(第二套)

Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions:for this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay based on the picture below.You should start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then comment on this kind of modern life.You should write at least l20 words but no more than l80wordsPart lI Listening Comprehension(30 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear 8 short conver sat ions 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 thefour choices marked A.,B),C)and D).and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet l with a single line through the centre.1.A. He is pleased to sit on the committee.B. He iS willing to offer the woman a hand.C. He will tell the woman his decision later.D. He would like to bec ome a club member.2.A. Their planned trip to Vancouver is obviously overpriced.B. They should borrow a guide book instead of buying one.C. The guide books in the library have the latest information.D. The library Can help order guide books about Vancouver.3.A. He re gre ts having taken the history course.B. He finds little interest in the history books.C. He has trouble finishing his reading assignments.D. He has difficulty writing the weekly book report.4.A. The man had better choose another restaurant.B. The new restaurant is a perfect place for dating.C. The new restaurant caught her fancy immediately.D. The man has good taste in choosing the restaurant.5.A. He has been looking forward to spring.B. He has been waiting for the winter sale.C. He will clean the woman,s boots for spring.D. He will help the woman put things away.6.A. At a tailor‟s.B. At Bob‟s home.C. In a clothes store.D. In a theatre.7.A. His guests favor Tibetan drinks.B. His water is quite extraordinary.C. Mineral water is good for health.D. Plain water will serve the purpose.8.A. Report the result of a discussion.B. Raise some environmental issues.C. Submit an important document.D. Revise an environmental report.Questions 9 t0 12 are based on the conver sat ion you have just heard.9.A. They pollute the soil used to cover them.B. They are harmful to nearby neighborhoods.C. The rubbish in them takes long to dissolve.D. The gas they emit is extremely poisonous.10.A. Growing population.B. Packaging materials.C. Changed eating habits.D. Lower production cost.11.A. By saving energy.B. By using less aluminum.C. By reducing poisonous wastes.D. By making the most of materials.12.A. We are running out of natural resources soon.B. Only combined efforts can make a difference.C. The waste problem will eventually hurt all of us.D. All of us can actually benefit from recyclin9.Questions l3 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13.A. Miami.B. Vancouver.C. Belling ham.D. Boston.14.A. To get information on one—way tickets to Canada.B. To inquire about the price of“Super Saver”seats.C. To get advice on how to fly as cheaply as possible.D. To inquire about the shortest route to drive home.15.A. Join a tourist group.B. Choose a major airline.C. Avoid trips in public holidays.D. Book tickets as early as possible.Section BDirections:/n 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 l with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions l6 t0 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A. There are mysterious stories behind his works.B. There are many misunderstandings about him.C. His works have no match worldwide.D. His personal history is little known.17.A. He moved to Strat ford—on—Avon in his childhood.B. He failed to go beyond grammar sch001.C. He was a member of the town council.D. He once worked in a well—known acting company.18.A. Writers of his time had no means to protect their works.B. Possible sources of clues about him were lost in a fire.C. His works were adapted beyond recognition.D. People of his time had little interest in him.Passage TwoQuestions l9 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard19.A. It shows you have been ignoring your healthB. It can seriously affect your thinking processC. It is an early warning of some illness.D. It is a symptom of too much pressure.20.A. Reduce our workload.B. Control our temper.C. Use painkillers for reliefD. Avoid masking syrup toms_21.A. Lying down and having some sleep.B. Rubbing and pressing one‟s back.C. Going out for a walkD. Listening to light musicPassage ThreeQuestions 22 t0 25 are based on the passage you have just heard22.A. Depending heavily on loans.B. Having no budget plans at all.C. Spending beyond one's meansD. Leaving no room for large bills23.A. Many of them can be cut.B. All of them have to be covered.C. Their payment cannot be delayedD. They eat up most of the family income24.A. Rent a house instead of buying one.B. Discuss the problem in the family.C. Make a conservation planD. Move to a cheaper Place25.A. Financial issues plaguing a family.B. Difficulty in making both ends meet.C. Family budget problems and solutionsD. New ways to boost family incomeSection 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 Its read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard.Finally,when the passage is read for the third time,you should check what you have written.Perhaps because going to college is so much a part of the American dream,many people go for no 26 reason.Some go because their parents expect it,others because it's what their friends are doing. Then,there‟s the belief that a college degree will 27 ensure a good job and high pay.Some students 28 through four years, attending classes, skipping(逃课)them as the case may be, reading only what can‟t be avoided,looking for less 29 courses, and never being touched or changed in any important way. For a few of these people, college provides no 30 , yet.Because of parental or peer pressure,they cannot voluntarily leave.They stop trying in the hope that their tea。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及解析(卷二

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及解析(卷二

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及解析(卷二) Part I Writing1.【题干】Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying "Learning is a daily experience and a lifetime mission." You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening ComprehensionPartⅢReading ComprehensionSection AScholars of the information society are divided over whether social inequality decreases or increases in an information-based society. However, they generally agree with the idea that inequality in the information society is_____(37)different from that of an industrial society. As informatization progress in society, the cause and structural nature of social inequality changes as well.It seems that the information society_____(38)the quantity of information available to the members of a society by revolutionizing the ways of using and exchanging information. But such a view as a_____(39)analysis based on the quantity of information supplied by various forms of the mass media. A different_____(40)is possible when the actual amount of information_____(41)by the user is taken into account. In fact, the more information_____(42)throughout the entire society, the wider the gap becomes between "information haves" and "information have-nots," leading to digital divide.According to recent studies, digital divide has been caused by three major_____(43): class, sex, and generation. In terms of class, digital divide exists among different types of workers and between the upper and middle classes and the lower class. With_____(44)to sex, digital divide exists between men and women. The greatest gap, however, is between the Net-generation, _____(45)with personal computers and the Internet, and the older generation,_____(46)to an industrial society.37.【题干】_____【选项】A.accustomed习惯的通常的B.acquired 取得C.assembly 集合D.attribute 把…归于E.champions 冠军F.elements 原理,元素G.expands 扩大H.familiar 熟悉的I.flows 流动J.fundamentally 从根本上地K.interpretation 解释L.passive 被动的M.regard 把..看作,与…有关N.respectively 分别地O.superficial 表面的,肤浅的【答案】J38.【答案】G39.【答案】O40.【答案】K 41. 【答案】B 42.I 43.F 44.M 45.A 46.DSection BJoy:A Subject Schools LackBecoming educated should not require giving up pleasureA)When Jonathan Swift proposed, in 1729, that the people of Ireland eat their children, he insisted it would solve three problems at once: feed the hungry masses, reduce the population during a severe depression, and stimulate the restaurant business. Evan as a satire(讽刺), it seems disgusting and shocking in America with its child-centered culture. But actually, the country is closer to his proposal than you might think.B)If you spend much time with educators and policy makers, you'll hear a lot of the following words: "standards,""results,""skills,""self-control,""accountability," and so on. I have visited some of the newer supposedly "effective" schools, where children shout slogans in order to learn self-control or must stand behind their desk when they can't sit still.C)A look at what goes on in most classrooms these days makes it abundantly clear that when people think about education, they are not thinking about what it feels like to be a child, or what makes childhood an important and valuable stage of life in its own right.D)I'm a mother of three, a teacher, and a developmental psychologist. So I've watched a lot of children-talking, playing, arguing, eating, studying, and being young. Here's what I've come to understand. The thing that sets children apart from adults is not their ignorance, nor their lack of skills. It's their enormous capacity for joy. Think of a 3-year-old lost in the pleasures of finding out what he can and cannot sink in the bathtub, a 5-year-old beside herself with the thrill of putting together strings of nonsensical words with her best friends, or an 11-year-old completely absorbed in a fascinating comic strip. A child's ability to become deeply absorbed in something, and derive intense pleasure from that absorption, is something adults spend the rest of their lives trying to return to.E)A friend told me the following story. One day, when he went to get his 7-year-old son from soccer practice, his kid greeted him with a downcast face and a sad voice. The coach had criticized him for focusing on his soccer drills. The little boy walked out of the school with his head and shoulders hanging down. He seemed wrapped in sadness. But just before he reached the car door, he suddenly stopped, crouching(蹲伏)down to peer at something on the sidewalk.His face went down lower and lower, and then, with complete joy he called out," Dad. Come here. This is the strangest bug I've ever seen. It has, like a million legs. Look at this. It's amazing." He looked up at his father, his features overflowing with energy and delight. "Can't we stay here for just a minute? I want to find out what he does with all those legs. This is the coolest ever."F)The traditional view of such moments is that they constitute a charming but irrelevant byproduct of youth-something to be pushed aside to make room for more important qualities, like perseverance(坚持不懈), obligation, and practicality. Yet moments like this one are just the kind of intense absorption and pleasure adults spend the rest of their lives seeking. Human lives are governed by the desire to experience joy. Becoming educated should not require giving up joy but rather lead to finding joy in new kinds of things: reading novels instead to playing with small figures, conducting experiments instead of sinking cups in the bathtub, and debating serious issues rather than stringing together nonsense words, for example. In some cases, schools should help children find new, more grown-up ways of doing the same things that are constant sources of joy: making art, making friends, making decisions.G)Building on a child's ability to joy, rather than pushing it aside, wouldn't be that hard. It would just require a shift in the education word's mindset(思维模式). Instead of trying to get children to work hard, why not focus on getting them to take pleasure in meaningful, productive activity, like making things, working with others, exploring ideas, and solving problems? These focuses are not so different from the things in which they delight.H)Before you brush this argument aside as rubbish, or think of joy as an unaffordable luxury in a nation where there is awful poverty, low academic achievement, and high dropout rates, think again. The more horrible the school circumstances, the more important pleasure is to achieving any educational success.I)Many of the assignments and rules teachers come up with, often because they are pressured by their administrators, treat pleasure and joy as the enemies of competence and responsibility. The assumption is that children shouldn't chat in the classroom because it hinders hard work; instead, they should learn to delay gratification(快乐)so that can pursue abstract goals, like going to college.J)Not only is this a boring and awful way to treat children, it makes no sense educationally, Decades of research have shown that in order to acquire skills and real knowledge in school, kids need to want to learn. You can force a child to stay in his or her seat, fill out a worksheet, or practice division. But you can't force the child to think carefully, enjoy books, digest complex information, or develop a taste for learning. To make that happen, you have to help the child find pleasure in learning-to see school as a source of joy.K)Adults tend to talk about learning as if it were medicine: unpleasant, but necessary and good for you. Why not instead think of learning as if it were food-something so valuable to humans that they have evolved to experience it as a pleasure?L)Joy should not be trained out of children or left for after-school programs. The more difficult a child's life circumstances, the more important it is for that child to find joy in his or her classroom. "Pleasure" is not a dirty word. And it doesn't run counter to the goals of public education. It is, in fact, the precondition.47.【题干】It will not be difficult to make learning a source of joy if educators change their way of thinking.【答案】G【解析】Building on a child's ability to joy, rather than pushing it aside, wouldn't be that hard. It would just require a shift in the education word's mindset(思维模式).48.【题干】What distinguishes children from adults is their strong ability to derive joy from what they are doing.【答案】D【解析】The thing that sets children apart from adults is not their ignorance, nor their lack of skills. It's their enormous capacity for joy49.【题干】Children in America are being treated with shocking cruelty.【答案】A50.【题干】It is human nature to seek joy in life.【答案】F【解析】Human lives are governed by the desire to experience joy.51.【题干】Grown-ups are likely to think that learning to children is what medicine is to patients.【答案】K【解析】Adults tend to talk about learning as if it were medicine: unpleasant, but necessary and good for you.52.【题干】Bad school conditions make it all the more important to turn learning into a joyful experience.【答案】L【解析】The more difficult a child's life circumstances, the more important it is for that child to find joy in his or her classroom.53.【题干】Adults do not consider children's feelings when it comes to education.【答案】C【解析】A look at what goes on in most classrooms these days makes it abundantly clear that when people think about education, they are not thinking about what it feels like to be a child, or what makes childhood an important and valuable stage of life in its own right.54.【题干】Administrators seem to believe that only hard work will lead children to their educational goals.【答案】I【解析】Many of the assignments and rules teachers come up with, often because they are pressured by their administrators, treat pleasure and joy as the enemies of competence and responsibility.55.【题干】In the so-called "effective" schools, children are taught self-control under a set ofstrict rules.【答案】B【解析】I have visited some of the newer supposedly "effective" schools, where children shout slogans in order to learn self-control or must stand behind their desk when they can't sit still.56.【题干】To make learning effective, educators have to ensure that children want to learn.【答案】J【解析】You can force a child to stay in his or her seat, fill out a worksheet, or practice division. But you can't force the child to think carefully, enjoy books, digest complex information, or develop a taste for learning. To make that happen, you have to help the child find pleasure in learning-to see school as a source of joy.Passage OneQuestions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.When it's five o'clock, people leave their office. The length of the workday, for many workers, is defined by time. They leave when the clock tells them they're done.These days, the time is everywhere: not just on clocks or watches, but on cell-phones and computers. That may be a bad thing, particularly at work. New research shows that clock-based word schedules hinder morale(士气)and creativity.Clock-timers organize their day by blocks of minutes and hours. For example: a meeting from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., research from 10 a.m. to noon, etc. On the other hand, task-timers have a list of things they want to accomplish. They work down the list, each task starts when the previous task is completed. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning.What, then, are the effects of thinking about time in these different ways? Does one make us more productive? Better at the tasks at hand? Happier? In experiments conducted by Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier, they had participants organize different activities-from project planning, holiday shopping, to yoga-by time or to-do list to measure how they performed under "clock time" vs "task time". They found clock timers to be more efficient but less happy because they felt little control over their lives. Task timers are happier and more creative, but less productive. They tend to enjoy the moment when something good is happening, and seize opportunities that come up.The researchers argue that task-based organizing tends to be undervalued and under-supported in the business culture. Smart companies, they believe, will try to bake more task-based planning into their strategies.This might be a small change to the way we view work and the office, but the researchers argue that it challenges a widespread characteristic of the economy: work organized by clock time. While most people will still probably need, and be, to some extent, clock-timers, task-based timing should be used when performing a job that requires more creativity. It'll make those tasks easier, and the task-doers will be happier.57.【题干】What does the author think of time displayed everywhere?【选项】A.It makes everybody time-conscious.B.It is a convenience for work and life.C.It may have a negative effect on creative work.D.It clearly indicates the fast pace of modern life.【答案】C【解析】2 New research shows that clock-based word schedules hinder morale(士气)and creativity.58.【题干】How do people usually go about their work according to the author?【选项】A.They combine clock-based and task-based planning.B.They give priority to the most urgent task on hand.C.They set a time limit for each specific task.D.They accomplish their tasks one by one.【答案】A【解析】3 They work down the list, each task starts when the previous task is completed. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning.59.【题干】What did Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier find in their experiments about clock-timers?【选项】A.They seize opportunities as they come up.B.They always get their work done in time.C.They have more control over their lives.D.They tend to be more productive.【答案】D【解析】They found clock timers to be more efficient but less happy because they felt little control over their lives. Task timers are happier and more creative, but less productive.60.【题干】What do the researchers say about today's business culture?【选项】A.It does not support the strategies adopted by smart companies.B.It does not attach enough importance to task-based practice.C.It places more emphasis on work efficiency than on workers' lives.D.It aims to bring employees' potential and creativity into full play.【答案】B【解析】The researchers argue that task-based organizing tends to be undervalued and under-supported in the business culture.61.【题干】What do the researchers suggest?【选项】A.Task-based timing is preferred for doing creative work.B.It is important to keep a balance between work and life.C.Performing creative jobs tends to make workers happier.D.A scientific standard should be adopted in job evaluation.【答案】D【解析】最后段the researchers argue that it challenges a widespread characteristic of the economy: work organized by clock time. While most people will still probably need, and be, to some extent, clock-timers, task-based timing should be used when performing a job that requires more creativity. It'll make those tasks easier, and the task-doers will be happier.Passage TwoQuestion 62 to 66 are based on the following passage.Martha Stewart was charged, tried and convicted of a crime in 2004. As she neared the end of her prison sentence, a well-known columnist wrote that she was "paying her dues," and that "there is simply no reason for anyone to attempt to deny her right to start anew."Surely, the American ideal of second chances should not be reserved only for the rich and powerful. Unfortunately, many federal and state laws impose post-conviction restrictions on a shockingly large number of Americans, who are prevented form ever fully paying their debt to society.At least 65 million people in the United States have a criminal record. This can result in severe penalties that continue long after punishment is completed.Many of these penalties are imposed regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the person's individual circumstances. Laws can restrict or ban voting, access to public housing, and professional and business licensing. They can affect a person's ability to get a job and qualification for benefits.In all, more than 45,000 laws and rules serve to exclude vast numbers of people from fully participating in American life.Some laws make sense. No one advocates letting someone convicted of pedophilia(恋童癖)work in a school. But too often collateral(附随的)consequences bear no relation to public safety. Should a woman who possessed a small amount of drugs years ago be permanently unable to be licensed as a nurse?These laws are also counterproductive, since they make it harder for people with criminal records to find housing or land a job, two key factors that reduce backsliding.A recent report makes several recommendations, including the abolition of most post-conviction penalties, except for those specifically needed to protect public safety. Where the penalties are not a must, they should be imposed only if the facts of a case support it.The point is not to excuse or forget the crime. Rather, it is to recognize that in America's vast criminal justice system, second chances are crucial. It is in no one's interest to keep a large segment of the population on the margins of society.62.【题干】What does the well-known columnist's remark about Martha Stewart suggest?【选项】A.Her past record might stand in her way to a new life.B.Her business went bankrupt while she was in prison.C.Her release from prison has drawn little attention.D.Her prison sentence might have been extended.【解析】第一段a well-known columnist wrote that she was "paying her dues," and that "there is simply no reason for anyone to attempt to deny her right to start anew."63.【题干】What do we learn from the second paragraph about many criminals in America?【选项】A.They backslide after serving their terms in prison.B.They are deprived of all social benefits.C.They receive severe penalties for committing minor offenses.D.They are convicted regardless of their individual circumstances.【答案】B【解析】第二段Unfortunately, many federal and state laws impose post-conviction restrictions on a shockingly large number of Americans, who are prevented form ever fully paying their debt to society.64.【题干】What are the consequences for many Americans with a criminal record?【选项】A.They remain poor for the rest of their lives.B.They are deprived of all social benefits.C.They are marginalized in society.D.They are deserted by their family.【答案】C【解析】第四段Many of these penalties are imposed regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the person's individual circumstances. Laws can restrict or ban voting, access to public housing, and professional and business licensing. They can affect a person's ability to get a job and qualification for benefits.65.【题干】What does the author think of the post-conviction laws and rules?【选项】A.They help to maintain social stability.B.Some of them have long been outdated.C.They are hardly understood by the public.D.A lot of them have negative effects on society.【答案】D【解析】倒数第二段These laws are also counterproductive, since they make it harder for people with criminal records to find housing or land a job, two key factors that reduce backsliding.66.【题干】What is the author's main purpose in writing the passage?【选项】A.To create opportunities for criminals to reform themselves.B.To appeal for changes in America's criminal justice system.C.To ensure that people with a criminal record live a decent life.D.To call people's attention to prisoner's conditions in America.【解析】呼吁美国司法体系的改革。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(word版)附答案(6)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(word版)附答案(6)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(word版)附答案(6)The growing diversity of family life comes with new possibilities as well as new challenges. According to a recent poll, more than 80 percent of Americans believe that their current family is as close as the one in which they grew up, or closer. Finding ways to imaginary golden age.61、What do we learn about American autoworkers in 1950?A.They had less job security than they do today.B.It was not too difficult for them to buy a house.C.Their earnings were worth twice as much as today.D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.63、Why couldn’t black workers buy a house in a whitc suburban neighborhood ?A.They lacked the means of transportation.B.They were subjected to racial inequality.C.They were afraid to break the law.D.They were too poor to afford it.64、What is the result of no-fault divorce ?A.Divorce is easier to obtain.B.Domestic violence is lessened.C.It causes little pain to either side.D.It contributes to social unrest.65 、What does the author suggest society do?A.Get prepared to face any new challenges.B.Try to better the current social security.C.Narrow the gap between blacks and whites.D.Improve the lives of families with problemsPart IV TranslationDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.翻译题一:大熊猫是一种温顺的动物,长着独特的黑白皮毛。

大学英语四级考试真题答案

大学英语四级考试真题答案

2015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 an essay commenting on the saying "Learning is a daily experience and a lifetime mission.” You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Part II Listening Comprehension(30 minutes)Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) From the wanted column. C) From a telephone directory.B) From some of her friends. D) From a television commercial.10. A) She received full-time education abroad. C) She finished her secondary school.B) She graduated from an open university. D) She studied in a vocational college.11. A) She is a shorthand-typist. C) She is a policewoman.B) She works as a tour guide. D) She teaches an evening class.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) It provides him with career opportunities. C) It has been off and on for ten years.B) It helps enlarge his customer network. D) It was interrupted for four years.13. A) Individualized service. C) Home-made beer.B) Traditional setting. D) Social games.14. A) The quality of beer. C) The owner's attitude.B) The atmosphere. D) The right location.15. A) It is a rather tough job.C) It helps old people kill time.B) It is a profitable business. D) It makes retirees feel useful.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. 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 OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) It is becoming increasingly popular. C) It gives rise to serious social instability.B) It helps the user to escape reality. D) It hurts a person and those around them.17. A) They use drugs just for fun. C) They use drugs as medicine.B) They take drugs to get high. D) They keep drug use a secret.18. A) It is quite common in entertainment circles.B) It is the cause of various social problems.C) It is hard to get rid of.D) It is fatal to the user.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Taking up exercises after recovery. C) Finding new ways to cure heart disease.B) Producing tasty healthy frozen food. D) Going on a diet upon leaving the hospital.20. A) It was carefully tested with consumers. C) It was disapproved by many diet experts.B) It was promoted by health organizations. D) It was highly expected by the general public.21. A) Competitive price. C) Vigorous promotion.B) Low expectations. D) Unique ingredients.22. A) It was suggested by the firm's vice-president.B) It matches the food's dark green packaging.C) It has a positive implication for consumers.D) It tricks the elders into impulse purchasing.Passage TwoQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) It is practiced in most of the states. C) It has drawn a lot of criticism from overseas.B) It will be abolished sooner or later. D) It has to be approved by the Supreme Court.24. A) Whether the practice should be allowed to continue in future.B) Whether there should be a minimum age limit for executionC) What type of criminals should receive it.D) What effect it might have on youngsters.25. A) The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing two friends.B) The governor changed his death sentence to life in prison.C) He was the first minor to be executed in South Carolina.D) He was sentenced to death for a crime he committed as a minor.Part IIII Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.For many Americans,2013 ended with an unusually bitter cold spell. Late November and December 36 early snow and bone-chilling temperatures in much of the country,part of a year when, for the first time in two 37,record-cold days will likely turn out to have outnumbered record-warm ones. But the U. S. was the exception: November was the warmest ever 38,and current data indicates that 2013 is likely to have been the fourth hottest year on record.Enjoy the snow now, because 39 are good that 2014 will be even hotter, perhaps the hottest year since records have been kept. That's because, scientists are predicting, 2014 will be an El Nino year.El Nino,Spanish for "the child",40 when surface ocean waters in the southern Pacific become abnormally warm. So large is the Pacific, covering 30% of the planet's surface, that the 41 energy generated by its warming is enough to touch off a series of weather changes around the world. El Ninos are 42 with abnormally dry conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia. They can lead to extreme rain in parts of North and South America, even as southern Africa 43 dry weather. Marine life may be affected too: El Ninos can 44 the rising of the cold, nutrient-rich(营养丰富的)water that supports large fish 45,and the unusually warm ocean temperatures can destroy coral(珊瑚).A)additional I)logicallyB) associated J)occursC)bore K) populationsD) chances L) realizeE)communicated M) reduceF)decades N) sawG)experiences O) specificH) globallySection BDirections; In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.How to Eat WellA) Why do so many Americans eat tons of processed food, the stuff that is correctly called junk(垃圾)and should really carry warning labels?B) It's not because fresh ingredients are hard to come by. Supermarkets offer more variety than ever, and there are over four times as many farmers' markets in the U. S. as there were 20 years ago. Nor is it for lack of available information. There are plenty of recipes(食谱),how-to videos and cooking classes available to anyone who has a computer, smartphone or television. if anything, the information is overwhelming.C) And yet we aren't cooking. If you eat three meals a day and behave like most Americans,you probably get at least a third of your daily calories(卡路里)outside the home. Nearly two-thirds of us grab fast food once a week, and we get almost 25% of our daily calories from snacks. So we're eating out or taking in, and we don't sit down-or we do,but we hurry.D) Shouldn't preparing-and consuming-food be a source of comfort, pride,health,well-being,relaxation, sociability? Something that connects us to other humans? Why would we want to outsource(外包)this basic task, especially when outsourcing it is so harmful?E) When I talk about cooking, I'm not talking about creating elaborate dinner parties or three-day science projects. I'm talking about simple,easy, everyday meals. My mission is to encourage green hands and those lacking time or money to feed themselves. That means we need modest, realistic expectations,and we need to teach people to cook food that's good enough to share with family and friends.F) Perhaps a return to real cooking needn't be far off. A recent Harris poll revealed that 79% of Americans say they enjoy cooking and 30% "love it";14% admit to not enjoying kitchen work and just 7% won't go near the stove at all. But this doesn't necessarily translate to real cooking, and the result of this survey shouldn't surprise anyone: 52% of those 65 or older cook at home five or more times per week; only a third of young people do.G) Back in the 1950s most of us grew up in households where Mom cooked virtually every night. The intention to put a home-cooked meal on the table was pretty much universal. Most people couldn't afford to do otherwise.H) Although frozen dinners were invented in the '40s,their popularity didn't boom until televisionbecame popular a decade or so later. Since then, packaged, pre-prepared meals have been what's for dinner. The microwave and fast-food chains were the biggest catalysts(催化剂),but the big food companies-which want to sell anything except the raw ingredients that go into cooking-made the home cook an endangered species.I) Still,I find it strange that only a third of young people report preparing meals at home regularly. Isn't this the same crowd that rails against processed junk and champions craft cooking? And isn't this the generation who say they're concerned about their health and the well-being of the planet? If these are truly the values of many young people,then their behavior doesn't match their beliefs. J) There have been half-hearted but well-publicized efforts by some food companies to reduce calories in their processed foods,but the Standard American Diet is still the polar opposite of the healthy, mostly plant-based diet that just about every expert says we should be eating. Considering that the government's standards are not nearly ambitious enough, the picture is clear: by not cooking at home,we're not eating the right things,and the consequences are hard tooverstate.K) To help quantify(量化)the costs of a poor diet, I recently tried to estimate this impact in terms of a most famous food, the burger(汉堡包).I concluded that the profit from burgers is more than offset(抵消)by the damage they cause in health problems and environmental harm.L) Cooking real food is the best defense-not to mention that any meal you're likely to eat at home contains about 200 fewer calories than one you would eat in a restaurant.M) To those Americans for whom money is a concern, my advice is simple:Buy what you can afford, and cook it yourself. The common prescription is to primarily shop the grocery store, since that's where fresh produce,meat and seafood, and dairy are. And to save money and still eat well you don't need local, organic ingredients;all you need is real food. I'm not saying local food isn't better; it is. But there is plenty of decent food in the grocery stores.N) The other sections you should get to know are the frozen foods and the canned goods. Frozen produce is still produce; canned tomatoes are still tomatoes. Just make sure you're getting real food without tons of added salt or sugar. Ask yourself, would Grandma consider this food? Does it look like something that might occur in nature? It's pretty much common sense; you want to buy food, not unidentifiable foodlike objects.O) You don't have to hit the grocery store daily, nor do you need an abundance of skill. Since fewer than half of Americans say they cook at an intermediate level and only 2096 describe their cooking skills as advanced, the crisis is one of confidence. And the only remedy for that is practice.There's nothing mysterious about cooking the evening meal. You just have to do a little thinking ahead and redefine what qualifies as dinner. Like any skill,cooking gets easier as you do it more;every time you cook, you advance your level of skills. Someday you won't even need recipes. My advice is that you not pay attention to the number of steps and ingredients,because they can be deceiving.P) Time,I realize,is the biggest obstacle to cooking for most people. You must adjust your priorities to find time to cook. For instance,you can move a TV to the kitchen and watch your favorite shows while you're standing at the sink. No one is asking you to give up activities you like,but if you're watching food shows on TV,try cooking instead.46. Cooking benefits people in many ways and enables them to connect with one another.47. Abundant information about cooking is available either online or on TV.48. Young people do less cooking at home than the elderly these days.49. Cooking skills can be improved with practice.50. In the mid-20th century,most families ate dinner at home instead of eating out.51. Even those short of time or money should be encouraged to cook for themselves and theirfamily.52. Eating food not cooked by ourselves can cause serious consequences.53. To eat well and still save money, people should buy fresh food and cook it themselves.54. We get a fairly large portion of calories from fast food and snacks.55. The popularity of TV led to the popularity of frozen food.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。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第1套)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第1套)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying “Never go out there to see what happens, go out there to make things happen.” Youcan cite examples to illustrate the important of being participants rather than mereonlookers in life. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

PartⅡListening 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 eachquestion there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choicesmarked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark thecorresponding 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。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第三套)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第三套)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第3套)Part Ⅰ Writing ( 30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying" Never go out there to see what happens, go out there to make things happen." You can cit examples to illustrate the importance of being participants rather than mere onlookers in life. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension ( 30 minutes)Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1 A. Children should be taught to be more careful.B. Children shouldn't drink so much orange juice.C. There is no need for the man to make such a fuss.D. Timmy should learn to do things in the right way.2. A. Fitness training. B. The new job offer.C. Computer programming.D. Directorship of the club.3. A. He needs to buy a new sweater.B. He has got to save on fuel bills.C. The fuel price has skyrocketed.D. The heating system doesn't work.4. A. Committing theft. B. Taking pictures.C. Window shopping.D. Posing for the camera.5. A. She is taking some medicine.B. She has not seen a doctor yet.C. She does not trust the man's advice.D. She has almost recovered from the cough.6. A. Pamela's report is not finished as scheduled.B. Pamela has a habit of doing things in a hurry.C. Pamela is not good at writing research papers.D. Pamela's mistakes could have been avoided.7. A. In the left-luggage office. B. At the hotel reception.C. In a hotel room.D. At an airport.8. A. She was an excellent student at college.B. She works in the entertainment business.C. She is fond of telling stories in her speech.D. She is good at conveying her message.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A. Arranging the woman's appointment with Mr. Romero.B. Fixing the time for the designer's latest fashion show.C. Talking about an important gathering on Tuesday.D. Preparing for the filming on Monday morning.10.A. Her travel to Japan.B. The awards ceremony.C. The proper hairstyle for her new role.D. When to start the make-up session.11.A. He is Mr. Romero's agent.B. He is an entertainment journalist.C. He is the woman's assistant.D. He is a famous movie star.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A. Make an appointment for an interview.B. Send in an application letter.C. Fill in an application form.D. Make a brief self-introduction on the phone.13.A. Someone having a college degree in advertising.B. Someone experienced in business management.C. Someone ready to take on more responsibilities.D. Someone willing to work beyond regular hours.14.A. Travel opportunities. B. Handsome pay.C. Prospects for promotion.D. Flexible working hours.15.A. It depends on the working hours.B. It is about 500 pounds a week.C. It will be set by the Human Resources.D. It is to be negotiated.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A. To give customers a wider range of choices.B. To make shoppers see as many items as possible.C. To supply as many varieties of goods as it can.D. To save space for more profitable products.17.A. On the top shelves. B. On the bottom shelves.C. On easily accessible shelves.D. On clearly marked shelves.18.A. Many of them buy things on impulse.B. A few of them are fathers with babies.C. A majority of them are young couples.D. Over 60% of them make shopping lists.19.A. Sales assistants promoting high margin goods.B. Sales assistants following customers around.C. Customers competing for good bargains.D. Customers losing all sense of time.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20.A. Teaching mathematics at a school.B. Doing research in an institute.C. Studying for a college degree.D. Working in a hi-tech company21.A. He studied the designs of various clocks.B. He did experiments on different materials.C. He bought an alarm clock with a pig face.D. He asked different people for their opinions.22.A. Its automatic mechanism.B. Its manufacturing process.C. Its way of waking people up.D. Its funny-looking pig face.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A. It is often caused by a change of circumstances.B. It actually doesn't require any special treatment.C. It usually appears all of a sudden.D. It generally lasts for several years.24.A. They cannot mix well with others.B. They irrationally annoy their friends.C. They depend heavily on family members.D. They blame others for ignoring their needs.25.A. They lack consistent support from peers.B. They doubt their own popularity.C. They were born psychologically weak.D. They focus too much on themselves.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given, in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each. choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the center. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Children do not think the way adults do. For most of the first year of life, if something is out of sight, it's out of mind. If you cover a baby's36toy with a piece of cloth, the baby thinks the toyhas disappeared and stops looking for it. A 4-year-old may 37 that a sister has more fruit juice when it is only the shapes of the glasses that differ, not the38 of juice.Yet children are smart in their own way. Like good little scientists, children are always testing their child-sized39 about how things work. When your child throws her spoon on the floor for the sixth time as you try to feed her, and you say, "That's enough! I will not pick up your spoon again!" the child will 40 test your claim. Are you serious? Are you angry? What will happen if she throws the spoon again? She is not doing this to drive you41; rather, she is learning that her desires and yours can differ, and that sometimes those42 are important and sometimes they are not.How and why does children's thinking change? In the 1920s, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget proposed that children's cognitive (认知的) abilities unfold 43, like the blooming of a flower, almost independent of what else is44in their lives. Although many of his specific conclusions havebeen45 or modified over the years, his ideas inspired thousands of studies by investigators all over the world. A. advocate B. amount C. confirmed D. crazy E. definiteF. differencesG. favoriteH. happeningI. ImmediatelyJ. NaturallyK. Obtaining L. Primarily M. Protest N. Rejected O. theoriesSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with, ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Perfect EssayA. Looking back on too many years of education, I can identify one truly impossible teacher. She cared about me, and my intellectual life, even when I didn't. Her expectations were high--impossibly so. She was an English teacher. She was also my mother.B. When good students turn in an essay, they dream of their instructor returning it to them in exactly the same condition, save for a single word added in the margin of the final page : "Flawless." This dream came true for me one afternoon in the ninth grade. Of course, I had heard that genius could show itself at an early age, so I was only slightly taken aback that I had achieved perfection at the tender age of 14.Obviously, I did what any professional writer would do; I hurried off to spread the good news. I didn't get very far. The first person I told was my mother.C. My mother, who is just shy of five feet tall, is normally incredibly soft-spoken, but on the rare occasion when she got angry, she was terrifying. I am not sure if she was more upset by my hubris(得意忘形) or by the fact that my English teacher had let my ego get so out of hand. In any event, my mother and her red pen showed me how deeply flawed a flawless essay could be. At the time, I am sure she thought she was teaching me about mechanics, transitions (过渡), structure, style and voice. But what I learned, and what stuck with me through my time teaching writing at Harvard, was a deeper lesson about the nature of creative criticism.D. First off, it hurts. Genuine criticism, the type that leaves a lasting mark on you as a writer, also leaves an existential imprint (印记) on you as a person. I have heard people say that a writer should never take criticism personally. I say that we should never listen to these people.E. Criticism, at its best, is deeply personal, and gets to the heart of why we write the way we do. The intimate nature of genuine criticism implies something about who is able to give it, namely, someone who knows you well enough to show you how your mental life is getting in the way of good writing. Conveniently, they are also the people who care enough to see you through this painful realization. For me it took the form of my first, and I hope only, encounter with writer's block--I was not able to produce anything for three years.F. Franz Kafka once said: "Writing is utter solitude (独处), the descent into the cold abyss (深渊) of oneself." My mother's criticism had shown me that Kafka is right about the cold abyss, and when you make the introspective (内省的) descent that writing requires you are not always pleased by what you find. But, in the years that followed, her sustained tutoring suggested that Kafka might be wrong about the solitude. I was lucky enough to find a critic and teacher who was willing to make the journey of writing with me."It is a thing of no great difficulty," according to Plutarch, "to raise objections against another man's speech, it is a very easy matter; but to produce a better in its place is a work extremely troublesome." I am sure I wrote essays in the later years of high school without my mother's guidance, but I can't recall them. What I remember, however, is how she took up the "extremely troublesome" work of ongoing criticism.G. There are two ways to interpret Plutarch when he suggests that a critic should be able to produce "a better in its place." In a straightforward sense, he could mean that a critic must be more talented than the artist she critiques (评论).My mother was well covered on this count. But perhaps Plutarch is suggesting something slightly different, something a bit closer to Marcus Cicero's claim that one should "criticize by creation, not by finding fault." Genuine criticism creates a precious opening for an author to become better on his own terms--a process that is often extremely painful, but also almost always meaningful.H. My mother said she would help me with my writing, but first I had to help myself. For each assignment, I was to write the best essay I could. Real criticism is not meant to find obvious mistakes, so if she found any--the type I could have found on my own--I had to start from scratch. From scratch. Once the essay was "flawless," she would take an evening to walk me through my errors. That was when true criticism, the type that changed me as a person, began.I. She criticized me when I included little-known references and professional jargon (行话).Shehadno patience for brilliant but irrelevant figures of speech."Writers can't bluff (虚张声势) their way through ignorance." That was news to me--I would need to freed another way to structure my daily existence.J. She trimmed back my flowery language, drew lines through my exclamation marks and argued for the value of restraint in expression."John," she almost whispered. I leaned in to hear her: "I can't hear you when you shout at me." So I stopped shouting and bluffing, and slowly my writing improved.K. Somewhere along the way I set aside my hopes of writing that flawless essay. But perhaps I missed something important in my mother's lessons about creativity and perfection. Perhaps the point of writing the flawless essay was not to give up, but to never willingly finish. Whit man repeatedly reworked "Song of Myself' between 1855 and 1891.Repeatedly.We do our absolute best with a piece of writing, and come as close as we can to the ideal. And, for the time being, we settle. In critique, however, we are forced to depart, to give up the perfection we thought we had achieved for the chance of being even a little bit better. This is the lesson I took from my mother: If perfection were possible, it would not be motivating.46.The author was advised against the improper use of figures of speech.47.The author's mother taught him a valuable lesson by pointing out lots of flaws in his seemingly perfect essay.48.A writer should polish his writing repeatedly so as to get closer to perfection.49.Writers may experience periods of time in their life when they just can't produce anything.50.The author was not much surprised when his school teacher marked his essay as "flawless".51.Criticizing someone's speech is said to be easier than coming up with a better one.52.The author looks upon his mother as his most demanding and caring instructor.53.The criticism the author received from his mother changed him as a person.54.The author gradually improved his writing by avoiding fancy language.55.Constructive criticism gives an author a good start to improve his writing.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.Could you reproduce Silicon Valley elsewhere, or is there something unique about it?It wouldn't be surprising if it were hard to reproduce in other countries, because you couldn't reproduce it in most of the US either. What does it take to make a Silicon Valley?It's the right people. If you could get the right ten thousand people to move from Silicon Valley to Buffalo, Buffalo would become Silicon Valley.You only need two kinds of people to create a technology hub (中心) : rich people and nerds (痴迷科研的人).Observation bears this out. Within the US, towns have become star, up hubs if and only if they have both rich people and nerds. Few startups happen in Miami, for example, because although it's full of rich people, it has few nerds. It's not the kind of place nerds like.Whereas Pittsburgh has the opposite problem: plenty of nerds, but no rich people.The top US Computer Science departments are said to be MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie-Mellon. MIT yielded Route 128.Stanford and Berkeley yielded Silicon Valley. But what did Carnegie-Mellon yield in Pittsburgh? And what happened in Ithaca, home of Cornell University, which is also high on the list?I grew up in Pittsburgh and went to college at Cornell, so I can answer for both. The weather isterrible, particularly in winter, and there's no interesting old city to make up for it, as there is in Boston. Rich people don't want to live in Pittsburgh or Ithaca. So while there're plenty of hackers (电脑迷) who could start startups, there's no one to invest in themDo you really need the rich people? Wouldn't it work to have the government invest in the nerds?No, it would not. Start up investors are a distinct type of rich people. They tend to have a lot of experience themselves in the technology business. This helps them pick the right startups, and means they can supply advice and connections as well as money. And the fact that they have a personal stake in the outcome makes them really pay attention.56.What do we learn about Silicon Valley from the passage?A. Its success is hard to copy anywhere else.B. It is the biggest technology hub in the US.C. Its fame in high technology is incomparable.D. It leads the world in information technology.57.What makes Miami unfit to produce a Silicon Valley?A. Lack of incentive for investment.B. Lack of the right kind of talents.C. Lack of government support.D. Lack of famous universities.58.In what way is Carnegie-Mellon different from Stanford, Berkeley and MIT?A. Its location is not as attractive to rich people.B. Its science departments are not nearly as good.C. It does not produce computer hackers and nerds.D. It does not pay much attention to business startups.59.What does the author imply about Boston?A. It has pleasant weather all year round.B. It produces wealth as well as high-tech.C. It is not likely to attract lots of investors and nerds.D. It is an old city with many sites of historical interest.60.What does the author say about startup investors?A. They are especially wise in making investments.B. They have good connections in the government.C. They can do more than providing money.D. They are rich enough to invest in nerds.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.It's nice to have people of like mind around. Agreeable people boost your confidence and allow you to relax and feel comfortable. Unfortunately, that comfort can hinder the very learning that can expand your company and your career.It's nice to have people agree, but you need conflicting perspectives to dig out the truth .If everyone around you has similar views, your work will suffer from confirmation bias (偏颇).Take a look at your own network. Do your contacts share your point of view on most subjects? If yes, it's time to shake things up .As a leader, it can be challenging to create an environment in which people will freely disagree and argue, but as the saying goes: From confrontation comes brilliance.It's not easy for most people to actively seek conflict. Many spend their lives trying to avoid arguments. There's no need to go out and find people you hate, but you need to do some self-assessment to determine where you have become stale in your thinking. You may need to start by encouraging your current network to help you identify your blind spots.Passionate, energetic debate does not require anger and hard feelings to be effective. But it does require moral strength. Once you have worthy opponents, set some ground rules so everyone understands responsibilities and boundaries. The objective of this debating game is not to win but to get to the truth that will allow you to move faster, farther, and better.Fierce debating can hurt feelings, particularly when strong personalities are involved. Make sure you check in with your opponents so that they are not carrying the emotion of the battles beyond the battlefield. Break the tension with smiles and humor to reinforce the idea that this is friendly discourse and that all are working toward a common goal.Reward all those involved in the debate sufficiently when the goals are reached. Let your sparring partners (拳击陪练) know how much you appreciate their contribution. The more they feel appreciated, the more they'll be willing to get into the ring next time.61.What happens when you have like-minded people around you all the while?A. It will help your company expand more rapidly.B. It will create a harmonious working atmosphere.C. It may prevent your business and career from advancing.D. It may make you feel uncertain about your own decisions.62.What does the author suggest leaders do?A. Avoid arguments with business partners.B. Encourage people to disagree and argue.C. Build a wide and strong business network.D. Seek advice from their worthy competitors.63.What is the purpose of holding a debate?A. To find out the truth about an issue.B. To build up people's moral strength.C. To remove misunderstandings.D. To look for worthy opponents.64.What advice does the author give to people engaged in a fierce debate?A. They listen carefully to their opponents' views.B. They show due respect for each other's beliefs.C. They present their views clearly and explicitly.D. They take care not to hurt each other's feelings.65.How should we treat our rivals after a successful debate?A. Try to make peace with them.B. Try to make up the differences.C. Invite them to the ring next time.D. Acknowledge their contribution.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.今年在长沙举行了一年一度的外国人汉语演讲比赛.这项比赛证明是促进中国和世界其他地区文化交流的好方法.它为世界各地的年轻人提供了更好地了解中国的机会.来自87个国家共计126位选手聚集在湖南省省会参加了从7月6日到8月5日进行的半决赛和决赛.比赛并不是唯一的活动.选手们还有机会参观了中国其他地区的著名景点和历史名胜.2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题答案与详解(第3套)Part ⅠWriting这是一篇四级考试中常见的议论文.话题围绕“Never go out there to see what happens,go out there to make things happen.”这句话展开,要求考生进行评论,同时在题目要求中也明确给出了作文主题the importance of being participants rather than mere onlookers in life.考生应该明确这一主题,并围绕其展开论述.一、点明主题:不做看客,要做实践者(being participants instead of onlookers in life)二、分析原因三、提出问题和建议主题词汇put…into practice将……付诸实践carry out执行;实现gain获得accumulate积累gradually逐渐地make a progress取得进步theory理论action行动would rather…than比起……更情愿……stand by袖手旁观句式拓展1.For some people, watching what happens to others is good enough to learn a lesson, while for others, only practicing by themselves can finally make them get the real skills in对一些人而言,看发生在别人身上的事情足以让他们吸取教训,而对于其他人而言,他们只有亲身实践才能最终得到生活中的真正技能.2.No matter how many authentic theories you've got before,nothing will happen until you put them into practice.无论你曾经接受了多少权威的理论,若不付诸实践,一切都无济于事.Part ⅡListening ComprehensionM: I don't know what to do with Timmy. This morning I found orange juice spilled all over the kitchen floor.W: Don't be so hard on him. He's only four.Q: What does the woman mean?C.四个选项中出现了children,careful,juice和Timmy等词,故推测本题考查的内容与孩子的行为相关.对话中,男士抱怨说他都不知道该拿蒂米怎么办了,今天早上,他发现桔子汁在厨房洒了一地,而女士则说,别对蒂米太严厉了,他才四岁.由此可见,女士认为男士不用小题大做,故答案为C..2.W: Excuse me, sir. I would like to know about the fitness training program in your club.M: I'll have you speak with the director in charge of new accounts.Q: What is the woman interested in?A.四个选项均为名词短语,且出现了fitness,job,computer和club等词,故推测本题考查的内容与健身或者工作相关.对话中,女士向男士询问俱乐部健身锻炼的事情,男士则说他会带着女士去找专门负责新会员的经理.由此可知,女士是对俱乐部健身锻炼感兴趣,故答案为A..3.W: It's really cold in this apartment. Can we turn up the heat a little bit?M: Sorry. I've run out of money and can hardly pay the fuel bill. Maybe you'd better put on a sweater. Q: what does the man mean?B.四个选项中出现了sweater,save,fuel bills和heating等词,故推测本题考查的内容与寒冷天气以及取暖相关.对话中,女士说她觉得很冷,问能不能把暖气开大一点,而男士则表示抱歉,说自己没钱了,都快付不起燃料费账单了,建议女士穿上毛衣.由此可知,男士想要节省燃料费,故答案为B.4.M: I'm sorry, Miss. But you have to come with me to the security office. The video cameras in our shop have recorded everything you did.W: No, no. I...I didn't do anything. I'll call the police if you dare insult me.Q: What does the man think the woman was doing?A.四个选项均为动名词短语,且出现了theft,pictures,shopping和camera等词,故推测本题考查的内容与商店里发生的事情相关.对话中,男士要将女士带到保安室去,并说商店里的摄像头已经把女士所做的事都录下来了,而女士则表示自己什么都没有做,如果男士敢侮辱她的话,她就报警.由此可知,男士认为女士偷了商店里的东西,故答案为A.5.M: I think you ought to see a doctor right away about that cough.W: Well, I'll wait a few more days.I'm sure I'll get over it soon.Q: What do we learn about the woman?B.选项均以she开头,且出现了medicine,doctor和cough等词,故推测本题考查的内容与女士的健康状况相关.男士说女士应该马上去看医生,而女士则说再等几天,她相信自己的咳嗽很快就会好的.由此可知,直到本对话发生时,女士都还没有去看医生,故答案为B..6.M: I've heard that Pamela made quite a few mistakes in her lab report.W: Well, she wouldn't have if she hadn't been in such a hunt to get it done.Q: What does the woman imply?D.四个选项均提到了Pamela,且出现了report,hurry,writing和mistakes等词,故推测本题考查的内容与帕米拉的报告相关.对话中,男士说他听说帕米拉的实验报告出了很多错,而女士则说,如果她不是那么急着做完的话,就不会出这么多的错.由此可知,帕米拉实验报告中的错误本来是可以避免的,故答案为D..7.M: We'd better check out before 12 o'clock, Marry. And now there are only 30 minutes left.W: Let's hurry up. You go pay the bill and I'll call the reception to have our luggage taken downstairs. Q : Where did this conversation most probably take place?C.四个选项均是表示地点的介词短语,故推测本题考查的内容与对话发生的地点相关.对话中,男士说他们最好能在中午l2点之前退房,现在只剩半小时了,女士建议加快速度,并让男士去付账,她自己给前台打电话,叫人把行李送到楼下.由此可知,对话发生的时候,两人还没有开始办理退房手续,还在宾馆的房间里,故答案为C..8.W: Have you ever heard this speaker before?M: Yeah. She's excellent. She gets her point across and it's entertaining at the same time.Q: what does the man say about the speaker?D.四个选项均以she开头,且出现了college,works,speech和message等词,可以推测本题考查的内容与女士的情况相关.对话中,女士问男士以前是否听过这个演讲者的讲座,男士说他听过,并认为这位演讲的女士很棒,她不仅将自己的观点表达得很清楚,而且讲得很有趣.由此可知,这位女演讲者擅长传达自己想要传达的信息,故答案为D..Conversation OneM: (8) What should I do about Mr. Romero? Remember? He said it was important and couldn't wait. I think he may want you for that new movie he's directing.W: That's absolutely correct.(9) Now, we have to fit him in somewhere. Uh...what does Monday morning look like?M: That doesn't look so good. You have a make-up session starting at 6:00, then filming starts at 8:00, and that's going to take the whole morning.W: Well, what's after that?M: (10) You have lunch with your agent to discuss the awards ceremony and you'll have to meet him at one o'clock at the restaurant.W: Oh, terrific! Listen. I cannot miss that. But I still have to make time for Mr. Romero.M: Well, now, don't forget you got a three-o'clock appointment with your fashion designer.W: That's right. You know he's showing the latest fashions from Japan? You know that loose-fitting look?Those clothes are so in this year.M: At 4:30 you have an appointment with your hairdresser. Then at 7:00, you have dinner with a journalist. Now remember, be nice to that guy.W: Do I have to? That won't be easy and it's likely to run late. How does Tuesday look?M: Well, you have to spend the whole morning at the photographer's. They are taking photos to publicize your new movie.W: What about the afternoon? Am I free then?M: Let me see...Yes, you are free after 3:30.W: Then you can set up a meeting with Mr. Romero at 4:00.M: OK.(11) I'll get on it right away.预览三道题各选项,其中出现了the woman’s appointment,her travel,awards ceremony和make-up session等词,因此推测对话内容可能与女士的工作安排相关.9.What are the speakers doing?A.对话开头男士说罗梅罗先生急着见女士,可能是想让女士出演他导演的新电影,女士说一定得把他安排进来.由此可以推断,对话中的两人正在安排女士的时间,好让她能够与罗梅罗先生见面,故答案为A..10.What is the woman going to discuss with her agent over lunch on Monday?B.对话中,男士告诉女士她周一需要和自己的经纪人吃午饭,讨论一下关于颁奖仪式的事情,故答案为B..11.What do we learn from the conversation about the man?C.对话中,男士和女士一起讨论女士的日程安排,从第一句罗梅罗先生想要让女士出演他导演的新电影可知,女士是位电影演员,而男士对女士的日程安排非常了解,并且由最后一句可知,男士服从女士的安排.综合这些内容可以推断出,男士是女士的助理,故答案为C.. Conversation TwoM: I'm phoning up about this job you advertised in the paper. This...er...young sales manager?W: Oh, yes.M: I'd like to apply for it. Would you send me an application form?W: (12) No. You simply send in a written application, a letter.M: Can you tell me a bit more about the job?W: (13) Well, we are very looking for someone who isn't too concerned about working fairly long hours.M: What do you mean by long hours?W: (13) This is a job which does, as the advertisement says, have travel possibilities, and very often, one would be away at weekends, for instance.M: Oh, I thought you meant working in the evenings and working overtime.W: Well, it could also mean working in the evenings. But for a managerial post, I'm afraid we don't pay over time. Um...that's for other grades.M: Oh. What kind of money are you paying then?W: (15) Well, this is to be negotiated. Uh, it depends partly on your experience and education. Perhaps you can tell me briefly what that is?M: I've just left school and got A level in geography.。

2015年12月英语四级考试真题(第1套)

2015年12月英语四级考试真题(第1套)

2015年12月英语四级考试真题试卷(第一套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying "Listening is more important than talking?" You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of paying attention to others' opinions. You should 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 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 I with a single line through the center.1.A) They admire the courage of space explorers.B)They were going to watch a wonderful movie.C)They enjoyed the movie on space exploration.D)They like doing scientific exploration very much.2.A) In a school library.B)At a gift shop.C)In the office of a travel agency.D)At a graduation ceremony.3.A) He used to work in the art gallery.B)He does not have a good memoiy.C)He is not interested in any part-time jobs.D)He declined a job offer from the art gallery.4.A) He will be unable to attend the birthday party.B)The woman should have informed him earlier.C)He will go to the birthday party after the lecture.D)Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrow.5.A) Set a deadline for the staff to meet.B)Assign more workers to the project.C)Reward those having made good progress.D)Encourage the staff to work in small groups.6.A) Where she can leave her car.B)The rate for parking in Lot C.C)How far away the parking lot is.D)The way to the visitor's parking.7.A) He regrets missing the classes. B) He has benefited from exercise.C) He plans to take the fitness classes. D) He is looking forward to a better life.8. A) How to select secretaries. B) How to raise work efficiency.C) The responsibilities of secretaries. D) The secretaries in the man's company. Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A) It is used by more people than English. B) It is more difficult to learn than English.C) It will be as commonly used as English. D) It will eventually become a world language.10.A) Its popularity with the common people. B) The effect of the Industrial Revolution.C) The influence of the British Empire. D) Its loan words from many languages.11.A) It has a growing number of newly coined words.B) It includes a lot of words from other languages.C) It is the largest among all languages in the world.D) It can be easily picked up by overseas travellers.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A) To place an order. B) To apply for a job.C) To return some goods. D) To make a complaint.13.A) He works on a part-time basis for the company.B) He has not worked in the sales department for long.C) He is not familiar with the exact details of the goods.D) He has become somewhat impatient with the woman.14.A) It is not his responsibility. B) It win be free for large orders.C) It depends on a number of factors. D) It costs £15 more for express delivery.15.A) Make inquiries with some other companies.B) Report the information to her superior.C) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in charge.D) Ring back when she comes to a decision.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.16.A) No one knows for sure when they came into being.B) No one knows exactly where they were first made.C) No one knows for what purpose they were invented.D) No one knows what they will look like in the future.17.A) Measure the speed of wind. B) Give warnings of danger.C) Pass on secret messages. D) Carry ropes across rivers.18.A) To find out the strength of silk for kites. B) To test the effects of the lightning rod.C) To prove that lightning is electricity. D) To protect houses against lightning.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A) She was born with a talent for languages. B) She was trained to be an interpreter.C) She can speak several languages. D) She enjoys teaching languages.20.A) They want to learn as many foreign languages as possible.B) They have an intense interest in cross-cultural interactions.C) They acquire an immunity to culture shock.D) They would like to live abroad permanently.21.A) She became an expert in horse racing.B) She learned to appreciate classical music.C) She was able to translate for a German sports judge.D) She got a chance to visit several European countries.22.A) Take part in a cooking competition. B) Taste the beef and give her comment.C) Teach vocabulary for food in English. D) Give cooking lessons on Western food.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A) He had only a third-grade education. B) He once threatened to kill his teacher.C) He often helped his mother do housework. D) He grew up in a poor single-parent family.24.A) Stupid. B) Active. C) Brave. D) Careless.25.A) Watch educational TV programs only. B) Write two book reports a week.C) Help with housework. D) Keep a diary.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 in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? There are other __26__ bodies out there besides the moon and stars. One of the most __27__ of these is a comet (彗星).Comets were formed around the same time the Earth was formed. They are __28__ ice and other frozen liquids and gases. __29__ these "dirty snowballs" begin to orbit the sun, just as the planets do.As a comet gets closer to the sun, some gases in it begin to unfreeze. They __30__ dust particles from the comet to form a huge cloud. As the comet gets even nearer to the sun, a solar wind blows the cloud behind the comet, thus forming its tail. The tail and the __31__ fuzzy (模糊的) atmosphere around a comet are __32__ that can help identify this __33__ in the night sky.In any given year, about a dozen known comets come close to the sun in their orbits. The average person can't see them all, of course. Usually there is only one or two a year bright enough to be seen with the __34__ eye. Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered in 1995, was an unusually bright comet. Its orbit brought it __35__ close to the Earth, within 122 million miles of it. But Hale-Bopp came a long way on its earthly visit. It won't be back for another four thousand years or so.Part ⅢReading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections : In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the center. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Scholars of the information society are divided over whether social inequality decreases or increases in an information-based society. However, they generally agree with the idea that inequality in the information society is __36__ different from that of an industrial society. As informatization progresses in society, the cause and structural nature of social inequality changes as well.It seems that the information society __37__ the quantity of information available to the members of a society by revolutionizing the ways of using and exchanging information. But such a view is a __38__ analysis based on the quantity of information supplied by various forms of the mass media. A different __39__ is possible when the actual amount of information __40__ by the user is taken into account. In fact, the more information __41__ throughout the entire society,the wider the gap becomes between "information haves" and "information have-nots" , leading to digital divide.According to recent studies, digital divide has been caused by three major __42__: class, sex, and generation. In terms of class, digital divide exists among different types of workers and between the upper and middle classes and the lower class. With __43__ to sex, digital divide exists between men and women. The greatest gap, however, is between the Net-generation, __44__ with personal computers and the Internet, and the older generation, __45__ to an industrial society.A) accustomed B) acquired C) assembly D) attribute E) championsF) elements G) expands H) familiar I) flows J) fundamentallyK) interpretation L) passive M) regard N) respectively O) superficialSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Joy: A Subject Schools LackBecoming educated should not require giving up pleasure.A) When Jonathan Swift proposed, in 1729, that the people of Ireland eat their children, he insisted it would solve three problems at once: feed the hungry masses, reduce the population during a severe depression, and stimulate the restaurant business. Even as a satire (讽刺), it seems disgusting and shocking in America with its child-centered culture. But actually, the country is closer to his proposal than you might think.B) If you spend much time with educators and policy makers, you'll hear a lot of the following words: "standards," "results," "skills," "self-control," "accountability," and so on. I have visited some of the newer supposedly "effective" schools, where children shout slogans in order to leam self-control or must stand behind their desk when they can't sit still.C) A look at what goes on in most classrooms these days makes it abundantly clear that when people think about education, they are not thinking about what it feels like to be a child, or what makes childhood an important and valuable stage of life in its own right.D) I'm a mother of three, a teacher, and a developmental psychologist. So I've watched a lot of children—talking, playing, arguing, eating, studying, and being young. Here's what I've come to understand. The thing that sets children apart from adults is not their ignorance, nor their lack of skills. It's their enormous capacity for joy. Think of a 3-year-old lost in the pleasures of finding out what he can and cannot sink in the bathtub, a 5-year-old beside herself with the thrill of puttingtogether strings of nonsensical words with her best friends, or an 11-year-old completely absorbed in a fascinating comic strip. A child's ability to become deeply absorbed in something, and derive intense pleasure from that absorption, is something adults spend the rest of their lives trying to return to.E) A friend told me the following story. One day, when he went to get his 7-year-old son from soccer practice, his kid greeted him with a downcast face and a sad voice. The coach had criticized him for not focusing on his soccer drills. The little boy walked out of the school with his head and shoulders hanging down. He seemed wrapped in sadness. But just before he reached the car door, he suddenly stopped, crouching (蹲伏) down to peer at something on the sidewalk. His face went down lower and lower, and then, with complete joy he called out, "Dad. Come here. This is the strangest bug I've ever seen. It has, like, a million legs. Look at this. It's amazing. " He looked up at his father, his features overflowing with energy and delight. "Can't we stay here for just a minute? I want to find out what he does with all those legs. This is the coolest ever. "F) The traditional view of such moments is that they constitute a charming but irrelevant byproduct of youth—something to be pushed aside to make room for more important qualities, like perseverance (坚持不懈), obligation, and practicality. Yet moments like this one are just the kind of intense Absoiption and pleasure adults spend the rest of their lives seeking. Human lives are governed by the desire to experience joy. Becoming educated should not require giving up joy but rather lead to finding joy in new kinds of things: reading novels instead of playing with small figures, conducting experiments instead of sinking cups in the bathtub, and debating serious issues rather than stringing together nonsense words, for example. In some cases, schools should help children find new, more grown-up ways of doing the same things that are constant sources of joy: making art, making friends, making decisions.G) Building on a child's ability to feel joy, rather than pushing it aside, wouldn't be that hard. It would just require a shift in the education world's mindset (思维模式). Instead of trying to get children to work hard, why not focus on getting them to take pleasure in meaningful, productive activity, like making things, working with others, exploring ideas, and solving problems? These focuses are not so different from the things in which they delight.H) Before you brush this argument aside as rubbish, or think of joy as an unaffordable luxury in a nation where there is awful poverty, low academic achievement, and high dropout rates, think again. The more horrible the school circumstances, the more important pleasure is to achieving any educational success.I) Many of the assignments and rules teachers come up with, often because they are pressured by their administrators, treat pleasure and joy as the enemies of competence and responsibility. The assumption is that children shouldn't chat in the classroom because it hinders hard work; instead, they should leain to delay gratification (快乐) so that they can pursue abstract goals, like going to college.J) Not only is this a boring and awful way to treat children, it makes no sense educationally.Decades of research have shown that in order to acquire skills and real knowledge in school, kids need to want to learn. You can force a child to stay in his or her seat, fill out a worksheet, or practice division. But you can't force the child to think carefully, er\joy books, digest complex information, or develop a taste for learning. To make that happen, you have to help the child find pleasure inlearning—to see school as a source of joy.K) Adults tend to talk about learning as if it were medicine; unpleasant, but necessary and good for you. Why not instead think of learning as if it were food—something so valuable to humans that they have evolved to experience it as a pleasure?L) Joy should not be trained out of children or left for after-school programs. The more difficult a child's life circumstances, the more important it is for that child to find joy in his or her classroom. "Pleasure" is not a dirty word. And it doesn't run counter to the goals of public education. It is, in fact, the precondition.46. It will not be difficult to make learning a source of joy if educators change their way of thinking.47. What distinguishes children from adults is their strong ability to derive joy from what they are doing.48. Children in America are being treated with shocking cruelty.49. It is human nature to seek joy in life.50. Grown-ups are likely to think that learning to children is what medicine is to patients.51. Bad school conditions make it all the more important to turn learning into a joyful experience.52. Adults do not consider children's feelings when it comes to education.53. Administrators seem to believe that only hard work will lead children to their educational goals.54. In the so-called "effective" schools, children are taught self-control under a set of strict rules.55. To make learning effective, educators have to ensure that children want to leam.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.When it's five o'clock, people leave their office. The length of the workday, for many workers, is defined by time. They leave when the clock tells them they're done.These days, the time is everywhere-, not just on clocks or watches, but on cell-phones and computers. That may be a bad thing, particularly at work. New research shows that clock-basedwork schedules hinder morale (士气) and creativity.Clock-timers organize their day by blocks of minutes and hours. For example: a meeting from 9 a. m. to 10 a. m. , research from 10 a. m. to noon, etc. On the other hand, task-timers have a list of things they want to accomplish. They work down the list, each task starts when the previous task is completed. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning.What, then, are the effects of thinking about time in these different ways? Does one make us more productive? Better at the tasks at hand? Happier? In experiments conducted by Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier, they had participants organize different activities—from project planning, holiday shopping, to yoga—by time or to-do list to measure how they performed under "clock time" vs "task time. " They found clock timers to be more efficient but less happy because they felt little control Over their lives. Task timers are happier and more creative, but less productive. They tend to enjoy the moment when something good is happening, and seize opportunities that come up.The researchers argue that task-based organizing tends to be undervalued and under-supported in business culture. Smart companies, they believe, will try to bake more task-based planning into their strategies.This might be a small change to the way we view work and the office, but the researchers argue that it challenges a widespread characteristic of the economy: work organized by clock time. While most people will still probably need, and be, to some extent, clock-timers, task-based timing should be used when performing a job that requires more creativity. It'll make those tasks easier, and the task-doers will be happier.56. What does the author think of time displayed everywhere?A) It makes everybody time-conscious.B) It is a convenience for work and life.C) It may have a negative effect on creative work.D) It clearly indicates the fast pace of modem life.57. How do people usually go about their work according to the author?A) They combine clock-based and task-based planning.B) They give priority to the most urgent task on hand.C) They set a time limit for each specific task.D) They accomplish their tasks one by one.58. What did Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier find in their experiments about clock-timers?A) They seize opportunities as they come up.B) They always get their work done in time.C) They have more control over their lives.D) They tend to be more productive.59. What do the researchers say about today's business culture?A) It does not support the strategies adopted by smart companies.B) It does not attach enough importance to task-based practice.C) It places more emphasis on work efficiency than on workers' lives.D) It aims to bring employees' potential and creativity into full play.60. What do the researchers suggest?A) Task-based timing is preferred for doing creative work.B) It is important to keep a balance between work and life.C) Performing creative jobs tends to make workers happier.D) A scientific standard should be adopted in job evaluation.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Martha Stewart was charged, tried and convicted of a crime in 2004. As she neared the end of her prison sentence, a well-known columnist wrote that she was " paying her dues," and that " there is simply no reason for anyone to attempt to deny her right to start anew. "Surely, the American ideal of second chances should not be reserved only for the rich and powerful. Unfortunately, many federal and state laws impose post-conviction restrictions on a shockingly large number of Americans, who are prevented from ever fully paying their debt to society.At least 65 million people in the United States have a criminal record. This can result in severe penalties that continue long after punishment is completed.Many of these penalties are imposed regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the person's individual circumstances. Laws can restrict or ban voting, access to public housing, and professional and business licensing. They can affect a person's ability to get a job and qualification for benefits.In all, more than 45,000 laws and rules serve to exclude vast numbers of people from fully participating in American life.Some laws make sense. No one advocates letting someone convicted of pedophilia(恋童癖) work in a school. But too often collateral (附随的) consequences bear no relation to public safety. Should a woman who possessed a small amount of drugs years ago be permanently unable to be licensed as a nurse?These laws are also counterproductive, since they make it harder for people with criminal records to find housing or land a job, two key factors that reduce backsliding.A recent report makes several recommendations, including the abolition of most post-conviction penalties, except for those specifically needed to protect public safety. Where the penalties are not a must, they should be imposed only if the facts of a case support it.The point is not to excuse or forget the crime. Rather, it is to recognize that in America's vast criminal justice system, second chances are crucial. It is in no one's interest to keep a large segment of the population on the margins of society.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2015年12月一二三卷大学英语四级考试真题及答案汇总

2015年12月一二三卷大学英语四级考试真题及答案汇总

机密★启用前版权所有大学英语四级考试COLLEGE ENGLISH TEST-Band Four-(4WZSHI)试题册☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆敬告考生一、在答题前,请认真完成以下内容:1. 请检查试题册背面条形码粘贴条、答题卡的印刷质量,如有问题及时向监考员反映,确认无误后完成以下两点要求。

2. 请将试题册背面条形码粘贴条揭下后粘贴在答题卡1 的条形码粘贴框内,并将姓名和准考证号填写在试题册背面相应位置。

3.请在答题卡1和答题卡2 指定位置用黑色签字笔填写准考证号、姓名和学校名称,并用HB-2B 铅笔将对应准考证号的信息点涂黑。

二、在考试过程中,请注意以下内容:1. 所有题目必须在答题卡上规定位置作答,在试题册上或答题卡上非规定位置的作答一律无效。

2. 请在规定时间内在答题卡指定位置依次完成作文、听力、阅读、翻译各部分考试,作答作文期间不得翻阅该试题册。

听力录音播放完毕后,请立即停止作答,监考员将立即回收答题卡1 ,得到监考员指令后方可继续作答。

3. 作文题内容印在试题册背面,作文题及其他主观题必须用黑色签字笔在答题卡指定区域内作答。

4.选择题均为单选题,错选、不选或多选将不得分,作答时必须使用HB-2B铅笔在答题卡上相应位置填涂,修改时须用橡皮擦净。

三、以下情况按违规处理:1. 不正确填写(涂)个人信息,错贴、不贴、毁损条形码粘贴条。

2. 未按规定翻阅试题册、提前阅读试题、提前或在收答题卡期间作答。

3. 未用所规定的笔作答、折叠或毁损答题卡导致无法评卷。

4. 考试期间在非听力考试时间佩戴耳机。

Section A Litstening Comprehension (30 minutes)Directions: 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. Boththe conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question therewill be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) andD), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答1. A) They admire the courage of space explorersB) They enjoyed the movie on space explorationC) They were going to watch a wonderful movieD) They like doing scientific exploratron very much2. A)At a gift shopB) At a graduation ceremony.C) In the office of a travel agencyD) In a school library3. A) He used to work in the art galleryB) He does not have a good memoryC) He declined a job offer from the art galleryD) He is not interested in any part-time jobs4.A) Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrowB) He will go to the birthday party after the lectureC) The woman should have informed him earlierD) He will be unable to attend the birthday party5. A) Reward those having made good progressB) Set a deadline for the staff to meetC) Assign more workers to the project.D) Encourage the staff to work in Small groups6. A) The way to the visitor's parkingB) The rate for parking in Lot CC) How far away the parking lot is.D) Where she can leave her car.7. A) He regrets missing the classesB) He plans to take the fitness classes.C) He is looking forward to a better lifeD) He has benefited from exercise8. A) How to raise work efficiency.B) How to select secretariesC) The responsibilities of secretanesD) The secretaries in the man’s company.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9A) It Is more difficult to learn than EnglishB) It is used by more people than English.C) It will be as commonly used as EnglishD) It will eventually become a world language10. A) Its loan words from many languagesB) Its popularity with the common people.C) The influence of the British EmpireD) The effect of the Industrial Revolution11. A) It includes a lot of words from other languagesB) It has a growing number of newly coined wordsC) It can be easily picked up by overseas travellersD) It is the largest among all languages in the worldQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To return some goodsB) To apply for a job.C) To place an order.D) To make a complaint13. A) He has become somewhat impatient with the womanB) He is not familiar with the exact details of the goodssC) He has not worked in the sales department for long.D) He works on a part-time basis for the company14.A) it is not his responsibilityB) It will be free for large ordersC) It costs £15 more for express deliveryD) It depends on a number of factors15. A) Report the information to her superiorB) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in chargegeC) Ring back when she comes to a decisionD) Make inquiries with some other companiesSection 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.Afteryou hear a queslion, you must choose the best answer from the four choices markedA), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding leltert on Answer Sheet 1 with a singleline through the centre注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答。

2015年6月(1)英语四级真题

2015年6月(1)英语四级真题

2015年6月(第一套)英语四级听力Part ⅡSection ADirections:In this section, you will hear three new reports. At the end of each news reports, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news reports 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 Sheet1 with a single line through the centre.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Questions 1 and 2 will be based on the following news item.1. A) 2 dollarsB) 100 dollarsC) 1 982 dollarsD) 60, 000 dollars2.A) The thieves stole the book with no body there.B) The thieves stole the book with the writer thereC) The thieves stole the book with employees(员工)and guards (保安)thereD) The thieves stole the book with the police thereQuestions 3 and 4 will be based on the following news item.3.A) The bus skidded off (滑离;滑出)the icy bridgeB) The prisoners fought against (反抗)the prison staffC) The driver drank too muchD) The brake system broke down(出故障)4. A)8B)10C) 12D) 15Questions 5 to 7 will be based on the following news item.5.A) Concerns about migrant riots(暴乱)B) Concerns about migrant drowning(溺水;淹没)C) Concerns about migrant family.D) Concerns about migrant education.6.A) 28B) 96C) 700D) 1, 5007.A) The Europeans are nice.B) The sea is comparatively(相对地)smallC) The weather is good.D) The rescuers are well-trained.(训练有素的)Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations, At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four the choices marked A ), B), C),and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet1 with a single line through the centre.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

大学英语四级考试真题及解析

大学英语四级考试真题及解析

大学英语四级考试真题及解析The document was finally revised on 20212015年12月大学英语四级考试真题及解析Part I Writing1.【题干】Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying "Learning is a daily experience and a lifetime mission." You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A2.【题干】Question 1【选项】admire the courage of space explorers.enjoyed the movie on space exploration.were going to watch a wonderful movie.like doing scientific exploration very much.【答案】B【解析】M: Do you remember the wonderful film on space exploration wewatched together last month?W: Sure. It's actually the most impressive one I've seen on that topic.Q: What do we learn about the speakers?3.【题干】Question 2【选项】a gift shop.a graduation ceremony.the office of a travel agency.a school library.【答案】A【解析】W: Are you looking for anything in particular?M: Yes. My son is graduating from high school and I want to get him something special.Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?4.【题干】Question 3【选项】used to work in the art gallery.does not have a good memory.declined a job offer form the art gallery.is not interested in any part-time jobs.【答案】C【解析】M: Mike told me yesterday that he'd been looking in vain for a job inthe art gallery.W: Really If I remember right, he had a chance to work there but he turned it down.Q: What does the woman say about Mike?5.【题干】Question 4【选项】has been invited to give a lecture tomorrow.will go to the birthday party after the lecture.woman should have informed him earlier.will be unable to attend the birthday party.【答案】D【解析】W: Would you like to come to Susan's birthday party tomorrowevening?M: I'm going to give a lecture tomorrow. I wish I could be in two places at the same time.Q: What does the man mean?6.【题干】Question 5【选项】those having made good progress.a deadline for the staff to meet.more workers to the project.the staff to work in small groups.【答案】B【解析】W: Aren't you discouraged by the slow progress your staff is making?M: Yes. I think I'll give them a deadline and hold them to it.Q: What is the man probably going to do?7.【题干】Question 6【选项】way to the visitor’s parking.rate for parking in Lot C.far away the parking lot is.she can leave her car.【答案】A【解析】W: Excuse me, could you tell me where the visitor's parking is I leftmy car there.M: Sure. It's in Lot C, over that way.Q: What does the woman want to know?8.【题干】Question 7【选项】regrets missing the classes.plans to take the fitness classes.is looking forward to a better life.has benefited form exercise.【答案】D【解析】W: You look great now that you've taken those fitness classes.M: Thanks. I've never thought better in my life.Q: What does the man mean?9.【题干】Question 8【选项】to work efficiency.to select secretaries.responsibilities of secretaries.secretaries in the man’s company.【答案】D【解析】W: I really admire the efficiency of your secretaries.M: Our company selects only the best. They have a heavy workload and we give them a lot of responsibilities.Q: What are the speakers talking about?10.【题干】Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Question 9【选项】is more difficult to learn than English.is used by more people than English.will be as commonly used as English.will eventually become a world language.【答案】B【解析】Q: What does the man say about Chinese?W: Hi, Leo. Why do you say English will become the world language?M: Well, for one thing, it's so commonly used. The only language that is used by more people is Chinese.W: Why is English spoken by so many people?M: It's spoken in many countries of the world because of the British Empire. And now, of course, there's influence of America as well.W: Many students find English a difficult language to learn.M: Oh, all languages are difficult to learn. But English does have two great advantages.W: What are they?M: Well, first of all, it has a very international vocabulary. It has many German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian words in it. So speakers of those languages will find many familiar words in English. In fact, English has words from many other languages as well.W: Why is that?M: Well, partly because English speakers have travelled a lot. They bring back words with them, so English really does have an international vocabulary.W: And what's the other advantage of English?M: It's that English grammar is really quite easy. For example, it doesn't have dozens of different endings for its nouns, adjectives and verbs, not like Latin, Russian, and German for example.W: Why is that?M: Well, it's quite interesting actually. It's because of the French. When the French ruled England, French was the official language and only the common people spoke English. They try to make the language as simple as possible, so they made the grammar easier.11.【题干】Question 10【选项】has words from many languages.popularity with the common people.influence of the British Empire.effect of the Industrial Revolution.【答案】C【解析】Q: What made English a widely used language?W: Hi, Leo. Why do you say English will become the world language?M: Well, for one thing, it's so commonly used. The only language that is used by more people is Chinese.W: Why is English spoken by so many people?M: It's spoken in many countries of the world because of the British Empire. And now, of course, there's influence of America as well.W: Many students find English a difficult language to learn.M: Oh, all languages are difficult to learn. But English does have two great advantages.W: What are they?M: Well, first of all, it has a very international vocabulary. It has many German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian words in it. So speakers of those languages will find many familiar words in English. In fact, English has words from many other languages as well.W: Why is that?M: Well, partly because English speakers have travelled a lot. They bring back words with them, so English really does have an international vocabulary.W: And what's the other advantage of English?M: It's that English grammar is really quite easy. For example, it doesn't have dozens of different endings for its nouns, adjectives and verbs, not like Latin, Russian, and German for example.W: Why is that?M: Well, it's quite interesting actually. It's because of the French. When the French ruled England, French was the official language and only the common people spoke English. They try to make the language as simple as possible, so they made the grammar easier.12.【题干】Question 11【选项】includes a lot of words form other languages.has a growing number of newly coined words.can be easily picked up by overseas travellers.is the largest among all languages in the world.【答案】A【解析】Q: What is said to be special about English vocabulary?W: Hi, Leo. Why do you say English will become the world language?M: Well, for one thing, it's so commonly used. The only language that is used by more people is Chinese.W: Why is English spoken by so many people?M: It's spoken in many countries of the world because of the British Empire. And now, of course, there's influence of America as well.W: Many students find English a difficult language to learn.M: Oh, all languages are difficult to learn. But English does have two great advantages.W: What are they?M: Well, first of all, it has a very international vocabulary. It has many German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian words in it. So speakers of those languages willfind many familiar words in English. In fact, English has words from many other languages as well.W: Why is that?M: Well, partly because English speakers have travelled a lot. They bring back words with them, so English really does have an international vocabulary.W: And what's the other advantage of English?M: It's that English grammar is really quite easy. For example, it doesn't have dozens of different endings for its nouns, adjectives and verbs, not like Latin, Russian, and German for example.W: Why is that?M: Well, it's quite interesting actually. It's because of the French. When the French ruled England, French was the official language and only the common people spoke English. They try to make the language as simple as possible, so they made the grammar easier.13.【题干】Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have justheard.Question 12【选项】return some goods.apply for a job.place an order.make a complaint.【答案】C【解析】Q: What is the woman's purpose in making the phone call?M: Hello. Yes?W: Hello. Is that the sales department?M: Yes, it is.W: Oh, well, my name's Jane Kingsbury of GPF Limited. Hmm, we need some supplies for our design office.M: Uh, what's sort?W: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.M: A DO44 or DO45?W: Uh, I don't know. What's the difference?M: Well, the 45 costs 15 pounds more.W: Hmm, so what's the total price then?M: It's 387 pounds.W: Does that include value added tax?M: Oh, I'm not sure, most of the prices do. Yes, I think it does.W: Hmm, what are the boards actually made of?M: Oh, I don't know. I think it's a sort of plastic stuff these days. It's white anyway.W: Hmm, and how long does it take to deliver?M: Oh, I couldn't really say. It depends on how much work we've got and how many other orders there are to send out, you know.W: Ok. Now we also want some drawing pens, ink and rulers and some drawing paper.M: Oh, dear, the girl that takes orders for supplies isn't here this morning, so I can't take those orders for you. I only do the equipment, you see.W: OK. Well, perhaps I'll ring back tomorrow.M: So do you want the drawing board then?W: I'll have to think about it. Thanks very much. I'll let you know. Goodbye.M: Thank you. Goodbye.14.【题干】Question 13【选项】has become somewhat impatient with the woman.is not familiar with the exact details of goods.has not worked in the sales department for long.works on a part-time basis for the company.【答案】B【解析】Q: What do we learn about the man from the conversation?M: Hello. Yes?W: Hello. Is that the sales department?M: Yes, it is.W: Oh, well, my name's Jane Kingsbury of GPF Limited. Hmm, we need some supplies for our design office.M: Uh, what's sort?W: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.M: A DO44 or DO45?W: Uh, I don't know. What's the difference?M: Well, the 45 costs 15 pounds more.W: Hmm, so what's the total price then?M: It's 387 pounds.W: Does that include value added tax?M: Oh, I'm not sure, most of the prices do. Yes, I think it does.W: Hmm, what are the boards actually made of?M: Oh, I don't know. I think it's a sort of plastic stuff these days. It's white anyway.W: Hmm, and how long does it take to deliver?M: Oh, I couldn't really say. It depends on how much work we've got and how many other orders there are to send out, you know.W: Ok. Now we also want some drawing pens, ink and rulers and some drawing paper.M: Oh, dear, the girl that takes orders for supplies isn't here this morning, so I can't take those orders for you. I only do the equipment, you see.W: OK. Well, perhaps I'll ring back tomorrow.M: So do you want the drawing board then?W: I'll have to think about it. Thanks very much. I'll let you know. Goodbye.M: Thank you. Goodbye.15.【题干】Question 14【选项】is not his responsibility.will be free for large orders.costs 15 more for express delivery.depends on a number of factors.【答案】D【解析】Q: What does the man say about delivery?M: Hello. Yes?W: Hello. Is that the sales department?M: Yes, it is.W: Oh, well, my name's Jane Kingsbury of GPF Limited. Hmm, we need some supplies for our design office.M: Uh, what's sort?W: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.M: A DO44 or DO45?W: Uh, I don't know. What's the difference?M: Well, the 45 costs 15 pounds more.W: Hmm, so what's the total price then?M: It's 387 pounds.W: Does that include value added tax?M: Oh, I'm not sure, most of the prices do. Yes, I think it does.W: Hmm, what are the boards actually made of?M: Oh, I don't know. I think it's a sort of plastic stuff these days. It's white anyway.W: Hmm, and how long does it take to deliver?M: Oh, I couldn't really say. It depends on how much work we've got and how many other orders there are to send out, you know.W: Ok. Now we also want some drawing pens, ink and rulers and some drawing paper.M: Oh, dear, the girl that takes orders for supplies isn't here this morning, so I can't take those orders for you. I only do the equipment, you see.W: OK. Well, perhaps I'll ring back tomorrow.M: So do you want the drawing board then?W: I'll have to think about it. Thanks very much. I'll let you know. Goodbye.M: Thank you. Goodbye.16.【题干】Question 15【选项】the information to her superior.a visit to the saleswoman in charge.back when she comes to a decision.inquiries with some other companies.【答案】C【解析】Q: What does the woman say she will possibly do tomorrow?M: Hello. Yes?W: Hello. Is that the sales department?M: Yes, it is.W: Oh, well, my name's Jane Kingsbury of GPF Limited. Hmm, we need some supplies for our design office.M: Uh, what's sort?W: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.M: A DO44 or DO45?W: Uh, I don't know. What's the difference?M: Well, the 45 costs 15 pounds more.W: Hmm, so what's the total price then?M: It's 387 pounds.W: Does that include value added tax?M: Oh, I'm not sure, most of the prices do. Yes, I think it does.W: Hmm, what are the boards actually made of?M: Oh, I don't know. I think it's a sort of plastic stuff these days. It's white anyway.W: Hmm, and how long does it take to deliver?M: Oh, I couldn't really say. It depends on how much work we've got and how many other orders there are to send out, you know.W: Ok. Now we also want some drawing pens, ink and rulers and some drawing paper.M: Oh, dear, the girl that takes orders for supplies isn't here this morning, so I can't take those orders for you. I only do the equipment, you see.W: OK. Well, perhaps I'll ring back tomorrow.M: So do you want the drawing board then?W: I'll have to think about it. Thanks very much. I'll let you know. Goodbye.M: Thank you. Goodbye.Section B17.【题干】Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 16【选项】one knows exactly where they were.one knows for sure when they came into being.one knows for what purpose they were.one knows what they will.【答案】B【解析】Q: What does the speaker say about kites?No one knows for sure just how old kites are. In fact, they have been in use for centuries. 25 centuries ago, kites were well-known in China. These first kites were probably made of wood. They may even have been covered with silk, because silk was used a lot at that time.Early kites were built for certain uses. In ancient China, they were used to carry ropes across rivers. Once across, the ropes were tied down and wooden bridges were hung from them. Legend tales of one general who flew musical kites over the enemy’s camp. The enemy fled, believing the sounds to be the warning voices of angels. By the 15th centuries, many people flew kites in Europe. Marco Polo may have brought the kite back from his visit to China. The kite has been linked to great names and events. For instance, Benjamin Franklin used the kite to prove that lightening is electricity. He flew the kite in a storm. He did this in order to draw lightening from the clouds. He tied a metal key and a strip of silk to the kite line. The silk ribbonwould stop the lightening from passing through his body. Benjamin’s idea was firstlaughed at, but later on it led to the invention of the lightening rod.With such grand history, kite flying is sure to remain an entertaining and popular sport.18.【题干】Question 17【选项】ropes across rivers.the speed of wind.on secret messages.warnings of danger.【答案】A【解析】Q: What did ancient Chinese use kites to do?No one knows for sure just how old kites are. In fact, they have been in use for centuries. 25 centuries ago, kites were well-known in China. These first kites were probably made of wood. They may even have been covered with silk, because silk was used a lot at that time.Early kites were built for certain uses. In ancient China, they were used to carry ropes across rivers. Once across, the ropes were tied down and wooden bridges were hung from them. Legend tales of one general who flew musical kites over the enemy’s camp. The enemy fled, believing the sounds to be the warning voices of angels. By the 15th centuries, many people flew kites in Europe. Marco Polo may have brought the kite back from his visit to China. The kite has been linked to great names and events. For instance, Benjamin Franklin used the kite to prove that lightening is electricity. He flew the kite in a storm. He did this in order to draw lightening from the clouds. He tied a metal key and a strip of silk to the kite line. The silk ribbonwould stop the lightening from passing through his body. Benjamin’s idea was firstlaughed at, but later on it led to the invention of the lightening rod.With such grand history, kite flying is sure to remain an entertaining and popular sport.19.【题干】Question 18【选项】protect houses against lightning.test the effects of the lightning rod.find out the strength of silk for kites.prove that lightning is electricity.【答案】D【解析】Q: Why did Benjamin Franklin fly a kite in a storm?No one knows for sure just how old kites are. In fact, they have been in use for centuries. 25 centuries ago, kites were well-known in China. These first kites were probably made of wood. They may even have been covered with silk, because silk was used a lot at that time.Early kites were built for certain uses. In ancient China, they were used to carry ropes across rivers. Once across, the ropes were tied down and wooden bridges werehung from them. Legend tales of one general who flew musical kites over the enemy’s camp. The enemy fled, believing the sounds to be the warning voices of angels. By the 15th centuries, many people flew kites in Europe. Marco Polo may have brought the kite back from his visit to China. The kite has been linked to great names and events. For instance, Benjamin Franklin used the kite to prove that lightening is electricity. He flew the kite in a storm. He did this in order to draw lightening from the clouds. He tied a metal key and a strip of silk to the kite line. The silk ribbonwould stop the lightening from passing through his body. Benjamin’s idea was firstlaughed at, but later on it led to the invention of the lightening rod.With such grand history, kite flying is sure to remain an entertaining and popular sport.20.【题干】Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 19【选项】enjoys teaching languages.can speak several languages.was trained to be an interpreter.was born with a talent for languages.【答案】B【解析】Q: What does the speaker say about herself?I have learned many languages, but I have not mastered them the way a professional interpreter or translator has. Still, they have opened doors for me. They have allowed me the opportunity to seek jobs in international contexts and help me get those jobs. Like many people who have lived overseas for a while, I simply got crazy about it. I can’t imagine living my professional or social life withoutinternational interactions. Since 1977, I have spent much more time abroad than in the United States. I like going to new places, eating new foods and experiencing new cultures. If you can speak the language, it’s easier to get to know the country and its people. If I had the time and money, I would live for a year in as many countries as possible.Beyond my career, my facility with languages has given me a few rare opportunities. Once just after I returned from my year in Vienna, I was asked to translate for a German judge at an Olympic level horse event. I learned a lot about the sport. In Japan, once when I was in the studio audience of a TV cooking show, I was asked to go up on the stage and taste the beef dish that was being prepared and tell what I thought. They asked, "Was it as good as American beef" It was very exciting for me to be on Japanese TV speaking in Japanese about how delicious the beef was.21.【题干】Question 20【选项】acquire an immunity to culture shock.would like to live abroad permanently.want to learn as many foreign languages as possible.have an intense interest in cross-cultural interactions.【答案】D【解析】Q: What does the speaker say about many people who have livedoverseas for a while?I have learned many languages, but I have not mastered them the way a professional interpreter or translator has. Still, they have opened doors for me. They have allowed me the opportunity to seek jobs in international contexts and help me get those jobs. Like many people who have lived overseas for a while, I simply got crazy about it. I can’t imagine living my professional or social life withoutinternational interactions. Since 1977, I have spent much more time abroad than in the United States. I like going to new places, eating new foods and experiencing new cultures. If you can speak the language, it’s easier to get to know the country and itspeople. If I had the time and money, I would live for a year in as many countries as possible.Beyond my career, my facility with languages has given me a few rare opportunities. Once just after I returned from my year in Vienna, I was asked to translate for a German judge at an Olympic level horse event. I learned a lot about the sport. In Japan, once when I was in the studio audience of a TV cooking show, I was asked to go up on the stage and taste the beef dish that was being prepared and tell what I thought. They asked, "Was it as good as American beef"It was very exciting for me to be on Japanese TV speaking in Japanese about how delicious the beef was.22.【题干】Question 21【选项】became an expert in horse racing.got a chance to visit several European countries.was able to translate for a German sports judge.learned to appreciate classical music.【答案】C【解析】Q: How does the speaker’s experience of living in Vienna benefit her?I have learned many languages, but I have not mastered them the way a professional interpreter or translator has. Still, they have opened doors for me. They have allowed me the opportunity to seek jobs in international contexts and help me get those jobs. Like many people who have lived overseas for a while, I simply got crazy about it. I can’t imagine living my professional or social life withoutinternational interactions. Since 1977, I have spent much more time abroad than in the United States. I like going to new places, eating new foods and experiencing new cultures. If you can speak the language, it’s easier to get to know the country and its people. If I had the time and money, I would live for a year in as many countries aspossible.Beyond my career, my facility with languages has given me a few rare opportunities. Once just after I returned from my year in Vienna, I was asked to translate for a German judge at an Olympic level horse event. I learned a lot about the sport. In Japan, once when I was in the studio audience of a TV cooking show, I was asked to go up on the stage and taste the beef dish that was being prepared and tell what I thought. They asked, "Was it as good as American beef"It was very exciting for me to be on Japanese TV speaking in Japanese about how delicious the beef was.23.【题干】Question 22【选项】the beef and give her comment.part in a cooking competition.vocabulary for food in.cooking lessons on.【答案】A【解析】Q: What was the speaker asked to do in a Japanese studio?I have learned many languages, but I have not mastered them the way a professional interpreter or translator has. Still, they have opened doors for me. They have allowed me the opportunity to seek jobs in international contexts and help me get those jobs. Like many people who have lived overseas for a while, I simply got crazy about it. I can’t imagine living my professional or social life withoutinternational interactions. Since 1977, I have spent much more time abroad than in the United States. I like going to new places, eating new foods and experiencing new cultures. If you can speak the language, it’s easier to get to know the country and its people. If I had the time and money, I would live for a year in as many countries aspossible.Beyond my career, my facility with languages has given me a few rare opportunities. Once just after I returned from my year in Vienna, I was asked to translate for a German judge at an Olympic level horse event. I learned a lot about the sport. In Japan, once when I was in the studio audience of a TV cooking show, I was asked to go up on the stage and taste the beef dish that was being prepared and tell what I thought. They asked, "Was it as good as American beef"It was very exciting for me to be on Japanese TV speaking in Japanese about how delicious the beef was.24.【题干】Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 23【选项】had only a third-grade education.once threatened to kill his teacher.grew up in a poor single-parent household.often helped his.【答案】B【解析】Q: What do we learn about Ben Carson?Doctor Ben Carson grew up in a poor single parent household in Detroit. His mother, who had only a third-grade education, worked two jobs cleaning bathrooms. To his classmates and even to his teachers, he was thought of as the dumbest kid in the class, according to his own not so fond memories. He had a terrible temper, and once threatened to kill another child. Doctor Carson was headed down a path of self-destruction until a critical moment in his youth. His mother, convinced that she had to do something dramatic to prevent him from leading a life of failure, laid down some rules. He could not watch television except for two programs a week, could not play with his friends after school until he finished his homework, and had to read two books a week and write book reports about them. His mother’s strategy worked. "Ofcourse, I didn’t know she couldn’t read, so there I was submitting these reports." He said. "She would put check marks on them like she had been reading them. As I began to read about scientists, economists and philosophers, I started imaging myself in their shoes. As he got in the habit of hard work, his grades began to soar. Ultimately, he received a scholarship to attend Yale University. And later, he was admitted to the University of Michigan Medical School. He is now a leading surgeon at John’sHopkins Medical School, and he’s also the author of three books.25.【题干】Question 24【选项】....【答案】B。

2015年12月英语四级考试真题(第3套)

2015年12月英语四级考试真题(第3套)

2015年12月英语四级考试真题试卷(第三套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an **menting on the saying "Never go out there to see what happens, go out there to make things happen. " You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of being participants rather than mere onlookers in life. You should 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 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 I with a single line through the center.**) They admire the courage of space explorers.B) They were going to watch a wonderful movie.C) They enjoyed the movie on space exploration.D) They like doing scientific exploration very much.**) In a school library. B) At a gift shop.C) In the office of a travel agency. D) At a graduation ceremony.**) He used to work in the art gallery. B) He does not have a good memory.C) He is not interested in any part-time jobs. D) He declined a job offer from the art gallery.**) He will be unable to attend the birthday party.B) The woman should have informed him earlier.C) He will go to the birthday party after the lecture.D) Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrow.**) Set a deadline for the staff to meet. B) Assign more workers to the project.C) Reward those having made good progress. D) Encourage the staff to work in small groups.**) Where she can leave her car. B) The rate for parking in Lot C.C) How far away the parking lot is. D) The way to the visitor's parking.**) He regrets missing the classes. B) He has benefited from exercise.C) He plans to take the fitness classes. D) He is looking forward to a better life.8. A) How to select secretaries. B) How to raise work efficiency.C) The responsibilities of secretaries. D) The secretaries in the man's company.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.**) It is used by more people than English. B) It is more difficult to learn than English.C) It will be as commonly used as English. D) It will eventually become a world language.**) Its popularity with **mon people. B) The effect of the Industrial Revolution.C) The influence of the British Empire. D) Its loan words from many languages.**) It has a growing number of newly coined words.B) It includes a lot of words from other languages.C) It is the largest among all languages in the world.D) It can be easily picked up by overseas travellers.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.**) To place an order. B) To apply for a job.C) To return some goods. D) To make a complaint.**) He works on a part-time basis for **pany.B) He has not worked in the sales department for long.C) He is not familiar with the exact details of the goods.D) He has become somewhat impatient with the woman.**) It is not his responsibility. B) It win be free for large orders.C) It depends on a number of factors. D) It costs £15 more for express delivery.**) Make inquiries with some **panies.B) Report the information to her superior.C) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in charge.D) Ring back when **es to a decision.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.**) No one knows for sure when they came into being.B) No one knows exactly where they were first made.C) No one knows for what purpose they were invented.D) No one knows what they will look like in the future.**) Measure the speed of wind. B) Give warnings of danger.C) Pass on secret messages. D) Carry ropes across rivers.**) To find out the strength of silk for kites. B) To test the effects of the lightning rod.C) To prove that lightning is electricity. D) To protect houses against lightning.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.**) She was born with a talent for languages. B) She was trained to be an interpreter.C) She can speak several languages. D) She enjoys teaching languages.**) They want to learn as many foreign languages as possible.B) They have an intense interest in cross-cultural interactions.C) They acquire an immunity to culture shock.D) They would like to live abroad permanently.**) She became an expert in horse racing.B) She learned to appreciate classical music.C) She was able to translate for a German sports judge.D) She got a chance to visit several European countries.**) Take part in a **petition. B) Taste the beef and give **ment.C) Teach vocabulary for food in English. D) Give cooking lessons on Western food.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.**) He had only a third-grade education. B) He once threatened to kill his teacher.C) He often helped his mother do housework. D) He grew up in a poor single-parent family. **) Stupid. B) Active. C) Brave. D) Careless.**) Watch educational TV programs only. B) Write two book reports a week.C) Help with housework. D) Keep a diary.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 in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? There are other __26__ bodies out there besides the moon and stars. One of the most __27__ of these is a comet (彗星).Comets were formed around the same time the Earth was formed. They are __28__ ice and other frozen liquids and gases. __29__ these "dirty snowballs" begin to orbit the sun, just as the planets do.As a comet gets closer to the sun, some gases in it begin to unfreeze. They __30__ dust particles from **et to form a huge cloud. As **et gets even nearer to the sun, a solar wind blows the cloud behind **et, thus forming its tail. The tail and the __31__ fuzzy (模糊的) atmosphere around a comet are __32__ that can help identify this __33__ in the night sky.In any given year, about a dozen ****e close to the sun in their orbits. The average person can't see them all, of course. Usually there is only one or two a year bright enough to be seen with the __34__ eye. Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered in 1995, was an unusually **et. Its orbit brought it __35__ close to the Earth, within 122 million miles of it. But Hale-Bopp came a long way on its earthly visit. It won't be back for another four thousand years or so.Part ⅢReading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections : In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the center. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Children do not think the way adults do. For most of the first year of life, if something is out of sight, it's out of mind. If you cover a baby's __36__ toy with a piece of cloth, the baby thinks the toy has disappeared and stops looking for it. A 4-year-old may __37__ that a sister has more fruit juice when it is only the shapes of the glasses that differ, not the __38__ of juice.Yet children are smart in their own way. Like good little scientists, children are always testing their child-sized __39__ about how things work. When your child throws her spoon on the floor for the sixth time as you try to feed her, and you say, "That's enough! I will not pick up your spoon again!" the child will __40__ test your claim. Are you serious? Are you angiy? What will happen if she throws the spoon again? She is not doing this to drive you __41__ ; rather, she is learningthat her desires and yours can differ, and that sometimes those __42__ are important and sometimes they are not.How and why does children's thinking change? In the 1920s, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget proposed that children's cognitive(认知的) abilities unfold __43__ , like the blooming of a flower, almost independent of what else is __44__ in their lives. Although many of his specific conclusions have been __45__ or modified over the years, his ideas inspired thousands of studies by investigators all over the world.A) advocate B) amount C) confirmed D) crazy E) definiteF) differences G) favorite H) happening I) immediately J) naturallyK) obtaining L) primarily M) protest N) rejected O) theoriesSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Perfect EssayA) Looking back on too many years of education, I can identify one truly impossible teacher. She cared about me, and my intellectual life, even when I didn't. Her expectations were high-impossibly so. She was an English teacher. She was also my mother.B) When good students turn in an essay, they dream of their instructor returning it to them in exactly the same condition, save for a single word added in the margin of the final page: " Flawless. " This dream came true for me one afternoon in the ninth grade. Of course, I had heard that genius could show itself at an early age, so I was only slightly taken aback that I had achieved perfection at the tender age of 14. Obviously, I did what any professional writer would do; I hurried off to spread the good news. I didn't get very far. The first person I told was my mother.C) My mother, who is just shy of five feet tall, is normally incredibly soft-spoken, but on the rare occasion when she got angry, she was terrifying. I am not sure if she was more upset by my hubris(得意忘形) or by the fact that my English teacher had let my ego get so out of hand. In any event, my mother and her red pen showed me how deeply flawed a flawless essay could be. At the time, I am sure she thought she was teaching me about mechanics, transitions (过渡), structure, style and voice. But what I learned, and what stuck with me through my time teaching writing at Harvard, was a deeper lesson about the nature of creative criticism.D) First off, it hurts. Genuine criticism, the type that leaves a lasting mark on you as a writer, also leaves an existential imprint (印记) on you as a person. I have heard people say that a writer should never take criticism personally. I say that we should never listen to these people.E) Criticism, at its best, is deeply personal, and gets to the heart of why we write the way we do. The intimate nature of genuine criticism implies something about who is able to give it, namely, someone who knows you well enough to show you how your mental life is getting in the way of good writing. Conveniently, they are also the people who care enough to see you through this painful realization. For me it took the form of my first, and I hope only, encounter with writer's block-I was not able to produce anything for three years.F) Franz Kafka once said:" Writing is utter solitude (独处), the descent into the cold abyss (深渊) of oneself. " My mother's criticism had shown me that Kafka is right about the cold abyss, and when you make the introspective (内省的) descent that writing requires you are not always pleased by what you find. But, in the years that followed, her sustained tutoring suggested that Kafka might be wrong about the solitude. I was lucky enough to find a critic and teacher who was willing to make the journey of writing with me. "It is a thing of no great difficulty," according to Plutarch, "to raise objections against another man's speech, it is a very easy matter; but to produce a better in its place is a work extremely troublesome. " I am sure I wrote essays in the later years of high school without my mother's guidance, but I can't recall them. What I remember, however, is how she took up the "extremely troublesome" work of ongoing criticism.G) There are two ways to interpret Plutarch when he suggests that a critic should be able to produce " a better in its place. " In a straightforward sense, he could mean that a critic must be more talented than the artist she critiques (评论). My mother was well covered on this count. But perhaps Plutarch is suggesting something slightly different, something a bit closer to Marcus Cicero's claim that one should " criticize by creation, not by finding fault. " Genuine criticism creates a precious opening for an author to become better on his own terms-a process that is often extremely painful, but also almost always meaningful.H) My mother said she would help me with my writing, but first I had to help myself. For each assignment, I was to write the best essay I could. Real criticism is not meant to find obvious mistakes, so if she found any-the type I could have found on my own-I had to start from scratch. From scratch. Once the essay was " flawless," she would take an evening to walk me through my errors. That was when true criticism, the type that changed me as a person, began.I) She criticized me when I included little-known references and professional jargon (行话) ?She had no patience for brilliant but irrelevant figures of speech. "Writers can't bluff (虚张声势) their way through ignorance. " That was news to me-I would need to find another way to structure my daily existence.J) She trimmed back my flowery language, drew lines through my exclamation marks and argued for the value of restraint in expression. " John," she almost whispered. I leaned in to hear her: "I can't hear you when you shout at me. " So I stopped shouting and bluffing, and slowly my writing improved.K) Somewhere along the way I set aside my hopes of writing that flawless essay. But perhaps I missed something important in my mother's lessons about creativity and perfection. Perhaps thepoint of writing the flawless essay was not to give up, but to never willingly finish. Whitman repeatedly reworked "Song of Myself' between 1855 and 1891. Repeatedly. We do our absolute best with a piece of writing, **e as close as we can to the ideal. And, for the time being, we settle. In critique, however, we are forced to depart, to give up the perfection we thought we had achieved for the chance of being even a little bit better. This is the lesson I took from my mother.. If perfection were possible, it would not be motivating.46. The author was advised against the improper use of figures of speech.47. The author's mother taught him a valuable lesson by pointing out lots of flaws in his seemingly perfect essay.48. A writer should polish his writing repeatedly so as to get closer to perfection.49. Writers may experience periods of time in their life when they just can't produce anything.50. The author was not much surprised when his school teacher marked his essay as "flawless".51. Criticizing someone's speech is said to be easier **ing up with a better one.52. The author looks upon his mother as his most demanding and caring instructor.53. The criticism the author received from his mother changed him as a person.54. The author gradually improved his writing by avoiding fancy language.55. Constructive criticism gives an author a good start to improve his writing.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 center.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.Could you reproduce Silicon Valley elsewhere, or is there something unique about it?It wouldn't be surprising if it were hard to reproduce in other countries, because you couldn't reproduce it in most of the US either. What does it take to make a Silicon Valley?It's the right people. If you could get the right ten thousand people to move from Silicon Valley to Buffalo, Buffalo would become Silicon Valley.You only need two kinds of people to create a technology hub (中心): rich people and nerds (痴迷科研的人)Observation bears this out. Within the US, towns have become startup hubs if and only if they have both rich people and nerds. Few startups happen in Miami, for example, because although it's full of rich people, it has few nerds. It's not the kind of place nerds like.Whereas Pittsburgh has the opposite problem: plenty of nerds, but no rich people. The top USComputer Science departments are said to be MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie-Mellon. MIT yielded Route 128. Stanford and Berkeley yielded Silicon Valley. But what did Cainegie-Mellon yield in Pittsburgh? And what happened in Ithaca, home of Cornell University, which is also high on the list?I grew up in Pittsburgh and went to college at Cornell, so I can answer for both. The weather is terrible, particularly in winter, and there's no interesting old city to make up for it, as there is in Boston. Rich people don't want to live in Pittsburgh or Ithaca. So while there're plenty of hackers (电脑迷) who could start startups, there's no one to invest in them.Do you really need the rich people? Wouldn't it work to have the government invest in the nerds? No, it would not. Startup investors are a distinct type of rich people. They tend to have a lot of experience themselves in the technology business. This helps them pick the right startups, and means they can supply advice and connections as well as money. And the fact that they have a personal stake in the outcome makes them really pay attention.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)

2015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 an essay commenting on the saying “Learning is a daily experience and a lifetime mission.”You can cite examples toillustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write at least 120 words butno 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 agenda for the board of directors' meeting.B) The details of the meeting to be held next week.C) The reason for the man's absence from the meeting.D) The time for the man's visit to the woman's company.2. A) At a travel agency. C) In a library.B) At a department store. D) In a post office.3. A) He cannot hear the woman's call. C) He cannot recall the phone number.B) He cannot get through to New York. D) He cannot find a public phone nearby.4. A) Watch a movie with the woman. C) Do some shopping with Jane.B) Revise his thesis in the office. D) Discuss his thesis with Prof. Hudson.5. A) He just cannot work properly without a watch.B) He has no idea where he can buy a gold watch.C) He still does not know where he left his watch.D) He is not sure what went wrong with his watch.6. A) He forgot all about what he said. C) He was sorry for being off sick last week.B) He slipped and hurt his head. D) He thought the woman's car had been sold.7. A) She should try to catch an earlier bus. C) She is always making excuses for being late.B) She is absent from his class too often. D) She should come up with a better excuse.8. A) He is going to help the woman out. C) He is on his way to see a real estate agent.B) He has to move out of the building soon. D) He will stay with the woman's brother. Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) From the wanted column. C) From a telephone directory.B) From some of her friends. D) From a television commercial.10. A) She received full-time education abroad. C) She finished her secondary school.B) She graduated from an open university. D) She studied in a vocational college.11. A) She is a shorthand-typist. C) She is a policewoman.B) She works as a tour guide. D) She teaches an evening class.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) It provides him with career opportunities. C) It has been off and on for ten years.B) It helps enlarge his customer network. D) It was interrupted for four years.13. A) Individualized service. C) Home-made beer.B) Traditional setting. D) Social games.14. A) The quality of beer. C) The owner's attitude.B) The atmosphere. D) The right location.15. A) It is a rather tough job. C) It helps old people kill time.B) It is a profitable business. D) It makes retirees feel useful.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 OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) It is becoming increasingly popular. C) It gives rise to serious social instability.B) It helps the user to escape reality. D) It hurts a person and those around them.17. A) They use drugs just for fun. C) They use drugs as medicine.B) They take drugs to get high. D) They keep drug use a secret.18. A) It is quite common in entertainment circles.B) It is the cause of various social problems.C) It is hard to get rid of.D) It is fatal to the user.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Taking up exercises after recovery. C) Finding new ways to cure heart disease.B) Producing tasty healthy frozen food. D) Going on a diet upon leaving the hospital.20. A) It was carefully tested with consumers. C) It was disapproved by many diet experts.B) It was promoted by health organizations. D) It was highly expected by the general public.21. A) Competitive price. C) Vigorous promotion.B) Low expectations. D) Unique ingredients.22. A) It was suggested by the firm's vice-president.B) It matches the food's dark green packaging.C) It has a positive implication for consumers.D) It tricks the elders into impulse purchasing.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) It is practiced in most of the states. C) It has drawn a lot of criticism from overseas.B) It will be abolished sooner or later. D) It has to be approved by the Supreme Court.24. A) Whether the practice should be allowed to continue in future.B) Whether there should be a minimum age limit for execution.C) What type of criminals should receive it.D) What effect it might have on youngsters.25. A) The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing two friends.B) The governor changed his death sentence to life in prison.C) He was the first minor to be executed in South Carolina.D) He was sentenced to death for a crime he committed as a minor.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 in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Some people borrow money and "forget" to pay it back.Large loans are seldom the issue; they are usually treated as business 26 , with the terms spelled out on paper. But many women suffer 27 over problems like Carol's "My friend Ginny is always 28 cash," she says. "I hate to recall how often I've 'loaned' her a dollar or two for a drink or a movie. Each loan is so small I'd feel really cheap making a big deal out of it; still, I do 29 the fact that she never pays me back."Carol admits to being "too 30 or something" to demand repayment, but she has resolved to stop lending money to Ginny. "The last time she asked for five dollars to pay for her dry cleaning, I just told her I couldn't 31 it."Another woman suggests a bolder 32 . "When somebody refuses to repay a loan, I 33 by requesting one myself," she says. "'I left home without my wallet,' I'll say. 'Can you lend me enough to cover lunch?' Then, when the money is safely in hand, I am struck by a sudden34 . 'Why, this is exactly the amount I loaned you last week! How 35 ! Now you won't have to repay me!'" She says it works like a charm.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Readthe passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by alerter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in thebank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.For many Americans, 2013 ended with an unusually bitter cold spell. November and December 36 early snow and bone-chilling temperatures in much of the country, part of a year when, for the first time in two 37 , record-cold days will likely turn out to have outnumbered record-warm ones. But the U.S. was the exception: November was the warmest ever 38 , and current data indicates that 2013 is likely to have been the fourth hottest year on record.Enjoy the snow now, because 39 are good that 2014 will be even hotter, perhaps the hottest year since records have been kept. That’s because, scientists are predicting, 2014 will be an EI Niño year.EI Niño, Spanish for “the child”, 40 when surface ocean waters in the southern Pacific become abnormally warm. So large is the Pacific, covering 30% of the planet’s surface, that the 41 energy generated by its warming is enough to touch off a series of weather changes around the world. EI Ninos are 42 with abnormally dry conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia. They can lead to extreme rain in parts of North and South America, even as southern Africa 43 dry weather. Marine life may be affected too; EI Niños can 44 the rising of the cold, nutrient-rich(营养丰富的) water that supports large fish 45 ,and the unusually warm oceanSection BDirection:In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.How to Eat Well[A] Why do so many Americans eat tons of processed food, the stuff that is correctly called junk(垃圾) and should really carry warning labels?[B] It’s not because fresh ingredients are hard to come by Supermarkets offer more variety thanever, and there are over four times as many famers’ markets in the U.S. as there were 20 years ago. Nor is it for lack of available information. There are plenty of recipes(食谱), how-to videos and cooking classes available to anyone who has a computer, smartphone or television.If anything the information is overwhelming.[C] And yet we aren’t cooking. If you eat three meals a day and behave like most Americans, youprobably get at least a third of your daily calories(卡路里) outsides the home. Nearly two-thirds of us grab fast food once a week, and we get almost 25% of our daily calories from snacks. So we’re eating out or taking in, and we don’t sit down—or we do, but hurry.[D] Shouldn’t preparing—and consuming—food be a source of comfort, pride, health, well-being,relaxation, sociability? Something that connects us to other humans? Why should we want to outsource (外包) this basic task, especially when outsourcing it is so harmful?[E] When I talk about cooking, I’m not talking about creating elaborate dinner parties or three-dayscience projects. I’m talking about simple, easy, everyday meals. My mission is to encourage green hands and those lacking time or money to feed themselves. That means we need modest, realistic expectation, and we need to teach people to cook food that’s good enough to share with family and friends.[F] Perhaps a return to real cooking needn’t be far off. A recent Harris poll revealed that 79% ofAmericans say they enjoy cooking and 30% “love it”; 14% admit to not enjoying kitchen work and just 7% won’t go near the stove at all. But this doesn’t necessarily translate to real cooking and the result of this survey shouldn’t surprise anyone; 52% of those 65 or older cook at home five or more times per week; only a third of young people do.[G] Back in the 1950s most of us grew up in households where Mom cooked virtually every night.The intention to put a home-cooked meal on the table was pretty much universal. Most people couldn’t afford to do otherwise.[H] Although frozen dinners were invented in the 40s, their popularity didn’t boom untiltelevisions became popular a decade or so later. Since then packaged, pre-prepared meals have been what’s for dinner. The microwave and fast-food chains were the biggest catalysts (催化剂),but the big food companies—which want to sell anything except the raw ingredients that go into cooking—made the home cook an endangered species.[I] Still, I find it strange that only a third of young people report preparing meals at home regularly.Isn’t this the same crowd that rails against processed junk and champions craft cooking? And isn’t this the generation who say they’re concerned about their health and the wee-being of the planet? If these are truly the values of many young people, then tier behavior doesn’t match their beliefs.[J] There have been half-hearted but well-publicized efforts by some food campaigns to reduce calories in their processed foods, but the Standard American Diet is still the polar opposite of the healthy, mostly plant-based diet that just about every expert says we should be eating.Considering that the governments standards are not nearly ambitious enough, the picture is clear: by nor cooking at home, we’re not eating the right things, and the consequences are hard to overstate.[K] To help quantify(量化) the costs of a poor diet, I recently tried to estimate this impact interms of a most famous food, the burger (汉堡包). I concluded that the profit from burgers is more than offset (抵消) by the damage they cause in health problems and environmental harm. [L] Cooking real food is the best defense—not to mention that any meal you’re likely to eat at home contains about 200 fewer calories than one you would cat in a restaurant.[M] To those Americans for whom money is a concern, my advice is simple; Buy what you can afford, and cook it yourself. The common prescription is to primarily shop the grocery store, since that’s where fresh produce, meat and seafood, and dairy are. And to save money and still eat well you don’t need local organic ingredients; all you need is real food. I’m not saying local food isn’t better, it is. But there is plenty of decent food in the grocery stores.[N] The other sections you should get to know are the frozen foods and the canned goods. Frozen produce is still produce; canned tomatoes are still tomatoes. Just make sure you’re getting real food without tons of added salt or sugar. Ask yourself, would Grandma consider this food?Does it look like something that might occur in nature? It’s pretty much common sense: you want to buy food, not unidentifiable foodlike objects.[O] You don’t have to hit the grocery store daily, nor do you need an abundance of skill. Since fewer than half of Americans say they cook at an intermediate level and only 20% describe their cooking skills as advanced, the crisis is one of confidence. And the only remedy for that is practice. There’s nothing mysterious about cooking the evening meal. You just have to do a little thinking ahead and redefine what qualifies as dinner. Like any skill, cooking gets easier as you do it more; every time you cook, you advance your level of skills,. Someday you won’t even need recipes. My advice is that you not pay attention to the number of steps and ingredients, because they can be deceiving.[P] Time, I realize, is the biggest obstacle to cooking for most people. You must adjust you priorities to find time to cook. For instance, you can move a TV to the kitchen and watch your favorite shows while you’re standing at the sink. No one is asking you to give up activities you like, but if you’re watching food shows on TV, try cooking instead.46. Cooking benefits people in many ways and enables them to connect with one another.47. Abundant information about cooking is available either online or on TV.48. Young people do less cooking at home than the elderly these days.49. Cooking skills can be improved with practice.50. In the mid-20th century, most families ate dinner at home instead of eating out.51. Even those short of time or money should be encouraged to cook for themselves and their family.52. Eating food not cooked by ourselves can cause serious consequences53. To eat well and still save money, people should buy fresh food and cook it themselves.54. We get a fairly large portion of calories from fast food and snacks.55. The popularity of TV led to the popularity of frozen food.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)andD). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.The wallet is heading for extinction. As a day-to-day essential, it will die off with the generation who read print newspapers. The kind of shopping-where you hand over notes and count out change in return—now happens only in the most minor of our retail encounters,like buying a bar of chocolate or a pint of milk from a comer shop. At the shops where you spend any real money, that money is increasingly abstracted. And this is more and more true, the higher up the scale you go. At the most cutting-edge retail stores—Victoria Beckham on Dover Street, for instance—you don’t go and stand at any kind of cash register when you decide to pay. The staff are equipped with iPads to take your payment while you relax on a sofa.Which is nothing more or less than excellent service, if you have the money. But across society, the abstraction of the idea of cash makes me uneasy. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned. But earning money isn’t quick or easy for most of us. Isn’t it a bit weird that spending it should happen in half a blink(眨眼) of an eye? Doesn’t a wallet—that time-honored Friday-night feeling of pleasing, promising fatness—represent something that matters?But I’ll leave the economics to the experts. What bothers me about the death of the wallet is the change it represents in our physical environment. Everything about the look and feel of a wallet—the way the fastenings and materials wear and tear and loosen with age, the plastic and paper and gold and silver, and handwritten phone numbers and printed cinema tickets—is the very opposite of what our world is becoming. The opposite of a wallet is a smartphone of an iPad. The rounded edges, cool glass, smooth and unknowable as pebble(鹅卵石). Instead of digging through pieces of paper and peering into corners, we move our fingers left and right. No more counting out coins. Show your wallet, if you still have one. It may not be here much longer.56. What is happening to the wallet?A) It is disappearing. B) It is being fattened.C) It is becoming costly.D) It is changing in style.57. How are business transactions done in big modern stores?A) Individually. B) Electronically. C) In the abstract.D) Via a cash register.58. What makes the author feel uncomfortable nowadays?A) Saving money is becoming a thing of the past.B) The pleasing Friday-night feeling is fading.C) Earning money is getting more difficult.D) Spending money is so fast and easy.59. Why does the author choose to write about what’s happening to the wallet?A) It represents a change in the modern world.B) It has something to do with everybody’s life.C) It marks the end of a time-honored tradition.D) It is the concern of contemporary economists.60. What can we infer from the passage about the author?A) He is resistant to social changes.B) He is against technological progress.C) He feels reluctant to part with the traditional wallet.D) He fells insecure in the ever-changing modern world.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Everybody sleeps, but what people stay up late to catch—or wake up early in order not to miss—varies by culture. From data collected, it seems the things that cause us to lose the most sleep, on average, are sporting events, time changes, and holidays.Around the world, people changed sleep patterns thanks to the start or end of daylight savings time. Russians, for example, began to wake up about a half-hour later each day after President Vladimir Putin shifted the country permanently to “winter time” starting on October 26.Russia’s other late nights and early mornings generally correspond to public holidays. On New Year’s Eve, Russians have the world’s latest bedtime, hitting the hay at around 3:30 am.Russians also get up an hour later on International Women’s Day, the day for treating and celebrating female relatives.Similarly, Americans’ late nights late mornings, and longest sleeps fall on three-day weekends.Canada got the least sleep of the year the night it beat Sweden in the Olympic hockey (冰球) final.The World Cup is also chiefly responsible for sleep deprivation (剥夺), The worst night for sleep in the U.K. was the night of the England-Italy match on June 14. Brits stayed up a half-hour later to watch it, and then they woke up earlier than usual the next morning thanks to summer nights, the phenomenon in which the sun barely sets in northern countries in the summertime. That was nothing, though, compared to Germans, Italians, and the French, who stayed up around an hour and a half later on various days throughout the summer to watch the Cup.It should be made clear that not everyone has a device to record their sleep patterns, in some of these nations, it’s likely that only the richest people do. And people who elect to track their sleep may try to get more sleep than the average person. Even if that’s the case, though, the above findings are still striking. If the most health-conscious among us have such deep swings in our shut-eye levels throughout the year, how much sleep are the rest of us losing?61. What does the author say about people’s sleeping habits?A) They are culture-related B) They affect people’s health.C) They change with the seasons. D) They vary from person to person.62. What do we learn about the Russians regarding sleep?A) They don’t fall asleep until very late. B) They don’t sleep much on weekends.C) They get less sleep on public holidays. D) They sleep longer than people elsewhere.63. What is the major cause for Europeans’ loss of sleep?A) The daylight savings time. B) The colorful night life.C) The World Cup. D) The summertime.64. What is the most probable reason for some rich people to use a device to record theirpatterns?A) They have trouble falling asleep. B) They want to get sufficient sleep.C) They are involved in a sleep research. D) They want to go to bed on regular hours.65. What does the author imply in the last paragraph?A) Sleeplessness does harm to people’s health.B) Few people really know the importance of sleep.C) It is important to study our sleep patterns.D) Average people probably sleep less than the rich.Part ⅣTranslation (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.云南省的丽江古镇是中国著名的旅游目的地之一。

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(三套卷)

2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(三套卷)

巨微英语四六级基础不好找巨微2015年12月大学英语四级考试真题(三套卷)一、在答题前,请认真完成以下内容:1. 请检查试题册背面条形码粘贴条、答题卡的印刷质量,如有问题及时向监考员反映,确认无误后完成以下两点要求。

2. 请将试题册背面条形码粘贴条揭下后粘贴在答题卡1 的条形码粘贴框内,并将姓名和准考证号填写在试题册背面相应位置。

3.请在答题卡1和答题卡2 指定位置用黑色签字笔填写准考证号、姓名和学校名称,并用HB-2B 铅笔将对应准考证号的信息点涂黑。

二、在考试过程中,请注意以下内容:1. 所有题目必须在答题卡上规定位置作答,在试题册上或答题卡上非规定位置的作答一律无效。

2. 请在规定时间内在答题卡指定位置依次完成作文、听力、阅读、翻译各部分考试,作答作文期间不得翻阅该试题册。

听力录音播放完毕后,请立即停止作答,监考员将立即回收答题卡1 ,得到监考员指令后方可继续作答。

3. 作文题内容印在试题册背面,作文题及其他主观题必须用黑色签字笔在答题卡指定区域内作答。

4.选择题均为单选题,错选、不选或多选将不得分,作答时必须使用HB-2B铅笔在答题卡上相应位置填涂,修改时须用橡皮擦净。

三、以下情况按违规处理:1. 不正确填写(涂)个人信息,错贴、不贴、毁损条形码粘贴条。

2. 未按规定翻阅试题册、提前阅读试题、提前或在收答题卡期间作答。

3. 未用所规定的笔作答、折叠或毁损答题卡导致无法评卷。

4. 考试期间在非听力考试时间佩戴耳机。

巨微英语四六级基础不好找巨微Section A Litstening Comprehension (30 minutes)Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation. one or more questions willbe asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions willbe spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. Duringthe pause, you must read thefour choices marked A), B), C) and D), anddecide 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1. A) They admire the courage of space explorersB) They enjoyed the movie on space explorationC) They were going to watch a wonderful movieD) They like doing scientific exploratron very much2. A)At a gift shopB) At a graduation ceremony.C) In the office of a travel agencyD) In a school library3. A) He used to work in the art galleryB) He does not have a good memoryC) He declined ajob offer from the art galleryD) He is not interested in any part-time jobs4. A) Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrowB) He will go to the birthday party after the lectureC) The woman should have informed him earlierD) He will be unable to attend the birthday party5. A) Reward those having made good progressB) Set a deadline for the staff to meetC) Assign more workers to the project.巨微英语四六级基础不好找巨微D) Encourage the staffto work in Small groups6. A) The way to the visitor's parkingB) The rate for parking in Lot CC) How far away the parking lot is.D) Where she can leave her car.7. A) He regrets missing the classesB) He plans to take the fitness classes.C) He is looking forward to a better lifeD) He has benefited from exercise8. A) How to raise work efficiency.B) How to select secretariesC) The responsibilities of secretanesD) The secretaries in the man’s company.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9 A) It Is more difficult to learn than EnglishB) It is used by more people than English.C) It will be as commonly used as EnglishD) It will eventually become a world language10. A) Its loan words from many languagesB) Its popularity with the common people.C) The influence of the British EmpireD) The effect of the Industrial Revolution11. A) It includes a lot of words from other languagesB) It has a growing number of newly coined wordsC) It can be easily picked up by overseas travellersD) It is the largest among all languages in the worldQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To return some goods巨微英语四六级基础不好找巨微B) To apply for ajob.C) To place an order.D) To make a complaint13. A) He has become somewhat impatient with the womanB) He is not familiar with the exact details of the goodssC) He has not worked in the sales department for long.D) He works on a part-time basis for the company14. A) it is not his responsibilityB) It will be free for large ordersC) It costs£15 more for express deliveryD) It depends on a number of factors15. A) Report the information to her superiorB) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in chargegeC) Ring back when she comes to a decisionD) Make inquiries with some other companiesSection 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 questionswill be spoken only once.After you hear a queslion, you must choose thebestanswer from the four choicesmarked A), B), C) and D). Then mark thecorresponding lelterton Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through thecentre注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答。

2015年12月大学英语四级真题及解析

2015年12月大学英语四级真题及解析

PartI Writing (30 minutes)For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying “Learning is a daily experience and lifetime mission.”You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write atleast 120 words but no more than180words.Part II Listening Comprehension ( 30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conver sat ions 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.A) They admire the courage of space explorers.B) They enjoyed the movie on space exploration.C) They were going to watch a wonderful movie.D) They like doing scientific exploration very much.2. A) At a gift shop.B) At a graduation ceremony.C) In the office of a travel agency.D) In a school library.3. A) He used to work in the art gallery.B) He does not have a good memory.C) He declined a job offer form the art gallery.D) He is not interested in any part-time jobs.4.A) Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrow.B) He will go to the birthday party after the lecture.C) The woman should have informed him earlier.D) He will be unable to attend the birthday party.5.A) Reward those having made good pro gre ss.B) Set a deadline for the staff to meet.C) Assign more workers to the project.D) Encourage the staff to work in small groups.6. A) The way to the visitor’s parking.B) The rate for parking in Lot C.C) How far away the parking lot is.D) Where she can leave her car.7. A) He regrets missing the classes.B) He plans to take the fitness classes.C) He is looking forward to a better life.D) He has benefited form exercise.8.A) How to ? work efficiency.B) How to select secretaries.C)The responsibilities of secretaries.D) The secretaries in the man’s company.Conver sat ion OneQuestions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A) It is more difficult to learn than English.B) It is used by more people than English.C) It will be as commonly used as English.D) It will eventually bec ome a world language.10.A) It has words words from many languages,B) Its popularity with the common people.C) The influence of the British Empire.D) The effect of the Industrial Revolution.11.A) It includes a lot of words form other languages.B) It has a growing number of newly coined words,C) It can be easily picked up by overseas travelers.D) It is the largest among all languages in the world. Conversation 2Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A) To return some goods.B) To apply for a job.C) To place an order.D) To make a complaint.13. A) He has become somewhat impatient with the woman.B) He is not familiar with the exact details of goods.C) He has not worked in the sales department for long.D) He works on a part-time basis for the company.14. A) It is not his responsibility.B) It will be free for large orders.C) It costs 15 more for express delivery.D) It depends on a number of factors.15.A) Report the information to her superior.B) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in charge.C) Ring back when she comes to a decision.D) Make inquiries with some other companies.Section BDirections:In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D ). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) No one knows exactly where they were ??B) No one knows for sure when thy came into being.C) No one knows for what purpose they were ?D) No one knows what they will17. A) Carry ropes across rivers.B) Measure the speed of wind.C) Pass on secret messages.D) Give warnings of danger.18. A) To protect houses against lightning.B) To test the effects of the lightning rod.C) To find out the strength of silk for kites.D) To prove the lightning is electricity.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A) She enjoys teaching languages.B) She can speak several languages.C) She was trained to be an interpreter.D) She was born with a talent for languages.20. A) They acquire an immunity to culture shock.B) They would like to live abroad permanently.C) They want to learn as many foreign languages as possible.D) They have an intense interest in cross-cultural interactions.21.A) She bec ame an expert in horse racing.B) She got a chance to visit several European countries.C) She was able to translate for a German sports judge.D) She learned to appreciate classical music.22. A) Taste the beef and give her comment.B) Take part in a cooking competition.C) Teach vocabulary for food in ??D) Give cooking lessons onPassage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. A) He had only a third-grade education.B) He once threatened to kill his teacher.C) He gre w up in a poorD) He often helped his24.A) Careless.B) Stupid.C) Brave.D) Active.25.A) Write two book reports a week.B) Keep a diary.C) Help with housework.D) Watch education??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 in the blanks with the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.When you look up at the night sky, what do you see?There areother bodies out there besides the moon and stars. One of the most of this is a comet. Comets were formed around the same the earth was formed. They are made up of ice and other frozen liquids and gasses. these dirty snow balls begin to orbit the sun just as the planets do. As a comet gets closer to the sun, some gasses in it begin to unfreeze. They combine with dust particles from the comet to form a huge cloud. As the comet gets even nearer to the sun and solar wind blows the cloud behind the comet thus forming its tail. The tail and generally fuzzy atmosphere around the cometare that can help this phenomenon in the night sky. In any given year,about dozen known comets come close to the sun in their orbits. The average person can’t see them all of course. Usually there is only one or two a year bright enough to be seen with the _________eye. Comet Hale-Bopp discovered in 1995 was an unusually bright comet. Its orbit bought it _________to the earth within 122 million miles of it. But Hale-Bopp came a long way on its earthly visit. It won’t be back for another 4 thousand years or so.Part Ш Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices givenin 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 markthe corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.For many Americans, 2013 ended with an unusually bitter cold spell. November and December 36 early snow and bone-chilling temperatures in much of the country, part of a year when, for the first time in two 37 , record-cold days will likely turn out to have outnumbered record-warm ones. But the U.S. was the exception; November was the warmest ever 38 , and current data indicates that 2013 is likely to have been the fourth hottest year on record.Enjoy the snow now, bec ause 39 are good that 2014 will be even hotter, perhaps the hottest year since records have been kept. That’s because, scientists are predicting, 2014 will be an EI Niuo year.EI niuo, Spanish for “the child”, 40 when surface ocean waters in the southern Pacific become abnormally warm. So large is the Pacific, covering 30% of the planet’s surface, that the 41 energy generated by its warming is enough to touch off a series of weather changes around the world. EI Ninos are 42 with abnormally dry conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia. They can lead to extreme rain in parts of North and South America, even as southern Africa 43 dry weather. Marine life may be affected too; EI Ninos can 44 the rising of the cold, nutrient-rich(营养丰富的)water that supports large fish 45 ,and the unusually warm ocean temperatures can destroy coral(珊瑚).注意:此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2015年12月英语4级全版真题及参考答案

2015年12月英语4级全版真题及参考答案

2015年12月英语4级全版真题及参考答案机密★启用前版权所有大学英语四级考试COLLEGE ENGLISH TEST-Band Four-(4WZSHI)试题册☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆敬告考生一、在答题前,请认真完成以下内容:1. 请检查试题册背面条形码粘贴条、答题卡的印刷质量,如有问题及时向监考员反映,确认无误后完成以下两点要求。

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二、在考试过程中,请注意以下内容:1. 所有题目必须在答题卡上规定位置作答,在试题册上或答题卡上非规定位置的作答一律无效。

2. 请在规定时间内在答题卡指定位置依次完成作文、听力、阅读、翻译各部分考试,作答作文期间不得翻阅该试题册。

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4. 考试期间在非听力考试时间佩戴耳机。

Section A Litstening Comprehension(30 minutes)Directions: In this section, you will hear8 short conversations and 2 longconversations. At the end of eachconversation. one or morequestions will be asked about whatwas said. Both the conversationand the questions will be spokenonly once. After each questionthere will be a pause. During thepause, you must read the fourchoices marked A), B), C) and D),and decide which is the bestanswer. Then mark thecorresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line throughthe centre.注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答1. A) They admire the courage of space explorersB) They enjoyed the movie on space explorationC) They were going to watch a wonderful movieD) They like doing scientific exploratron very much2. A)At a gift shopB) At a graduation ceremony.C) In the office of a travel agencyD) In a school library3. A) He used to work in the art galleryB) He does not have a good memoryC) He declined a job offer from the art galleryD) He is not interested in any part-time jobs4. A) Susan has been invited to give a lecture tomorrowB) He will go to the birthday party after the lectureC) The woman should have informed him earlierD) He will be unable to attend the birthday party5. A) Reward those having made good progressB) Set a deadline for the staff to meetC) Assign more workers to the project.D) Encourage the staff to work in Small groups6. A) The way to the visitor's parkingB) The rate for parking in Lot CC) How far away the parking lot is.D) Where she can leave her car.7. A) He regrets missing the classesB) He plans to take the fitness classes.C) He is looking forward to a better lifeD) He has benefited from exercise8. A) How to raise work efficiency.B) How to select secretariesC) The responsibilities of secretanesD) The secretaries in the man’s company. Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9 A) It Is more difficult to learn than EnglishB) It is used by more people than English.C) It will be as commonly used as EnglishD) It will eventually become a world language10. A) Its loan words from many languagesB) Its popularity with the common people.C) The influence of the British EmpireD) The effect of the Industrial Revolution11. A) It includes a lot of words from other languagesB) It has a growing number of newly coined wordsC) It can be easily picked up by overseas travellersD) It is the largest among all languages in the worldQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To return some goodsB) To apply for a job.C) To place an order.D) To make a complaint13. A) He has become somewhat impatient with the womanB) He is not familiar with the exact details of the goodssC) He has not worked in the sales department for long.D) He works on a part-time basis for the company14. A) it is not his responsibilityB) It will be free for large ordersC) It costs £15 more for express deliveryD) It depends on a number of factors15. A) Report the information to her superiorB) Pay a visit to the saleswoman in chargegeC) Ring back when she comes to a decisionD) Make inquiries with some other companiesSection BDirections: In this section, you will hear3 short passages. At the end ofeach passage, you will hear somequestions. Both the passage andthe questions will be spoken onlyonce.After you hear a queslion,you must choose the best answerfrom the four choices marked A),B), C) and D). Then mark thecorresponding leltert on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line throughthe centre注意:此部分试题请在答题卡1 上作答。

2015年6月英语四级考试真题及答案(1)

2015年6月英语四级考试真题及答案(1)

2015年6⽉英语四级考试真题及答案(1)2015年6⽉⼤学英语四级考试真题Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes)Section AQuestions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.The U.S. Department of Education is making efforts to ensure that all students have equal access to a quality education. Today it is 36 the launch of the Excellent Educators for All Initiative. The initiative will help states and school districts support great educators for the students who need them most. "All children are 37 to a high-quality education regardless of their race, zip code or family income. It is 38 important that we provide teachers and principals the support they need to help students reach their full 39 ," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said." Despite the excellent work and deep 40 of our nation's teachers and principals, students in high-poverty, high- minority schools are unfairly treated across our country. We have to do better. Local leaders and educators will 41 their own creative solutions, but we must work together to 42 our focus on how to better recruit, support and 43 effective teachers and principals for all students, especially the kids who need them most." Today's announcement is another important step forward in improving access to a quality education, a 44 of President Obama's year of action .Later today, Secretary Duncan will lead a roundtable discussion with principals and school teachers from across the country about the 45 of working in high-need schools and how to adopt promising practices for supporting great educators in these schools.A. AnnouncingB. beneficialC. challengesD. commitmentE. componentF. contestsG. criticallyH. developI. distributing J. enhance K. entitled L. potentialM. properly N. qualified O. retainSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Changes Facing Fast FoodA) Fast-food firms have to be a thick-skinned bunch. Health experts regularly criticize them severely for selling food that makes people fat. Critics even complain that McDonald's, whose logo symbolizes calorie excess, should not have been allowed to sponsor the World Cup. These are things fast-food firms have learnt to cope with. But not perhaps for much longer. The burger businessfaces more pressure from regulators at a time when it is already adapting strategies in response to shifts in the global economy.B) Fast food was once thought to be recession-proof. When consumers need to cut spending, the logic goes, cheap meals like Big Macs and Whoppers become even more attractive. Such "trading down” proved true for much of the latest recession, when fast-food companies picked up customers who could no longer afford to eat at casual restaurants. Traffic was boosted in America, the home of fast food, with discounts and promotions, such as $1 menus and cheap combination meals.C) As a result, fast-food chains have weathered the recession better than their more expensive competitors. In 2009 sales at full-service restaurants in America fell by more than 6% , but total sales remained about the same at fast-food chains. In some markets, such as Japan, France and Britain, total spending on fast food increased. Same-store sales in America at McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food company, did not decline throughout the downturn. Pan era Bread, an American fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients, performed well, too, because it offers higher-quality food at lower prices than restaurants.D) But not all fast-food companies have been as fortunate. Many, such as Burger King, have seen sales fall. In a severe recession, while some people trade down to fast food, many others eat at home more frequently to save money. David Palmer, an analyst at UBS, a bank, says smaller fast- food chains in America, such as Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr., have been hit particularlyhard in this downturn because they are competing with the global giant McDonald's, which increased spending on advertising by more than 7% last year as others cut back.E) Some fast-food companies also sacrificed their own profits by trying to give customers better value. During the recession companies set prices low, hoping that once they had tempted customers through the door they would be persuaded to order more expensive items. But in many cases that strategy did not work. Last year Burger King franchisees (特许经营⼈)sued (起诉)the company over its double-cheeseburger promotion, claiming it was unfair for them to be required to sell these for $1 when they cost$1.10 to make. In May a judge ruled in favor of Burger King. Nevertheless, the company may still be cursing its decision to promote cheap choices over more expensive ones because items on its "value menu" now account for around 20% of all sales, up from 12% last October.F) Analysts expect the fast-food industry to grow modestly this year. But the downturn is making companies rethink their strategies. Many are now introducing higher-priced items to entice (引诱)consumers away from $1 specials.KFC, a division of Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, has launched a chicken sandwich that costs around $5.And in May Burger King introduced barbecue (烧烤)pork ribs at $7 for eight.G)Companies are also trying to get customers to buy new and more items, including drinks. McDonald’s started selling better coffee as a challenge to Starbucks. Its " Mc Cafe" line now accounts for an estimated 6% of salesin America. Starbucks has sold rights to its Seattle's Best coffee brand to Burger King, which will start selling it later this year.H) As fast-food companies shift from "super size" to "more buys", they need to keep customer traffic high throughout the day. Many see breakfast as a big opportunity, and not just for fatty food. McDonald’s will start selling porridge (粥)in America next year. Breakfast has the potential to be very profitable, says Sara Senator of Bernstein, a research firm, because the margins can be high. Fast-food companies are also adding midday and late-night snacks, such as blended drinks and wraps. The idea is that by having a greater range of things on the menu, "we can sell to consumers products they want all day," says Rick Carlucci., the .chief financial officer of Yum ! Brands.I) But what about those growing waistlines? So far, fast-food firms have cleverly avoided government regulation. By providing healthy options, like salads and low-calorie sandwiches, they have at least given the impression of doing something about helping to fight obesity (肥胖症).These offerings are not necessarily loss-leaders, as they broaden the appeal of outlets to groups of diners that include some people who don't want to eat a burger. But customers cannot be forced to order salads instead of fries.J)In the future, simply offering a healthy option may not be good enough."Every packaged-food and restaurant company I know is concerned about regulation right now," says Mr. Palmer of UBS. America’s health-reform bill, which Congress passed this year, requires restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets to put the calorie-content of items they serve on the menu. A studyby the National Bureau of Economic Research, which tracked the effects on Starbucks of a similar calorie-posting law in New York City in 2007, found that the average calorie-count per transaction fell 6% and revenue increased 3% at Starbucks stores where a Dunlin Donuts outlet was nearby--a sign, it is said, that menu-labeling could favor chains that have more healthy offerings.K) In order to avoid other legislation in America and elsewhere, fast-food companies will have to continue innovating (创新).Walt Riker of McDonald's claims the change it has made in its menu means it offers more healthy items than it did a few years ago."We probably sell more vegetables, more milk, more salads, more apples than any restaurant business in the world," he says. But the recent proposal by a county in California to ban McDonald's from including toys in its high-calorie”Happy Meals", because legislators believe it attracts children to unhealthy food, suggests there isa lot more left to do.46.Some people propose laws be made to stop McDonald's from attaching toys to its food specials for children.47. Fast-food fins may not be able to cope with pressures from food regulation in the near future.48. Burger King will start to sell Seattle's Best coffee to increase sales.49. Some fast-food firms provide healthy food to give the impression they are helping to tackle the obesity problem.50. During the recession, many customers turned to fast food to save money.51. Many people eat out less often to save money in times of recession.52. During the recession, Burger King's promotional strategy of offering low-priced items often proved ineffective.53. Fast-food restaurants can make a lot of money by selling breakfast.54. Many fast-food companies now expect to increase their revenue by introducing higher-priced items.55. A newly-passed law asks big fast-food chains to specify the calorie count of what they serve on the menu.Section CPassage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.If you think a high-factor sunscreen (防晒霜)keeps you safe from harmful rays, you may be wrong. Research in this week's Nature shows that while factor 50 reduces the number of melanomas(⿊瘤)and delays their occurrence, it can't prevent them. Melanomas are the most aggressive skin cancers. You have a higher risk if you have red or blond hair, fair skin, blue or green eyes, or sunburn easily, or if a close relative has had one. Melanomas are more common if you have periodic intense exposure to the sun. Other skin cancers are increasingly likely with long-term exposure.There is continuing debate as to how effective sunscreen is in reducing melanomas the evidence is weaker than it is for preventing other types of skin cancer. A 2011 Australian study of 1,621 people found that people randomly selected to apply sunscreen daily had half the rate of melanomas of people who used cream as needed. A second study, comparing 1,167 people with melanomas to 1,101 who didn't have the cancer, found that using sunscreen routinely, alongside other protection such as hats, long sleeves or staying in the shade, did give some protection. This study said other forms of sun protection not sunscreen seemed most beneficial. The study relied on people remembering what they had done over each decade of their lives, so it's not entirely reliable. But it seems reasonable to think sunscreen gives people a false sense of security in the sun. Many people also don't use sunscreen properly applying insufficient amounts, failing to reapply after a couple of hours and staying in the sun too long. It is sunburn that is most worrying recent research shows five episodes of sunburn in the teenage years increases the risk of all skin cancers.The good news is that a combination of sunscreen and covering up can reduce melanoma rates, as shown by Australian figures from their slip-slop-slap campaign. So if there is a heat wave this summer, it would be best for us, too, to slip on a shirt, slop on (抹上)sunscreen and slap on a hat.56. What is people's common expectation of a high-factor sunscreen?A. It will delay the occurrence of skin cancer.B. It will protect them from sunburn.C. It will keep their skin smooth and fair.D. It will work for people of any skin color.57. What does the research in Nature say about a high-factor sunscreen?A. It is ineffective in preventing melanomas.B. It is ineffective in case of intense sunlight.C. It is ineffective with long-term exposure.D. It is ineffective for people with fair skin.58. What do we learn from the 2011 Australian study of 1,621 people?A. Sunscreen should be applied alongside other protection measures.B High-risk people benefit the most from the application of sunscreen.C. Irregular application of sunscreen does women more harm than good.D. Daily application of sunscreen helps reduce the incidence of melanomas.59. What does the author say about the second Australian study?A. It misleads people to rely on sunscreen for protection.B. It helps people to select the most effective sunscreen.C. It is not based on direct observation of the subjects.D. It confirms the results of the first Australian study.60. What does the author suggest to reduce melanoma rates?A. Using both covering up and sunscreen.B. Staying in the shade whenever possible.C. Using covering up instead of sunscreen.D. Applying the right amount of sunscreen.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Across the rich world, well-educated people increasingly work longer than the less-skilled.Some65% of American men aged 62 -74 with a professional degree are in the workforce, compared with32% of men with only a high-school certificate. This gap is part of a deepening divide between the well-educated well-off and the unskilled poor. Rapid technological advance has raised the incomes of the highly skilled while squeezing those of the unskilled. The consequences, for individuals and society, are profound.The world is facing an astonishing rise in the number of old people, and they will live longer than ever before. Over the next 20 years the global population of those aged 65 or more will almost double, from 600 million to 1.1 billion. The experience of the 20th century, when greater longevity (长寿)translated into more years in retirement rather than more years at work, has persuadedmany observers that this shift will lead to slower economic growth, while the swelling ranks of pensioners will create government budget problems. But the notion of a sharp division between the working young and the idle old misses a new trend, the growing gap between the skilled and the unskilled. Employment rates are falling among younger unskilled people, whereas older skilled folk are working longer. The divide is most extreme in America, where well-educated baby-boomers (⼆战后⽣育⾼峰期出⽣的美国⼈)are putting off retirement while many less-skilled younger people have dropped out of the workforce.Policy is partly responsible. Many European governments have abandoned policies that used to encourage people to retire early. Rising life expectancy (预期寿命), combined with the replacement of generous defamed-benefit pension plans with less generous defined-contribution ones, means that even the better-off must work longer to have a comfortable retirement. But the changing nature of work also plays a big role. Pay has risen sharply for the highly educated, and those people continue to reap rich rewards into old age because these days the educated elderly are more productive than the preceding generation. Technological change may well reinforce that shift: the skills that complement computers, from management knowhow to creativity, do not necessarily decline with age.61. What is happening in the workforce in rich countries?A. Younger people are replacing the elderly.B. Well-educated people tend to work longer.C. Unemployment rates are rising year after year.D. People with no college degree do not easily find work.62. What has helped deepen the divide between the well-off and the poor?A. Longer life expectancies.B. A rapid technological advance.C. Profound changes in the workforce.D. A growing number of the well-educated.63. What do many observers predict in view of the experience of the 20th century?A. Economic growth will slow down.B Government budgets will increase.C. More people will try to pursue higher education.D. There will be more competition in the job market.64. What is the result of policy changes in European countries?A. Unskilled workers may choose to retire early.B. More people have to receive in-service training.C. Even wealthy people must work longer to live comfortably in retirement.D. People may be able to enjoy generous defined-benefits from pension plans.65. What is characteristic of work in the 21st century?A. Computers will do more complicated work.B. More will be taken by the educated young.C. Most jobs to be done will be the creative ones.D. Skills are highly valued regardless of age.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.中国是世界上最古⽼的⽂明之⼀。

2015年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第二套)

2015年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第二套)

2015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 an essay commenting on the saying"Learning is a daily experience and a lifetime mission. " You can cite examples to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words._______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Part II Listening Comprehension ( 30 minutes )听力音频地址:/media//173301_3840.mp3Section 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 bea pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C. and D), and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.1. A. The agenda for the board of directors' meeting.B. The details of the meeting to be held next week.C. The reason for the man's absence from the meeting.D. The time for the man's visit to the woman's company.2.A. At a travel agency.B. At a department store.C. In a library.D. In a post office.3.A. He cannot hear the woman's call.B. He cannot get through to New York.C. He cannot recall the phone number.D. He cannot find a public phone nearby.4.A. Watch a movie with the woman.B. Revise his thesis in the office.C. Do some shopping with Jane.D. Discuss his thesis with Prof. Hudson.5. A. He just cannot work properly without a watch.B. He has no idea where he can buy a gold watch.C. He still does not know where he left his watch.D. He is not sure what went wrong with his watch.6.A. He forgot all about what he said.B. He slipped and hurt his head.C. He was sorry for being off sick last week.D. He thought the woman's car had been sold.7.A. She should try to catch an earlier bus.B. She is absent from his class too often.C. She is always making excuses for being late.D. She should come up with a better excuse.8.A. He is going to help the woman out.B. He has to move out of the building soon.C. He is on his way to see a real estate agent.D. He will stay with the woman's brother.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A. From the wanted cohunn.B. From some of her friends.C. From a telephone directory.D. From a television commercial.10.A. She received full-time education abroad.B. She graduated from an open university.C. She fmished her secondary school.D. She studied in a vocational college.11.A. She is a shorthand-typist.B. She works as a tour guide.C. She is a policewoman.D. She teaches an evening class.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A. It provides him with career opportunities.B. It helps enlarge his customer network.C. It has been off and on for ten years.D. It was interrupted for four years.13.A. Individualized service.B. Traditional setting.C. Home-made beer.D. Social games.14.A. The quality of beer.B. The atmosphere.C. The owner's attitude.D. The right location.15.A. It is a rather tough job.B. It is a profitable business.C. It helps old people kill time.D. It makes retirees feel useful.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 youhear 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 OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A. It is becoming increasingly popular.B. It helps the user to escape reality.C. It gives rise to serious social instability.D. It hurts a person and those around them.17.A. They use drugs just for fun.B. They take drugs to get high.C. They use drugs as medicine.D. They keep drug use a secret.18. A. It is quite common in entertainment circles.B. It is the cause of various social problems.C. It is hard to get rid of.D. It is fatal to the user.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A. Taking up exercises after recovery.B. Producing tasty healthy frozen food.C. Finding new ways to cure heart disease.D. Going on a diet upon leaving the hospital.20.A. Itwas carefully tested with consumers.B. It was promoted by health organizations.C. It was disapproved by many diet experts.D. It was highly expected by the general public.21.A. Competitive price.B. Low expectations.C. Vigorous promotion.D. Unique ingredients.22. A. It was suggested by the firm's vice-president.B. It matches the food's dark green packaging.C. It has a positive implication for consumers.D. It tricks the elders into impulse purchasing.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A. It is practiced in most of the states.B. It will be abolished sooner or later.C. It has drawn a lot of criticism from overseas.D. It has to be approved by the Supreme Court.24. A. Whether the practice should be allowed to continue in future.B. Whether there should be a minimum age limit for execution.C. What type of criminals should receive it.D. What effect it might have on youngsters.25. A. The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing two friends.B. The governor changed his death sentence to life in prison.C. He was the first minor to be executed in South Carolina.D. He was sentenced to death for a crime he committed as a minor.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 in the blanks with, the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Some people borrow money and "forget" to pay it back.Large loans are seldom the issue; they are usually treated as business26, with the terms spelled out on paper. But many women suffer27over problems like Carol's "My friend Ginny is always28cash," she says. "I hate to recall how often I've ' loaned' her a dollar or two for a drink or a movie. Each loan is so small I'd feel really cheap making a big deal out of it; still, I do29the fact that she never pays me back. "Carol admits to being "too30or something" to demand repayment, but she has resolved tostop lending money to Ginny. "The last time she asked for five dollars to pay for her dry cleaning, I just told her I couldn't31it. "Another woman suggests a bolder32. "When somebody refuses to repay a loan, I33byrequesting one myself," she says. "'I left home without my wallet,' I'll say. 'Can you lend meenough to cover lunch?' Then, when the money is safely in hand, I am struck by a sudden34Why, this is exactly the amount I loaned you last week ! How35! Now you won't have to repay me'" She says it works like a charm.Part III Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank isidentified 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. Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.For many Americans,2013 ended with an unusually bitter cold te November and December36early snow and bone-chilling temperatures in much of the country, part of a year when, for the first time in two37, record-cold days will likely turn out to have oumumbered record-warm ones. But the U. S. was the exception: November was the warmest ever38, and current data indicates that 2013 is likely to have been the fourth hottest year on record. Enjoy the snow now, because39are good that 2014 will be even hotter, perhaps the hottest year since records have been kept. That's because, scientists are predicting,2014 will be an El Nifio Year. El Nino, Spanish for "the child",40when surface ocean waters in the southern Pacific become abnormally warm. So large is the Pacific, covering 30% of the planet's surface, that the41energy generated by its warming is enough to touch off a series of weather changes around the world. El Ninos are42with abnormally dry conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia. They can lead to extreme rain in parts of North and South America, evenas southern Africa43dry weather. Marine life may be affected too: E1 Ninos can44the rising of the cold, nutrient-rich ( 营养丰富的) water that supports large fish45, and the unusually warm ocean temperatures can destroy coral ( 珊瑚).A. Additional I. logicallyB. Associated J. occursC. bore K. populationsD. Chances L. realizeE. Communicated M. reduceF. Decades N. SawG. experiences O. SpecificH. globallySection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2. How to Eat WellA. Why do so many Americans eat tons of processed food, the stuff that is correctly called junk (垃圾. and should really carry warning labels?B. It's not because fresh ingredients are hard to come by. Supermarkets offer more variety than ever, and there are over four times as many farmers' markets in the U. S. as there were 20 years ago. nor is it for lack of available information. There are plenty of recipes (食谱), how-to videos and cooking classes available to anyone who has a computer, smartphone or television. If anything, the information is overwhelming.C. And yet we aren't cooking. If you eat three meals a day and behave like most Americans, you probably get at least a third of your dally calories (卡路里. outside the home. Nearly two-thirds of us grab fast food once a week, and we get almost 25% of our dally calories from snacks. So we're eating out or taking in, and we don't sit down-or we do, but we hurry.D. Shouldn't preparing-and consuming-food be a source of comfort, pride, health, weli-being, relaxation, sociability? Something that connects us to other humans? Why would we want to outsource(外包. this basic task, especially when outsourcing it is so harmful?E. When I talk about cooking, I'm not talking about creating elaborate dinner parties or three-day science projects. I'm talking about simple, easy, everyday meals. My mission is to encourage green hands and those lacking time or money to feed themselves. That means we need modest, realistic expectations, and we need to teach people to cook food that's good enough to share with family and friends.F. Perhaps a return to real cooking needn't be far off. A recent Harris poll revealed that 79% of Americans say they enjoy cooking and 30% "love it" ; 14% admit to not enjoying kitchen work and just 7% won't go near the stove at all. But this doesn't necessarily translate to real cooking, and the result of this survey shouldn't surprise anyone: 52% of those 65 or older cook at home five or more times per week;only a third of young people do.G. Back in the 1950s most of us grew up in households where Morn cooked virtually every night. The intention to put a home-cooked meal on the table was pretty much universal. Most people couldn't afford to do otherwise.H. Although frozen dinners were invented in the '40s, their popularity didn't boom until televisions became popular a decade or so later. Since then, packaged, pre-prepared meals have been what's for dinner. The microwave and fast-food chains were the biggest catalysts ( 催化剂), but the big food companies--which want to sell anything except the raw ingredients that go into cooking-made the home cook an endangered species.I. Still, I fmd it strange that only a third of young people report preparing meals at home regularly. Isn't this the same crowd that rails against processed junk and champions craft cooking? And isn't this the generation who say they're concerned about their health and the well-being of the planet? If these are truly the values of many young people, then their behavior doesn't match their beliefs.J. There have been haft-hearted but well-publicized efforts by some food companies to reduce calories in their processed foods, but the Standard American Diet is still the polar opposite of the healthy,mostly plant-based diet that just about every expert says we should be eating. Considering that the government's standards are not nearly ambitious enough, the picture is clear: bynot cooking athome, we're not eating the right things, and the consequences are hard to overstate.K. To help quantify (量化). the costs of a poor diet, I recently tried to estimate this impact in terms of a most famous food, the burger (汉堡包). I concluded that the profit from burgers is more than offset (抵消) by the damage they cause in health problems and environmental harm.L. Cooldng real food is the best defense-not to mention that any meal you're likely to eat at home contains about 200 fewer calories than one you would eat in a restaurant.M. To those Americans for whom money is a concern, my advice is simple: Buy what you can afford,and cook it yourself. The common prescription is to primarily shop the grocery store, since that's where fresh produce, meat and seafood, and dairy are. And to save money and still eat well you don't need local, organic ingredients; all you need is real food. I'm not saying local food isn't better; it is. But there is plenty of decent food in the grocery stores.N. The other sections you should get to know are the frozen foods and the canned goods. Frozen produce is still produce; canned tomatoes are still tomatoes. Just make sure you're getting real food without tons of added salt or sugar. Ask yourself, would Grandma consider this food? Does it look like something that might occur in nature? It's pretty much common sense: you want to buy food,not unidentifiable foodlike objects.O. You don't have to hit the grocery store daily, nor do you need an abundance of skill. Since fewer than haft of Americans say they cook at an intermediate level and only 20% describe their cooldng skills as advanced, the crisis is one of confidence. And the only remedy for that is practice. There's nothing mysteriousabout cooking the evening meal. You just have to do a little thinking ahead and redefine what qualifies as dinner. Like any skill, cooking gets easier as you do it more; every time you cook, you advance your level of skills. Someday you won't even need recipes. My advice is that you not pay attention to the number of steps and ingredients, because they can be deceiving.P. Time, I realize, is the biggest obstacle to cooking for most people. You must adjust your prioritiesto find time to cook. For instance, you can move a TV to the kitchen and watch your favorite shows while you're standing at the sink. No one is asking you to give up activities you like, but if you're watching food shows on TV, try cooking instead.46. Cooking benefits people in many ways and enables them to connect with one another.47. Abundant information about cooking is available either online or on TV.48. Young people do less cooking at home than the elderly these days.49. Cooking skills can be improved with practice.50. In the mid-20th century, most families ate dinner at home instead of eating out.51. Even those short of time or money should be encouraged to cook for themselves and their family.52. Eating food not cooked by ourselves can cause serious consequences.53. To eat well and still save money, people should buy fresh food and cook it themselves.54. We get a fairly large portion of calories from fast food and snacks.55. The popularity of TV led to the popularity of frozen food.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. andD ). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage One Questions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.The wallet is heading for extinction. As a day-to-day essential, it will die off with the generation who read print newspapers. The kind of shopping-where you hand over notes and count out change in return-now happens only in the most minor of our retail encounters, like buying a bar of chocolate or a pint of milk from a comer shop. At the shops where you spend any real money, that money is increasingly abstracted. And this is more and more true, the higher up the scale you go. At the most cutting-edge retail stores-Victoria Beckham on Dover Street, for instance -you don't go and stand at any kind of cash register when you decide to pay. The staff are equipped with iPads to take your payment while you relax on a sofa. Which is nothing more or less than excellent service, if you have the money. But across society, the abstraction of the idea of cash makes me uneasy. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. But earning money isn't quick or easy for most of us. Isn't it a bit weird that spending it should happen in haft a blink (眨眼). of an eye? Doesn't a wallet-that time-honoured Friday-night feeling of pleasing, promisingfatness -represent something that matters?But I'll leave the economics to the experts. What bothers me about the death of the wallet is thechange it represents in our physical environment. Everything about the look and feel of a wallet-theway the fastenings and materials wear and tear and loosen with age, the plastic and paper and gold andsilver, and handwritten phone numbers and printed cinema tickets-is the very opposite of what ourworld is becoming. The opposite of a wallet is a smartphone or an iPad..The rounded edges, coolglass, smooth and unknowable as a pebble (鹅卵石). Instead of digging through pieces of paper andpeering into corners, we move our fingers left and right. No more counting out coins. Show yourwallet, if you still have one. It may not be here much longer.56. What is happening to the wallet?A. It is disappearing.B. It is being fattened.C. It is becoming costly.D. It is changing in style.57. How are business transactions done in big modern stores?A. Individually.B. Electronically.C. In the abstract.D. Via a cash register.58. What makes the author feel uncomfortable nowadays?A. Saving money is becoming a thing of the past.B. The pleasing Friday-night feeling is fading.C. Earning money is getting more difficult.D. Spending money is so fast and easy.59. Why does the author choose to write about what's happening to the wallet?A. It represents a change in the modern world.B. It has something to do with everybody's life.C. It marks the end of a time-honoured tradition.D. It is the concern of contemporary economists.60. What can we infer from the passage about the author?A. He is resistant to social changes.B. He is against technological progress.C. He feels reluctant to part with the traditional wallet.D. He feels insecure in the ever-changing modern world.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Everybody sleeps, but what people stay up late to catch-or wake up early in order not to miss-varies by culture. From data collected, it seems the things that cause us to lose the most sleep, on average, are sporting events, time changes, and holidays.Around the world, people changed sleep patterns thanks to the start or end of daylight savings time. Russians, for example, began to wake up about a half-hour later each day after President Vladimir Putin shifted the country permanently to "winter time" starting on October 26.Russia's other late nights and early mornings generallycorrespond to public holidays. On New Year's Eve, Russians have the world's latest bedtime, hitting the hay at around 3:30 am. Russians also get up an hour later on International Women's Day, the day for treating and celebrating female relatives. Similarly, Americans' late nights, late mornings, and longest sleeps fall on three -day weekends. Canada got the least sleep of the year the night it beat Sweden in the Olympic hockey (冰球. final.The World Cup is also chiefly responsible for sleep deprivation (剥夺). The worst night for sleep in the U. K. was the night of the England-Italy match on June 14. Brits stayed up a half-hour later to watch it, and then they woke up earlier than usual the next morning thanks to summer nights, the phenomenon in which the sun barely sets in northern countries in the summertime. That was nothing, though, compared to Germans, Italians, and the French, who stayed up around an hour and a haft later on various days throughout the summer to watch the Cup.It should be made clear that not everyone has a device to record their sleep patterns; in some of these nations, it's likely that only the richest people do. And people who elect to track their sleep may try to get more sleep than the average person. Even if that's the case, though, the above findings are still striking. If the most health-conscious among us have such deep swings in our shut-eye levels throughout the year, how much sleeg are the rest of us losing?61. What does the author say about people's sleeping habits?A. They are culture-related.B. They affect people's health.C. They change with the seasons.D. They vary from person to person.62, What do we learn about the Russians regarding sleep?A)They don't fall asleep until very late.B. They don't sleep much on weekends.C. They get less sleep on public holidays.D. They sleep longer than people elsewhere.63. what is the major cause for Europeans' loss of sleep?A. The daylight savings time.B. The colorful night life.C. The World Cup.D. The summertime.64. what is the most probable reason for some rich people to use a device to record their sleeppatterns?A)They have trouble falling asleep.B. They want to get sufficient sleep.C. They are involved in a sleep research.D. They want to go to bed on regular hours.65. what does the author imply in the last paragraph?A. Sleeplessness does harm to people's health.B. Few people really know the importance of sleep.C. It is important to study our sleep patterns.D. Average people probably sleep less than the rich.Part TV 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.云南省的丽江古镇是中国著名的旅游目的地之一。

2015年12月一二三卷大学英语四级考试真题及答案汇总

2015年12月一二三卷大学英语四级考试真题及答案汇总

机密★启用前版权所有大学英语四级考试COLLEGE ENGLISH TEST-Band Four—(4WZSHI)试题册☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆敬告考生一、在答题前,请认真完成以下内容:1。

请检查试题册背面条形码粘贴条、答题卡的印刷质量,如有问题及时向监考员反映,确认无误后完成以下两点要求。

2。

请将试题册背面条形码粘贴条揭下后粘贴在答题卡1 的条形码粘贴框内,并将姓名和准考证号填写在试题册背面相应位置.3.请在答题卡1和答题卡2 指定位置用黑色签字笔填写准考证号、姓名和学校名称,并用HB—2B 铅笔将对应准考证号的信息点涂黑。

二、在考试过程中,请注意以下内容:1. 所有题目必须在答题卡上规定位置作答,在试题册上或答题卡上非规定位置的作答一律无效。

2. 请在规定时间内在答题卡指定位置依次完成作文、听力、阅读、翻译各部分考试,作答作文期间不得翻阅该试题册.听力录音播放完毕后,请立即停止作答,监考员将立即回收答题卡1 ,得到监考员指令后方可继续作答。

3。

作文题内容印在试题册背面,作文题及其他主观题必须用黑色签字笔在答题卡指定区域内作答。

4.选择题均为单选题,错选、不选或多选将不得分,作答时必须使用HB-2B铅笔在答题卡上相应位置填涂,修改时须用橡皮擦净。

三、以下情况按违规处理:1. 不正确填写(涂)个人信息,错贴、不贴、毁损条形码粘贴条。

2。

未按规定翻阅试题册、提前阅读试题、提前或在收答题卡期间作答.3. 未用所规定的笔作答、折叠或毁损答题卡导致无法评卷.4. 考试期间在非听力考试时间佩戴耳机.Section A Litstening Comprehension (30 minutes)Directions:In this section,you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations。

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2015年6月大学英语四级真题四级翻译在西方人心目中,和中国联系最为密切的基本食物是大米。

长期以来,大米在中国人的饮食中占据很重要的地位,以至于有谚语说“巧妇难为无米之炊”。

中国南方大多种植水稻,人们通常以大米为主食;而华北大部分地区由于过于寒冷或过于干燥无法种植水稻,那里的主要作物是小麦。

在中国,有些人用面粉做面包,但大多数人用面粉做馒头和面条。

In the eyes of the western, the basic food closest to China is rice. Rice has long occupied so significant a position in the diet of Chinese that there is a proverb “ Even a clever housewife cannot cook a me al without rice”. Rice is grown mostly in southern China where people usually take rice as their staple food, while it cannot be planted in northern China where the climate is either too cold or too dry for rice to grow. As a result, the main crop in the north is wheat. In China, flour is sometimes the main ingredient for bread but more often used to make buns and noodles。

第一句,简单句;第二句如此以至于结构“so... that…"注意so的用法,直接接adj.或adv。

第三句南北对比,可以用while或whereas连接,最后一句也是对比句,主语people是比较泛的大主语,考虑改写为被动句。

六级翻译中国传统的待客之道要求饭菜丰富多样,让客人吃不完,中国宴席上典型的菜单包括开席的一套凉菜及其后的热菜,例如肉类,鸡鸭,蔬菜等。

大多数宴席上,全鱼被认为是必不可少的,除非已经上过各式海鲜。

如今,中国人喜欢把喜欢西方特色菜与传统中式菜肴融于一席,因此,牛排上桌也不少见,沙拉也已经流行起来,尽管传统上中国人一般不吃任何未经烹饪的菜肴,宴席上通常至少有一道汤,可以最先或最后上桌,甜点和水果通常标志宴席的结束。

The Chinese traditional ways of entertaining guests require the amount and diversity of foods, which is supposed to be more than enough for guests’needs. Typically, the menu of Chinese feasts includes a set of cold dishes in the beginning with hot dishes following such as pork, chicken, duck, vegetables and so on. In most of feasts, a whole fish is often regarded as an indispensable part, except different kinds of seafood have been served. Contemporarily, Chinese are more likely to combine foods peculiar to the western with traditional Chinese dishes, and therefore, steaks can often be spotted in the Chinese feasts and salads are becoming popular even though traditional Chinese tend to refuse to enjoy any dishes, which are not cooked. In the feasts, a dish of soup is usually served as the first or the last dish of the feast. The feasts often end up with desserts and fruits.作文系列题目一参考范文:As is graphically depicted in the cartoon, modern life has been dominated by computers. No matter the young man is in the office, at home, and in his spare time, the only friend he has is a computer. Even when he sleeps, what is in his dream is still the computer. Apparently, the cartoon aims to reveal the fact that the computer has begun to play a negative role in the modern life。

第一段三句话,第一句大体描写,第二句细节描写,第三句话揭示图画目的。

The reasons why modern people are tied up with computers are as follows. To begin with, they have become increasingly busierin making money; therefore, they need a quick way to outlet their pressure and exhaustion and computer is their ideal companion. Moreover, computers can assist people to deal with complicated working stuff, make friends, and entertain themselves because they have become growingly powerful and everything else is linked with them. For instance, two decades ago, computers were far from popular and people used them to practice typing letters and do basic works. However, with the Internet becoming pervasive, computers have integrated music, films, shopping, and everything we like into their worlds. Now, when we power on the all-mighty computers, what we want is out there for us.第二段:中心句+两原因+一例子,原因句型先果后因和先因后果,思路是攻受各一个。

To sum up, this lifestyle is absolutely imperfect. In order to lead a healthy life, we are supposed to do more exercises and expose ourselves to the tangible world. Meanwhile, it is about time that we powered the computer off and talked with our friends and family face-to-face. Only in these ways will modern life become more beautiful for you and me.题目二Should Parents Decide Children’s Life?In this illustration, we can see that a teenage girl happily informs her mother of the news that she is admitted to the college which her mother has selected for her. The picture implies the great influence that parents have on their children’s decisions. Choosing college for them is a typical example.It is evident that parents’ thoughts and behaviors shape how their children think and behave. However, in my opinion, it is inappropriate for parents to make every major life decision for their children. For one thing, each child is an individual with his own character. Children’s perceptions of life may be different from their parents’, so their choices may diverge. For another, parentscannot fully comprehend what their children want or need and therefore their decision is not necessarily the best choice for their children.All in all, it is advisable that parents respect their children’s choices and let them be the masters of their own lives.题目三The Impact of Mobile Phone Use on EducationThe presented picture reflects a common trend in the way people are educated nowadays. In this picture, the mother is going to walk her son to school. But according to the son, he doesn’t really need to go to school since the phone in his hand already knowseverything. The picture reveals the impact of mobile phone use on education.Can mobile phone replace traditional class in school? I don’t think so. First of all, students can develop their own way and habit of learning under the guidance of the teachers, which can benefit their life-long learning. Secondly, every subject of education in school is systematic, such as Chinese, mathematics, science and philosophy. Education should not be considered as information fragments that we randomly collect on the mobile phones. Last but not least, students can have exact face-to-face communication with their teachers and classmates, which will help to cultivate their communicative abilities.In conclusion, mobile phone use is a convenient way of obtaining information, but it is still necessary that we attend school to get formal education.。

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