四级听力原文1999-01

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1999年01月大学英语四级考试听力真题及答案

真题试卷Part I Listening Comprehension (20 minutes)1. A) He watched television with his friend. B) He stayed at home talking with his friend.C) He went to see a film with his friend. D) He went to see his schoolmate.2. A) When the meeting is to be held. B) Who are going to attend the meeting.C) Where the meeting is to be held. D) What’s to be discussed at the meeting.3. A) The necessity of writing to Mr. Johnson. B) Who is going to contact Mr. Johnson.C) The arrangement of the Wednesday meeting. D) Where they are going to meet Mr. Johnson.4. A) Jack brought the tape to the party. B) The tape had been returned to Paul.C) The tape was missing. D) Jack lent his tape to Paul.5. A) The man wants to reserve a room.B) The man reserved a room some time ago.C) The man has booked a room with no bath.D) The man wants to buy a flat on the second floor.6. A) Both editions are the same price now. B) It has two editions with the same cover.C) The paperback edition is on sale. D) The hardcover edition is more expensive.7. A) His TV sets are all of the same brand. B) He doesn’t have the newest models right now.C) He has the best TV sets for sale. D) His TV sets have a good sale.8. A) He must hand in a report about the museum. B) He has already visited the museum.C) He has to read a history book. D) He is too busy to go with her.9. A) They are rewarding. B) They are entertaining.C) They are boring. D) They are time-consuming.10.A) A sunny day. B) A raincoat. C) An attractive hut. D) A lovely hat.Section B11. A) She sat back and relaxed. B) She decided to retire.C) She entered university. D) She worked out a new English program.12. A) 8 years. B) 20 years. C) 16 years. D) 30 years.13. A) Bring a great deal of useful experience to the university.B) Improve human relationships in the university.C) Bring a fear of aging among young students on the campus.D) Improve the reputation of the university.14. A) She is learning English and Drama. B) She is learning how to make sound judgments.C) She is learning how to teach minority students. D) She is learning to perceive, not to judge.15.A) The difference between classical music and rock music.B) Why classical music is popular with math students.C) The effects of music on the results of math tests.D) How to improve your reasoning ability.16. A) Because it stimulates your nerve activity.B) Because it keeps you calm.C) Because it strengthens your memory.D) Because it improves your problem solving strategies.17.A) Piano music could interfere with your reasoning ability.B) The effects of music do not last long.C) The more you listen to music, the higher your test scores will be.D) Music, whether classical or rock, helps improve your memory.Passage ThreeQuestions 18 to 20 are based on the passage you have just heard.18. A) To drive the car automatically. B) T o measure the driver’s pulse.C) To prevent car accidents. D) To monitor the driver’s health.19. A) It sends out signals for help. B) It sounds an alarm to warn the driver.C) It takes over the driving immediately. D) It stops the car automatically.20. A) It monitors the signals transmitted from the driver’s brain.B) It can measure the driver’s alcohol level in the blood.C) It can quicken the driver’s response to emergencies.D) It bases its analysis on the driver’s heartbeat.参考答案1.B2.D3.A4.C5.B6.A7.C8.D9.A 10.D11C 12.D 13.A 14.D 15.C16.A 17.B 18.C19.B20.D1999年1月四级听力听力原文Section A1.W: Did you see last night's film on channel 4?M: Well. I meant to see it, but a friend of mine came to see me. We had a nice long talk about our school days.Q: What did the man do last night?2.W: Did you get my message about the meeting on Monday?M: Yes, I did. But I'm still not quite sure what meeting is about. Not bad news, I hope.Q: What does the man wish to know most?3.W: You have arranged to Mr. Johnson on Wednesday. So I don't have to write to him, do I?M: There's no need to write to him.Q: What are the speakers talking about?4.W: Did Jack find the tape he borrowed from Paul? Do you know?M: He looked everywhere for it, but in the end he had to go to the party without it.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?5.M: Hello, my name is Carlson. I believe you have a room booked for me.W: Carlson? Oh, yes, Mr. Carlson. It's a single room with a bath, on the second floor. I hope it will suit you, sir.Q: What does the conversation tell us?6. M: Do you have the paperback edition of this dictionary?W: Yes, we do. But the hard cover is on sale for the same price as the paperback.Q: What does the woman say about the dictionary?7.W: Are these TV sets the newest models?M: Sure. They represent the latest technology. Actually, We sell nothing but the best.Q: What does the man mean?8.W: Are you coming with me to the history museum, Godge?M: I already have my hands full with this book report.Q: What does the man mean?9.M: How are your piano lessons going?W: Very well. My teacher thinks I'm making progress. And I find lessons well-worth the time and trouble.Q: What does the woman think of her piano lessons?10. M: Is that nice-looking straw hat light and strong?W: Yes, you can wear it rain or shine.Q: What are they talking about?Section BPassage One：After retiring from 30 years of teaching, Ethbell Pepper could easily have decided to sit back and relax and enjoy a peaceful retirement. But that kind of life is not for Ethbell Pepper. "I just wanted to do something different. If you are going to participate in life, do it. Don't just sit down and look out the window." She says. At 68, she decided to become one of the pioneer participation in a program at the university of California. The program offers campus housing and classes to people over sixty. She enrolled in a class called Human Relationships and Diverse society. "I taught minority students in my English and drama classes in high school for 20 years. But in this course, I found out a lot about other cultures that I didn't know then. One of the more important lessons that I'm learning is to perceive, not to judge." Older adults can add to the educational resources of university by bringing with them a lot of valuable experience. Their presence on campus helps break some long believes about aging. Young students may have fears of growing older. But that kind of fear can be reduced as they see that older people can be active, healthy, and continue to contribute to society. The younger students can begin to see aging as a natural part of living.Questions 11 to 14 are based on the passage you have just heard.11. What did Ethbell do when she was 68?12. How long did Ethbell teach minority students?13. What do elderly people do to the university?14. What's the most important lesson Ethbell is learning?Passage Two：Do you have a tough math test coming up? Then listen to some classical piano music just before the test. You might end up with a higher score. Researchers at a university in California conducted an experiment. They asked a group of college students to listen to some piano music by a famous 18th century composer before taking a math test. They were surprised to find that the students' scores jumped 8 to 9 points. The music seems to excite nerve activity in the brain; similar to the activity that occurs when a person is figuring out a math problem. However, the scientists warn that before you get too excited about applying this method to your math test. You should remember that brain exciting effects last only 10 or 15 minutes. Would rock music work as well as the piano music did? No, the scientists say. In fact, the less complex music mighteven interfere with the brains reasoning ability.Questions 15 to 17 are based on the passage you have just heard.15. What is this passage mainly about?16. Why can classical music play a positive role in problem solving?17. What is one of the findings of the research?Passage Three：When a sleepy driver has trouble in keeping his eyes on the road and gets too close to another car, an alarm sound will warn the driver. If nothing is done, the car will automatically come to a stop and in this way prevent an accident. This is a new device which will soon be tested in an experimental car in Japan. The computer warning system keeps track of a driver's condition by monitoring his heart beat with signals transmitted from a band round his wrist. The wrist band records the driver's pulse which measures the heat beat. Each pulse in the wrist sends a signal to the computer. By analyzing the pulse rate, the computer can determine whether a driver is drunk, sleeping or ill. Devices in other parts of the car can also tell the computer if the car is too close to another vehicle or is moving dangerously. The computer will sound the alarm when a problem arises, and will automatically stop the car if the driver ignores the warning.Questions 18 to 20 are based on the passage you have just heard.18. Why is a computer system installed in an experimental car?19. What did the computer system do first when a problem arises?20. What is special about the new computer system?。

1999年全国英语专业四级试题及答案(1)

1999年全国英语专业四级试题及答案(1)Part Ⅵ READING COMPREHENSION ［30 MIN.］SECTION A READING COMPREHENSION ［25 MIN.］In this section there are four passages followed by questions or unfinished statements, each with four suggested answers marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one th at you think is the correct answer. Mark your choice on your answer sheet.TEXT ASurprisingly, no one knows how many children receive education in English hospitals, still less the content or quality of that education. Proper records are jus t not kept. We know that more than 850.000 children go through hospital each year, and that every child of school age has a legal right to continue to receive education while in hospital. We also know there is only one hospital teacher to every 1,000 children in hospital.Little wonder the latest survey concludes that the extent and type of hospital teaching available differ a great deal across the country. It is found that half the hospitals in England which admit children have no teacher. A further quarter have only a part-time teacher. The special children’s hospitals in major cities do best; general hospitals in the country and holiday areas are worst off.From this survey, one can estimate that fewer than one in five children have some contact with a hospital teacher-and that contact may be as little as two hour s a day.Most children interviewed were surprised to find a teacher in hospital at all. They had not been prepared for it by parents or their own school. If the re was a teacher they were much more likely to read books and do math or number work; without a teacher they would only play games.Reasons for hospital teaching range from preventing a child falling behind and m aintaining the habit of school to keeping a child occupied, and the latter is of ten all the teacher can do. The position and influence of many teachers was summ ed up when parents referred to them as “the library lady” or just “the helper”. Children tend to rely on concerned school friends to keep in touch with school w ork. Several parents spoke of requests for work being ignored or refused by the school. Once back at school children rarely get extra teaching, and are told to catch up as best they can.Many short-stay child-patients catch up quickly. But schools do very little to e ase the anxiety about falling behind expressed by many of the children interview ed.66．The author points out at the beginning that___.A. every child in hospital receives some teachingB. not enough is known about hospital teachingC. hospital teaching is of poor qualityD. the special children’s hospitals are worst off。

年月份四级第一套听力原文

年月份四级第一套听力原文以下是四级第一套听力原文的部分内容：Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions Both the news report 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)News Report OneA 21-yearold runner, Tom Smith, has become an overnight sensation after winning the city's marathon with a recordbreaking time Smith completed the 42195-kilometer course in just 2 hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds, beating the previous record by over two minutesThe race started at 8 am on a sunny Sunday morning Thousands of runners took part in the event, but it was Smith who led the pack from the start He maintained a steady pace throughout the race and crossed the finish line to the cheers of the crowdAfter the race, Smith said he was overwhelmed by the support and was grateful for the months of training that had gone into this achievement ＂I never thought I could do it, but I just kept telling myself to keep going,＂ he said1、 What did Tom Smith do?A) He won a city marathonB) He set a new world recordC) He completed a 10-kilometer raceD) He participated in a running event for the first time2、 How long did it take Tom Smith to finish the race?A) 2 hours, 13 minutes and 30 secondsB) 2 hours, 15 minutes and 30 secondsC) 2 hours, 17 minutes and 30 secondsD) 2 hours, 19 minutes and 30 secondsNews Report TwoA major fire broke out at a factory in the industrial area of the city late last night Firefighters were called to the scene at around 11 pm and spent several hours trying to bring the blaze under controlThe fire is believed to have started in the storage area of the factory, where flammable materials were kept Strong winds made the situation worse, spreading the fire quickly to other parts of the buildingFortunately, there were no casualties reported, but the damage to the factory is extensive The cause of the fire is still under investigation3、 When did the fire break out?A) At around 9 pmB) At around 10 pmC) At around 11 pmD) At around 12 pm4、 Where did the fire start?A) In the office areaB) In the storage areaC) In the production areaD) In the staff rest areaNews Report ThreeA new study has found that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental health Researchers conducted a survey of over 1,000 people and found that those who spent at least two hours a week in natural environments such as parks and forests reported lower levels of stress and anxietyThe study also suggested that activities like walking, hiking, or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery can have therapeutic benefits Experts recommend that people make an effort to incorporate nature into their daily lives for better wellbeing5、 What did the new study find?A) Spending time in nature can improve physical healthB) Spending time in nature can boost creativityC) Spending time in nature can benefit mental healthD) Spending time in nature can enhance social skills6、 How many people were surveyed in the study?A) Over 500、B) Over 800、C) Over 1,000、D) Over 1,500、7、 How much time in nature is recommended for better wellbeing?A) At least one hour a weekB) At least two hours a weekC) At least three hours a weekD) At least four hours a weekSection BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions Both the conversationand 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)Conversation OneW: Hi, Tom How was your weekend?M: It was great I went hiking with some friends in the mountainsW: That sounds like fun How was the weather?M: It was perfect Sunny and not too hot We had a wonderful timeW: Where did you go exactly?M: We went to a place called Mount Blue It's about two hours' drive from hereW: Oh, I've heard of it But I've never been there What did you do there?M: We walked along the trails, enjoyed the beautiful views, and had a picnic by a lakeQuestions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard8、 What did Tom do over the weekend?A) He went shoppingB) He went hikingC) He stayed at homeD) He visited a friend9、 How was the weather during Tom's weekend?A) It was rainyB) It was cloudyC) It was sunnyD) It was windy10、 Where did Tom go hiking?A) Mount GreenB) Mount RedC) Mount WhiteD) Mount Blue11、 What did Tom and his friends do by the lake?A) They swamB) They had a picnicC) They took photosD) They played gamesConversation TwoM: Hi, Mary I'm thinking of buying a new laptop Do you have any suggestions?W: Well, it depends on your needs What are you going to use it for mainly?M: Mostly for work and some entertainment like watching movies and playing gamesW: In that case, you might want to look for one with a good processor and a decent graphics card Also, make sure it has enough storage spaceM: How much do you think I should spend?W: It could range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the features you wantM: Hmm, that's a wide range What about brands? Are there any that you recommend?W: Some popular brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo are usually reliable But it's still important to read reviews and compare different modelsQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard12、 Why does the man want to buy a new laptop?A) For studyB) For work and entertainmentC) For communicationD) For traveling13、 What should the man consider when buying a laptop?A) Processor and graphics cardB) Screen size and weightC) Battery life and priceD) Brand and color14、 How much might the man spend on a laptop?A) A few tens of dollarsB) A few hundred dollarsC) A few thousand dollarsD) Over ten thousand dollars15、 Which brands are usually reliable according to the woman?A) Dell, HP, and AppleB) Dell, HP, and LenovoC) Sony, Toshiba, and DellD) Lenovo, Acer, and AsusSection CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four 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)Passage OneScientists have long been interested in the relationship between sleep and memory A recent study has shed new light on this topic The study found that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating memoriesDuring sleep, the brain processes and stores the information acquired during the day This helps to strengthen the connections between neurons and make the memories more durableThe researchers conducted experiments on a group of volunteers They had the participants learn a set of tasks and then divided them into two groups One group was allowed to sleep normally, while the other group was deprived of sleepThe next day, the participants were tested on their ability to recall the tasks The results showed that those who had slept performed significantly better than those who had notQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard16、 What is the recent study about?A) The relationship between sleep and healthB) The relationship between sleep and creativityC) The relationship between sleep and memoryD) The relationship between sleep and mood17、 How does sleep help consolidate memories?A) By relaxing the bodyB) By strengthening neural connectionsC) By eliminating unnecessary informationD) By increasing the brain's capacity18、 What did the researchers do in the experiments?A) They asked the participants to do different tasksB) They observed the participants' sleeping patternsC) They compared two groups of participantsD) They measured the participants' brain activityPassage TwoThe Internet has changed the way we communicate and access information It has brought countless benefits, but it also poses some challengesOne of the major challenges is the issue of online privacy With the increasing amount of personal data being shared and stored online, there is a greater risk of it being misused or stolen Another concern is the spread of false information It can be difficult to distinguish between reliable sources and misinformation, which can lead to confusion and wrong decisionsHowever, the Internet also offers great opportunities It enables people to connect with others from all over the world, share ideas, and collaborate on projects It has also made education more accessible, allowing people to learn new skills and knowledge at their own paceQuestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard19、 What is one of the challenges of the Internet?A) Slow connection speedB) Online privacyC) Limited access to informationD) High cost20、 What is a concern regarding the spread of information on the Internet?A) It is too complexB) It is too slowC) It may be falseD) It may be outdated21、 What are the opportunities offered by the Internet?A) Making education more expensiveB) Limiting communicationC) Making education more accessibleD) Causing more privacy issuesPassage ThreeExercise is essential for maintaining good health It not only helps to keep our bodies fit but also has numerous benefits for our mental wellbeingRegular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity It also boosts the immune system, making us less prone to illnessesIn addition to physical health, exercise has a positive impact on mental health It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression It can also improve sleep quality and enhance cognitive function, such as memory and concentrationTo get the most benefits from exercise, it's important to find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine It doesn't have to be intense or timeconsuming; even a short walk or some light stretching can make a differenceQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard22、 What is the passage mainly about?A) The benefits of exercise for physical healthB) The benefits of exercise for mental healthC) The importance of exercise for overall healthD) The types of exercise suitable for different people23、 How can exercise reduce the risk of chronic diseases?A) By strengthening the musclesB) By boosting the immune systemC) By regulating the metabolismD) By improving the digestive system24、 What impact does exercise have on mental health?A) It causes more stressB) It increases anxietyC) It reduces depressionD) It leads to sleep disorders25、 What is important for getting the most benefits from exercise?A) Doing intense exerciseB) Spending a lot of time exercisingC) Choosing an enjoyable activityD) Following a strict exercise plan。

2001年专业四级真题听力原文

听力原文2001Characteristics of A Good Reader (2001)To improve your reading habits, you must understand the characteristics of a good reader. First, the good reader usually reads rapidly. Of course, he does not read every piece of material at the same rate. But whether he is reading a newspaper or a chapter in a physics text, his reading rate is relatively fast. He has learned to read for ideas rather than words one at a time. Next, the good reader can recognize and understand general ideas and specific details. Thus he is able to comprehend the material with a minimum of effort and a maximum of interest. Finally, the good reader has in his command several special skills, which he can apply to reading problems as they occur. For the college student, the most helpful of these skills include making use of the various aids to understanding that most text books provide and skim-reading for a general survey.PART ⅢLISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A STATEMENT1. I have to teach the same course books several times in the summer holiday camp, which is sometimes boring and not well-paid, but by and large I’m quite delighted at being with young people.2. The poor living conditions in such a large city have resulted from the unplanned real estate development, which is rarely seen in small cities.3. At a recent seminar, many participants were worried about the fact that overpopulation may give rise to many social security problems.4. May I have your attention, please? Flight 998 is leaving at 11:30 a.m. Please check in half an hour prior to the departure.5. Having gone through your claims for fire damage, I don’t think the policy you have provided protection against loss by fire.6. Ian lost one eye in a childhood accident, but he nonetheless had a very successful athletic career.7. Mr. and Mrs. Clark used to smoke. But now Mrs. Clark has stopped and she is afraid her husband will fall ill if he doesn’t get rid of his bad habit of smoking both at home and at work.8. I heard from Mary that last semester, Susan found it difficult to stay on good terms with her roommate Jenny.9. Jack says that he is up to his eyes at work at present and really cannot afford the time to have dinner with us.SECTION B CONVERSA TION10. W: I want to find a part-time job during the summer vacation and earn some money. How about you?M: I’m going to take a few summer courses so that I can graduate early next year.11. W: Excuse me, I want some dictionaries. Where can I find them?M: The regular-priced ones are here and on that table in the corner of the room we have some on discount.W: Thank you.12. W: I wonder where I can take my girlfriend for dinner after work tonight.M: Have you been to the Chinese Restaurant near the school?13. M: Hello, the pipe in my bedroom is leaking. Can you come and get it repaired right away?W: Well, it depends on how soon I can finish the drains at the office building.14. W: Do you think you can play the music tape another time, dear? I’ve got a slight headache.M: Of course. Sorry. I didn’t realize you could hear it. You want me to call the doctor?W: No, thanks. I’ll be OK in a minute.15. M: Lisa, how are you getting along with our term paper?W: I’ve been writing and rewriting it. I simply don’t know if I will ever get it finished.16. W: I must go to the library, the one near the laboratory, because I have to finish my research project by tomorrow. But if I could, I prefer to go with you to the theatre.M: I wish you could come along.17. M: Why did Jack suddenly decide to quit his job?W: He said he wouldn’t break his back working for such low pay.M: I see.18. M: Are you sure you can remember the name of the film you saw last week?W: It’s just on the tip of my tongue.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTNews Item One (19-20)Commonwealth leaders agreed to lift Nigeria’s 3-5 years’suspension on May 29, the day the military government hands over power to the elected president, the organization secretary general announced yesterday.Nigeria was suspended from the 54 nation group of mainly former British colonies in 1995 after it executed 9 minority rights activists including writer Ken Thawrawiwa. But now that the country has embarked on the return to democracy, Commonwealth heads of government have agreed to end this estrangement. Secretary general chief Ormiga Anyaco said in a statement: “I’m delighted an unfortunate episode in Nigeria Commonwealth relations will now come to an end and Nigeria is resuming its rightful place in the Commonwealth.”News Item Two (21-22)The Space Shuttle Discovery made a real night landing at the Kennedy Space Center early on Thursday. The night landing, the 11th in the centre’s 94 shuttle miss ions, ended a 10-day mission to outfit the orbiting international space station. Although the space craft created a solid boom that can be heard along much of Florida’s eastern seaboard, witnesses on the ground could not see the orbiter until it was directly over the one-way lights. Scattered showers off the Florida coast had threatened to postpone the shuttle’s return. But broadcasters gave a green light when they decided no rain will fall within 48 kilometres of the space centre.News Item Three (23-24)Five people died, two were missing and at least 18 were injured on Wednesday when an Italian petrol vessel collided with a dinghy filled with refugees crossing the Adriatic sea from Albania, authorities said. The victims were believed to be Albanians from either Albania or Kosovo, said authorities from Italy’s Tax Police Division, which, along with the coast guard, patrols the nation’s coast. The cause of the collision was not immediately known. Three Albanians,believed be smuggling the refugees were arrested a few hours after the accident.News Item Four (25)Malaysian authorities are discussing possible salvage efforts with Sun Cruisers, the Singapore owner of a large liner, that sunk off Malaysia last week, a news report said yesterday. Sun cruisers had received some advice from Malaysia on the matter. The Business Times newspaper quoted the company’s spokeswoman Judy Shoo Asian. Judy and other Sun Cruiser’sofficials could not immediately be reached for further comment as they were away in Indonesia. The Sun Vista went down in international waters. The nearby Malaysia may have the right to order the wreck’s removal, the newspaper said. Salvage experts said the wreck of the Sun Vista, which sank in 65 metres of water, poses no threat to ships passing over it. But Malaysia may still want it removed.Nigeria was suspended from the 54 nation group of mainly former British colonies in 1995 after it executed 9 minority rights activists including writer Ken Thawrawiwa. But now that the country has embarked on the return to democracy, Commonwealth heads of government have agreed to end this estrangement. Secretary general chief Ormiga Anyaco said in a statement: “I’m delighted an unfortunate episode in Nigeria Commonwealth relations will now come to an end and Nigeria is resuming its rightful place in the Commonwealth.”。

99年1月,老托福听力及阅读

9-1 99年1月TOFEL听力A1. (A) He wants to go early to avoid a traffic jam.(B) He wants to leave the theater before the movie is over.(C) He doesn't know the way to the theater.(D) He doesn't usually get up at 7:00.2. (A) Walk around the corner to the next block.(B) Take a taxi to the hotel.(C) Telephone the hotel for directions.(D) Wait in the candy store.3. (A) Borrow her book.(B) Check the classroom again.(C) Buy a new book.(D) Ask about the book at the information desk..4. (A) Linda didn't like it.(B) Bill lost it.(C) It was very expensive.(D) It was very small.5. (A) Take later classes.(B) Discuss the problem with her professor.(C) Come to campus by a different route.(D) Live closer to campus.6. (A) She often goes to the beach.(B) She got a weekend job at the beach.(C) She misses the trips to the beach she used to take.(D) Her home is near the beach.7. (A) Continue to read.(B) Meet the woman at the library.(C) Make some coffee.(D) Go out with some friends.8. (A) What she can do to help the man.(B) How long the man has had allergies.(C) What is causing the man's problem.(D) What the man just said.9. (A) He already has plans for Saturday night.(B) The woman should decide where to cat Saturday.(C) The woman should ask her brother for a suggestion.(D) He will make a reservation at the restaurant.10. (A) She'll drop the man off on the way to work.(B) The man can ride downtown with her.(C) The man will have to leave earlier than usual.(D) She can't give the man a ride.11. (A) Her backhand is almost perfect.(B) The time the man spent practicing has helped him.(C) The man's mother wanted him to practice.(D) Her mother is a good tennis coach.12. (A) Her brother was not accepted into law school.(B) She doesn't want to be a criminal lawyer.(C) She has decided not to go to law school.(D) She doesn't plan to work in her brother's law firm.13. (A) The man will probably receive a scholarship.(B) She can't give the man a ride to the dean's office.(C) She can lend the man a sweater.(D) The man isn't dressed appropriately for the interview.14. (A) Buy a car from the woman.(B) Help the woman paint her car.(C) Buy a new car.(D) Look for a less expensive car.15. (A) She's upset that she missed the television program.(B) She doesn't think the television program was funny.(C) She doesn't like talking about television programs.(D) She watched the television program at a friend's house.16. (A) Cleaning the pants will take longer than usual.(B) The man can have his pants at the end of the day.(C) She doesn't think the stain can be removed.(D) The man should go to a different location.17. (A) She is going to try to be more persuasive.(B) She'll accept the committee's proposal.(C) She thinks the committee will accept the proposal.(D) She'll revise the proposal before she talks to the committee.18. (A) It's new.(B) It's dull.(C) It's not clean.(D) It has a broken handle.19. (A) Meet her in the auditorium.(B) Schedule the meeting for a different time.(C) Reserve a large room for the meeting.(D) Cancel the meeting.20. (A) The man may have left the paper in the phone book.(B) The man should call Laura for her address.(C) Laura's house is not difficult to find.(D) Laura's address probably appears in the telephone directory.21. (A) He doesn't believe the weather forecast.(B) He doesn't like humid weather.(C) He just bought an air conditioner.(D) He can fix the woman's air conditioner.22. (A) The man should sleep more.(B) The man should get some exercise.(C) It's important to finish the report now.(D) The man needs to concentrate harder.23. (A) He doubts the woman will like the novel.(B) He hasn't started reading the novel yet.(C) He enjoyed reading the novel.(D) He'll lend the woman the novel after he has read it.24. (A) He is pleased the exhibit has closed.(B) He has already seen the exhibit.(C) He is disappointed the exhibit has closed.(D) He already knew the exhibit had closed.25. (A) Remove George from the committee immediately.(B) Warn George that his attendance problem is serious.(C) Offer to help George during the meeting.(D) Telephone George to see if he's coming to the meeting.26. (A) He'll pay the woman earlier.(B) He was Able to sell the tickets for the woman.(C) He doesn't mind buying the tickets.(D) He hopes to see the woman on Friday.27. (A) Where the manager is.(B) Where she will be working this month.(C) Where she can find the work schedule.(D) Where the man heard the news.28. (A) She needs help finding a place to live.(B) There aren't enough rooms available in the dormitories.(C) She can't afford to live on campus.(D) She doesn't want to live in university housing.29. (A) She would like to see the film again.(B) She has seen the movie more than once.(C) She thinks the movie lasted a long time.(D) She thinks the movie was a waste of time.30. (A) They didn't get wet.(B) They're late for the concert.(C) They prefer to dress casually.(D) They're really looking forward to the concert.31. (A) How to care for precious metals.(B) A standard unit for measuring weight.(C) The value of precious metals.(D) Using the metric system.32. (A) To check the accuracy of scales.(B) To calculate the density of other metals.(C) To observe changes in the atmosphere.(D) To measure amounts of rainfall.33. (A) Someone spilled water on it.(B) Someone lost it.(C) It was made of low quality metal.(D) The standard for measuring had changed.34. (A) It is a small amount to pay for so much precious metal.(B) It is difficult to judge the value of such an object.(C) It is reasonable for an object with such an important function.(D) It is too high for such a light weight.35. (A) He is unable to attend her class.(B) He wants to deliver something to her office.(C) He wants to hand in a late assignment.(D) He wants to drop her course.36. (A) Find out about a course.(B) See an adviser.(C) Drop off a paper.(D) Go to a meeting.37. (A) Paint a landscape.(B) Give an oral report.(C) Take a final exam.(D) Buy several books.38. (A) Come to her office before her meeting.(B) Change his major.(C) Meet with her tomorrow.(D) Discuss the class with his roommate.39. (A) Traditional European architecture.(B) Techniques for building log cabins.(C) The history of log structures.(D) How to build a home by yourself.40. (A) Their small size.(B) Their rustic dirt floors.(C) Their walls of rounded logs.(D) Their sliding board windows.41. (A) They liked the look of log homes.(B) They had easy access to logs.(C) They were unfamiliar with other building materials.(D) They wanted to break away from European traditions.42. (A) They could easily build the log houses themselves.(B) They could construct the houses from kits.(C) They liked the cozy atmosphere of the log interior.(D) They wanted homes that could be transported.43. (A) It was built by the Canadians.(B) It was built to facilitate trade.(C) The path for the road was extremely difficult to clear.(D) Hostilities between Canada and the United States caused construction delays.44. (A) Maine was less influenced by the French government.(B) Maine had better employment opportunities.(C) Maine was politically stable.(D) Marine had a better climate.45. (A) The area was economically unified.(B) The authorities were unable to enforce law and order.(C) The two governments fought for control of the area.(D) Most of the people living there spoke only French.46. (A) The latest practices of accurate mapmaking.(B) The impact of epidemics on mass migration.(C) The advantages of establishing international trade agreements.(D) The technology used to locate the Old Canada Road.47. (A) Watch a slide show about trees.(B) Learn how to prevent Dutch elm disease.(C) Study the history of the campus buildings and grounds.(D) Look at examples of trees on campus.48. (A) History.(B) Physical education.(C) Botany.(D) Architecture.49. (A) Its leaves are yellow.(B) Its leaves are lopsided.(C) It is very tall.(D) It is not an angiosperm.50. (A) It has grown too tall for its designated space.(B) It may be diseased.(C) Its branches are being broken off.(D) It no longer hears from.。

1999年专业四级真题听力原文

听力原文1999United Nations Day (1999)The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day. h is a day that belongs to everyone. And it is celebrated in most countries of the world. Some countries celebrate for a week instead of a day. In many parts of the world, schools have special programs for the day. Boys and girls in some communities decorate a UN tree. In other communities, young people put on plays about the UN. Some libraries exhibit children’s art works from around the world. Schools celebrate wit h the songs and dances of other countries or give parties where foods of other countries are served. No matter how the day is celebrated, the purpose of these celebrations is to help everyone understand the UN, and the important roles it plays in world affairs. The UN encourages people to learn about other lands and their customs. In this way, people can gain a better understanding and appreciation of peoples all over the world.PART ⅢLISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A STA TEMENT1. During this morning’s test, I couldn’t do the last four questions, but I did the first five.2. According to Jane there is no better cheese than Swiss cheese in our local supermarket.3. Before going to the gas station to have his tank filled, John had his emergency brake checked and fixed at the service station near the local cinema.4. Betty would rather that her husband didn’t send away the cleaning lady, but he will anyway.5. Fred would have paid twice as much as he did for his car if the salesman had insisted, as he really needed a car.6. The idea of permanent education is practical because people are never really too old to go on learning. Of course there are certain limits but these are not age limits.7. It is getting much easier to travel nowadays, but increasingly harder to get away from people, and that is ;perhaps the most difficult thing for holiday makers.8. According to Tom, William lost his job not because he was always sick and usually went to work late, but because he made a big error in last month’s accounting and the boss was angry with him.SECTION B CONVERSA TION9. W: Do you know that Mark turned down that job offer by a travel agency?M: Yeah, the hours were convenient, but he wouldn’t have been able to make ends meet.10. W: Can we eat somewhere else? V ery few small restaurants like this serve good food.M: I know, but there isn’t anywhere else in this town. Look! The waiter is coming over for our order.11. W: Mary is fluent in English and she’s just started to learn Japanese.M：I hear she also knows a few words in Chinese and French.12. M: John must have been joking when he said that he was going to live in Boston.W: Don’t be so sure. He told me that he was looking for an agent to sell his house.13. W: Excuse me, I wonder if the bus would come at all. It’s already 10:45.M: Oh, I’m afraid you’ve just missed the last one which left 5 minutes ago.14. W: Hi, John, haven’t seen you for a quite few days. I heard you’ve been sick. How are you feeling now?M: They must confuse me with my brother, Jack. Anyway, he is feeling better now.15. W: After the way it is being used, the photocopier is not going to make it through the rest of the year.M: The year! It’s supposed to be good for four!16. W: Look at all those cars and trucks lined up for the ferry. There must be at least 40 ahead of ours.M: True, I think it will take quite a while for us to be on board.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTNews Item One (17-18)Haitian hunger strikers at the US labor base at Guantannamo Bay, Cuba, have begun refusing all fluids and medical treatments. 15 of the 267 Haitians are at the base. 7 are prepared to die, if necessary, to force the US to admit the rest of them. The Haitians are eligible to pursue political asylum in the US, but have been barred from entry because most have the AIDS virus. The Clinton Administration says they would lift the ban on their entry, but it is not known when.News Item Two (19)The top three US auto-makers have decided not to proceed with plans to file a trade complaint with Japanese auto-makers. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler had planned to accuse Japanese companies of dumping cars below market prices in the US, but they dropped the idea, citing a pledge by the Clinton Administration to address the US-Japan trade imbalance.News Item Three (20-21)About 100 people are now known have died in what has been described as “the worst storm” ever to hit the eastern US this century. The hurricane-force winds first struck the Gulf of Mexico and have now spread across the Canadian border, continuing to bring reckless snowfalls, severe flooding, and causing millions of dollars in damage. All major airports have now reopened and airlines are beginning to cope with a backlog of thousands of stranded passengers. The storm also paralyzed areas of Cuba, where several people were killed, and property and crops destroyed.News Item Four (22)France has carried out another underground nuclear test in the South Pacific. It is the fifth in the region since September. The test was conducted at the Moruroa atoll on Wednesday. Paris has come under strong criticism for its nuclear testing programme, especially from Asia-Pacific countries. A State Department spokeswoman in Washington expressed disappointment at the latest French test. France has promised to sign a global test ban treaty after it completes its current series of nuclear tests in the Pacific.News Item Five (23)The association representing British airline pilots says that there is an urgent need to raise levels of air safety throughout the world. In the statement,the association, known as Bobo, warns that unless air safety improves travelers face a perilous future. The association also said that the standard of training must be raised among fly crews and air traffic controllers as the sky has become ever more crowded.News Item Six (24-25)The Western European Union, the defense organization linking most countries of the European Community, is meeting in Luxembourg to discuss ways to reinforce economic sanctions against the Serbs by tightening controls on the River Danube. It is expected to approve of a proposal to send patrol boats manned by armed police and customs officers with power to search and turn back ships suspected of breaking the sanctions.International efforts to isolate Serbia have been undermined by ships carrying oil and other illegal supplies from the Black Sea region along the Danube into the former Yugoslavia after ignoring attempts by the local authorities to stop them. It is reported that most of the illegal traffic&nbs, p;of goods is believed to be arriving in Serbia over land from Greece and former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonian.。

1999年1月全国大学英语四级考试作文范文

1999年1月托福听力文字-托福考试.doc

1999年1月托福听力文字-托福考试99年1月托福听力文字1. Why are you leaving so early? The movie doesn't start till seven.I don't want to be at the traffic there. It's a nightmare on the express way during rush hour.What does the man mean? (A)2. Excuse me, but could you tell me how to get to the Excelsior Hotel? I thought it was on this corner but I seem to have made a mistake.Hmm. I'm sorry. Maybe you should try calling them. There is a phone over there by the candy store.What does the woman suggest the man do? (C)3. Can I borrow your calculus textbook? I left mine in the classroom. And it was gone when I went back.That happened to me once. I'd almost given up on finding ituntil I checked it at the lost-and-found at the information desk downstairs in the lobby.What does the woman imply about the man should do? (D)4. Did you see the diamond ring Bill gave to Linda?I sure did. It must have cost him an arm and a leg.What does the woman imply about the ring (C)5. I'm always late for my morning classes. It's because of all the traffic out near where I live.Well, you wouldn't have that problem if you move into our campus.What does the man suggest the woman do? (D)6. Jennifer is going to the shore again this weekend.Well, she's always been a beach person.What can be inferred about Jennifer. (A)7. Hey, Larry. Wanna meet a few of us for coffee in a little while?Hmm. I would if I weren't so far behind in this reading I'mdoing for history.What will the man probably do? (A)8. Oh, something in this room is making my eyes edge. I must be allergic to something.Hmm. I wonder what it is.What does the woman want to know? (C)9. My brother is coming this weekend and I thought three of us could go out to dinner Saturday night. Any suggestions?It's up to you. I don't know the restaurants around here that well. So you know a better place to go than me.What does the man mean? (B)10. Can I get a ride into the office with you tomorrow?Another day would be fine. But I got to be downtown for a meeting first thing in the morning.What does the woman imply? (D)11. After two weeks of tennis lessons I think I finally managed to improve my backhand.Like my mom always says: "Practice makes perfect."What does the woman mean? (B)12. I just heard about your acceptance into law school. Do you think you will be able to join your brother's firm when you graduate?Not likely. He is a tax lawyer and I'm going to major in criminal law.What does the woman imply? (D)13. Could you give me a ride to the dean's office? My interview for the scholarship is in an hour.Don't you have anything else to wear other than that sweater?What does the woman imply? (D)14. Well, if you are seriously considering buying a car, I'm trying to get rid of mine. All it needs is some new paint.Thanks. But most used cars end up being more trouble than they are worth.What will the man probably do? (C)15. Did you watch that comedy special on TV last night? I don'tthink I ever laughed so hard.Don't even talk to me about it. The only night I really wanted to watch something and we had a power fail in my building.What does the woman mean? (A)16. Do you think it'll be able to get this ink stain out of my pants?It won't be a problem but I'll need to send them over to the main cleaning facility. That's an extra day's time.What does the woman mean? (A)17. You'll have to be a lot more persuasive if you want to convince the committee to accept your proposal.I'm not sure what else I could say. Besides I don't think they will reject it.What does the woman mean? (C)18. I'm having trouble slicing the bread with this knife.Oh. Sorry about that. I haven't gotten around to sharpening it yet.What can be inferred about the knife? (B)19. Do you know if Sarah has reserved the room for the committee meeting yet?No. But if she hasn't we should have her try to get it at the auditorium.We'll need the space.What does the woman want Sarah to do? (C)20. I lost the piece of paper Laura gave me. You know, the one with her address on it.You might be able to find it listed in the phone book/What does the woman mean? (D)21. I heard on the radio that not only is it going to be super hot tomorrow but also the humidity's going way up.Sounds like I'm going to have to find an air-conditioned place to be in.What does the man mean? (B)22. I can't concentrate on this final report any longer. Maybe Ishould take a nap before we continue.You know they say the physical activity makes you more alert.What does the woman imply? (B)23. I hope you like the novel I lent you. I wasn't sure whether it was the kind of book you would be interested in.You know, I had the same doubt at first. But once I started I simply couldn't put it down.What does the man mean? (C)24. The museum exhibit that our professor recommended just closed. Last day yesterday.Oh. I was really looking forward to seeing it.What does the man mean? (C)25. If George misses one more meeting we are going to have to find one new committee secretary.We'd better give him a n ultimatum.What does the man suggest they do? (B)1 2 3。

大学英语四级考试真题详解

1999年1月大学英语四级考试真题详解Part II Reading ComprehensionPassage One这一篇介绍英国乡村一景——茅草屋顶的村舍——的说明文..短文第一段以描景的方式引出主题：茅草屋顶的村舍仍是英国乡村迷人的一景..而后于第二段介绍草屋建筑的历史..第三段介绍草屋工艺的今天和草屋的特点..最后一段通过与发展中国草屋的对比进一步突出英国草屋的寿命和优势.. 21.C要点理解判断..由题干a unique feature of the English countryside 确定答案依据在第一段;22.由该段第一句的描写及第二句中“the thatched roof is an essential part of the attraction of the English countryside”可知答案为C..23.D要点定位理解..由题干中的craft 定位至第三段;24.理解第一句即可确定答案..25.A要点定位理解..题干中的prefer 与第三段最后一句中的choose 相对应;26.其中not only for its beauty but because they know it will keep them cool in summer and warm in winter 与选项A一致..27.B要点定位归纳..本题问及developing countries 住草屋的情况;28.涉及第三段前三句的要点：①第三世界半数以上人口住草屋；②他们不29.愿用传统的茅草做建筑材料;而30.宁愿住现代化楼房；③但他们没有钱进口建材..概括要点可知他们住草屋与经济条件有关;31.故B为答案..32.C主题推断..根据上述语篇分析;33.作为发达国家的英国;34.乡村茅舍35.的存在成为迷人一景;36.他们由于其美丽的风格和冬暖夏凉的性能而37.对之情有独钟..注意选项A中的thatched cottage 是不38.可能从古代保存下来的;39.因为根据短文最后部分的内容;40.茅草屋顶的建筑一般寿命为20~60年..Passage Two这一篇论述竞争意义的说明文..短文由总统名言“The business of America is business”引出话题;再借探讨美国人为什么如此看重business 的原因切入主题：竞争是美国商业基础;是个人自由、机会均等、刻苦勤奋等价值观得到保护的手段..从第三段起;短文通过与具有垄断权力的政府的对比;强调竞争扞卫个人自由第三段;竞争比民主更重要第四段;竞争能强化机会均等的理想第五段..41.C词语理解..结合该句出现的上下文即第一段;42.可知句中第一个business 意为“头等大事;43.重要事务”;44.第二个business 为通常意义上的“商业;45.贸易;46.企业”..47.D要点定位理解..由题干的realize their personal values 确定本题涉及第二段最后一句;48.理解该句即得答案..49.B要点归纳判断..本文中涉及的主体有business/institutions; businessmen; government 和customers 等..综观全文要点;50.在竞争中获利的是customers 和fair businesses 见第三段.. 51.A要点定位理解..本题问及政府与企业的突出差异;52.涉及第四段第一句;53.理解monopoly 可知答案为A..54.B要点理解推断..由本题选项确定本题涉及美国公司和别国公司的比较..推断依据应是最后一段要点：①在美国竞争是公开公正的赛跑;55.它使成功归于跑得最快的人;56.不57.论其社会阶级背景；②竞争的成替代了基于家庭背景的社会等级；③企业表达了机遇平等的思想;而58.不59.表达世袭特权的贵族思想..根据这些要点;60.可推知其反面即是别的国家的情况..Passage Three这是一篇论述广告对购买动机影响正反两种效果的说明文..短文开门见山;于第一句提出主题;并于第一、二两段分析广告的不利影响；而后于第三段分析广告的积极影响;各要点均举例佐证；最后一段为作者对消费者的忠告..61.D要点定位理解..由题干中的buy worthless products 定位至短文第一段的实例;62.其中“some advertisers have appealed to people’s desire for …”和本段主题句中的“the appeal of advertising to buying motives”即是本题答案依据..63.D要点定位理解..本题问及第二段关于bread 的实例;64.由该段最后两句中两个but 后对实情的剖析可确定答案..65.A要点理解判断..本题选项涉及第三段要点A、D和最后一段要点B、C..由第三段第四段排除D;66.第四段第三句but 后的内容排除B;67.最后一句排除C；选A概括了第三段的要点..68.A要点定位推断..由题干a smart consumer should 推定本题涉及最后一段作者对消费者的忠告：广告对消费动机的鼓动作用主要通过对产品各种优点的渲染来体现;69.明智的消费者主要应冷静分析这些优点该段第二句..70.C主题归纳..根据上述语篇分析;71.本文主题十分明确..短文第一句是主题句;72.据此也可确定答案..Passage Four这是一篇通过揭示教与学的功能差别阐述阅读教学方式的说明文..短文从对传统的阅读方式的批评入手第一段;揭示了教和学的不同功能和特点教：第二段；学：第三段；而后于最后两段阐述阅读教学该怎么进行：①使阅读成为学生有意义、有乐趣的经常活动见第四段；②教师创造一种学生通过阅读学习阅读的环境第五段..73.D要点定位理解..本题问及第一段提到的阅读教学中的存在的问题;74.该段第三句与选项D意思相吻..75.B要点定位理解..本题问及“教”阅读的成功方法;76.涉及第二段要点;77.理解该段第三句即可确定答案教的作用是创造一种使学生能最有效地自学阅读的条件和气氛..78.B词语理解..由“learning is an occupation of the mind; and that process is not open to public scrutiny”学习是一个思维过程;79.不80.能为公众所___;81.再结合与之对照的教的过程上一段最后一句“Teaching is a public activity: It can be seen and observed”;可确定scrutiny 应相当于seeing; observation 等..82.A要点定位归纳..题干之no longer be a difficult task 与短文第四段最后一句和第五段最后一句中的easy; easier相对应;83.理解归纳两句要点;84.即可排除B、C和D..85.C主题归纳..综合上述语篇分析;86.短文第一段最后一句和短文结论句最后一段最后一句;87.可概括出主题：阅读能力不88.能直接由教师传授;89.只能由学生通过阅读本身来自学并解决阅读学习中碰到的问题;90.教师应做的是为学生创造一种激发其学习欲望的学习环境和气氛..参考答案：1. B2. D3. A4. C5. B6. A7. C8. D9. A 10. D11. C 12. D 13. A 14. D 15. C 16. A 17. B 18. C 19. B 20. D21. C 22. D 23. A 24. B 25. A 26. C 27. D 28. B 29. A 30. B31. D 32. D 33. A 34. A 35. C 36. D 37. B 38. B 39. A 40. C41. B 42. D 43. A 44. C 45. C 46. A 47. B 48. D 49. A 50. B51. D 52. B 53. D 54. C 55. C 56. B 57. A 58. C 59. A 60. A61. C 62. D 63. A 64. B 65. C 66. A 67. B 68. D 69. C 70. DS1. whether or not one was a native speaker.S2. The same status as their counterparts.S3. Ones who can teach and have the required English level.S4. Non-native English teachers have been liberated. Or: It singled out the unqualified. S5. qualified English teachers because they were non-native speakers.。

1999英语专四听力详解

[ti:王迈迈英语专业四级1999年4月听力][ar:王迈迈][al:王迈迈英语专业四级][by:][00:09.61]1999年4月大学英语专业四级考试历年全真试卷与详解[00:12.06]Test for English majors, 1999, Grade 4[00:16.41]Part ⅡDICTATION[00:20.02]Listen to the following passage.[00:22.44]Altogether the passage will be read to you four times. [00:26.11]During the first reading,[00:27.48]which will be read at normal speed,[00:29.69]listen and try to understand the meaning.[00:32.65]For the second and third readings,[00:34.49]the passage will be read sentence by sentence,[00:37.45]or phrase by phrase, with intervals of 15 seconds.[00:41.83]The last reading will be read at normal speed again [00:45.46]and during this time you should check your work.[00:48.41]You will then be given 2 minutes[00:50.05]to check through your work once more.[00:52.89]Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET TWO. [00:59.04]United Nations Day[01:01.47]The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day.[01:06.24]It is a day that belongs to everyone.[01:08.40]And it is celebrated in most countries of the world.[01:11.47]Some countries celebrate for a week instead of a day.[01:15.07]In many parts of the world,[01:16.34]schools have special programs for the day.[01:18.95]Boys and girls in some communities decorate a UN tree. [01:23.30]In other communities,[01:24.59]young people put on plays about the UN.[01:27.68]Some libraries exhibit children's art works from around the world.[01:31.89]Schools celebrate with the songs and dances of other countries[01:35.70]or give parties where foods of other countries are served. [01:39.13]No matter how the day is celebrated,[01:41.23]the purpose of these celebrations[01:42.84]is to help everyone understand the UN,[01:45.97]and the important roles it plays in world affairs.[01:49.24]The UN encourages people to learn[01:51.29]about other lands and their customs.[01:53.64]In this way, people can gain a better understanding[01:56.26]and appreciation of peoples all over the world.[02:02.74]United Nations Day[02:06.27]The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day. [02:16.31]It is a day that belongs to everyone.[02:23.32]And it is celebrated in most countries of the world.[02:31.01]Some countries celebrate for a week instead of a day.[02:39.02]In many parts of the world,[02:45.33]schools have special programs for the day.[02:52.83]Boys and girls in some communities decorate a UN tree. [03:01.65]In other communities,[03:05.76]young people put on plays about the UN.[03:13.37]Some libraries exhibit children's art works from around the world.[03:24.29]Schools celebrate with the songs and dances of other countries[03:27.83]or give parties where foods of other countries are served. [03:41.20]No matter how the day is celebrated,[03:48.19]the purpose of these celebrations[03:49.71]is to help everyone understand the UN,[03:59.60]and the important roles it plays in world affairs.[04:07.48]The UN encourages people to learn[04:09.44]about other lands and their customs.[04:17.65]In this way, people can gain a better understanding[04:23.46]and appreciation of peoples all over the world.[04:36.87]United Nations Day[04:40.43]The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day. [04:50.47]It is a day that belongs to everyone.[04:57.41]And it is celebrated in most countries of the world.[05:05.22]Some countries celebrate for a week instead of a day.[05:13.22]In many parts of the world,[05:19.52]schools have special programs for the day.[05:26.91]Boys and girls in some communities decorate a UN tree. [05:35.82]In other communities,[05:39.89]young people put on plays about the UN.[05:47.54]Some libraries exhibit children's art works from around the world.[05:58.37]Schools celebrate with the songs and dances of other countries[06:01.97]or give parties where foods of other countries are served. [06:15.35]No matter how the day is celebrated,[06:22.38]the purpose of these celebrations[06:24.05]is to help everyone understand the UN,[06:33.73]and the important roles it plays in world affairs.[06:41.52]The UN encourages people to learn[06:43.62]about other lands and their customs.[06:51.76]In this way, people can gain a better understanding[06:57.39]and appreciation of peoples all over the world.[07:04.44]United Nations Day[07:06.91]The 24th of October is celebrated as United Nations Day. [07:11.66]It is a day that belongs to everyone.[07:13.88]And it is celebrated in most countries of the world.[07:16.91]Some countries celebrate for a week instead of a day.[07:20.51]In many parts of the world,[07:21.89]schools have special programs for the day.[07:24.47]Boys and girls in some communities decorate a UN tree. [07:28.84]In other communities,[07:30.06]young people put on plays about the UN.[07:33.20]Some libraries exhibit children's art works from around the world.[07:37.46]Schools celebrate with the songs and dances of other countries[07:41.00]or give parties where foods of other countries are served. [07:44.69]No matter how the day is celebrated,[07:46.74]the purpose of these celebrations[07:48.33]is to help everyone understand the UN,[07:51.48]and the important roles it plays in world affairs.[07:54.75]The UN encourages people to learn[07:56.88]about other lands and their customs.[07:59.14]In this way, people can gain a better understanding[08:01.88]and appreciation of peoples all over the world.[08:15.60]Part ⅢLISTENING COMPREHENSION[08:19.86]In Sections A, B and C[08:22.48]you will hear everything ONCE ONLY.[08:25.18]Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. [08:28.85]Mark the correct answer to each question on your answer sheet.[08:34.54]SECTION A STATEMENT[08:38.11]In this section you will hear eight statements.[08:40.96]At the end of each statement[08:42.40]you will be given 10 seconds[08:44.15]to answer each the questions.[08:47.67]1. During this morning's test,[08:50.63]I couldn't do the last four questions,[08:52.30]but I did the first five.[09:04.16]2. According to Jane there is no better cheese[09:08.19]than Swiss cheese in our local supermarket.[09:20.80]3. Before going to the gas station to have his tank filled, [09:25.27]John had his emergency brake checked[09:27.84]and fixed at the service station near the local cinema.[09:40.93]4. Betty would rather that her husband[09:44.02]didn't send away the cleaning lady,[09:46.26]but he will anyway.[09:57.62]5. Fred would have paid twice as much as he did for his car [10:02.34]if the salesman had insisted, as he really needed a car. [10:16.28]6. The idea of permanent education is practical[10:20.87]because people are never really too old to go on learning. [10:24.56]Of course there are certain limits but these are not age limits. [10:38.75]7. It is getting much easier to travel nowadays,[10:42.56]but increasingly harder to get away from people,[10:45.54]and that is perhaps the most difficult thing for holiday makers. [10:58.92]8. According to Tom,[11:01.59]William lost his job[11:02.82]not because he was always sick and usually went to work late, [11:06.40]but because he made a big error in last month's accounting [11:09.17]and the boss was angry with him.[11:23.12]SECTION B CONVERSATION[11:26.90]In this section,[11:28.04]you will hear eight short conversations between two speakers. [11:32.43]At the end of each conversation[11:34.42]you will be given 10 seconds[11:36.19]to answer each the following eight questions.[11:40.75]9. W: Do you know that Mark turned down[11:43.88]that job offer by a travel agency?[11:46.84]M: Yeah, the hours were convenient,[11:48.91]but he wouldn't have been able to make ends meet. [12:00.88]10. W: Can we eat somewhere else?[12:03.94]Very few small restaurants like this serve good food. [12:07.46]M: I know, but there isn't anywhere else in this town. [12:10.07]Look! The waiter is coming over for our order.[12:22.42]11. W: Mary is fluent in English[12:26.08]and she's just started to learn Japanese.[12:28.90]M: I hear she also knows a few words in Chinese and French. [12:42.07]12. M: John must have been joking[12:45.47]when he said that he was going to live in Boston.[12:48.19]W: Don't be so sure.[12:49.56]He told me that he was looking for an agent to sell his house. [13:03.35]13. W: Excuse me, I wonder if the bus would come at all. [13:08.45]It's already 10:45.[13:10.69]M: Oh, I'm afraid you've just missed the last one[13:14.67]which left 5 minutes ago.[13:26.45]14. W: Hi, John, haven't seen you for a quite few days. [13:30.92]I heard you've been sick. How are you feeling now?[13:33.76]M: They must confuse me with my brother, Jack.[13:36.34]Anyway, he is feeling better now.[13:48.26]15. W: After the way it is being used,[13:51.90]the photocopier is not going to make it[13:53.94]through the rest of the year.[13:55.84]M: The year! It's supposed to be good for four![14:08.93]16. W: Look at all those cars and trucks lined up for the ferry. [14:14.29]There must be at least 40 ahead of ours.[14:17.43]M: True, I think it will take quite a while for us to be on board. [14:34.13]SECTION C NEWS BROADCAST[14:38.20]News Item One (17-18)[14:42.55]Haitian hunger strikers at the US labor base at Guantannamo Bay, Cuba,[14:47.23]have begun refusing all fluids and medical treatments. [14:50.75]15 of the 267 Haitians are at the base.[14:55.05]7 are prepared to die, if necessary,[14:58.04]to force the US to admit the rest of them.[15:00.77]The Haitians are eligible to pursue political asylum in the US, [15:05.09]but have been barred from entry[15:06.57]because most have the AIDS virus.[15:09.34]The Clinton Administration says[15:11.22]they would lift the ban on their entry,[15:13.61]but it is not known when.[15:27.22]News Item Two (19)[15:31.09]The top three US auto-makers have decided not to proceed [15:34.36]with plans to file a trade complaint with Japanese auto-makers.[15:38.19]General Motors, Ford and Chrysler[15:40.77]had planned to accuse Japanese companies[15:43.47]of dumping cars below market prices in the US,[15:46.76]but they dropped the idea,[15:48.22]citing a pledge by the Clinton Administration[15:50.87]to address the US-Japan trade imbalance.[16:05.97]News Item Three (20-21)[16:10.35]About 100 people are now known have died[16:12.70]in what has been described as "the worst storm" ever[16:16.04]to hit the eastern US this century.[16:18.75]The hurricane-force winds first struck the Gulf of Mexico [16:22.20]and have now spread across the Canadian border,[16:24.65]continuing to bring reckless snowfalls, severe flooding, [16:27.77]and causing millions of dollars in damage.[16:30.39]All major airports have now reopened[16:33.25]and airlines are beginning to cope with a backlog[16:35.74]of thousands of stranded passengers.[16:38.20]The storm also paralyzed areas of Cuba,[16:40.83]where several people were killed,[16:42.56]and property and crops destroyed.[16:56.80]News Item Four (22)[17:00.81]France has carried out another[17:02.64]underground nuclear test in the South Pacific.[17:05.47]It is the fifth in the region since September.[17:08.07]The test was conducted at the Moruroa atoll on Wednesday. [17:11.68]Paris has come under strong criticism[17:13.90]for its nuclear testing programme,[17:15.98]especially from Asia-Pacific countries.[17:18.46]A State Department spokeswoman in Washington[17:20.84]expressed disappointment at the latest French test.[17:23.89]France has promised to sign a global test ban treaty[17:26.91]after it completes its current series of nuclear tests in the Pacific.[17:43.22]News Item Five (23)[17:46.85]The association representing British airline pilots[17:50.04]says that there is an urgent need[17:51.71]to raise levels of air safety throughout the world.[17:54.77]In the statement, the association, known as Bobo,[17:59.03]warns that unless air safety improves travelers face a perilous future.[18:04.02]The association also said that the standard of training[18:07.13]must be raised among fly crews and air traffic controllers [18:11.61]as the sky has become ever more crowded.[18:24.42]News Item Six (24-25)[18:29.22]The Western European Union,[18:30.76]the defense organization[18:32.00]linking most countries of the European Community,[18:34.73]is meeting in Luxembourg to discuss ways[18:37.06]to reinforce economic sanctions against the Serbs[18:39.92]by tightening controls on the River Danube.[18:42.16]It is expected to approve of a proposal[18:45.08]to send patrol boats manned by armed police[18:48.10]and customs officers[18:49.46]with power to search and turn back ships[18:52.19]suspected of breaking the sanctions.[18:54.52]International efforts to isolate Serbia[18:57.09]have been undermined by ships carrying oil and other illegal supplies[19:00.90]from the Black Sea region[19:02.35]along the Danube into the former Yugoslavia[19:04.86]after ignoring attempts by the local authorities to stop them. [19:08.75]It is reported that most of the illegal traffic of goods[19:11.63]is believed to be arriving in Serbia[19:13.70]over land from Greece and former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonian.。

大学英语四级考试试题99-04年作文范文

大学英语四级考试试题99-04年作文范文1999年1月大学英语六级考试Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a composition on the topic: Don’t Hesitate to Say “No”. You should write at least 120 words and you should base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below:别人请求帮助时，在什么情况下我们会说“不”。

为什么有些人在该说“不”的时候不说“不”。

该说“不”时不说“不”的坏处。

Don’t Hesitate to Say “No”Doing favors for others when necessary is one of the virtues in Chinese tradition. When someone is in need, we should lend him a hand. But there are circumstances under which we have to say “no”, because to give the help asked is really beyond our ability, or perhaps we don’t have the time or money needed to offer the help, or still on some other occasions, it is simply inconvenient for us to do so.Some people, however, find it very hard to say “no” when asked for help. They can’t very well refuse, because they are afraid that a refusal may cast shadows upon their friendship. They are also afraid of being regarded as selfish and inconsiderate. And they even think it is something of a shame to be considered unable to help. Finally, being shy by nature, some people simply lack the courage to say “no”.Such kind of attitudes may do good to neither parties. If what is asked for is beyond their power, by saying “yes”, they are looking for trouble and placing unnecessary pressure upon themselves. What’s more, if they make mistakes and cause trouble to their friends in helping them, how can they save their face or he trusted? To make matters worse, their boast may sometimes cause delay and thus great loss to their friends. Therefore, don't hesitate to say “no” when you ought to. (233 words)1999年6月大学英语六级考试Part V Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a composition on the topic: Reading Selectively Or Extensively? You should write at least 120 words, and you should base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below:有人认为读书要有选择。

历年英语四级考试听力原文

历年英语四级考试听力原文历年英语四级考试听力原文精选Part III Listening ComprehensionSection AConversation 1W：Good evening, and welcome to this week’s business world, the program for and about business people. T onight we have Mr. Steven Kayne, who has just taken over and established bicycle shop. Tell us, Mr. Kayne, what made you want to run your own store?M: Well, I always loved racing bikes and fixing them. When I was working full-time as a salesman for a big company, I seldom had time to enjoy my hobby. I knew then that as soon as I had enough money to get my own business going, I’ll do it. I had my heart set on it and I didn’t let anything stand in my way. When I went down to the bank and got a business loan, I knew I’d love being my own boss. Now my time is my own. I open the store when I want and leave when I want.W: You mean you don’t keep regular hours?M: Well, the sign on my store says the hours are ten to six, but if business is slower than usual, I can just lock up and take off early.W: Have you hired any employees to work with you yet?M: Yeah, a couple of friends of mine who love biking as much as I do. They help me out a few days a week. It’s great because we play cards or just sit around and talk when there are no customers.W: Thank you, Mr. Kayne. We wish you success in your new business.Question 19-22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19.What is the woman doing?20.What did Mr. Kayne do before he took over the bicycle shop?21.Why did the man take over a bicycle shop?22.What do we learn about the people working in the shop?Conversation 2W: Well, the main activities in the region were historically steel and paper processing, I think.M: Yes, but I’m not quite sure about the status of those industries now. Could you tell us something about that?W: Yes, of course. In fact, they are less significant, but steel-related manufacturing still accounts for 44% of industrial activity. So it’s still very important. In fact, 80% of Spain’s machine tools are from the Basque Country. As for paper processing, there’s still a little. But it’s no longer what it once was in the region. So, is that clear?M: Yes, thanks.W: Now, to get back to what I was saying, there’s a lot of unemployment as well as geographical problems in the region.M: Sorry, Victoria. What do you mean by geographical problems?W: Well, what I mean is the area is very hilly, mountainous in parts. So there used to be transport problems, now though there are new train links and better roads, but it may be that some smaller towns inland remain not very well connected, is that OK? Does that make sense? When we talk about specific location suggestions for the factory, we’ll see this in more detail, so we’ll come back t o this question, OK?M: OK, right.W: So I was about to say something about the work force in the region and the level of training and education. In general, it’s very good and improving.Question 23-25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. What does the woman say about the steel-related manufacturing in the region?24. What problems hinder the region’s development?25. What will the speakers discuss later?。

1999年1月听力原文

1999年1月听力原文Section A1. M: Congratulations. You certainly did quite well and I must say you deserve thatgrade.W: Well, I really studied hard for that exam I’ve been preparing for it for more than a month. Now, I can relax for a while.Q: Why is the woman so happy?2. M: It’s hard to believe that Susan has already finished her homework.W: Well, she copied Jack’s homework and made a few changes.Q: What does the woman say about Susan?3. W: Mr. Johnson, have you heard the morning news report? Mill has resigned hispost as Prime Minister.M: I didn’t turn on the radio this morning, but I did see the headlines. If you remember, he threatened to leave the office at the last cabinet meeting.Q: How did Mr. Johnson learn that the Prime Minister has resigned?4. M: If you are in hurry, you can take the subway. If you want to go sightseeing,take a bus.W: Actually, I don’t have to be at the conference before noon.Q: What will the woman probably do?5. W: How did your interview go?M: I couldn’t feel better about it. The questions were very fair and I seemed to find answers for all them.Q: How does the man feel about the interview?6. W: I’m very impressed by all the work you’ve done on your house. Mr. Miller,How long have you been working on it?M: I first became interested in doing things myself several years ago. I’ve been doing something on it every now and then for almost a year now. You know, I couldn’t afford to pay workmen to do it.Q: What do we learn about Mr. Miller?7. W: I just made a jar of jam this morning and now I can’t find it any where. Doyou know what happened to it?M: Did you hear a crash, that was it, I’m just as clumsy as ever.Q: What is the problem?8. W: I read in the newspaper that the novel you are reading is excellent.M: I’ve also read some negative reviews.Q: What can be learned from the conversation?9. W: John told me he had got a second-hand car, do you know how much he paidfor it?M: Well, he said he paid 800 dollars for it. I think he got a real bargain.Q: What does the man think of the price of the car?10. M: Hello, this is doctor Marita from the emergency department. I have a 70-year-old patient with a fractured ankle.W: OK, send him toward 3.Q: What are they talking about on the phone?Section BPassage OneMost people have had a dog or wanted one as their companion at some time in their lives. If you are thinking of buying a dog, however, you should first decide what sort of companion you need and whether the dog is likely to be happy in the surroundings you can provide. Specialist advice is available to help you choose the most suitable breed of dog. But in part, the decision depends on common sense. Most breeds were originally developed to perform specific tasks. So, if you want a dog to protect you or your house, for example, you should choose a breed that has the right size and characteristics You must also be ready to devote a good deal of time to train the dog when it is young and give it the exercise it needs to throughout its life, unless live in the country and can let it run freely. Dogs are demanding pets. Whereas cats identify with the house and so are content if their place there is secure a dog identifies with its master and consequently wants him to show proof of his affection. The besttime to buy a baby-dog is when it is between 6 and 8 weeks old so that it can transfer its affection from its mother to its master. If baby dogs have not established a relationship with the human being until they are over three months old, their strong relationship will always be with dogs. They are likely to be too shy when they are brought out into the world to become good pets.11. What’s mentioned as a consideration in buying a dog?12. Why does the speaker say a dog is a more demanding pet than a cat?13. Why is advised to buy baby dogs under three months old?Passage TwoPeople in Poland take their pleasure seriously. They like to have an aim even when spending the time which is entirely their own. During the summer, people start work very early in the morning so that they can finish early and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. It is difficult to imagine Polish people going aimlessly for a walk in the country, though they might go to pick wild fruit, to visit a place of historical importance or to walk 20 KM as a training exercise. They are often admired for their immense enjoyment of the arts. All parks are beautifully cared and are for the use and enjoyment of the people. Quite ordinary people will talk with obvious delight about concerts. There is nearly always a crowd at the door of the theatre, asking for returned tickets. People in Poland now have far more leisure time and more money than ever before. It is therefore possible to spend the weekends in many new ways. Many people now have over 20 days holiday a year. This provides an opportunity for holidays in the country or at the seaside.14. What is special about the Polish way of spending leisure time?15. For what does the author admire the Polish people?16. What do we learn from the passage?Passage ThreeWhat kind of car will we be driving by the year 2010? Rather different from the type we know today. With the next decade bringing greater change than the past 50 years, the people who will be designing the models of tomorrow believe thatenvironmental problems may well accelerate the pace of the car’s development. The vision is that of a machine with 3 wheels instead of 4，electrically-powered environmentally clean and able to drive itself along intelligent roads, equipped with built-in power supplies. Future cars will pick up the fuel during long journeys from a power source built into the road, or stored in small quantities for travelling in the city. Instead of today’s seating arrangement two in front, two or three behind, all facing forward, the 2010 car will have an interior with adults and children in a family circle. This view of future car based on a much more sophisticated road system. Cars will be automatically controlled by a computer. All the driver will have to do is say where to go and the computer will do the rest. It will become impossible for cars to crash into one another. The technology already exists for the car to become a true automobile.17. What is the designer’s vision of the cars of tomorrow?18. What else does the passage tell us about the future car?19. What is the seating arrangement for future cars?20. What is the only thing the driver of the future car has to do?。

四级听力原文精选全文

可编辑修改精选全文完整版Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversationsand 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both of the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices, marked A), B), C) and D),and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center. Now let’s begin with the 4eight short conversations.1. M: I hear you have got a role in a play. How on earth did you get it? W: Well, when I heard the role was coming up, I read the book until I could learn the lines by heart and understood the character, and I had an interview and got it.Q: How did the woman get the role in the play?2. W: You seem to have had perfect health all your life.M: Yeah. I don’t remember ever having to see a doctor. I eat healthy food and take plenty of exercise. Most of all, I look at the sunny side even when things aren’t going so well.Q: What is the most important reason for the man’s perfect health?3. M: Susan, how long have we known each other?W: Let’s see. We met when you interviewed me for a teaching job. I wasthen in my senior year at college, and it has already been eight years since I graduated.Q: What can we learn from the conversation?4. W: It seems my pet dog doesn’t like the new place. He seemed to be happy all day in the countryside.M: Just ignore it. I still remember you were unhappy when you first moved here, but you are happy now. He is sure to overcome in a week or two.Q: What should the woman do according to the man?5. M: You said you got a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Where did you get it?W: From Iowa State University. And I’m now working on my master’s. That’s part of the reason I applied for this position.Q: What can we learn about the woman?6. W: Do you daydream? Scientists recently say its advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.M: Even if it is true, I don’t think you can achieve success without hard work. It can at most make you feel happy.Q: What does the man probably agree with?7. M: Did you see the Oscar ceremony last night? It was also a fashion show when the stars stepped onto the red carpet. There were all types of fancy gowns and dresses.W: That is a great help for you and I believe you will be inspired by the show.Q: What can be inferred from the conversation?8. W: You are late again. Haven’t I told you that you should be away from home half an hour earlier?M: I’m sorry. I did do that and the traffic is OK, but I can’t do nothing in my car when I saw an old man in need of help.Q: What accounts for the man’s being late?Now you will hear the two long conversations.Conversation OneW: Tom, I suppose you must have heard about that great piece of concrete falling onto a car in that terrible accident in South Street yesterday, haven't you?M: Yes, I saw it in the paper. From a 200-foot-high building, wasn't it? W: Oh, yes. I saw the car; it was totally damaged.M: You usually park your car around there, don't you, Brenda?W: Yes, I left it in that very spot a couple of days ago, but yesterday it was parked up the road.M: You are lucky then.W: Out of luck, you mean! I'd be very pleased if my old car were smashed to bits. I could claim from the insurance company then.M: But you used to be so proud of your car, weren't you?W: It was years ago, but now there are all sorts of repairs to be done, and I just haven't got enough spare cash to put it right.M: You can always sell it, can't you?W: Few people are stupid enough to buy a car in that condition.M: The woman whose car was crushed yesterday was very annoyed about it. She will be given a new car by the builders, though.W: Yes, but her car was a specially built model that can't be replaced, and there was hardly anything wrong with it.M: Well, that's life! When people actually want to get rid of their cars, this sort of thing seldom happens, does it?Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. What happened in South Street yesterday?10. Why does the woman consider herself unlucky in terms of yesterday's accident?11. How did the owner feel when she knew her car was crushed? Conversation TwoW: Good morning, sir. I understand that you have been robbed.M: I certainly have.W: When did that happen?M: About two hours ago.W: Why didn't you report it?M: I couldn't. I was bound.W: Please tell me exactly what happened.M: I was sitting in this room watching television when someone knocked on the door. Without thinking, I opened it.W: That wasn't very wise, sir.M: I know. I was expecting my wife, you see, and thought it was her.W: You should never open a door without looking to see who it is.M: Yes, I know, I regret it very much.W: What happened?M: Two men pushed into the flat. One of them threatened me with a knife while the other bound me.W: Can you remember what they look like?M: I'm afraid not. They were both wearing stockings over their faces. W: What did they take?M: My wallet, with $300 in it, my wristwatch, some of my wife's jewelry from our bedroom, and a silver photo frame.W: They don't seem to have done much damage to the flat.M: No. They had just begun to search my house when the dogs next door began to bark. They ran off then leaving me bound. It was some time before my wife returned and released me. I phoned the police at once.W: My men began searching the area as soon as we received your call. I can't promise you that we'll recover your property but we'll certainly doour best.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. What does the woman do?13. Why did the man open the door without thinking?14. Why can't the man remember what the robbers look like?15. Why did the robbers leave in a hurry?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 1with a single line through the center.Passage OneOld age may not sound exciting. But recent findings offer good news for older people and for people worried about getting older. Researchers found that people become happier and experience less worry after they reach the age of 50. In fact, they say by the age of 85, people are happier with their life than they were 18 years old. The findings came from a survey of more than 340 000 adults in the United States. The researchers asked questions about emotions like happiness, sadness and worry. They also asked about mental or emotional stress. Arthur Stone in theDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York led the study. His team found that levels of stress were highest among adults between the ages of 22 and 25. The findings showed that stress levels dropped sharply after people reached their 50s. Happiness was highest among the youngest adults and those in their early 70s. The people least likely to report feeling negative emotions were those in their 70s and 80s. The study also showed that men and women have similar emotional patterns as they grow older. However, women at all ages reported more sadness, stress and worry than men. The findings appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers say they do not know why happiness increases as people get older. One theory proposed by some sociologists is that, as people grow older, they grow more thankful for what they have and have better control of their emotions. They also spend less time thinking about bad experiences.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. What does the speaker say about the recent findings?17. What can be inferred about happiness from the passage?18. According to the researchers, why do people become happier when they get older?Passage TwoBarbara Jordan was a lawyer, educator and member of Congress.She was well known for her powerful, thoughtful speeches. Barbara Charline Jordan was born in the southern city of Houston, Texas in 1936. Her father was a Baptist minister. In high school, Barbara heard a speech from a black woman lawyer. She decided to become a lawyer herself. Later, Miss Jordan attended the all-black college, Texas Southern University in Houston. She led a championship debating team and became known for her speaking skills. She finished at the top of her class. Then she went onto Boston University law school in Boston, Massachusetts. After she finished law school, Miss Jordan returned to Texas. She began to work as a lawyer. She also discovered she was interested in politics. In 1966, she decided to seek a seat in the Texas Senate and won. Barbara Jordan became the first black person to serve in the Texas Senate since 1883. After eight years in the Texas Senate, Miss Jordan campaigned for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. She won easily. She became the first woman and first black to be elected to Congress to represent Texas. In Congress, Miss Jordan spoke for the poor, for women, for African-Americans and Latin-Americans. She believed strongly, however, in being loyal to her state and her political party. She considered the interests of the people of Texas before those of any other group. Then, in 1977, Miss Jordan returned to Texas. Barbara Jordan began teaching about political values at the University of Texas. Her classes were so popular that students hadto be chosen from a long list.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. What's the passage mainly about?20. Why did Barbara Jordan decide to become a lawyer?21. What do we learn about Barbara Jordan when she was in Congress?22. What did Barbara Jordan do after she returned to Texas in 1977? Passage ThreeRoute 66 was once very famous in America. It has been called "The Main Street of America." The idea for Route 66 started in Oklahoma. Citizens there wanted to link their state with states to the east and west. By the 1920s, federal officials wanted to connect state roads to provide a shorter, faster way across the country. So a plan was developed to connect existing state roads into one long national highway. United States Highway 66 was established on November 11, 1926. It was one of the first federal highways. It crossed eight states. It was 3 800 km long. It passed through the center of many cities and towns. It crossed deserts, mountains, valleys and rivers. In the 1930s, people suffered through the Great Depression. In Oklahoma, many poor families lost their farms because of dust storms. So they traveled west to California on Route 66 in search of a better life. In the 1950s,holiday travel brought more and more families out West to explore. Route 66 represented the spirit of movement and excitement. Later, people were getting fewer and fewerkicks on Route 66. By 1962, parts of the road were closed because they were in poor condition. The federal government was building bigger highways. Cars and trucks could travel at higher speeds. People started driving on these new interstate highways instead of the old Route 66. Finally, in 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the national highway system. People have formed groups to save parts of the old 66 and many of the interesting places to eat, stay and see along the way. Questions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23. What do we learn about Route 66?24. Why did Route 66 represent the spirit of movement and excitement?25. What can be inferred about Route 66 from the passage?Section C3Directions: 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. Now listen to the passage. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for theNew Year. New Year is expected to bring good luck and charm for people and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12. Now the passage will be read again. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for the New Year. New Year is expected to bring goodluck and charm for people and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12. Now the passage will be read for the third time. New Year in the United States is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar. This is a federal holiday in the US. On this day, many people make resolutions to give away bad deeds and renew life with good ones. It's the time to remember the achievements and make merry for the New Year. New Year is expected to bring good luck and charm forpeople and this is the reason why Americans love to celebrate it with fun and enjoyment. New Year's Eve celebration is a festival affair for the people of the US. They love to enjoy even the last minute of the going year and welcome the New Year with a blast. Midnight parties, luxury dinners, live music and the dance floors make a perfect New Year's Eve bash. Every year, a huge ball is organized at Times Square in New York City, which is watched over by large number of Americans. A minute before the New Year's Day, a brightly lighted ball is dropped slowly from the top of a pole. As soon as the ball reaches the ground, it gives a signal of New Year and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing Happy New Year. Elsewhere, many of the New Year's parties in the US have a dress code or a theme. People cover their faces with masks. To have some merriment with the family members at the beginning of the New Year, people prefer to celebrate it at their homes. There is also a tradition to open champagne bottles as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. They unmask themselves only when the clock strikes 12.This is the end of listening comprehension.。

考研英语99年第一篇

考研英语99年第一篇The year 1999 marked a significant milestone in the history of the College English Test (CET), a nationally standardized English proficiency examination administered in China. The CET-4 and CET-6 exams, which assess the English language skills of undergraduate and postgraduate students respectively, have become an integral part of the academic landscape in the country. The first paper of the CET exam in 1999 presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities for test-takers, reflecting the evolving nature of English language education in China.One of the defining features of the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 was its emphasis on reading comprehension. The exam included a diverse range of passages, covering topics such as history, culture, science, and technology. These passages were carefully crafted to assess not only the test-takers' ability to understand the main ideas and key details, but also their capacity to draw inferences, analyze underlying themes, and engage in critical thinking.The reading comprehension section was particularly notable for itsinclusion of both short and long passages. The shorter passages, typically a few hundred words in length, required students to quickly grasp the central message and respond to a series of multiple-choice questions. In contrast, the longer passages, often exceeding 800 words, demanded a more in-depth understanding of the text, as well as the ability to synthesize information and formulate well-reasoned responses.Another significant aspect of the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 was its focus on vocabulary and grammar. The exam included a section dedicated to assessing the test-takers' knowledge of English vocabulary, including their ability to understand word meanings, synonyms, and antonyms. Additionally, the grammar section evaluated the students' mastery of various grammatical structures, ranging from sentence-level constructions to more complex syntactical patterns.The vocabulary and grammar sections of the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 were designed to not only test the students' linguistic knowledge but also their ability to apply it in practical contexts. The questions were structured in a way that challenged the test-takers to demonstrate their understanding of English language mechanics, as well as their capacity to use these skills effectively in real-world communication.One of the unique aspects of the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 was its inclusion of a writing task. Unlike previous iterations of the exam,which primarily focused on receptive skills such as reading and listening, this paper required the test-takers to engage in a productive skill – writing. The writing task typically involved composing a short essay or a response to a given prompt, which assessed the students' ability to organize their thoughts, develop a coherent argument, and express themselves clearly and effectively in written English.The writing section of the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 was particularly significant as it reflected the growing emphasis on the development of English language proficiency beyond just passive understanding. By requiring the test-takers to actively produce written content, the exam aimed to evaluate their overall communicative competence and their readiness to utilize English in academic and professional settings.The 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 also incorporated a listening comprehension component, which assessed the test-takers' ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. This section typically included audio recordings of conversations, lectures, or news reports, followed by multiple-choice questions that tested the students' comprehension of the content, as well as their ability to draw inferences and make connections.The inclusion of a listening comprehension section in the 1999 CET-4Paper 1 was a reflection of the increasing importance placed on the development of aural skills in English language education in China. As the country continued to integrate more deeply into the global economy and society, the need for graduates who could effectively communicate in English, both in written and spoken form, became increasingly critical.Overall, the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 represented a significant evolution in the assessment of English language proficiency in China. By incorporating a diverse range of tasks and skills, the exam aimed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the test-takers' linguistic abilities, as well as their readiness to navigate the challenges of an increasingly globalized world.The emphasis on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, writing, and listening comprehension in the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 reflected the growing recognition of the multifaceted nature of language proficiency. It acknowledged that true mastery of a language involves not only the ability to understand and interpret written and spoken content, but also the capacity to effectively communicate one's own ideas and perspectives.The 1999 CET-4 Paper 1 also served as a benchmark for the ongoing development and refinement of English language education in China. The insights gained from the administration and evaluation of thisexam informed the design and implementation of subsequent CET exams, as well as the broader curriculum and pedagogical approaches used in English language instruction.In the years following the 1999 CET-4 Paper 1, the exam continued to evolve, incorporating new formats, question types, and assessment criteria to keep pace with the changing demands of the global landscape. However, the foundational elements established in that landmark exam – the emphasis on comprehensive language proficiency, the integration of diverse skills, and the commitment to evaluating the test-takers' readiness for real-world communication –have remained at the core of the CET exams, shaping the educational experiences of countless students in China.。

1999年1月大学英语四级考试试题及参考答案（2）

Part II Reading Comprehension (35 minutes)(共20⼩题；每⼩题2分，满分40分)Directions: There are 4 passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the centre.Passage One Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage.The view over a valley of a tiny village with thatched（草盖的）roof cottages around a church; a drive through a narrow village street lines with thatched cottages painted pink or white; the sight in parts of England. Most people will agree that the thatched roof is an essential part of the attraction of the English countryside.Thatching is in fact the oldest of all the building crafts practiced in the British Isles（英论诸岛）. Although thatch has always been used for cottage and farm buildings, it was once used for castles and churches, too.Thatching is a solitary（独⾃的）craft, which often runs in families. The craft of thatching as it is practiced toady has changed very little since the Middle Ages. Over 800 full-time thatchers are employed in England and Wales today, maintaining and renewing the old roofs as well as thatching newer houses. Many property owners choose thatch not only for its beauty but because they know it will keep them cool in summer and warm in winter.In fact, if we look at developing countries, over half the world lives under thatch, but they all do it in different ways. People in developing countries are often reluctant to go back to traditional materials and would prefer modern buildings. However, they may lack the money to allow them to import the necessary materials. Their temporary mud huts with thatched roofs of wild grasses often only last six months. Thatch which has been done the British way lasts from twenty to sixty years, and is an effective defiance against the heat.21、Which of the following remains a unique feature of the English countryside?A) Narrow streets lined with pink or white houses.B) Rolling hills with pretty farm buildings.C) Cottages with thatched roofs.D) churches with cottages around them.22、What do we know about thatching as a craft?A) It is a collective activity.B) It is practised on farms all over England.C) It is quite different from what it used to be.D) It is in most cases handed down among family members.23、Thatched houses are still preferred because of _________.A) their style and comfortB) their durabilityC) their easy maintenanceD) their cheap and ready-made materials24、People in developing countries also live under thatch because ________.A) thatched cottages are a big tourist attractionB) thatched roof houses are the cheapestC) thatch is an effective defense against the heatD) they like thatched houses better than other buildings25、We can learn from the passage that _________.A) thatched cottages in England have been passed down from ancient timesB) thatching is a building craft first created by the English peopleC) the English people have a special liking for thatched housesD) most thatched cottages in England are located on hillsidesPassage Two Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.President Coolidge’s statement, “The business of America is business,” still points to an important truth today-that businessinstitutions have more prestige（威望）in American society than any other kind of organization, including the government. Why do business institutions posses this great prestige?One reason is that Americans view business as being more firmly based on the ideal of competition than other institutions in society. Since competition is seen as the major source of progress and prosperity by most Americans, competitive business institutions are respected. Competition is not only good in itself, it is the means by which other basic American values such as individual freedom, equality of opportunity, and hard work are protected.Competition protects the freedom of the individual by ensuring that there is no monopoly（垄断）of power. In contrast to one, all-powerful government, many businesses compete against each other for profits. Theoretically, if one business tries to take unfair advantage of its customers, it will lose to competing business which treats its customers more fairly. Where many businesses compete for the customers’ dollar, they cannot afford to treat them like inferiors or slaves.A contrast is often made between business, which is competitive, and government, which is a monopoly. Because business is competitive, many Americans believe that it is more supportive of freedom than government, even though government leaders are elected by the people and business leaders are not. Many Americans believe, then, that competition is as important, or even more important, that democracy in preserving freedom.Competition in business is also believed to strengthen the ideal of equality of opportunity. Competition is seen as an open and fair race where success goes to the swiftest person regardless of his or her social class background. Competitive success is commonly seen as the American alternative to social rank based on family background. Business is therefore viewed as an expression of the idea of equality of opportunity rather than the aristocratic（贵族的）idea of inherited privilege.26、The statement “The business of America is business” probably means “________”.A) The business institutions in America are concerned with commerceB) Business problems are of great importance to the American governmentC) Business is of primary concern to AmericansD) America is a great power in world business27、Americans believe that they can realize their personal values only ________.A) when given equality of opportunityB) through doing businessC) by protecting their individual freedomD) by way of competition28、Who can benefit from business competition?A) Honest businessmen.B) Both businessmen and their customers.C) People with ideals of equality and freedom.D) Both business institutions and government.29、Government is believed to differ strikingly from business in that government is characterized by ________.A) its absolute control of powerB) its function in preserving personal freedomC) its role in protecting basic American valuesD) its democratic way of exercising leadership30、It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes _________.A) Americans are more ambitious than people in other countriesB) in many countries success often depends on one’s social statusC) American businesses are more democratic than those in other countriesD) businesses in other countries are not as competitive as those in AmericaPassage Three Questions 31 to 35 are based on the following passage.The appeal of advertising to buying motives can have both negative and positive effects consumers may be convinced to buy a product of poor quality or high price because of an advertisement. For example, some advertisers have appealed to people’s desire for better fuel economy for their cars by advertising automotive products that improve gasoline mileage.Some of the products work. Others are worthless and a waste of consumers’ money.Sometimes advertising is intentionally misleading. A few years ago a brand of bread was offer to dieters（节⾷者）with the message that there were fewer calories（热量单位，⼤卡）in every slice. It turned out that the bread was not dietetic（适合于节⾷的）, but just regular bread. There were fewer calories because it was sliced very thin, but there were the same number of calories in every loaf.On the positive side, emotional appeals may respond to a consumer’s real concerns. Consider fire insurance. Fire insurance may be sold by appealing to fear of loss. But fear of loss is the real reason for fire insurance. The security of knowing that property is protected by insurance makes the purchase of fire insurance a worthwhile investment for most people. If consumers consider the quality of the insurance plans as well as the message in the ads, they will benefit from the advertising.Each consumer must evaluate her or his own situation. Are the benefits of the product important enough to justify buying it? Advertising is intended to appeal to consumers, but it does not force them to buy the product. Consumers still control the final buying decision.31、Advertising can persuade the consumer to buy worthless products by _________.A) stressing their high qualityB) convincing him of their low priceC) maintaining a balance between quality and priceD) appealing to his buying motives32、The reason why the bread advertisement is misleading is that ________.A) thin slices of bread could contain more caloriesB) the loaf was cut into regular slicesC) the bread was not genuine breadD) the total number of calories in the loaf remained the same33、The passage tells us that _______.A) sometimes advertisements really sell what the consumer needsB) advertisements occasionally force consumers into buying things they don’t needC) the buying motives of consumers are controlled by advertisementsD) fire insurance is seldom a worthwhile investment34、It can be inferred from the passage that a smart consumer should _________.A) think carefully about the benefits described in the advertisementsB) guard against the deceiving nature of advertisements b r b d s f i d = " 1 6 8 " > C ) b e f a m i l i a r w i t h v a r i o u s a d v e r t i s i n g s t r a t e g i e s b r b d s f i d = " 1 6 9 " > D ) a v o i d b u y i n g p r o d u c t s t h a t h a v e s t r o n g e m o t i o n a l a p p e a l / p > p b d s f i d = " 1 7 0 " > b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 1 " > 3 5 0 T h e p a s s a g e i s m a i n l y a b o u t _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 2 " > A ) h o w t o m a k e a w i s e b u y i n g d e c i s i o n b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 3 " > B ) w a y s t o p r o t e c t t h e i n t e r e s t s o f t h e c o n s u m e r b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 4 " > C ) t h e p o s i t i v e a n d n e g a t i v e a s p e c t s o f a d v e r t i s i n g b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 5 " > D ) t h e f u n c t i o n o f a d v e r t i s e m e n t s i n p r o m o t i n g s a l e s / p > p b d s f i d = " 1 7 6 " > b r b d s f i d = " 1 7 7 " > P a s s a g e F o u r Q u e s t i o n s 3 6 t o 4 0 a r e b a s e d o n t h e f o l l o w i n g p a s s a g e . / p > p b d s f i d = " 1 7 8 " > S o l o n g a s t e a c h e r s f a i l t o d i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n t e a c h i n g a n d l e a r n i n g , t h e y w i l l c o n t i n u e t o u n d e r t a k e t o d o f o r c h i l d r e n t h a t w h i c h o n l y c h i l d r e n c a n d o f o r t h e m s e l v e s . T e a c h i n g c h i l d r e n t o r e a d i s n o t p a s s i n g r e a d i n g o n t o t h e m . I t i s c e r t a i n l y n o t e n d l e s s h o u r s s p e n t i n a c t i v i t i e s a b o u t r e a d i n g . D o u g l a s i n s i s t s t h a t r e a d i n g c a n n o t b e t a u g h t d i r e c t l y a n d s c h o o l s s h o u l d s t o p t r y i n g t o d o t h e i m p o s s i b l e . / p > p b d s f i d = " 1 7 9 " > T e a c h i n g a n d l e a r n i n g a r e t w o e n t i r e l y d i f f e r e n t p r o c e s s e s . T h e y d i f f e r i n k i n d a n d f u n c t i o n . T h e f u n c t i o n o f t e a c h i n g i s t o c r e a t e t h e c o n d i t i o n s a n d t h e c l i m a t e t h a t w i l l m a k e i t p o s s i b l e f o r c h i l d r e n t o d e v i s e t h e m o s t e f f i c i e n t s y s t e m f o r t e a c h i n g t h e m s e l v e s t o r e a d . T e a c h i n g i s a l s o p u b l i c a c t i v i t y : I t c a n b e s e e n a n d o b s e r v e d . / p > p b d s f i d = " 1 8 0 " > L e a r n i n g t o r e a d i n v o l v e s a l l t h a t e a c h i n d i v i d u a l d o e s t o m a k e s e n s e o f t h e w o r l d o f p r i n t e d l a n g u a g e . A l m o s t a l l o f i t i s p r i v a t e , f o r l e a r n i n g i s a n o c c u p a t i o n o f t h e m i n d , a n d t h a t p r o c e s s i s n o t o p e n t o p u b l i c s c r u t i n y . / p >。

1999年1月大学英语四级阅读参考译文

洛基英语，中国在线英语教育领导品牌Passage One译文山谷中一个小巧玲珑的村庄，村庄中一座茅草屋顶的小房子围绕着教堂；一条穿过两旁漆成粉色或白色的茅草屋顶村舍的狭窄小道，起伏的山丘上的一排排美丽的茅草屋顶农场建筑--这些仍是英格兰一些地区的常见的景观。

大多数人会同意茅草屋顶的英国乡村所具魅力的最重要的一部分。

实际上盖茅草屋顶是英伦诸岛建筑工艺中最古老的一种。

虽然茅草一直用于盖村舍和农场建筑物，也曾一度用于建筑城堡和教堂。

盖茅草屋顶是一项独特的工艺，常常是家庭世代相传的。

像现在我们所使用的茅草屋顶工艺从中世纪以来几乎就没有什么变化。

现在英格兰、威尔士有800多名专职盖茅草屋顶的工人，他们不但维修和更换老屋顶，还盖新屋顶。

许多房主选择茅草屋顶不仅是为了美观，而且还因为他们知道茅草能使他们冬暖夏凉。

事实上如果我们看看发展国家，世界半数以上的人口居住在茅草屋顶下，但他们的做法则不同。

发展中国家的人经常不愿意用传统材料，而更喜欢现代建筑。

然而，他们可能没有钱进口必需的材料。

临时搭建的野草屋顶的土屋常常只能维持半年。

用英国工艺制做的茅草屋顶能维修20年到60年之久，而且能有效地防暑。

Passage Two译文柯立芝总统说，“美国的事业就是工商业”，今天这句话仍然指出了一个很重要的真理：工商业机构在美国社会比任何其他组织，包括美国政府，威望更高。

为什么商机机构有这么大的威望呢？一个原因就是美国人把工商业视为比社会任何其他机构都更坚定地以竞争目标为基础。

既然竞争被美国人看作是进步和繁荣的主要源泉，竞争的工商业机构就受人尊敬。

不仅竞争本身是好的，它还是保护美国其他价值观念，如个人自由、机会平等、勤奋工作等的手段。

竞争通过保证没有权力垄断而保护个人自由。

与全能的政府不同，许多工商机构为了利润而互相竞争。

从理论上讲，如果一个工商企业想不公平地占顾客的便宜，那它就会输给较公平地对待顾客的竞争对手。

凡是有许多工商企业为嫌顾客的钱而竞争的地方，它们都不敢像对待下级或奴隶那样来对待顾客。

1999年1月大学英语四级考试试卷、答案（阅读）

1999年1⽉⼤学英语四级考试试卷、答案（阅读）1999年1⽉⼤学英语四级考试试卷、答案Part I Reading ComprehensionQuestions 01-05 are based on the following passage:The concept of culture has been defined many times, and although no definition has achieved universal acceptance, most of the definitions include three central ideas: that culture is passed n from generation to generation, that a culture represents a ready-made prescription for living and for making day-to-day decisions, and, finally, that the components of a culture are accepted by those in the culture as good, and true, and not to be questioned. The eminent anthropologist George Murdock has listed seventy-three items that characterize every known culture, past and present. The list begins with Age-grading and Athletic sports, runs to Weaning and Weather Control, and includes on the way such items as Calendar, Firemaking, Property Rights, and Toolmaking. I would submit that even the most extreme advocate of a culture of poverty viewpoint would readily acknowledge that, with respect to almost all of these items, every American, beyond the first generation immigrant, regardless of race or class, is a member of a common culture. We all share pretty much the same sports. Maybe poor kids don't know how to play polo, and rich kids don't spend time with stickball, but we all know baseball, and football, and basketball. Despite some misguided efforts to raise minor dialects to the status of separate tongues, we all, in fact, share the same language. There may be differences in diction and usage, but it would be ridiculous to say that all Americans don't speak English. We have the calendar, the law, and large numbers of other cultural items in common. It may well be true that on a few of the seventy-three items there are minor variations between classes, but these kinds of things are really slight variations on a common theme. There are other items that show variability, not in relation to class, but in relation to religion and ethnic background-funeral customs and cooking, for example. But if there is one place in America where the melting pot is a reality, it is on the kitchen stove; in the course of one month, half the readers of this sentence have probably eaten pizza, hot pastrami, and chow mein. Specific differences that might be identified a signs of separate cultural identity are relatively insignificant within the general unity of American life; they are cultural commas and semicolons in the paragraphs and pages of American life.01. According to the author's definition of culture, ____ .A. a culture should be accepted and maintained universallyB. a culture should be free from falsehood and evilsC. the items of a culture should be taken for granted by peopleD. the items of a culture should be accepted by well-educated people02. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?A. Baseball, football and basketball are popular sports in America.B. Pizza, hot pastrami, and chow mein are popular diet in America.C. There is no variation in using the American calendar.D. There is no variation in using the American language.03. It can be inferred that all the following will most probably be included in the seventy-three items except ____.A. heir and heritageB. childrearing practicesC. dream patternsD. table manners04. By saying that "they are cultural commas and semicolons..." the author means that commas and semicolons ____.A. can be interpreted as subculture of American lifeB. can be identified as various ways of American lifeC. stand for work and rest in American lifeD. are preferred in writing the stories concerning American life05. The author's main purpose in writing this passage is to ____.A. prove that different people have different definitions of cultureB. inform that variations exist as far as a culture is concernedC. indicate that culture is closely connected with social classesD. show that the ideathat the poor constitute a separate culture is an absurdityQuestions 06-10 are based on the following passage:It is 3A.M. Everything on the university campus seems ghostlike in the quiet, misty darkness - everything except the computer center. Here, twenty students rumpled and bleary-eyed, sit transfixed at their consoles, tapping away on the terminal keys. With eyes glued to the video screen, they tap on for hours. For the rest of the world, it might be the middle of the night, but here time does not exist. This is a world unto itself. These young computer "hackers" are pursuing a kind of compulsion, a drive so consuming it overshadows nearly every other part of their lives and forms the focal point of their existence. They are compulsive computer programmers. Some of these students have been at the console for thirty hours or more without a break for meals or sleep. Some have fallen asleep on sofas and lounge chairs in the computer center, trying to catch a few winks but loathe to get too far away from their beloved machines.Most of these students don't have to be at the computer center in the middle of the night. They aren't working on assignments. They are there because they want to be - they are irresistibly drawn there.And they are not alone. There are hackers at computer centers all across the country. In their extreme form, they focus on nothing else. They flunk out of school and lose contact with friends; they might have difficulty finding jobs, choosing instead to wander from one computer center to another. They may even forgo personal hygiene."I remember one hacker. We literally had to carry him off his chair to feed him and put him to sleep. We really feared for his health," says a computer science professor at MIT.Computer science teachers are now more aware of the implications of this hacker phenomenon and are on the lookout for potential hackers and cases of computer addiction that are already severe. They know that the case of the hackers is not just the story of one person's relationship with a machine. It is the story of a society's relationship to the so-called thinking machines, which are becoming almost ubiquitous.06. We can learn from the passage that those at the computer center in the middle of the night are ____.A. students working on a programB. students using computers to amuse themselvesC. hard-working computer science majorsD. students deeply fascinated by the computer07. Which of the following is NOT true of those young computer "hackers"?A. Most of them are top students majoring in computer programming.B. For them, computer programming is the sole purpose for their life.C. They can stay with the computer at the center for nearly three days on end.D. Their "love" for the computer is so deep that they want to be near their machines even when they sleep.08. It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that ____.A. the "hacker" phenomenon exists only at university computer centersB. university computer centers are open to almost everyoneC. university computer centers are expecting outstanding programmers out of the "hackers"D. the "hacker" phenomenon is partly attributable to the deficiency of the computer centers09. The author's attitude towards the "hacker" phenomenon can be described as ____.A. affirmativeB. contemptuousC. anxiousD. disgusted10. Which of the following may be a most appropriate title for the passage?A. The Charm of Computer ScienceB. A New Type of Electronic ToysC. Compulsive Computer ProgrammersD. Computer AddictsQuestions 11-15 are based on the following passage:Every profession or trade, every art, and every science has its technical vocabulary. Different occupations, however, differ widely in the character of their special vocabularies. In trades and handicrafts, and other vocations, like farming and fishery, that have occupied great numbers of men from remote times, the technical vocabulary, is very old. It consists largely of native words, or of borrowed words that have worked themselves into the very fibre of our language. Hence, though highly technical in many particulars, these vocabularies are more familiar in sound, and more generally understood, than most other technicalities. The special dialects of law, medicine, divinity, and philosophy have also, in their older strata, become pretty familiar to cultivated persons and have contributed much to the popular vocabulary. Yet every vocation still possesses a large body of technical terms that remain essentially foreign, even to educated speech. And the proportion has been much increased in the last fifty years, particularly in the various departments of natural and political science and in the mechanic arts. Here new terms are coined with the greatest freedom, and abandoned with indifference when they have served their turn. Most of the new coinages are confined to special discussions, and seldom get into general literature or conversation. Yet no profession is nowadays, as all professions once were, a close guild. The lawyer, the physician, the man of science, the divine, associated freely with his fellow-creatures, and does not meet them in a merely professional way. Furthermore, what is called "popular science" makes everybody acquainted with modern views and recent discoveries. Any important experiment, though made in a remote or provincial laboratory, is at once reported in the newspapers, and everybody is soon talking about it - as in the case of the Roentgen rays and wireless telegraphy. Thus our common speech is always taking up new technical terms and making them commonplace.11. Special words used in technical discussion ____.A. never last longB. are considered artificial language speechC. should be confined to scientific fieldsD. may become part of common speech12. It is true that ____.A. an educated person would be expected to know most technical termsB. everyone is interested in scientific findingsC. the average man often uses in his own vocabulary what was once technical language not meant for himD. various professions and occupations often interchange their dialects and jargons13. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of technical terms in the terminology ofA. farmingB. sportsC. governmentD. fishery14. The writer of the article was, no doubt ____.A. a linguistB. an essayistC. a scientistD. an attorney15. The author's main purpose in the passage is to ____.A. describe a phenomenonB. be entertainingC. argue a beliefD. propose a solutionQuestions 16-20 are based on the following passage:In the days immediately following hurricane Andrew's deadly visit to South Florida, Allstate Insurance hastily dispatched more than 2,000 extra claim adjusters to the devastated area to assist the 200 stationed there. Many of the reserves arrived in convoys of motor homes. Others flew in from as far away as Alaska and California. Since the storm had knocked out telephone lines, Allstate rushed to set up its own communications system. Allatate expects to pay out 1.2 billion to cover more than 121,000 damage claims as a result of Andrew.All told, U.S. property and casualty insurers have been hit with more than 8 billion in Andrew-related claims, making the hurricane the most costly single calamity to strike the industry since the San Francisco earthquake and fire in 1906 (cost: 6 billion, after inflation). With claims continuing to pour in, Andrew threatens to take a painful toll on the already battered property-casualty insurance industry and its 100 million policy-holders. The final bill, analysts predict, is likely to top 10 billion. While most well-capitalized insurers are expected to weather the storm, less anchored firms are in danger of being blown away, leaving U.S. consumers stuck with the tab. Says Sean Mooney, senior researcher at the Insurance Information Institute: "It will take years before the industry digs itself out from the wreckage left by Andrew. Some [companies] will be buried by it."Hurricane Andrew is the latest in a string of mishaps to plague the American insurance industry this year. In April an overflowing Chicago River flooded the city's downtown district, costing insurers 300 million in claims. A month later, Los Angeles was rocked by the worst civilian riot in the U.S. since the Civil War. The insurance toll: 1 billion. Then came a series of major hailstorms in Texas, Florida an Kansas. They cost insurers a combined 700 million. And two weeks after Andrew, another lethal hurricane, Iniki, smashed into Hawaii, causing 1.4 billion in damages. In all, property and casualty insurers have paid out a record 13 billion in claims so far this year, far surpassing the previous high of 7.6 billion in 1989, the year of Hurricane Hugo and California's Bay Area earthquake. Just as in that year, when those catastrophes were followed by substantial increases in insurance premiums, insurers are already lobbying for rate relief.16. According to the passage, "Allstate Insurance" most likely refers to ____.A. one of the property and casualty insurers in the U.S.B. the only insurance company responsible for the damage claims by AndrewC. the insurance industry as a wholeD. the biggest insurance company in the U.S.17. As is stated in the second paragraph, the result of Hurricane Andrew is likely to ____.A. lead to inflation throughout the U.S.B. make the largest insurers suffer the mostC. put the industry in Sough Florida out of actionD. cause insurers with insufficient funds to go bankrupt18. Using context clues, we may infer that "stuck with the tab" most probably means ____.A. "caught in the hurricane"B. "exposed to natural disasters"C. "trapped in financial difficulties"D. "extremely vulnerable to further damages"19. The end of the passage implies that, to compensate for their huge loss, the insurers will ____.A. resort to a very big increase in insurance premiumsB. ask for subsidies from the federal governmentC. reduce their insurance coverage thereafterD. require a higher interest rate from the bank20. The main purpose of the passage is to ____.A. show the severe damages and heavy losses caused by Hurricane AndrewB. suggest that U.S. insurers are virtually unable to cover the damage claims any moreC. tell about the difficult situation faced by the insurers throughout the U.S.D. prove that disasters tend to cause ever worsening devastation as time goes on答案：Part I Reading Comprehension01.C 02.D 03.C 04.A 05.D 06.D 07.A 08.B 09.C 10.D11.D 12.C 13.C 14.A 15.A 16.A 17.D 18.C 19.A 20.C。