2013年12月英语四级新题型模拟题2及答案

合集下载

201312大学英语四级真题第二套(除听力部分)含全套答案

201312大学英语四级真题第二套（除听力部分）Many college students today own personal computers that cost anywhere from $1000 to perhaps $5000 or more. __26__, it is not uncommon for them to purchase __27__ costing another several hundred dollars. Twenty years ago, computers were __28__, but they were very large and extremely expensive. Few, if any. __29__ purchased computers for home use. Over the years, the price of the "guts" of a computer-its memory-has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory that prevailed twenty years ago. This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today than they used to. Moreover. __30__ improvements have made it possible to __31__ memory circuitry that is small enough to fit into the portable personal computers that many of us own and use. __32__, as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spentmore on purchasing computers.__33__ improved agricultural technology, hybrid(杂交) seeds. __34__ animal breeding, and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce. The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of most other goods and services. As agricultural prices have fallen, many households have decreased their total expenses on food. Even though the __35__ of a product purchased generally increases when its price falls, total expenses on it may decline.To get a sense of how women have progressed in science, take a quick tour of the physics department at the University of California, Berkeley. This is a storied place, the __36__ of some of the most important discoveries in modern science-starting with Ernest Lawrence's invention of the cyclotron (回旋加速器) in 1931. A generation ago, female faces were __37__ and, even today, visitors walking through the first floor of LeConte Hall will see a full corridor of exhibits __38__ the many distinguished physicists who made history here. __39__ all of them white males.But climb up to the third floor and you'll see a __40__ display. There, among the photos of current faculty members and students, are portraits of the __41__ head of the department, Marjorie Shapiro, and four other women whose research __42__ everything from the mechanics of the universe to the smallest particles of matter. A sixth woman was hired just two weeks ago. Although they're still only about 10 percent of the physics faculty,women are clearly a presence here. And the real __43__ may be in the smaller photos to the right: graduate and undergraduate students, about 20 percent of them female. Every year Berkeley sends its fresh female physics PhDs to the country's top universities. That makes Shapiro optimistic, but also __44__. "I believe things are getting better," she says, "but they're not getting better as __45__ as I would like."What does it take to be a well-trained nurse? The answer used to be two-year associate's or four-year bachelor's degree programs. But as the nursing shortage __36__ . a growing number of schools and hospitals are establishing "fast-track programs" that enable college graduates with no nursing __37__ to become registered nurses with only a year or so of __38__ training.In 1991. there were only 40 fast-track curricula; now there are more than 200. Typical is Columbia University's Entry to Practice program. Students earn their bachelor of science in nursing in a year. Those who stay on for an __39__ two years can earn a master's degree that __40__ them as nurse practitioners(执业护士) or clinical nurse specialists.Many students are recent __41__; others are career switchers. Rudy Guardron, 32, a 2004 graduate of Columbia's program, was a premedical student in college and then worked for a pharmaceutical (药物的) research company. At Columbia, he was __42__ as a nurse practitioner. "I saw that nurses were in high __43__ and it looked like a really good opportunity," he says. "Also. I didn't want to be in school for that long. "The fast-track trend fills a need, but it's also creating some __44__ between newcomers and veterans. "Nurses that are still at the bedside __45__ these kids with suspicion," says Linda Pellico, who has taught nursing at Yale University for 18 years. "They wonder, how can they do it quicker?" Theanswer is they don't.Is College a Worthy Investment?A) Why are we spending so much money on college? And why are we so unhappy about it? We all seem to agree that a college education is wonderful, and yet strangely we worry when we see families investing so much in this supposedly essential good. Maybe it's time to ask a question that seems almost sacrilegious (大不敬的): is all this investment in college education really worth it?B) The answer, I fear, is no. For an increasing number of kids, the extra time and money spent pursuing a college diploma will leave them worse off than they were before they set foot on campus.C) For my entire adult life, a good education has been the most important thing for middle-class households. My parents spent more educating my sister and me than they spent on their house, and they're not the only ones... and, of course, for an increasing number of families, most of the cost of their house is actually the cost of living in a good school district. Questioning the value of a college education seems a bit like questioning the value of happiness, or fun.D) The average price of all goods and services has risen about 50 percent. But the price of a college education has nearly doubled in that time. Is the education that today's students are getting twice as good? Are new workers twice as smart? Have they become somehow massively more expensive to educate?E) Perhaps a bit. Richard Vedder, an Ohio University economics professor, says, "I look at the data, and I see college costs rising faster than inflation up to the mid-1980s by 1 percent a year. Now I see them rising 3 to 4 percent a year over inflation. What has happened? The federal government has started dropping money out of airplanes. " Aid has increased, subsidized(补贴的) loans have become available, and "the universities have gotten the money." Economist Bryan Caplan, who is writing a book about education, agrees: "It's a giant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue."F) Promotional literature for colleges and student loans often speaks of debt as an "investment in yourself." But an investment is supposed to generate income to pay off the loans. More than half of all recent graduates are unemployed or in jobs that do not require a degree, and the amount ofstudent-loan debt carried by households has increased more than five times since 1999. These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed, but it won't even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad's. For many, the most visible result of their four years is the loan payments, which now average hundreds of dollars a month on loan balances in the tens of thousands.G) It's true about the money-sort of. College graduates now make 80 percent more than people who have only a high-school diploma, and though there are no precise estimates, the wage premium (高出的部分) for an outstanding school seems to be even higher. But that's not true of every student. It's very easy to spend four years majoring in English literature and come out no more employable than you were before you went in. Conversely, chemical engineers straight out of school can easily make almost four times the wages of an entry-level high-school graduate.H) James Heckman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist, has examined how the returns on education break down for individuals with different backgrounds and levels of ability. "Even with these high prices, you're still finding a high return for individuals who are bright and motivated," he says. On the other hand, "if you're not college ready, then the answer is no, it's not worth it." Experts tend to agree that for the average student, college is still worth it today, but they also agree that the rapid increase in price is eating up more and more of the potential return. For borderline students, tuition(学费) rise can push those returns into negative territory.I) Everyone seems to agree that the government, and parents, should be rethinking how we invest in higher education and that employers need to rethink the increasing use of college degrees as crude screening tools for jobs that don't really require college skills. "Employers seeing a surplus of college graduates and looking to fill jobs are just adding that requirement." says Vedder. "In fact, a college degree becomes a job requirement for becoming a bar-tender."J) We have started to see some change on the finance side. A law passed in 2007 allows many students to cap their loan payment at 10 percent of their income and forgives any balance after 25 years. But of course, that doesn't control the cost of education! it just shifts it to taxpayers. It also encourages graduates to choose lower-paying careers, which reduces the financial return to education still further. "You're subsidizing people tobecome priests and poets and so forth," says Heckman. "You may think that's a good thing, or you may not." Either way it will be expensive for the government.K) What might be a lot cheaper is putting more kids to work. Caplan notes that work also builds valuable skills- probably more valuable for kids who don't naturally love sitting in a classroom. Heckman agrees wholeheartedly: "People are different, and those abilities can be shaped. That's what we've learned, and public policy should recognize that."L) Heckman would like to see more apprenticeship-style(学徒式) programs, where kids can learn in the workplace-learn not just specific job skills, but the kind of "soft skills," like getting to work on time and getting along with a team- that are crucial for career success. "It's about having mentors(指导者) and having workplace-based education," he says. "Time and again I've seen examples of this kind of program working."M) Ah, but how do we get there from here? With better public policy, hopefully, but also by making better individual decisions. "Historically markets have been able to handle these things," says Vedder. "and I think eventually markets will handle this one. If it doesn't improve soon, people are going to wake up and ask, 'Why am I going to college?'"46. Caplan suggests that kids who don't love school go to work.47. An increasing number of families spend more money on houses in a good school district.48. Subsidized loans to college students are a huge waste of money, according to one economist.49. More and more kids find they fare worse with a college diploma.50. For those who are not prepared for higher education, going to college is not worth it.51. Over the years the cost of a college education has increased almost by 100%.52. A law passed recently allows many students to pay no more than one tenth of their income for their college loans.53. Middle-class Americans have highly valued a good education.54. More kids should be encouraged to participate in programs where they can learn not only job skills but also social skills.55. Over fifty percent of recent college graduates remain unemployed or unable to find a suitable job.Passage One Questions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.A recent global survey of 2000 high-net-worth individuals found that 60% were not planning on a traditional retirement. Among US participants, 75% expected to continue working in some capacity even after stepping away from full-time jobs. "Many of these people made their wealth by doing something they're passionate (有激情的) about." says Daniel Egan, head of behavioral finance for Barclays Wealth Americas. "Given the choice, they prefer to continue working." Barclays calls these people "nevertirees." Unlike many Americans compelled into early retirement by company restrictions, the average nevertiree often has no one forcing his hand. If 106-year-old investor Irving Kahn, head of his own family firm, wants to keep coming to work every day. who's going to stop him? Seventy-eight-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's job security is guaranteed in the Constitution.It may seem that these elderly people are trying to cheat death. In fact, they are. And it's working. Howard Friedman, a professor at UC Riverside, found in his research that those who work hardest and are successful in their careers often live the longest lives. "People are generally being given bad advice to slow down, take it easy, stop worrying, and retire to Florida," he says. He described one study participant, still working at the age of 100, who was recently disappointed to see his son retire."We're beginning to see a change in how people view retirement," says George Leeson, co-director of the Institute of Population Ageing at Oxford. Where once retirement was seen as a brief reward after a long struggle through some miserable job, it is now akin (近似) to being cast aside. What Leeson terms "the Warren Buffett effect" is becoming more broadly appealing as individuals come to "view retirement as not simply being linked to economic productivity but also about contribution."Observers are split on whether this is a wholly good thing. On the one hand, companies and financial firms can benefit from the wisdom of a resilient(坚韧的) chief. On the other, the new generation can find it more difficult to advance-an argument that typically holds little sway to a nevertiree.56. What do we learn about the so-called "nevertirees"?A) They are passionate about making a fortune.B) They have no choice but to continue working.C) They love what they do and choose not to retire.D) They will not retire unless they are compelled to.57. What do Irving Kahn and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have in common?A) Neither of them is subject to forced retirement.B) Neither of them desires reward for their work.C) Both cling to their positions despite opposition.D) Both are capable of coping with heavy workloads.58. What is the finding of Howard Friedman's research?A) The harder you work, the bigger your fortune will be.B) The earlier you retire, the healthier you will be.C) Elderly people have to slow down to live longer.D) Working at an advanced age lengthens people's life.59. What is the traditional view of retirement according to the passage?A) It means a burden to the younger generation.B) It is a symbol of a mature and civilized society.C) It is a compensation for one's life-long hard work.D) It helps increase a nation's economic productivity.60. What do critics say about "nevertirees"?A) They are an obstacle to a company's development.B) They lack the creativity of the younger generation.C) They cannot work as efficiently as they used to.D) They prevent young people from getting ahead.Passage Two Questions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage. When we talk about Americans barely into adulthood who are saddled with unbearable levels of debt, the conversation is almost always about student loan debt. But there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that today's young adults are also drowning in credit-card debt and that many of them will take this debt to their graves.More than 20% overspent their income by more than $100 every single month. Since they haven't built up their credit histories yet, it's a safe bet that these young adults are paying relatively high interest rates on the resulting credit card debt.Although many young people blame "socializing" as a barrier to saving money, most of them aren't knocking back $20 drinks in trendy (时尚的) lounges. They're struggling with much more daily financial demands.To a disturbingly large extent, the young and the broke are relying on credit cards to make it until their next payday. This obviously isn't sustainable inthe long run. and it's going to put a huge drag on their spending power even after they reach their peak earning years, because they'll still be paying interest on that bottle of orange juice or box of spaghetti (意式面条) they bought a decade earlier.A new study out of Ohio State University found that young adults are accumulating credit card debt at a more rapid rate than other age groups, and that they're slower at paying it off. "If what we found continues to hold true, we may have more elderly people with substantial financial problems in the future," warns Lucia Dunn, professor of economics at Ohio State. "If our findings persist, we may be faced with a financial crisis among elderly people who can't pay off their credit cards."Dunn says a lot of these young people are never going to get out from under their credit card debt. "Many people are borrowing on credit cards so heavily that payoff rates at these levels are not sufficient to recover their credit card debt by the end of their life, which could have loss implications for the credit card issuing banks."61. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?A) Many young Americans will never be able to pay off their debts.B) Credit cards play an increasingly important role in college life.C) Credit cards are doing more harm than student loans.D) The American credit card system is under criticism.62. Why do young people have to pay a higher interest on their credit card debt?A) They tend to forget about the deadlines. B) They haven't developed a credit history.C) They are often unable to pay back in time. D) They are inexperienced in managing money.63. What is said to be the consequence of young adults relying on credit cards to make ends meet?A) It will place an unnecessary burden on society.B) It will give them no motivation to work hard.C) It will exert psychological pressure on them.D) It will affect their future spending power.64. What will happen to young adults if their credit card debt keeps accumulating according to Lucia Dunn?A) They will have to pay an increasingly higher interest rate.B) They may experience a financial crisis in their old age.C) Their quality of life will be affected.D) Their credit cards may be cancelled.65. What does Lucia Dunn think might be a risk for the credit card issuing banks?A) They go bankrupt as a result of over-lending.B) They lose large numbers of their regular clients.C) Their clients leave their debts unpaid upon death.D) Their interest rates have to be reduced now and then.中国结(the Chinese knot)最初是由手工艺人发明的，经过数百年不断的改进.已经成为一种优雅多彩的艺术和工艺。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷323(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷323(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following topic The View on Campus Loan. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.正确答案：(1) Campus loan generally refers to a loan given to a college student on the campus, but it is in essence a private loan. (2) Some people argue that campus loan can help students get the money to meet their college and other expenses. However, I believe campus loan hurt more than it helps.(3) Firstly, the demand for such loans is high because it is relatively easy to apply for and receive. But these loans come with high interest rates and often with collateral security, which has included naked photographs of female students. In this way, students tend to fall prey to lenders. (4) Secondly, college students have poor financial management and few sources of income, so if they borrow much money, they have to under great pressure, which is against their goals of studying in college.(5) Since campus loans come with many, hidden legal risks, college students had better not borrow money from lenders. They can seek help from parents or do part-time job if in need of money.解析：(1)指出校园贷的定义。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷284(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷284(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Do One Thing at a Time, And Do It Well by commenting on the saying, “I can do many things well at a time if given chances.” You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Do One Thing at a Time, And Do It Well 正确答案：Do One Thing at a Time, And Do It Well Though many of us often boast that “I can do many things well at a time if given chances”, in most cases, we would ultimately mess things up when we really have to handle many things at the same time. Such failure drives us to follow the principle that “do one thing at a time, and do it well”. At first glance, multitasking seems to be productive, but it actually splits our attention, making our work ineffective and unsuccessful. Image a student trying to win an English speech contest, play in the college football team, take an internship and write a graduation thesis in one single term. Rather than getting several things half-done, why not try to get one thing handsomely done? Once we fully concentrate on one thing without distraction, we can finish the task faster and better. And the previous good performance will give us more confidence to move forward, thereby creating a healthy circle. Success doesn’t depend on how many things we have done, but on how well we can get things done.解析：这篇谚语型作文要求考生结合“如果给予我机会，我可以同时把很多事情做好”这种说法展开讨论并发表白己的见解，并以“一次做一件事，并把它做好”为题。

2013年12月英语四级真题及答案 (2)

2013年12月英语四级真题及答案一、听力部分Section AA)Move the furniture.B)It is time to pay the rent.C)At the town hall.A)Go abroad.B)He has to do some tasks.A)The woman learned a lot from the trip.C)She prefers reading in silence.A)She doesn’t know where her purse is.B)He’s not sure where his rent check is.C)At a university.Section BB)It is a difficult maze.C)They are almost all identical.A)By writing messages on the walls.C)To confuse predators.D)They could feel it in their bodies.C)They did not notice any difference.B)They use landmarks to find food.C)Birds were attracted to the sound.A)They can guide the whales’ migration.D)She receives the most love from her children. Section CA)The world is full of wonders.C)The photographer’s perseverance.B)It is his most valuable treasure.C)By planning ahead.A)It can make the world a better place.二、阅读部分Passage OneA)To arrange interviews with important people.B)Their personal qualities may have beenoverlooked.D)To discover your own strong points.D) A wide range of skills.C)Set clear goals.Passage TwoB)Expectations for women’s appearances.D)Advertising is everywhere in people’s dailylives.A)How to manipulate women’s insecurities.C)Changing people’s perception of beauty.B)They are knowledgeable about a variety oftopics.Passage ThreeA)They were the first private schools in Britain.D)Those from wealthy families aspired to begentlemen.C)Discipline their bodies and minds.D)English gentlemen could set a good example.D)Influenced by their economic background. Passage FourA)It is often the small things that matter most.B)Men and women respond differently to stress.C)Tenderness is essential for a happyrelationship.D)Show affection and empathy.B)Prolonged stress can weaken the immunesystem.三、写作部分短文写作Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a composition based on the picture below. You should write at least 120 words, and base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below:写作要点：1. 描述图片内容：一辆大货车卡住了一个过道，不能向前行； 2. 分析产生的原因：大货车太大，通道太窄，驾驶员没有及时发现状况； 3. 谈谈你的看法：如何避免这种情况：修建更宽敞的通道、提高驾驶员的观察技巧等。

[全]2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（汇总共三套）--第二套

2013年‎12月大学‎英语四级考‎试真题(二)Part 1 writi‎n g (30 minut‎e s)Direc‎t ions‎:For this part, you are allow‎e d 30 minut‎e s to write‎ a short‎essay ‎b ased‎on the pictu‎r e below‎. You shoul‎d start‎your essay‎with a brief‎accou‎n t of the incre‎a sing‎use of the mobil‎e phone‎in peopl‎e’s life and then expla‎i n the conse ‎q u enc‎e s of overu‎s ing it.You shoul‎d write‎at least‎IW words‎but no more than 180 words ‎.Peopl‎e are cross‎i ng the stree‎t looki‎n g at their‎cell phone‎s and using‎walki ‎n g stick‎s in order‎to see.Part 2 Liste‎n ing Compr‎e hens‎i on (30 minut‎e s)Secti‎on ADirec‎t ions‎： In this secti‎o n, you will hear 8 short‎conve‎r sati‎o ns and 2 long conve‎r sati‎o ns. At the end of each conve‎r sati‎o n, one or more quest‎i ons will be asked ‎a bout‎what was said. Both the conve‎r sati‎o n and the quest‎i ons will be spoke‎n only once. After‎each quest‎i on there‎will be a pause‎. Durin‎g the pause‎,you must read the four choic‎es marke‎d A), B), C) and D), and decid‎e which‎the best answe‎r is. Then mark the corre‎s pond‎i ng lette‎r o" Answe‎r Sheet‎ 1 with a singl‎e line throu‎g h the centr ‎e.注意：此部分试题‎请在答题卡‎1上作答。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷312(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷312(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed SO minutes to write a short essay entitled Should Smoking Be Banned in Public Places? You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words following the outline given below. Write your essay on Answer Sheet 1.1．近年来越来越多的公共场所禁烟2．这项举措在受到拥护的同时也引发了争议3．我的看法Should Smoking Be Banned in Public Places?正确答案：Should Smoking Be Banned in Public Places? In recent years, smoking has been banned in many public places such as shops, restaurants, and even bus stops. This regulation has triggered much dispute. On the one hand, many welcome the ban since lots of illnesses and deaths are smoking-related, and this is a very sensible step to improve people’s health and living condition. On the other hand, however, smokers consider it is unfair to ban smoking. It is their right to smoke, and they are not committing any crime, so the government should not ban that. In my view, to ban smoking is a long term process, during which education rather than enforcement is more likely to be the key to the success. Banning smoking in the public areas is a policy that should be implemented step by step.解析：这篇作文要求考生结合社会现象论述自己的观点。

2013年12月大学英语四级(CET4)考试样卷(改革后新题型)

2013年12月大学英语四级(CET4)考试样卷Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay. You should start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then express your views on theimportance of learning basic skills. You should write at least 120 words but nomore than 180 words. Write your essay on Answer Sheet 1.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

PartII Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about whatwas said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. Aftereach question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the fourchoices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line throughthe centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2013年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第二套)

2013年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第二套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay. You should start your essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people's life and then explain the consequences of overusing it. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上。

______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________PartⅡListening Comprehension(30 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause.During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷90(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷90(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. 4. Reading Comprehension 5. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following topic. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Companies should encourage old employees(55 years old)to retire, in order to give opportunities to the new generation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?正确答案：Companies Should Encourage Old Employees to Retire Nowadays, a large number of employees who are more than 55 years old must retire because of the company policy; therefore, many people think that the development of a company cannot be separated from the number of young employees. I approve of this viewpoint based on the following reasons. The main reason is that plenty of young employees mean that the company is infused with lots of fresh blood. With the development of technology, more and more new technological products have been developed. The new generation masters advanced technology and have the energy to explore. Another reason is that old employees cannot adapt themselves to the fast pace. Old employees find it difficult to learn new things rapidly. So old employees are not a patch on young employees, which means not only intellect but also physical strength. Last but not the least reason is that old employees have already worked for more than half of their lifetime; they have paid out too much in order to look after their families and careers, hence, they should retire to enjoy life. In conclusion, old employees shouldn’t continue working for themselves. Moreover, advancement of society needs a new generation.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A听力原文：M: Hello, Mrs. White, what can I do for you? W: I don’ t know what’s the matter with me? I’ m always feeling tired, I’ m usually worn out at the end of the day. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?2．A．The woman is a close friend of the man.B．The woman has been working too hard.C．The woman is seeing a doctor.D．The woman is tired of her work.正确答案：C解析：综合推断题。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷232(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷232(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．Directions：For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic Skipping Classes in Colleges．You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Outlines are given below in Chinese：1．大学生逃课现象严重；2．剖析一下该现象背后的原因：3．现状能否改善，如何去做？正确答案：Recently, a rising number of college students tend to skip classes, and it has been booming greatly, however, they also gave rise to varying degrees of concern. Both school authorities and parents are eager to seek reasons why students changed in such an awful way. Although it’s hard to explain, I think there are at least 2 possible causes worth mentioning. For one thing, students’attitudes towards learning in classroom are the main factor. Majority of college students assume that skipping classes occasionally is acceptable, for that teachers are not strict with their class attendance rate. They naively think most teachers will not punish them and passing the finals is a piece of cake for them. For another, part of curriculum designs as well as teaching methods is truly outdated and boring; students may soon lose their interests in class. Therefore, students themselves are not to blame for skipping classes. All in all, jointed efforts are badly needed to stop this severe trend. Colleges are obliged to upgrade its resources and perfect its class designs, aiming to address real needs of students in various levels. Versatile and impressive classes are bound to appeal to students. As to students, adjusting attitudes to classes is the top priority. Only in this way can college students enjoy every moment on campus, and reap fruits of knowledge.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A听力原文：Kenyan police say one person was killed and 26 injured in an explosion at a bus station in central Nairobi. The blast hit a bus about to set off for the Ugandan capital Kampala. Last July, the Somali group al-Shabab said it was behind the blasts in the Ugandan capital which killed more than 70 people. Will Ross reports from the Kenyan capital. The explosion happened beside a bus which was about to set off for an overnight journey from Nairobi to the Ugandan capital Kampala. Some eyewitnesses report that a bag was about to be loaded on board, but it exploded duringa security check. Windows of the red bus were left smashed, and blood could be seen on the ground beside the vehicle. Just hours earlier, Uganda’s police chief had warned of possible Christmas-time attacks by Somali rebels.1. What is the news report mainly about? 2. When did the incident occur?2．A．Christmas-time attacks made by Somali rebels.B．An explosion at a bus station in central Nairobi.C．The killing of more than 70 Ugandans in Kampala.D．Blasts set off by a Somali group in Uganda’s capital.正确答案：B3．A．On Christmas Eve.B．Just before midnight.C．During a security check.D．In the small hours of the morning.正确答案：C听力原文：Woolworths is one of the best known names on the British High Street. It’s been in business nearly a century. Many of its 800 stores are likely to close following the company’s decision to call in administrators after an attempt to sell the business for a token ￡1 failed. The company has huge debts. The immediate cause for the collapse has been Britain’s slide toward recession, which has cut into consumer spending. However, the business had been in trouble for years. Known for low-priced general goods, Woolworths has struggled in the face of competition from supermarkets expanding beyond groceries and a new generation of Internet retailers. Many of the store group’s 25 000 employees are likely to lose their jobs. Some profitable areas such as the DVD publishing business will survive.3. What do we learn about Woolworths from the news report? 4. What did Woolworths attempt to do recently?4．A．It is likely to close many of its stores.B．It is known for the quality of its goods.C．It remains competitive in the recession.D．It will expand its online retail business.正确答案：A5．A．Expand its business beyond groceries.B．Fire 25, 000 of its current employees.C．Cut its DVD publishing business.D．Sell the business for one pound.正确答案：D听力原文：Cairo is known for its overcrowded roads, irregular driving practices and shaky old vehicles, but also for its air pollution. In recent months, though, environmental studies indicate there have been signs of improvement. That’s due in part to the removal of many of the capital’s old-fashioned black and white taxis. Most of these dated back to the 1960s and 70s and were in a poor state of repair. After new legislation demanded their removal from the roads, a low interest loan scheme was set up with three Egyptian banks so drivers could buy new cars. The government pays about $900 for old ones to be discarded and advertising on the new vehicles helps cover repayments. The idea has proved popular with customers—they can now travel in air-conditioned comfort and because the new cabs are metered, they don’t have to argue over fares. Banks and car manufacturers are glad for the extra business in tough economic times. As for the taxi drivers, most are delighted to be behind the wheel of new cars, although there have been a few complaints about switching from black and white to a plain white color.5. What change took place in Cairo recently? 6. What helped bring about the change? 7. Why do customers no longer argue with new cab drivers?6．A．All taxis began to use meters.B．All taxis got air conditioning.C．Advertisements were allowed on taxis.D．Old taxis were replaced with new cabs.正确答案：D7．A．A low interest loan scheme.B．Environmentalists’ protests.C．Taxi passengers’ complaints.D．Permission for car advertising.正确答案：A8．A．There are no more irregular practices.B．All new cabs provide air-conditioning.C．New cabs are all equipped with meters.D．New legislation protects consumer rights.正确答案：CSection B听力原文：W: Excuse me, could I ask you some questions?M: Of course.W: I work for an advertising agency, and I’m doing some research. It’s a new magazine for people like you.M: People like me? What do you mean?W: Well, people between 25 and 35 years old.M: OK.W: Right. Em, what do you do at the weekend?M: Well, on Fridays my wife always goes to her exercise class. Then she visits friends.W: Don’t you go out?M: Not on Fridays. I never go out on Fridays. I stay at home and watch television.W: And on Saturdays?M: On Saturdays, my wife and I always go sailing together.W: Really?M: Em, we love it. We never miss it. And then in the evening we go out.W : Where to?M: Different places. We sometimes go and see friends. We sometimes go to the cinema or a restaurant. Butwe always go out on Saturday evenings. W: I see. And now on Sunday, what happens on Sundays?M: Nothing special. We often go for a walk, and I always cook a big Sunday lunch. W: Oh! How often do you do the cooking? M: Em, twice a week, three times a week. W: Thank you very much. All I need now are your personal details: your name, your job, and so on. What’s your surname? M: Robinson. Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. What is the main purpose of the research? 9. What does the man do on Fridays? 10. On which day does the couple always go out? 11. Which personal detail does the man give?9．A．To make preparations for a new publication.B．To learn how couples spend their weekends.C．To know how housework is shared.D．To investigate what people do at the weekend.正确答案：A10．A．He goes to exercise classes.B．He goes sailing.C．He goes to the cinema.D．He stays at home.正确答案：D11．A．Friday.B．Saturday.C．Sunday.D．Any weekday.正确答案：B12．A．Surname.B．Job title.C．Address.D．Age.正确答案：A听力原文：W: Sorry, I’m late. The train was delayed. I got stuck on the platform for about 20 minutes.M: Yeah, it happens from time to time. How are you finding the commuting anyway?W: Well, it’s a shock to the system to be honest. Last night I was coming home from the office, and I got caught in the mad rash in Shibuya. It was unbelievable, everyone jammed in like sardines. M: Yeah, and then just when you think there’s no way anyone else could fit on, five more people barge through! W: I’ve got a hand IT to the train companies though. Whoever devised the schedules is a genius. It’s amazing how different trains arrive at the same time for people to change. M: I know. Back home, 20 minutes late for a train is pretty standard! W: So what do you do to take your mind off things on the train? I tried to read a book, but I couldn’t turn the page—not enough space!M: I usually listen to music, it helps block out everything. But if I’m really tired, I tend to just nod off for a few minutes. W: Isn’t that a bit risky? You don’t wanna miss your stop.M: You watch the businessmen do it. They have it done to an art form. They’ll wake up just before their stop. W: I’m afraid if I close my eyes, I won’t be waking up so quickly! Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. How long did the man get stuck on the platform? 13. Why does the woman think that the person who designed the schedules is a genius? 14. What does the man do on the train? 15. Why does the woman think it’s risky to sleep on the train?13．A．About 12 minutes.B．About 20 minutes.C．About 22 minutes.D．About 30 minutes.正确答案：B14．A．Because she thinks there’s no way anyone else could fit on.B．Because she thinks that 20 minutes late for a train is pretty standard.C．Because she finds that it’s hard to find the commuting.D．Because she was shocked by the complicated schedules.正确答案：D15．A．Read a book.B．Play Game Boy.C．Listen to music.D．Chat with others.正确答案：C16．A．Because she may lose her belongings.B．Because she may miss the stop.C．Because it’s harmful to her health.D．Because there is no space to turn over.正确答案：BSection C听力原文：How much living space does a person need? What happens when his space requirements are not adequately? Sociologists and psychologists are conducting experiments on rats to try to determine the effects of conditions on man. Recent studies have shown that the behavior of rats is greatly affected by space. If rats have adequate living space, they eat well, sleep well, and reproduce well. However, if their living conditions become too crowded, their behavior pattern and even their health change obviously. They cannot sleep and eat well, and signs of fear and tension become obvious. The more crowded they are, the more they tend to bite each other and even kill each other. Thus for rats, population and violence are directly related. Is this a natural law for human society as well? Is adequate space not only desirable, but essential for human survival? Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. What affects rats’behavior? 17. What effect may inadequate living space have on rats according to the passage? 18. What is the experiment done on rats intended to prove?17．A．Space.B．Stress.C．Diet.D．Sleep.正确答案：A18．A．They tend to reproduce more.B．They may show more signs of violence.C．They can eat and sleep better.D．They may commit suicide.正确答案：B19．A．Rats can populate rapidly.B．Population explosion can lead to violence.C．It is a natural law that animals live and die.D．Over-crowdedness may have the same effects on man.正确答案：D听力原文：Crime is a serious problem in Britain. One sort of crime which particularly worries people is juvenile delinquency—that is, crimes committed by young people. For some years, juvenile delinquency has been increasing. There are two main sorts of juvenile crime, stealing and violence. Most people do not understand why people commit these crimes. There are, I think, a large number of different reasons. These crimes are not usually committed by people who are poor or in need. Young people often dislike and resent the adult world. They will do things to show that they are rebels. Also in Britain today it is easier for young people to commit crimes because they have more freedom to go where they like and more money to do what they like. There are two other possible causes which are worth mentioning. More and more people in Britain live in large towns. In a large town no one knows who anyone else is or where they live. But in the village I come from crimes are rare because everybody knows everyone else. Although it is difficult to explain, I think the last cause is very important. Perhaps there is something wrong with our society which encourages violence and crime. It is a fact that all the time children are exposed to and reports about crime and violence. Many people do not agree that this influences young people, but I think that young people are very much influenced by the society they grow up in. I feel that the fault may be as much with our whole society as with these young people. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. What is “juvenile delinquency”? 20. What can we learn about the young people who commit crimes according to the passage? 21. Who are to blame for juvenile delinquency according to the speaker?20．A．Crimes committed by young people.B．Crimes committed by needy people.C．Influence on young people.D．Stealing and violence.正确答案：A21．A．They are usually poor and in need.B．They do not have as much freedom or money as they want.C．They live in an environment where everybody knows each other.D．They are not satisfied with the adult world.正确答案：D22．A．The family and the school.B．The adults and the mass media.C．The society and the young people.D．The young people themselves.正确答案：C听力原文：Millions of words have been written about young people in the United States. There are reasons for this interest in the ideas, feelings, and actions of youth. Today there are about seven million Americans in colleges and universities. Young persons under twenty-five make up nearly half of the American population. Many of these will soon be in charge of the nation. Naturally their ideas are important to everyone in the country, and it is necessary for older people to understand what they think and feel. College students today have strong opinions about right and wrong. They are deeply interested in making a better life for all people, especially for those who have not been given a fair chance before now. They see much that is wrong in the lives of their parents. It is hard for them to see what is right and good in the older way. As a result, there is often trouble in American families. Your country may be meeting such problems, too. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. How many Americans are there in colleges and universities? 23. Why do older people need to understand the ideas of young people according to the passage?24. What are college students deeply interested in? 25. What is the opinion of American young people about the lives of their parents?23．A．About seven million.B．Half of the American population.C．25% of American people.D．About 25 million.正确答案：A24．A．They are older than young people.B．The young people will soon be in charge of the nation.C．The students today have strong opinions.D．The youth’s ideas are sometimes wrong.正确答案：B25．A．The lives of their parents.B．Making a better life for all people.C．The trouble in American families.D．The strong opinions.正确答案：B26．A．They feel much is wrong with the lives of their parents.B．They see clearly what is right and good in the lives of their parents.C．They feel that everything about the lives of their parents is acceptable.D．They feel nothing is right and good in the lives of their parents.正确答案：APart III Reading ComprehensionSection AThe hassle involved in updating software means many of us don’t do it, leaving our computers exposed to crash-prone, and insecure code. But now two major objections to【C1】______ updates—the fact that you have to stop running the software to upgrade it and the【C2】______ that an update will introduce bugs—could be removed thanks to an ingenious idea from engineers at Imperial College London. Computer scientists have worked out how to employ the unused cores in “multicore”(多核) microprocessors (微处理器) to make the update process invisible to the user. Whenever an update is【C3】______ , their trick is to leave the old version of the software running on one【C4】______ —so you can carry on using it—while running the update in【C5】______ on an unused core. They then synchronize (使同步；使同时发生) the execution of the two programs in such a way—an idea that limits damage from fresh bugs introduced by the update. In a Swiss survey, 70 per cent of a sample of 50 system administrators admitted they don’t always update software for fear of the【C6】______ it will cause—and because 25 per cent of updates can introduce new【C7】______ . The Imperial team has now successfully tested their idea, they told the International Conference on Software Engineering in San Francisco last month. They say their【C8】______ could be applied to apps on【C9】______ as well as to server applications, but it is best suited to larger systems needing “increasing reliability, availability and【C10】______ “.A) downtime F) smartphones K) coreB) available G) secure L) securityC) ideas H) parallel M) installingD) bugs I) fear N) versionE) equipment J) using O) trick27．【C1】正确答案：M解析：objection to接动名词，意为“反对”。

2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题答案解析2套

2013年12月大学英语四级（第二套）考试真题答案解析写作导航: On the Overuse of the Mobile Phone第1段：描述图片，概述生活中出现过度使用手机的现象Having a cell phone in hand and at the ready, growing increasing dependent on their mobile phones第2段：详细介绍过度使用手机产生的不良后果trigger many health problemsan Immediate threat to their Iife, health and pro property less chance of face-to-face interactions第3段：进行总结，并提出建议use them appropriately and rationally参考范文On the Overuse of the Mobile Phone 【1】As is shown in the picture, having a mobile phone in hand and at the ready is the default mode while walking on the streets. 【2】What this cartoon symbolically reveals is that people nowadays, especially young people, are growing increasingly dependent on their mobile phones.【3】It is true that the mobile phone has brought great convenience to people's life. However, just as is illustrated in the picture, the overuse of it may lead to several bad consequences. 【4】To begin with, there is evidence that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation may trigger many health problems, such as insomnia, headaches and even cancers.【5】In addition, when people immerse themselves in the mobile phone, they tend to pay less attention to their surroundings, posing an immediate threat to their life, health and property.【6】Last but not least, excessive use of mobile phones means much less chance of face-to-face interactions with the people who populate their real lives.【7】In conclusion, while mobile phones have contributed a lot to making our life more convenient, we should use them appropriately and rationally.【1】开门见山,对图片进行简单描述。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷150(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷150(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. 4. Reading Comprehension 5. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay. You should start your essay with a brief account of student’s increasing reliance on technology to solve problems, and then explain the consequence of over-dependence on it. You should write at least120 words but no more than 180 words. “You have to solve this problem by yourself. You can’t call tech support.”正确答案：Technology Can’t Solve Every Problem As shown in the picture, a kid is trying to get the answer of a simple calculation from his smart phone. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Students rely so much on technology to solve problems these days that they seek answers from Internet for their daily homework, examination and even graduation paper that needs deep thought and critical thinking. Though technology has brought much convenience to us, overuse of it, especially for students, does more harm than good. First, the “Google has it all” notion tempts student into laziness, and leads to their loss of basic skills. For example, many students now can’t spell correctly “thanks to”the spelling checking software. Second, technology can’t teach students critical thinking. Solving practical problems is far more complicated than copy-and-paste. Q and A websites don’t tell us the exact solution for every problem, and students need to learn the ability to think and analyze instead of copying the information technology mechanically provides. Advanced technology is certainly a blessing for students. Nevertheless, once overused, it can become a devil that kills our diligence and creativity.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A听力原文：W: We’ve already bought an oven, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator. We don’t have much money left, do we? M: There’s still more than enough money for you to buy kitchen equipment. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?2．A．They don’t have enough money to buy other things.B．They have bought some household appliances.C．They have enough money to buy chicken.D．They don’t want to buy anything else.正确答案：B解析：女士说他们已经买了烤炉、洗衣机、洗碗机和冰箱，问男士是不是没剩下多少钱了。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷322(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷322(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay. You should start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then express your views on The Importance of Science and Technology. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.正确答案：The Importance of Science and Technology(1)As we can see from the picture, a rabbit spacecraft is landing on the surface of the moon, which tells us the latest news that China’s lunar rover, Yutu-2, or Jadel Rabbit-2, left the first ever “footprint” from a human spacecraft on the far side of the moon late, after it separated from the lander smoothly.(2)The successful landing starts a new era of people’s exploration to the moon. The science and technology help people have more chances to discover new things. It is the basic principle of Marxism that science and technology are productive forces. Science and technology are symbols of national strength.(3)All in all, science and technology development has been accompanied with the development of human civilization. It brings us convenience and superior things that we can enjoy. We should develop more innovation on science and technology.解析：(1)首先对图中的关键信息进行描述，作文中对所给图片都有说明，十分全面。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷256(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷256(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled The Changes of Urban Green Coverage Ratio based on the statistics provided in the bar graph below. Please convey the information in the graph. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.正确答案：The Changes of Urban Green Coverage Ratio (1)As is shown in the graph, the green coverage ratio of a city is continuously rising from 44.4% in 2013 to 46.8% in 2016.(2)This phenomenon implies that the city government is paying increasing attention to the green coverage ratio. (3)I believe the changes are caused by the following reasons.(4)Firstly, environment deterioration in cities is a great threat to people’ s health, so we have to increase green coverage ratio in urban areas.(5)Secondly, more modern buildings and infrastructures in cities leave a little space for many other species. Thus, making green lands shows human being’s care for other species.(6)Third, green space embodies the harmony between human beings and the nature. The past economic development makes us realize that the quality of people’s life depends on how we treat the nature. (7)The changes of urban green coverage ratio suggest that nature becomes increasingly important in modern society. It is certain that green open space will make a city suitable for living.解析：第一段描述图表并指出反映的问题。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷318(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷318(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on an English idiom “It’s never too old to learn”. Do you support it or disapprove of it? Write down your ideas with 120 -180 words.正确答案：It’ s Never Too Old to Learn We have heard a lot of times that it’ s never too old to learn. Sometimes we don’t take it seriously, and find many excuses not to learn something new. To be frank, we need to learn no matter how old we are. On the one hand, with the fast development of science and technology, we must admit that if we don’t learn new things we are likely to be eliminated by our society. For example, Wechat has a very close relationship with our daily life, not only among the circle of friends, but also with other people. Much work is done through Wechat. Imagine everybody except you knows how to use Wechat, you may feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, learning new things helps us be more intelligent. Human brain is like a machine, and if we use it more it will work better: on the contrary, if we use it less, it will work worse. All in all, it’s never too old to learn. No matter how old we are, learning new things helps us maintain an active state of mind: we will be less likely to feel loneliness because we are with the world.解析：“活到老学到老”这句话我们每个人都耳熟能详。

2013年12月大学英语四级真题试卷第二套+详细解答+听力原文

2013年12月大学英语四级真题试卷（二）全部题型 1.Writing2.Listening Comprehension3. 4.Reading Com prehension5.TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay based on the picture below.You should start your essay with a brief account of the increasing use of the mobile phone in people's life and then explain the consequences of overusing it.You should write at least120words but no more than180words.People are crossing the street looking at their cell phones and using walking sticks in order to see.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A2．A．Go to a place he has visited.B．Make her own arrangements.C．Consult a travel agent.D．Join in a package tour.3．A．They are on a long trip by car.B．They are stuck in a traffic jam.C．They are used to getting up early.D．They are tired of eating out at night.4．A．He is a person difficult to deal with.B．He dislikes any formal gathering.C．He is unwilling to speak in public.D．He often keeps a distance from others.5．A．Work in another department.B．Pursue further education.C．Recruit graduate students.D．Take an administrative job.6．A．He would not be available to start the job in time. B．He is not quite qualified for the art director position. C．He would like to leave some more time for himself.D．He will get his application letter ready before May1.7．A．Cleaner.B．Mechanic.C．Porter.D．Salesman.8．A．Request one or two roommates to do the cleaning.B．Help Laura with her term paper due this weekend. C．Get Laura to clean the apartment herself this time. D．Ask Laura to put off the cleaning until another week. 9．A．A problem caused by the construction. B．An accident that occurred on the bridge.C．The building project they are working on. D．The public transportation conditions.10．A．To look for a job as a salesperson. B．To have a talk with Miss Thompson.C．To place an order for some products.D．To complain about a faulty appliance.11．A．The person in charge is not in the office. B．The supplies are out of stock for the moment. C．They failed to reach an agreement on the price. D．The company is re-cataloguing the items.12．A．0743,12536extension15.B．0734,21653extension51.C．0734,38750extension15.D．0743,62135extension51.13．A．Since he found a girlfriend.B．Since he took to heavy smoking.C．Since he began to exercise regularly.D．Since he started to live on his own.14．A．He is getting too fat.B．He smokes too much.C．He doesn't eat vegetables.D．He doesn't look well at all.15．A．They are overweight for their age.B．They are respectful to their parents.C．They are still in their early twenties.D．They dislike doing physical exercise.16．A．To quit smoking.B．To reduce his weight.C．To find a girlfriend.D．To follow her advice.Section B17．A．They have destroyed several small towns. B．They will soon spread to San Francisco.C．They have injured many residents.D．They are burning out of control.18．A．They have been hospitalized.B．They have got skin problems.C．They were Choked by the thick smoke.D．They were poisoned by the burning chemicals.19．A．It failed because of a sudden rocket explosion. B．It has been re-scheduled for a midday takeoff.C．It has been canceled due to technical problems.D．It was delayed for eleven hours and thirty minutes.A．They made frequent long-distance calls to each other. B．They illegally used government computers in New Jersey. C．They were found to be smarter than computer specialists. D．They were arrested for stealing government information.21．A．Peaceful.B．Considerate.C．Generous.D．Cooperative.22．A．Someone dumped the clothes left in the washer and dryer. B．Someone broke the washer and dryer by overloading them. C．Mindy Lance's laundry blocked the way to the laundry room. D．Mindy Lance threatened to take revenge On her neighbors.23．A．Asking the neighborhood committee for help. B．Limiting the amount of laundry for each wash.C．Informing the building manager of the matter.D．Installing a few more washers and dryers.24．A．She is both a popular and highly respected author. B．She is the most loved African novelist of all times.C．She is the most influential author since the1930's.D．She is the first writer to focus on the fate of slaves.25．A．The Book Critics Circle Award.B．The Nobel Prize for literature.C．The Pulitzer Prize for fiction.D．The National Book Award.A．She is a relative of Morrison's.B．She is a slave from Africa.C．She is a skilled storyteller.D．She is a black woman.Section CMany college students today own personal computers that cost anywhere from$1000to perhaps$5000or more.【B1】______,it is not uncommon for them to purchase【B2】_______costing another several hundred dollars.Twenty years ago,computers were【B3】______,but they were very large and extremely expensive.Few,if any,【B4】______purchased computers for home use.Over the years,the price of the"guts"Of a computer its memory—has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory that prevailed twenty years ago.This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today than they used to.Moreover,【B5】______improvements have made it possible to 【B6】______memory circuitry that is small enough to fit into the portable personal computers that many of us own and use.【B7】______,as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spent more on purchasing computers.【B8】______,improved agricultural technology,hybrid(杂交)seeds,【B9】______animal breeding,and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce.The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of most other goods and services.As agricultural prices have fallen,many households have decreased their total expenses on food.Even though the【B10】______of a product purchased generally increases when its price falls,total expenses on it may decline.27．【B1】28．【B2】29．【B3】30．【B4】31．【B5】32．【B6】33．【B7】34．【B8】35．【B9】36．【B10】Part III Reading ComprehensionSection ATo get a sense of how women have progressed in science,take a quick tour of the physics department at the University of California,Berkeley.This is a storied place,the【C1】______of some of the most important discoveries in modern science-starting with Ernest Lawrence's invention of the cyclotron(回旋加速器)in1931.A generation ago,female faces were【C2】______and,even today,visitors walking through the first floor of LeConte Hall will see a full corridor of exhibits【C3】______the many distinguished physicists who made history here,【C4】______all of them white males.But climb up to the third floor and you'll see a【C5】______display.There, among the photos of current faculty members and students,are portraits of the 【C6】______head of the department,Marjorie Shapiro,and four other women whose research【C7】______everything from the mechanics of the universe to the smallest particles of matter.A sixth woman was hired just two weeks ago. Although they're still only about10percent of the physics faculty,women areclearly a presence here.And the real【C8】______may be in the smaller photos to the right:graduate and undergraduate students,about20percent of them female.Every year Berkeley sends its fresh female physics PhDs to the country's top universities.That makes Shapiro optimistic,but also【C9】______."I believe things are getting better,"she says,"but they're not getting better as【C10】______as I would like."A)circumstance F)different K)presentlyB)confidence G)exposing L)rareC)covers H)fast M)realisticD)current I)honoring N)siteE)deals J)hope O)virtually37．【C1】38．【C2】39．【C3】40．【C4】41．【C5】42．【C6】43．【C7】44．【C8】45．【C9】46．【C10】Section BIs College a Worthy Investment?A)Why are we spending so much money on college?And why are we so unhappy about it?We all seem to agree that a college education is wonderful, and yet strangely we worry when we see families investing so much in this supposedly essential good.Maybe it's time to ask a question that seems almost sacrilegious(大不敬的):is all this investment in college education really worth it?B)The answer,I fear,is no.For an increasing number of kids,the extra time and money spent pursuing a college diploma will leave them worse off than they were before they set foot on campus.C)For my entire adult life,a good education has been the most important thing for middle-class households.My parents spent more educating my sister and me than they spent on their house,and they're not the only ones...and,of course,for an increasing number of families,most of the cost of their house is actually the cost of living in a good school district.Questioning the value of a college education seems a bit like questioning the value of happiness,or fun.D)The average price of all goods and services has risen about50percent.But the price of a college education has nearly doubled in that time.Is the education that today's students are getting twice as good?Are new workers twice as smart?Have they become somehow massively more expensive to educate? E)Perhaps a bit.Richard Vedder,an Ohio University economics professor,says, "I look at the data.and I see college costs rising faster than inflation up to the mid-1980s by1percent a year.Now I see them rising3to4percent a year over inflation.What has happened?The federal government has started dropping money out of airplanes."Aid has increased,subsidized(补贴的)loans have become available,and"the universities have gotten the money."Economist Bryan Caplan,who is writing a book about education,agrees:"It's a giant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue."F)Promotional literature for colleges and student loans often speaks of debt as an"investment in yourself."But an investment is supposed to generate income to pay off the loans.More than half of all recent graduates are unemployed or in jobs that do not require a degree,and the amount of student-loan debt carried by households has increased more than five times since1999.These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed,but it won't even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad's.For many,the most visible result of their fouryears is the loan payments,which now average hundreds of dollars a month on loan balances in the tens of thousands.G)It's true about the money—sort of.College graduates now make80percent more than people who have only a high-school diploma,and though there are no precise estimates,the wage premium(高出的部分)for an outstanding school seems to be even higher.But that's not true of every student.It's very easy to spend four years majoring in English literature and come out no more employable than you were before you went in.Conversely,chemical engineers straight out of school can easily make almost four times the wages of an entry-level high-school graduate.H)James Heckman,the Nobel Prize-winning economist,has examined how the returns on education break down for individuals with different backgrounds and levels of ability."Even with these high prices,you're still finding a high return for individuals who are bright and motivated,"he says.On the other hand,"if you're not college ready,then the answer is no,it's not worth it."Experts tend to agree that for the average student,college is still worth it today,but they also agree that the rapid increase in price is eating up more and more of the potential return.For borderline students,tuition(学费)rise can push those returns into negative territory.I)Everyone seems to agree that the government,and parents,should be rethinking how we invest in higher education—and that employers need to rethink the increasing use of college degrees as crude screening tools for jobs that don't really require college skills."Employers seeing a surplus of college graduates and looking to fill jobs are just adding that requirement,"says Vedder. "In fact,a college degree becomes a job requirement for becoming abar-tender."J)We have started to see some change on the finance side.A law passed in2007 allows many students to cap their loan payment at10percent of their income and forgives any balance after25years.But of course,that doesn't control the cost of education;it just shifts it to taxpayers.It also encourages graduates to choose lower-paying careers,which reduces the financial return to education still further."You're subsidizing people to become priests and poets and so forth,"says Heckman."You may think that's a good thing,or you may not." Either way it will be expensive for the government.K)What might be a lot cheaper is putting more kids to work.Caplan notes that work also builds valuable skills—probably more valuable for kids who don't naturally love sitting in a classroom.Heckman agrees wholeheartedly:"People are different,and those abilities can be shaped.That's what we've learned,and public policy should recognize that."L)Heckman would like to see more apprenticeship-style(学徒式)programs, where kids can learn in the workplace—learn not just specific job skills,but thekind of"soft skills."like getting to work on time and getting along with a team, that are crucial for career success."It's about having mentors(指导者)and having workplace-based education,"he says."Time and again I've seen examples of this kind of program working."M)Ah,but how do we get there from here?With better public policy,hopefully, but also by making better individual decisions."Historically markets have been able to handle these things,"says Vedder."and I think eventually markets will handle this one.If it doesn't improve soon,people are going tp wake up and ask, 'Why am I going to college?'"47．Caplan suggests that kids who don't love school go to work.48．An increasing number of families spend more money on houses in a good school district.49．Subsidized loans to college students are a huge waste of money,according to one economist.50．More and more kids find they fare worse with a college diploma.51．For those who are not prepared for higher education,going to college is not worth it.52．Over the years the cost of a college education has increased almost by 100%.53．A law passed recently allows many students to pay no more than one tenth of their income for their college loans.54．Middle-class Americans have highly valued a good education. 55．More kids should be encouraged to participate in programs where they canlearn not only job skills but also social skills.56．Over fifty percent of recent college graduates remain unemployed or unable to find a suitable job.Section CA recent global survey of2000high-net-worth individuals found that60% were not planning on a traditional retirement.Among US participants,75% expected to continue working in some capacity even after stepping away from full-time jobs."Many of these people made their wealth by doing something they're passionate(有激情的)about,"says Daniel Egan,head of behavioral finance for Barclays Wealth Americas."Given the choice,they prefer to continue working."Barclays calls these people"nevertirees."Unlike many Americans compelled into early retirement by company restrictions,the average nevertiree often has no one forcing his hand.If106-year-old investor Irving Kahn,head of his own family firm,wants to keep coming to work every day,who's going to stop him?Seventy-eight-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's job security is guaranteed in the Constitution.It may seem that these elderly people are trying to cheat death.In fact,they are.And it's working,Howard Friedman,a professor at UC Riverside,found in his research that those who work hardest and are successful in their careers often live the longest lives."People are generally being given bad advice to slow down,take it easy,stop worrying,and retire to Florida,"he says.He described one study participant,still working at the age of100,who was recently disappointed to see his son retire."We're beginning to see a change in how people view retirement,"says George Leeson,co-director of the Institute of Population Ageing at Oxford. Where once retirement was seen as a brief reward after a long struggle through some miserable job,it is now akin(近似)to being cast aside.What Leeson terms "the Warren Buffett effect"is becoming more broadly appealing as individuals come to"view retirement as not simply being linked to economic productivity hut also about contribution."Observers are split on whether this is a wholly good thing.On the one hand,companies and financial firms can benefit from the wisdom of a resilient(坚韧的)chief.On the other,the new generation can find it more difficult to advance—an argument that typically holds little sway to a nevertiree.57．What do we learn about the so-called"nevertirees"?A．They are passionate about making a fortune,B．They have no choice but to continue working.C．They love what they do and choose not to retire.D．They will not retire unless they are compelled to.58．What do Irving Kahn and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have in common?A．Neither of them is subject to forced retirement. B．Neither of them desires reward for their work.C．Both cling to their positions despite opposition.D．Both are capable of coping with heavy workloads.59．What is the finding of Howard Friedman's research?A．The harder you work,the bigger your fortune will be. B．The earlier you retire,the healthier you will be.C．Elderly people have to slow down to live longer.D．Working at an advanced age lengthens people's life.60．What is the traditional view of retirement according to the passage?A．It means a burden to the younger generation.B．It is a symbol of a mature and civilized society.C．It is a compensation for one's life-long hard work.D．It helps increase a nation's economic productivity.61．What do critics say about"nevertirees"?A．They are an obstacle to a company's development.B．They lack the creativity of the younger generation.C．They cannot work as efficiently as they used to.D．They prevent young people from getting ahead.When we talk about Americans barely into adulthood who are saddled with unbearable levels of debt.the conversation is almost always about student loan debt.But there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that today's young adults are also drowning in credit-card debt—and that many of them will take this debt to their graves.More than20%overspent their income by more than$100every singlemonth.Since they haven't built up their credit histories yet.it's a safe bet that these young adults are paying relatively high interest rates on the resulting credit card debt.Although many young people blame"socializing"as a barrier to saving money,most of them aren't knocking back$20drinks in trendy(时尚的)lounges.They're struggling with much more daily financial demands.To a disturbingly large extent,the young and the broke are relying on credit cards to make it until their next payday.This obviously isn't sustainable in the long run.and it's going to put a huge drag on their spending power even after they reach their peak earning years,because they'll still be paying interest on that bottle of orange juice or box of spaghetti(意式面条)they bought a decade earlier.A new study out of Ohio State University found that young adults are accumulating credit card debt at a more rapid rate than other age groups,and that they're slower at paying it off."If what we found continues to hold true,we may have more elderly people with substantial financial problems in the future." warns Lucia Dunn,professor of economics at Ohio State."If our findings persist,we may be faced with a financial crisis among elderly people who can't pay off their credit cards."Dunn says a lot of these young people are never going to get out from under their credit card debt."Many people are borrowing on credit cards so heavily that payoff rates at these levels are not sufficient to recover their credit card debt by the end of their life,which could have loss implications for the credit card issuing banks."62．What is the main idea of the first paragraph?A．Many young Americans will never be able to pay off their debts. B．Credit cards play an increasingly important role in college life. C．Credit cards are doing more harm than student loans.D．The American credit card system is under criticism.63．Why do young people have to pay a higher interest on their credit card debt?A．They tend to forget about the deadlines.B．They haven't developed a credit history.C．They are often unable to pay back in time.D．They are inexperienced in managing money.64．What is said to be the consequence of young adults relying on credit cards to make ends meet?A．It will place an unnecessary burden on society.B．It will give them no motivation to work hard.C．It will exert psychological pressure on them.D．It will affect their future spending power.65．What will happen to young adults if their credit card debt keeps accumulating according to Lucia Dunn?A．They will have to pay an increasingly higher interest rate. B．They may experience a financial crisis in their old age.C．Their quality of life will be affected.D．Their credit cards may be cancelled.66．What does Lucia Dunn think might be a risk for the credit card issuing banks?A．They go bankrupt as a result of over-lending.B．They lose large numbers of their regular clients.C．Their clients leave their debts unpaid upon death.D．Their interest rates have to be reduced now and then.PartⅣTranslation67．中国结(the Chinese knot)最初是由手工艺人发明的，经过数百年不断的改进，已经成为一种优雅多彩的艺术和工艺。

2013年12月英语四级改革新题型模拟题(答案)-推荐下载

2013年12月英语四级改革新题型模拟题（一） Section B 46. [G]。

题干意为，当上了年纪的父母住在家里不安全时，他们的孩子可以改变他们的家，而不是将他们送到成人看护中心去。

注意抓住题干中的关键词live at home safely和adult care facility。

文章段落中，[G]段提到了上了年纪的父母住在家里不安全和成人看护中心的内容，该段第二至四句提到，如果上了年纪的父母住在家里不再安全，对于孩子来说将他们送到成人看护中心也很难，不过有另外一种选择——可以改变他们的家以适合他们在那里度过晚年。

由此可知，题干是对原文的同义转述，故答案为[G]。

47. [D]。

题干意为，谈论长期护理问题并不容易，因为有时老年人会怀疑自己孩子有金钱方面的动机。

注意抓住题干中的关键词talk about long-term care、suspicious of和financial motives。

文章段落中，[D]段提到了谈论长期护理和老年人会怀疑自己孩子的内容，该段前三句指出，家庭成员谈论长期护理问题是很重要的，这样才能了解父母的喜好和意愿等，但是这并不容易，有时候父母会怀疑子女有金钱方面的动机。

由此可知，题干是对原文的同义转述，故答案为[D]。

48. [H]。

题干意为，除了提前进行资金和医疗方面的规划，家庭护理人员还有其他许多责任。

注意抓住题干中的关键词planning for finances or medical care和many other responsibilities。

文章段落中，[H ]段首先就提到了家庭护理人员要承担许多责任，该段最后指出，家庭护理不仅仅要提前做好资金和医疗规划，一切问题都要考虑到。

由此可知，题干是对原文的同义转述，故答案为[H]。

49. [C]。

题干意为，永久授权书和医疗保健代理委托书的区别在于，后者允许某人做出有关医疗方面的决定。

注意抓住题干中的关键词a durable power of attorney和a health care proxy。

2013年12月份英语四级考试真题及答案(卷二)

It is frequently observed that many people keep looking down at their mobile phones whatever they are doing. It is true that mobile phones have brought great convenience to us as we can send short messages, check e-mails, surf the Internet, or watch videos almost anywhere. However, the overuse of mobile phones also leads to some serious problems.The over-dependence on mobile phones can harm the relationship among friends and family. With mobile phones, people do not talk as much as before. For example, sometimes at dinner tables, instead of chatting and laughing with each other, many people choose to chat with other friends online. In other words, mobile phones help people contacting friends far away more easily at the expense of reducing the communication with those who are sitting right next to them.In conclusion, mobile phone can be a useful tool in modern life, but overusing it damages interpersonal relationship. There is no point to lose our intimacy with friends and family to modern technology.点评：本题漫画探讨手机的广泛使用对人们生活的影响。

大学英语四级(2013年12月考试改革适用)模拟试卷251(题后含答案及解析)

大学英语四级（2013年12月考试改革适用）模拟试卷251(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Computers in Our Life following the outline given below. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. 1．当今，计算机已进入千家万户。

2．计算机给我们的生活带来了许多方便。

3．但同时计算机也给我们带来了一些麻烦。

正确答案：Computers in Our Life (1)Now, computers have entered millions of ordinary families.(2)Just a few years ago, to have a computer in a home was only a dream for most Chinese.(3)With the improvement of people’s living standard, more Chinese can afford a computer. (4)There is no denying that a computer has brought a lot of convenience to our life.(5)With computers, we can find all information we want to know:(6)with computers, we can solve many complex calculations easily:(7)with computers, we can always find solutions to difficult problems.(8)In short, a computer has been used widely in our daily life. (9)With all these advantages, a computer also brings us some trouble.(10)For example, many employees might be laid off in that their work can be replaced by computers.(11)In addition, computer games have seriously influenced people’s studies and health.(12)Furthermore, computers even bring some crimes, like hacker.(13)In conclusion, computers bring us numerous benefits, but we should not become the slave of it.解析：第一段开门见山，指出随着生活水平的提高，计算机也已经慢慢普及。