英语四级阅读真题练习及解析
英语四级长篇阅读练习题及答案解析
英语四级长篇阅读练习题及答案解析四级长篇阅读练习题：Promote Learning and Skills for Young People and AdultsA) This goal places the emphasis on the learning needs of young people and adults in the context of lifelong learning.It calls for fair access to learning programs that are appropriate，and mentions life skills particularly.B)Education is about giving people the opportunity to develop their potential，their personality and their strengths.This does not merely mean learning new knowledge，but also developing abilities to make the most of life.These are called life skills——including the inner capacities and the practical skills we need.C)Many of the inner capacities——often known as psych0—social skills——cannot be taught as subjects.They are not the same as academic or technical learnin9.They must rather be modeled and promoted as part of learning，and in particular by teachers.These skills have to do with the way we behave—towards other people，towards ourselves，towards the challenges and problems of life.They include skills in communicating，in making decisions and solving problems，in negotiating and expressing ourselves，in thinking critically and understanding our feelings.D)More practical life skills are the kinds of manual skills we need for the physical tasks we face.Some would include vocational skills under the heading of life skills——the ability to lay bricks.sew clothes，catch fish or repair a motorbike.These are skills by which people may earn their livelihood and which are often available to young people leaving school.In fact，very often young people learn psycho-social skills as they learn more practical skills.Learning vocational skills can be a strategy for acquiring both practical and psycho-social skills.E)We need to increase our life skills at every stage of life，so learning them may be part of early child—hood education.of primary and secondary education and of adult learning groups.Life skills can be put into the categories that the Jacques Delors report suggested;it spoke of four pillars of education，which correspond to certain kinds of life skills —Learning to know：Thinking abilities：such as problem—solving，critical thinking，decision making，understanding consequences.Learning to be：Personal abilities：such as managing stress and feelings，self-awareness，self-confidence.Learning to live together：Social abilities：such as communication，negotiation，teamwork.Learning to do： Manual skills：practicing know-how required for work and tasks.F)In todays world all these skills are necessary, in order to face rapid change in society.This means that it is important to know how to go on learning as we require new skills for life and work.In addition，we need to know how to cope with the flood of information and turn it in to useful knowledge.We also need to learn how to handle change in society and in our own lives.G)Life skills are both concrete and abstract—practical skills can be learned directly, as a subject.For example, a learner can take a course in laying bricks and learn that skill.Other life skills，such asself-confidence，self-esteem，and skills for relating to others or thinking critically cannot be taught in such direct ways.They should be part of any learning process，where teachers or instructors are concerned that learners should not just learn about subjects，but learn how to cope with life and make the most of their potential.H)So these life skills may be learnt when learning other things.For example：Learning literacy may have a big impact on self-esteem，on critical thinking or on communication skills;Learning practical skills s ach as drivin9，healthcare or tailoring may increase self-confidence，teach problem—solving processes or help in understanding consequences.I) Whether this is true depends on the way of teachin9—what kinds of thinkin9，relationship building and communication the teacher or facilitator models themselves and promotes among the learners.It would require measuring the individual and collective progress in making the most of learning and of life，or assessing how far human potential is being realized，or estimating how well people cope with change.It is easier to measure the development of practical skills，for instance by counting the number of students who register for vocational skills courses.However, this still may not tell us how effectively these skills are being used.J)The psych0.social skills cannot easily be measured by tests and scores，but become visible in Chang behavior.Progress in this area has often been noted by teachers on reports which they make to the parentsof their pupils.The teachers experience of life，of teaching and of what can be expected from education in the broadest sense serve as a standard by which the growth and development of individuals can be assessed to some extent.This kind of assessment is individual and may never appear in international tables and charts.K)The current challenges relate to these difficulties：We need to recognize the importance of life skillsboth practical and psycho-socialas part of education which leads to the full development of human potential and to the development of society.The links between psycho—social skills and practical skills must be more clearly spelled out，so that educators can promote both together and find effective ways to do this.Since life skills are taught as part of a wide range of subjects，teachers need to have training in how to put them across and how to monitor learnersgrowth in these areas.In designing curricula and syllabuses for academic subjects，there must be a balance between content teaching and attention to the accompanying life skills.A more conscious and deliberate effort to promote life skills will enable learners to become more active citizens in the life of society.L) Governments should recognize and actively advocate for the transformational role of education in realizing human potential and in socio—economic development.Ensure that curricula and syllabuses address life skills and give learners the opportunity to make real-life applications of knowledge，skills and attitudes.Show how life skills of all kinds apply in the world of work，for example，negotiating and communication skills，as well practical skills.Through initial andin-service teacher training，increase the use of active and participatory learning/teaching approaches.Examine and adapt the processes and content of education so that there is a balance between academic input and life skills development.Make sure that education inspectors look not only for academic progress through teaching and learning，but also progress in the communication， modeling and application of life skills.Advocate for the links between primary and(early)secondary education because learning life skills needs eight or nine years and recognize that the prospect of effective secondary education is an incentive to children，and their parents，to complete primary education successfully.M)Funding agencies should support research，exchange anddebate.nationally and regionally,on ways of strengthening life skills education.Support innovative(创新的)teacher training in order to combine life skills promotion into subjects across the curriculum and as a fundamental part of what school and education are about.Recognize the links between primary and secondary education in ensuring that children develop strong life skills.Support，therefore，the early years of secondary education as part basic education.N) As support to governments and in cooperation with other international agencies，UNESC0：Works to define life skills better and clarify what it means to teach and learn them.Assists education. policy makers and teachers to develop and use a life skills approach to education.Advocates for the links between a life skills approach to education and broader society and human development.46.The recognition of life skills as part of education will promote the development of human potential and society.47.The abilities to make the most of life consist of the inner capacities and the practical skills.48.The progress in psycho—social skills can be measured by changed behavior.ernments should examine and adapt the processes and content of education so as to balance the academic input and life skills development.50.According to Jacques Delors，four pillars of education include learning to know, learning to be， learning to live together and learning to do.51.The funding agencies should link primary education and secondary education to make sure that children develop strong life skills.52.Learning literacy may exert an influence on self-esteem，critical thinking and communication skills.53.One function of UNESCO is to help educational policy makers and teachers to develop and use a life skills approach to education.54.Learning vocational skills can be an approach to acquiring both practical and psycho—social skills.55.The abilities to manage stress and feelings，self-awareness，self-confidence are personal abilities.答案解析：【解析】J)。
大学英语四级阅读理解试题及答案解析
大学英语四级阅读理解试题及答案（一）一There are three kinds of goals: short-term,medium-range and long-term goals.Short-range goals are those that usually deal with current activities,which we can apply on a daily basis.Such goals can be achieved in a week or less,or two weeks,or possible months.It should be remembered that just as a building is no stronger than its foundation ,out long-term goals cannot amount to very munch without the achievement of solid short-term goals.Upon completing our short-term goals,we should date the occasion and then add new short-term goals that will build on those that have been completed.The intermediate goals bukld on the foundation of the short-range goals.They might deal with just one term of school or the entire school year,or they could even extend for several years.Any time you move a step at a time,you should never allow yourself to become discouraged or overwhelmed. As you complete each step,you will enforce the belief in your ability to grow adn succeed.And as your list of completion dates grow,your motivation and desire will increase.Long-range goals may be related to our dreams of the future. They might cover five years or more. Life is not a static thing.We should never allow a long-term goal to limit us or our course of action.1.Our long-term goals mean a lot__.a.if we complete our short-range goalsb.if we cannot reach solid short-term goalsc.if we write down the datesd.if we put forward some plans2.New short-term goals are bulid upon__.a.two yearsb.long-term goalsc.current activitiesd.the goals that have been completed3.When we complete each step of our goals ,__.a.we will win final successb.we are overwhelmedc.we should build up confidence of successd.we should strong desire for setting new goals4.Once our goals are drawn up,__.a.we should stick to them until we complete themb.we may change our goals as we have new ideas and opportunitiesc.we had better wait for the exciting news of successd.we have made great decision5.It is implied but not stated in the passage that ___.a.those who habe long-term goals will succeedb.writing down the dates may discourage youc.the goal is only a guide for us to reach our desinationd.every should have a goal答案：adcbc二The economy of the United states after 1952 was the econnomy of a well-fed,almost fully employed people. Despit occasional alarms, the country escaped any postwar depression and lived in a state of boom. A n economic survey of the year 1955, a typical year of the 1950’s, may be typical as illustrating the rapid economic growth of the decade. The national output was value at 10 percent above that of 1954 (1955 output was estimated at 392 billion dollars). The production of manufacturers was about 40 percent more than it had averaged in the years immediately following World War 2. The country’s business spent about 30billion dollars for new factories and machinery. National income available for spending was almost a third greater than it had been it had been in 1950. Consumers spent about 256 billion dollars; that is about 700 million dollars a day ,or about twenty-five million dollars every hour , all round the clock. Sixty-five million people held jobs and only a little more than two million wanted jobs but could not find them . Only agriculture complained that it was not sharing in the room. To some observers this was an ominous echo of the mid-1920’s . As farmer’s shreof their products declined , marketing costs rose. But there were , among the observers of the national economy, a few who were not as confident as the majority . Those few seemed to fear that the boom could not last and would eventually lead to the oppsite-depression.1. What is the best title of the passage?a. The Agriculatural Trends of 1950’sb. The Unemployment Rate of 1950’sc. U.S. Economy in the 50’sd. The Federal Budget of 19522. In Line 4 , the word “boom”could best be replaced by______.a. nearby explosionb. thunderous noisec. general public supportd. rapid economic growth3. It can be inferred the national from the passage that most people in the United States in 1955 viewed the national economy with an air of _________.a. confidenceb. confusionc. disappointmentd. suspicion4. Which of the following were LEAST satisfied with the nationaleconomy in the 1950’s?a. Economistsb. Frmaersc. Politiciansd. Steelworkers5. The passage states that incom available for spending in the U.S. was greater in 1955 than in 1950 . How much was it ?a. 60%b. 50%c. 33%d. 90%答案：cdabc三Women are also underrepresented in the administration and this is because there are so few women full professors. In 1985,Regent Beryl Milburn produced a report blasting the University of Texas System adminitration for not encouraging women.The University was rated among the lowest for the system.In a 1987 update ,Milburn commended the progress that was made and called for even more improvement.One of the positive results from her study was a System-wide program to inform women of available administrative jobs.College of Communication Associate Dean Patrica Witherspoon,saidit is important that woman be flexible when it comesto relocating if they want to rise in the ranks.Although a woman may face a chilly climate on campus , many times in order for her to succeed , she must rise above the problems around her and concentrate on her work.Until women make up a greater percentage of the senior positions in the University and all academia,inequities will exist."Women need to spend their energies and time doing scholarly activities that are important here at the University." Spirduso said. "If they do that will be successful in this system.If they spend their time in little groups mourning the sexual discrimination that they think exists here, they are wasting valuable study time."1.According to Spirduso,women need to ____.a.produce a report on sexual discriminationb.call for further improvement in their working conditionsc.spend their energies and time fighting against sexual discriminationd.spend more time and energy doing scholarly activities2.From this passage ,we know that _____.a.there are many women full professors in the University of Texasb.women play an important part in adminitrating the Universityc.the weather on the campus is chillyd.women make up a small percentage of the senior positions in the University3.Which of the following statements is true?a.the number of women professors in the University in 1987 was greater than that of 1985b.the number of women professors in the University in 1987 was smaller than that of 1985c.the number of women professors was the same as that of 1985d.more and more women professors thought that sexual discrimination did exit in the University4.One of the positive results from Milburn's study was that _____.a.women were told to con centrate on teir workb.women were given information about available administrative jobsc.women were encouraged to take on all the administrative jobs in the Unversityd.women were encouraged to do more scholarly activities5. The title for this passage should be _______.a.The University of Texasburn's Reportc.Women Professorsd.Sexual Discrimination in Academia答案：ddabd四Today ,as in every other day of the year ,more than 3000 U.S. adlescents will smoke their first cigarette on their way to becoming regular smokers as adults. During their lifetime,it can be expected that of these 3000 about 23 will be murdered,30 will die in traffic accidents, and nearly 750 will be killed by a smoking-related disease. The number of deaths attributed to cigarette smoking outweithts all other factors, whether voluntary or involuntary, as a cause of death.Since the late 1970s, when daily smoking among high school seniors reached 30 precent , smoking rates among youth have declined . While the decline is impressive ,several important issues must be raised.First, in the past several years,smoking rates among youth have declined very little. Second,in the late 1970s ,smoking among male high school seniors exceeded that among female by nearly 10 percent . The statistic is reversing.Third ,several recent studies have indicate high school dropouts have excessively high smoking rates, as much as 75 percent .Finally, thouth significant declines in adolescent smoking have occurred in the past decade,no definite reasons for the decline exist. Within this context,the Naional Cancer Instiute (NCI) began its current effort to determine the most effecive measures to reduce smoking levesl among youth.1.According to the author, the deaths among youth are mainly caused by _____.a.traffic accidentsb.smoking-related deseasec.murderd.all of these2.Every day there are over_____high school strdents who will become regular smoker.a.75b.23c.30d.30003.By "dropout" the author means______.a.students who failed the examinationb.students who left schoolc.students who lost their wayd.students who were driven out of school4.The reason for declining adolescent smoking is that ________.a.NCI has taken effective measuresb.smoking is prevented among high school seniorsc.there are many smokers who have died of cancerd.none of these5.What is implied but not stated by the author is that ________.a.smoking rates among youth have declined very littleb.there are now more female than male smokers among high schoolseniorsc.high smoking rates are due to the incease in wealthd.smoking at high school are from low socio-economic backgrounds答案：bdbdb五The food we eat seems to have profound effects on our health.Although science has made enormous steps in making food more fit to eat ,it has, at the same time,made many foods unfit to eat. Some research has shown that perhaps eighty percent of all human illnesses are related to diet and forty percent of cancer is related to the diet as well,especially cancer of the colon. Different cultures are more likely to cause certain different illnesses because of the food that is characteristic in these cultures. That food is related to illness is nto a new discovery. In 1945, about 35 years ago, government researchers realized that nitrates, commonly used to preserve color in meats,and other food additivies,caused cancer. Yet, these carcinogenic additives remain in our food, and it becomes more difficult all the time to know which things on the packaging labels of processed food are helpful or harmful. The additives which we eat are not all so direct. Farmers often give penicillin to beef and living animals, and because of this ,penicillin has been found in the milk of treated cow. Sometimes similar drugs are given to animals not for medical purposes,but for financial reasons. The farmers aresimply trying to fatten the animals in order to obtain a higher price on the market. Although the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has tried repeatedly to control these procedures, the practices continue.1.What is the best possible title of the passage?a.Drug and Foodb.Cancer and Healthc.Food and Healthd.Health and Drug2.Which of the following statements is NOT ture?a.Drugs are always given to animals for medical reasonsb.Some of the additives in our food are added to the food itself and some are given to the living animalsc.Researchers have known about the potential dangers of food additives for over thirty-five years.d.Food may cause forty percent of cancer in world.3.How has science done something harmful to mankind?a.Because of science , diseases caused by polluted food haven been virtually eliminated.b.It has caused a lack of information concerning the value of food.c.Because of the application of science,some potentially harmful substances have been added to food.d.The scientists have preserved the color of meats,but not ofvegetables.4.What are nitrates used for?a.They preserve flavor in packaged foods.b.They preserve the color of meats.c.They are the objects of research.d.They cause the animals to become fatter.5.The word 'carcinogenic' most nearly means '_____'.a.trouble-makingb.color-retainingc.money-makingd.cancer-causing答案：cacbdWhat is your favourite colour? Do you like yellow , orange ,red? If you do ,you must be an optimist, a leader, an active person who enjoys life, people and excitement. Do you prefer greys and blues? Then you are probably quiet,shy, and you would rather follow than lead. You tend to be a pessimist. At least, this is what psychologists tell us, and they should know,because they have been seriously studying the meaning of colours preference, as well as the effect that colours have on human beings. They tells us, among other facts,that we do not choose our favourite clour aswe grow up----we are born with our preference.If you happen to love brown, you did so, as soon as you opened your eyes, or at least as soon as you could see clearly.Colours do influence our moods----there is no doubt about it .A yellow room makes most people feel more cheerful and more relaxed than a dark green one; and a red dress brings warmth and cheer to the saddest winter day. On the other hand ,black is depressing. A black bridge over the Thames River, near London, used to be the scene of more suicides than any other bridge in the area ----until it was repainter green.The number of suicide attempts immediately fell sharply ;perhaps it would have fallen even more if the bridge had been done in pink or baby blue.Light and bright colours make people not only hppier but more active. It is an established fact that factory workers work better,harder ,and have fewer accidents when their machines are painted orange rather than black or grey.1."You would rather follow than red" means_______.a.you don't like to follow othersb.you would be a member rather than a leaderc.you would be afraid of following othersd.you would like to be a leader rather than a follower2.If one enjoys life, one is sure to prefer________.a.red to yellowb.blue to orangec.red to greyd.blue to yellow3."They tell us, among other facts,that we don't choose our favourite colours as we grow up." "Among other facts" means______.a.besides other factsb.in regard to other factsc.not considering other factsd.according to other facts4.Which of the following is facts?a.People's preference of one colour to another is instinctb.People's preference of one colour to another is acquired as they grow up.c.More people happen to love brown because they saw something brown when they were bornd.Colours have little influence on our moods5.Those who committed suicide preferred the bridge over the Thames River near london to others because of _______.a.its shapeb.its structurec.its colourd.its building materials答案：bcaac十二Social customs and ways of behaving change. Things which were considered impolite many years ago are now acceptable. Just a few years ago, it was considered impolite behaviour for a man to smoke on street. No man who thought of himself by smoking when a lady was in a room.Customs also differ from country to country. Does a man walk on the left or the right of a woman in your country? Or doesn't it matter? Should you use both hands when you are eating? Should leave one in your lap,or on the table?The Americans and the British not only speak the same language but also share a large number of social customs. For example, in both America and England people shake hands when they meet each other for the first time. Also, most Englishmen will open a door for a wonman or offer their seat to a woman , and so will most Americans. Promptness is important both in England and in America. That is , if a dinner invitation is for 7 o'clock , the dinner guest either arrives close to that time or calls up to explain his delay.The important thing to remember about social customs is not to do anything that might make other people feel uncomfortable-----especially if they are your guests. When the food wasserved , one of the guests strated to eat his peas with a knife . The other guests were amused or shocked , but the host calmly picked up his knife and began eating in the same way. It would have been bad manners to make his guest feel foolish or uncomfortable.1.If one has accepted a dinner invitation ,what should he do if he is tobe late for the dinner?a.He should find an excuseb.He should adk for excuse.c.He should say sorryd.He should telephone to explain his being late.2."It would have been bad manners to make his guests feel foolish or uncomfortable." "Bad manners " means ________.a.uglyb.dishonestc.impolited.shameful3.which of the following do you think is the best tiltle for this passage?a.Social Customs and Customsb.Social Lifec.American and British Customsd.Promptness Is Important4.According to the text, the best host_______.a.tries his best to make his guests feel comfortableb.makes his guests feel excitedc.tries to avoid being naughty to his guestsd.tries to avoid being foolish5.The author of this article may agree with which of the following?a.The guest who ate his peas with a knifeb.The other guests who were amused or shockedc.The host who picked up his knife and began eating in the same wayd.None of the above答案：dcaac十三New Orleans, Louisiana, was established as part of the French Empire in 1718.Its location on the east bank of the Mississippi River gave it control of the American hinerland and it became strategically important to many nations. It was transferred from France to Spain, returned to France,and finally sold by Napoleon to the United States in 1803. The city was the site of a famous battle fought in 1815 between the British, who hoped to control it , and the Americans under General And rew Jackson.The riverbed of the Mississippi is constantly silting and the river isnow actually higher than the city. Levees hold back the river and giant pumps are used to move water from the city into the river.Although New Orleans haas beena part of the United States for almost two centuries, its population takes great pride in its French heritage. Louisiana still retains parts of the Code Napoleon which,form many years,was its only law.New Orleans is carefree city and it boasts its hot, spicy Creole seafood and its native Dixieland Jazz. The jackson Square neighborhood maintains its French colonial homes and in other sections are pre-Civil War mansions. Visitors are surprised to find that behind this interesting facade of yesteryear, is a busy industrial and port city. Grain and coal come from the Midwest and foreigh cargoes are unloaded here. New Orleans is no longer a sleepy Southern town----but it's still fun to visit.1.What accounts for the levees and pumps in New Orleans?a.The Mississippi frequently floods the city.b.The riverbed has raised inthe past 200 years.c.The torrential rains flood the city frequently.d.The high humidity cannot otherwise be comtrolled.2.The battle of New Orleans was fought by jackson against______.a.Franceb.Britainc.Spaind.The North3.The Code Napoleon was _______.a.an agreement to sell Louisianab.a body of lawsc.a city pland.a military code for the army4.Which of the following elements does not apply to the attiude of the inhabitants of New Orleans?a.Pride in their French heritage.b.A desire to retain picturesque colonial buildings.c.A refusal to engage in trade and commerced.A praising of Dixieland Jazz.5.Tourists visiting New Orleans are surprised to encounter_____.a.Creole foodb.Dixieland jazzc.bustling cityd.authentic colonial homes答案：bbbcc十四The United States is on the verge of losing its leading place in the world's technology. So says more than one study in recent years. One of the reasons for this decline is the parallel decline in the number of U.S.scientists and engineers.Since 1976,employment of scientists and engineers is up 85 percent. This trend is expected to continue. However, the trend shows that the number of 22-year-olds--the near term source of future PH.D.s-is declining. Further adding to the problem is the increased competition for these candidates from other fields-law,medicine,business,etc. While the number of U.S. PH.D.s in science and engineering declines,the award of PH.D.s to foreign nationals is increasing rapidly.Our inability to motivate students to pursue science and engineering careers at the graduate level is compounded because of the intense demand industry has for bright Bachelor's and Master's degree holders. Too often, promising PH.D.candidates, confronting the cost and financial sacrifice of pursuing their education,find the attraction of industry irresistible.1.The U.S.will come to lose its leading place in technology probably because ________.a. the number of PH.D. degree holders is decliningb. the number of scientists and engineers is decreasingc. the number of 22-year-ilds is decliningd. scientists and engineers are not employed2.The field of science and engineering is facing a competition from ________ .a. technologyb. foreign nationalsc. such fields as law, medicine and businessd. postgraduatesrge-scale enterprises now need _______.a. bright graduates and postgraduatesb. new inventionsc. advanced technologyd. engineers4.Many promising postgraduates are unwilling to pursue a PH.D. degree because _________.a. they are not encouraged to be engaged in scienceb. industry does not require PH.D. holdersc. they have financial difficultiesd. they will spend much time and energy completing PH.D.5.PH.D. candidates "find the attraction of industry irresistible" means that _________.a. they find industry is attracting more and more college studentsb. they don't think they can prevent themselves from working for industryc. they cannot resist any attraction from all sidesd. they cannot work for industry any longer答案：bcadb十五Newdays,a standard for measuring power has changed.These changes foretell a new standard for measuring power.No longer will a nation's political influence be based solely on the strength of its military forces. Of course, military effectiveness will remain a primary primary measure of power.But political influence is also closely tied to industrial competitiveness. It's often said that without its military the Soviet Union would really be a third-world nation. The new standard of opwer and influence that is evolving now places more emphasis on the ability of a country to compete effectively in the economic markets of the world.America must recognize this new course of events. Our success in shaping world events over the past 40 years has been the direct result of our ability to adapt technology and to take advantage of the capabilities of our people for the purpose of maintaining peace. Our industrial prowess over most of this period was unchallenged. It is ironic that it is just this prowess that has enabled other countries to prosper and in turn to threaten our industrial leadership.The competitiveness of America's industrial base is an issue bigger than the Department of Defense and is going to require the efforts of the major institutional forces in our society-government,industry,and education. That is not to say that the Defense Department will not be astrong force in the process because we will. But we simply cannot be, nor should we be, looked upon by others as the savior of American industry.1. Now a nation's political influence depends on _________.a. the strength of its military forcesb. its ability to compete in industryc. economic marketsd. both a and b2. The Soviet Union was not listed as a third-world nation just because of _________.a. its powerful military forcesb. its vast landc. its industrial competitivenessd. its contributions to world peace3. The author indicates that ______ is threatening American political power.a. other countriesb. the declining U.S. industrial basec. a new standard for measuring powerd. less advanced technology4. America succeeded in shaping world events over past 40 years probably because of ___________.a. its ability to adapt technologyb. its ability to take advantage of the capabilities of its peoplec. its ability to compete in the world marketsd. both a and b5. The purpose of writing this article is __________.a. to draw the readers' attention to a new standard for measuring powerb. to demonstrate American political influence in the worldc. to emphasize that efforts must be made to strengthen the declining U.S. industrial based. to show American industrial prowess答案：dabdc。
英语四级考试阅读精选题及答案讲解
英语四级考试阅读精选题及答案讲解英语四级考试阅读精选题(一)Some houses are designed to be smart. Others have smart designs. An e某ample of the secondtype of house won an Award of E某cellence from the American Institute of Architects.Located on the shore of Sullivan’s Island off the coast of South Carolina, the award-winningcube-shaped beach house was built to replace one smashed to pieces by Hurricane (飓风) Hugo10 years ago. In September1989, Hugo struck South Carolina, killing 18 people and damagingor destroying 36,000 homes in the state.Before Hugo, many new houses built along South Carolina’s shoreline were poorly constructed,and enforcement of building codes wasn’t strict, according to architect Ray Huff, who createdthe cleverly-designed beach house. In Hugo’s wake, all new shoreline houses are required tomeet stricter, better-enforced codes.The new beach house on Sullivan’s Island should be able towithstand a Category 3 hurricane with peak winds of 179 to 209 kilometers per hour.At first sight, the house on Sullivan’s Island looks anything but hurricane-proof. Its redwoodshell makes it resemble “a large party lantern (灯笼)” at night, according to one observer. Butlooks can be deceiving. The house’s wooden frame is reinforced with long steel rods to give ite某tra strength.To further protect the house from hurricane damage, Huff raised it 2.7 meters off the groundon timber pilings—long, slender columns of wood anchored deep in the sand. Pilings mightappear insecure, but they arestrong enough to support the weight of the house. They alsoelevate the house above storm surges. The pilings allow thesurges to run under the houseinstead of running into it. “These swells of water come ashore at tremendous speeds and causemost of the damage done to beach-front buildings,” said Huff.Huff designed the timber pilings to be partially concealed by the house’s ground-to-roofshell. “ The shell masks the pilings so that the house doesn’t look like it’s standing with itspant legs pulled up,” said Huff. In the event of a storm surge, the shell should break apart andlet the waves rush under the house, the architect e某plained.练习题：Choose correct answers to the question:1. After the tragedy caused by Hurricane Hugo, new houses built along SouthCarolina’s shore line are required ________.A. to be easily reinforcedB. to look smarter in designC. to meet stricter building standardsD. to be designed in the shape of cubes2. The award-winning beach house is quite strong because________.A. it is strengthened by steel rodsB. it is made of redwoodC. it is in the shape of a shellD. it is built with timber and concrete3. Huff raised the house 2.7 meters off the ground on timber pilings in order to________.A. withstand peak winds of about 200 km/hrB. anchor stronger pilings deep in the sandC. break huge sea waves into smaller onesD. prevent water from rushing into the house4. The main function of the shell is ________.A. to strengthen the pilings of the houseB. to give the house a better appearanceC. to protect the wooden frame of the houseD. to slow down the speed of the swelling water5. It can be inferred from the passage that the shell should be ________.A. fancy-lookingB. waterproofC. easily breakableD. e某tremely strong英语四级考试阅读精选题答案1.[C] 根据题目中的专有名词Hugo查找到文中第3段第2句。
英语四级阅读理解练习题及解析
英语四级阅读理解练习题及解析(1)【阅读练习】What is it about Americans and food? We love to eat,but we feel 1 about it afterward. We say we want only the bes t, but we strangely enjoy junkfood.We’re 2 with health an d weight loss but face an unprecedented epidemic of obesity(肥胖). Perhaps the 3 to this ambivalence(矛盾情结) lies in our history. The first Europeans cameto this con tinent searching for new spices but went in vain. The first cash crop经(济作物)wasn’t eaten but smoked. Then there was Prohibition, i ntended to prohibit drinking butactually encouraging more 4 ways of doing it.The immigrant experience, too, has been one of inharmony.Do as Romans do meanseating what ―real Americans‖ e at, but our nation’s food has come to be 5 by import—s piz za,say, or hot dogs. And some of thecountry’s most treas ured cooking comes from people whoarrived here in shack les.Perhaps it should come as no surprise then that food has been a medium for the nation’sdefining struggles, whether at the Boston Tea Party or the sit?ins at southern lunch c ounters.It is integral to our concepts of health and even m orality whether one refrains from alcohol forreligious reaso ns or evades meat for political 6But strong opinions have not brought 7 . Americans are a mbivalent about what they putin their mouths. We have b ecome 8 of our foods, especially as we learn more about what theycontain.The 9 in food is still prosperous in the American conscious ness. It’s no coincidence, then,that the first Thanksgiving holds the American imagination in such bondage( 束缚). It’s whatwe eat—and how we 10 it with friends, famil y, and strangers—that help define America as acommunity today.A.answer I. creativeB.result J. beliefC.share K. suspiciousD.guilty L. certaintyE.constant M. obsessedF.defined N. identifyG.vanish O. idealsH.adapted【答案及详解】1. D feel 是一个系动词，可以判断此处应填入一个形容词，通过上下文意思，以及后面介词about, 可以确定选项为D 项guilty, 短语feel guilty about sth. 对……感到有愧‖。
英语四级阅读练习+答案精讲+译文word版本
英语四级阅读练习+答案精讲+译文Aldous Huxley was a most unfortunate man.When he died in 1963 he must have expired in the confident belief that the event would be given wide coverage in the press the next day.After all,his career had not been without distinction.Where he made his big mistake was in dying on the same day that John F.Kennedy was assassinated.As a result Huxley got about three column inches at the bottom of page 27.In the same way the death of Victor Farris has gone widely unnoticed because he foolishly shuffled off this mortal coil at the same time as Mr.Konstantin Chernenko.Now,as you all know,Victor Farris was the chap who invented the paper clip.The paper milk carton too.And paper clips and milk cartons will be in use long after everyone has forgotten the name of the comrade who came between Andropov and whatever this new bloke is called.『The same goes for the inventor of the supermarket trolley who died in Switzerland a few months ago.』①Fell off his trolley,so to speak.『For all I know,he may be a household name in his own canton and they are putting up a statue of home wheeling his trolley,and are going to commemorate him on one of those ever-so-tasteful Swiss postage stamps we used to collect when we were younger and wiser,』②but I doubt if his name will be remembered outside the borders of his small country.Personally I forgot it within minutes of reading of his decease.Not that it matters.Somehow it is hard to imagine things like paper clips and supermarket trolleys having had a n amed inventor.It’s like discovering that at a particular moment of history a particular person invented the spoon,or the chair, or socks.One assumes that these everyday objects just happened,or evolved through natural selection.It isn’t necessarily so.I read only the other day that Richard Ⅱ invented the handkerchief.Almost everything else was invented either by Leonardo daVinci(scissors,bicycles,helicopters,and probably spoons,socks and the Rubik cube aswell)or by Benjamin Franklin(lightning-conductor,rocking-chair,bifocals)or else by Joseph Stalin(television).It’s quite possible that Leonardo or Benjamin Franklin or Stalin also invented the supermarket trolley.Certainly it has been invented more than once.Hardly was Herr Edelweiss(or whatever the Swiss chap was called)in his grave,than news came of the death of Sylvan N.Goodman at the age of 86.Sylvan also invented the supermarket trolley or,as the Los Angeles Times report calls it,the shopping cart.Be that as it may,Herr Edelweiss or Sylvan Goodman,or both,did a grand job and made supermarket shopping far less hellish than it would otherwise be.The next step will be to get the trolleys out of the shops and into the streets.You could put an engine in the front and call it a car.Or give it big wheels and a canopy and call it a pram.The possibilities are endless.1.It can be inferred from the passage that Herr Edelweiss.A.was remembered by the people all over worldB.made a lot of money from his inventionC.was not very famousD.was a business partner of Sylvan Goodman2.The author writes this article in order to illustrate that.A.the names of the people who invented the most useful things are usually forgottenB.everyday objects are invented and evolve through natural selectionC.many everyday objects are invented more than onceD.many famous people have passed away without being noticed3.Who probably invented spoons?A.Leonardo da Vinci.B.Benjamin Franklin.C.Victor Farris.D.A person unknown.4. By stating that Leonardo da Vinci invented helicopters, the author means .A. he really did itB. he is a military scientistC. he painted in one of his masterpieces a helicoptersD. people turn to ascribe inventions to him but they are wrong5.What can be inferred about Aldous Huxley?A.His death was not reported by the press.B.He was a famous inventor.C.He made a very big mistake in his late years.D.He died on the same day as John F.Kenneddy.Vocabulary1.canopy n. 天篷2.pram n. 婴儿车长难句解析①【解析】“the same goes”解析为同样的事情也发生，例:The same goes for our classmates.同样的事情也发生在我的同学身上。
英语四级阅读练习及答案解析
英语四级阅读练习及答案解析ANSWER:1.选J)。
此处应填副词。
可选项有totally和alone，由前一句中just可推出，外表上的细节仅仅能告诉我们这个人的健康状况，平时的营养状况以及他所从事的工作而不能看出他所处的阶级，故排除totally而选alone“惟一”。
2.选D)。
此处应填形容词。
因此此句和前一句是在将以前的工人阶级和上层阶级的身体状况进行对比，故此处应填与small“矮的”意思相反的词，选项中只有tall符合题意。
而full“丰满的”不能用来修饰sporting types,故排除。
3.选G)。
此处应填名词。
现在的生活和工作条件改善了，情况已经不同了。
而such指代的是上文中对一百年以前工人阶级和上层阶级的身体状况的身体状况的描述，故descriptions“描述”符合题意。
4.选B)。
此处应填名词。
根据句意“衣服可以提供...方面的信息”，选项中有background和hobby，选background“人的背景，社会阶层”，符合*主题。
5.选I)。
由as well可知，此处应填名词且与本段首句中的informaiton 的意思相近，选项中只有clues“线索”符合题意。
6.选K)。
此处应填动词的原形。
选项中有appear和consider,appear可直接接不定式;而consider带不定式的复合结构，用于主动语态时，consider后面得接宾语，故选appear。
7选F)。
这句中this指代bright colour，句子主干是any opportunity is...。
可选项有taken和fetched,take“抓住”则可以与opportunity搭配，但fetch“拿来”不能与 opportunity构成动宾搭配，故排除fetched而选taken。
8.选A)。
此处应填形容词。
句子意思是“衣服的价钱......，大多数人都买得起。
”选项中只有available“可以接受的”符合题意。
英语四级阅读理解试题含答案
英语四级阅读理解试题含答案英语四级阅读理解试题：【原文】Three Kinds of FatigueFatigue is one of the most common complaints brought to doctors, friends, and relatives. Youd think in this era of labor-saving devices and convenient transportation that few people would have reason to be so tired. But probably more people complain of fatigue today than in the days when hay was baled by hand and laundry scrubbed on a washboard.The causes of modern-day fatigue are diverse and only rarely related to excessive physical exertion. The relatively few people who do heavy labor all day long almost never complain about being tired, perhaps because they expect to be. Today, physicians report, tiredness is more likely a consequence of under-exertion than of wearing yourself down with over-activity. In fact, increased physical activity is often prescribed as a cure for lowering energy.Physical. This is the well-known result of overworking your muscles to the point where metabolic (新成代谢的) waste products—carbon dioxide and lactic acid (乳酸)—accumulate in our blood and reduce your strength. Your muscles cant continue to work efficiently in a bath of these chemicals. Physical fatigue is usually a pleasant tiredness, such as that which you might experience after playing a hard set of tennis, chopping wood, orclimbing a mountain. The cure is simple and fast: You rest, giving your body a chance to get rid of accumulated wastes and restore muscle fuel.Pathological (病理的). Here fatigue is a warning sign or consequence of some underlying physical disorder, perhaps the common cold or flu or something more serious like diabetes or cancer. Usually other symptoms besides fatigue are present that suggest the true cause.Even after an illness has passed, youre likely to feel dragged out for a week or more. Take your fatigue as a signal to go slow while your body has a chance to recover fully even if all you had was a cold. Pushing yourself to resume full activity too soon could lead to a relapse (旧病复发) and almost certainly will prolong our period of fatigue.Even though illness is not frequent cause of prolonged fatigue, its very important that it not be overlooked. Therefore, anyone who feels drained of energy for weeks on end should have a thorough physical check-up. But even if nothing shows up as a result of the various medical tests, that doesnt mean theres nothing wrong with you.Psychological. Emotional problems and conflicts, especially depression and anxiety, are by far the most common causes of prolonged fatigue. Fatigue may represent a defence mechanism that prevents you from having to face the true cause of your depression, such as the fact that you hate your job. It is also your bodys safety mechanism for expressing repressed emotional conflicts, such as feeling trapped in an ungrateful role or an unhappy marriage. When such feelings are not expressed openly, they often come out as physical symptoms, with fatigue as one of the most common manifestations. "Many people who are extremely fatigued dont even know theyre depressed," Dr. Bulette says. "Theyre so busy distractingthemselves or just worrying about being tired that they dont recognize their depression. "There is a great deal you can do on your own to deal with both severe prolonged fatigue and those periodic washed-out feelings. Vitamins and tranquilizers (镇静剂 ) are almost never the right answer, sleeping pills and alcohol are counterproductive, and caffeine is at best a temporary solution that can backfire with abuse and cause life-disrupting symptoms of anxiety. Instead, you might try: DietIf you eat a small breakfast or none at all, youre likely to experience mid-morning fatigue, the result of a drop in blood sugar, which your body and brain depend on for energy. For peak energy in the morning, be sure to eat a proper breakfast, low in sugar and fairly high in protein, which will provide a steady supply of blood sugar throughout the morning. Coffee and a doughnut are almost worse than nothing, providing a brief boost and then letting you down with a thud. ExerciseContrary to what you may think, exercise enhances, rather than saps, energy. Regular conditioning exercises, such as jogging, cycling, or swimming, help you to resist fatigue by increasing your bodys ability to handle more of a work load. You get tired less quickly because your capability is greater.Exercise also has a well-recognized tranquilizing effect, which helps you work in a more relaxed fashion and be less dragged down by the tensions of your day. At the end of a day exercise can relieve accumulated tensions, give you more energy in the evening, and help you sleep more restfully.SleepIf you know youre tired because you havent been getting enough sleep, the solution is simple: Get to bed earlier. Theres no right amount of sleep for everyone, and generally sleep requirements decline with age. Find the amount that suits you best, and aim for it. Insomnia(失眠) and other sleep disorders should not be treated with sleeping pills, alcohol, or tranquilizers, which can actually make the problem worse.Know yourselfTry to schedule your most difficult jobs for the time of day when youre at your peak. Some are "morning people" who tire by mid-afternoon; others do their best work in the evening. Dont overextend yourself, trying to climb the ladder of success at a record pace or to meet everyones demands or expectations. Decide what you want to do and what you can handle comfortably, and learn to say no to additional requests. Recognize your energy cycles and plan accordingly. Many women have a low point premenstrually, during which time extra sleep may be needed and demanding activities are particularly exhausting. , Take breaksNo matter how interesting or demanding you work, youll be able to do it with more vigor if now and again you stop, stretch, and change the scenery. Instead of coffee and a sweet roll on your break, try meditation, yoga, callisthenics(健美操) , or a brisk walk. Even running up and down the staircase can provide refreshment from a sedentary(久坐的) job. If your job is physically demanding, relax in a quiet place for a while. The do-something-different rule also applies to vacation; "getting away from it all" for a week or two or longer can be highly revitalizing, helping you to put things in perspective and enabling you to take your job more in stride upon your return.英语四级阅读理解试题：【题目】1. According to the passage, it is hard for people to find causes of tiredness when they are leading a comfortable and convenient life.2. Causes of certain types of fatigue are discussed and some suggestions are put forward in the passage.3. Most people dont want to talk about their unhappy feelings with others.4. Physical fatigue is good because it brings us a lot of pleasure.5. Psychological fatigue is the likely response of our body to emotional problems and conflicts.6. Coffee and a doughnut make the satisfying breakfast as they provide people with the desired energy.7. When you have a prolonged fatigue, it is necessary to have a thorough physical check-up even if there is nothing wrong with you.8. No matter how interesting or demanding your work, you needto______.9. From the passage, it can be seen that the authors attitudes towards the approach to dealing with modern-fatigue is______.10. According to physicians report, tiredness more probably results from______.英语四级阅读理解试题：【答案】1. N2. Y3. NG4. N5. Y6. N7. N8. take breaks9. positive 10. under-exertion猜你感兴趣：1.大学英语四级阅读理解模拟题附答案2.大学英语四级阅读真题附答案3.大学英语四级阅读理解模拟题带答案4.大学英语四级阅读理解专练题及答案5.2017年英语四级阅读理解试题及答案6.大学英语四级阅读理解试题附答案7.四级英语阅读理解试题带答案。
2024年6月英语四级真题试卷第1套及答案解析
2024年6月大学英语四级真题（第1套）Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: Suppose your university is seeking students’ opinions on whether university libraries should be open to the public. You are now to write an essay to express your view. You will have 30 minutes for the task. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.PartⅡListening Comprehension (25 minutes) 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).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Due to a fire alarm in their apartments.B) Because of the smoke and heat damage.C) Due to the water used to extinguish the flames.D) Because of the collapse of the three-story building.2. A) Investigating the cause of the incident.B) Helping search for the suspect of the crime.C) Rescuing the businessmen trapped in the building.D) Checking town records for the property developer.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) It plays a less important role in one’s health than nutrient intake.B) It impacts people’s health to a lesser degree than sun exposure.C) It is associated with people’s mental health conditions.D) It is linked with older adults’ sympt oms of depression.4. A) It was indefinite. C) It was straightforward.B) It was systematic. D) It was insignificant.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) It has helped solve several murder cases.B) It has become a star police dog in Beijing.C) It has surpassed its mother in performance.D) It has done better than naturally born dogs.6. A) To speed up investigation into criminal cases. C) To cut down training expenses.B) To test the feasibility of cloning technology. D) To reduce their training time.7. A) Cloning is too complicated a process. C) Cloning is ethically controversial.B) The technology is yet to be accepted. D) The technology is too expensive.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A），B），C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He read it somewhere online. C) He read an article reviewing it.B) He heard about it from a coworker. D) He watched a TV series based on it.9. A) His publications. C) His address.B) His first book. D) His name.10. A) Collect a lot more data. C) Clarify many new concepts.B) Relax a bit less often. D) Read more reference books.11. A) Find out the show’s most interesting episodes. C) Get an e-copy of the book to read.B) Watch the series together with the woman. D) Check to see when the show starts.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To check the prices of his farm produce.B) To ask the way to the Newcastle City Hall.C) To inquire about the vegetarian food festival.D) To seek the man’s help with her work on the farm.13. A) Bakers. C) Vegetarians.B) Vendors. D) Organisers.14. A) The issuing of certificates to vendors. C) The festival they are organising.B) The completion of the baking task. D) The deadline for application.15. A) The closing date of submission. C) The details of the ceremony.B) The website of his company. D) The organiser’s address.Section 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). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Most scenic sites have been closed. C) Health experts advise going outdoors.B) Access to official campsites is limited. D) People have more time during the summer.17. A) It is strongly opposed by nearby residents. C) It has caused environmental concerns.B) It leads to much waste of public money. D) It has created conflicts among campers.18. A) Look for open land in Scotland. C) Avoid getting close to wilderness.B) Leave no trace of their camping. D) Ask for permission from authorities. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They outcompete mythical creatures. C) They truly exist in the Amazon region.B) They usually mind their own business. D) They resemble alarmingly large snakes.20. A) Scar tissue from dolphins’ fighting. C) Unhealed wounds from snake bites.B) Skin infection from water pollution. D) Swimming along in seasonal floods.21. A) It has been shrinking at an astonishing pace.B) It has been placed under international protection.C) It has been appealing to both freshwater and sea dolphins.D) It has been abandoned as a battleground for male dolphins.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) About 58% of young adults call parental support the new normal.B) Most adult children enjoy increasing sources of financial support.C) A full 70% of the young adults cannot afford to buy a car by themselves.D) Most early adults cannot sustain their lifestyles without parental support.23. A) It renders them dependent. C) It makes them mentally immature.B) It causes them to lose dignity. D) It hinders them from getting ahead.24. A) It challenges one’s willpower. C) It calls for due assistance.B) It results from education. D) It defines adulthood.25. A) Current lifestyles. C) College loans.B) Poor budgeting. D) Emergency expenses.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．It’s well known that physical exercise is beneficial not just to physical health but also to mental health. Yet whereas most countries have 26 , evidence-backed guidelines on the type and intensity of exercise 27 for various physical health benefits, such guidelines do not yet exist for exercise and mood.This is 28 due to a lack of necessary evidence. However, a new systematic review brings us usefully up-to-date on the current findings in this area.Before 29 into some of the key take-aways, an important 30 made in the review is between aerobic exercise and anaerobic. The former 31 such things as walking, jogging and cycling and means exercising in such a way that your body is able to use oxygen to burn fat for energy. In contrast, anaerobic exercise—such as lifting heavy weights—is of such 32 intensity that your body does not have time to use oxygen to create energy and so instead it breaks down glucose (葡萄糖) in your blood or muscles.Beginning first with the influence of exercise intensity on the mood benefits of aerobic exercise, the researchers, led by John Chan at Shenzhen University, found 33 results from19 relevant studies. Some favoured higher intensity, others low, while seven studies found that intensity made no 34 to mood benefits.In relation to the intensity of anaerobic exercise, however, the results were far clearer—the optimum (最佳选择) for improving mood is 35 intensity, perhaps because low intensity is too dull while high intensity is too unpleasant.Section BDirections:In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Why Do Americans Work So Much?A)How will we all keep busy when we only have to work 15 hours a week? That was thequestion that worried the British economist John Maynard Keynes when he wrote his short essay “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren” in 1930. Over the next century, h e predicted, the economy would become so productive that people would barely need to work at all. For a while, it looked like Keynes was right. In 1930 the average working week was47 hours in the United States. But by 1970, the number of hours Americans worked onaverage had fallen to slightly less than 39.B)But then something changed. Instead of continuing to decline, the duration of the workingweek remained stable. It has stayed at just below 40 hours for nearly five decades. So what happened? Why are people working just as much today as in 1970?C)There would be no mystery in this if Keynes had been wrong about the power of technologyto increase the economy’s productivity, which he thought would lead to a standard of living “between four and eight times as high as it is today.” But Keynes got that right: Technology has made the economy massively more productive. According to Benjamin M. Friedman, an economist at Harvard, the U.S. economy is right on track to reach Keynes’s eight-fold (八倍) multiple by 2029. That is a century after the last data Keynes would have had access to.D)In a new paper, Friedman tries to figure out why that increased productivity has nottranslated into increased leisure time. Perhaps people just never feel materially satisfied, always wanting more money to buy the next new thing. This is a theory that appeals tomany economists. “This argument is, at best, far from sufficient,” he writes. If that were the case, why did the duration of the working week decline in the first place?E)Another theory Friedman considers is that, in an era of ever fewer settings that provideeffective opportunities for personal connections and relationships, people may place more value on the socializing that happens at work. There is support for this theory. Many people today consider colleagues as friends. But Friedman argues that the evidence for this theory is far from conclusive. Many workers report that they would like to spend more time with family, rather than at work. Furthermore, this theory cannot explain the change in trend in the U.S. working week in the 1970s.F) A third possibility proves more convincing for Friedman. That is: American inequalitymeans that the gains of increasing productivity are not widely shared by everyone. In other words, most Americans are too poor to work less. Unlike the other two explanations Friedman considers, this one fits chronologically (按年代). Inequality declined in America during the period following World War II, along with the duration of the working week.But since the early 1970s it has risen dramatically.G)Keynes’s prediction of a shorter working week rests on the idea that the standard of livingwould continue rising for everyone. But Friedman says that this is not what has happened.Although Keynes’s eight-fold figure holds up for the economy as a whole, it is not at all the case for the median (中位数的) American worker. For them, output by 2029 is likely to be around 3.5 times what it was when Keynes was writing. This is a bit below his four- to eight-fold predicted range.H)This can be seen in the median worker’s income over this time period, complete with a shiftin 1973 that fits in precisely with when the working week stopped shrinking. According to Friedman, between 1947 and 1973 the average hourly wage for normal workers (those who were not in management roles) in private industries other than agriculture nearly doubled in terms of what their money could buy. But by 2013 the average hourly wage for ordinary workers had fallen 5 percent from the 1973 level in terms of actual purchasing power. Thus, though American incomes may have gone up since 1973, the amount that American workers can actually buy with their money has gone down. For most Americans, then, the magic of increasing productivity stopped working around 1973. Thus, they had to keep working just as much in order to maintain their standard of living.I)What Keynes predicted was a very optimistic version of what economists call technologicalunemployment. This is the idea that less labor will be necessary because machines can do so much. In Keynes’s vision, the resulting unemployment would be distributed more or less evenly across society in the form of increased leisure. But Friedman says that, for Americans, reality is much darker. Americans now have a labor market in which millions of people—those with fewer skills and less education—are seeking whatever poorly paid work they can get. This is confirmed by a recent poll that found that, for half of hourly workers, their top concern is not that they work too much but that they work too little. This is most likely not because they like their jobs so much. Rather, we can assume it is because they need the money.J)This explanation leaves an important question. If the very rich—the workers who have reaped above-average gains from the increased productivity since Keynes’s time—can afford to work less, why do they continue to work so much? (Indeed, research has shownthat the highest earners in America tend to work the most.) Friedman believes that for many top earners, work is a labor of love. They are doing work they care about and are interested in, and doing more of it is not necessarily a burden. For them, it may even be a pleasure.These top earners derive meaning from their jobs and work is an important part of how they think of themselves. And, of course, they are compensated for it at a level that makes it worth their while.K)Friedman concludes that the prosperity(繁荣) Keynes predicted is here. After all, the economy as a whole has grown even more brilliantly than he expected. But for most Americans, that prosperity is nowhere to be seen. And, as a result, neither are those shorter working weeks.36. Some people view socializing at the workplace as a chance to develop personal relationships.37. As ordinary American workers’ average hourly pay had decreased despite increasing productivity, they had to work just as many hours as before to keep their living standards.38. American workers’ average weekly working time has not changed for nearly half a century.39. Friedman believes inequality in the U.S. largely explains why increasing productivity has not resulted in reduced working hours.40. Man y economists assume people’s thirst for material things has prevented them from enjoying more leisure time.41. An economist’s prediction about a shorter average working week seemed to be correct fora time in the 20th century.42. In the U.S. labor market, the primary concern of people with less schooling and fewer skills is to secure any employment even if it is low-paid.43. Keynes was right in predicting that technology would make the economy much more productive.44. Many of the highest earners have a keen interest in and love for what they are doing.45. According to Keynes, there would be a shorter working week with everyone’s standard of living continuing to rise.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Lao Zi once said, “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”People-pleasing, or seeking self-worth through oth ers’ approval, is unproductive and an exhausting way to go through life. Why do we allow what others think of us to have so much power over how we feel about ourselves? If it’s true that you can’t please all people all of the。
大学英语四级阅读习题及答案
大学英语四级阅读习题及答案大学英语四级阅读习题(一)1、A2、D3、C4、C5、B大学英语四级阅读习题答案Acculturation, which begins at birth, is the process of teaching new generations of children the customs and values of the parents culture. How people treat newborns, for example, can be indicative of cultural values. In the United States it is not uncommon for parents to put a newborn in a separate room that belongs only to the child. This helps to preserve parents privacy and allows the child to get used to having his or her own room, which is seen as a first step toward personal independence. Americans traditionally have held independence and a closely related value, individualism, in high esteem. Parents try to instill these prevailing values in their children. American English expresses these value preferences: children should "cut the (umbilical) cord" and are encouraged not to be "tied to their mothers apron strings." In the process of their socialization children learn to "look out for number one" and to "stand on their own two feet".Many children are taught at a very early age to make decisions and be responsible for their actions. Often children work for money outside the home as a first step to establishing autonomy. Nine-or ten-year-old children may deliver newspapers in their neighborhoods and save or spend their earnings. Teenagers (13 to 18 years) may baby-sit neighbors homes in order to earn a few dollar a week. Receiving a weekly allowance at an early age teaches children to budget their money, preparing them for future financial independence. Many parents believe that managing money helps children learn responsibility as well as appreciate the value of money.21. According to this passage, the way people treat newborns _____.A) is a sign of their customsB) is an indication of their level of knowledgeC) symbolizes their social systemD) varies from culture to culture22. The expression, "to cut the cord", is used to show that _____.A) children dont like their parentsB) parents dont feel close to their childrenC) parents would not like to live together with their childrenD) independence from ones family is an important personal goal in USA23. Children who are "tied to the apron strings" _____.A) are caught in their mothers apronsB) must always wear an apron when they eatC) are very dependent on their mothersD) are independent from their parents24. American people often let their children work for money outside the home at a very early age because _____.A) children have to earn money to help the familyB) they need more moneyC) they want them to begin establishing autonomyD) children have to save money for future use25. It can be inferred from this passage that _____.A) Americans are money loversB) Americans admire independenceC) Americans are good at decision-makingD) Americans are all responsible大学英语四级阅读习题(二)Long after the 1998 World Cup was won, disappointed fans were still cursing the disputed refereeing (裁判) decisions that denied victory to their team. A researcher was appointed to study the performance of some top referees.The researcher organized an experimental tournament (锦标赛) involving four youth teams. Each match lasted an hour, divided into three periods of 20 minutes during which different referees were in charge.Observers noted down the referees errors, of which there were 61 over the tournament. Converted to a standard match of 90 minutes, each referee made almost 23 mistakes, a remarkably high number.The researcher then studied the videotapes to analyse the matches in detail. Surprisingly, he found that errors were more likely when the referees were close to the incident. When the officials got it right, they were, on average, 17 meters away from the action. The average distance in the case of errors was 12 meters. The research shows the optimum (最佳的) distance is about 20 meters.There also seemed to be an optimum speed. Correct decisions came when the referees were moving at a speed of about 2 meters per second. The average speed for errors was 4 meters per second.If FIFA, footballs international ruling body, wants to improve the standard of refereeing at the next World Cup, it should encourage referees to keep their eyes on the action from a distance, rather than rushing to keep up with the ball, the researcher argues.He also says that FIFAs insistence that referees should retire at age 45 may be misguided. If keeping up with the action is not so important, their physical condition is less critical.21. The experiment conducted by the researcher was meant to ________.A) review the decisions of referees at the 1998 World CupB) analyse the causes of errors made by football refereesC) set a standard for football refereeingD) reexamine the rules for football refereeing22. The number of refereeing errors in the experimental matches was ________.A) slightly above averageB) higher than in the 1998 World CupC) quite unexpectedD) as high as in a standard match23. The findings of the experiment show that ________.A) errors are more likely when a referee keeps close to the ballB) the farther the referee is from the incident, the fewer the errorsC) the more slowly the referee runs, the more likely will errors occurD) errors are less likely when a referee stays in one spot24. The word “officials” (Line 2, Para. 4) most probably refers to ________.A) the researchers involved in the experimentB) the inspectors of the football tournamentC) the referees of the football tournamentD) the observers at the site of the experiment25. What is one of the possible conclusions of the experiment?A) The ideal retirement age for an experienced football referee is45.B) Age should not be the chief consideration in choosing a football referee.C) A football referee should be as young and energetic as possible.D) An experienced football referee can do well even when in poor physical condition.。
（完整版）英语四级阅读试题库含答案解析
（完整版）英语四级阅读试题库含答案解析英语四级阅读题库含答案解析1.Passage OneGlobal warming may or may not be the great environmental crisis of the 21 st century, but regardless of whether it is or isn ’t –we won ’t do much about it. We will argue overit and may even, as a nation, make some fairly solemn-sounding commitments to avoidit. But the more dramatic and meaningful these commitments seem, the less likely theyare to be observed.Al Gore calls global warmi ng an “inconvenient truth, ”as if merely recognizing it could put us on a path to a solution. But the real truth is that we don ’t know enough to relieve global warming, and –without major technological breakthroughs —we can ’t do much about it.From 2003 to 2050, the world ’s population is projected to grow from 6.4 billion to 9.1billion, a 42% increase. If energy use per person and technology remain the same, totalenergy use and greenhouse gas emissions (mainly, CO2) will be 42% higher in 2050. butthat ’s too low, because societies that grow richer use more energy. We need economicgrowth unless we condemn the world ’s poor to their present poverty and freeze everyone else‘s living standards. With modest growth, energy use and greenhouse emissions more than double by 2050.No government will adopt rigid restrictions on economicgrowth and personal freedom (limits on electricity usage, driving and travel) that might cut back global warming. Still, politicians want to show they ’re “doing something. ”Consi der the Kyoto Protocol (京都议定书). It allowed countries that joined to punish those that didn ’t. But it hasn ’t reduced CO2 emissions (up about 25% since 1990), and many signatories (签字国) didn ’t adopt tough enough policies to hit their 2008-2012 targets.The practical conclusion is that if global warming is a potential disaster, the only solution is new technology. Only an aggressive research and development program might find ways of breaking dependence on fossil fuels or dealing with it.The trouble with the global warming debate is that it has become a moral problem whenit ’s really an engineering one. The inconvenient truth is that if we don ’t solve the engineering problem, we ’re helpless.57. What is said about global warming in the first paragraph?A) It may not prove an environmental B) It is an issue requiring world wide crisis at all. commitments.C) Serious steps have been taken to avoid D) Very little will be done to bring it underor stop it. control.58. According to the author ’s understandin g, what is Al Gore ’s view on global warming?A) It is a reality both people and politicians are unaware of.B) It is a phenomenon that causes us many inconveniences.C) It is a problem that can be solved once it is recognized.D) It is an area we actually have little knowledge about.59. Green house emissions will more than double by 2050 because of _______.A) economic growth C) wasteful use of energyB) the widening gap between the rich and D) the rapid advances of science and poor technology60. The author believes that, since the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, ________.A) politicians have started to do something to better the situationB) few nations have adopted real tough measures to limit energy useC) reductions in energy consumption have greatly cut back global warmingD) international cooperation has contributed to solving environmental problems61. What is the message the author intends to convey?A) Global warming is more of a moral issue than a practical one.B) The ultimate solution to global warming lies in new technologyC) The debate over global warming will lead to technological breakthroughs.D) People have to give up certain material comforts to stop global warming.Passage TwoSomeday a stranger will read your e-mail without your permiss ion or scan the Websites you ’ve visited. Or perhaps someone will casually glance through your creditcard purchase or cell phone bills to find out your shopping preferences or calling habits.In fact, it ’s likely some of these things have already happened to you. Who wouldwatch you without your permission? It might be a spouse, agirlfriend, a marketing company, a boss, a cop or a criminal. Whoever it is, they will see you in a way you neverintended to be seen —the 21 st century equivalent of being caught naked.Psychologists tell us boundaries are healthy, that it ’s important to reveal yourself to friends, family and lovers in stages, at appropriate times. But few boundaries remain. The digital bread crumbs ( 碎屑) you leave everywhere make it easy for strangers to reconstruct who you are, where you are and what you like. In some cases, a simpleGoogle search can reveal what you think. Like it or not, increasingly we live in a worldwhere you simple cannot keep a secret.The key question is: Does that matter?When opinion polls ask Americans about privacy, most say they are concerned aboutlosing it. A survey found an overwhelming pessimism about privacy, with 60 percent ofrespondents saying they feel their privacy is “slipping away, and that b others me. ”But people say one thing and do another. Only a tiny fraction of Americans changeany behaviors in an effort to preserve their privacy. Few people turn down a discount attollbooths (收费站) to avoid using the EZ-Pass system that can track automobile movements. And few turn down supermarket loyalty cards. Privacy economist Alessandro Acquisti has run a series of tests that reveal people will surrender personal information like Social Security numbers just to get their hands on a pitiful 50-cents-offcoupon (优惠券).But privacy does matter –at least sometimes. It ’s like health: When you have it, youdon ’t notice it. Only when it ’s gone do you wish you ’d done more to protect it.62. What does the author mean by saying “the 21 st century equivalent of being caughtnaked ”(Lines 3-4, Para.2)?A) People ’s personal information is easily accessed without their knowledge.B) In the 21 st century people try every means to look into others ’secrets.C) People tend to be more frank with each other in the information age.D) Criminals are easily caught on the spot with advanced technology.63. What would psychologists advise on the relationships between friends?A) Friends should open their hearts to C) There should be a distance even each other. between friends.B) Friends should always be faithful to D) There should be fewer disputes each other. between friends.64. Why does the author say “we live in a world where you simple cannot keep a secret ”(Line 5, Para.3)?A) Modern society has finally evolved into an open society.B) People leave traces around when using modern technology.C) There are always people who are curious about others ’affairs.D) Many search engines profit by revealing people ’sidentities.65. What do most Americans do with regard to privacy protection?A) They change behaviors that might disclose their identity.B) They use various loyalty cards for business transactions.C) They rely more and more on electronic D) They talk a lot but hardly do anythingdevices. about it.66. According to the passage, privacy is like health in that ________.A) people will make every effort to keep itwoman.B) its importance is rarely understoodThere are many reasons forC) it is something that can easily be lostD) people don ’t cherish it until the y lose itthis-typically, men take more risks thanwoman and are more likely to drink andsmoke but perhaps more importantly,men don ’t go to the doctor.“Men aren ’t seeing doctors as often2.Passage Oneas they should, ”says Dr. Gullotta, “This Question s 57 to 61 are based on theis particularly so for the over-40s,when following passage.diseases tend to strike. ”If you are a male and you are readingGullotta says a healthy man should this ,congratulations: you are avisit the doctor every year or two. For survivor .According tostatistics .you arethose over 45,it should be at least once amore than twice as likely to die of skinyear.cancer than a woman ,and nine timesTwo months ago Gullotta saw a more likely to die of AIDS. Assuming you50-year-old ma who had delayed doing make it to the end of your natural term,anything about his smoker ’s cough for a about 78 years for men in Australia, youyear.will die on average five years before a“When I finally saw him it had alreadyspread and he has since died from lung Regular check-ups for men would cancer ”he says, “Earlier detection and inevitably place strain on the public purse, treatment may not have cured him, but it Cartmill says. ”But prevention is cheaper would have prolonged this life ”in the long run than having to treat the According to a recent survey, 95%of diseases. Besides, the ultimate cost is far women aged between 15 and early 40s greater: it is called premature death. ”see a doctor once a year, compared to 57.Why does the author congratulate his 70% of men in the same age group. male readers at the beginning of the “A lot of men think they are invincible passage?（不可战胜的）”Gullotta says “They only A. They are more likely to survive serious come in when a friend drops dead on the diseases today.golf course and they think ”Geez, if it B. Their average lifespan has been could happen to him. considerably extended.Then there is the ostrich approach, ” C. They have lived long enough to read some men are scared of what might be this article.there and would rather not know, ”says D. They are sure to enjoy a longer and Dr. Ross Cartmill. happier live.“Most men get their cars serviced 58.What does the author state is the mostmore regularly than they service their important reason men die five years bodies, ”Cartmill says .He believes most earlier on average than women?diseases that commonly affect men could A. men drink and smoke much more thanbe addressed by preventive check-ups. womenB. men don ’t seek medical care as often disease becaus e of fearas women 61. What does Cartmill say about regularC. men aren ’t as cautions as women in check-ups for men?face of danger A.They may increase public expensesD. men are more likely to suffer from fatal B.They will save money in the long rundiseases C.They may cause psychological strains on59. Which of the following best completes menthe sentence “Geez, if it could happen to D.They will enable men to live as long ashim ?’(line2,para,8)? womenA. it could happen to me, too Passage TwoB. I should avoid playing golf Questions 62 to 66 are based on theC. I should consider myself lucky following passage.D. it would be a big misfortune High-quality customer service is60what does Dr. Ross Cartmill mean by preached( 宣扬)by many ,but actually“the ostrich approach ”(line q para.9) keeping customers happy is easier saidA. a casual attitude towards one ’s health than doneconditions Shoppers seldom complain to the B. a new therapy for certain psychological manager or owner of a retail store, butproblems instead will alert their friends, relatives, C. refusal to get medical treatment for fear co-workers, strangers-and anyone whoof the pain involved will listen.D. unwillingness to find out about one ’s Store managers are often the last tohear complaints, and often find out only include filled parking lots, cluttered (塞满when their regular customers decide t 了的) shelves, overloaded racks, frequent their competitors, according to a out-of-stock items, long check-out lines, study jointly conducted by Verde group and rude salespeople.and Wharton school During peak shopping hours, some “Storytelling hurts retailers and retailers solved the parking problems by entertains consumers, ”said Paula getting moonlighting （业余兼职的）local Courtney, President of the V erde group. ”police to work as parking attendants.the store loses the customer, but the Some hired flag wavers to direct shopper must also find a replacement. ”customers to empty parking spaces. This On average, every unhappy customerguidance eliminated the need forwill complain to at least four other, and customers to circle the parking lotwill no longer visit the specific store for endlessly, and avoided confrontationevery dissatisfied customer, a store will between those eyeing the same parkinglose up to three more due to negative space.reviews. The resulting “snowball effect ”Retailers can relieve the headaches bycan be disastrous to retailers. redesigning store layouts, pre-stocking According to the research, shoppers sales items, hiring speedy and who purchased clothing encountered the experienced cashiers, and having salesmost problems. ranked second and third representatives on hand to answerwere grocery and electronics customers. questions.The most common complaints Most importantly, salespeople shouldbe diplomatic and polite with angry them.customers. C Few customers believe the service will “Retailers who ’re responsive and be improved.friendly are more likely to smooth over D Customers have no easy access to storeissues than those who aren ’t so friendly. ”managers.said Professor Stephen Hoch. “Maybe 63. What does Paula Courtney imply by something as simple as a greeter at the saying “?the shopper must also find astore entrance would help. ”replacement ”(Line 2, Para. 4)?Customers can also improve future A New customers arebound to replace shopping experiences by filing complaints old ones.to the retailer, instead of complaining to B It is not likely the shopper can find thethe rest of the world. Retailers are same products in other stores.hard-pressed to improve when they have C Most stores provide the sameno idea what is wrong. D Not complaining to the manager causes注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答the shopper some trouble too.62. Why are store managers often the last 64. Shop owners often hire moonlightingto hear complaints? police as parking attendants so that A Most customers won ’t bother to shoppers_____complain even if they have had unhappy A can stay longer browsing in the store experiences. B won ’t have trouble parking their carsB Customers would rather relate theirC won ’t have any worries about securityunhappy experiences to people around D can find their cars easily after shopping65. What contributes most to smoothing over issues with customers?A Manners of the salespeopleB Hiring of efficient employeesC Huge supply of goods for saleD Design of the store layout.66. To achieve better shopping experiences, customers areadvised to _________.A exert pressure on stores to improve their serviceB settle their disputes with stores in a diplomatic wayC voice their dissatisfaction to store managers directlyD shop around and make comparisons between stores3. The January fashion show, called Future Fashion , exemplified howfar green design has come. Organized by the New York-based nonprofitEarth Pledge, the show inspired many top designers to work with sustainable fabrics for the first time. Several have since made pledges toinclude organic fabrics in their lines.The designers who undertake green fashion still face many challenges. Scott Hahn, cofounder with Gregory of Rogan and Loomstate,which uses all-organic cotton, says high-quality sustainable materials canstill be tough to fine . “Most designers with existing labels are findingthere aren ’t comparable fabrics t hat can just replace what you ’re doing and shat your customers are used to, ”he says. For example, organic cotton and non-organic cotton are virtually indistinguishable once woven into a dress. But some popular synthetics, like stretch nylon, stillhave few eco-friendly equivalents.Those who do make the switch are finding they have more support.Last year the influential trade show Designers & Agents stopped charging its participation fee for young greenentrepreneurs (企业家) who attend its two springtime shows in Los Angeles and New York and gavespecial recognition to designers whose collections are at least 25% sustainable . It now counts more than 50 green designers, up from fewerthan a dozen two years ago. This week Wal-Mart is set to announce amajor initiative aimed at helping cotton farmers go organic: it will buytransitional (过渡型的) cotton at higher prices , thus helping to expand thesupply of a key sustainable material . “Mainstream is about to occur, ”says Hahn.Some analysts ( 分析师) are less sure . Among consumers, only 18%are even aware that ecofashion exists, up from 6% four years ago.Natalie Hormilla, a fashion writer, is an example of the unconverted consumer, when asked if she owned any sustainable clothes, she replied:“Not that I ’m aware of. ”Like most consumers, she finds little time toshop, and when she does, she ’s on the hunt for “cute stuff that isn ’t too expensive. ”By her own admission, green just isn ’t yet on her mind. But–thanks to the combined efforts of designers, retailers and suppliers –one day it will be.57. What is said about Future Fashion?A) It inspired many leading designers to start going green.B) It showed that designers using organic fabrics would go far.C) It served as an example of how fashion shows should be organized.D) It convinced the public that fashionable clothes should be madedurable.58. According to Scott Hahn, one big challenge to designers who will goorganic is that .A) much more time is needed to finish a dress using sustainablematerials .B) they have to create new brands for clothes made of organicmaterials .C) customers have difficulty telling organic from non-organicmaterials .D) quality organic replacements for synthetics are not readilyavailable .59. We learn from Paragraph 3 that designers who undertake greenfashion .A) can attend various trade shows free .B) are readily recognized by the fashion worldC) can buy organic cotton at favorable prices .D) are gaining more and more support .60. What is Natalie Hormilla ’s attitude t oward ecofashion?A) She doesn ’t seem to care about it. C) She is doubtful of itspractical value.B) She doesn ’t think it is sustainable D) She is very muchopposed to the idea61. What does the author think of green fashion?A) Green products will soon go mainstream.B) It has a very promising future.C) Consumers have the final say.D) It will appeal more to young people.Passage TwoQuestions 62 to 66 are based on the following passage.Scientists have devised a way to determine roughly where a personhas lived using a strand( 缕) of hair , a technique that could help track the movements of criminal suspects or unidentified murder victims .The method relies on measuring how chemical variations in drinkingwater show up in people ’s hair.“You’re what you eat and drink, and that ’s recorded in you hair, ”said Thure Cerling, a geologist at the University of Utah.While U.S diet is relatively identical, water supplies vary. The differences result from weather patterns. The chemical composition of rainfall changes slightly as raid clouds move.Most hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water are stable , but traces ofboth elements are also present as heavier isotopes (同位素) . The heaviest raid falls first .As a result, storms that form over the Pacific deliver heavierwater to California than to Utah.Similar patterns exist throughout the U.S. By measuring the proportion of heavier hydrogen and oxygen isotopes along astrand ofhair, scientists can construct a geographic timeline. Each inch of hair corresponds to about two months.Cerling ’s team collected tap water samples from 600 cities and constructed a mop of the regional differences. They checked the accuracy of the map by testing 200 hair samples collected from 65 barber shops.They were able to accurately place the hair samples in broad regionsroughly corresponding to the movement of raid systems.“It’s not good for pinpointing ( 精确定位),”Cerling said . “It’s goodfor eliminating many possibilities. ”Todd Park, a local detective, said the method has helped him learnmore about an unidentified woman whose skeleton was found near Great Salt Lake.The woman was 5 feet tall. Police recovered 26 bones, a T-shirt andseveral strands of hair.When Park heard about the research, he gave the hair samples to the researchers. Chemical testing showed that over the two years before herdeath, she moved about every two months.She stayed in the Northwest, although the test could not be morespecific than somewhere between eastern Oregon and western Wyoming.“It’s still a substantial area, ”Park said “But it narrows it way downfor me. ”62. What is the scientists ’new discovery?A) One ’s hair growth has to do with the amount of water they drink.B) A person ’s hair may reveal where they have lived.C) Hair analysis accurately identifies criminal suspects.D) The chemical composition of hair varies from person to person.63. What does the author mean by “You’re what you eat and drink ”(Line 1, Para.3)?A) Food and drink affect one ’s personality development.B) Food and drink preferences vary with individuals.C) Food and drink leave traces in one ’s body tissues.D) Food and drink are indispensable to one ’s existence.64. What is said about the rainfall in America ’s West?A) There is much more rainfall in California than in Utah.B) The water it delivers becomes lighter when it moves inland.C) Its chemical composition is less stable than in other areas.D) It gathers more light isotopes as it moves eastward.65. What did Cerling ’s team produce in their research?A) A map showing the regional differences of tap water.B) A collection of hair samples from various barber shops.C) A method to measure the amount of water in human hair.D) A chart illustrating the movement of the rain system.66. What is the practical value of Cerl ing ’s research?A) It helps analyze the quality of water in different regions.B) It helps the police determine where a crime is committed.C) It helps the police narrow down possibilities in detective work.D) It helps identify the drinking habits of the person underinvestigation.4.Throughout this long, tense election, everyone has focused on thepresidential candidates and how they ’ll change America. Rightly so, but selfishly, I ’m more fascinated by Michelle Obama and what she might beable to do, not just for this country, but for me as an African-Americanwoman. As the potential First Lady, she would have the world ’s attention.And that means that for the first time people will have a chance to get upclose and personal with the type of African-American woman they so rarely see.Usually, the lives of black women go largely unexamined. The prevailing theory seems to be that we ’re all hot-tempered single mothers who can ’t keep a man. Even in the world of make-believe, blackwomen still can ’t esca pe the stereotype of being eye-rolling, oversexedfemales raised by our never-married, alcoholic ( 酗酒的) mothers.These images have helped define the way all women are viewed, including Michelle Obama. Before she ever gets the chance to commit toa cause, charity or foundation as First Lady, her most urgent and perhapsmost complicated duty may be simple to be herself.It won ’t be easy. Because few mainstream publicationshave donein-depth features on regular African-American women, little is known about who we are, what we think and what we face on a regular basis.For better or worse, Michelle will represent us all.Just as she will have her critics, she will also have millions of fans whousually have little interest in the First Lady. Many African-American blogshave written about what they ’d like to see Michelle bring to the WhiteHouse —mainly showing the world that a black woman can support herman and raise a strong black family. Michelle will have to work to pleaseeveryone —an impossible task. But for many African-American women like me, just a little of her poise ( 沉着), confidence and intelligence will goa long way in changing an image that ’s been around for far too long.57. Why does Michelle Obama hold a strong fascination for the author?A) She serves as a role model for African women.B) She possesses many admirable qualities becoming a First Lady.C) She will present to the world a new image of African-American women.D) She will pay closer attention to the interests of African-Americanwomen.58. What is the common stereotype of African-American women according to the author?A) They are victims of violence. B) They are of an inferior violence.C) They use quite a lot of body language. D) They live on charity andsocial welfare.59. What do many African-Americans write about in their blogs?A) Whether Michelle can live up to the high expectations of her fans.B) How Michelle should behave as a public figure.。
英语四级阅读专练附答案解析
英语四级阅读专练附答案解析英语四级阅读专练原文Although many of us may feel air-conditioners bring relief from hot, humid or polluted outsideair, they pose many potential health hazards. Much research has looked at how the movementof air inside a closed environment---such as an office building---can spread disease or exposepeople in the building to harmful chemicals.One of the more widely publicized dangers is that of Legionnaires disease, which was firstrecognized inthe 1970s. This was found to have affected people in buildings with air-conditioning systems in which warmair pumped out of the system cooling towers was somehowsucked back into the air intake (通风口),in mostcases due to poor design. The warm air, filledwith bacteria,was combined with cooled, conditioned air andwas then circulated around variousparts of the building. Studies showed that even people outside such buildings were at risk ifthey walked past air exhaust pipes.Large air-conditioning systems add water to the air they circulate by means of humidifiers (湿度调节器).Inolder systems, the water used for this process is kept in special reservoirs, thebottoms of which providebreeding grounds for bacteria which can find their way into theventilation (通风)system. The risk to human health from this situation has been highlighted bythe fact that the immune systems (免疫系统)ofapproximately half of workers in air-conditioned office buildings have developed the ability to fight off the organisms found at thebottom of system reservoirs. But chemicals called “biocides”are added to reservoirs to makethem germ-free, and they are dangerous in their own right in sufficient quantities, as theyoften contain compounds strongly linked to cancers.Finally, it should be pointed out that the artificial climatic environment created by air-conditioners canalso affect us. In a natural environment, whether indoor or outdoor, there aresmall variations in temperature and humidity. Indeed, the human body has long beenaccustomed to these normal changes. In an air-conditioned living or working environment,however, body temperatures remain well under37℃, our normal temperature. This leads to aweakened immune system and thus greater exposure to diseases such as colds and flu.英语四级阅读专练题目1.What do we know about Legionnaires disease from the passage?A.It was the most widely concerned office hazard.B.It can affect people both inside and outside the building.C.It happens only in air-conditioned office buildings.D.It does not develop in well-designed buildings.2.In the old air-conditioned systems, bacteria first develop______.A.in the reservoirsB. in the ventilation systemc. in the humidifiersD. in the air intake3.The fact that about half of workers developed the ability to fight off the bacteriamay__.A.relieve peoples worry about the danger caused by the bacteriaB.help people find an effective way to get rid of the bacteriaC.reflect the serious danger brought by the bacteriaD.cause serious disease such as cancers to people4.The author most probably wants the readers to treat biocides with an attitude of_.A.cautionB.trustC.enthusiasmD.criticism5.The last paragraph implies that our immune system can be weakened when _A.we live in an artificial climatic environmentB.there are variations in temperature and humidityC.our body temperatures often remain not high enoughD.we are often exposed to diseases such as colds and flu英语四级阅读专练答案1.[B] 事实细节题。
英语四级阅读理解练习题及答案解析
英语四级阅读理解练习题及答案解析英语四级阅读理解练习题原文If the salinity(含盐量) of ocean waters is analyzed, it is found to vary only slightly from place toplace.Nevertheless, some of these small changes are important. There are three basic processesthat cause a change in oceanic salinity. One of these is the subtraction of water from the oceanby means of evaporation--conversion of liquid water to water vapor. In this manner, thesalinity is increased, since the salts staybehind. If this is carried to the extreme, of course,white crystals of salt would be left behind.The opposite of evaporation is precipitation(降水), such as rain, by which water is added tothe ocean. Here the ocean is being diluted(稀释) so that the salinity is decreased. This mayoccur in areas of high rainfall or in coastal regions where rivers flow into the ocean. Thus salinitymay be increased by the subtraction of water by evaporation, or decreased by the additionof fresh water by precipitation or runoff(形成地表水部分的降水).Normally, in tropical regions where the sun is very strong, the ocean salinity is somewhathigher than it is in other parts of the world where there is not as much evaporation. Similarly,in coastal regions whererivers dilute the sea, salinity is somewhat lower than in other oceanicareas.A third process by which salinity may be altered is associated with the formation and meltingof sea ice. When seawater is frozen, the dissolved materials are left behind. In this manner,seawater directly beneath freshly formed sea ice has a higher salinity than it did before the iceappeared. Of course, when this ice melts, it will tend to decrease the salinity of the surroundingwater.In the Weddell Sea, off Antarctica, the densest water in the oceans is formed as a result of thisfreezingprocess, which increases the salinity of cold water. This heavy water sinks and is foundin the deeper portions of the oceans of the world.英语四级阅读理解练习题1.The best title of the passage can be “_____”.A.Typical Oceans and Their Respective FeaturesB.The Causes of the Changes in Salinity of Ocean WaterC.Different Oceans Have Different SalinityD.The Precipitation and Evaporation of Oceans2.Which of the following processes will increase salinity of ocean waters?A.Evaporation.B. Precipitation.C. Melting.D. Dilution.3.According to this passage, the sea _ is likely to have the lowest salinity.A. in tropical areasB. off AntarcticaC. of high rainfallD. with abundant4.The Weddell Sea _____.A.is a good example of increased salinity in freezing sea waterB.is much larger in area than the Arctic oceansC.has a much lower salinity now than everD.has the denser water in its upper parts5.Coastal regions are mentioned as cases where _____.A.sea water is less salty because fresh water joins inB.rivers carry industrial exhaust into seaC.sea ice tends to melt more quickly than in the center of oceansD. heavy water sinks to the deeper portions of the oceans英语四级阅读理解练习题答案解析1.[B] 主旨大意题。
大学英语四级真题阅读练习10套(附参考答案)
大学英语4级真题Passage 1The endless debate about “work-life balance’’ often contains a hopeful footnote about stay-at-home dads. If American society and business won5t make it easier on future female leaders who choose to have children, there is still the ray of hope that increasing numbers of full-time fathers will. But based on today’s socioeconomic trends, this hope is, unfortunately, misguided.It’s true that the number of men who have left work to do their thing as full-time parents has doubled in a decade, but ifs still very small：only 0. 8% of married couples where the stay-at-home father was out of the labor force for a year. Even that percentage is likely inflated by men thrust into their caretaker role by a downsizing. This is simply not a large enough group to reduce the social stigma(污名)and force other adjustments necessary to supporting men in this decision, even if only for a relatively short time.Even shorter times away from work for working fathers are already difficult. A study found that 85% of new fathers take some time off after the birth of a child—but for all but a few, it’s a week or two at most. Meanwhile, the average for women who take leave is more than 10 weeks. Such choices impact who moves up in the organization. While you’re away, someone else is doing your work, making your sales, taking care of your customers. That can’t help you at work. It can only hurt you. Women, of course, face the same issues of returning after a long absence. But with many more women than men choosing to leave the workforce entirely to raise families, returning from an extended parental leave doesn’t raise as many eyebrows as it does for men.Women would make more if they didn't break their earning trajectory (轨迹）by leaving the workforce, or if higher-paying professions were more family-friendly. In the foreseeable future, stay- at-home fathers may make all the difference for individual families, but their presence won’t reduce the numbers of high-potential women who are forced to choose between family and career.56.What gives women a ray of hope to achieve work-life balance?A)More men taking an extended parental leave.B)Peopled changing attitudes towards family.C)More women entering business management.D)The improvement of their socioeconomic status.57.Why does the author say the hope for more full-time fathers is misguided?A)Women are better at taking care of children.B)Many men value work more than their family.C)Their number is too small to make a difference.D)Not many men have the chance to stay at home.58.Why do few men take a long parental leave?A)A long leave will have a negative impact on their career.B)They just have too many responsibilities to fulfill at work.C)The economic loss will be too much for their family to bear.D)They are likely to get fired if absent from work for too long.59.What is the most likely reaction to men returning from an extended parental leave?A) Jealousy. C) Admiration. B) Surprise.D) Sympathy.60.What does the author say about high-potential women in the not-too-distant future?A)They will benefit from the trend of more fathers staying at home.B)They will find high-paying professions a bit more family-friendly.C)They are unlikely to break their career trajectory to raise a family.D)They will still face the difficult choice between career and children.答案：BCABDPassage 2Some of the world’s most significant problems never hit headlines. One example comes from agriculture. Food riots and hunger make news. But the trend lying behind these matters is rarely talked about. This is the decline in the growth in yields of some of the world’s major crops. A new study by the University of Minnesota and McGill University in Montreal looks at where, and how far, this decline is occurring.The authors take a vast number of data points for the four most important crops :rice, wheat, com and soyabeans (大豆).They find that on between 24% and 39% of all harvested areas, the improvement in yields that took place before the 1980s slowed down in the 1990s and 2000s. There are two worrying features of the slowdown. One is that it has been particularly sharp in the world’s most(人口多的）countries, India and China. Their ability to feed themselves has been an important source of relative stability both within the countries and on world food markets. That self-sufficiency cannot be taken for granted if yields continue to slow down or reverse.Second, yield growth has been lower in wheat and rice than in com and soyabeans. This is problematic because wheat and rice are more important as foods, accounting for around half of all calories consumed. Com and soyabeans are more important as feed grains. The authors note that “we have preferentially focused our crop improvement efforts on feeding animals and cars rather than on crops that feed people and are the basis of food security in much of the world. ”, The report qualifies the more optimistic findings of another new paper which suggests that the world will not have to dig up a lot more land for farming in order to feed 9 billion people in 2050, as the Food and Agriculture Organisation has argued.Instead, it says, thanks to slowing population growth, land currently ploughed up for crops might be able to revert (回返）to forest or wilderness. This could happen. The trouble is that the forecast assumes continued improvements in yields, which may not actually happen.61.What does the author try to draw attention to?A) Food riots and hunger in the world.C) The decline of the grain yield growth.B) News headlines in the leading media.D) The food supply in populous countries.62.Why does the author mention India and China in particular?A)Their self-sufficiency is vital to the stability of world food markets.B)Their food yields have begun to decrease sharply in recent years.C)Their big populations are causing worldwide concerns.D)Their food self-sufficiency has been taken for granted.63.What does the new study by the two universities say about recent crop improvement efforts?A)They fail to produce the same remarkable results as before the 1980s.B)They contribute a lot to the improvement of human food production.C)They play a major role in guaranteeing the food security of the world.D)They focus more on the increase of animal feed than human food grains.64.What does the Food and Agriculture Organisation say about world food production in thecoming decades?A)The growing population will greatly increase the pressure on world food supplies.B)The optimistic prediction about food production should be viewed with caution.C)The "slowdown of the growth in yields of major food crops will be reversed.D)The world will be able to feed its population without increasing farmland.65.How does the author view the argument of the Food and Agriculture Organisation?A)It is built on the findings of a new study.B)It is based on a doubtful assumption.C)It is backed by strong evidence.D)It is open to further discussion.答案：CADDBPassage 3Junk food is everywhere. We’re eating way too much of it. Most of us know what we’re doing and yet we do it anyway.So here’s a suggestion offered by two researchers at the Rand Corporation : Why not take a lesson from alcohol control policies and apply them to where food is sold and how it’s displayed?“Many policy measures to control obesity(肥胖症）assume that people consciously and rationally choose what and how much they eat and therefore focus on providing information and more access to healthier foods,” note the two researchers.“In contrast,” the researchers continue, “ many regulations that don’t assume people make rational choices have been successfully applied to control alcohol, a substance—like food—of which immoderate consumption leads to serious health problems. ’’The research references studies of peopled behavior with food and alcohol and results of alcohol restrictions, and then lists five regulations that the researchers think might be promising if applied to junk foods. Among them:Density restrictions：licenses to sell alcohol aren’t handed out unplanned to all comers but are allotted (分配) based on the number of places in an area that already sell alcohol. These make alcohol less easy to get and reduce the number of psychological cues to drink.Similarly, the researchers say, being presented with junk food stimulates our desire to eat it. So why not limit the density of food outlets, particularly ones that sell food rich in empty calories? And why not limit sale of food in places that aren5t primarily food stores?Display and sales restrictions: California has a rule prohibiting alcohol displays near the cash registers in gas stations, and in most places you can’t buy alcohol at drive-through facilities. At supermarkets, food companies pay to have their wares in places where they’re easily seen. One could remove junk food to the back of the store and ban them from the shelves at checkout lines. The other measures include restricting portion sizes, taxing and prohibiting special price deals for junk foods, and placing warning labels on the products.56.What does the author say about junk food?A)People should be educated not to eat too much.B)It is widely consumed despite its ill reputation.C)Its temptation is too strong for people to resist.D)It causes more harm than is generally realized.57.What do the Rand researchers think of many of the policy measures to control obesity?A) They should be implemented effectively.C) They are based on wrong assumptions.B) They provide misleading information.D) They help people make rational choices.58.Why do policymakers of alcohol control place density restrictions?A)Few people are able to resist alcohol’s temptations.B)There are already too many stores selling alcohol.C)Drinking strong alcohol can cause social problems.D)Easy access leads to customers’ over-consumption.59.What is the purpose of California’s rule about alcohol display in gas stations?A)To effectively limit the density of alcohol outlets.B)To help drivers to give up the habit of drinking.C)To prevent possible traffic jams in nearby areas.D)To get alcohol out of drivers’ immediate sight.60.What is the general guideline the Rand researchers suggest about junk food control?A)Guiding people to make rational choices about food.B)Enhancing people’s awareness of their own health.C)Borrowing ideas from alcohol control measures.D)Resorting to economic, legal and psychological means.答案：CCDDCPassage 4Kodak’s decision to file for bankruptcy (破产）protection is a sad, though not unexpected, turning point for a leading American corporation that pioneered consumer photography and dominated the film market for decades, but ultimately failed to adapt to the digital revolution.Although many attribute Kodak’s downfall to “complacency ( 自满)”that explanation doesn’t acknowledge the lengths to which the company went to reinvent itself. Decades ago, Kodak anticipated that digital photography would overtake film—and in fact, Kodak invented the first digital camera in 1975—but in a fateful decision, the company chose to shelf its new discovery to focus on its traditional film business.It wasn’t that Kodak was blind to the future, said Rebecca Henderson, a professor at Harvard Business School, but rather that it failed to execute on a strategy to confront it. By the time the company realized its mistake, it was too late.Kodak is an example of a firm that was very much aware that they had to adapt, and spent a lot of money trying to do so, but ultimately failed. Large companies have a difficult time switching to new markets because there is a temptation to put existing assets into the new businesses.Although Kodak anticipated the inevitable rise of digital photography, its corporate(企业的）culture was too rooted in the successes of the past for it to make the clean break necessary to fully embrace the future. They were a company stuck in time. Their history was so important to them. Now their history has become a liability.Kodak’s downfall over the last several decades was dramatic. In 1976, the company commanded 90% of the market for photographic film and 85% of the market for cameras. But the 1980s brought new competition from Japanese film company Fuji Photo, which undermined Kodak by offering lower prices for film and photo supplies. Kodak’s decision not to pursue the role of official film for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a major miscalculation. The bid went instead to Fuji, which exploited its sponsorship to win a permanent foothold in the marketplace.61.What do we learn about Kodak?A)It went bankrupt all of a sudden.B)It is approaching its downfall.C)It initiated the digital revolution in the film industry.D)It is playing the dominant role in the film market.62.Why does the author mention Kodak’s invention of the first digital camera?A)To show its early attempt to reinvent itself.B)To show its effort to overcome complacency.C)To show its quick adaptation to the digital revolution.D)To show its will to compete with Japan’s Fuji Photo.63.Why do large companies have difficulty switching to new markets?A)They find it costly to give up their existing assets.B)They tend to be slow in confronting new challenges.C)They are unwilling to invest in new technology.D)They are deeply stuck in their glorious past.64.What does the author say Kodak’s history has become?A) A burden.B) A mirror.C) A joke.D) A challenge.65.What was Kodak’s fatal mistake?A) Its blind faith in traditional photography.C) Its refusal to sponsor the 1984 Olympics.B) Its failure to see Fuji Photo’s emergence.D) Its overconfidence in its corporate culture.答案：BADACPassage 5When it’s five o’clock, people leave their office. The length of the workday, for many workers, is defined by time. They leave when the clock tells them they’re done.These days, the time is everywhere: not just on clocks or watches, but on cell-phones and computers. That may be a bad thing, particularly at work. New research shows that clock-based work schedules hinder morale (士气) and creativity.Clock-timers organize their day by blocks of minutes and hours. For example：a meeting from 9 a. m. to 10 a. m. , research from 10 a. m. to noon, etc. On the other hand, task-timers have a list of things they want to accomplish. They work down the list, each task starts when the previous task is completed. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning.What, then, are the effects of thinking about time in these different ways? Does one make us more productive? Better at the tasks at hand? Happier? In experiments conducted by Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier, they had participants organize different activities—from project planning, holiday shopping, to yoga —by time or to-do list to measure how they performed under “clock time vs “task time.” They found clock timers to be more efficient but less happy because they felt little control over their lives. Task timers are happier and more creative, but less productive. They tend to enjoy the moment when something good is happening, and seize opportunities that come up.The researchers argue that task-based organizing tends to be undervalued and under-supported in business culture. Smart companies, they believe, will try to bake more task-based planning into their strategies.This might be a small change to the way we view work and the office, but the researchersargue that it challenges a widespread characteristic of the economy: work organized by dock time. While most people will still probably need, and be, to some extent, clock-timers, task-based timing should be used when perfoming a job that requires more creativity. It’ll make those tasks easier, arid the task- doers will be happier.56.What does the author think of time displayed everywhere?A)It makes everybody time-conscious.B)It is a convenience for work and life.C)It may have a negative effect on creative work.D)It clearly indicates the fast pace of modem life.57.How do people usually go about their work according to the author?A)They combine clock-based and task-based planning.B)They give priority to the most urgent task on hand.C)They set a time limit for each specific task.D)They accomplish their tasks one by one.58.What did Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier find in their experiments about clocks timers?A) They seize opportunities as they come up.C) They have more control over their lives.B) They always get their work done in time.D) They tend to be more productive.59.What do the researchers say about today’s business culture?A)It does not support the strategies adopted by smart companies.B)It does not attach enough importance to task-based practice.C)It places more emphasis on work efficiency than on workers5 lives.D)It aims to bring employees, potential and creativity into full play.60.What do the researchers suggest?A)Task-based timing is preferred for doing creative work. B)It is important to keep a balance between work and life.C)Performing creative jobs tends to make workers happier. D)A scientific standard should be adopted in job evaluation.答案：CADAAPassage 6Martha Stewart was charged, tried and competed of a crime in 2004. As she neared the end of her prison sentence, a well-known columnist wrote that she was “ paying her dues,” and that “ there is simply no reason for anyone to attempt to deny her right to start anew.”Surely, the American ideal of second chances should not be reserved only for the rich and powerful. Unfortunately, many federal and state laws impose post-conviction restrictions on a shockingly large number of Americans, who are prevented from ever fully paying their debt to society.At least 65 million people in the United States have a criminal record. This can result in severe penalties that continue long after punishment is completed.Many of these penalties are imposed regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the person’s individual circumstances. Laws can restrict or ban voting, access to public housing, and professional and business licensing. They can affect a person’s ability to get a job and qualification for benefits.In all, more than 45, 000 laws and rules serve to exclude vast numbers of people from fullyparticipating in American life.Some laws make sense. No one advocates letting someone convicted of pedophilia（恋童癖）work in a school. But too often collateral(附随的）consequences bear no relation to public safety. Should a woman who possessed a small amount of drugs years ago be permanently unable to be licensed as a nurse?These laws are also counterproductive, since they make it harder for people with criminal records to find housing or land a job, two key factors that reduce backsliding.A recent report makes several recommendations, including the abolition of most post-conviction penalties, except for those specifically needed to protect public safety. Where the penalties are not a must, they should be imposed only if the facts of a case support it.The point is not to excuse or forget the crime. Rather, it is to recognize that in America’s vast criminal justice system, second chances are crucial. It is in no one’s interest to keep a large segment of the population on the margins of society.61.What does the well-known columnist’s remark about Martha Stewart suggest?A)Her past record might stand in her way to a new life.B)Her business went bankrupt while she was in prison.C)Her release from prison has drawn little attention.D)Her prison sentence might have been extended.62.What do we learn from the second paragraph about many criminals in America?A)They backslide after serving their terms in prison.B)They are deprived of chances to turn over a new leaf.C)They receive severe penalties for committing minor offenses.D)They are convicted regardless of their individual circumstances.63.What are the consequences for many Americans with a criminal record?A) They remain poor for the rest of their lives.C) They are marginalized in society.B) They are deprived of all social benefits.D) They are deserted by their family.64.What does the author think of the post-conviction laws and rules?A)They help to maintain social stability.B)Some of them have long been outdated.C)They are hardly understood by the public.D)A lot of them have negative effects on society.65.What is the author’s main purpose in writing the passage?A)To create opportunities for criminals to reform themselves.B)To appeal for changes in America’s criminal justice system.C)To ensure that people with a criminal record live a decent life.D)To call people’s attention to prisoners’ conditions in America.答案：ABCDBPassage 7The wallet is heading for extinction. As a day-to-day essential，it will die off with the generation who read print newspapers. The kind of shopping—where you hand over notes and count out change in return—now happens only in the most minor of our retail encounters, like buying a bar of chocolate or a pint of milk from a comer shop. At the shops where you spend any real money, that money is increasingly abstracted. And this is more and more true, the higher upthe scale you go. At the most cutting-edge retail stores—Victoria Beckham on Dover Street, for instance—you don’t go and stand at any kind of cash register when you decide to pay. The staff are equipped with iPads to take your payment while you relax on a sofa.Which is nothing more or less than excellent service, if you have the money. But across society, the abstraction of the idea of cash makes me uneasy. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned. But earning money isn’t quick or easy for most of us. Isn’t it a bit weird that spending it should happen in half a blink (眨眼）of an eye? Doesn’t a wallet—that time-honoured Friday-night feeling of pleasing, promising fatness—represent something that matters?But I’ll leave the economics to the experts. What bothers me about the death of the wallet is the change it represents in our physical environment. Everything about the look and feel of a wallet—the way the fastenings and materials wear and tear and loosen with age, the plastic and paper and gold and silver, and handwritten phone numbers and printed cinema tickets—is the very opposite of what our world is becoming. The opposite of a wallet is a smartphone or an iPad. The rounded edges, cool glass，smooth and unknowable as a pebble (鹅卵石）. Instead of digging through pieces of paper and peering into comers, we move our fingers left and right. No more counting out coins. Show your wallet, if you still have one. It may not be here much longer.56.What is happening to the wallet?A) It is disappearing.C) It is becoming costly,B) It is being fattened.D) It is changing in style.57.How are business transactions done in big modem stores?A)Individually.C) In the abstract.B)Electronically.D) Via a cash register.58.What makes the author feel uncomfortable nowadays?A)Saving money is becoming a thing of the past.B)The pleasing Friday-night feeling is fading.C)Earning money is getting more difficult.D)Spending money is so fast and easy.59.Why does the author choose to write about what’s happening to the wallet?A)It represents a change in the modem world.B)It has something to do with everybody’s life.C)It marks the end of a time-honoured tradition.D)It is the concern of contemporary economists.60.What can we infer from the passage about the author?A)He is resistant to social changes.B)He is against technological progress.C)He feels reluctant to part with the traditional wallet.D)He feels insecure in the ever-changing modem world.答案：ABDADPassage 8Everybody sleeps, but what people stay up late to catch—or wake up early in order not to miss— varies by culture.From data collected, it seems the things that cause us to lose the most sleep, on average, are sporting events, time changes, and holidays.Around the world, people changed sleep patterns thanks to the start or end of daylight savings time, Russians, for example, began to wake up about a half-hour later each day after President Vladimir Putin shifted the country permanently to “winter time” starting on October 26.Russia’s other late nights and early mornings generally correspond to public holidays. On New Year’s Eve, Russians have the world’s latest bedtime，hitting the hay at around 3:30 a.m.、Russians also get up an hour later on International Women’s Day, the day for treating and celebrating female relatives.Similarly, Americans, late nights, late mornings, and longest sleeps fall on three-day weekends. Canada got the least sleep of the year the night it beat Sweden in the Olympic hockey （冰球）. The World Cup is also chiefly responsible for sleep deprivation(剥夺）.The worst night for sleep in the U. K was the night of the England-Italy match on June 14. Brits stayed up a half-hour later to watch it, and then they woke up earlier than usual the next morning thanks to summer nights, the phenomenon in which the sun barely sets in northern countries in the summertime. That was nothing, though, compared to Germans, Italians, and the French, who stayed up around an hour and a half later on various days throughout the summer to watch the Cup.It should be made clear that not everyone has a device to record their sleep patterns; in some of these nations, it’s likely that only the richest people do. And people who elect to track their sleep may try to get more sleep than the average person. Even if that’s the case, though, the above findings are still striking. If the most health-conscious among us have such deep swings in our shut-eye levels throughout the year, how much sleep are the rest of us losing?61.What does the author say about peopled sleeping habits?A) They are culture-related.C) They change with the seasons.B) They affect peopled health.D) They vary from person to person.62.What do we learn about the Russians regarding sleep?A)They don’t fall asleep until very late.C)They get less sleep on public holidays.B)They don’t sleep much on weekends.D)They sleep longer than people elsewhere.63.What is the major cause for Europeans’ loss of sleep?A)The daylight savings time.C)The World Cup.B)The colorful night life.D)The summertime.64.What is the most probable reason for some rich people to use a device to record their sleep patterns?A) They have trouble falling asleep.C) They are involved in a sleep research.B) They want to get sufficient sleep.D) They want to go to bed on regular hours.65.What does .the author imply in the last paragraph?A)Sleeplessness does harm to peopled health.B)Few people really know the importance of sleep.C)It is important to study our sleep patterns.D)Average people probably sleep less than the rich.答案：ACCBBPassage 9Could you reproduce Silicon Valley elsewhere, or is there something unique about it?It wouldn't be surprising if it were hard to reproduce in other countries, because you couldn't reproduce it in most of the US either. What does it take to make a Silicon Valley?It's the right people. If you could get the right ten thousand people to move from Silicon Valley to Buffalo, Buffalo would become Silicon Valley.You only need two kinds of people to create a technology hub (中心) : rich people and nerds (痴迷科研的人).Observation bears this out. Within the US, towns have become star, up hubs if and only if they have both rich people and nerds. Few startups happen in Miami, for example, because although it's full of rich people, it has few nerds. It's not the kind of place nerds like.Whereas Pittsburgh has the opposite problem: plenty of nerds, but no rich people.The top US Computer Science departments are said to be MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie-Mellon. MIT yielded Route 128.Stanford and Berkeley yielded Silicon Valley. But what did Carnegie-Mellon yield in Pittsburgh? And what happened in Ithaca, home of Cornell University, which is also high on the list?I grew up in Pittsburgh and went to college at Cornell, so I can answer for both. The weather is terrible, particularly in winter, and there's no interesting old city to make up for it, as there is in Boston. Rich people don't want to live in Pittsburgh or Ithaca. So while there're plenty of hackers (电脑迷) who could start startups, there's no one to invest in themDo you really need the rich people? Wouldn't it work to have the government invest in the nerds?No, it would not. Start up investors are a distinct type of rich people. They tend to have a lot of experience themselves in the technology business. This helps them pick the right startups, and means they can supply advice and connections as well as money. And the fact that they have a personal stake in the outcome makes them really pay attention.56.What do we learn about Silicon Valley from the passage?A. Its success is hard to copy anywhere else.B. It is the biggest technology hub in the US.C. Its fame in high technology is incomparable.D. It leads the world in information technology.57.What makes Miami unfit to produce a Silicon Valley?A. Lack of incentive for investment.B. Lack of the right kind of talents.C. Lack of government support.D. Lack of famous universities.58.In what way is Carnegie-Mellon different from Stanford, Berkeley and MIT?A. Its location is not as attractive to rich people.B. Its science departments are not nearly as good.C. It does not produce computer hackers and nerds.D. It does not pay much attention to business startups.59.What does the author imply about Boston?A. It has pleasant weather all year round.。
四级阅读真题详解与解析
四级阅读真题详解与解析四级阅读真题主要内容解析如下：第一篇题目：The Influence of Music on Our Lives第一段：Music has a profound impact on our lives. It can evoke emotions, enhance our mood, and bring people together. Many scientific studies have explored the various ways in which music affects us.第二段：One important way in which music influences us is through its emotional effect. Certain types of music can make us feel happy, sad, or even nostalgic. For example, upbeat and fast-paced music is often associated with happiness and excitement, while slow and melodic music can create a sense of tranquility.第三段：In addition to emotions, music also has the power to enhance our cognitive abilities. Classical music, for instance, is known to improve focus and concentration, making it an ideal choice for studying or working. On the other hand, listening to music with lyrics while performing tasks that require verbal processing might be distracting.第四段：Furthermore, music has the ability to bring people together. In many cultures, music plays a central role in social gatherings and celebrations. Whether it is through dancing, singing, or simply listening, music has a unique way of connecting individuals and fostering a sense of community.第五段：To summarize, music has a significant influence on our lives. It can evoke emotions, enhance cognitive abilities, and bring people together. Understanding how music affects us can help us utilize its power for personal well-being and social cohesion.第二篇题目：The Impact of Technology on Education第一段：The rapid advancement of technology has greatly impacted the field of education. Traditional methods of teaching and learning are being replaced or modified to accommodate new technological trends. This essay will explore the various ways in which technology has transformed education.第二段：One significant impact of technology on education is the accessibility of information. With the internet, students and educators now have access to a vast amount of information at their fingertips. This allows for self-paced learning and encourages independent research and critical thinking.第三段：Technology has also revolutionized the way lessons are delivered. Online platforms and educational software provide interactive learning experiences that engage students in ways not possible before. Virtual reality, for example, allows students to explore historical sites or visit remote locations virtually, adding a new dimension to their understanding.第四段：Furthermore, technology has increased collaboration and communication among students and educators. Online discussion boards, video conferencing, and collaborative writing tools enable students to work together even when physically apart. This fosters a sense of community and allows for the exchange of ideas across borders.第五段：However, it is important to note that technology should not replace traditional teaching methods entirely. A balanced integration of technology and traditional approaches is crucial for effective learning. Educators and institutions must also provide sufficient training and support to ensure that both teachers and students can harness the full potential of technology.第六段：In conclusion, technology has brought about significant changes in education. It has increased accessibility to information, transformed lesson delivery, and facilitated collaboration. Embracing technology while maintaining a balanced approach can lead to enhanced learning experiences and prepare students for the challenges of the digital age.第三篇题目：The Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Children第一段：In today's technology-driven world, children are spending more time indoors, engaging with screens and electronic devices. However, outdoor activities play a crucial role in a child's physical and mental development. This essay will discuss the benefits of outdoor activities for children.第二段：One key benefit of outdoor activities is physical exercise. Outdoor play allows children to engage in physical movements such as running, jumping, and climbing, which promotes healthy growth, enhances motor skills, and improves coordination and balance.第三段：Outdoor activities also provide opportunities for social interaction and the development of interpersonal skills. Playing with other children in a natural environment encourages communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. It helps children develop empathy and understand the importance of teamwork.第四段：Nature-based outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, foster an appreciation for the environment and instill a sense of responsibility towards nature. Spending time in nature allows children to connect with the natural world, leading to a greater understanding of ecological systems and a desire to protect the environment.第五段：Additionally, outdoor activities often involve exposure to sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone development and overall well-being. By engaging in outdoor activities, children can ensure that they receive adequate vitamin D exposure.第六段：To conclude, outdoor activities provide numerous benefits for children. They promote physical exercise, social interaction, environmental awareness, and vitamin D intake. Encouraging children to spend time outdoors is essential for their holistic development and well-being.这篇文章共计888个字，将会等到所有字数统计完毕后，再回复完整的2000字文章。
英语四级阅读理解试题及答案解析
英语四级阅读理解试题及答案解析英语四级阅读理解精选试题及答案解析少而好学，如日出之阳;壮而好学，如日中之光;志而好学，如炳烛之光。
以下是店铺为大家搜索整理的英语四级阅读理解精选试题及答案解析，希望能给大家带来帮助!想了解Section BDirections：In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Driver’s License T est TipsA.This article will provide you with some simple tips for passing your driver’s license test.Adequate preparation is absolutely essential，without which any number of driver’s license test tips will be redundant.B.Getting a driver’s license is a big step in anyone’s life.It gives an individual the luxury to drive a car anytime he or she pleases，as driving without passing a driver’s lice nse test is against the law.For some people，the stress can be too much to handle and as a result they may mess up on the driver’s license test.There are some simple driver’s license test tips that anyone can follow,to be assured of passing the test and getting their driver’s license.C.The most important of all the tips for passing your driver’s license test is to be prepared.This can only be achievedby you through hours and hours of sincere and diligent practice.If you are not sufficiently prepared for y our driver’s license test，all the driver’s license tips for passing your driver’slicense test will be utterly pointless and redundant.You can read as many drivers’license test tips as you want，but if you are not practicing enough，then all these driving test tips will be in vain.Enroll ing yourself in driving schools is advisable for this purpose.D.Now，if you’re wondering how to prepare for your driving test，the first thing you need to know is what the driving test instructors and officials are going to be looking for.The following are the qualities that the instructors will be on the lookout for and also the parameters that the scoring will be conducted on.E)Starting the vehicle：The instructor will be observing you right from the time you start the vehicle.He will note if you tum your head to look back and if you follow all the safety regulations that are required to be followed while starting a vehicle.Here are some tips on learning to drive a car.F)Control of the vehicle：He will pay close attention to how much control you actually have over the vehicle.Your abilities with the gas pedal，the brake，the steering wheel and other controls will be scrutinized.G)Steering：Not many road test tips stress on the importance of steering.This quality is closely ana.lyzed by the instructor and obviously if your steering is wayward(任性的)，the chances of passing the driver’s license test are very slim.H)Driving in traffic：Keeping calm and avoiding panicattacks while driving in traffic is of utmost importance.Many people get extremely stressed and nervous，when they are in the midst of traffic and one of the very crucial tips to pass road test for driver’s license is to stay calm and composed when driving in traffic.Also read more on road safety and car safety.I)Traffic signs and lane discipline：This is another area that the instructors will be rating you on.Your ability to observe lane discipline and your recognition of the various traffic signs plays a major role in your passing the test.Keep these driver’s license test tips in mind to pass the test in your veryfirst attempt.J)Stopping：Stopping the car smoothly and at the right place is a critical skill to have.When the in. structor asks you to stop the car，the timing，the positioning and the technique of doing so are important driving test tips to bear in mind.K)Backing up and distance judgment：Your backing up skills and your ability to judge the distancesbetween your vehicle and other entities will also be carefully scrutinized.If you cannot back up your vehicle satisfactorily ,parking would be very troublesome for you and a major source of hazard to you and to others around you.L)Hill parking：One of the essential tips for passing your driver’s license test is to master the art of hill parking.This is not as easy as it seems and can become a major source of anxiety in a driver.If you can display good skills at hill parking，it proves that you have developed good control over the vehicle.M)Arm signals and driving etiquette：Another aspect that you will be judged on is your efficiency at giving the right arm signals at the right time.Your respect for other drivers on the road and the amount of courtesy you show them also plays a part in your final rating on the driver’s license test.Read more about defensive driving techniques and tips and defensive driving courses.N)Drivers who are well aware and informed about all the rules and regulations that need to be followed have a beRer chance of clearing their driver’s license test.The primary goal of these driver，slicense test tips is to instill(慢慢灌输)a responsible and mature frame of mind in every individ.ual.These road test tips will be pointless unless you develop a calm demeanor and tmless you are aware of all the rules that must be followed while driving.O)Here are a few more basic drivers’license test tips that you should keep in mind when vou，re leaming how to prepare for your driving test.Always use the restroom before your test begins.Not doing so will cause more anxiety during the test.Memorize all the traffic signs and their significance well in advance before the e your rear view mirrors efficiently and regularly.Ensure that you are well on time for your test and are carrying all the required documents and paperwork.Get adequate sleep the previous night and do not give the test with an empty stomach.Stick to the permitted speed limit.Do not drive too fast and do not drive too slow either.P)Passing a driver’s license test is not simple and unless you are well versed in driver education.You could face a lot of difficulties.At the end of the day,remember that the instructors also want you to pass the test，so do your best to stay calm and composed and believe in your ability to pass the test.This cannot be reinstated enough，but the key to passing your driver’s li cense test is practice.46.According to this article，the importance of steering is emphasized by not many road test tips.47.Your timing，positioning and technique should be considered by yourself when you stoD your test car.48.Some people may fail their d river’s license tests because they have too much stress.49.Hill parking as one of the essential tips for your license test seems easV.50.The tips in this article primarily aimed at instilling a responsible and mature frame of mind in you.51.In order to pass your driver’s license test.you should practice.52.Your driver’s license test begins in practice when you start your test car.53.During the preparation process，a few more basic tips should be kept in mind.54.You should sleep adequately the night before your test.55.A lot of difficulties could be faced if you are not well versed in driver education.48.Some people may fail their driver’S license tests because they have too much stress.有些人可能没有通过驾照考试，是因为压力太大。
英语四级仔细阅读练习及答案解析
英语四级仔细阅读练习及答案解析(1)Section CDirections：There are 2 passages in this section.Each passage isfollowed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each ofthem there are four choices marked A.，B.，C.and D..You shouM decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on thefollowingpassage.With so many of the deaths each year from around the world directly related to poor health choices we make.world health leaders have set a goal of lowering the number of preventable deaths by 25%from 2010 rates by 2025.That would save 37 million lives over 15 years.Reporting in thejournal Lancet，public health experts note that the ways to prevent those deaths areat surprising.But acting on those strategies will take individual and political will.Heres how the experts hope to do it.Not smoke.The UN General Assembly set a target of cutting smoking around the world by 30%by 2025.Already,higher-income nations that already adopted smoking bans in public places and instituted tobacco taxes have seen drops in smoking rates，however,residents in lower-income nations continue to light up at high rates.Limit excessive drinking.While moderate amounts of alcohol have been linked to some health benefits，overindulging can increase the risk of certain cancers and liver disease，as well as contribute to high blood cating people about the risks of excessive drinking，as well as instituting taxes on alcoholic products，has been somewhat successful in curbing(遏制)abuse.Cut back on salt.High sodium (钠)diets can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease and stroke，and in many developed countries，people eat several times the amount the salt their bodies need.In the U.S.，the average American consumes about 800mg more salt every day than health experts consider acceptable.Promoting alternatives，such as the citric acid in lemons，to satisfy the need for salt， Call help to bring sodiunl consumption down.Get blood pressure under ck of exercise and high sodium diets contribute to hypertension(高血压)，and uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart disease.Monitoring blood pressure with regular screenings，and treating elevated levels with changes in diet and exercise，or medications if necessary,are the most effective ways to address this risk factor.Address diabetes.Closely tied to the obesity epidemic(肥胖病)that now affects developing as well as developed nations，diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease，kidney disease and other conditions that can shorten life.Studies show that lifestyle changes incorporating healthy diets low in sugar and physical activity call be as effective as medications in keeping blood sugar levels in check.56.What does the author mean by sayin9“acting on those strategies will take individual and political will”(Line 4-5，para.1)?A.Both politicians and individuals wish to put the strategies into practice.B. Conducting those strategies needs to consider both personal and official will.C.Carrying out those strategies needs both individual and govemmental support.D.Either individual or government can carry out those strategies.57.What have high.income countries done to smoking?A. Banned smoking in the public and reduced tobacco taxes.B.Banned public smoking and established tobacco taxes.C. Dropped smoking rates and banned smoking in public.D. Dropped smoking rates and lowered tobacco taxes.58.What is the authors suggestion to sodium consumption?A.Eat lemons instead of excessive salt to cut down sodium consumption.B.Take in as less salt as possible for the sake of health.C. Take in at least 800mg of salt every day.D.Never take in salt but citric acid to keep fit.59.What carl you learn about hypertension from the passage?A. Moderate amount of alcoholis good for blood pressure contr01.B.American people have a less opportunity to develop hypertension.C.Regular blood pressure monitoring can reduce the risk of diabetes.D.Controlling blood pressure properly can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.60.What should we do to address diabetes?A.Keep a low.sugar diet.B.Take physical exercise.C. Receive drug treatment.D. All of the above.56.What does the author mean by saying“acting on those strategies will take individual and political will”(Line4.5，para.1)?作者说引号中的这句话是什么意思?A.Both politicians and individuals wish to put the strategies into practice.政府和个人都希望将这些策略投入使用。
大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析
大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析在日复一日的学习、工作生活中，我们都可能会接触到试题，试题是参考者回顾所学知识和技能的重要参考资料。
相信很多朋友都需要一份能切实有效地帮助到自己的试题吧？以下是我为大家收集的大学生英语四级考试阅读理解精选试题及答案解析，欢迎大家分享。
大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析1The world has become a world of cities. With the present rate of urban growth(3. 8% in the Third World) , the majority of the population of the world will be living in cities by the year 2000. This will transform the rural-urban equation which has marked the history of mankind up to now and will call for new example and a great deal of innovation to face this phenomenon.This being so, one must accept the fact that for some years to come, no policy will be capable of stopping or reversing the present migratory trend from the rural areas to the cities in the Third World. In Africa, the urban population will reach 330 million people by the end of the century as against 150 million in 1995.The number of people living in shanty-towns (贫富窟) will inevitably increase in spite of the efforts to improve housing conditions.Africa alone needs to build 12 million housing units between now and the year 2000 to meet its most basic needs. In an ILO study, M. S. V. Sethuraman estimates that in 70 Third "World cities the proportion of people living in shanty-towns varies from 15% to 70% and that about US $ 116 billion is required to give minimum comfort to these people by the turn of the century—less than US $ 10 billion per year.The world population is growing at a rate of about 90 million people per year, with the Third World accounting for 80 million of them. The pressure on cities can only go on increasing. The urban population of the developing countries will exceed 2 billion people by the year 2000 and since the main reason for the high demographic (人口统计的) growth is poverty, the additional population will be mostly made of people of very limited means.21. If the urban population of the developing countries exceeds 2 billion people by the year 2000, the main problem the additional people will face is______.A. housingB. foodC. povertyD. limited land22. According to the passage, "about US $116 billion is required to give minimum comfort to these people by the turn of the century—less than US $ 10 billion per year. " Do you think which year was the article written by saying "less than $ 10 billion per year" by theturn of the century?A. 1985.B. 1990.C. 1988.D. 2000.23. The mankind should face the phenomenon that the world has become a world of cities with______.A. a lot of difficultiesB. efforts to improve housing conditionC. pressure of the basic needsD. new models and a great deal of transformation of ideas and methods24. In Africa, people in cities will be______by the end of the century.A. almost twice as much as in 1985B. doubled than that in 1985C. over twice as much as in 1985D. 300 million25. In spite of the efforts to improve housing condition, the number of people living in shanty-towns will increase because______.A. houses in shanty-towns are cheapB. shanty-towns could provide people with minimum comfortC. no policy will be capable of stopping or changing the present immigrant tendency from the rural areas to the cities in the Third WorldD. the Third Word population is growing at a rate of about 80 million people per year答案：21. C 22. C 23. D 24. C 25. C大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析2There are two factors which determine an individuals intelligence. The first is the sort of brain he is born with. Human brains differ considerably, some being more capable than others. But no matter how good a brain he has to begin with, an individual will have a low order of intelligence unless he has opportunities to learn. So the second factor is what happens to the individual—the sort of environment in which he is reared. If an individual is handicapped envionmentally ,it is likely that his brain will fail to develop and he will never attain the level of intelligence of which he is capable. The importance of environment in determining an individuals intellingence can be demonstrated by the case history of the identical twins, Peter and Mark X. Being identical, the twins had identical brains at birth, and their growth processes were the same. When the twins were three months old , their parents died, and they were placed in separate foster homes. Peter was reated by parents of low intelligence in an isolatedcommunity with poor educational pooprtunities.Mark was reared inthe home of well-to-do parents who had been to college. He was read to as a child , sent to good schools, and given every opportunity to be stimulated intellectually.This enviromental difference continued until the twins were in their late teens, when theywere giben tesets to measure their intelligence. Marks I.Q. was 125, twenty-five points higher than the average and fully forty points higher than his identical brother. Given equal opportunities , the twins , having identical brains,would have tested at roughly the same level.1.This selection can best be titled_________.a.Measuring Your Intelligenceb.Intelligence and Environmentc.The Case of Peter and Markd.How the brain Influences Intelligence2.The beststatement of the main idea of this passage is that _____. a.human brains differ considerablyb.the brain a person is born with is improtant in determining his intelligencec.environment is crucial in determining a persons intelligenced. persons having identical brains will have roughly the same intelligence3.According to the passage , the average I.Q.is _____.a.85b.100c.110d.1254.The case history of the twins appears to support the conclusion that _______. a.individual with identical brains seldom test at same level b.an individuals intelligence is determined only by his enviroment ck of opportunity blocks the growth of intelligence d.changes of enviromentproduce changes in the structure of the brain5.This passage suggests that an individual s I.Q.______. a.can be predicted at birthb.stays the same throuthout his lifec.can be increased by educationd.is determined by his childhood答案：bcbcc大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析3There are three kinds of goals: short-term,medium-range and long-term goals. Short-range goals are those that usually deal with current activities,which we can apply on a daily basis.Such goals can be achieved in a week or less,or two weeks,or possible months.It should be remembered that just as a building is no stronger than its foundation ,out long-term goals cannot amount to very munch without the achievement of solid short-term goals.Upon completing our short-term goals,we should date the occasion and then add new short-term goals that will build on those that have been completed. The intermediate goals bukld on the foundation of the short-range goals.They might deal with just one term of school or the entire school year,or they could even extend for several years.Any time you move a step at a time,you should never allow yourself to become discouraged or overwhelmed. As you complete each step,you will enforce the belief inyour ability to grow adn succeed.And as your list of completion dates grow,your motivation and desire will increase. Long-range goals may be related to our dreams of the future. They might cover five years or more. Life is not a static thing.We should never allow a long-term goal to limit us or our course of action. 1.Our long-term goals mean a lot______.A.if we complete our short-range goalsB.if we cannot reach solid short-term goalsC.if we write down the datesD.if we put forward some plans2.New short-term goals are bulid upon______.A.two yearsB.long-term goalsC.current activitiesD.the goals that have been completed3.When we complete each step of our goals ,______.A.we will win final successB.we are overwhelmedC.we should build up confidence of successD.we should strong desire for setting new goals 4.Once our goals are drawn up,_______.A.we should stick to them until we complete themB.we may change our goals as we have new ideas and opportunitiesC.we had better wait for the exciting news of successD.we have made great decision5.It is implied but not stated in the passage that ______.A.those who habe long-term goals will succeedB.writing down the dates may discourage youC.the goal is only a guide for us to reach our desinationD.every should have a goal答案：adcbc大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析4Today ,as in every other day of the year ,more than 3000 U.S. adlescents will smoke their first cigarette on their way to becoming regular smokers as adults. During their lifetime,it can be expected that of these 3000 about 23 will be murdered,30 will die in traffic accidents, and nearly 750 will be killed by a smoking-related disease. The number of deaths attributed to cigarette smoking outweithts all other factors, whether voluntary or involuntary, as a cause of death. Since the late 1970s, when daily smoking among high school seniors reached 30 precent , smoking rates among youth have declined . While the decline is impressive ,several important issues must be raised. First, in the past several years,smoking rates among youth have declined very little. Second,in the late 1970s ,smoking among male high school seniors exceeded that among female by nearly 10 percent . The statistic is reversing.Third ,several recent studies have indicate high school dropouts have excessively high smoking rates, as much as 75 percent . Finally,thouth significant declines in adolescent smoking have occurred in the past decade,no definite reasons for the decline exist. Within this context,the Naional Cancer Instiute (NCI) began its current effort to determine the most effecive measures to reduce smoking levesl among youth.1.According to the author, the deaths among youth are mainly caused by _____.a.traffic accidentsb.smoking-related deseasec.murderd.all of these2.Every day there are over_____high school strdents who will become regular smoker.a.75b.23c.30d.30003.By "dropout" the author means______.a.students who failed the examinationb.students who left schoolc.students who lost their wayd.students who were driven out of school4.The reason for declining adolescent smoking is that ________.a.NCI has taken effective measuresb.smoking is prevented among high school seniorsc.there are many smokers who have died of cancerd.none of these5.What is implied but not stated by the author is that ________.a.smoking rates among youth have declined very littleb.there are now more female than male smokers among high school seniorsc.high smoking rates are due to the incease in wealthd.smoking at high school are from low socio-economic backgrounds答案：bdbdb【大学生英语四级考试阅读理解试题及答案解析】。
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英语四级阅读真题练习及解析
Section B
Directions: there are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements For each of them there are four choices marked A),B),C) and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on
Answer Sheer 2 with a single line through the centre.
Passage One
Questions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.
In times of economic crisis. Americans turn to their families for support. If the Great Depression is any guide, we may see a drop in our skyhigh divorce rate. But this won#39;t necessarily represent. an increase in happy marriages. In the long run, the Depression weakened American families, and the current crisis will probably do the same.
We tend to think of the Depression as a time when families pulled together to survive huge job losses, By 1932. when nearly one-quarter of the workforce was unemployed, the divorce rate had declined by around 25% from 1929 But this doesn#39;t mean people were suddenly happier with their marriages. Rather, with incomes decreasing and insecure jobs, unhappy couples often couldn#39;t afford to divorce. They feared neither spouse could manage alone.
Today, given the job losses of the past year, fewer unhappy couples will risk starting separate households, Furthermore, the housing market meltdown will make it more difficult for them to finance their separations by selling their homes.
After financial disasters family members also tend to do whatever they can to help each other and their communities, A 1940 book. The Unemployed Man and His Family, described a family in which the husband initially reacted to losing his job "with tireless search for work."He was always active, looking for odd jobs to do.
The problem is that such an impulse is hard to sustain Across the country, many similar families were unable to maintain the initial boost in morale(士气). For some, the hardships of life without steady work eventually overwhelmed their attempts to keep their families together. The divorce rate rose again during the rest of the decade as the recovery took hold.
Millions of American families may now be in the initial stage of their responses to the current crisis, working together and supporting one another through the early months of unemployment.
Today#39;s economic crisis could well generate a similar number of couples whose relationships have been irreparably(无法弥补地)ruined. So it#39;s only when the economy is healthy again that we#39;ll begin to see just how many broken families have been created.
注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。
57.In the initial stage, the current economic crisis is likely to __________.
A)tear many troubled families apart
B)contribute to enduring family ties
C)bring about a drop in the divorce rate
D)cause a lot of conflicts in the family
58.In the Great Depression many unhappy couples close to stick together because
A)starting a new family would be hard
B)they expected things would turn better
C)they wanted to better protect their kids
D)living separately would be too costly
59.In addition to job losses. What stands in the way of unhappy couples getting a divorce?
A)Mounting family debts
B)A sense of insecurity
C)Difficulty in getting a loan
D)Falling housing prices
60.What will the current economic crisis eventually do to some married couples?
A)It will force them to pull their efforts together
B)It will undermine their mutual understanding
C)It will help strengthen their emotional bonds
D)It will irreparably damage their relationship
61.What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A)The economic recovery will see a higher divorce rate
B)Few couples can stand the test of economic hardships
C)A stable family is the best protection against poverty.
D)Money is the foundation of many a happy marriage
【参考答案】
57. B. bring about a drop in the divorce rate
58. C. living separately would be too costly
59. D. Falling housing prices.
60. C. It will irreparably damage their relationship.
61. D. The economic recovery will see a higher divorce rate.。