年12月四级真题三套
2023年12月大学英语四级真题试卷及答案(三套全)

2023年12月大学英语四级真题试卷及答案(三套全) 一、听力理解第一套第一节(共5小题)1. What does the woman ask the man to do?A. Turn the television off.B. Turn the volume down.C. Turn the radio on.Answer: B2. Where does the conversation most probably take place?A. At the post office.B. At the bank.C. At the hotel.Answer: C3. What does the man imply about the woman?A. She hasn’t been to New York City.B. She needs to find a new job.C. She travels a lot for work.Answer: A4. How long has the man been waiting?A. For an hour.B. For half an hour.C. For ten minutes.Answer: B5. What is the woman doing?A. She is looking for her keys.B. She is waiting for someone to arrive.C. She is talking on the phone.Answer: C第二节(共5小题)6. What is the woman asking the man to do?A. Fix her computer.B. Help her find a job.C. Visit her tomorrow.Answer: A7. What does the man offer to do next?A. Take the woman to the restaurant.B. Prepare dinner for the woman.C. Look for a restaurant on the Internet.Answer: C8. What does the man say abo ut the woman’s computer?A. It can’t be fixed.B. It needs a software update.C. It needs a new battery.Answer: B9. What does the woman suggest doing after dinner?A. Go for a walk.B. Watch a movie at home.C. Go to a movie theater.Answer: B10. How do es the woman feel about the man’s suggestion?A. Excited.B. Indifferent.C. Annoyed.Answer: A二、阅读理解第一套An important part of a child’s development is the acquisition of social skills. Social skills help children to interact effectively with others and build healthy relationships. These skills are vital for success in school, work, and life in general.One of the best ways to help children develop social skills is through play. Play allows children to practice andmaster social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a relaxed and enjoyableenvironment. Through play, children learn valuable skills such as cooperation, sharing, problem-solving, and communication.There are different types of play that help in the development of social skills. Cooperative play is when children play and work together towards a common goal. This type of play helps children to learn teamwork and collaboration. Pretend play, on the other hand, allows children to develop empathy and understanding of others’ perspectives. They learn to take on different roles and pretend to be someone else, which helps in developing their social and emotional intelligence. Board games and group activities also promote social interaction and help children learn important skills such as taking turns, following rules, and resolving conflicts in a fair manner.Parents and educators play a crucial role in promoting social skills development. They can create opportunities for play and provide guidance and support. It is important for parents to encourage their children to engage in various types of play and provide them with age-appropriate toys and games. Educators can incorporate play-based learning activities in the classroom to foster social skills development.In conclusion, play is a valuable tool for social skills development. It allows children to practice and master important skills while having fun. Parents and educators should recognize the importance of play and provide opportunities and support for children to engage in different types of play.第二套The concept of time management is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Effective time management helps individuals to prioritize tasks, handle multiple responsibilities, and increase productivity. It allows individuals to make the most out of their time and achieve their goals efficiently.Here are some tips for effective time management:1.Set goals: Identify your long-term and short-termgoals. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.This will help you stay focused and motivated.2.Prioritize tasks: Determine which tasks are mostimportant and urgent. Focus on completing these tasks first.3.Create a schedule: Use a planner or online calendarto schedule your tasks and activities. Set deadlines for each task to stay organized and keep track of your progress.4.Avoid multitasking: Multitasking may seem like atime-saving technique, but it can actually decreaseproductivity. Focus on one task at a time and give it yourfull attention.5.Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate tasks to others.This will free up your time and allow you to focus on more important tasks.6.Take breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest andrecharge. This will help you maintain focus and preventburnout.7.Avoid procrastination: Procrastination can lead tounnecessary stress and missed deadlines. Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts and tackle them one at a time.8.Learn to say no: Don’t overcommit yourself. Learn tosay no to tasks that are not essential or do not align withyour goals.e technology: Take advantage of technology toolssuch as productivity apps and time tracking apps. Thesecan help you stay organized and manage your time moreeffectively.10.Review and adjust: Regularly review your scheduleand tasks. Adjust as needed to accommodate unexpectedevents or changes in priorities.By implementing these tips, you can improve your time management skills and achieve greater success in your personal and professional life.第三套The importance of physical exercise cannot be overstated. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Physical exercise helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve lung function, and increase muscle strength and endurance. It also promotes weight loss and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, andcertain types of cancer. It can also improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.In addition to the physical benefits, exercise is also important for cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular exercise improves memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance creativity and productivity.Exercise is not only beneficial for adults but also for children and adolescents. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence helps to develop healthy bones, muscles, and joints. It improves coordination and balance, and reduces the risk of childhood obesity. It also has a positive impact on academic performance, including improved concentration and focus.There are many different forms of exercise that individuals can choose from, including aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It is important to find a form of exercise that you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily routine.In conclusion, regular physical exercise is essential for overall health and well-being. It has numerous physical and mental health benefits and should be a priority for individuals of all ages. Make exercise a part of your daily routine and reap the rewards of a healthy and active lifestyle.三、写作题目及答案第一套写作题目:Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:。
2021年12月英语四级真题及答案【共3套】

2021年12月英语四级真题及答案【共3套】第一套试题:一、听力理解1. A) He couldn't find his mobile phone.B) He was late for work.C) He missed the train.D) He had a traffic accident.2. A) The woman is a manager.B) The man is a customer.C) The woman is a sales assistant.D) The man is a repairman.3. A) He is a football player.B) He is a basketball player.C) He is a swimmer.D) He is a runner.4. A) The man wants to buy a new car.B) The woman is interested in buying a car.C) The man wants to sell his old car.D) The woman is a car salesman.5. A) The man is going to a party.B) The woman is going to a party.C) The man is going to a concert.D) The woman is going to a concert.二、阅读理解1. A) The importance of education.B) The benefits of exercise.C) The dangers of smoking.D) The value of friendship.2. A) They help students learn faster.B) They make students more confident.C) They improve students' health.D) They make students more creative.3. A) He has a strong sense of responsibility.B) He is very kind and helpful.C) He is very intelligent and hardworking.D) He is very popular among his classmates.4. A) It is very expensive.B) It is very difficult to find.C) It is very popular among students.D) It is very useful for learning English.5. A) He is a famous scientist.B) He is a famous actor.C) He is a famous writer.D) He is a famous musician.三、写作The Importance of English Learning英语学习在当今社会变得越来越重要。
2023年12月四级真题第三套英语作文

Title: The Value of Lifelong Learning in theDigital AgeIn the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital age, the importance of lifelong learning has become increasingly prominent. Lifelong learning, as the name suggests, is the continuous process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout one's life. It is not confined to the classroom or a specific period of time but rather extends across various settings and stages, encompassing formal and informal learning experiences.The advent of technology and the Internet has transformed the landscape of education, making information more accessible and diverse than ever before. With theclick of a button, we can access vast repositories of knowledge, participate in online courses, and engage in interactive learning experiences. This technological revolution has not only expanded the scope of learning but also made it more convenient and flexible, allowing individuals to pursue their interests and career paths independently.One of the key benefits of lifelong learning is its ability to enhance cognitive abilities and mental sharpness. As we age, our brains undergo natural changes that canaffect our memory, problem-solving skills, and learning capacity. However, by engaging in regular learning activities, we can stimulate our brains and slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging. Lifelong learning keeps our minds active and engaged, fostering a growth mindset that encourages us to embrace new challenges and opportunities.Moreover, lifelong learning is crucial for career development and success. In today's competitive job market, employers value employees who are willing to adapt andlearn new skills quickly. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in their field, individuals can increase their employability and marketability, opening up new opportunities for career growth and advancement.Beyond its personal and professional benefits, lifelong learning also contributes to societal progress and development. As individuals continue to learn and grow,they become more informed and engaged citizens, capable ofcontributing to society in meaningful ways. They bring new ideas, perspectives, and innovations to their communities, fueling economic growth and cultural enrichment.In conclusion, the importance of lifelong learning in the digital age cannot be overstated. It is not just a means of acquiring new skills or staying competitive in the job market; it is a way of life that enriches our minds, expands our horizons, and connects us to the world. By embracing lifelong learning, we can continue to grow and evolve, staying relevant and resilient in the face of constant change.**终身学习的价值在数字时代**在日新月异、快速发展的数字时代,终身学习的重要性日益凸显。
2020年12月四级考试真题第三套答案

2020年12月四级考试真题第三套答案一、单项选择题He _______ his homework yesterday.A. doesB. didC. doD. doingThey _______ playing football every weekend.A. goB. goesC. are goingD. areShe _______ a book last night.A. readB. readsC. is readingD. was reading二、完形填空It was a cold winter day. Mr. Smith wanted to go to the _______ to buy some food. He _______ his coat and walked out of the house. It was snowing outside, and the ground was covered with _______ snow.He walked for a long time and finally got to the _______. He saw a lot of people there. He walked around and _______ some apples, oranges and vegetables. Then he went to the _______ counter and bought some meat.After shopping, he went back home. When he got home, he felt very _______ and hungry. He made a cup of hot chocolate and ate some of the food he had _______.That day, he really enjoyed his _______ shopping trip.A. marketB. schoolC. hospitalD. parkE. put onF. took offG. whiteH. blackI. fruit J. meat K. tired L. fullM. bought N. saw O. wonderful三、阅读理解(文章略,提供一段简短的阅读文章和几个相关问题)What is the main idea of the passage?A. The author's daily routine.B. The importance of healthy eating.C. The history of a famous restaurant.D. The benefits of cooking at home.How many people are mentioned in the passage?A. Two.B. Three.C. Four.D. Five.Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?A. The author enjoys cooking.B. The author often eats out with friends.C. The author thinks cooking is a waste of time.D. The author prefers homemade food to restaurant food.四、写作题Write a short essay (100-150 words) about the importance of learning a foreign language. Include reasons why you think it is important and how it can benefit your future.。
2023.12四级真题第3套及答案详细解析

P ar t 大学英语四级考试2023年12月真题(第3套)及真题详细解析I W r i t i n g (30 m i nu t e s )D i re c t i o n s : S u pp o se t h e un i v ers i t y n e w s p a p e r i s i n v i t i n g su b m i s s i on s f r o m t h e s t u d e n t s f o r i t s c o m i n ge di t i on o n w h a t i n t h e i r u n i v e rs i t y i m p re sse s t h em m os t . Y o u a r e n o w t o wr i t e a n e ss a yf o r su b m i s s i on .Y o u w i l l h a v e 30 m i n u t e s t o w r i t e t h e e ss a y . Y o u s h o u l d wr i t e a t l e as t 120 w o r d s b u t n o mo r e t h a n 180w o r d s.L i s t e n i n g C o m p re h e ns i o n P ar t I Ⅱ(25 m i n u t e s )特别说明:由于多题多卷,官方第三套真题的听力试题与第二套真题的一致,只是选项顺序不同,因此,本套试卷不再提供听力部分。
R e a d i n g C o m p re h en s i o n P a r t Ⅲ(40 m i n u t es )S e c t i o n A D i rec t i o ns : I n t h i s sec t i o n , t h e r e i s a p a s s a g e w i t h t en b l a n k s . Y o u are re q u i r e d t o se l e c t o n e w or d f o r e a c h b l an k f r om a l i s t o f c h o i c es g i v e n i n a w o r d b a n k f o ll o w i n g t h e p as a g e . R e a d t h e p a ss a g e t h r o u g h c a r e f u l l y b e r o r e m a k i n g y o ur c h o i c e s . E a c h c h o i c e i n t h e b an k i s i d e n t i i e d b y a l e t t e r P l e as e m a r k t h e c o r r e s p on di n g l e t e r f o r e a c h i t e m o n A n s w e r S h ee t 2 w i t h a s i n g l e li n e t h r o u g h t h e ce n t re . Y o u m a y no t u se a n y o f t h e wor d s i n t h e b a n k m ore t h a n o n ce .W h en p eo p l e s e t o u t t o i m p r o v e t h e i r h e a l t h , t h e y us ua l l y t a k e a f a m ili ar p a t h : s t a r t i n g a h e a l t h y d i e t , g e t t i n g b e t t e r s l ee p , an d d o i n g r e g u l a r e x e rc i s e . E ac h o f t h e s e b e h av i o r s i s i m p o r t an t , o f co urs e , b u t t h e y a l l 26 o n p h y s i c a l h ea l t h —a n d a g r o w i n g b o d y o f r e s e ar c h s u g g e s t s t h a t s oc i a l h e a l t h i s j us t as , i f n o t m o re , i m p o r t an t t o 27 w e l l -b e i n g .O n e r ece n t s t u d y p u b l i s h e d i n t h e j o u m a l P L OS ON E , f o r e x am p l e , f o un d t h a t t h e s t r en g t h o f a p er s o n 's s oc i a l c i r c l e w as a b e t t e r 28_ o f se l f -r e p o r t e d s t r e ss , h a pp i n e ss an d w e l l -b e i n g l e v e l s t h a n fi t n e ss t ra c k e r d a t a o n p h y s i c a l ac t i v i t y , h ear t ra t e an d s l e e p . T h a t fi n di n g s u gg es t s t h a t t h e “29 se l f ” r e p r ese n t e d b y e n d l ess am o un t s o f h ea lth d a t a d o e sn 't t e l l t h e w h o l e 30T h e r e 's a l so a q u a li f e d se l f , w h i c h i s w h o I am , w h a t a r e m y ac t i v i t i es , m y s oc i a l n e t w o r k , an d a l l o f t h e s e i n an y o f t h e s e meas u rem e n t s .as p ec t s ar e n o t 31T hi s id ea i s s u p p o r t e d b y p l e n t y o f 32 r e s e ar c h . S t u di e s h ave s h o w n t h a t s o c i a l su pp o r t -w h e t h er i t c omes 33 a ss o c i a t e d w i t h b e t t e r m e n t a l an d p h y s i c a l h e a l t h . A r i c h f r o m f r i en d s , f a m i l y m e m b e r s o r a s p o us e -i s s oc i a l l if e , t h e s e s t u d i e s su g g es t , ca n l o we r s t r ess l e ve l s ,i m p r o ve m oo d , e n co u ra g e p os i t i v e h ea l t h b e h a v i o r s a n d d i scou ra g e d a ma g i n g o n es , b oo s t h ea r t h e a l t h a n d i m p r o ve i ll ne ss 34 ra t e s .S oc i a l i s o l a t i o n , m eanw h il e , i s li n k e d t o hi g h er ra t e s o f p h y s i c a l di s e a s e s an d men t a l h ea l t h con d i t i o ns .I t 's a s i g n if i can t p ro bl e m ,35 s i n ce l o n e li n es s i s eme r g i n g as a w i d e s p r e a d p u b l i c h e a l t h p r o b l e m i n m a n y c o u n t r i e s .·2023年12月四级真题(第三套)·19。
2023年12月英语四级作文题目公布(3套CET4写作真题题目完整版)(6篇)

2023年12月英语四级作文题目公布(3套CET4写作真题题目完整版)(6篇)英语四级真题作文题目及篇一One glance at a pyramid can leave the viewer in awe of its beauty and splend or. Upon closer examination, however, one might be surprised to discover that such a grandiose structure is composed entirely of ordinary stones.Most people are familiar with the proverb: Rome was not built in a day. An object as grand as a pyramid is likewise not so quickly or easily constructed. Just as the greatness of the city of Rome is due to the combination of its smaller parts, a pyramid is only as strong as the stones it is comprised of. The image of a pyramid reminds us that great success is in fact an accumulation of small achievements.History proves that many famous artists and scientists are only successful because of their continued efforts, even after numerous failures. One might recall Leonardo Dancing‘s drawing of an egg, Wang Xi Zhi practicing handwriting, or Thomas Edison inventing the light bulb, for example. The fable that tells us that even water can eventually pierce through stone also points to the importance of patience and diligence. We should take such stories and histories into account and remember the importance of fundamentals; remember that one can build a pyramid only if one is willing to work with small stones. People would be wise to abandon rash inclinations and instead try in earnest. Perseverance is sure to lead to success.英语四级真题作文题目及篇二Dear Ms. Riddle,I would like to know if I could ask for a casual leave of absence from your Oral English class this Thursday morning.Yesterday afternoon I got a phone call from my cousin, who is now operating a small company in suburbs of this city. He needs an interpreter for two days but cannot find the most trustworthy person, so he wants me to make an attempt. It seems to me that this is a golden opportunity to put what I have learned in your class into practice, but I need your permission of absence. If you think I may go and help him overcome the difficulty, I am confident that Ill do a good job and both of us will be thankful.Earnestly yours,Tony英语四级真题作文题目及篇三Recently, it is very popular to live a low-carbon life. It not only results jt^omJbejpEomstionfifthejgovemmestjbuLaJsojEises^utjofjthejpeaple’s internalheart.Living a low-carbon life is of great importance to every one. First of all, it can protect the environment to a great extent. Second, it can save the limited natural resources and energy, and will leave a better world for our offspring.jThird, it is a healthy lifestyle and will help mould a harmonious social atmosphere.Therefore, how to create a low-carbon life is necessary for us to consider. To begin with, we should save the energy, such as the electricity, water and domestic gas. Second, when we go out we can walk or ride a bike instead of by car. Third, we should not use the plastic bags which are hard to break down. If so, we can live a low-carbon life and gain the happiness of it. (158 words)。
2021年12月大学英语四级作文真题及范文(3套)

2021年12月大学英语四级作文真题及范文(3套)1.新生训练Directions:Suppose your school is organizing an orientation program to help the freshmen adapt to the new environment and academic studies.You are now to write a proposal,which may include its aim,duration,participants and activities.You will have30minutes to write the proposal. You should write at least120words but no more than180words.【参考范文】In order to aid freshmen in familiarizing themselves with university facilities and their classmates,as well as preparing for further studies,as a member of student union,I would like to make some suggestions about the upcoming orientation program.The orientation program will be held on the first Saturday in September.All freshmen of our university need to take part in.The program consists of two activities.The first one is a campus tour,in which volunteers will show students around from9:00to12:00.Freshmen can ask questions about our university and freely talk to their new friends,getting acquainted with our university and new students at the same time.The second one is an orientation lecture in the Great Auditorium. The president and dean of all schools will give greetings and lectures on academic guidance from 14:00to17:00,so that newcomers will have a better understanding of higher education.I hope this proposal could be accepted and implemented successfully so as to provide assistance to new students.2.旧书回收Directions:Suppose you have just participated in a school project of collecting used books on campus.You are now to write a report about the project,which may include itsaim,organization,participants and activities.You will have30minutes to write the report.You should write at least120words but no more than180words.【参考范文】Last Sunday,a profound activity,school project of collecting used books,was held on campus.A host of students poured their passion into the event and almost everyone considered it as a meaningful way to access to knowledge,based on the actual situation yesterday.Our university student union had made some arrangements for the project.From my perspective, the following two purposes can interpret this activity.To begin with,this kind of activity would cut down expenses of students,cultivating the awareness of saving.In the mean time,collecting used books can decrease the recycling and reprinting of books,and it is also benefit for the protection of environment.Anyone in the school who was curious about the project registered their names on the list and brought their books to student union’s office,Room115,E Building last Friday.The collected books have been displayed in the library.All students who attended the event enjoyed this marvellous period.3.演讲比赛Directions:Suppose your university student union is planning to hold a speech contest.You are now to write a proposal for organizing the contest.The proposal may include the topic,aim, procedure and selection of contestants.You will have30minutes to write the proposal.You should write at least120words but no more than180words.【参考范文】I,as a senior student who have rich experiences in speech contests,am writing this proposal to make some suggestions about organizing a speech contest.The purpose of this contest is to improve student’s expressive ability when they are looking for a job.The topic can be“Excellent Presentation,Better job”,motivating students to develop communicative skills.Firstly,each college will be informed about this activity,and the target contestants are senior students.It is also necessary to hold prelude contest,semi-finals to select the best contestants in the final.What calls for special attention is that the time and place of each contest are clearly notified.I do believe many senior students will improve their ability of oral expression which is helpful to find a better job.I hope you can find my suggestions effective and constructive.If you could take my advices into consideration,I will be highly grateful.。
2020年12月大学英语四级考试真题及详解(第三套)

2020年12月大学英语四级考试真题及详解(第三套)一、PartⅠWriting(30minutes)1.Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write an essay on the topic Changes in education.You should write at least120words but no more than180words.输入答案内容...【答案】【参考范文】The changes of education have aroused extensive attention of the society,which can be seen in many aspects in our daily life,such as TV programs,newspapers and university classes.Especially in recent years, Chinese education model has become more diversified and efficient.Many factors contribute to this phenomenon.The most common factor is the economic development and technological advance that have made online education possible.Technological teaching aids such as videoconferencing are widely available,reducing the time and place of classes.Another contributing factor is globalization.As countries become more and more connected,hope to integrate into different cultures by taking more international courses.The progress of education is of vital importance to everyone.It can not only promote the continuous development of individuals,but also promote the exchanges between countries.【行文点评】1.引出主题,说明教育变化的现象具有普遍性,且教育模式变得更多样、更高效。
2023年12月英语四级真题及答案(共三套)

2023年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions:Suppose the university newspaper is inviting submissions from the students for its coming edition on a campus event that has impressed them most. You are now to write an essay forsubmission. You will have 30 minutes to write the essay. You should write at least 120 wordsbut no more than 180 words._____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Part II Listening 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 1with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A. Their brains work in harmony. B. They are generally the same age.C. Their interests are quite similar.D. They have the same ethnic background.2. A. It can be touching. B. It is hard to predict.C. It can work both ways.D. It resembles family ties.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A. Search for their half-brothers. B. Identify their biological fathers.C. Find out more about their ancestry.D. See whether they are actually related.4. A. They were both given up for adoption. B. They were born to the same mother.C. They flew 737 airplanes as pilots.D. They were both 60 years of age.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A. One of his friends was caught littering.B. Other tourists refused to join in the cleanup.C. The beautiful beach was spoiled with lots of trash.D. The kilometer-long beach was practically deserted.6. A. A passerby. B. A local woman.C. The beach authorities.D. One of the five tourists.7. A. The tourists’ good deed was not noticed by the locals.B. Some natives were selling poor-quality food to tourists.C. The number of tourists to the beach is on a steady decline.D. It was tourists not natives who were cleaning up the beach.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 1with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A. He has to play football with workmates. B. He has got some books to read.C. He is going to visit a friend.D. He is physically unfit for it.9. A. To teach kids about animal protection. B. To learn how popular zoos could be.C. To see some rare animals in cages.D. To give her little nephew a treat.10. A. He enjoys excellent health. B. He is keen on extreme sports.C. He coaches tennis players every week.D. He spends most of his time in the gym.11. A. Tending to his swollen ankle. B. Concentrating on reading.C. Writing three book reports.D. Planning Christmas celebrations.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A. It is being debated by hundreds of retirees. B. It is attracting many people’s attention.C. It partly records his own experience.D. It argues for postponing retirement.13. A. One should foresee a financial crisis. B. One should trust financial planners’ figures.C. One should have one million dollars to retire.D. One should start saving as early as possible.14. A. It doesn’t need to be permanent. B. It shouldn’t be considered risky.C. It helps to reduce travel expenses.D. It is the way to quit a job one hates.15. A. By keeping close contact with one’s employers.B. By retiring when one reaches sixty years old.C. By investing half of one’s monthly income.D. By following the counsel of financial planners.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 youhear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through thecentre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A. They tended to be easily anticipated by those belonging to their own race.B. They tended to be arbitrarily judged by individuals of opposing groups.C. They were readily shared among members of the same social or racial group.D. They were influenced by the presence of someone from an outsider group.17. A. When they tried to make a positive impression on the researchers.B. When an unknown student from another university was present.C. When an experimenter from the research team took notice.D. When they were offered both candy and fruit as a snack.18. A. By advertising its social benefits. B. By teaching consumers diet strategies.C. By supporting struggling consumers.D. By maintaining its positive image. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A. The academic and learning issues struggling students encounter.B. The risk students face due to a history of mental health problems.C. The effect of interacting with therapy dogs on students under pressure.D. The work universities are doing to help students succeed academically.20. A. Their communicative skills. B. Their executive functioning.C. Their academic networking.D. Their leadership capacities.21. A. Rid students of their anxiety. B. Add to some students’ stress.C. Contribute little to typical students’ success.D. Help students with mental issues pull through. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A. Work hard and plan carefully. B. Attempt to succeed at any cost.C. Aim high and expect great results.D. Remain optimistic even in difficult.23. A. Regarding failure as something inevitable. B. Trying out innovative marketing strategies.C. Venturing into sectors never explored before.D. Being willing to experiment with novel ideas.24. A. Expect future success so as to move forward. B. Learn from our failure and forge ahead.C. Distinguish between good and bad risks.D. Examine our strategies and find out weaknesses.25. A. Fresher offers. B. Safer operation.C. More challenges.D. Less competition.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 thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identifiedby a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with asingle line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once. Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.Exercising for just 10 minutes a week is linked to a longer life, according to a new study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine.Several recent studies have found that even low-intensity exercise, done for a short amount of time, can have a meaningful 26 on health. Still, the idea that exercising for just 10 minutes a week may be enough to increase your lifespan is novel. It’s also somewhat 27 , since the federal physical activity guidelines recommend getting at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of 28 exercise each week.The study was based on data from more than 88,000 U.S. adults who 29 in the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2008.Contrary to some research that has found an 30 limit to the amount of exercise that is healthy, the researchers found that there was 31 no limit to the longevity (长寿) benefits of exercise. Even the small group of people who got 10 times the amount of exercise recommended by the federal government had a 46% lower 32 of death than the least active group.Still, observational studies like this one cannot prove cause and effect; they can only find 33 . The researchers also were not able to 34 for certain lifestyle factors that could affect lifespan, including dietary habits and changes in physical activity over time. Despite these 35 , the study’s results are yet another indication of the power of physical activity, even in small amounts.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph fromwhich the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Eachparagraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letteron Answer Sheet 2.How Climate Change Will Affect What You EatA) Earlier this year, scientists warmed that one in six animal species could go extinct (灭绝的) due toclimate change. Could the same thing happen to our crops and other foodstuffs too?B) It’s clear that farmers in many parts of the world are going to find things harder in the comingdecades. Last week, BBC Future explored one scientist’s efforts to help crops cope with the increased probability of droughts. By using the genes from resurrection (复活) plants, Jill Farrant of the University of Cape Town is exploring whether she can design crops to survive for much longer periods without water.C) But if we can’t find ways to protect other foods, will they survive climate change? Fortunately, thereis some good news on this front. Despite alarmist headlines about “foods that are going extinct,” there is no evidence that major food types like beans, chocolate, wine, corn or wheat will cease to exist.D) But that doesn’t mean it’s all good news for future food. We will probably have to change where wegrow certain crops, as some regions get too hot. The disadvantage, obviously, is that local farmers will suffer under this situation. And some people may struggle to get the same access to certain foods. “Even if overall food production may be unaffected, food security can still be impacted,” says Margaret Walsh, a scientist at the US Department of Agriculture’s Climate Change Program Office. In other words, even if a certain food is still grown on some corner of the Earth, it doesn’t mean that everyone will continue to have the same degree of access as today.E) Overall, the yields of many foods, from staples to life-enhancing extras such as coffee and chocolate,will likely be impacted by climate change too. How those decreases will be felt will depend on the degree of warming and the crop in question, but in general, “anything over about 30°C is very bad for crops,” says Wolfram Schlenker, an associate professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. For example, statistical studies that he and a colleague built of corn and soybean (大豆) production in the US show a steep decline after crossing the 30°C temperature threshold (临界点).F) In the US —the world’s largest producer of corn and soybeans—farms can move north to somedegree, Schlenker says. But eventually, yields will likely suffer because the soil north ofIowadeclines in quality-a legacy of glacial (冰川的) expansion. Other studies, including studies of wheat in India and corm in Africa, also found that there is a threshold above which yields sharply decline: crops can adapt and move, but only to a point. “What’s common to all studies is the finding that extreme heat is damaging to crop growth, although exact cutoffs vary by crop,” Schlenker says. “If predictions for the end of the century are true, though, I think a lot of agricultural areas in the US will see significant hits.”G) Under current conditions, about 4% of the world’s croplands experience drought in any given year,but by the end of the century those conditions are forecasted to jump to about 18% per year. Some studies indicate that horticulture crops—generally, everything besides staples—may be impacted most severely, largely because they tend to be confined to a smaller geographic area. Researcher Andrew Jarvis and his colleagues found that 80% of coffee-growing zones in Central America and Brazil could become unsuitable by 2050, for example, while climate change will likely have “great impacts” on cocoa (可可粉) production in West Africa. “High quality chocolate will be less available in the future, and if you want it, you’ll have to pay a lot more for it,” Jarvis says.H) This means that for those who can afford it, some foods will simply cost them more in the future. Butfor poorer people, those same price jumps will likely cause certain foods to go extinct from their diets.“The more you reduce, the shorter the supply, and the higher the price will jump,” Schlenker says.I) Another potential climate change induced problem is our dependence on commodity crops—wheat,soybeans, corn and rice—which currently provide humanity with 75% of its calories, either directly or indirectly through the animals we raise on those crops. Jarvis and his colleagues also found that, over the past five decades, the world has seen an increasing standardisation of diets; the foods we eat globally today are 36% more similar than they were in 1961. While this can be good news for the world’s poorest people who now consume more calories, protein and fat than in the past, homogeneity (同一性) and over-dependence on a handful of staples leaves us vulnerable to threats such as drought, disease and pests- all of which are predicted to worsen in many parts of the world asa result of climate change.J) There are ways we could soften the coming blow to the global food supply, however. Like Farrant’s work with resurrection crops, a number of companies, organisations and researchers are aiming to create drought-and temperature-resistant crops through genetic engineering and conventional breeding. For now, the jury is still out as to how successful those endeavours will be. “The people at Monsanto who I’ve talked to are much more optimistic that they’ll be able to engineer heat-tolerant crops,” Schlenker says. “On the other hand, scientists at the USDA who I’ve spoken with are much more cautious.”K) Until genetic engineering comes to fruition, other strategies might also help in some places, including applying more fertiliser, implementing better irrigation, using machinery that gets crops out of the field faster or installing storage facilities to delay spoilage. “Many places could benefit a great deal just by using technologies that already exist,” Walsh says. “General farm management can go a long way toward easing changes.”L) Finally, diversifying our diet away from heat-sensitive wheat, corn, rice and other crops could also help. “We’ve seen profound changes in the last decades in what we eat largely as a result of international trade, and I think that trend toward more diversification will continue,” Jarvis says.“Depending on a greater number of plant species creates a more vigorous and less risky food system—and one that provides a broader range of nutritional requirements.”36. O ne consequence of climate change is that some people may not have adequate access to certainfoods.37. P eople around the world are eating foods more similar than what they used to eat.38. A recent news report talked about scientific efforts to help crops survive droughts through geneticengineering.39. I t is predicted that climate change will affect the availability and price of quality chocolate.40. P eople wonder if certain crops and foodstuffs could disappear like some animal species due toclimate change.41. A lthough farms in the US can move a bit northward, crop yields may decrease.42. O ne possible solution to the food security problem is diversification of diet.43. I t remains unsettled whether the global food supply problem can be solved by creating heat-tolerantcrops through genetic engineering.44. P oor people may have to give up eating certain foods because of their high prices.45. A number of existing farming technologies could be used to reduce the negative effect of climatechange on food production.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). Youshould decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 witha single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.One of my bad habits is saying “busy” when people ask me how I’m doing. Sometimes it’s because I actually am busy, but other times it’s because that’s what I think I’m supposed to say. That’s what important people say. That’s what people who get promoted say. But working long hours doesn’t drive better results. Never taking a vacation won’t lead to a promotion. So why are we so proud to talk about how busy we are all the time?In 2016, researchers from Columbia, Harvard, and Georgetown conducted a study to figure it out. They found busy people are perceived to be of high status, and interestingly, these status attributions are heavily influenced by our own beliefs about social mobility. In other words, the more we believe that one has the opportunity for success based on hard work, the more we tend to think that people who skip leisure and work all the time are of higher standing.That’s why we feel like we have to appear busy, and there’s a real perception that if someone is knee-deep in meetings, emails, and stress, then they’re probably a big deal. This culture of busyness is making it hard for employees to find work-life balance. According to a recent study, one in five highly engaged employees is at risk of burnout (精疲力竭).Personally, I’m going to stop saying “busy” when people ask me how 1 am. It sounds self-righteous (自以为是的) and sets the wrong tone. Phrases like “I have limited access to email” and “I’ll respond as soon as I get back” sound like you’re being held against your will from working as opposed to making the most of your time off.That’s why we recently launched the Out of Office Email Generator, a free tool you can use before your next long weekend or trip. You can share loud and proud that you won’t be checking email until you’re back. Managers need to think twice about emailing their teams on the weekend and talking abouthow busy they are. Leaders should take time off themselves and encourage employees to do the same.46. What is a reason for the author to be in the habit of saying “busy” when asked how he is doing?A. He just follows successful people’s example.B. He is actually proud to be fully occupied.C. He thinks everyone should be devoted to work.D. He believes busyness ensures accomplishments.47. Why do we tend to think that busy people are of high status?A. Our status can be attributed to our social mobility.B. We hold the belief that hard work leads to success.C. Our own opportunity for success never comes easily.D. We find few people of high status have time for leisure.48. What do we learn about the culture of busyness from a recent study?A. It places employees in endless meetings, emails and stress.B. It compels some 20% of employees to appear always busy.C. It distorts many employees’ belief of what a satisfying life is.D. It does much harm to many busy employees’ well-being.49. What do such utterances as “I have limited access to email” sound like according to the author?A. One is too busy to check all emails in time.B. One is opposed to the prevailing work culture.C. One is forced by circumstances to stop working.D. One is simply enjoying their time off work.50. Why did the author and his colleagues launch the Out of office Email Generator?A. To enable busy employees to spend less time checking emails.B. To ensure employees as well as employers truly have time off.C. To stop managers from talking about how busy their teams usually are.D. To encourage both employers and employees to answer emails promptly.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Female employees consistently pay lower airfares than men do for the same flights because they tend to book earlier.We compared the airfare paid by employees in the same position within a company for the same class of travel and used a common statistical technique to account for other factors that might affect differences in airfares. We found that women paid on average $18 less per ticket than their male colleagues. Further investigation allowed us to conclude that this gap is largely explained by the fact that women tended to book earlier than men, 1.8 days on average.We wanted to determine what was causing these gender differences in booking business trips so we tested a variety of possible explanations, such as women choosing to plan ahead or male frequent travelers being inclined to book late. None of these explained away the gender gap, so we applied data collected from surveys that express consumer preferences that play a central role in economic decisions, such as patience and risk avoidance.We found that only the concept of “negative reciprocity”—in which an employee who feels unfairly treated engages in negative behaviors, such as spending their company’s money less carefully—explains these differences. The surveys showed men tend to exhibit more of these negative behaviors than women. This isn’t to say that all men engage in these behaviors—or that booking relatively late is a sign of abnormal behavior. It only means that the gender gap disappears when we plug in the negative reciprocityvariable.Prior research on negative reciprocity among workers found that it can result in lower employee motivation, business performance and workplace morale (士气) and culture.Our results show another way these negative behaviors can manifest themselves, like in airline bookings, and add to evidence that women are less likely to engage in them.Companies spend significant sums of money on business travel. While that $18 difference per ticket may seem small, it adds up. Our analysis suggests early booking by women can translate into savings of $1 million a year for a large multinational company with 20,000 regular travelers.51. What did the author’s team conclude about the gender difference in airfares from their furtherinvestigation?A. It is largely attributed to women booking earlier than men.B. It is largely explained by women’s choosing cheaper fights.C. It is mainly accounted for by male employees’ readiness to pay more.D. It is due to the fact that women care more about their company’s money.52. What did the researchers want to determine by testing a variety of possible explanations?A. What made male frequent travelers book air tickets late.B. What caused women to plan ahead in booking business trips.C. What motivated women to book cheaper flights.D. What accounted for the gender gap in airfares.53. What happened when the negative reciprocity variable was taken into account?A. Both men and women were found to engage in negative behaviors.B. Neither men nor women viewed booking late as a bad behavior.C. The gender difference in airfare expenses no longer existed.D. The gender gap tended to narrow to a significant degree.54. What did prior research on negative reciprocity among workers find?A. It can do more harm to the workplace than to employees.B. It contributes to the male-female divide in the workplace.C. It proves to be counterproductive in a number of ways.D. It can result in increasing labor-management conflicts.55. What does the author emphasize about their analysis in the last paragraph?A. It can help companies increase their savings significantly.B. It can duly contribute to companies’ business performance.C. It can translate women’s booking practice into men’s behavior.D. It can enhance large multinational companies’ competitiveness.Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国政府十分重视人民的健康饮食(diet)。
2023年12月英语四级真题及参考答案

加油!有志者事竟成答卷时应注意事项1、拿到试卷,要认真仔细的先填好自己的考生信息。
2、拿到试卷不要提笔就写,先大致的浏览一遍,有多少大题,每个大题里有几个小题,有什么题型,哪些容易,哪些难,做到心里有底;3、审题,每个题目都要多读几遍,不仅要读大题,还要读小题,不放过每一个字,遇到暂时弄不懂题意的题目,手指点读,多读几遍题目,就能理解题意了;容易混乱的地方也应该多读几遍,比如从小到大,从左到右这样的题;4、每个题目做完了以后,把自己的手从试卷上完全移开,好好的看看有没有被自己的手臂挡住而遗漏的题;试卷第1页和第2页上下衔接的地方一定要注意,仔细看看有没有遗漏的小题;5、中途遇到真的解决不了的难题,注意安排好时间,先把后面会做的做完,再来重新读题,结合平时课堂上所学的知识,解答难题;一定要镇定,不能因此慌了手脚,影响下面的答题;6、卷面要清洁,字迹要清工整,非常重要;7、做完的试卷要检查,这样可以发现刚才可能留下的错误或是可以检查是否有漏题,检查的时候,用手指点读题目,不要管自己的答案,重新分析题意,所有计算题重新计算,判断题重新判断,填空题重新填空,之后把检查的结果与先前做的结果进行对比分析。
亲爱的朋友,你们好!经过两个月的学习,你们一定有不小的收获吧,用你的自信和智慧,认真答题,相信你一定会闯关成功。
相信你是最棒的!12023年12月英语四级真题及参考答案英语四级试卷采用多题多卷的形式,大家核对答案时,找出具体选项,忽略套数。
无忧考网搜集整理了各个版本,仅供大家参考。
听力原文:第一套【Section A】News Report 1A police officer in the U. S. stopped a large SUV car that was going very slowly and drifting across lanes on a highway. He expected to find a driver who was either very drunk or having a medical emergency. Instead, the officer discovered a five year old boy sat on the edge of the driver's seat. His feet could barely reach the brake, and his head was only just high enough to see out of the windows. The child had taken the keys to the family car while his teenage sister was napping. He then drove three kilometers across town before getting on the highway. The boy later told confused officers that he was planning to travel to California and buy a Lamborghini sports car. Although he only had 3 dollar in his wallet, at least he was driving in the right direction.Q1: Why did the police officer stop the SUV car?Q2: What did the boy tell the police officers he was planning to do?News Report 2Mobile phones have changed the way we live, how we read, work, communicate, and shop. But we already know this. What we have not yet understood is the way the tiny machines in front of us are changing our skeletons. Possibly altering not just the way we behave but even the very shape of our bodies. New scientific research at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia suggests that young people are developing extra pieces of bone at the backs of their heads. These pieces of bone are caused by the way people bend their heads when they use the phone. This shifts weight onto the muscles at the back of the head and causes the bone to grow in a way that is not normal. This process can be compared to the way the skin hardens in response to constant rubbing or pressure. The result is a piece of bone like a horn that sticks out from the head by the neck.Q3: What does the report say we have not yet understood about mobile phones? Q4: What happens to the skin when rubbed or pressed constantly?News Report 3A village is going to throw a birthday party for an orange cat named Wilbur, who has become famous for making a regular appearance at local shops. Wilbur has his own internet pages as he approaches his 10th birthday on July 7.Wilbur is both bold and friendly.He spends most of his time in shops and businesses around the village.He'll just take himself into any shop, anywhere.There was one time when the doctor's receptionist came back and he was sitting on her chair.Among his favorite haunts are a local hairdresser, two pubs, and the Nottingham Primary School.Leslie Harper, who runs one of the pubs, said the cat has been a big hit with their customers.“He's been a regular visitor for most of this year”, she told the Press Association.“He's a very relaxed cat, happy for customers and villagers young and old to come in and say hello. She also said he is a cat of expensive tastes, who likes his high priced cat food. ”Sarah Godfrey, who is organizing Wilbur's party, told the local newspaper, “Wilbur is part of our lives, as he is for everyone who lives in the village. “Q5: What does the report say the village is going to do for the cat Wilbur? Q6: What do we learn from the report about the cat?Q7: What does the pub owner, Leslie Harper, say about the cat?【Section B】Conversation 1M: So, where do you want to go for lunch?W: I don't know. Do you have anything in mind?M: What about the sandwich place on Camden Street?W: Um, no, sorry. I don't feel like sandwiches today. It's a great place, but I think we go there too often.M: That's true. Remember, that's where we saw Bridget Clark, the famous movie star.W: Of course. How could I ever forget? There were crowds of people around her, asking for a photo with her.M: What about hamburgers, then? There's that American style diner on the way to the mall.W: I like that place. Their chips are great, but their service takes a long time, and I need to get back by 2.:30 for a conference call. How about trying something new? We could try Mario's, the new Italian restaurant on the corner. It looks alright. Have you been there?M: No, I haven't, but I've noticed that it has great reviews on the internet. It's supposed to be one of the best Italians in town. I think Jeremy has been there and said it was amazing. I'm up for that.W: Cool. Have you asked Jeremy if he would like to come with us?M: I already have. He says he can't. He has brought his own lunch today, so he will stay in. I think his wife made him soup.W: Poor Jeremy. His wife is a terrible cook. He should throw that soup in the bin and join us.Q8: What are the speakers talking about in this conversation?Q9: Where did the speakers see Bridget Clarke, the famous movie star?Q10: Why does the woman say she needs to get back by 2:30?Q11:Why does the woman say Jeremy should throw his soup in the bin? Conversation 2W: Hi there, how are you today? Do you have a reservation with us already? M: Good afternoon. Yes, we reserved our rooms yesterday morning on your website for three nights. The name's Patterson.W: Okay, let me have a look. Yes, we have it here. You brought the whole family with you, I see.M: Yes, the two kids, my wife and I, and her parents too.W:Great. So, we have a family room for you and your wife and the kids. And another double room for your parents in law. They are right next to each other on the ground floor, since you mentioned in your message that they have trouble with stairs.M: That's wonderful. My father in law has had terrible problems getting up and down stairs since his knee operation last April.W: I'm sorry to hear that, and if you need any help to find transportation for the whole family, we can definitely recommend someone for you.M: We were thinking of renting a car, but we will explore all the options available for sure. So yes, that would be very helpful in comparing prices. We're also wondering what tours and day trips are available.W: We have bunches of brochures here. I would recommend getting out on a boat trip. The kids will love it, and there are so many islands nearby to explore. There's also a great night market further into town that has all kinds of food and cool little shops selling souvenirs and local jewelry and clothing made by hand.M: That all sounds marvelous.W: Now, all I need is to photocopy your passports, and then I can get you all checked in and show you to your rooms.Q12: Who is the man talking to in the conversation?Q13: What do we learn about the man's father in law from the conversation? Q14: Why does the man say they will explore all the options available? Q15: What does the woman suggest the man and his family do close to the end of the conversation?【Section C】Passage 1Artificial intelligence agents play ever more influential roles in our lives. They do everything from suggesting new friends to recommending purchases.They're even beginning to drive our cars. Another role that they are expected to take over is negotiating on our behalf in commercial transactions or legal disputes.So, it's important to know whether using an artificial intelligence agent might affect how we negotiate. Research indicates that it does. In a new study, participants were told to imagine that they were negotiating for something important to them, like a house. Next, they were told either that they would negotiate for themselves, or they would program an artificial intelligence agent to negotiate for them.Participants then completed a survey indicating how tough, deceptive, and pleasant or otherwise they wanted to be, or wanted their agent to be, in the negotiations. For example, participants could choose to be tough by making an opening demand far greater than what they'd be willing to accept. They could also choose to express sympathy with their opponent, to appear pleasant. But they could also indicate that they, or their agent, Would strategically express anger toward the opponent to gain advantage, or they could opt to convey dissatisfaction with the encounter so that the other party would think they were losing interest. These are both examples of deceptive strategies. Participants were more willing to employ deceptive strategies when assigned an agent to negotiate on their behalf.Q16: What does the passage say about artificial intelligence agents?Q17: What does the new study want to find out about using an artificial intelligence agent?Q18: What did participants tend to do when assigned an AI agent to negotiate on their behalf?Passage 2New research has studied the effects of a seven week healthy cooking course. Academics measured the program's effect on cooking confidence and self perceived mental health. Researchers also measured participants overall satisfaction around cooking and diet related behaviors. What were the findings?Course participants saw significant improvements in general health. They also reported improved mental health and subjective vitality immediately after the program. These benefits remained six months after the completion of the course. What caused these improvements? Researchers have previously found a link between eating more fruits and vegetables and improved longer term mental health.This would imply that the participants in the current study may have felt better due to improved diet. However, the study showed participants mental health improved even if their reported diet did not change after completing the program. Also, the mental health benefits were equal among participants who were overweight or obese and those in a healthy weight range.This suggests a link between cooking confidence and satisfaction around cooking and mental health benefits. Who benefits most from learning to cook? Gender plays a part. At the start of the program, 77 percent of female participants were confident about cooking, but just 23 percent of males were confident.At the end of the program, cooking confidence and skills were equal across both counterparts. This change in confidence could lead to a gender balance in home cooking. This, in turn, could reduce consumption of unhealthy, high calorie processed meals.Q19: What do we learn about the benefits the participants gained from the healthy cooking course?Q20: What do the new research findings suggest about mental health benefits?Q21: What plays a role in determining who benefits most from learning to cook?Passage 3What is personal space? We often think of it as an invisible bubble of space surrounding us that others can't enter, without causing discomfort.Research shows, however, that we actually have bubbles of different sizes.Each of these bubbles applies to a different set of people. The smallest zone, called intimate space, extends outward from our bodies 18 inches in every direction.Only family, pets and one's closest friends may enter it. A mere acquaintance entering our intimate space makes us uncomfortable.Next is the bubble called personal space, extending from 1.5 feet to 4 feet away. Friends and acquaintances can comfortably occupy this zone, especially during informal conversations, but strangers are forbidden. Extending from 4 to 12 feet away from us is social space. Here, people feel comfortable conducting routine social interactions with new acquaintances or total strangers.Those are the average sizes of Americans personal bubbles, anyway. It is important to keep in mind that personal space varies depending on culture and context.Furthermore, there are significant individual differences. As we all know, cultural or individual differences in personal bubble diameters are all too often the cause of discomfort.How did these personal bubbles arise? According to research, we begin to develop our individual sense of personal space around age 3 or 4. The sizes of our bubbles are fixed by our teens. These bubbles are constructed and monitored by the brain region involved in fear.Q22:What does research show about our personal space?Q23: What happens if a mere acquaintance enters our intimate space?Q24: Where do people feel comfortable interacting with new acquaintances or strangers?Q25: When are the sizes of our bubbles fixed?第二套【Section A】News Report 1Have you noticed how similar you are to your friends? It may be because your brains operate in harmony with each other. We know that friends are more likely to be the same age, gender, and ethnic background as each other. Now it seems their brains are alike too. Researchers at the University of California scanned 42 classmates while they watched videos intended to provoke varying responses. Some people might find a romantic scene touching, for instance, while others would feel it was embarrassing. The activity of friends brains was more similar than that of people who didn't know each other, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion, and language. This similarity was strong enough that it could be used to predict whether two people were already friends or not. Therelationship probably goes two ways. We are drawn to people who think like us. We then influence their thoughts over time, which may push their brain activity into more closely resembling our own.Q1: What may be the reason that friends are similar to each other, according to the recent research?Q2: What does the news report say about the relationship between friends?News Report 2Two men who have been best friends for 60 years have just realized they are actually brothers. It's reported that Alan Robinson and Walter McDonald met in the 6th grade at a school in Hawaii. They have been best friends ever since. Alan was given away for adoption soon after he was born, and Walter never knew his father.So recently, They made separate attempts on DNA matching websites to discover more about their ancestry. Walter was astonished to find thathe matched with website user Robbie737. He knew immediately that this was his best friend, Alan, whose friends call him Robbie, and flew 737 airplanes when he was a pilot.The pair were born to the same mother 15 months apart.Q3: What did both Alan Robinson and Walter McDonald attempt to do on DNA matching websites?Q4: What did the news report say about Alan Robinson and Walter McDonald?News Report 3Amid all the election drama, air pollution problems and disease outbreaks, five tourists good work is being spread online.Yesterday, 2 male and 3 female tourists were spotted walking the kilometer long beach, picking up trash. One of the male tourists from Australia commented that although there was a lot of trash, nobody was doing anything. The beach was not as nice or beautiful as it should be. He felt so sad to see such a gorgeous place littered with so much trash. Thus, he and his friends decided to grab a few trash bags and clean it all up.A man passing by decided to video their good deed and put it on the internet. It was unclear where the rest of the group was from, but they were most likely traveling together.One local woman commented on being embarrassed that tourists were cleaning up their beach. Another mentioned that it was actually the natives who brought food and drinks, then left trash all along the island.Q5: Why did one of the male tourists feel sad?Q6: Who put the good deed video on the internet?Q7: Why did one local woman say she was embarrassed?【Section B】Conversation 1W: Hello Benjamin, Dan and I will be going for a run along the canal Saturday morning. Would you like to join us?M:I'd love to, but I hurt my ankle last weekend playing football with work colleagues.W: Oh dear, is it serious?M: No, not at all. I landed badly during a fall and twisted it a little, but it's no big deal. It's just a little swollen and I should be fine for next Saturday if you still want to go for a jog then.W: I won't be here next Saturday. I'm going to the zoo.M:The zoo?W: Yeah. My little nephew turns six, and he loves the zoo. So the whole family is going.M: Oh, okay then. I haven't been to a zoo since I was a kid.W: They are nowhere near as popular as they used to be when we were children. I personally feel sorry for the poor animals stuck in cages. But there's no denying they are fun and educational for children.M: Do you know if Dan will be around next Saturday?W: Yeah, I think he will. Just send him a text message. He's always keen on physical activities.M: That's true. Dan is extremely fit and healthy. He goes to the gym most days, plus tennis two or three times a week.W: So, what have you been doing to stay busy while you've had that swollen ankle?M: I've been catching up on some reading. I was given three books over Christmas, and I'm only now getting around to reading them.Q8: Why can't the man go for a run Saturday morning?Q9: Why is the woman's whole family going to the zoo next Saturday? Q10: What do we learn about Dan from the man's description?Q11: What has the man been doing since last weekend?Conversation 2W: Our guest on today's book talk is John Black, the author of the new bestseller, Retire Early.M: Thanks for having me on the show, Lisa.W: John, your book is getting a lot of attention, partly because you write that most people can retire by 40. Is that realistic?M: Definitely. When researching this book, I interviewed hundreds of people who retired by 40.W: Okay, but how much money does a person need to retire? I've read articles recommending one million dollars as a good figure for retirement. M:While most financial planners do give numbers, I don't think that's useful, as people are living in different areas with different costs of living, and have different needs and wants, which is why I suggest that people aim for financial independence.W: What do you mean by financial independence?M:Having investment income that's greater than monthly expenses.W: That sounds risky to me. What if an accident happens? Or you get ill and need medical treatment? Shouldn't people have extra cash for emergencies?M: Too many people spend their lives working on jobs they hate because they're afraid. So I counsel people to take risks. Retirement doesn't have to be permanent, and if people need to, they can go back to work. W: But it's not always easy to get back into the workforce after an extended absence.M: True, but if you keep current with your skills, you will be attracted to employers.W: Maybe, but how can anyone save enough to retire by 40 when most people can't retire at 60?M: Simple, by cutting housing, food, and transport expenses and investing half your monthly income.W: That sounds impossible.M: I admit it's difficult, but it has worked for thousands.Q12: What do we learn about the man's book published recently?Q13: What do the articles the woman read recommend?Q14: What does the man say about retirement?Q15: How does the man say his proposal about retirement can be carried out?【Section C】Passage 1New research from America studies the role that the presence of individuals from different social or racial groups has in influencingconsumers food choices. This research found college students were more likely to choose healthy food in the presence of an observer of a different race, as opposed to an observer from their own race. The same was true when they were with someone from a different university compared to someone from their own. Researchers say this was because participants anticipated more negative judgment from an outsider group. In contrast, they felt less judged by members of their own group. In one experiment, participants were offered the choice between candy and fruit as a snack. When in the presence of an unknown student from their own university, only 12 percent of students selected the healthier option. However, this number was 31 percent when in the presence of an unknown student from another university. Other experiments showed similar results based on racial group. What's the reason for this pattern? The study found that people feel judged to a larger extent by members of other groups. Because of this, they strategically use healthy food choices to make a positive impression. There have been many attempts to help consumers make healthier choices, but consumers often struggle to maintain a healthy diet. This research finds that one way to promote a healthy diet could be to advertise the social benefits of healthy choices.Q16: What was the finding of the new research from America about consumers food choices?Q17: When did 31 percent of students in the experiment select the healthier option?Q18: How could a healthy diet be promoted according to the findings of the new research?Passage 2For college students under pressure, a dog may be the best stress fighter around, according to the finding of a recent study. It's a really powerful finding, said Patricia Pendry, who led the study. Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues.This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren't as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs. The researchers measured executive functioning in the students involved in the study. Executive function is a term for the skills one needs to plan, organize, motivate, concentrate, and memorize.These are skills students need to succeed in college. The research has found that students who were most at risk had the most improvements in executive functioning after interacting with therapy dogs. These results remained when researchers followed up six weeks later. Many universities provide academic stress management programs and workshops.These are traditionally very similar to college classes. They often talk about ways to get more sleep, set goals, or manage stress or anxiety. Hendry acknowledges that these are really important topics and these workshops help typical students succeed. But they're less helpful for struggling students.Hendry believes those students may experience the programs as another lecture and feel even more stressed.Q19: What does the recent study led by Patricia Pendry aim to examine? Q20: What did the new study measure in the participants?Q21: What does Patricia Pendry think traditional stress management programs may do?Passage 3Taking risks in business does not mean going into business blindly and then expecting great results. On the contrary, taking risks in entrepreneurship involves careful planning and hard work. Nobody can really be sure if risks will be met with success, no matter how calculated they may be. But this should not stop you from taking risks, as risks are necessary if you want your business to succeed.Some risks may not work out, but an optimistic risk taker will always look at failure as an opportunity to learn. The willingness to experiment with new ideas is key to business growth. As the old saying goes, nothing ventured nothing gained.Failure will teach you how to think and plan strategically. But just remember that not all risks are good ones, and when you fail, learn from it and move forward. Since most people tend to avoid risk, businesses that are brave enough to take risks already have a competitive advantage. They are the ones setting the standard with new ideas, fresh offers and bold inventions.Risk takers are best at adapting in difficult times. Simply put, when most individuals stay away from risk, it means less competition for risktakers. We don't know if you'll achieve what these risk takers have achieved, but for as long as you want to stay safe, and for as long as you are content with where your business is right now, you will never find out.Q22: What do entrepreneurs have to do when taking risks according to the passage?Q23: What does the passage say is key to business growth?Q24: What are we advised to do when we fail?Q25: What does it mean to risk taking businesses when most people tend to avoid risk?参考答案翻译部分1.中国政府十分重视人民的饮食健康中国政府十分重视人民的健康饮食(diet )。
2023年12月四级真题 (3)

2023年12月四级真题第一部分阅读理解(共两篇,每篇5小题,共计10小题,每小题2分,共计20分)Passage 1Questions 1-5Read the following passage and answer the questions below.In recent years, urbanization has become a global trend. More and more people are moving from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities and living conditions. While urbanization brings many benefits, it also poses environmental challenges that need to be addressed.One major challenge is air pollution. As cities grow, so dothe number of vehicles and industrial facilities. This leads to an increase in the emission of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Governments and city planners need to take immediate actions to reduce air pollution in urban areas. This can be done by improving public transportation to encourage people to use cars less frequently. Additionally, stricter regulations should be implemented to control emissions from factories and power plants.Another challenge is the strain on natural resources. The rapid expansion of cities leads to a higher demand forresources such as water and energy. Cities need to find sustainable ways to access and manage these resources. For example, implementing rainwater harvesting systems can help reduce water consumption. Moreover, switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can reduce the reliance on non-renewable resources.In conclusion, while urbanization offers economic opportunities and improved living standards, it also brings environmental challenges. Governments and city planners need to prioritize sustainable development strategies to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization.1.What is one major challenge posed by urbanization?2.What are the harmful effects of the emission ofcarbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides?3.What measures can be taken to reduce air pollutionin urban areas?4.How does the rapid expansion of cities affect thedemand for natural resources?5.What strategies can governments and city plannersprioritize to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization?Passage 2Questions 6-10Read the following passage and answer the questions below.In recent years, the popularity of online shopping has soared. With the convenience and variety it offers, online shopping has become the preferred method for many consumers. However, it also has its downsides.One major downside is the impact on traditional brick-and-mortar stores. As more people turn to online shopping, physical retail stores face declining sales and foot traffic. This has led to the closure of many stores and the loss of jobs. To adapt to this changing landscape, traditional retailers need to embrace digital technologies and create omnichannel experiences that integrate both online and offline shopping.Another downside is the issue of product returns. Online shoppers often face challenges when it comes to returning items they are not satisfied with. The process can be time-consuming and costly, leading to frustration for consumers. Online retailers need to improve their return policies and make the process more user-friendly to enhance customer satisfaction.Furthermore, online shopping raises concerns about privacy and data security. Consumers are required to provide personal and financial information when making purchases online. It is essential for online retailers to invest in robust security measures to protect customer data from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.In conclusion, while online shopping offers convenience and variety, it also has negative implications for traditional retail stores and poses challenges in terms of product returns and data security. It is crucial for retailers to adapt and addressthese issues to ensure a positive online shopping experience for consumers.6.What is one major downside of online shopping?7.How can traditional retail stores adapt to thechanging landscape?8.What challenges do online shoppers face when itcomes to product returns?9.Why is data security important in online shopping?10.What actions should online retailers take to enhancecustomer satisfaction?第二部分写作(共两题,第一题10分,第二题15分,共计25分)题目1:The Benefits of Bilingual EducationBilingual education refers to the education of students in two languages, usually their native language and a target language. Bilingual education has numerous benefits that contribute to the overall development and success of students.Firstly, bilingual education enhances cognitive abilities. Research has shown that bilingual individuals have better problem-solving skills, improved memory, and increased attention span. The constant switching between languages stimulates the brain and helps develop higher thinking abilities.Secondly, bilingual education promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. When students learn another language, they also learn about the customs, traditions, and history associated with that language. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and encourages students to embrace diversity.Furthermore, bilingual education improves communication skills. Bilingual students have the advantage of being able to communicate effectively and understand different perspectives. This skill is highly valued in a globalized world where international communication is becoming increasingly important.In addition, bilingual education opens up more career opportunities. Many multinational companies and organizations actively seek bilingual employees who can communicate with clients and partners from different countries. Being bilingual enhances employability and offers a competitive edge in the job market.In conclusion, bilingual education provides cognitive, cultural, and career benefits. It enhances cognitive abilities, promotes cultural awareness, improves communication skills, and opens up more career opportunities. It is clear that bilingual education is a valuable asset for students in today’s globalized society.题目2:The Impact of Social Media on SocietySocial media has become an integral part of modern life, transforming the way people communicate, share information, and interact. While social media offers numerous benefits, it also has a significant impact on society.Firstly, social media has revolutionized communication. It allows people to connect and communicate with others across the globe within seconds. This has led to the formation of online communities, facilitating the exchange of ideas and creating opportunities for collaboration on a global scale.Secondly, social media has transformed the way information is disseminated. Traditional media outlets are no longer the sole source of news and information. Social media platforms enable anyone to share news and opinions, giving voice to a diverse range of perspectives. However, this also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the lack of fact-checking.Furthermore, social media has influenced social and political movements. Movements such as the Arab Spring and #MeToo have gained momentum through the power of social media, enabling activists to organize and raise awareness on a large scale. However, social media can also be a platform for cyberbullying and harassment, highlighting the negative aspects of its influence.In addition, social media has impacted mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The constant comparison to others’ highlight reels can contribute to low self-esteem and a distorted self-image.In conclusion, social media has revolutionized communication, transformed the spread of information, influenced social and political movements, and impacted mental health. It is essential for users to be mindful of their social media consumption and for society as a whole to addressthe challenges associated with its use to ensure a positive and healthy digital environment.第三部分翻译(共10句,每句2分,共计20分)1.关注可持续发展是当今社会的重要课题。
2023年12月大学英语四级考试真题第3套

12月大学英语四级考试真题(第3套)Part Ⅰ Writing ( 30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay commenting on the saying" Never go out there to see what happens, go out there to make things happen." You can cite xamples to illustrate the importance of being participants rather than mere on lookers inlife. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension ( 30 minutes)听力音频地址:Section ADirections : In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations.At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After each question there will bea pause.During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, Cand D,and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1.A.Children should be taught to be more careful.B.Children shouldn't drink so much orange juice.C.There is no need for the man to make such a fuss.D.Timmy should learn to do things in the right way.2.A.Fitness training.B.The new job offer.puter programming.D.Directorship of the club.3.A.He needs to buy a new sweater.B.He has got to save on fuel bills.C.The fuel price has skyrocketed.D.The heating system doesn't work.mitting theft.B.Taking pictures.C.Window shopping.D.Posing for the camera.5.A.She is taking some medicine.B.She has not seen a doctor yet.C.She does not trust the man's advice.D.She has almost recovered from the cough.6.A.Pamela's report is not finished as scheduled.B.Pamela has a habit of doing things in a hurry.C.Pamela is not good at writing research papers.D.Pamela's mistakes could have been avoided.7.A.In the left-luggage office.B.At the hotel reception.C.In a hotel room.D.At an airport.8.A.She was an excellent student at college.B.She works in the entertainment business.C.She is fond of telling stories in her speech.D.She is good at conveying her message.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A.Arranging the woman's appointment with Mr.Romero.B.Fixing the time for the designer's latest fashion show.C.Talking about an important gathering on Tuesday.D.Preparing for the filming on Monday morning.10.A.Her travel to Japan.B.The awards ceremony.C.The proper hairstyle for her new role.D.When to start the make-up session.11.A.He is Mr.Romero's agent.B.He is an entertainment journalist.C.He is the woman's assistant.D.He is a famous movie star.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A.Make an appointment for an interview.B.Send in an application letter.C.Fill in an application form.D.Make a brief self-introduction on the phone.13.A.Someone having a college degree in advertising.B.Someone experienced in business management.C.Someone ready to take on more responsibilities.D.Someone willing to work beyond regular hours.14.A.Travel opportunities.B.Handsome pay.C.Prospects for promotion.D.Flexible working hours.15.A.It depends on the working hours.B.It is about 500 pounds a week.C.It will be set by the Human Resources.D.It is to be negotiated.Section BDirections..In this section, you will hear 3 short passages.At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After youhear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A., B,Cand D..Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A.To give customers a wider range of choices.B.To make shoppers see as many items as possible.C.To supply as many varieties of goods as it can.D.To save space for more profitable products.17.A.On the top shelves.B.On the bottom shelves.C.On easily accessible shelves.D.On clearly marked shelves.18.A.Many of them buy things on impulse.B.A few of them are fathers with babies.C.A majority of them are young couples.D.Over 60% of them make shopping lists.19.A.Sales assistants promoting high margin goods.B.Sales assistants following customers around.C.Customers competing for good bargains.D.Customers losing all sense of time.Passage TwoQuestions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.20.A.Teaching mathematics at a school.B.Doing research in an institute.C.Studying for a college degree.D.Working in a hi-tech company21.A.He studied the designs of various clocks.B.He did experiments on different materials.C.He bought an alarm clock with a pig face.D.He asked different people for their opinions.22.A.Its automatic mechanism.B.Its manufacturing process.C.Its way of waking people up.D.Its funny-looking pig face.Passage ThreeQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.23.A.It is often caused by a change of circumstances.B.It actually doesn't require any special treatment.C.It usually appears all of a sudden.D.It generally lasts for several years.24.A.They cannot mix well with others.B.They irrationally annoy their friends.C.They depend heavily on family members.D.They blame others for ignoring their needs.25.A.They lack consistent support from peers.B.They doubt their own popularity.C.They were born psychologically weak.D.They focus too much on themselves.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times.When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea.Whenthe passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have justheard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.There was a time when any personal information that was gathered about us was typed on a piece of paper and26 in a file cabinet.It could remain there for years and, often27, never reach the outside world.Things have done a complete about-face since then.28 the change has been the astonishingly29 development in recent years of the computer.Today, any data that is 30 about us in one place or another--and for one reason or another--can be stored in a computer bank.It can then be easily passed to other computer banks.They are owned by individuals and by private businesses and corporations, lending 31 , direct mailing and telemarketing firms, credit bureaus, credit card companies, and32 at the local, state, and federal level.A growing number of Americans are seeing the accumulation and distribution of computerized data as a frightening33 of their privacy.Surveys show that the number of worried Americans has been steadily growing over the years as the computer becomes increasingly 34, easier to operate, and less costly to purchase and maintain.In 1970, a national survey showed that 37 percent of the people35felt their privacy was being invaded.Seven years later, 47 percent expressed the same worry.Arecent survey by a credit bureau revealed that the number of alarmed citizens had shot up to 76percent.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given, in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each.choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the center.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.Children do not think the way adults do.For most of the first year of life, if something is out of sight, it's out of mind.If you cover a baby's36toy with a piece of cloth, the baby thinks the toyhas disappeared and stops looking for it.A 4-year-old may 37 that a sister has more fruit juicewhen it is only the shapes of the glasses that differ, not the38 of juice.Yet children are smart in their own way.Like good little scientists, children are always testing their child-sized39 about how things work.When your child throws her spoon on the floor for the sixth time as you try to feed her, and you say, "That's enough! I will not pick up your spoon again!"the child will 40 test your claim.Are you serious? Are you angry? What will happen if she throws the spoon again? She is not doing this to drive you41; rather, she is learning that her desires and yours can differ, and that sometimes those42 are important and sometimes they are not.How and why does children's thinking change? In the 1920s, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget proposed that children's cognitive (认知旳) abilities unfold 43, like the blooming of a flower,almost independent of what else is44in their lives.Althoughmany of his specific conclusions havebeen45 or modified over the years, his ideas inspired thousands of studies by investigators all over the world.A. advocateB. amountC. confirmedD. crazyE. definiteF. differencesG. favoriteH. happeningI. ImmediatelyJ. NaturallyK. ObtainingL. PrimarilyM. ProtestN. RejectedO. theoriesSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with, ten statementsattached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Perfect EssayA.Looking back on too many years of education, I can identify one truly impossible teacher.Shecared about me, and my intellectual life, even when I didn't.Her expectations were high--impossibly so.She was an English teacher.She was also my mother.B.When good students turn in an essay, they dream of their instructor returning it to them in exactly the same condition, save for a single word added in the margin of the final page : "Flawless." This dream came true for me one afternoon in the ninth grade.Of course, I had heard that genius could show itself at an early age, so I was only slightly taken aback that I had achieved perfection at the tender age of 14.Obviously, I did what any professional writer would do; I hurried off to spread thegood news.I didn't get very far.The first person I told was my mother.C.My mother, who is just shy of five feet tall, is normally incredibly soft-spoken, but on the rareoccasion when she got angry, she was terrifying.I am not sure if she was more upset by my hubris(得意忘形) or by the fact that my English teacher had let my ego get so out of hand.In any event,my mother and her red pen showed me how deeply flawed a flawless essay could be.At the time,I am sure she thought she was teaching me about mechanics, transitions (过渡), structure, style and voice.But whatI learned, and what stuck with me through my time teaching writing at Harvard, wasa deeper lesson about the nature of creative criticism.D.First off, it hurts.Genuine criticism, the type that leaves a lasting mark on you as a writer, also leaves an existential imprint (印记) on you as a person.I have heard people say that a writer should never take criticism personally.I say that we should never listen to these people.E. Criticism, at its best, is deeply personal, and gets to the heart of why we write the way we do. Theintimate nature of genuine criticism implies something about who is able to give it, namely,someone who knows you well enough to show you how your mental life is getting in the way of good writing.Conveniently, they are also the people who care enough to see you through this painful realization.For me it took the form of my first, and I hope only, encounter with writer'sblock--I was not able to produce anything for three years.F. Franz Kafka once said: "Writing is utter solitude (独处), the descent into the cold abyss (深渊) of oneself." My mother's criticism had shown me that Kafka is right about the cold abyss, and when you make the introspective (内省旳) descent that writing requires you are not always pleased by what you find.But, in the years that followed, her sustained tutoring suggested that Kafka might be wrong about the solitude.I was lucky enough to find a critic and teacher who was willing to make the journey of writing with me."It is a thing of no great difficulty," according to Plutarch, "to raise objections against another man's speech, it is a very easy matter; but to produce a better in its place is a work extremely troublesome." I am sure I wrote essays in the later years of high school without my mother's guidance, but I can't recall them.What I remember, however, is how she took up the "extremely troublesome" work of ongoing criticism.G. There are two ways to interpret Plutarch when he suggests that a critic shouldbe able to produce "a better in its place." In a straightforward sense, he could mean that a critic must be more talented than the artist she critiques (评论).My mother was well covered on this count.But perhapsPlutarch is suggesting something slightly different, something a bit closer to Marcus Cicero's claim that one should "criticize by creation, not by finding fault." Genuine criticism creates a precious opening for an author to become better on his own terms--a process that is often extremely painful,but also almost always meaningful.H. My mother said she would help me with my writing, but first I had to help myself.For each assignment, I was to write the best essay I could.Real criticism is not meant to find obvious mistakes, so if she found any--the type I could have found on my own--I had to start from scratch.From scratch.Once the essay was "flawless," she would take an evening to walk me through myerrors.That was when true criticism, the type that changed me as a person, began.I. She criticized me when I included little-known references and professional jargon (行话).She had no patience for brilliant but irrelevant figures of speech."Writers can't bluff (虚张声势) their way through ignorance." That was news to me--I would need to freed another way to structure my daily existence.J. She trimmed back my flowery language, drew lines through my exclamation marks and argued for the value of restraint in expression."John," she almost whispered.I leaned in to hear her:"I can'thear you when you shout at me." So I stopped shouting and bluffing, and slowly my writingimproved.K. Somewhere along the way I set aside my hopes of writing that flawless essay.Butperhaps I missed something important in my mother's lessons about creativity and perfection.Perhaps the point of writing the flawless essay was not to give up, but to never willingly finish.Whitman repeatedly reworked "Song of Myself' between 1855 and 1891.Repeatedly.We do our absolute best with apiece of writing, and come as close as we can to the ideal.And, for the time being, we settle.Incritique, however, we are forced to depart, to give up the perfection we thought we had achieved for the chance of being even a little bit better.This is the lesson I took from my mother: If perfection were possible, it would not be motivating.46.The author was advised against the improper use of figures of speech.47.The author's mother taught him a valuable lesson by pointing out lots of flaws in his seemingly perfect essay.48.A writer should polish his writing repeatedly so as to get closer to perfection.49.Writers may experience periods of time in their life when they just can't produce anything.50.The author was not much surprised when his school teacher marked his essay as "flawless".51.Criticizing someone's speech is said to be easier than coming up with a better one.52.The author looks upon his mother as his most demanding and caring instructor.53.The criticism the author received from his mother changed him as a person.54.The author gradually improved his writing by avoiding fancy language.55.Constructive criticism gives an author a good start to improve his writing.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C.andD .You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the center.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.Could you reproduce Silicon Valley elsewhere, or is there something unique about it?It wouldn't be surprising if it were hard to reproduce in other countries, because you couldn'treproduce it in most of the US either.What does it take to make a Silicon Valley?It's the right people.If you could get the right ten thousand people to move from Silicon Valley 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 (痴迷科研旳人).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, andCarnegie-Mellon.MITyielded 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 inBoston.Rich people don't want to live in Pittsburgh or Ithaca. So while there're plenty of hackers (电脑迷) who could start startups, there's no one to invest in themDo you really need the rich people? Wouldn't it work to have the government invest in the nerds?No, it would not.Startup investors are a distinct type of rich people.They tend to have a lot 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?ck of incentive for investment.ck of the right kind of talents.ck of government support.ck of famous universities.58.In what way is Carnegie-Mellon different from Stanford, Berkeley and MIT?A.Its location is not as attractive to rich people.B.Its science departments are not nearly as good.C.It does not produce computer hackers and nerds.D.It does not pay much attention to business startups.59.What does the author imply about Boston?A.It has pleasant weather all year round.B.It produces wealth as well as high-tech.C.It is not likely to attract lots of investors and nerds.D.It is an old city with many sites of historical interest.60.What does the author say about startup investors?A.They are especially wise in making investments.B.They have good connections in the government.C.They can do more than providing money.D.They are rich enough to invest in nerds.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.It's nice to have people of like mind around.Agreeable people boost your confidence and allow you to relax and feel comfortable.Unfortunately, that comfort can hinder the very learning that can expandyour company and your career.It's nice to have people agree, but you need conflicting perspectives to dig out the truth.If everyone around you has similar views, your work will suffer from confirmation bias (偏颇).Take a look at your own network.Do your contacts share your point of view on most subjects? If yes, it's time to shake things up.As a leader, it can be challenging to create an environment in which people will freely disagree and argue, but as the saying goes: From confrontation comes brilliance.It's not easy for most people to actively seek conflict.Many spend their lives trying to avoidarguments.There's no need to go out and find people you hate, but you need to do some self-assessment to determine where you have become stale in your thinking.You may need to start by encouraging your current network to help you identify your blind spots.Passionate, energetic debate does not require anger and hard feelings to be effective.But it do esrequire moral strength. Once you have worthy opponents, set some ground rules so everyone understands responsibilities and boundaries.The objective of this debating game is not to win but to get to the truth that will allow you to move faster, farther, and better.Fierce debating can hurt feelings, particularly when strong personalities are involved. Make sure you check in with your opponents so that they are not carryingthe emotion of the battles beyond thebattlefield.Break the tension with smiles and humor to reinforce the idea that this is friendly discourse and that all are working toward a common goal.Reward all those involved in the debate sufficiently when the goals are reached.Let your sparring partners (拳击陪练) know how much you appreciate their contribution. The more they feel appreciated, the more they'll be willing to get into the ring next time.61.What happens when you have like-minded people around you all the while?A.It will help your company expand more rapidly.B.It will create a harmonious working atmosphere.C.It may prevent your business and career from advancing.D.It may make you feel uncertain about your own decisions.62.What does the author suggest leaders do?A.Avoid arguments with business partners.B.Encourage people to disagree and argue.C.Build a wide and strong business network.D.Seek advice from their worthy competitors.63.What is the purpose of holding a debate?A.To find out the truth about an issue.B.To build up people's moral strength.C.To remove misunderstandings.D.To look for worthy opponents.64.What advice does the author give to people engaged in a fierce debate?A.They listen carefully to their opponents' views.B.They show due respect for each other's beliefs.C.They present their views clearly and explicitly.D.They take care not to hurt each other's feelings.65.How should we treat our rivals after a successful debate?A.Try to make peace with them.B.Try to make up the differences.C.Invite them to the ring next time.D.Acknowledge their contribution.Part Ⅳ Translation( 30 minutes )Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.今年在长沙举行了一年一度旳外国人汉语演讲比赛.这项比赛证明是增进中国和世界其他地区文化交流旳好措施.它为世界各地旳年轻人提供了更好地理解中国旳机会.来自87个国家合计126位选手汇集在湖南省省会参与了从7月6日到8月5日进行旳半决赛和决赛.比赛并不是唯一旳活动.选手们尚有机会参观了中国其他地区旳著名景点和历史名胜.12月大学英语四级考试真题答案与详解(第3套)Part Ⅰ Writing这是一篇四级考试中常见旳议论文.话题围绕“Never go out there to see what happens,go out there to make things happen.”这句话展开,规定考生进行评论,同步在题目规定中也明确给出了作文主题the importance of being participants rather than mere onlookers in life.考生应当明确这一主题,并围绕其展开论述.一、点明主题:不做看客,要做实践者(being participants instead of onlookers in life)二、分析原因三、提出问题和提议主题词汇put…into practice将……付诸实践carry out执行;实现gain获得accumulate积累gradually逐渐地make a progress获得进步theory理论action行动would rather…t han比起……更情愿……stand by袖手旁观句式拓展1.For some people, watching what happens to others is good enough to learn a lesson, while for others, only practicing by themselves can finally make them get the real skills in对某些人而言,看发生在他人身上旳事情足以让他们吸取教训,而对于其他人而言,他们只有亲身实践才能最终得到生活中旳真正技能.2.No matter how many authentic theories you've got before,nothing will happen until you put them into practice.无论你曾经接受了多少权威旳理论,若不付诸实践,一切都无济于事.Part ⅡListening ComprehensionM: I don't know what to do with Timmy.This morning I found orange juice spilled all over the kitchen floor.W: Don't be so hard on him.He's only four.Q: What does the woman mean?C.四个选项中出现了children,careful,juice和Timmy等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与孩子旳行为有关.对话中,男士埋怨说他都不懂得该拿蒂米怎么办了,今天早上,他发现桔子汁在厨房洒了一地,而女士则说,别对蒂米太严厉了,他才四岁.由此可见,女士认为男士不用小题大做,故答案为C..2.W: Excuse me, sir.I would like to know about the fitness training program in your club.M: I'll have you speak with the director in charge of new accounts.Q: What is the woman interested in?A.四个选项均为名词短语,且出现了fitness,job,computer和club等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与健身或者工作有关.对话中,女士向男士问询俱乐部健身锻炼旳事情,男士则说他会带着女士去找专门负责新会员旳经理.由此可知,女士是对俱乐部健身锻炼感爱好,故答案为A..3.W: It's really cold in this apartment.Can we turn up the heat a little bit? M: Sorry.I've run out of money and can hardly pay the fuel bill.Maybe you'd better put on a sweater.Q: what does the man mean?B.四个选项中出现了sweater,save,fuel bills和heating等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与寒冷天气以及取暖有关.对话中,女士说她觉得很冷,问能不能把暖气开大一点,而男士则表达抱歉,说自己没钱了,都快付不起燃料费账单了,提议女士穿上毛衣.由此可知,男士想要节省燃料费,故答案为B.4.M: I'm sorry, Miss.But you have to come with me to the security office.The video cameras in our shophave recorded everything you did.W: No, no.I...I didn't do anything.I'll call the police if you dare insult me.Q: What does the man think the woman was doing?A.四个选项均为动名词短语,且出现了theft,pictures,shopping和camera 等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与商店里发生旳事情有关.对话中,男士要将女士带到保安室去,并说商店里旳摄像头已经把女士所做旳事都录下来了,而女士则表达自己什么都没有做,假如男士敢欺侮她旳话,她就报警.由此可知,男士认为女士偷了商店里旳东西,故答案为A.5.M: I think you ought to see a doctor right away about that cough.W: Well, I'll wait a few more days.I'm sure I'll get over it soon.Q: What do we learn about the woman?B.选项均以she开头,且出现了medicine,doctor和cough等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与女士旳健康状况有关.男士说女士应当立即去看医生,而女士则说再等几天,她相信自己旳咳嗽很快就会好旳.由此可知,直到本对话发生时,女士都还没有去看医生,故答案为B..6.M: I've heard that Pamela made quite a few mistakes in her lab report.W: Well, she wouldn't have if she hadn't been in such a hunt to get it done. Q: What does the woman imply?D.四个选项均提到了Pamela,且出现了report,hurry,writing和mistakes 等词,故推测本题考察旳内容与帕米拉旳汇报有关.对话中,男士说他听说帕米拉旳试验汇报出了诸多错,而女士则说,假如她不是那么急着做完旳话,就不会出这样多旳错.由此可知,帕米拉试验汇报中旳错误本来是可以防止旳,故答案为D..7.M: We'd better check out before 12 o'clock, Marry.And now there are only 30 minutes left.W: Let's hurry up.You go pay the bill and I'll call the reception to have our luggage taken downstairs.Q : Where did this conversation most probably take place?C.四个选项均是表达地点旳介词短语,故推测本题考察旳内容与对话发生旳地点有关.对话中,男士说他们最佳能在中午l2点之前退房,目前只剩半小时了,女士提议加迅速度,并让男士去付账,她自己给前台打电话,叫人把行李送到楼下.由此可知,对话发生旳时候,两人还没有开始办理退房手续,还在宾馆旳房间里,故答案为C..8.W: Have you ever heard this speaker before?M: Yeah.She's excellent.She gets her point across and it's entertaining at the same time.Q: what does the man say about the speaker?D.四个选项均以she开头,且出现了college,works,speech和message等词,可以推测本题考察旳内容与女士旳状况有关.对话中,女士问男士此前与否听过这个演讲者旳讲座,男士说他听过,并认为这位演讲旳女士很棒,她不仅将自己旳观点体现得很清晰,并且讲得很有趣.由此可知,这位女演讲者擅长传达自己想要传达旳信息,故答案为D..Conversation One。
2023年12月四级真题第三套英语作文

The Power of Perseverance inOvercoming ChallengesIn the journey of life, we encounter various challenges that test our resolve and perseverance. The English proficiency test, specifically the CET-4 exam, is one such challenge that requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance to overcome. The December 2023 CET-4 third set essay topic, "The Power of Perseverance in Overcoming Challenges," highlights the importance of perseverance in facing and surmounting these obstacles.Perseverance is the steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. It is the driving force that keeps us going when faced with challenges and setbacks. In the context of the CET-4 exam, perseverance is what drives students to continue studying, practicing, and preparing despite the difficulties and challenges they encounter.The exam, being a standardized test, presents a unique setof challenges. It tests not only the student's linguistic proficiency but also their ability to manage time, stay focused, and perform under pressure. The questions, especially the composition section, require critical thinking, analytical skills, and a good command of the English language.To excel in the CET-4 exam, students must persevere in their efforts to improve their English proficiency. They need to consistently study, practice their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and familiarize themselves with the exam format and requirements. Perseverance also involves staying motivated and positive, even when faced with difficulties and setbacks.One of the key strategies for perseverance is setting clear and achievable goals. By breaking down the learning process into smaller, manageable tasks, students can stay focused and motivated. They can also track their progress and celebrate their achievements, which further boosts their confidence and perseverance.Moreover, seeking help and support is crucial in maintainingperseverance. Teachers, mentors, and peers can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and feedback that help students stay on track and motivated. They can also offer strategies and techniques to overcome specific challenges and improve their performance.In conclusion, perseverance is the key to overcoming the challenges presented by the CET-4 exam and achieving success. By staying focused, setting clear goals, and seeking help and support, students can overcome the difficulties and setbacks they encounter and emerge stronger and more confident. The power of perseverance lies in its ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success.**坚持不懈的力量:在克服困难中的重要作用**在人生的旅途中,我们会遇到各种各样的挑战,这些挑战考验着我们的决心和毅力。
英语23年12月四级第三套真题作文

The Power of Perseverance in OvercomingChallengesIn the third set of the December 2023 CET-4 exam, the essay topic "The Importance of Perseverance in Overcoming Challenges" struck a chord with me. It reminded me of the countless obstacles I had faced in my life and how perseverance had been my greatest ally in overcoming them. Perseverance is the unwavering determination to continue despite difficulties, setbacks, or delays in achieving a goal. It is the engine that drives us forward when the road ahead seems tough and unyielding. Life isfull of challenges, whether they are personal, academic, or professional. It is perseverance that helps us navigate through these challenges and emerge stronger and wiser.In my personal experience, I have encountered numerous challenges that tested my resolve and perseverance. One such challenge was learning a new language. The initial stages were filled with struggle and frustration as I struggled to grasp the nuances of the language. However, I knew that giving up was not an option. I persevered,putting in extra hours of practice every day. Gradually, Ibegan to see progress, and with each passing day, my vocabulary expanded, and my grammar improved. Eventually, I was able to communicate fluently in the new language, and this成就感 gave me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.Similarly, in my academic journey, I have faced numerous challenges, particularly during exams. The pressure to perform well can be immense, and at times, it can be overwhelming. However, it is perseverance that helps me stay focused and motivated. I remind myself that with every effort I make, I am inching closer to my goal. I persevere, and eventually, the results reflect my hard work and dedication.Moreover, perseverance is not just about never giving up. It is also about learning from failures and setbacks. When we encounter difficulties, it is easy to get discouraged and lose sight of our goals. However, perseverance teaches us to view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. It encourages us to反思 on our mistakes, identify our weaknesses, and work towards improving them.In conclusion, perseverance is a valuable quality that can help us overcome any challenge we face in life. It is the driving force that propels us forward when the road ahead seems tough and unyielding. By persevering, we not only achieve our goals but also grow and develop as individuals. Let us embrace perseverance and use it as a weapon to overcome the challenges that come our way.**坚持不懈的力量**在2023年12月的英语四级考试中,第三套真题的作文题目“坚持不懈在克服困难中的重要性”深深触动了我。
2020年12月大学英语四级真题及答案(第三套)

2020年12月大学英语四级真题及答案(第三套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write on the topic Changes in the Way of Communication. You should write at least 120 words but not more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension 听力共两套,已放在第一二套,此套不再重复。
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 thebank is identified by a letter: Please mark the corresponding letter for each item onAnswer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of thewords in the bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passageThe things people make, and the way they make them, determine how cities grow and decline, and influence how empires rise and fall. So, any disruption to the world's factories 26 . And that disruption is surely coming. Factories are being digitised, filled with new sensors and new computers to make them quicker, more 27 and more efficient.Robots are breaking free from the cages that surround them, learning new skills and new ways of working. And 3D printers have long 28 a world where you can make anything; anywhere, from a computerised design. That vision is 29 closer to reality. These forces will lead to cleaner factories, producing better goods at lower prices, personalised to our individual needs and desires. Humans will be 30 many of the dirty, repetitive, and dangerous jobs that have long been a 31 of factory life.Greater efficiency 32 means fewer people can do the same work. Yet factory bosses in many developed countries are worried about a lack of skilled human workers-and see 33 and robots as a solution. But economist Helena Leurent says this period of rapid change in manufacturing is a 34 opportunity to make the world a better place. "Manufacturing is the one system where you have got the biggest source of innovation, the biggest source of economic growth, and the biggest source of great jobs in the past. You can see it changing. That's an opportunity to 35 that system differently, and if we can, it will have tremendous significance. "A. automationB. concernsC. enormouslyD. fantasticE. fascinatedF. featureG. flexibleH. inevitablyI. interactionJ. leaningK. matters L. moving M. promised N. shape O. spared 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 theparagraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraphmore than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter:Answer the questions bymarking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The History of the Lunch BoxA) It was made of shiny, bright pink plastic with a Little Mermaid sticker on the front, and Icarried it with me nearly every single day. My lunch box was one of my first prized possessions, a proud statement to everyone in my kindergarten; "I love Mermaid-Ariel on my lunch box"B) That bulky container served me well through my first and second grades, until the live-actionversion of 101 Dalmatians hit theaters, and I needed the newest red plastic box with characters like Pongo and Perdita on the front. I know I'm not alone here-I bet you loved your first lunch box, too.C) Lunch boxes have been connecting kids to cartoons and TV shows and super-heroes fordecades. But it wasn't always that way. Once upon a time, they weren't even boxes. As schools have changed in the past century, the midday meal container has evolved right along with them.D) Let's start back at the beginning of the 20th century-the beginning of the lunch box story,really. While there were neighborhood schools in cities and suburbs, one-room schoolhouses were common in rural areas. As grandparents have been saying for generations, kids would travel miles to school in the countryside (often on foot.)E) "You had kids in rural areas who couldn't go home from school for lunch, so bringing yourlunch wrapped in a cloth, in oiled paper, in a little wooden box or something like that was a very long-standing rural tradition," says Paula Johnson, head of food history section at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D. C.F) City kids, on the other hand, went home for lunch and came back. Since they rarely carried ameal, the few metal lunch buckets on the market were mainly for tradesmen and factory workers.G) After World War I, a bunch of changes reshaped schools-and lunches. More women joined theworkforce. Small schools consolidated into larger ones, meaning more students were farther away from home.' And the National School Lunch Act in 1946 made cafeterias much more common. Still, there wasn't much of a market for lunch containers-yet. Students who carried their lunch often did so in a re-purposed bucket or tin of some kind.H) And then everything changed in the year of 1950. You might as well call it the Year of theLunch Box, thanks in large part to a genius move by a Nashville-based manufacturer, Aladdin Industries. The company already made square metal meal containers, the kind workers carried, and some had started to show up in the hands of school kids.I) But these containers were really durable, lasting years on end. That was great for theconsumer, not so much for the manufacturer. So executives at Aladdin hit on an idea that would harness the newfound popularity of television. They covered lunch boxes with striking red paint and added a picture of TV and radio cowboy Hopalong Cassidy on the front.J) The company sold 600,000 units the first year. It was a major "Ah-ha!" moment, and a wave of other manufacturers jumped on board to capitalize on new TV shows and movies."ThePartridge Family, the Addams Family, the Six Million Dollar Man, the Bionic Woman-everything that was on television ended up on a lunch box,"says Allen Woodall. He's the founder of the Lunch Box Museum in Columbus, Georgia."It was a great marketing tool because kids were taking that TV show to school with them, and then when they got home they had them captured back on TV," he says.K) And yes, you read that right: There is a hunch box museum, right near the Chattahoochee River, Woodall has more than 2,000 items on display. His favorite? The Green Hornet lunch box, because he used to listen to the radio show back in the 1940s.L)The new trend was also a great example of planned obsolescence, that is, to design a product so that it will soon become unfashionable or impossible to use and will need replacing. Kids would beg for a new lunch box every year to keep up with the newest characters, even if their old lunch box was perfectly usable.M) The metal lunch box craze lasted until the mid-1980s,when plastic took over. Two theories exist as to why. The first-and most likely-is that plastic had simply become cheaper. The second theory possibly an urban myth-is that concerned parents in several states proposed bans on metal lunch boxes, claiming kids were using them as "weapons" to hit one another.There's a lot on the internet about a state-wide ban in Florida, but a few days worth of digging by a historian at the Florida State Historical Society found no such legislation. Either way, the metal lunch box was out.N) The last few decades have brought a new lunch box revolution, of sorts. Plastic boxes changed to lined cloth sacks, and eventually, globalism brought tiffin containers from India and bento boxes from Japan. Even the old metal lunch boxes have regained popularity."I don't think the heyday(盛时期)has passed," says D.J.Jayasekara, owner and founder of , a retailer in Pasadena, California. "I think it has evolved. The days of the ready-made, 'you stick it in a lunch box and carry it to school' are kind of done. "O) The introduction of backpacks changed the hunch box scene a bit, he adds. Once kids started carrying book bags, that bulky traditional hunch box was hard to fit inside. "But you can't just throw a sandwich in a backpack," Jayasekara says. "It still has to go into a container."That is, in part, why smaller and softer containers have taken off-they fit into backpacks.P) And don't worry-whether it's a plastic bento box or a cloth bag, lunch containers can still easily be covered with popular culture. "We keep pace with the movie industries so we can predict which characters are going to be popular for the coming months," Jayasekara says."You know, kids are kids."36. Lunch containers were not necessary for school kids in cities.37. Putting TV characters on lunch boxes proved an effective marketing strategy.38. Smaller hunch boxes are preferred because they fit easily into backpacks.39. Lunch boxes have evolved along with the transformation of schools.40. Around the beginning of the nineteen fifties, some school kids started to use metal mealcontainers.41. School kids are eager to get a new lunch box every year to stay in fashion.42. Rural kids used to walk a long way to school in the old days.43. The author was proud of using a hunch box in her childhood.44. The most probable reason for the popularity of plastic hunch boxes is that they are lessexpensive.45. The durability of metal meal containers benefited consumers.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 AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage.A growing number of U. S. bike riders are attracted to electric bikes for convenience, health benefits and their fun factor. Although ebikes first appeared in the 90s, cheaper options and longer-lasting batteries are breathing new life into the concept.Established bike companies and startups are embracing ebikes to meet demand. About 34 million ebikes were sold worldwide last year, according to data from eCycleElectric Consultants. Most were sold in Europe and China, where the bikes already have exploded in popularity. Recently, the U. S. market has grown to 263,000 bikes, a 25% gain from the prior year.The industry is benefiting from improved batteries as suppliers over the years developed technology for laptops, smartphones and electric cars. In 2004, the price of batteries used on ebikes fell, spurring European sales.But lower cost options are emerging, too. This month, three U. S. bikeshare companies, Motivate, LimeBike and Spin, announced electric bicycles will be added to their fleets. New York-based Jump Bikes is already operating an electric bikeshare in Washington, D. C., and is launching in San Francisco Thursday. Rides cost $ 2 for 30 minutes.The system works like existing dockless bikeshare systems, where riders unlock bikes through a smartphone app. "This is the beginning of a long-term shift away from regular pedal (踏板) to electric bikes," said Jump Bikes CEO Ryan Rzepecki. "When people first jump on an ebike, their face lights up. It's exciting and joyful in a way that you don't get from a regular bike."Two years ago, CEO Chris Cocalis of Pivot Cycles, which sells high-end mountain bikes, found that U. S. bike shops weren't interested in stocking ebikes. Some retailers warned Cocalis that they'd drop the brand if it came out with an electric bike.Now that sales are taking off, the vast majority of bike dealers are asking Cocalis when he' Il make an ebike available. "There's tremendous opportunity to get a generation of people for whom suffering isn't their thing," Cocalis said. "Ebike riders get the enjoyable part of cycling without the massive suffering of climbing huge hills."46. What do we learn from the passage about ebikes?A. Their health benefits and fun values outweigh their cost.B. They did not catch public attention in the United States until the 1990s.C. They did not become popular until the emergence of improved batteries.D. Their widespread use is attributable to people's environmental awareness.47. What brought about the boost in ebike sales in Europe at the beginning of the century?A. Updated technology of bike manufacture.B. The falling prices of ebike batteries.C. Changed fashion in short-distance travel.D. The rising costs for making electric cars.48. What is the prospect of the bike industry according to Ryan Rzepecki?A. More will be invested in bike battery research.B. The sales of ebikes will increase.C. It will profit from ebike sharing.D. It will make a difference in people's daily lives.49. What prevented Chris Cocalis from developing ebikes sooner?A. Retailers' refusal to deal in ebikes.B. High profits from conventional bikes.C. Users' concern about risks of ebike riding.D. His focus on selling costly mountain bikes.50. What makes Chris Cocalis believe there is a greater opportunity for ebike sales?A. The further lowering of ebike prices.B. The public's concern for their health.C. The increasing interest in mountain climbing.D. The younger generation's pursuit of comfortable riding.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.The terms "global warming" and "climate change" are used by many, seemingly interchangeably. But do they really mean the same thing?Scientists shaped the history of the terms while attempting to accurately describe how humans continue to alter the planet. Later, political strategists adopted the terms to influence public opinion.In 1975, geochemist Wallace Broecker introduced the term "climate change" in an article published by Science. In 1979,a National Academy of Sciences report used the term "global warming" to define increases in the Earth's average surface temperature, while "climate change" more broadly referred to the numerous effects of this increase,such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification(酸化).During the following decades,some industrialists and politicians launched a campaign to sow doubt in the minds of the American public about the ability of fossil-fuel use, deforestation and other human activities to influence the planet's climate.Word use played a critical role in developing that doubt. For example,the language and polls expert Frank Luntz's wrote a memo encouraging the use of "climate change" because the phrase sounded less scary than "global warming," reported the Guardian.However, Luntz's recommendation wasn't necessary. A Google Ngram Viewer chart showsthat by 1993 climate change was already more commonly used in books than global warming. By the end of the next decade both words were used more frequently,and climate change was used nearly twice as often as global warming.NASA used the term "climate change" because it more accurately reflects the wide range of changes to the planet caused by increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.The debate isn't new. A century ago,chemist Svante Arrhenius started one of the first debates over the potential for humans to influence the planet's climate. Arrhenius calculated the capability of carbon dioxide to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, but other chemists disagreed. Some argued that humans weren't producing enough greenhouse gases, while others claimed the effects would be tiny. Now, of course, we know that whatever you call it, human behavior is warming the planet, with grave consequences ahead.51. Why did politicians use the two terms "global warming" and "climate change"?A. To sway public opinion of the impact of human activities on Earth.B. To more accurately describe the consequences of human activities.C. To win more popular votes in their campaign activities.D. To assure the public of the safety of existing industries.52. As used in a National Academy of Sciences report, the term "climate change" differs from "global warming" in that .A. it sounds less vague.B. it looks more scientific.C. it covers more phenomena.D. it is much closer to reality.53. What did industrialists of the late 20th century resort to in order to mislead Americans?A. Made-up survey results.B. Hired climate experts.C. False research findings.D. Deliberate choice of words.54. Why did NASA choose the term "climate change"?A. To obtain more funds.B. For greater precision.C. For political needs.D. To avoid debate.55. What is the author's final conclusion?A. Global warming is the more accurate term.B. Accuracy of terminology matters in science.C. Human activities have serious effects on Earth.D. Politics interferes with serious scientific debate.Part IV Translation(30 minutes)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.鱼是春节前夕餐桌上不可或缺的一道菜,因为汉语中“鱼”字的发音与“余”字的发音相同。
- 1、下载文档前请自行甄别文档内容的完整性,平台不提供额外的编辑、内容补充、找答案等附加服务。
- 2、"仅部分预览"的文档,不可在线预览部分如存在完整性等问题,可反馈申请退款(可完整预览的文档不适用该条件!)。
- 3、如文档侵犯您的权益,请联系客服反馈,我们会尽快为您处理(人工客服工作时间:9:00-18:30)。
2019年12月四级第一套Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a letter to a foreign friend who wants to teach English in China. Please recommend a city to him. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part Ⅱ Listening 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 then questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1with a single line through the centre.Questions l and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Many facilities were destroyed by a wandering cow.B) A wandering cow knocked down one of its fences.C) Some tourists were injured by a wandering cow.D) A wandering cow was captured by the police.2. A) It was shot to death by a police officer. B) It found its way back to the park’s zoo.C) It became a great attraction for tourists. D) It was sent to the animal control department.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) It is the largest of its kind. B) It is going to be expanded.C) It is displaying more fossil specimens. D) It is staring an online exhibition.4. A) A collection of bird fossils from Australia. B) Photographs of certain rare fossil exhibits.C) Some ancient wall paintings from Australia. D) Pictures by winners of a wildlife photo contest.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Pick up trash. B) Amuse visitors.C) Deliver messages. D) Play with children.6. A) They are especially intelligent. B) They are children’s favorite.C) They are quite easy to tame. D) They are clean and pretty.7. A) Children may be harmed by the rooks. B) Children may be tempted to drop litter.C) Children may contract bird diseases. D) Children may overfeed the rooks. 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 bespoken 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) It will be produced at Harvard University. B) It will be hosted by famous professors.C) It will cover different areas of science. D) It will focus on recent scientific discoveries.9. A) It will be more futuristic. B) It will be more systematic.C) It will be more entertaining. D) It will be easier to understand.10. A) People interested in science. B) Youngsters eager to explore.C) Children in their early teens. D) Students majoring in science.11. A) Offer professional advice. B) Provide financial support.C) Help promote it on the Internet. D) Make episodes for its first season. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Unsure. B) Helpless. C) Concerned. D) Dissatisfied.13. A) He is too concerned with being perfect. B) He loses heart when faced with setbacks.C) He is too ambitious in achieving goals. D) He takes on projects beyond his ability.14. A) Embarrassed. B) Unconcerned. C) Miserable. D) Resentful.15. A) Try to be optimistic whatever happens. B) Compare his present with his past only.C) Always learn from others’ achievements. D) Treat others the way he would be treated.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) They have a stronger sense of social responsibility.B) They are more likely to succeed in the humanities.C) They are more likely to become engineers.D) They have greater potential to be leaders.17. A) Praise girls who like to speak up frequently.B) Encourage girls to solve problems on their own.C) Insist that boys and girls work together more.D) Respond more positively to boys’ comments.18. A) Offer personalized teaching materials. B) Provide a variety of optional courses.C) Place great emphasis on test scores. D) Pay extra attention to top students.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It often rains cats and dogs. B) It seldom rains in summer time.C) It does not rain as much as people think. D) It is one of the most rainy cities in the US.20. A) They drive most of the time. B) The rain is usually very light.C) They have got used to the rain. D) The rain comes mostly at night.21. A) It has a lot of places for entertainment.B) It has never seen thunder and lighting.C) It has fewer cloudy days than any other coastal city.D) It has mild weather both in summer and in winter.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) It occurs when people are doing a repetitive activity.B) It results from exerting one’s muscles continuously.C) It happens when people engage in an uncommon activity.D) It comes from staining one’s muscles in an unusual way.23. A) Blood flow and body heat increase in the affected area.B) Body movements in the affected area become difficult.C) They begin to make repairs immediately.D) They gradually become fragmented.24. A) About one week. B) About two days.C) About ten days. D) About four weeks.25. A) Apply muscle creams. B) Drink plenty of water.C) Have a hot shower. D) Take pain-killers..Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.When travelling overseas, do you buy water in plastic bottles or take your chances with tap water? Imagine you are wandering about on a Thai island or 26 the ruins of Angkor. It’s hot so you grab a bottle of water from a local vendor. It’s the safe, sane thing to do, right? The bottle is 27 , and the label says “pure water”, but maybe what’s inside is not so 28 . Would you still be drinking it if you knew that more than 90 percent of all bottled water sold around the world 29 microplastics?That’s the conclusion of a recently 30 study, which analyzed 259 bottles from 11 brands sold in nine countries, 31 an average of 325 plastic particles per liter of water. These microplastics included a 32 commonly known as PET and are widely used in the manufacture of clothing and food and 33 containers. The study was conducted at the StateUniversity of New York on behalf of Orb Media, a journalism organization. About a million bottles are bought every minute, not only by thirsty tourists but also by many of the billion worldwide who live with unsafe drinking water.Confronted with this 34 , several bottled-water manufacturers including Nestle and Coco-Cola undertook their own studies using the same methodology. These studies showed that their water did contain microplastics, but far less than the Orb study suggested. Regardless, the World Health Organization has now launched a review into the 35 health risks of drinking water from plastic bottles.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Quiet Heroism of Mail Delivery[A] On Wednesday, a polar wind brought bitter cold to the Midwest. Overnight, Chicago reached a low of 21 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, making it slightly colder than Antarctica, Alaska, and the North Pole. Wind chills were 64 degrees below zero in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and 45 degrees below zero in Buffalo, North Dakota, according to the National Weather Service. Schools, restaurants, and businesses closed, and more than 1,000 flights have been canceled.[B] Even the United States Postal Service (USPS) suspended mail delivery temporarily. “Due to this arctic outbreak and concerns for the safety of USPS employees,” USPS announced Wednesday morning, “the Postal Service is suspending delivery Jan. 30 in the following 3-digit ZIP Code locations.” Twelve regions were listed as unsafe on Wednesday; on Thursday, eight remained.[C] As global surface temperatures increase, so does the likelihood of extreme weather. In 2018 alone, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, mudslides, and other natural disasters cost at least $49 billion in the United States. As my colleague Vann Newkirk reported, Puerto Rico is still confronting economic and structural destruction and resource scarcity from 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Natural disasters can wreck a community’s infrastructure, disrupting systems for months or years. Some services, however, remind us that life will eventually return, in some form, to normal.[D] Days after the deadly 2017 wildfires in Santa Rosa, California, a drone caught footage of a USPS worker, Trevor Smith, driving through burned homes in that familiar white van, collecting mail in an affected area. The video is striking: The operation is familiar, but the scene looks like the end of the world. According to Rae Ann Haight, the program manager for the national-preparedness office at USPS, Smith was fulfilling a request made by some ofthe home owners to pick up any mail that was left untouched. For Smith, this was just another day on the job. “I followed my route like I normally do,” Smith told a reporter. “As I’d come across a box that was up but with no house, I checked, and there was mail—outgoing mail—in it. And so we picked those up and carried on.”[E] USPS has sophisticated emergency plans for natural disasters. Across the country, 285 emergency-management teams are devoted to crisis control. These teams are trained annually using a framework known as the three Ps: people, property, product. After mail service stops due to weather, the agency’s top priority is ensuring that employees are safe. Then it evaluates the health of infrastructure, such as the roads that mail carriers drive on. Finally, it decides when and how to re-open operations. If the destruction is extreme, mail addressed to the area will get sent elsewhere. In response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, USPS redirected incoming New Orleans mail to existing mail facilities in Houston. Mail that was already processed in New Orleans facilities was moved to an upper floor so it would be protected from water damage.[F] As soon as it’s safe enough to be outside, couriers start distributing accumulated mail on the still-accessible routes. USPS urges those without standing addresses to file change-of-address forms with their new location. After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, mail facilities were set up in dozens of other locations across the country in the two weeks that USPS was unable to provide street delivery.[G] Every day, USPS processes, on average, million pieces of mail—anything from postcards to Social Security checks to medicine. Spokespeople from both USPS and UPS told me all mail is important. But some mail can be extremely sensitive and timely. According to data released in January 2017, 56 percent of bills are paid online, which means that just under half of payments still rely on delivery services to be completed.[H] It can be hard to identify which parcels are carrying crucial items such as Social Security checks, but USPS and UPS try their best to prioritize sensitive material. They will coordinate with the Social Security Administration to make sure that Social Security checks reach the right people in a timely fashion. After Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael last fall, USPS worked with state and local election boards to make sure that absentee ballots were available and received on time.[I] Mail companies are logistics companies, which puts them in a special position to help when disaster strikes. In a 2011 USPS case study, the agency emphasized its massive infrastructure as a “unique federal asset” to be called upon in a disaster or terrorist attack. “I think we’re unique as a federal agency,” USPS official Mike Swigart told me, “because we’re in literally every community in this country … We’re obligated to deliver to that point on a daily basis.”[J] Private courier companies, which have more dollars to spend, use their expertise in logistics to help revitalize damaged areas after a disaster. For more than a decade, FedEx has supported the American Red Cross in its effort to get emergency supplies to areas affected by disasters, both domestically and internationally. In 2012, the company distributed more than 1,200 MedPacks to Medical Reserve Corps groups in California, and donated space for million pounds of charitable shipping globally. Last October, the company pledged $1 million in cash and transportation support for Hurricanes Florence and Michael. UPS’s charitable arm, the UPS Foundation, uses the company’s logistics to help disaster-struck areas rebuild. “Werealize that as a company with people, trucks, warehouses, we needed to play a larger role,”said Eduardo Martinez, the president of the UPS Foundation. The company employs its trucks and planes to deliver food, medicine, and water. The day before I spoke to Martinez in November, he had been touring the damage from Hurricane Michael in Florida with the American Red Cross. “We have an obligation to make sure our communities are thriving, prosperous,” he said. [K] Rebuilding can take a long time, and even then, impressions of the disaster may still remain. Returning to a sense of normalcy can be difficult, but some small routines—mail delivery being one of them—may help residents remember that their communities are still their communities. “When they see that carrier back out on the street,”Swigart said, “that’s the first sign to them that life is starting to return to normal.”36. The United States Postal Service has a system to ensure its employees’ safety.37. One official says USPS is unique in that it has more direct reach to communities compared with other federal agencies38. Natural disasters can have a long-lasting impact on community life.39. Mail delivery service i$ still responsible for the completion of almost half of payments.40. The sight of a mailman on the street is a reassuring sign of life becoming normal again.41. After Hurricane Katrina interrupted routine delivery, temporary mail service points were set up.42. Postal service in some regions in the U.S. was suspended due to extreme cold weather.43. Private postal companies also support disaster relief efforts by distributing urgent supplies.44. A dedicated USPS employee was on the job carrying out duties in spite of extreme conditions.45. Postal services work hard to identify items that require priority treatment.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.Professor Ashok Goel of Georgia Tech developed an artificially intelligent teaching assistant to help handle the enormous number of student questions in the online class, Knowledge Based Artificial Intelligence. This online course is a core requirement of Georgia Tech’s online Master of Science in Computer Science program. Professor Goel already had 8 teaching assistants, but that wasn’t enough to deal with the overwhelming number of questions from students.Many students drop out of online courses because of the lack of teaching support. When students feel isolated or confused and reach out with questions that go unanswered, their motivation to continue begins to fade. Professor Goel decided to do something to remedy this situation and his solution was to create a virtual assistant named Jill Watson, which is based on the IBM Watson platform.Goel and his team developed several versions of Jill Watson before releasing her to the online forums. At first, the virtual assistant wasn’t too great. But Goel and his team sourcedthe online discussion forum to find all 40,000 questions that had ever been asked since the class was launched. Then they began to feed Jill the questions and answers. After some adjustment and sufficient time, Jill was able to answer the students’ questions correctly 97% of the time. The virtual assistant became so advanced and realistic that the students didn’t know she was a computer. The students, who were studying artificial intelligence, were interacting with artificial intelligence and couldn’t tell it apart from a real human being. Goel didn’t inform them about Jill’s true identity until April 26. The students were actually very positive about the experience.The goal of Professor Goel’s virtual assistant next year is to take over answering 40% of all questions posed by students on the online forum. The name, Jill Watson, will of course, change to something else next semester. Professor Goel has a much rosier outlook on the future of AI than say, Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates or Steve Wozniak.46. What do we learn about Knowledge-Based Artificial Intelligence?A) It is a robot that can answer students’ questions.B) It is a course designed for students to learn online.C) It is a high-tech device that revolutionizes teaching.D) It is a computer program that aids student learning.47. What problem did Professor Goel meet with?A) His students were unsatisfied with the assistants.B) His course was too difficult for the students.C) Students’ questions were too many to handle.D) Too many students dropped out of his course.48. What do we learn about Jill Watson?A) She turned out to be a great success. B) She got along pretty well with students.C) She was unwelcome to students at first. D) She was released online as an experiment.49. How did the students feel about Jill Watson?A) They thought she was a bit too artificial. B) They found her not as capable as expected.C) They could not but admire her knowledge. D) They could not tell her from a real person.50. What does Professor Goel plan to do next with Jill Watson?A) Launch different versions of her online.B) Feed her with new questions and answers.C) Assign her to answer more of students’ questions.D) Encourage students to interact with her more freely.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Thinking small, being engaging, and having a sense of humor don’t hurt. Those are a few of the traits of successful science crowdfunding efforts that emerge from a recent study that examined nearly 400 campaigns. But having a large network and some promotional skills may be more crucial.Crowdfunding, raising money for a project through online appeals, has taken off in recentyears for everything from making movies to building water-saving gadgets. Scientists have tried to tap Internet donors, too, with mixed success. Some raised more than twice their goal, but others have fallen short of reaching more modest targets.To determine what separates science crowdfunding triumphs from failures, a team led by science communications scholar Mike Schäfer of the University of Zurich in Switzerland examined the content of the WebPages for 371 recent campaigns.Four traits stood out for those that achieved their goals, the researchers report in Public Understanding of Science. For one, they use a crowdfunding platform that specializes in raising money for science, and not just any kind of project. Although sites like Kickstarter take all comers, platforms such as , , and only present scientific projects. For another, they present the project with a funny video because good visuals and a sense of humor improved success. Most of them engage with potential donors since projects that answered questions from interested donors and posted lab notes fared better. And they target a small amount of money. The projects included in the study raised $4000 on average, with 30% of projects receiving less than $1000. The more money a project sought, the lower the chance it reached its goal, the researchers found.Other factors may also significantly influence a project’s success, most notably, the size of a scientist’s personal and professional networks, and how much a researcher promotes a project on his or her own. Those two factors are by far more critical than the content on the page. Crowdfunding can be part of researchers’ efforts to reach the public, and people give because “they feel a connection to the person”who is doing the fundraising—not necessarily to the science.51. What do we learn about the scientists trying to raise money online for their projects?A) They did not raise much due to modest targets.B) They made use of mixed fundraising strategies.C) Not all of them achieved their anticipated goals.D) Most of them put movies online for the purpose.52. What is the purpose of Mike Schäfer’s research of recent crowdfunding campaigns?A) To create attractive content for science websites.B) To identify reasons for their different outcomes.C) To help scientists to launch innovative projects.D) To separate science projects from general ones.53. What trait contributes to the success of a crowdfunding campaign?A) The potential benefit to future generations. B) Its interaction with prospective donors.C) Its originality in addressing financial issues. D) The value of the proposed project.54. What did the researchers think of the financial targets of crowdfunding projects?A) They should be small to be successful. B) They should be based on actual needs.C) They should be assessed with great care. D) They should be ambitious to gain notice.55. What motivates people to donate in a crowdfunding campaign?A) The ease of access to the content of the webpage.B) Their desire to contribute to the cause of science.C) The significance and influence of the project itself.D) Their feeling of connection to the scientists themselves.Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国家庭十分重视孩子的教育。