2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案

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2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题及参考答案(三套全)

2017年12月份大学英语四级(CET4)与答案(卷一)

2017年12月份大学英语四级（CET4）与答案（卷一）Part I Writing (25 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short easy on how to besthandle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should write at least120 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 the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather.B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother.2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade and pictures.B) By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.B) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.C) Providing clean energy to five million people.D) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.4. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.B) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.C) They are only about half an inch thick.D) They are made from cheap materials.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for research.B) The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the species.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To identify the reasons for the lions‘ disappearance.C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.D) To find evidence of the existence of the ―lost lions‖.7. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities.B) Lions‘ tracks. D) Traps set by local hunters.Section BDirections：In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Her ‗lucky birthday‘. C) Her wedding a nniversary.B) A call from her dad. D) A special gift from the man.9. A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas.B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party.10. A) The gift her husband has bought.B) The trip her husband has planned.C) What has been troubling her husband.D) What her husband and the man are up to.11. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple‘s holiday trip.B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.C) He is eager to learn how the couple‘s holiday turns out.D) He wants to find out about the couple‘s holiday plan.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.B) They see the importance of making compromises.C) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.D) They take the rival‘s attitude into account.13. A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when to make compromises.B) They know when to stop. D) They know how to control their emotion.14. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly.B) They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy.B) Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you willhear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken onlyonce. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the fourchoices marked A), B), C), D). Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) When America's earliest space program started.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) How space research benefits people on Earth.17. A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.18. A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space.B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It was when her ancestors came to America.B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C) It marked the beginning of something new.D) Everything was natural and genuine then.20. A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kinds of entertainment.B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were known to be creative.21. A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver work.B) Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B) Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your footprints back.23. A) You may find a way out without your knowing it.B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.D) You may end up entering a wonderland.24. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire.B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill.25. A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather.B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes )Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone who is sick, but these creatures have some 26 skills that could help the treatment of human diseases.Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban 27 , but they are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the 28 of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive 29__ memory. Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as humans at detecting breast cancer in images.Rats are often 30 with spreading disease rather than 31 it, but this long-tailed animal is highly 32 . Inside a rat's nose are up to 1,000 different types of olfactory receptors (嗅觉感受器), whereas humans only have 100 to 200 types. This gives rats the ability to detect __33 smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB(肺结核). When the rats detect the smell, they stop and rub their legs to 34 a sample is infected.Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more than two days to 35 , but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This rat detection method doesn't rely on specialist equipment. It is also more accurate — the rats are able to find more TB infections and, therefore, save more lives.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder?Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected rather than search for answers.[A] I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am still processing the question.[B] Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and now I have a professor who issuestake-home ones. I was excited when I learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly.[C] As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own polling among students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study groups. ―That way they socialize over history outside the class, which wouldn‘t happen without the pressure of an in-class exam,‖ he explained, ―Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform under pressure, and essential work skill.‖[D] He also says there is less chance of cheating with the in-class variety. In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a scandal when it was discovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for a class entitled ―Introduction To Congress.‖ Some colleges have what they call an ―honor code,‖ tho ugh if you are smart enough to get into these schools, you are either smart enough to get around any codes or hopefully, too ethical to consider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless for two solid days, I momentarily wondered if I couldn‘t just call an e xpert on the subject matter which I was tackling, or someone who took the class previously, to get me going.[E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean of students at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school‘s professors to ref rain fromtake-hone exams. ―Students risk health and well being, as well as performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty offers take-home exams without clear,time-limited boundaries,‖ she told me. ―Research now shows that regular quizzes, short essays, and other assignments over the course of a term better enhance learning and retention.‖[F] Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose largely depends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, is unlikely to be sent home,where one could ask their older brothers and sisters to help. Vocational-type classes, such as computer science or journalism, on the other hand, are often moreresearch-oriented and lend themselves to take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaches ―History of Broadcast Journalism‖ at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Maryland, points out that reporting is about investigation rather than the memorization of minute details. ―In my field, it‘s not what you know—it‘s what you know how to find out,‖ says Koch. ―There is way too much information, and more coming all the time, for anyone to remember. I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all the resources available to them.[G] Students‘ test-form preferences vary, too, often depending on the subject and course difficulty. ―I prefer take-home essays because it is then really about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more research,‖ says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is the stress factor. Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says, ―I find the in-class ones are more stressful in the short term, but there is immediate relief as you swallow information like mad, and then you get to forget it all.Take-homes require thoughtful engagement which can lead to longer term stress as there is never a moment when the time is up.‖ Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at Emory, says she hardly even considers take-homes true exams. ―If you understand the material and have the ability to articulate (说出) your thoughts, they should be a breeze.‖[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on their personaltest-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until the last minute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then there those who, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having no resources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks who fit both those descriptions.[I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式), in part because of my inability toaccess the information as quickly. As another returning student at Columbia, Kate Marber, toldme, ―We are learning not only all this information, but essentially how to learn again. Ourfellow students have just come out of high school.A lot has changed since we were last inschool.‖[J] If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and me something to share, When Iasked his opinion on this matter, he responded, ―I like in-class exams because the time isalready reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to work on a test,‖ he responded.It seems to me that a compromise would be receiving the exam questions a day or two inadvance, and then doing the actual test in class the ticking clock overhead.[K] Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor reportedly did recently for her finalexam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, promising that, ―It is going to be apiece of cake.‖ When the students came in, sharpened pencils in hand, there was not a bluebook in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and they each were given a slice.36. Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changes in education.37. Some believe take-home exams may affect students' performance in other courses.38. Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately more helpful to students.39. In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams.40. The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home.41. Students who put off their work until the last moment often find the exams more difficult thanthey actually are.42. Different students may prefer different types of exams.43. Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on type ofcourse being taught.44. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago.45. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time.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 and 50 are based on the following passage.That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed in unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the ―first-night‖ effect. If a person stays in the same room the following night they tend to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University set out to investigate the origins of this effect.Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals put half of their brains to sleep at a time so that they can rest while remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者).This led her to wonder if people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look, her team studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment of the university‘s Department of Psychological Sciences. The participants each slept in the department for two nights and were carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their brains. Dr. Sasaki found, as expected, the participants slept less well on their first night than they did on their second, taking more than twice as long to fall asleep and sleeping less overall. During deep sleep, the participants‘ brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and dolphins. On the first night only, the left hemispheres (半球) of their brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as their right hemispheres did.Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki re-ran the experiment while presenting the sleeping participants with a mix of regularly timed beeps (蜂鸣声) of the same tone and irregular beeps of a different tone during the night. She worked out that, if the left hemisphere was staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, then it would react to the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep and would ignore the regularly timed ones. This is precisely what she found.46. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night effect?A) To what extent it can trouble people. C) What circumstances may trigger it.B) What role it has played in evolution. D) In what way it can be beneficial.47. What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research?A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep.B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way.C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphinsD) She conducted studies on birds‘ and dolphins‘ sleeping patterns.48. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment?A) She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in a new environment.B) She recruited 35 participants from her Department of Psychological Sciences.C) She studied the differences between the two sides of participants‘ brains.D) She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human subjects.49. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment?A) She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains.B) She recorded participants‘ adaptation to changed environment.C) She exposed her participants to two different stimuli.D) She compared the responses of different participants.50. What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her experiment?A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others.B) They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat.C) They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps.D) They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.It‘s time to reevaluate how women handle conflict at work. Being overworked or over-committed at home and on the job will not get you where you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinder your career goals.Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted? Nearly twice as many women than men ages 18-44 reported feeling ―very tired‖ or ―exhausted‖, according to a recent study.This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when women have children. It's also the age range when many women are trying to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that they have a hard time saying "no." Women want to be able todo it all volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals-and so their answer to any request is often ―Yes, I can.‖Women struggle to say ―no‖ i n the workplace for similar reasons, including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, this inability to say "no" may be hurting women's heath as well as their career.At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves, while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, because they don't want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For example, there‘s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, resulting in a dispute over should be the one to fix it. Men are more likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them most, whereas women may approach the same dispute from the perspective of what's the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem-evenif that means doing the boring work themselves.This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders have to be able to delegate and manage resources wisely – including staff expertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate effectively.51. What does the author say is the problem with women?A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach.B) They are usually more committed at home than on the job.C) They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go.D) They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their ability.52. Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained of energy?A) They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home.B) They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result.C) They do their best to cooperate with their workmates.D) They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities.53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women?A) Their unwillingness to say ―no‖.B) Their desire to be considered powerful.C) An underestimate of their own ability.D) A lack of courage to face challenges.54. Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace conflicts in that______.A) women tend to be easily satisfiedB) men are generally more persuasiveC) men tend to put their personal interests firstD) women are much more ready to compromise55. What is important to a good leader?A) A dominant personality. C) The courage to admit failureB) The ability to delegate. D) A strong sense of responsibility.Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.华山位于华阴市，据西安120公里。

2017年12月英语四级真题试卷及答案(第一套)

目录2017年12月大学英语四级真题试题一(完整版) (1)答案 (15)2017年12月大学英语四级真题试题一(完整版)Part I Writing (25 minutes) (请于正式开考后半小时内完成该部分，之后将进行听力考试)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an a short easy on how to best handle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and questions will be spoken only once. After you hear questions, 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.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Questions 1 to 2 are based on the new report you have just heard.1.A) Her grandfather.B) Her grandfather.C) Her friend Erika.D) Her little brother.2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by.B) By selling lemonade and pictures.C) By working part time at a hospital.D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 to 4 are based on the new report you have just heard.3. A) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.B) Providing clean energy to five million people.C) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.D) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.4. A) They are made from cheap materials.B) They are only about half an inch thick.C) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.D) A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the new report you have just heard.5. A) The lack of clues about the species.B) Endless fighting in the region.C) Inadequate funding for research.D) The hazards from the desert.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.C) To identify the reasons for the lions’ disappearance.D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.7. A) Lions’ tracks.B) Lions walking.C) Some camping facilities.D) Traps set by local hunters.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 markthe 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) A special gift from the man.B) A call from her dad.C) Her wedding anniversary.D) Her ‘lucky birthday’.9. A) Threw her a surprise party.B) Bought her a good necklace.C) With a traveler’s checkD) With his smart phone10. A) What her husband and the man are up to.B) What has been troubling her husband.C) The trip her husband has planned.D) The gift her husband has bought.11 . A) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.B) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.C) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.D) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday trip.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) They take the rival’s attitude into account.B) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.C) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.D) They see the importance of making compromises.13. A) They know when to stop.B) They know how to adapt.C) They know when to make compromises.D) They know how to control their emotion.14. A) They are patient.B) They learn quickly.C) They are good at expression.D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Clarify items of negotiation.B) Make clear one's intentions.C) Get to know the other side.D) Formulate one's strategy.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear 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) How space research benefits people on Earth.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) When America's earliest space program started.17. A) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.B) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.C) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.D) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.18.A) They are expensive to make.B) They are extremely accurate.C) They were first made in space.D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19.A) Everything was natural and genuine then.B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C) It marked the beginning of something new.D) It was when her ancestors came to America.20. A) They were known to be creative.B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease.C) They had all kinds of entertainment.D) They believed in working for goals.21. A) Chatting with her ancestors.B) Doing needlework by the fire.C) Furnishing her country house.D) Polishing all the silver work.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B) Call your family or friends for help.C) Use a map to identify your location.D) Try to follow your footprints back.23. A) You may end up entering a wonderland.B) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.C) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.D) You may find a way out without your knowing it.24. A) Walk uphill.B) Look for food.C) Start a fire.D) Wait patiently.25. A) Check the local weather.B) Find a map and a compass.C) Prepare enough food and drink.D) Inform somebody of your plan.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.We all know there exists great void（空白）in the public educational system when it comes to (26)_______ to STEM（Science,Technology,Engineering Mathematics）,One educator named Dori Roberts decided to do something to change this system. Dori taught high school engineering for 11 years.She noticed there was a real void in quality stem education at all (27)_______ of the public educational system. she said,“I started Engineering for kids (EFK)after noticing a real lack of math, science and engineeringprograms to (28)_______ my own kids in.”She decided to start an after school program where children (29)_______ in STEM-based competitions.The club grew quickly and when it reached 180 members and the kids in the program won several state (30)_______ . she decided to devote all her time to cultivating and (31)_______ it The global business EFK was born.Dori began operating EFK out of her Virginia home, which she then expanded to (32)_______ recreation centers. Today, the EFK program (33)_______ over 144 branches in 32 states within the United States and in 21 countries. Sales have doubled from $5 million in 2014 to $10 million in 2015,with 25 new branches planned for 2016. the EFK website states, “Our nation is not (34)_______ enough engineers. Our philosophy is to inspire kids at a young age to understand that engineering is a great (35)_______ .”注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes towrite a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part IIListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three newsreports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) It tries to entertain its audience. C) It wantsto catch people 's attention.B) It tries to look into the distance. D) It has gotone of its limbs injured.2. A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.C) Its videos were posted on social media.D) Its picture won a photography prize.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) The distance travelled C) The spending on gas.B) The incidence of road accidents. D) The number of people travelling.4. A) Fewer people are commuting. C) Job growth isslowing down.B) Gas consumption is soaring. D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.B) He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.C) He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.D) He washed a stranger 's car in return for some food.6. A) He ordered a lot of food for his family. C) He raised a large sum of money for him.B) He gave him a job at his own company. D) He offered him a scholarship for college.7. A) He works hard to support his family. C) He isvery good at making up stories.B) He is an excellent student at school. D) He has been disabled since boyhood.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Attended an economics lecture. C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.B) Taken a walk on Charles Street. D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.9. A) Treat a college friend to dinner. C) Attend his brother 's birthday party.B) Make preparations for a seminar. D) Visit some ofhis high school friends.10. A) Gather statistics for his lecture.B) Throw a surprise birthday party.C) Meet with Jonathan 's friends on the weekend.D) Join him in his brother 's birthday celebration.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Taking a vacation abroad.C) Saving enoughmoney for a rainy day.B) Reviewing for his last exam. D) Finding a better way to earnmoney.13. A) Preparing for his final exams. C) Working part time as awaiter.B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise.D) Helping the woman with her courses.14. A) Finish her term paper.C) Learn a little bit of Spanish.B) Save enough money.D) Ask her parent 's permission.15. A) He has rich sailing experience.C) He is also eager to go to Spain. 11. A) By car.By bus. B) By train. C) By taxi. D)B) He speaks Spanish fluently. D) He is easy to get along with.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 mast 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) She went to the same university as her mother.B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17. A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.C) She helped to set up several military hospitals.D) She made donations to save wounded soldiers.18. A) Both died of blood cancer. C) Both won military medals.B) Both fought in World War I. D) Both married their assistants.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were the first settlers in Europe.B) They were the conquerors of Norway.C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.D) They settled on a small island north of England.20. A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.B) It was covered with green most time of the year.C) It was the Vikings ' most important discovery.D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21. A) The Vikings, ocean explorations. C) The Vikings ' everyday life.B) The making of European nations. D) The Europeans ' Arctic discoveries.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Work hard for a better life. C) Dream about the future.B) Make mistakes now and then. D) Save against a rainy day.23. A) Teach foreign languages for the rest of his life.B) Change what he has for his past imaginary world.C) Exchange his two-story house for a beach cottage.D) Dwell on the dreams he had dreamed when young.24. A) Criminal law. C) Oriental architecture.B) City planning. D) International business.25. A) Dream and make plans. C) Be content with what you have.B) Take things easy in life, D) Enjoy whatever you are doing.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.Technological changes brought dramatic new options to Americans living in the 1990s. During this decade new forms of entertainment, commerce, research, and communication became commonplacein the U. S. The driving force behind much of this change was a (n) 26 popularly known as the Internet.The Internet was developed during the 1970s by the Department of Defense. In the case of an attack, military advisers suggested the 27 of being able to operate one computer from another terminal. In the early days, the Internet was used mainly by scientists to communicate with other scientists. The Internet 28 under government control until 1984.One early problem faced by Internet users was speed. Phone lines could only transmit information at a 29 rate. The development of fiber-optic （光纤）cables allowed for billionsof bits of information to be received every minute. Companies like Intel developed faster microprocessors, so personal computers could processthe 30 signals at a more rapid rate.In the early 1990s, the World Wide Web was developed, in large part, for 31 purposes. Corporations created home pages where they could place text and graphics to sell products. Soon airline tickets, hotel32 , and even cars and homes could be purchased online. Universities33 research data on the Internet, so students could find 34 information without leaving their dormitories. Companies2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析soon discovered that work could be done at home and 35 on li ne, so a whole new class of telecommuters bega n to earn alivi ng from home offices un shave n and weari ng pajamas ( 睡衣).Secti on BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passagewith ten stateme nts attached to it. Each stateme nt contains in formati on give n in one of the paragraphs. Ide ntify the paragraph from which the information is derived. Youmaychoosea paragraph more tha n on ce. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. An swer the questio ns by marki ng the corresp onding letter on An swer Sheet 2.The Health Benefits of Kn itt ingA) About 15 years ago, I was invited to join a knitting group.I agreed to give it a try.B) My mother had taught me to knit at 15, and I knitted in classthroughout college and for a few years thereafter. Then decades passed without my touching a knitting needle. But within two Mondays in the group, I was hooked, not only on knitting but also on crocheting ( 钩织), and I was on my way tobecoming a highly productive crafter.C) I 've made countless baby blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, caps for newborns. I take a knitting project with me everywhere, especially when I have to sit still and listen. As I discovered in college, when my hands are busy, my mind stays focused on the here and now.D) It seems, too, that I 'm part of a national renewal of interest in needle and other handicrafts ( 手工艺).The Craft Yam Council reports that a third of women ages 25-35 now knit or crochet. Even men and schoolchildren are swelling the ranks, among them my Mend's three small grandsons. Last April, the council created a Stitch Away Stress ” campaign in honor of National Stress Awareness Month. Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of The Relaxation Response, says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce arelaxed state like that associated with meditation ( yoga. Once you get沉思) and beyond the initial learning curve, knitting and crocheting canlower heart rate and blood pressure.E） But unlike meditation, craft activities result in tangible and often useful products that can enhance self-esteem. I keep photos of my singular accomplishments on my cellphone to boost my spirits when needed.F）Since the 1990s, the council has surveyed hundreds of thousands of knitters and crocheters, whoroutinely list stress relief and creative fulfillment as the activities ' main benefits. Among them is the father of a prematurely born daughter who reported that during the baby's five weeks in the intensive care unit,“learni ng how to knit infant hats gaveme a sense of purpose during a time that I felt very helpless. It 's a hobby that I 've stuck with, and it continues to help mecope with stress at work, provide a sense of order in hectic （忙乱的） days, and allow my brain time t o solve problems. ”G） A recent email from the yam （纺纱） company Red Hearttitled “Health Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting ” prompted me to explore what else might be known about the health value of activities like knitting. My research revealed that therewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxiety with the satisfaction of creation.H）For example, Karen Hayes, a life coach in Toronto, conducts knitting therapy programs, including Knit to Quit to help smokers give up the habit, and Knit to Heal for people coping with health crises, like a cancer diagnosis or serious illness of a family member. Schools and prisons with craft programs report that they have a calming effect and enhance social skills. And having to follow instructions on complex craft pr ojects can improve children 's math skills.I）Somepeople find that craftwork helps them control their weight. Just as it 's challenging to smokewhile knitting, when hands are holding needles and hooks, there 's less snacking and mindless eating out of boredom.J） I ' ve found that my handiwork with yam has helped my arthritic （患关节炎的）fingers remain more dexterous （灵巧的） as I age. A woman encouraged to try knitting and crocheting after developing an autoimmune disease that caused a lot of hand pain reported on the Craft YamCouncil site that her hands are now less stiff and painful.K） A 2009 University of British Columbia study of 38 women with aneating disorder who were taught to knit found that learning the craft led to significant improvements. Seventy-four percent of the women said the activity lessened their fears and kept them from thinking about their problem.L） Betsan Corkhill, a wellness coach in Bath, England, and author of the book Knit for Health & Wellness, established a website, Stitchlinks, to explore the value of what she calls therapeutic knitting. Among her respondents, 54 percent of those who were clinically depressed said that knitting made them feel happy or very happy. In a study of 60 self-selected people with persistent pain, Ms. Corkhill and colleagues reported that knitting enabled them to redirect their focus, reducing their awareness of pain. She suggested that the brain can process just so much at once, and that activities like knitting and crocheting makeit harder for the brain to register pain signals. Perhaps most exciting is research that suggests that crafts like knitting and crocheting may help to keep off a decline in brain function with age. In a 2011 study, researchers led by Dr. Yonas Geda at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester interviewed a random （随机的） sample of 1,321 people ages 70-89, most of whomwere cognitively （在认知方面） normal,about the cognitive activities they engaged in late in life. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, found that those who engaged in crafts like knitting and crocheting had adiminished chance of developing mild cognitive disorder and memory loss.M) Although it is possible that only people who are cognitively healthy would pursue such activities, those who read newspapers or magazines or played music did not show similar benefits. The researchers speculate that craft activities promote the development of nerve pathways in the brain that help to maintain cognitive health.N) In support of that suggestion, a 2014 study by Denise C. Park of the University of Texas at Dallas and colleagues demonstrated that learning to knit or do digital photography enhanced memoryfunction in older adults. Those who engaged in activities that were not intellectually challenging, either in a social group or alone, did not show such improvements.O) Given that sustained social contacts have been shown to support health and a long life, those wishing to maximize the health value of crafts might consider joining a group of like-minded folks.I for one try not to miss a single weekly meeting of my knitting group.36. When the author was a college student, she found that knitting helped her concentrate.37. Knitting can help people stay away from tobacco.38. Even men and children are now joining the army of knitters.39. Being a memberof a crafts group enhances one's health and prolongs one 's life.40. Knitting diverts people 's attention from their pain.41. The author learnt to knit as a teenager, but it was not until she was much older that she became keenly interested.42. Whenpeople are knitting, they tend to eat fewer snacks.43. Survey findings show that knitting can help people relieve stress.44. According to a study, knitters and crocheters are less likely to suffer mild cognitive damage.45. The products of knitting can increase one 's sense of self-respect.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by somequestions 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.Nobody really knows how big Lagos is. What's indisputable is that it 's growing very quickly. Between now and 2050, the urban population of Africa could triple. Yet cities in sub-Saharan Africa are not getting richer the way cities in the rest of the world have. Most urban Africans live in slums ( 贫民窟); migrants are often not much better off than they were in the countryside. Why?The immediate problem is poverty. Most of Africa is urbanising at a lower level of income than other regions of the world did. That means there 's little money around forinvestment that would makecities liveable and more productive. Without upgrades and new capacity, bridges, roads and power systems are unable to cope with expanding populations. With the exception of South Africa, the only light rail metro system in sub-Saharan Africa is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Traffic jam leads to expense and unpredictability, things that keep investors away.In other parts of the world, increasing agricultural productivity and industrialization went together. More productive farmers meant there was a surplus that could feed cities; in turn, that created a pool of labour forfactories. But African cities are different. They are too often built around consuming natural resources. Government is concentrated in capitals, so is the money. Most urban Africans work for a small minority of the rich, who tend to be involved in either cronyish （有裙带关系的）businesses or politics. Since African agriculture is still broadly unproductive, food is imported, consuming a portion of revenue.So what can be done? Though African countries are poor, not all African cities are. In Lagos, foreign oil workers can pay as much as $65,000 per year in rent for a modest apartment in a safe part of town. If that income were better taxed, it might provide the revenue for better infrastructure. If city leaders were more accountable to their residents, they might favour projects designed to help them more. Yet even as new roads are built, new people arrive. When a city 's population grows by 5% a year, it is difficult to keep up.46. What do we learn from the passage about cities in sub-Saharan Africa?A) They have more slums than other cities in the world.B) They are growing fast without becoming richer.C) They are as modernised as many cities elsewhere.D) They attract migrants who want to be better off.47. What does the author imply about urbanisation in other parts of the world?A) It benefited from the contribution of immigrants.B) It started when people 's income was relatively high.C) It benefited from the accelerated rise in productivity.D) It started with the improvement of people 's livelihood.48. Why is sub-Saharan Africa unappealing to investors?A) It lacks adequate transport facilities.B) The living expenses there are too high.C) It is on the whole too densely populated.D) The local governments are corrupted.49. In what way does the author say African cities are different?A) They have attracted huge numbers of farm labourers.B) They still rely heavily on agricultural productivity.C) They have developed at the expense of nature.D) They depend far more on foreign investment.50. What might be a solution to the problems facing African cities?A) Lowering of apartment rent. C) More rational overall planning.B) Better education for residents. D) A more responsible government.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.For the past several decades, it seems there 's been a general consensus on howto get ahead in America: Get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy your own home. But do Americans still believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?The most recent National Journal poll asked respondents about the American dream, what it takes to achieve their goals, and whether or not they felt a significant amount of control over their ability to be successful. Overwhelmingly, the results show that today, the idea of the American dream —and what it takes to achieve it —looks quite different than it did in the late 20th century.By and large, people felt that their actions and hard work—not outside forces —were the deciding factor in howtheir lives turned out. But respondents had decidedly mixed feelings about what actions make for a better life in the current economy.In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic about the power of education to lead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority —52 percent —think that young people do not need a four-year college education in order to be successful.Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master 's degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability his parents and grandparents never did.While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of the degree rather than the education itself, others still see college as a way to gain new perspectives and life experiences.Sixty-year-old Will Fendley, who had a successful career in the military and never earned a college degree, thinks “personal drive ” is far more important than just going to college. To Fendley, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective high-school education, and basic life skills, like balancing a checkbook, are the necessary ingredients for a successful life in America.51. It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have ____ .A) an advanced academic degree C) a firm belief in their dreamB) an ambition to get ahead D) a sense of drive andpurpose52. What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?A) More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.B) It remains alive amongthe majority of American people.C) Americans ' idea of it has changed over the past few decades.D) An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.53. What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?A) It still remains open to debate.B) It has proved to be beyond doubt.C) It is no longer as important as it used to be.D) It is much better understood now than ever.54. How do some people view college education these days?A) It promotes gender equality. C) It adds to cultural diversity.B) It needs to be strengthened. D) It helps broaden their minds.55. What is one factor essential to success in America, according to Will Fendley?A) A desire to learn and to adapt. C) A willingness to commit oneself.B) A strong sense of responsibility. D) A clear aim and high motivation.Part IV Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed SO minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.xx位于xx，距xx120公里。

2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案解析(全三套)

2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案解析(全三套) 四级听力第一套：News Report 1A 9-year-old girl in New Mexico has raised more than $500 for her little brother who needs heart surgery in Houston, Texas this July. Addison Witulski's grandmother Kim Allred, said Addison probably overheard a conversation between family members talking about the funds needed to get her little brother to treatment. "I guess she overheard her grandfather and me talking about how we're worried about how we're going to get to Houston, for my grandson's heart surgery," said Allred. She decided to go outside and have a lemonade stand and make some drawings and pictures and sell them.” That's when Addison and her friends Erika and Emily Borden decided to sell lemonade for 50 cents a cup and sell pictures for 25 cents each.Before Allred knew it, New Mexico State Police Officers were among the many stopping by helping them reach a total of $568. The family turned to social media expressing their gratitude saying, "From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to deeply thank each and every person that stopped by!"1: Who did Addison raise the money for?2: How did Addison raise the money?1.D) Her little brother.2.B) By selling lemonade and pictures.News Report 2:Last week, France announced that the country will pave 621 miles of road with solar panels over the next five years with the goal of providing cheap, renewable energy to five million people. Called the Ward Way, the roads will be built through joint efforts with the French road building company Colas and the National Institute of Solar Energy. The companyspent the last five years developing solar panels that are only about a quarter of inch thick and are strong enough to stand up to heavy highway traffic without breaking or making the roads more slippery. The panels are also designed so that they can be installed directly on top of the existing roadways, making them relatively cheap and easy to install. France is the first country to kick around the idea of paving its roads with solar panels. In November 2015, the Netherlands completed a 229-foot long bike path paved with solar panels as a test for future projects. However, this is the first time a panel has been designed to be laid directly on top existing roads and the first project to install the panels on public highways.3: What was France’s purpose of constructing the Ward Way?4: What is special about the solar panels used in the Ward Way?3.B) Providing clean energy to five million people.4.C) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.News Report 3Lions have disappeared from much of Africa, but for the past few years scientists have wondered if the big cats were hanging on in remote parts of Sudan and Ethiopia. Continuous fighting in the region has made surveys difficult. But scientists released a report Monday documenting with hard evidence the discovery of "lost lions." A team with Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, supported by a charity organization, spent two nights in November camping in a national park in northwest Ethiopia on the Ethiopia-Sudan border. The researchers set out six camera traps, capturing images of lions, and the identified lion tracks. The scientists concluded that lions are also likely to live in a neighboring national park across the border in Sudan. The International Union for Conservation of Nature had previously considered the area a "possible range" for the species, and local people had reported seeing lions in the area, but no one presented convincing evidence.5: What has made it difficult to survey lions in remote parts of Sudan and Ethiopia?6: What was the main purpose of the research?7: What did the researchers find in the national park?5.C)Endless fighing in the region.6.D)To find evidence of the lions'disappearance.7.A)Lions'tracks.Conversation OneM: I beg you’re looking forward to the end of this month. Aren’t you?W: Yes, I am. How did you know?M: David told me you had a special birthday coming up.W: Oh, yes. That’s right. This year would be my golden birthday.M: What does that mean? I’ve never heard of a golden birthday.W: I’ve actually just learned of this concept myself. Fortunately, just in time to celebrate. A golden or lucky birthday is when one turns the age of their birth date. So, for example, my sister’s birthday is December 9th and her golden birthday would have been the year she turns 9 years old. Come to think of it , my parents did throw her a surprise party that year. M: Intere sting. Too bad I missed mine. My golden birthday would’ve been four years ago.I assumedly got a big plan then.W: Actually yes. My husband is planning a surprise holiday for the two of us next week. I have no idea what he’s gotten in mind, but I’m excited to find out. Has he mentioned anything to you?M: He might have.W: Anything you’d like to share? I’m dying to know what kind of trip he has planned where we’re going.M: Yeah, nothing at all.W: Not a clue. Hard to imagine, isn’t it! Though I must say, I think it has been even more fun keeping the secret for me the past few weeks.M: I’m sure both of you will have a fantastic time. Happy golden birthday! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.8. What does the woman looking forward to?9. W hat did the woman’s parents do on her sister’s lucky birthday?10. What is the woman eager to find out about?11. What does the man say at the end of the conversation?8.D) Her "lucky brithday".9.A) Threw her a superise party.10.C) The trip her husband has planned.11.B) He is eager to learn how the couple's holiday turns out.Conversation TwoW: Mr. Green, What do you think makes a successful negotiator?M: Well, It does hard to define, but I think successful negotiators have several things in common. They are always polite and rational people, they are firm, but flexible. They can recognize power and know how to use it. They are sensitive to the dynamics in the negotiation, the way it raises and falls, and how may change the direction. They project the image of confidence, and perhaps most importantly, they know when to stop.W: And what about an unsuccessful negotiator?M: Well, this probably all of us when we start out. We are probably immature and over-trusting, too emotional or aggressive. We are unsure of ourselves and want to be liked by everyone. Good negotiators learn fast, pool negotiators remain like that and go on losing negotiations,W: In your opinion, can the skills of negotiation be taught?M: Well, you can teach someone how to prepare for negotiation. There perhaps six stages in every negotiation, get to know the other side, stay your goals, start the process, clarify there is a disagreement or conflict, reassess your position, making acceptable compromise, and finally reach some agreements and principals. These stages can be studied, and strategies to be used in each can be planned before-hand. But I think the really successfulnegotiator is probably born with the sixth sense that may respond properly to the situation at hand.W: The artistic sense you just described?M: Yes, that’s right12. What’s the man say about good negotiators?13. What does the man say, maybe the most important thing to a successful negotiator?14. How is a good negotiator different from a poor one?15. What’s th e first stage of a negation according to the man?12. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.13. B) They know when to stop.14. C) They learn quickly.15. D) Get to know the other side.Passage OneSome people wonder why countries spend millions of dollars on space projects. They want to know how space research helps people on earth. Actually, space technology helps people on earth every day. This is called spin-off technology. Spin-off technology is space technology that is now used on earth. In early space programs, such as the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s and in the space shuttle missions today, scientists developed objects for the astronauts to use on the moon and in space. We now use some of these objects every day. For example, we have quartz crystal clocks and watches accurate to within one minute a year. We purify the water we drink with the water filter designed for the astronauts to use in space. The cordless hand held tools we use in our homes, such as vacuum cleaners, flashlights, drills came from the technology of these early space programs. On cold winter days, we can stay warm with battery-operated gloves and socks, especially made coats and jackets. All the clothes are similar to the space suits designs that kept astronauts comfortable in the temperatures of the moon, in our spin offs from space technology. These products are only a few examples of the many ways spacetechnology helps us in our everyday lives. No one knows how new spin off technology from the international space station will help us in the future.16. What do some people want to know about space exploration?17. What did scientist do for the space shuttle missions?18. What does the speaker say about the quartz crystal clocks and watches?16. D) How space research benefits people on Earth.17. B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.18. C) They are extremely accurate.Passage TwoWell, if I could get back in history and live, I'd like to get back to the 18th century and perhaps in colonial America in Yankee new England where one of my ancestors lived, because it was the beginning of something. By the 18th century, there was a feeling of community that had grown. My ancestor was the preacher traveling around countryside. People lived in small communities. It was fisherman and farmers who provided fresh food that tasted and looked like food. Unlike today’s supermarkets, and there were small towns and New York wasn't that far away. I'm deeply attached to the puritan tradition not in a religious sense. But they believed in working for something, working for goals. And I like that. They worked hard at whatever they did, but they had a sense of achievement. They believed in goodness, in community, and helping one another. I love the colonial fabrics or the silver works, the furnishings, the combination of elegance simplicity. I'd love it. The printing, the books, I’m very attached to all that kind of thing. That may not all be very entertaining in the modern sense of the world, but I would have enjoyed spending my evenings in that environment, discussing new ideas, building a new world, and I can see myself sitting on a small chair by the fire doing needle work.19. Why does the speaker say she would like to go back and live in the 18th century America?20. What does the speaker say about the Puritans?21. What would the speaker like doing if she could go back to the past?19. C)It marked the beginning of something new.20. A)They believed working for goals.21. D)Doing needlework by the fire.Passage threeIf you are lost in the woods, a little knowledge concerned with some people called a hardship into an enjoyable stay away from the troubles of modern society. When you think you're lost,sit down on the log or rock, or lean against the tree, and recite something you are memorized to bring your mind to the point where is under control. Don’t run blindly if you must move, don't follow stream unless you know it, and in that case you're not lost. Streams normally flow through wide land before they reach a lake or river though there are more eatable plants, there may also be wild animals, poisonous snakes, and other hazards. Many experts feel it is the wisest to walk up hill. At the top of most hills and mountains are trails living back to civilizations. If there are no trails, you're much easier to be seen on top of the hill. And you may even spot the highway or railroad from this point. Nowadays, the first way some of you search for you is by air. In the wide lands or in dense grass, we're very hard to spot. Anytime you are going to the woods, somebody should know where you're going, and when you are expected to return, also when someone comes to looking, you should be able to signal to them.22. What does the speaker advise you to do first if you are lost in the woods?23. What will happen if you follow an unknown stream in the woods?24. What do many experts think is the wisest thing to do if you're lost in the woods?25. What should you do before you go into the woods?22. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself23. B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.24. D) Walk uphill.25. A) Inform somebody of your plan.四级听力第二套：答案：1.D) It has got one of its injured.2.C) Its videos were posted on social media.3.A) The distance travelled.4.B) Gas consumption is soaring.5.B) He helps a stranger to carry groceries to his car.6.C) He raised a large sum of money for him.7.A) He works hard to support his family.8. A) Attend an economics lecture9. C) Attend his brother’s birthday party10. D) Join him in his brother’s birthday celebration11. B) By train12. A) Taking a vacation abroad.13. C) Working part time as a waiter.14. B) Save enough money..15. A) He has rich sailing experience.16. D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17. B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.18. A) Both died of blood cancer.19. C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.20. D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21. A) Thee Viking’s ocean explorations.22. C) Dream about the future.23. B) Change what he has for his past imaginary world.24. D) International business.25. B) Be content with what you have.四级阅读第一套：选词填空26. [K] superior27. [D] nuisance28. [M] tip29. [O] visual30. [A] associated31. [F] preventing32. [H] sensitive33. [I] slight34. [C] indicate35. [J] specify匹配题36. [I] Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changes in education.37. [E] Some believe take-home exams may affect students' performances in others courses.38. [C] Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately more helpful to students39. [D] In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams.40. [B] The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home.41. [H] Students who put off their work until the last moment often find the exams more difficult than they actually are.42. [G] Different students may prefer different types of exams.43. [F] Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on the type of course being taught.44. [A] The author dropped out of college some forty years ago.45. [J] Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time.仔细阅读46. B They just cannot do anything about it.47. A It might be prevented and treated.48. D It will motivate doctors and pharmacists to find ways to treat aging.49. C They can contribute to people's health only to a limited extent.50. A The human lifespan cannot be prolonged.51. C More males than females are likely to get outstanding letters of recommendation.52. C Men are believed to be better able to excel in STEM disciplines.53. B They contain nothing that distinguishes the applicants.54. D They deleted all information about gender.55. D Start a public discussion on how to raise women's status in academic circles.四级阅读第二套：选词填空We all know there exists a great void（空白）in the public educational system when itcomes to 26 to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering andMathematics) courses. One educator named Dori Roberts decided to do somethingto change this system. Dori taughthigh school engineering for 11 years. Shenoticed there was a real void in quality STEM education at all 27 ofthe public educational system. She said, “I started Engineering For Kids (EFK)after noticing a real lack of math, science and engineering programs to 28 myown kids in.”She decided to start an afterschool programwhere children 29 in STEM-based competitions. The clubgrew quickly and when it reached 180 members and the kids in the program wonseveral state 30 , she decided to devote all her time tocultivating and 31 it. The global business EFK was born.Dori began operating EFK out of her Virginiahome, which she then expanded to 32 recreation centers. Today, the EFK program 33 over 144 branches in 32 states within theUnited States and in 21 countries. Sales have doubled from $5 million in 2014to $10 million in 2015, with 25 new branches planned for 2016. The EFK websitestates, “Our nation is not 34 enough engineers. Our philosophy is to inspirekids at a young age to understand that engineering is a great 35 .”26. G exposure27. L levels28. F enroll29. O participated30. C championships31. E developing32. M local33. N operates34. J graduating35. B career匹配题36. To be curious, we need to realize first of all thatthere are many things we don’t know.H）Moreover,in order to be curious , ” you have to aware of a gap in your knowledge in thefirst place.” Although Leslie perhaps paints a bit broadly in contending thatmost of usare unaware of how much we don’t know, he’s surely right to pointout that the problem is gro wing:”Google can give us the powerful illusion thatall questions have definite answers.”37. According to Leslie, curiosity is essential to one’ssuccess.D) Thejournalist Ian Leslie, in his new and enjoyable book Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Yo ur Future Depends on It,insists that the answer to that last question is “Yes”. Leslie argues thatcuriosity is a much-overlooked human virtue, crucial to our success, and thatwe are losing it.38. We should feel happy when we pursue knowledge forknowledg e’s sake.O) All of which brings us back to Goodelland the Christie case and Benghazi. Each critic in those examples is charging,in a different way, that someone in authority is intentionally being incurious.I leave it to the reader's political preference to decide which, if any,charges should stick. But let’s be careful about demanding curiosity about theother side’s weaknesses and remaining determinedly incurious about our own. Weshould be delighted to pursue knowledge for its own sake—even when what we findout is something we didn't particularly want to know.39. Political leaders’ lack of curiosity will result inbad consequences.M) AlthoughLeslie’s book isn’t about politics, he doesn’t entirely shy away from theproblem. Political leaders, like leaders of other organizations, should becurious. They should ask questions at crucial moments. There are seriousconsequences, he warns, in not wanting to know.40. There are often accusations about politicians’ andthe media’s l ack of curiosity to find out the truth.B) Theaccusation of incuriosity is one that we hear often, carrying the suggestionthat there is something wrong with not wanting to search out the truth. “I havebeen bothered for a long time about the curious lac k of curiosity,” said aDemocratic member of the New Jersey legislature back in July, referring to aninsufficiently inquiring attitude on the part of an assistant to New JerseyGovernor Chris Christie who chose not to ask hard questions about the GeorgeWashi ngton Bridge traffic scandal. “Isn’t the mainstream media the least bitcurious about what happened?” wrote conservative writer Jennifer Rubin earlierthis year, referring to the attack on Americans in Benghazi, Libya.41. The less curious a child is, the less knowledge thechild may turn out to have.L) Schooleducation, he warns, is often conducted in a way that makes children incurious.Children of educated and upper-middle-class parents turn out to be far morecurious, even at early ages, than children of working class and lower classfamilies. That lack of curiosity produces a relative lack of knowledge, and thelack of knowledge is difficult if not impossible to compensate for later on.42. It is widely accepted that academic accomplishmentlies in both intelligence and diligence.K) Citingthe work of psychologists and cognitive（认知的）scientists, Leslie criticizes the received wisdomthat academic success is the result of a combination of intellectual talent andhard work. Curiosity, he argues, is the third key factor—and a difficult one topreserve. If not cultivated, it will not survive：“Childhood curiosity is a collaboration between childand adult. The surest way to kill it is to leave it alone.”43. Visiting a bookshop as curiosity leads us can be agood way to entertain ourselves.J) Somewhatnostalgically（怀旧地），he quote John Maynard Keynes’s justlyfamous words of praise to the bookstore:”One should enter it vaguely, almost ina dream, and allowwhat is there freely to attract and influence the eye. Towalk the rounds of the bookshops, dipping in as curiosity dictates, should bean afternoon’s entertainment.” If only!44. Both the rise of the Internet and reduced appetitefor literary fiction contribute to people’s declining curiosity.G) Lesliepresents considerable evidence for the proposition that the society as a wholeis growing less curious. In the U.S. and Europe, for example, the rise of theInternet has led to a declining consumption of news from outside the reader’sborders. But not e verything is to be blamed on technology. The decline ininterest in literary fiction is also one of the causes identified by Leslie.Reading literary fiction, he says, make us more curious.45.Mankind wouldn’t be so innovative without curiosity.F) Why isthis a problem? Because without curiosity we will lose the spirit of innovationand entrepreneurship. We will see unimaginative governments and dyingcorporations make disastrous decisions. We will lose a vital part of what hasmade humanity as a whole so successful as a species.仔细阅读46. What do we learn from the passage about cities in sub-Saharan Africa?B）They are growing fast without becoming richer47. What does the author imply about urbanisation in other parts of the world?B) It started whe n people’s income was relatively high.48. Why is sub-Saharan Africa unappealing to investors?A) It lacks adequate transport facilities.49. In what way does author say African cities are different?C) They have developed at the expense of nature.50. What might be a solution to the problems facing African cities?D) A more responsible government51. It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have___.B) an ambition to get ahead52. What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?C) Americans’ idea of it has changed over the past few decades.53. What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?A) It still remains open to debate.54. How do some people view college education these days?D) It helps broaden their minds.55. What is one factor essential to success in America, according to Will Fendley?D) A clear aim and high motivation.四级阅读第三套：选词填空26. K superior27. D nuisance28. M tip29. O visual30. A associated31. F preventing32. H sensitive33. I slight34. C indicate35. B examine匹配题36. I37. E38. C39. D40. B41. H42. G43. F44. A45. J仔细阅读46. What do people generally believe about aging?B) They just cannot do anything about it.47. How do many scientists view aging now?A) It might be prevented and treated.48. What does Alex Zhavoronkov think of “describing aging as a disease”?D) It will motivate doctors and pharmacists to find ways to treat aging.49. What do we learn about the medical community?C) They can contribute to people’s health only to a limited extent.50. What does Professor Leonard Hayflick believe?A) The human lifespan cannot be prolonged.51. What do we learn about applicants to postdoctoral positions in geosciences?C) More males than females are likely to get outstanding letters of recommendation.52. What do studies about men and women in scientific research show?C) Men are believed to be better able to excel in STEM disciplines.53. What do the studies find about the recommendation letters for women applicants?B) They contain nothing that distinguishes the applicants.54. What did Dutt and her colleagues do with the more than 1,200 letters of recommendation?D) They deleted all information about gender.55. What does Dutt aim to do with her study?D) Start a public discussion on how to raise women’s status in academic circles.四级翻译一：泰山位于山东省西部。

2017年12月英语四级真题参考答案

一、写作1、师生关系Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.参考范文：A good teacher-student relationship will make learning and teaching enjoyable and interesting. Both teachers and students should make efforts to build a harmonious relationship.On the one hand, the teacher plays an essential role in setting up a good teacher-student relationship. The teacher should motivate the students and lead them to be interested in learning. A good teacher should be patient, kindly and strict. Too kindly or too strict can be both harmful. On the other hand, the students should respect their teachers, and pay more attention in class to learn how to solve problems. It’s important to learn to raise questions and work out problems in new ways.A good teacher-student relationship benefits both the teachers and the students, so it’s vital for them to word harder.分析：要求大家在30分钟内，根据所规定的题目以及所给出的提示写出一篇短文，四级要求不少于120词。

2017年12月英语四级真题及答案(第一套)

2017年12月英语四级真题及答案(第一套)Part I Writing (25 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short easy on how to best handle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should write at least120 words butno more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension （25minutes）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 bespoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer fromthe four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather.B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother.2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade and pictures.B) By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3.A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.B) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.C) Providing clean energy to five million people.D) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.4. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.B) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.C) They are only about half an inch thick.D) They are made from cheap materials.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for research.B) The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the species.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To identify the reason s for the lions’ disappearance.C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.7. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities.B) Lions’ tracks. D) Traps set by local hunters.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 spokenonly once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the fourchoices marked A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Her ‘lucky birthday’.C) Her wedding anniversary.B) A call from her dad. D) A special gift from the man.9. A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas.B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party.10. A) The gift her husband has bought.B) The trip her husband has planned.C) What has been troubling her husband.D) What her husband and the man are up to.11. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday trip.B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.C) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.D) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.B) They see the importance of making compromises.C) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.D) They take the rival’s attitude into account.13. A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when to make compromises.B) They know when to stop. D) They know how to control their emotion.14. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly.B) They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy.B) Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side.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 choicesmarked A), B), C), D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingle line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) When America's earliest space program started.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) How space research benefits people on Earth.17. A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.18. A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space.B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It was when her ancestors came to America.B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C) It marked the beginning of something new.D) Everything was natural and genuine then.20. A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kinds of entertainment.B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were known to be creative.21. A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver work.B) Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B) Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your footprints back.23. A) You may find a way out without your knowing it.B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.D) You may end up entering a wonderland.24. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire.B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill.25. A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather.B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass.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. Readthe passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in thebank more than once.A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone who is sick, but these creatures have some ___26___ skills that could help the treatment of human diseases.Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban __27__, but they are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the _28_of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive___29___ memory. Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as humans at detecting breast cancer in images.Rats are often ___30___with spreading disease rather than___31___ it, but this long-tailed animal is highly___32___. Inside a rat's nose are up to 1,000 different types of olfactory receptors (嗅觉感受器), whereas humans only have 100 to 200 types. This gives rats the ability todetect___33___smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB(肺结核). When the rats detect the smell, they stop and rub their legs to ___34___ a sample is infected.Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more than two days to ___35___, but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This rat detection method doesn't rely on specialist equipment. It is also more accurate — the rats are able to find more TB infections and, therefore, save more lives.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 paragraph morethan once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by markingthe corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder?Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected rather than search for answers.[A] I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am still processing the question.[B] Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and now I have a professor who issues take-home ones. I was excited when I learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly.[C] As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own polling among students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study groups. “That way they socialize over history outside the class, which wouldn’t happen withou t the pressure of anin-class exam,” he explained, “Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform under pressure, and essential work skill.”[D] He also says there is less chance of cheating with the in-class variety. In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a scandal when it was discovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for a class entitled “Introduction To Congress.” Some colleges have what they call an “honor code,” though if you are smart enough to get into these sch ools, you are either smart enough to get around any codes or hopefully, too ethical to consider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless for two solid days, I momentarily wondered if I couldn’t just call an expert on the subject matter which I was tackling, or someone who took the class previously, to get me going.[E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean of students at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school’s professors to refrain from take-hone exams. “Students risk health and well being, as well as performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty offers take-home exams without clear, time-limited boundaries,” she told me. “Research now shows that regular quizzes, short essays, and other assignments over the course of a term better enhance learning and retention.”[F] Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose largely depends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, is unlikely to be sent home, where one could ask their older brothers and sisters to help. Vocational-type classes, such as computer science or journalism, on the other hand, are often more research-oriented and lend themselves to take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaches “History of Broadcast Journalism” at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Maryland, points out that reporting is about investigation rather than the memorization of minute details. “In my field, it’s not what you know—it’s what you know how to find out,” says Koch. “There is way too much information, and more c oming all the time, for anyone to remember. I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all the resources available to them.[G] Students’ test-form preferences vary, too, often depending on the subject and course difficulty. “I pref er take-home essays because it is then really about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more research,” says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is the stress factor. Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says, “I find the in-class ones are more stressful in the short term, but there is immediate relief as you swallow information like mad, and then you get to forget it all. Take-homes require thoughtful engagement which can lead to longer term stress as there is never a moment whe n the time is up.” Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at Emory, says she hardly even considers take-homes true exams. “If you understand the material and have the ability to articulate (说出) your thoughts, they should be a breeze.”[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on their personal test-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until the last minute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then there those who, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having no resources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks who fit both those descriptions.[I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式), in part because of my inability to access the information as quickly. As another returning student at Columbia, Kate Marber, told me, “We are learning not only all this information, but essentially how to learn again. Our fellow students have just come out of high school. A lot has changed since we were last in school.”[J] If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and me something to share, When Iasked his opinion on this matter, he responded, “I like in-class exams because the time is already reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to work on a test,” he responded.It se ems to me that a compromise would be receiving the exam questions a day or two in advance, and then doing the actual test in class the ticking clock overhead.[K] Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor reportedly did recently for her final exam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, promising that, “It is going to beapiece of cake.” When the students came in, sharpened pencils in hand, there was not a bluebook in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and they each were given a slice.36. Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changes in education.37. Some believe take-home exams may affect students' performance in other courses.38. Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately more helpful to students.39. In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams.40. The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home.41. Students who put off their work until the last moment often find the exams more difficult than they actually are.42. Different students may prefer different types of exams.43. Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on type of course being taught.44. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago.45. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) andD). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage.That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed in unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the “first-night” effect. If a person stays in the same room the following night they tend to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University set out to investigate the origins of this effect.Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals put half of their brains to sleep at a time so that they can rest while remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者). This led her to wonder if people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look, her team studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment of the university’s Department of Psychological Sciences. The participants each slept in the department for two nights and were carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their brains. Dr. Sasaki found, as expected, the participantsslept less well on their first night than they did on their second, taking more than twice as long to fall asleep and sleeping less overall. During deep sleep, the participants’ brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and dolphins. On the first night only, the left hemispheres (半球) of their brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as their right hemispheres did.Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki re-ran the experiment while presenting the sleeping participants with a mix of regularly timed beeps (蜂鸣声) of the same tone and irregular beeps of a different tone during the night. She worked out that, if the left hemisphere was staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, then it would react to the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep and would ignore the regularly timed ones. This is precisely what she found.46. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night effect?A) To what extent it can trouble people. C) What circumstances may trigger it.B) What role it has played in evolution. D) In what way it can be beneficial.47. What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research?A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep.B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way.C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphinsD) She conducted studies on birds’ and dolphins’ sleeping patterns.48. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment?A) She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in a new environment.B) She recruited 35 participants from her Department of Psychological Sciences.C) She studied the differences between the two sides of participants’ brains.D) She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human subjects.49. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment?A) She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains.B) She recorded participants’ adaptation to changed environment.C) She exposed her participants to two different stimuli.D) She compared the responses of different participants.50. What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her experiment?A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others.B) They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat.C) They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps.D) They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.It’s time to reevaluate how women handle conflict at work. Being overworked orover-committed at home and on the job will not get you where you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinder your career goals.Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted? Nearly twice as many women than men ages 18-44 reported feeling “very tired” or “exhausted”, according to a recent study.This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when women have children. It's also the age range when many women are trying to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that they have a hard time saying "no." Women want to be able to do it all volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals-and so their answer to any request is often “Yes, I can.”Women struggle to say “no” in the workplace for similar reasons, including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, this inability to say "no" may be hurting women's heath as well as their career.At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves, while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, because they don't want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For example, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, resulting in a dispute over should be the one to fix it. Men are more likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them most, whereas women may approach the same dispute from the perspective of what's the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem-even if that means doing the boring work themselves.This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders have to be able to delegate and manage resources wisely – including staff expertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate effectively.51. What does the author say is the problem with women?A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach.B) They are usually more committed at home than on the job.C) They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go.D) They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their ability.52. Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained of energy?A) They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home.B) They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result.C) They do their best to cooperate with their workmates.D) They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities.53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women?A) Their unwillingness to say “no”.B) Their desire to be considered powerful.C) An underestimate of their own ability.D) A lack of courage to face challenges.54. Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace conflicts in that______.A) women tend to be easily satisfiedB) men are generally more persuasiveC) men tend to put their personal interests firstD) women are much more ready to compromise55. What is important to a good leader?A) A dominant personality. C) The courage to admit failureB) The ability to delegate. D) A strong sense of responsibility.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.华山位于华阴市，据西安120公里。

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题与答案

2017 年 12 月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（第一套）Part I Writing（25 minutes）Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write ashort easy on how to besthandle the relationship between doctors and patients. You shouldwrite at least120 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 the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather.B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother.2.A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade and pictures.B)By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.B)Generating electric power for passing vehicles.C)Providing clean energy to five million people.D)Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.4. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.B)They can be laid right on top of existing highways.C)They are only about half an inch thick.D)They are made from cheap materials.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5.A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for research.B)The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the species.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To identify the reasons for the lions‘ disappearance.C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.D) To find evidence of the existence of the―lost lions‖.7. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities.B)Lions ‘ tracks. D) Traps set by local hunters.Section BDirections：In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At theend of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both theconversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8.A) Her ?lucky birthday ‘. C) Her wedding anniversary. B) Acall from her dad. D) A special gift from the man.9.A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas.B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party.10.A) The gift her husband has bought.B)The trip her husband has planned.C)What has been troubling her husband.D)What her husband and the man are up to.11. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple‘s holiday trip.B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.C) He is eager to learn how the couple‘s holiday turns out.D) He wants to find out about the couple‘s holiday plan.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.B) They see the importance of making compromises.C)They know when to adopt a tough attitude.D)They take the rival‘s attitude into account.13.A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when tomake compromises.B)They know when to stop. D) They know how to controltheir emotion.14. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly.B)They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy.B)Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you willhear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken onlyonce. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the fourchoices marked A), B), C), D). Then mark the corresponding letteron AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A) When America's earliest space program started.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) How space research benefits people on Earth.17.A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.18.A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space.B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It was when her ancestors came to America.B)People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C)It marked the beginning of something new.D)Everything was natural and genuine then.20.A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kindsof entertainment.B)They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were knownto be creative.21.A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver work. B)Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22.A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B)Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your footprints back.23.A) You may find a way out without your knowing it.B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.D) You may end up entering a wonderland.24. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire.B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill.25.A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather.B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes )Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone who is sick, but these creatures have some 26 skills that could help the treatment of human diseases.Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban 27 , but they are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the 28 of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive 29__ memory. Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as humans at detecting breast cancer in images.Rats are often 30 with spreading disease rather than 31 it, but this long-tailed animal is highly 32 . Inside a rat's nose are up to 1,000 different types of olfactory receptors （嗅觉感受器） , whereas humans only have 100to 200 types. This gives rats the ability to detect __33 smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB（肺结核）. When the rats detectthe smell, they stop and rub their legs to 34 a sample is infected.Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more than two days to 35 , but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This rat detection method doesn't rely on specialist equipment. It is also more accurate— the rats are able to find more TB infections and, therefore, save more lives.A)associated I) slightB)examine J) specifyC)indicate K) superiorD)nuisance L) suspiciousE)peak M) tipF)preventing N) treatedG)prohibiting O) visualH)sensitiveSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in oneof the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraphis marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder?Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected rather than search for answers.[A]I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am still processing the question.[B]Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and now I have a professor who issues take-home ones. I was excited when I learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly.[C]As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own polling among students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study groups. ―That way they socialize over history outside the class, which wouldnhappen without the pressure of an inclass- exam,‖ he explained,―Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform underpressure, and essential work skill.‖[D]He also says there is less chance of cheating with the in-class variety.In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a scandal when it wasdiscovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for a class entitled― Introduction To Congress.‖ Some colleges have what theyonorcall an―code, ‖ though if you are smart enough to get into these schools, you areeither smart enough to get around any codes or hopefully, too ethical toconsider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless for two solid days, Imomentarily wondered if I couldn just call‘t anexpert on the subject matterwhich I was tackling, or someone who took the class previously, to get megoing.[E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean ofstudents at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school ofessors to ‘ s prrefrain from take- hone exams. ―Students risk health and well being, as wellas performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty offers take-homeexams without clear, time-limited boundaries,‖ she told me.―Research now shows that regular quizzes, short essays, and other assignments over thecourse of a term better enhance learning and retention.‖[F]Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose largelydepends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, is unlikely tobe sent home, where one could ask their older brothers and sisters to help.Vocational-type classes, such as computer science or journalism, on theother hand, are often more research-oriented and lend themselves to take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaches ―History of BroadcastJournalism ‖ at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Maryland,points out that reporting is about investigation rather than the memorizationof minute details. ― In my field, it ‘ s not what you know — it ‘ s what y how to find out, ‖ says Koch. ―There is way too much information, and more coming all the time, for anyone to remember. I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all the resources available to them.[G] Students‘ -testform preferences vary, too, often depending on thesubject and course difficulty.―-homIpr e f e rssaystake because it is thenreally about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more research,says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is the stress factor.Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says,-class― Ionesfind theare inmore stressful in the short term, but there is immediate relief as you swallowinformation like mad, and then you get to forget it all. Take-homes requirethoughtful engagement which can lead to longer term stress as there is nevera moment when the time is up.‖ Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at Emory, says she hardly even considers takehomes- true exams.―If youunderstand the material and have the ability to articulate 说(出 ) yourthoughts, they should be a breeze.‖[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on theirpersonal test-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until the lastminute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then there thosewho, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having noresources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks who fitboth those descriptions.[I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式 ), in partbecause of my inability toaccess the information as quickly. As another returning studentat Columbia, Kate Marber, toldme, ―We are learning not only all this information, but essentially how to learn again. Ourfellow students have just come out of high school. A lot has changed since we were last inschool. ‖[J]If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and me something to share, When I-class―I likeexamsin asked his opinion on this matter, he responded,because the time isalready reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to work on a test, ‖ he responded.It seems to me that a compromise would be receiving theexam questions a day or two inadvance, and then doing the actual test in class the tickingclock overhead.[K]Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor reportedly did recently for her finalexam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, promising that, ― It is going to be apiece of cake. ‖ When the students came in, sharpenedilspencinhand, there was not a bluebook in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and theyeach were given a slice.36.Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changesin education.37.Some believe take-home exams may affect students' performance in other courses.38.Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimatelymore helpful to students.39.In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams.40.The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home.41.Students who put off their work until the last moment often findthe exams more difficult thanthey actually are.42.Different students may prefer different types of exams.43.Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on type ofcourse being taught.44. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago.45. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time.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 onthe best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage.That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed in unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the -night ‖ ―effectfirst. If a person stays in the same room the following night they tend to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University set out to investigate the origins of this effect.Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals put halfof their brains to sleep at a time so that they can rest while remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者 ). This led her to wonderif people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look, her team studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment of the university ‘ s Department of PsychogicaloSciences. The participants each slept in the department for two nights and were carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their brains. Dr. Sasaki found, asexpected, the participants slept less well on their first night than they did ontheir second, taking more than twice as long to fall asleep and sleeping lessoverall. During deep sleep, the participants ‘ brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and dolphins. On the first night only, the lefthemispheres (半球) of their brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as theirright hemispheres did.Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki re-ran theexperiment while presenting the sleeping participants with a mix of regularlytimed beeps (蜂鸣声 ) of the same tone and irregular beeps of adifferent tone during the night. She worked out that, if the left hemispherewas staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, then it would reactto the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep and would ignore theregularly timed ones. This is precisely what she found.46. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night effect?A)To what extent it can trouble people. C) What circumstances maytrigger it.B)What role it has played in evolution. D) In what way it canbe beneficial.47.What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research?A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep.B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way.C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphinsD) She conducted studies on birds‘ and dolphins‘ sleeping patterns.48. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment?A)She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in a new environment.B)She recruited 35 participants from her Department ofPsychological Sciences.C) She studied the differences between the two sides of participants‘brains.D)She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human subjects.49. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment?A)She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains.B)She recorded participants‘ adaptation to changed environment.C)She exposed her participants to two different stimuli.D)She compared the responses of different participants.50.What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her experiment?A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others.B)They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat.C)They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps.D)They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.It ‘s time to reevaluatehow women handle conflict at work. Being overworked or over-committed at home and on the job will not get youwhere you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinderyour career goals.Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted?―very Nearly twice as many women than men ages 1844- reported feelingtired ‖ or ― exhausted ‖ , according to a recent study.This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when women have children. It's also the age range when many women are trying to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that they have a hard time saying "no." Women want to be able todo it all volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals-and so their answer toany request is often― Yes, I can.‖Women struggle to say ―no‖ in the workplace for similar reasons, including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, thisinability to say "no" may be hurting women's heath as well as their career.At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves,while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, becausethey don't want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For example, there ‘ s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, resulting in a dispute over should be the one to fix it. Men are more likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them most, whereaswomen may approach the same dispute from the perspective of what's the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem-evenif that means doing the boring work themselves.This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders have to be able to delegate and manage resources wisely–including staff expertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate effectively.51.What does the author say is the problem with women?A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach.B)They are usually more committed at home than on the job.C)They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go.D)They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their ability.52.Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained of energy?A)They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home.B)They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result.C)They do their best to cooperate with their workmates.D)They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities.53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women?A) Their unwillingness to say―no‖.B)Their desire to be considered powerful.C)An underestimate of their own ability.D)A lack of courage to face challenges.54.Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace conflicts in that______.A)women tend to be easily satisfiedB)men are generally more persuasiveC)men tend to put their personal interests firstD)women are much more ready to compromise55. What is important to a good leader?A)A dominant personality. C) The courage to admit failureB)The ability to delegate. D) A strong sense of responsibility.Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translatea passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.华山位于华阴市，据西安120 公里。

大学英语四六级考试-2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题参考答案

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第1套）参考答案Part I WritingHow to handle the relationship between doctors and patients?In recent years, the relationship between doctors and patients has become increasingly tense and complicated. The disputes have intensified day by day. There is a lack of necessary understanding and trust between doctors and patients. The normal health care activities are deeply affected. The relationship between doctors and patients has become an unprecedented common concern of the whole society at this stage.How to best handle the relationship between doctors and patients？Firstly of all, doctors should have medical ethics and humanities, which would require extreme enthusiasm for patients and their technical excellence. Secondly, doctors and patients should communicate with each other. Furthermore, patients should know more knowledge of medicine. Besides, the government should provide more legal protection to help balance the doctor-patient relationship.Although we have a long way to go, we have reasons to believe that the doctor-patient relationship in China is gradually improving.Part IV TranslationMount Hua is situated in Huayin city, 120 kilometers from Xi’an. It is a part of Qinling Mountains, which divide not only southern and northern Shaanxi, but also South and North China. Unlike Mount Tai which attracted numerous people to worship, Mount Hua was rarely visited in the past, for the road to the summit was extremely dangerous. However, people who wish to live long lives often climb the mountain as many herbs grow there, especially some rare ones. Since the installation of cable cars in the 1990s, the number of tourists has increased sharply.听力原文Section AQuestions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A nine-year-old girl in New Mexico has raised more than $500 for her little brother who needs heart surgery in Houston Texas this July.Addison Witulski's grandmother Kim Allred said Addison probably overheard a conversation between family members talking about the funds needed to get her little brother to treatment.“I guess she overheard her grandfather and me talking about how we’re worried about how we’re going to get to Houston, for my grandson’s heart surgery,” said Allred. She decided to go outside and have a lemonade stand and make some drawings and pictures and sell them.” That’s when Addison and her friends Erika and Emily Borden decided to sell lemonade for 50 cents a cup and sell pictures for 25 cents each.Before Allred knew it, New Mexico State Police Officers were among the many stopping by helping them reach a total of $568. The family turned to social media expressing their gratitude saying, “From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to deeply thank each and every person that stopped by!”1. Who did Addison raise money for?2. How did Addison raise money?Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.Last week, France announced that the country will pave 621 miles of road with solar panels over the next five years, with the goal of providing cheap, renewable energy to five million people.Called “the Wattway,” the roads will be built through joint efforts with the French road-building company Colas and the National Institute of Solar Energy. The company spent the last five years developing solar panels that are only about a quarter of an inch thick and are strong enough to stand up to heavy highway traffic without breaking or making the roads more slippery. The panels are also designed so that they can be installed directly on top of existing roadways, making them relatively cheap and easy to install.France isn’t the first country to kick around the idea of paving its roads with solar panels. In November 2015, the Netherlands completed a 229-foot-long bike path paved with solar panels as a test for future projects. However, this is the first time a panel has been designed to be laid directly on top of existing roads and the first project to install the panels on public highways.3. What was France’s purpose of constructing “the Wattway”?4. What is special about the solar panels used in “the Wattway”?Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.Lions have disappeared from much of Africa, but for the past few years scientists have wondered if the big cats were hanging on in remote parts of Sudan and Ethiopia. Continuous fighting in the region has made surveys difficult.But scientists released a report Monday documenting, with hard evidence, the discovery of "lost lions."A team with Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, supported by a charity organization, spent two nights in November camping in the National Park in northwestEthiopia, on the Ethiopia-Sudan border. The researchers set out six camera traps, capturing images of lions, and they identified lion tracks.The scientists concluded that lions are also likely to live in the neighboring National Park across the border in Sudan. The International Union for Conservation of Nature had previously considered the area a "possible range" for the species, and local people had reported seeing lions in the area, but no one presented convincing evidence.5. What has made it difficult to survey lions in remote parts of Sudan and Ethiopia?6. What was the main purpose of the research?7. What did the researchers find in the National Park?Section BQuestions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.M: I bet you're looking forward to the end of this month, aren’t you?W: Yes, I am. How did you know?M: David told me you had a special birthday coming up.W: Oh, yes. That's right. This year will be my golden birthday.M: What does that mean? I've never heard of a golden birthday.W: I've actually just learnt of this concept myself. Fortunately, just in time to celebrate. A golden or lucky birthday is when one turns the age of their birth date. So, for example, my sister's birthday is December 9th and her golden birthday would have been the year she turned nine years old. Come to think of it, my parents did throw her a surprise party that year.M: Interesting. Too bad I missed mine. My golden birthday would have been four years ago. I assume you got big plans then.W: Actually yes. My husband is planning a surprise holiday for the two of us next week. I have no idea what he's got in mind, but I'm excited to find out. Has he mentioned anything to you?M: He might have.W: Anything you'd like to share? I'm dying to know what kind of trip he has planned or where we're going.M: You know nothing at all?W: Not a clue. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? Though I must say I think he's been having even more fun keeping the secret from me in the past few weeks.M: I'm sure both of you will have a fantastic time. Happy golden birthday! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.8. What is the woman looking forward to?9. What did the woman’s parents do on her sister’s lucky birthday?10. What is the woman eager to find out about?11. What does the man say at the end of the conversation?Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.W: Mr. Green, what do you think makes a successful negotiator?M: Well, that’s hard to define. But I think successful negotiators have several things in common. They are always polite and rational people. They are firm but flexible. They can recognize powerand know how to use it. They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation, the way it rises and falls and how it may change direction. They project an image of confidence, and perhaps most importantly, they know when to stop.W: And, what about an unsuccessful negotiator?M: Well, this is probably all of us when we start out. We are probably immature and over-trusting. Too emotional or aggressive. We are unsure of ourselves and we want to be liked by everyone. Good negotiators learn fast. Poor negotiators remain like that and go on losing negotiations.W: In your opinion, can the skills of negotiation be taught?M: Well, you can teach someone how to prepare for a negotiation. There are perhaps six stages in every negotiation. Get to know the other side. State your goals. Start the process. Clarify areas of disagreement or conflict. Reassess your position. Making acceptable compromises. And finally, reach some agreement in principle. These stages can be studied. And strategies to be used in each can be planned beforehand. But I think, the really successful negotiator is probably born with six sense about responding appropriately to the situation at hand.W: The artistic sense you’ve just described?M: Yes. That’s right.12. What does the man say about good negotiators?13. What does the man say may be the most important thing to a successful negotiator?14. How is a good negotiator different from a poor one?15. What is the first stage of a negotiation according to the man?Section CQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Some people wonder why countries spend millions of dollars on space projects. They want to know how space research helps people on Earth. Actually space technology helps people on Earth every day. This is called "spin-off technology."Spin-off technology is space technology that is now used on Earth.In early space programs, such as the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, and in the Space Shuttle missions today, scientists developed objects for the astronauts to use on the moon and in space. We now use some of these objects every day.For example, we have Quartz crystal clocks and watches accurate to within one minute a year. We purify the water we drink with a water filter designed for the astronauts' use in space.The cordless, hand-held tools we use in our homes, such as vacuum cleaners, flashlights, drills and saws came from the technology of these early space programs.On cold winter days we can stay warm with battery-operated gloves and socks, and specially made coats and jackets. All of these clothes are similar to the spacesuit designs that kept astronauts comfortable in the temperatures of the moon, and are spin-offs from space technology.These products are only a few examples of the many ways space technology helps us in our everyday lives. No one knows how new spin-off technology from the International Space Station will help us in the future.16. What do some people want to know about space exploration?17. What did scientists do for the space shuttle missions?18. What does the speaker say about Quartz crystal clocks and watches?Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Well, if I could go back in history and live, I'd like to go back to the 18th century and perhaps in colonial America in Yankee, New England, where one of my ancestors lived, because it was the beginning of something.By the 18th century, there was a feeling of community that had grown. My ancestor was a preacher, traveling around the countryside. People lived in small communities. There were fishermen and farmers who provided fresh food that tasted and looked like food, unlike that in today's supermarkets, and there were small towns, and New York wasn't that far away. I'm deeply attached to the Puritan tradition, not in a religious sense, but they believed in working for something, working for goals, and I like that.They worked hard at whatever they did, but they had a sense of achievement. They believed in goodness in community and helping one another. I love the colonial fabrics, all the silver work, the furnishings, the combination of elegance and simplicity. I love it. The printing, the books, I'm very attached to all that kind of thing that may not all be very entertaining in the modern sense of the world. But I would have enjoyed spending my evenings in that environment, discussing new ideas, building a new world. And I can see myself sitting on a small chair by the fire doing needlework.19. Why does the speaker say she would like to go back and live in the 18th century America?20. What does the speaker say about the Puritans?21. What would the speaker like doing if she could go back to the past?Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.If you are lost in the woods, a little knowledge can turn what some people call a hardship into an enjoyable stay away from the troubles of modern society. When you think you are lost, sit down on a log, or a rock, or lean against a tree, and recite something that you have memorized, to bring you mind to a point where it’s under control. Don’t run blindly. If you must move, don’t follow a stream unless you know it, and in that case, you are not lost. Streams, normally flow through wetland before they reach a lake or a river. Though there are more eatable plants, there may also be wild animals, poisonous snakes, and other hazards. Many experts feel that it’s wisest to walk uphill. At the top of most hills and mountains, are trails leading back to civilization. If there are no trails, you are much easier to be seen on top of a hill, and you may even spot a highway, or a railroad from this point. Nowadays, the first way someone will search for you is by air. In a wetland, or in dense growth, you are very hard to spot. Anytime you go into the woods, somebody should know where you are going, and when you expect to return. Also, when someone comes looking, you should be able to signal to them.22. What does the speaker advise you to do first if you are lost in the woods?23. What will happen if you follow an unknown stream in the woods?24. What do many experts think is the wisest thing to do if you are lost in the woods?25. What should you do before you go into the woods?2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第2套）参考答案Part I WritingHow to best handle the relationship between parents and children?Nowadays, a wide-spread phenomenon occurs frequently that parents make a lot of decisions for their children, even for most critical issues of their life, such as education, work or even marriage. Though many parents regard their children as the apple of their eye, they have no enough knowledge about how to best handle the relationship with their children.We may find several reasons to explain the phenomenon above. First of all, parents, with rich life experience, always think they can make better decisions than teenagers do. Next, they pay too much attention to their only child in the family without caring for their children’s feeling. What’s more, they assert the only way to realize their unfulfilled dreams is letting their children do things that they want them to.How to solve such serious problems? To begin with, parents should make some changes when educating their children, consciously developing children’s capabilities of independent and critical thinking. In addition, children should cope with the difficulties they encounter independently and turn to parents for necessary guidance only at critical moments.Positive parent-child bonds foster autonomy, curiosity, self-esteem and better decision-making skills. So let’s take actions to improve parent-child relationship before it’s too late.Part IV TranslationLocated in the south of Anhui province, Huangshan is known for its unique scenery, particularly its sunrise and sea of clouds. To appreciate the magnificence of mountains, one has to look upward in most cases, but to enjoy the fascinating landscape of Huangshan, one has to look downward. The humid climate of this area offers favorable conditions for tea trees to grow, making it one of China’s major tea-producing areas. There are also numerous hot springs, whose water is helpful for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. Huangshan is one of the major touristdestinations in China, and also the most popular theme of photography and traditional Chinese paintings.听力原文Section AQuestions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A New Jersey black bear that walks upright on its two back legs and has become a social media darling has re-emerged and has been captured on video months after its last sighting. The bear named Pedals was spotted in a town of Oak Ridge. In a video posted to Facebook featuring the bear, it appeared to be in relatively good health and was moving quickly.Pedals apparently has an injured leg or paw that doesn’t allow it to walk comfortably on all fours, according to experts. Laurance Hajna, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said officials expect the bear to make it through next winter.The bear first gained fame after it was sported the wondering around neighborhoods and was caught on videos that were posted on social media and shown on national television. Last year, supporters pushed for Pedals to be moved to a shelter, but New Jersey officials have said they won’t allow the bear to be captured and transferred to the facility. “The bear would do better in its natural habitat and the agency would step in if its condition deteriorated,” they said.1. What’s the probable reason the bear walks upright on its back legs?2. How is the bear first known for the public?Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.It’s not your imagination: Traffic in the U.S. is actually getting worse. Americans drove more miles last year than any other year on record. The U.S. Department of Transportation says Americans drove nearly 3,150 billion miles last year. That’s about the same distance as 337 round trips from Earth to Pluto. The previous record was 3,003 billion miles in 2007, before the economic recession in high gas prices.The traffic increase comes at the same time as gas crisis drop significantly, the current average gas price in US is 1.77$ per gallon. A year ago, it was 2.31$ per, it was often much higher in recent years. A transportation expert told the reporter the job growth likely plays a part as well, along with some people driving longer distances to and from work.And so all this means more traffic jams on the road. The Texas A&M travel institute found that rush-hour travellers spent extra 42 hours on the road last because of traffic delays. Now, that is depressing.3. What new record did the American drivers set last year?4. What is depressing according to the speaker?Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.A sixteen-year-old asked a stranger at a grocery store to buy him and his mother some food in exchange for carrying the man’s groceries to his car. What happened next will pull at your heartstrings.A wonderful bond formed between the two, and within a couple of weeks, the stranger named White, helped raise $190,000 on a website to support the Memphis teenager and his disabled mother.“When Chauncy approached me, it just pulled at my heart,” White said. “Here comes Chauncy, just trying to get food for him and his Mon off the grace of other people. When I looked at him and saw what he was doing and what he was asking for, I said he was my hero.”“Chauncy is a top student who is doing his best to make it in a world with no money and very few resources,” White explained on the crowdfunding site. “He wants to work and help his mother financially. It’s so rare that we get an opportunity to affect so much change on one life.” White wrote, “I cannot thank you enough for caring about Chauncy. This is his big chance, and you’re making it possible.”5. What did the teenager Chauncy do at the grocery store to get some food?6. What did the stranger do for Chauncy?7. What do we learn about Chauncy?Section BQuestions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.M: That was my last economics lecture of the week, and here’s the weekend again.W: What are you up to tonight? I was just wondering if we could try out the new restaurant on Charles Street, then go on to Queen Victoria for a drink.M: Sorry, I’m heading home this weekend for my brother’s 18th birthday.W: Oh, that’s great.M: All my relatives are gonna be there, as well as my brother’s horrible friends, of course. Listen, why don’t you come along? Mom would be absolutely delighted to see you again. She’s always asking after you.W: Yes, I’d love to see her too.M: So, please, do come. It’ll be great. And besides, with Jonathan’s wild game to contend with, I’d really welcome an ally.W: That sounds tempting, but I won’t be ready till 5:00, as I’ve got my statistics seminar now. What time are you heading off?M: Well, I was going to leave right away. However, I can hang around for you if you like. It just means that I’ll need to change my ticket.W: But would that be too much trouble for you?M: No, not at all. I’ll go to the station first and see if I can get tickets first for us on the 6:30 train. Then, you can join me there. I’ll text you when it’s done.W: Brilliant. Are you absolutely positive it’s okay? I wouldn’t want to impose.M: Don’t worry. You’re most welcome to join our party. And, as I always say, the more the merrier.W: Look, I’d better go or I’ll be late. So, I’ll meet you down at the station around 6:00?M: Fine. See you later.8. What has the man just done?9. What is the man going to do this weekend?10. What does the man ask the woman to do?11. How will they go to the man’s home?Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.M: Hi, Jane. How’s everything going?W: So far so good. I’ve just finished my last exam.M: Good. The term is coming to an end. Do you think we should take a holiday overseas to relax and have fun? I’ve saved my tips from my waiter job these past few months, and I should have enough by July.W: Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. I’ve got a little put-aside for a rainy day, but I might need to earn a little more before we go. By the way, what’s it like working in a restaurant?M: Well, it’s really tough, as working a 10-hour shift is like hell. I’m not sure it’ll suit you, but it’s pretty cool if your boss is all right. Do you think we should invite some others to come along? W: Yes, we could ask Tom and Tracy if they’re interested. I haven’t been abroad for a long while, and it would be great to go somewhere by the sea. I can’t wait. And, if Tom goes, we could go sailing. He has a lot of experience with boats, and it’ll work out a lot cheaper to hire one if there’s more of us to share the cost.M: So, that’s a plan. We’ll save as much as we can and go sailing next July. Let’s say Spain, but anywhere cheap will be fine.W: Okay, but first we’d better contact Tom and Tracy and see if they are up for it. If not, it’ll be back to the drawing board.12. What does the man think of doing?13. What has the man been doing for the past few months?14. What does the woman say she needs to do before departure?15. Why does the woman want to invite Tom?Section CQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Most people know Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize and the first person to win it twice. However, few people know that she was also the mother of a Nobel Prize winner.Irene Currie was born on September 12th, 1897. At the age of ten, Irene’s talents and interest in mathematics were apparent. Irene entered Sorbonne University in October 1914 to prepare for a degree in mathematics and physics. When World War I began, she left Sorbonne University to help her mother who was using X-ray facilities to help save the lives of wounded soldiers. Irene continued this work by developing X-ray facilities for military hospitals in France and Belgium.After the war, she received a Military Medal for her work. In 1918, Irene became her mother’s assistant at the Curie Institute. In December 1924, Frederic Joliot visited the Institute where he met Marie Curie. Frederic became one of her assistants and Irene taught him the techniques required to work with radioactivity. Irene and Frederic soon fell in love and got married on October 29th, 1926. Their daughter was born in 1927 and their son in 1932.Like her mother, Irene combined family with career. Like her mother, Irene was awarded a Nobel Prize, along with her husband Frederic, in 1935, for producing new radioactive elements.Unfortunately, also like her mother, she developed blood cancer because of her exposure to radiation. Irene Joliot-Curie died on March 17th, 1954.16. What does the speaker say about Marie Curie’s daughter?17. For what was Irene Curie awarded a Military Medal?18. In what way were Marie and Irene similar?Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Have you ever heard of the Vikings? They were sea travellers from Norway. More than a thousand years ago, they made three important geographical discoveries.The Vikings’ first major discovery occurred in the ninth century. A man called Naddod was on his way from Norway to the Faroe Island, north of England, when his ship was caught in a storm. The storm blew the ship west for several days. When the weather cleared, Naddod found himself on the coast of a new land. Later, a hiking traveller named it IcelandIn 982, a Viking called Eric the Red sailed west in search of new land. Five hundred miles west of Iceland, he and his men reached an icy rocky mass of land. They sailed around it until they reached the western side. Here, they found some green areas, so they named the island Greenland.Then, in 1001, the Vikings made their most important discovery. The son of Eric the Red, named Leif Ericson, had heard rumors about land west of Greenland. He sailed west and soon found it. He and his men landed in three places. They called the first one Helluland, which means land of flat stones. The Vikings then sailed south and made their second landing. They named this place Markland. Their third landing was at a place they called Vinland.Leif Ericson and his men were the first Europeans to walk on the shores of North America, almost 500 years earlier than Columbus.19. What do we learn about the Vikings?20. What does the passage say about Greenland?21. What does the speaker mainly talk about?Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.Where do you think you’ll be in ten years? It’s difficult to know exactly where you will be and what you will be doing, but everyone dreams about the future.You might imagine the job you will get when you finish school. You may daydream meeting your life partner, or living in a big house by the sea. In my dreams, I would have twins, a boy and a girl. We would live in a large two-story house with floors and a staircase made of wood.Now, at the age of 46, I look back on those dreams and smile. Things haven’t turned out exactly as I imagined, but I wouldn’t change what I have now for that imaginary world.In college, I studied international business, and planned to enter a law school. In my third year of university, I realized that I didn’t want to become a lawyer. Instead, I chose to become a language teacher. I did get married, but had more than two children. We had five. Do I live in the dream house with wooden floors? No, I don’t, but I love my home and I wouldn’t want to live in any other place.I believe that as a young person, it is important to dream and make plans. However, it’s also important to realize that not all of your plans will turn out exactly as you wish. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life is this: be happy with what you have.22. What does the speaker think everyone tends to do?23. What does the speaker say he would refuse to do?24. What did the speaker major in during the first two years of college?25. What is one of the biggest lessons the speaker has learned in life?。

2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You shouldwrite at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part IIListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) It tries to entertain its audience. C) It wants to catch people’s attention.B) It tries to look into the distance. D) It has got one of its limbs injured.2. A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.C) Its videos were posted on social media.D) Its picture won a photography prize.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) The distance travelled C) The spending on gas.B) The incidence of road accidents. D) The number of people travelling.4. A) Fewer people are commuting. C) Job growth is slowing down.B) Gas consumption is soaring. D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.B) He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.C) He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.D) He washed a stranger’s car in retu rn for some food.6. A) He ordered a lot of food for his family. C) He raised a large sum of money for him.B) He gave him a job at his own company. D) He offered him a scholarship for college.7. A) He works hard to support his family. C) He is very good at making up stories.B) He is an excellent student at school. D) He has been disabled since boyhood.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you willhear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Attended an economics lecture. C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.B) Taken a walk on Charles Street. D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.9. A) Treat a college friend to dinner. C) Attend his brother’s birthday party.B) Make preparations for a seminar. D) Visit some of his high school friends.10. A) Gather statistics for his lecture.B) Throw a surprise birthday party.C) Meet with Jonathan’s friends on the weekend.D) Join him in his brother’s birthday celebration.11. A) By car. B) By train. C) By taxi. D) By bus.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Taking a vacation abroad. C) Saving enough money for a rainy day.B) Reviewing for his last exam. D) Finding a better way to earn money.13. A) Preparing for his final exams. C) Working part time as a waiter.B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise. D) Helping the woman with her courses.14. A) Finish her term paper. C) Learn a little bit of Spanish.B) Save enough money. D) Ask her parent’s permission.15. A) He has rich sailing experience. C) He is also eager to go to Spain.B) He speaks Spanish fluently. D) He is easy to get along with.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 mast 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) She went to the same university as her mother.B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17. A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.C) She helped to set up several military hospitals.D) She made donations to save wounded soldiers.18. A) Both died of blood cancer. C) Both won military medals.B) Both fought in World War I. D) Both married their assistants.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were the first settlers in Europe.B) They were the conquerors of Norway.C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.D) They settled on a small island north of England.20. A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.B) It was covered with green most time of the year.C) It was the Vikings’ most important discovery.D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21. A) The Vikings, ocean explorations. C) The Vikings’ everyday life.B) The making of European nations. D) The Europeans’ Arctic discoveries.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Work hard for a better life. C) Dream about the future.B) Make mistakes now and then. D) Save against a rainy day.23. A) Teach foreign languages for the rest of his life.B) Change what he has for his past imaginary world.C) Exchange his two-story house for a beach cottage.D) Dwell on the dreams he had dreamed when young.24. A) Criminal law. C) Oriental architecture.B) City planning. D) International business.25. A) Dream and make plans. C) Be content with what you have.B) Take things easy in life, D) Enjoy whatever you are doing.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.Technological changes brought dramatic new options to Americans living in the 1990s. During this decade new forms of entertainment, commerce, research, and communication became commonplace in the U. S. The driving force behind much of this change was a (n) 26 popularly known as the Internet.The Internet was developed during the 1970s by the Department of Defense. In the case of an attack, military advisers suggested the 27 of being able to operate one computer from another terminal. In the early days, the Internet was used mainly by scientists to communicate with other scientists. The Internet 28 under government control until 1984.One early problem faced by Internet users was speed. Phone lines could only transmit information at a 29 rate. The development of fiber-optic (光纤)cables allowed for billions of bits of information to be received every minute. Companies like Intel developed faster microprocessors, so personal computers could process the 30 signals at a more rapid rate.In the early 1990s, the World Wide Web was developed, in large part, for 31 purposes. Corporations created home pages where they could place text and graphics to sell products. Soon airline tickets, hotel 32 , and even cars and homes could be purchased online. Universities33 research data on the Internet, so students could find 34 information without leaving their dormitories. Companies soon discovered that work could be done at home and 35 online, so a whole new class of telecommuters began to earn a living from home offices unshaven and wearing pajamas (睡衣).Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information isderived. 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 Health Benefits of KnittingA) About 15 years ago, I was invited to join a knitting group. I agreed to give it a try.B) My mother had taught me to knit at 15, and I knitted in class throughout college and for a few years thereafter. Then decades passed without my touching a knitting needle. But within two Mondays in the group, I was hooked, not only on knitting but also on crocheting (钩织), and I was on my way to becoming a highly productive crafter.C) I’ve made countless baby blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, caps for newborns. I take a knitting project with me everywhere, especially when I have to sit still and listen. As I discovered in college, when my hands are busy, my mind stays focused on the here and now.D) It seems, too, that I’m part of a national renewal of interest in needle and other handicrafts (手工艺).The Craft Yam Council reports that a third of women ages 25-35now knit or crochet. Even men and schoolchildren are swelling th e ranks, among them my Mend’s three small grandsons. Last April, the council created a Stitch Away Stress” campaign in honor of National Stress Awareness Month. Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of The Relaxation Response, says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation (沉思) and yoga. Once you get beyond the initial learning curve, knitting and crocheting can lower heart rate and blood pressure.E) But unlike meditation, craft activities result in tangible and often useful products that can enhance self-esteem. I keep photos of my singular accomplishments on my cellphone to boost my spirits when needed.F) Since the 1990s, the council has surveyed hundreds of thousands of knitters and crocheters, who routinely list stress relief and creative fulfillment as the activities’ main benefits. Among them is the father of a prematurely born daughter who reported that during the baby’s five weeks in the intensive care unit, “lea rning how to knit infant hats gave me a sense of purpose during a time that Ifelt very helpless. It’s a hobby that I’ve stuck with, and it continues to help me cope with stress at work, provide a sense of order in hectic (忙乱的) days, and allow my brain tim e to solve problems.”G) A recent email from the yam (纺纱) company Red Heart titled “Health Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting” prompted me to explore what else might be known about the health value of activities like knitting. My research revealed that the rewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxiety with the satisfaction of creation.H) For example, Karen Hayes, a life coach in Toronto, conducts knitting therapy programs, including Knit to Quit to help smokers give up the habit, and Knit to Heal for people coping with health crises, like a cancer diagnosis or serious illness of a family member. Schools and prisons with craft programs report that they have a calming effect and enhance social skills. And having to followinstructions on complex craft projects can improve children’s math skills.I) Some people find that craftwork helps them control their weight. Just as it’s challenging to smoke whileknitting, when hands are holding needles and hooks,there’s less snacking and mindless eating out of boredom.J) I’ve found that my handiwork with yam has helped my arthritic (患关节炎的)fingers remain more dexterous (灵巧的) as I age. A woman encouraged to try knitting and crocheting after developing an autoimmune disease that caused a lot of hand pain reported on the Craft Yam Council site that her hands are now less stiff and painful.K) A 2009 University of British Columbia study of 38 women with an eating disorder who were taught to knit found that learning the craft led to significant improvements. Seventy-four percent of the women said the activity lessened their fears and kept them from thinking abouttheir problem.L) Betsan Corkhill, a wellness coach in Bath, England, and author of the book Knit for Health & Wellness, established a website, Stitchlinks, to explore the value of what she calls therapeutic knitting. Among her respondents, 54 percent of those who were clinically depressed said that knitting made them feel happy or very happy. In a study of 60 self-selected people with persistent pain, Ms. Corkhilland colleagues reported that knitting enabled them to redirect their focus, reducing their awareness of pain. She suggested that the brain can process just so much at once, and that activities like knitting and crocheting make it harder for the brain to register pain signals. Perhaps most exciting is research that suggests that crafts likeknitting and crocheting may help to keep off a decline in brain function with age. In a 2011 study, researchers led by Dr. Yonas Geda at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester interviewed a random (随机的) sample of 1,321 people ages 70-89, most of whom were cognitively (在认知方面) normal, about the cognitive activities they engaged in late in life. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, found that those who engaged in crafts like knitting and crocheting had a diminished chance of developing mild cognitive disorder and memory loss.M) Although it is possible that only people who are cognitively healthy would pursue such activities, those who read newspapers or magazines or played music did not show similar benefits. The researchers speculate that craftactivities promote the development of nerve pathways in the brain that help to maintain cognitive health.N) In support of that suggestion, a 2014 study by Denise C. Park of the University of Texas at Dallas and colleagues demonstrated that learning to knit or do digital photography enhanced memory function in older adults. Those who engaged in activities that were not intellectually challenging, either in a social group or alone, did not show such improvements.O) Given that sustained social contacts have been shown to support health and a long life, those wishing to maximize the health value of crafts might consider joining a group of like-minded folks.I for one try not to miss a single weekly meeting of my knitting group.36. When the author was a college student, she found that knitting helped her concentrate.37. Knitting can help people stay away from tobacco.38. Even men and children are now joining the army of knitters.39. Being a member of a crafts group enhances one’s health and prolongs one’s life.40. Knitting diverts people’s attention from their pain.41. The author learnt to knit as a teenager, but it was not until she was much older that she became keenly interested.42. When people are knitting, they tend to eat fewer snacks.43. Survey findings show that knitting can help people relieve stress.44. According to a study, knitters and crocheters are less likely to suffer mild cognitive damage.45. The products of knitting can increase one’s sense of self-respect.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinishedstatements. 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.Nobody really knows how big Lagos is. W hat’s indisputable is that it’s growing very quickly. Between now and 2050, the urban population of Africa could triple. Yet cities in sub-Saharan Africa are not getting richer the way cities in the rest of the world have. Most urban Africans live in slums (贫民窟); migrants are often not much better off than they were in the countryside. Why?The immediate problem is poverty. Most of Africa is urbanising at a lower level of income than other regions of the world did. That means there’s little money around for investment that would make cities liveable and more productive. Without upgrades and new capacity, bridges, roads and power systems are unable to cope with expanding populations. With the exception of South Africa, the only light rail metro system in sub-Saharan Africa is in AddisAbaba, Ethiopia. Traffic jam leads to expense and unpredictability, things that keep investors away.In other parts of the world, increasing agricultural productivity and industrialization went together. More productive farmers meant there was a surplus that could feed cities; in turn, that created a pool of labour for factories. But African cities are different. They are too often built around consuming natural resources. Government is concentrated in capitals, so is the money. Most urban Africans work for a small minority of the rich, who tend to be involved in either cronyish (有裙带关系的)businesses or politics. Since African agriculture is still broadly unproductive, food is imported, consuming a portion of revenue.So what can be done? Though African countries are poor, not all African cities are. In Lagos, foreign oil workers can pay as much as $65,000 per year in rent for a modest apartment in a safe part of town. If that income werebetter taxed, it might provide the revenue for better infrastructure. If city leaders were more accountable to their residents, they might favour projects designed tohelp them more. Yet even as new roads are built, new people arrive. When a city’s population grows by 5% a year, it is difficult to keep up.46. What do we learn from the passage about cities in sub-Saharan Africa?A) They have more slums than other cities in the world.B) They are growing fast without becoming richer.C) They are as modernised as many cities elsewhere.D) They attract migrants who want to be better off.47. What does the author imply about urbanisation in other parts of the world?A) It benefited from the contribution of immigrants.B) It started when people’s income was relatively high.C) It benefited from the accelerated rise in productivity.D) It started with the improvement of people’s livelihood.48. Why is sub-Saharan Africa unappealing to investors?A) It lacks adequate transport facilities.B) The living expenses there are too high.C) It is on the whole too densely populated.D) The local governments are corrupted.49. In what way does the author say African cities are different?A) They have attracted huge numbers of farm labourers.B) They still rely heavily on agricultural productivity.C) They have developed at the expense of nature.D) They depend far more on foreign investment.50. What might be a solution to the problems facing African cities?A) Lowering of apartment rent. C) More rational overall planning.B) Better education for residents. D) A more responsible government.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.For the past several decades, it seems there’s been a general consensus on how to get ahead in America: Get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy your own home. But do Americans still believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?The most recent National Journal poll asked respondents about the American dream, what it takes to achieve their goals, and whether or not they felt a significant amount of control over their ability to be successful. Overwhelmingly, the results show that today, the idea of the American dream—and what it takes to achieve it—looks quite different than it did in the late 20th century.By and large, people felt that their actions and hard work—not outside forces—were the deciding factor in how their lives turned out. But respondents had decidedly mixedfeelings about what actions make for a better life in the current economy.In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic about the power of education to lead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority— 52 percent—think that young people do not need a four-year college education in order to be successful.Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master’s degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability his parents and grandparents never did.While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of the degree rather than the education itself, others still see college as a way to gain new perspectives and life experiences.Sixty-year-old Will Fendley, who had a successful career in the military and never earned a college degree, thinks “personal drive” is far more important than just going to college. To Fendley, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective high-school education, and basiclife skills, like balancing a checkbook, are the necessary ingredients for a successful life in America.51. It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have ______.A) an advanced academic degree C) a firm belief in their dreamB) an ambition to get ahead D) a sense of drive and purpose52. What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?A) More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.B) It remains alive among the majority of American people.C) Americans’ idea of it has changed over the past few decades.D) An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.53. What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?A) It still remains open to debate.B) It has proved to be beyond doubt.C) It is no longer as important as it used to be.D) It is much better understood now than ever.54. How do some people view college education these days?A) It promotes gender equality. C) It adds to cultural diversity.B) It needs to be strengthened. D) It helps broaden their minds.55. What is one factor essential to success in America, according to Will Fendley?A) A desire to learn and to adapt. C) A willingness to commit oneself.B) A strong sense of responsibility. D) A clear aim and high motivation.Part IV Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed SO minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.xx位于xx，距xx120公里。

2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析

2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes towrite a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part IIListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three newsreports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) It tries to entertain its audience. C) It wantsto catch people 's attention.B) It tries to look into the distance. D) It has gotone of its limbs injured.2. A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.C) Its videos were posted on social media.D) Its picture won a photography prize.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) The distance travelled C) The spending on gas.B) The incidence of road accidents. D) The number of people travelling.4. A) Fewer people are commuting. C) Job growth isslowing down.B) Gas consumption is soaring. D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.B) He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.C) He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.D) He washed a stranger 's car in return for some food.6. A) He ordered a lot of food for his family. C) He raised a large sum of money for him.B) He gave him a job at his own company. D) He offered hima scholarship for college.7. A) He works hard to support his family. C) He isvery good at making up stories.B) He is an excellent student at school. D) He has been disabled since boyhood.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Attended an economics lecture. C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.B) Taken a walk on Charles Street. D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.9. A) Treat a college friend to dinner. C) Attend his brother 's birthday party.B) Make preparations for a seminar. D) Visit some ofhis high school friends.10. A) Gather statistics for his lecture.B) Throw a surprise birthday party.C) Meet with Jonathan 's friends on the weekend.D) Join him in his brother 's birthday celebration.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Taking a vacation abroad.C) Saving enoughmoney for a rainy day.B) Reviewing for his last exam. D) Finding a better way to earnmoney.13. A) Preparing for his final exams. C) Working part time as awaiter.B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise.D) Helping the woman with her courses.14. A) Finish her term paper.C) Learn a little bit of Spanish.B) Save enough money.D) Ask her parent 's permission.15. A) He has rich sailing experience.C) He is also eager to go to Spain. 11. A) By car.By bus. B) By train. C) By taxi. D)B) He speaks Spanish fluently. D) He is easy to get along with.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 mast 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) She went to the same university as her mother.B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17. A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.C) She helped to set up several military hospitals.D) She made donations to save wounded soldiers.18. A) Both died of blood cancer. C) Both won military medals.B) Both fought in World War I. D) Both married their assistants.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were the first settlers in Europe.B) They were the conquerors of Norway.C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.D) They settled on a small island north of England.20. A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.B) It was covered with green most time of the year.C) It was the Vikings ' most important discovery.D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21. A) The Vikings, ocean explorations. C) The Vikings ' everyday life.B) The making of European nations. D) The Europeans ' Arctic discoveries.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.。

2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案

2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案A) Her friend Erika.B) ___C) ___A) By taking pictures for passers-by.B) ___.C) By selling pictures.D) ___.Note: There were no clear errors or ___ passage.The passage discussed how space research benefits people on Earth, not the specific timeline of America'___ of the nal Space___ to use in outer space, with the goal of meeting their specific requirements and making the best use of the latest technology. The accuracy of these objects was also ned, along with their use in a variety of industries, indicating that they were not ___.If you find yourself lost in the wilderness, the ___ unexpected dangers, ___. With a clear head and a bit of luck, you may find your way out of the wilderness.If aging were recognized as a disease, it could attract more funding and change the way healthcare is approached, according to experts. The idea is to ___ in the body over time. This approach is seen as a form of ___ increasing the ___ is possible, others, like Leonard Hayflick, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, do not believe it is ___ points out that even if we ___ death like cancer, stroke, or heart disease, life expectancy would still not go much beyond 92 years. Overall, the ___ as a way to address age-related health issues.By identifying these biases, ns can be made to improve the ___.A) To shed light on the ___.B) ___ fields.C) To prove that women are just as ___.___ issue, ___.___ Anhui province. It is known for its unique scenery, especially its ___, one usually needs to look up. But to ___ Huangshan, one needs to look down. The humid ___ conducive to the growth of tea trees, making it one of China's main tea-producing areas. There are also many hot springs here, whose water is ___ is one of China's main tourist ns___.___, ___:1. How did the girl raise money for her little brother?2. What is the goal of the company ned in the listening passage?3. ___ nal solar panels?4. What is the main issue in the n ___ passage?5. What is the purpose of the research ned in the listening passage?6. What did the man give the woman as a special gift?7. What did the woman's friends do for her?8. What is the topic of n een the man and the woman's husband?The man is eager to learn how the couple's holiday turns out.46. What is the general belief about aging?47. How do many scientists view aging now?48. What is Alex ___ describing aging as a disease?49. What do we learn about the medical community?C) They can only contribute to people's health to a ___.。

2017年12月英语四级考试真题第一套及答案

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（第一套）Part I Writing （25 minutes）Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short easy on how to best handle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Part II Listening Comprehension （25 minutes）Section A Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. 1. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather. B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother. 2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade and pictures. B) By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on social media. Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. 3. A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction. B) Generating electric power for passing vehicles. C) Providing clean energy to five million people. D) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel. 4. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements. B) They can be laid right on top of existing highways. C) They are only about half an inch thick. D) They are made from cheap materials. Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. 5. A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for research. B) The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the species. 6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks. B) To identify the reasons for the lions’ disappearance.C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia. D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.7. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities. B) Lions’ tracks. D) Traps set by local hunters.Section B Directions：In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 8. A) Her ‘lucky birthday’. C) Her wedding anniversary.B) A call from her dad. D) A special gift from the man. 9. A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas. B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party. 10. A) The gift her husband has bought. B) The trip her husband has planned. C) What has been troubling her husband. D) What her husband and the man are up to. 11. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday trip.B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees. C) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.D) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 12. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation. B) They see the importance of making compromises. C) They know when to adopt a tough attitude. D) They take the rival’s attitude into account.13. A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when to make compromises. B) They know when to stop. D) They know how to control their emotion. 14. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly. B) They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles. 15. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy. B) Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side. Section C Directions: 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), 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) When America's earliest space program started. B) When the International Space Station was built. C) How many space shuttle missions there will be. D) How space research benefits people on Earth. 17. A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles. B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space. C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements. D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology. 18. A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space. B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. 19. A) It was when her ancestors came to America. B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then. C) It marked the beginning of something new. D) Everything was natural and genuine then. 20. A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kinds of entertainment. B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were known to be creative. 21. A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver work. B) Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. 22. A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself. B) Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your footprints back. 23. A) You may find a way out without your knowing it. B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers. C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood. D) You may end up entering a wonderland. 24. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire. B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill. 25. A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather. B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass. Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes ) Section A Directions: 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. A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone who is sick, but these creatures have some 26 skills that could help the treatment of human diseases. Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban 27 , but they are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the 28 of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive 29__ memory. Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as humans at detecting breast cancer in images. Rats are often 30 with spreading disease rather than 31 it, but this long-tailed animal is highly 32 . Inside a rat's nose are up to 1,000 different types of olfactory receptors （嗅觉感受器）, whereas humans only have 100 to 200 types. This gives rats the ability to detect __33 smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB（肺结核）. When the rats detect the smell, they stop and rub their legs to 34 a sample is infected. Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more than two days to 35 , but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This rat detection — the method doesn't rely on specialist equipment. It is also more accurate rats are able to find more TB infections and, therefore, save more lives. A) associated I) slight B) examine J) specify C) indicate K) superior D) nuisance L) suspicious E) peak M) tip F) preventing N) treated G) prohibiting O) visual H) sensitive Section B Directions: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2. Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder? Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected rather than search for answers. [A] I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am still processing the question. [B] Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and now I have a professor who issues take-home ones. I was excited when I learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly. [C] As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own polling among students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study groups. “That way they socialize over history outside the class, which wouldn’t class exam,” he explained, happen without the pressure of an in-“Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform under pressure, and essential work skill.”[D] He also says there is less chance of cheating with the in-class variety. In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a scandal when it was discovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for a class entitled nor “Introduction To Congress.” Some colleges have what they call an “ho code,” though if you are smart enough to get into these schools, you are either smart enough to get around any codes or hopefully, too ethical to consider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless for two solid days, I momentarily wondered if I couldn’t just call an expert on the subject matter which I was tackling, or someone who took the class previously, to get me going. [E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean of fessors to students at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school’s prorefrain from take-hone exams. “Students risk health and well being, as well as performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty offers take-home exams without clear, time-limited boundaries,” she told me. “Research now shows that regular quizzes, short essays, and other assignments over the course of a term better enhance learning and retention.”[F] Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose largely depends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, is unlikely to be sent home, where one could ask their older brothers and sisters to help. V ocational-type classes, such as computer science or journalism, on the other hand, are often more research-oriented and lend themselves to ches “History of Broadcast take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaJournalism” at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Maryland, points out that reporting is about investigation rather than the memorization of minute details. “In my field, it’s not what you know—it’s what you know how to f ind out,” says Koch. “There is way too much information, and more coming all the time, for anyone to remember. I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all the resources available to them. [G] Students’ test-form preferences vary, too, often depending on the subject and course difficulty. “I prefer take-home essays because it is then really about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more research,” says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is the stress factor. -class ones are Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says, “I find the inmore stressful in the short term, but there is immediate relief as you swallow information like mad, and then you get to forget it all. Take-homes require thoughtful engagement which can lead to longer term stress as there is never a moment when the time is up.” Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at homes true exams. “If you Emory, says she hardly even considers take-understand the material and have the ability to articulate (说出) your thoughts, they should be a breeze.”[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on their personal test-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until the last minute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then there those who, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having no resources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks who fit both those descriptions. [I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式), in part because of my inability to access the information as quickly. As another returning student at Columbia, Kate Marber, told me, “We are learning not only all this information, but essentially how to learn again. Our fellow students have just come out of high school. A lot has changed since we were last in school.”[J] If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and me something to share, When I -class exams asked his opinion on this matter, he responded, “I like inbecause the time is already reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to work on a test,” he responded.It seems to me that a compromise would be receiving the exam questions a day or two in advance, and then doing the actual test in class the ticking clock overhead. [K] Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor reportedly did recently for her final exam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, promising that, “It is going to be as in hand, piece of cake.” When the students came in, sharpened pencilthere was not a blue book in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and they each were given a slice. 36. Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changes in education. 37. Some believe take-home exams may affect students' performance in other courses. 38. Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately more helpful to students. 39. In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams. 40. The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home. 41. Students who put off their work until the last moment often find the exams more difficult than they actually are. 42. Different students may prefer different types of exams. 43. Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on type of course being taught. 44. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago. 45. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time. Section C Directions: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. Passage One Questions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage. That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed in -night” effect. unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the “firstIf a person stays in the same room the following night they tend to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University set out to investigate the origins of this effect. Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals put half of their brains to sleep at a time so that they can rest while remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者). This led her to wonder if people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look, her team studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment of the university’s Department of Psycho logical Sciences. The participants each slept in the department for two nights and were carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their brains. Dr. Sasaki found, as expected, the participants slept less well on their first night than they did on their second, taking more than twice as long to fall asleep and sleeping less overall. During deep sleep, the participants’ brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and dolphins. On the first night only, the left hemispheres (半球半球) of their brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as their right hemispheres did. Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki re-ran the experiment while presenting the sleeping participants with a mix of regularly timed beeps (蜂鸣声) of the same tone and irregular beeps of a different tone during the night. She worked out that, if the left hemisphere was staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, then it would react to the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep and would ignore the regularly timed ones. This is precisely what she found. 46. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night effect? A) To what extent it can trouble people. C) What circumstances may trigger it. B) What role it has played in evolution. D) In what way it can be beneficial. 47. What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research? A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep. B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way. C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphins D) She conducted studies on birds’ and dolphins’ sleeping patterns.48. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment? A) She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in a new environment. B) She recruited 35 participants from her Department of Psychological Sciences. C) She studied the differences between the two sides of participants’ brains. D) She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human subjects. 49. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment? A) She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains. B) She recorded participants’ adaptation to changed environment.C) She exposed her participants to two different stimuli. D) She compared the responses of different participants. 50. What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her experiment? A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others. B) They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat. C) They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps. D) They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones. Passage Two Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage. It’s time to reevaluate how women handle conflict at work. Being overworked or over-committed at home and on the job will not get you where you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinder your career goals. Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted? 44 reported feeling “very Nearly twice as many women than men ages 18-tired” or “exhausted”, according to a recent study.This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when women have children. It's also the age range when many women are trying to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that they have a hard time saying "no." Women want to be able todo it all volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals-and so their answer to any request is often “Yes, I can.”Women struggle to say “no” in the workplace for similar reasons, including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, this inability to say "no" may be hurting women's heath as well as their career. At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves, while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, because they don't want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For example, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, resulting in a dispute over should be the one to fix it. Men are more likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them most, whereas women may approach the same dispute from the perspective of what's the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem-even if that means doing the boring work themselves. This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders have – including staff to be able to delegate and manage resources wisely expertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate effectively. 51. What does the author say is the problem with women? A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach. B) They are usually more committed at home than on the job. C) They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go. D) They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their ability. 52. Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained of energy? A) They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home. B) They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result. C) They do their best to cooperate with their workmates. D) They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities. 53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women? A) Their unwillingness to say “no”.B) Their desire to be considered powerful. C) An underestimate of their own ability. D) A lack of courage to face challenges. 54. Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace conflicts in that______. A) women tend to be easily satisfied B) men are generally more persuasive C) men tend to put their personal interests first D) women are much more ready to compromise 55. What is important to a good leader? A) A dominant personality. C) The courage to admit failure B) The ability to delegate. D) A strong sense of responsibility. 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. 华山位于华阴市，据西安120公里。

2017年度12月大学英语四级真命题试卷及答案解析(三套全)

目录2017 年12 月大学英语四级真题试题一(完整版) (1)答案 (15)2017 年12 月大学英语四级真题试题二(完整版) (15)答案 (24)2017 年12 月大学英语四级真题试题三(完整版) (24)答案 (34)2017 年12 月大学英语四级真题试题一(完整版)Part I Writing (25 minutes)(请于正式开考后半小时内完成该部分，之后将进行听力考试)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an a short easy on how to besthandle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should write at least 120words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (30minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each newsreport, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and questions will be spoken only once. After you hear questions, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

（完整版）2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案（1）全

2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案（1）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between doctors and patients. 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 the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Her grandfather.B) Her grandmother.C) Her friend Erika.D) Her little brother.2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by.B) By selling lemonade and pictures.C) By working part time at a hospital.D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.B) Providing clean energy to five million people.C) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.D) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.4. A) They are made from cheap materials.B) They are only about half an inch thick.C) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.D) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements. Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) The lack of clues about the species.B) Inadequate funding for research.C) Endless fighting in the region.D) The hazards from the desert.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.C) To identify the reasons for the lions’ disappearance.D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.7. A) Lions’ tracks.B) Lions walking.C) Some camping facilities.D) Traps set by local hunters.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) A special gift from the man.B) Her wedding anniversary.C) A call from her dad.D) Her ‘lucky birthday’.9. A) Threw her a surprise party.B) Took her on a trip overseas.C) Bought her a good necklace.D) Gave her a big model plane.10. A) What her husband and the man are up to.B) What has been troubling her husband.C) The trip her husband has planned.D) The gift her husband has bought.11. A) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.B) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.C) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.D) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday trip.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) They take the rival’s attitude into account.B) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.C) They see the importance of making compromises.D) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.13. A) They know when to stop.B) They know how to adapt.C) They know when to make compromises.D) They know how to control their emotion.14. A) They are patient.B) They learn quickly.C) They are good at expression.D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Clarify items of negotiation.B) Make clear one’s intentions.C) Get to know the other side.D) Formulate one’s strategy.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) How space research benefits people on Earth.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) When America’s earliest space program started.17. A) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.B) They tried to meet astronauts’ specific requirements.C) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.D) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.18. A) They are expensive to make.B) They are extremely accurate.C) They were first made in space.D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Everything was natural and genuine then.B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C) It marked the beginning of something new.D) It was when her ancestors came to America.20. A) They were known to be creative.B) They enjoyed living a life of ease.C) They had all kinds of entertainment.D) They believed in working for goals.21. A) Chatting with her ancestors.B) Doing needlework by the fire.C) Furnishing her country house.D) Polishing all the silver work.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B) Call your family or friends for help.C) Use a map to identify your location.D) Try to follow your footprints back.23. A) You may end up entering a wonderland.B) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.C) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.D) You may find a way out without your knowing it.24. A) Walk uphill.B) Look for food.C) Start a fire.D) Wait patiently.25. A) Check the local weather.B) Find a map and a compass.C) Prepare enough food and drink.D) Inform somebody of your plan.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage w ith ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given ina 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.A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone who is sick, but these creatures have some 26 skills that could help the treatment of human diseases.Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban 27 , but they are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the 28of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive 29 memory. Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as humans at detecting breast cancer in images.Rats are often 30 with spreading disease rather than 31 it, but this long-tailed animal is highly 32 . Inside a rat’s nose are up to 1,000 different types of olfactory receptors (嗅觉感受器), whereas humans only have 100 to 200 types. This gives rats the ability to detect 33 smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB (肺结核). When the rats detect the smell, they stop and rub their legs to 34 a sample is infected.Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more than two days to 35 , but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This rat detection method doesn’t rely on specialist equipment. It is also more accurate—the rats are able to find more TB infections and, therefore, save more lives.A) associated B) examine C) indicate D) nuisanceE) peak F) preventing G) prohibiting H) sensitiveI) slight J) specify K) superior L) suspiciousM) tip N) treated O)visualSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage w ith ten statements a ttached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the informationis 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.Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder?Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected rather than search for answers.[A] I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am still processing the question.[B] Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and now I have a professor who issues take-home ones. I was excited when I learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly.[C] As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own pollingamong students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study groups. “That way they socialize over history outside the class, which wouldn’t happen without the pressure of an in-class exam,”he explained, “Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform under pressure, an essential work skill.”[D] He also says there is less chance of cheating with the in-class variety. In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a scandal when it was discovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for a class entitled “Introduction To Congress.” Some colleges have what they call an “honor code,” though if you are smart enough to get into these schools, you are either smart enough to get around any codes or hopefully, too ethical to consider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless for two solid days, I momentarily wondered if I couldn’t just call an expert on the subject matter which I was tackling, or someone who took the class previously, to get me going.[E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean of students at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school’s professors to refrain from take-hone exams. “Students risk health and well being, as well as performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty offers take-home exams without clear, time-limited boundaries,”she told me.“Research now shows that regular quizzes, short essays, and other assignments over the course of a term better enhance learning and retention.”[F] Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose largely depends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, is unlikely to be sent home, where one could ask their older brothers and sisters to help. Vocational-type classes, such as computer science or journalism, on the other hand, are often more research-oriented and lend themselves to take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaches “History of Broadcast Journalism” at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Maryland, points out that reporting is about investigation rather than the memorization of minute details. “In my field, it’s not what you know—it’s what you know how to find out,” says Koch. “There is way too much information, and more coming all the time, for anyone to remember. I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all the resources available to them.”[G] Students’test-form preferences vary, too, often depending on the subject and course difficulty. “I prefer take-home essays because it is then really about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more research,”says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is the stress factor. Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says, “I find the in-class ones are more stressful in the short term, but there is immediate relief as youswallow information like mad, and then you get to forget it all. Take-homes require thoughtful engagement which can lead to longer term stress as there is never a moment when the time is up.”Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at Emory, says she hardly even considers take-homes true exams. “If you understand the material and have the ability to articulate (说出) your thoughts, they should be a breeze.”[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on their personal test-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until the last minute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then there those who, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having no resources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks who fit both those descriptions.[I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式), in part because of my inability to access the information as quickly. As another returning student at Columbia, Kate Marber, told me, “We are learning not only all this information, but essentially how to learn again. Our fellow students have just come out of high school. A lot has changed since we were last in school.”[J] If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and me something to share. When I asked his opinion on this matter, he responded, “I like in-class exams because the time is already reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to work on a test,” he responded.It seems to me that a compromise would be receiving the exam questions a day or two in advance, and then doing the actual test in class the ticking clock overhead.[K] Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor reportedly did recently for her final exam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, promising that, “It is going to be a piece of cake.” When the students came in, sharpened pencils in hand, there was not a blue book in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and they each were given a slice.36. Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid changes in education.37. Some believe take-home exams may affect students’ performance in other courses.38. Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately more helpful to students.39. In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams.40. The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home.41. Students who put off their work until the last moment often find the exams more difficult than they actually are.42. Different students may prefer different types of exams.43. Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a take-home exam depends on type of course being taught.44. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago.45. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free time.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 and 50 are based on the following passage.That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed in unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the “first-night”effect. If a person stays in the same room the following night they tend to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University set out to investigate the origins of this effect.Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals put half of their brains to sleep at a time so that they can restwhile remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者). This led her to wonder if people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look,her team studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment of the university’s Department of Psychological Sciences. The participants each slept in the department for two nights and were carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their brains. Dr. Sasaki found, as expected, the participants slept less well on their first night than they did on their second, taking more than twice as long to fall asleep and sleeping less overall. During deep sleep, the participants’brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and dolphins. On the first night only, the left hemispheres (半球) of their brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as their right hemispheres did.Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki re-ran the experiment while presenting the sleeping participants with a mix of regularly timed beeps (蜂鸣声) of the same tone and irregular beeps of a different tone during the night. She worked out that, if the left hemisphere was staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, then it would react to the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep and would ignore the regularly timed ones. This is precisely what she found.46. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night effect?A) To what extent it can trouble people.B) What role it has played in evolution.C) What circumstances may trigger it.D) In what way it can be beneficial.47. What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research?A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep.B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way.C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphins.D) She conducted studies on birds’ and dolphins’ sleeping patterns.48. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment?A) She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in a new environment.B) She recruited 35 participants from her Department of Psychological Sciences.C) She studied the differences between the two sides of participants’brains.D) She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human subjects.49. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment?A) She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains.B) She recorded participants’ adaptation to changed environment.C) She exposed her participants to two different stimuli.D) She compared the responses of different participants.50. What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her experiment?A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others.B) They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat.C) They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps.D) They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.It’s time to reevaluate how women handle conflict at work. Being overworked or over-committed at home and on the job will not get you where you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinder your career goals.Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted? Nearly twice as many women than men ages 18-44 reported feeling “very tired” or “exhausted”, according to a recent study.This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when women have children. It’s also the age range when many women are trying to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that they have a hard time saying “no.” Women want to be able to do it all—volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals—and so their answer to any request is often “Yes, I can.”Women struggle to say “no”in the workplace for similar reasons,including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, this inability to say “no”may be hurting women’s heath as well as their career.At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves, while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, because they don’t want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For example, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, resulting in a dispute over who should be the one to fix it. Men are more likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them most, whereas women may approach the same dispute from the perspective of what’s the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem—even if that means doing the boring work themselves.This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders—including staff have to be able to delegate and manage resources wiselyexpertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate effectively.51. What does the author say is the problem with women?A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach.B) They are usually more committed at home than on the job.C) They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go.D) They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their ability.52. Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained of energy?A) They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home.B) They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result.C) They do their best to cooperate with their workmates.D) They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities.53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women?A) Their unwillingness to say “no”.B) Their desire to be considered powerful.C) An underestimate of their own ability.D) A lack of courage to face challenges.54. Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace conflicts in that ______.A) women tend to be easily satisfiedB) men are generally more persuasiveC) men tend to put their personal interests firstD) women are much more ready to compromise55. What is important to a good leader?A) A dominant personality.B) The ability to delegate.C) The courage to admit failure.D) A strong sense of responsibility.Part IV Translation (30 minutes)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage f rom Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.华山位于华阴市，据西安120公里。

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2017年12月大学英语四级真题及答案(第三套)Part I Writing (25 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay onhow to best handle the relationshop between teachers and students.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 the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather.B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother.2. A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade and pictures.B) By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on social media.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.B) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.C) Providing clean energy to five million people.D) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.4. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.B) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.C) They are only about half an inch thick.D) They are made from cheap materials.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for research.B) The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the species.6. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.B) To identify the reasons for the lions’ disappearance.C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.7. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities.B) Lions’ tracks. D) Traps set by local huntersSection BDirections：In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Her ‘lucky birthday’. C) Her wedding anniversary.B) A call from her dad. D) A special gift from the man.9. A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas.B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party.10. A) The gift her husband has bought.B) The trip her husband has planned.C) What has been troubling her husband.D) What her husband and the man are up to.11. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday trip.B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.C) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.D) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.B) They see the importance of making compromises.C) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.D) They take the rival’s attitude into account.13. A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when to make compromises.B) They know when to stop. D) They know how to control their emotion.14. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly.B) They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles.15. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy.B) Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you willhear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken onlyonce. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the fourchoices marked A), B), C), D). Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) When America's earliest space program started.B) When the International Space Station was built.C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.D) How space research benefits people on Earth.17. A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.18. A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space.B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) It was when her ancestors came to America.B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.C) It marked the beginning of something new.D) Everything was natural and genuine then.20. A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kinds of entertainment.B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were known to be creative.21. A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver work.B) Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try to calm yourself.B) Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your footprints back.23. A) You may find a way out without your knowing it.B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.D) You may end up entering a wonderland.24. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire.B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill.25. A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather.B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes )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 2with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage.Aging happens to all of us, and is generally thought of as a natural part of life. It would seem silly to call such a thing a “disease.”On the other hand, scientists are increasingly learning that aging and biological age are two different things, and that the former is a key risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, cancer and many more. In that light, aging itself might be seen as something treatable, the way you would treat high blood pressure or a vitamin deficiency.Biophysicist Alex Zhavoronkov believes that aging should be considered a disease. He said that describing aging as a disease creates incentives to develop treatments.“It unties the hands of the pharmaceutical(制药的)industry so that they can begin treating the disease and not just the side effects,”he said.“Right now, people think of aging as natural and something you can’t control,”he said. “IN academic circles, people take aging research as just an interest area where they can try to develop interventions. The medical community also takes aging for granted, and can do nothing about it except keep people within a certain health range.”But if aging were recognized as a disease, he said,“It would attract funding and change the way we do health care. What matters is understand that aging is curable.”“It was always known that the body accumulates damage,”he added. “The only way to cure aging is to find ways to repair that damage. I think of it as preventive medicine for age-related conditions.”Leonard Hayflick, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, said the idea that aging can be cured implies the human lifespancan be increased, which some researchers suggest is possible. Hayflick is not among them.“There’re many people who recover from cancer, stroke, or heart disease. But they continue to age, because aging is separate from their disease,”Hayflick said.“Even if those causes of death were eliminated, life expectancy would still not go much beyond 92 years.”46. Whatdo people generally believe about aging?A) It should cause not alarm whatsoever.B) They just cannot do anything about it.C) It should be regardedas a kind of disease.D) They can delay it with advances in science.do many scientists view aging now?A) It might be prevented and treated. C) It results from a vitamin deficiency.B) It can be as risky as heart disease. D) It is an irreversible biological process.48. What does Alex Zhavoronkov think of “describing aging as a disease”?A) It will prompt people to take aging more seriously.B) It will greatly help reduce the side effects of aging.C) It will free pharmacists from the conventional beliefs about aging.D) It will motivate doctors and pharmacists to find ways to treat aging.49. What do we learn about the medical community?A) They now have a strong interest in research on aging.B) They differ from the academic circles in their view on aging.C) They can contribute to people’s health only to a limited extent.D) They have ways to intervene in people’s aging process.50. What does Professor Leonard Hayflick believe?A) The human lifespan cannot be prolonged.B) Aging is hardly separable from disease.C) Few people can live up to the age of 92.D) Heart disease is the major cause of aging.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Female applicants to postdoctoral positions in geosciences were nearly half as likely to receive excellent letters of recommendation, compared with their male counterparts. Christopher Intagliata reports.As in many other fields, gender bias is widespread in the sciences. Men score higher starting salaries, have more mentoring(指导), and have better odds of being hired. Studies show they’re also perceived as more competent than women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. And new research reveals that men are more likely to receive excellent letters of recommendation, too.“Say, you know, this is the best student I’ve ever had,” says Kuheli Dutt, a social scientist and diversity officer at Columbia University’s Lamont campus. “Compare those excellent letters with a merely good letter: ‘The candidate was productive, or inte lligent, or a solid scientist or something that’s clearly solid praise,’ but nothing that single s out the candidate as exceptional or one of a kind.”Dutt and her colleagues studied more than 1,200 letters of recommendation for postdoctoral positions in geoscience. They were all edited for gender and other identifying information, so Dutt and her team could assign them a score without knowing the gender of the student. They found that female applicants were only half as likely to get outstanding letters, compared withtheir male counterparts. That includes letters of recommendation from all over the world, and written by, yes, men and women. The findings are in the journal Nature Geoscience.Dutt says they were not able to evaluate the actual scientific qualifications of the applicants using the data in the files. But she says the results still suggest women in geoscience are at a potential disadvantage from the very beginning of their careers starting with those less than out-standing letters of recommendation.“We're not trying to assign blame or criticize anyone or call anyone consciously sexist. Rather, the point is to use the results of this study toopen upmeaningful dialogues on implicit gender bias, be it at a departmental level or an institutional level or even a discipline level.”Which may lead to some recommendations for the letter writers themselves.51. What do we learn about applicants to postdoctoral positions in geosciences?A)There are many more men applying than women.B)Chances for women to get the positions are scarce.C)More males than females are likely to get outstanding letters of recommendation.D)Male applicants have more interest in these positions than their female counterparts.52. What do studies about men and women in scientific research show?A) Women engaged in postdoctoralwork are quickly catching up.B) Fewer women are applying for postdoctoralpositions due to gender bias.C) Men are believed to be better able to excel in STEM disciplines.D) Women who are keenly interested in STEM fields are often exceptional.53. What do the studies find about the recommendation letters for women applicants?A) They are hardly ever supported by concrete examples.B) They contain nothing that distinguishes the applicants.C) They provide objective information without exaggeration.D) They are often filled with praise for exceptional applicants.54. What did Dutt and her colleagues do with the more than 1,200 letters of recommendation?A) They asked unbiased scholars to evaluate them.B) They invited women professionals to edit them.C) They assigned them randomly to reviewers.D) They deleted all information about gender.55. What does Dutt aim to do with her study?A) Raise recommendation writers’awareness of gender bias in their letters.B) Open up fresh avenues for women post-doctors to join in reaserach work.C) Alert women researchers to all types of gender bias in the STEM disciplines.D) Start a public discussion on how to raise women’s status in academic circles.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.黄山位于安徽省南部。

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