考研英语历年真题阅读理解精读笔记二
2009年考研英语阅读理解精读100篇（高分版）TEXT2
TEXT 2 He emerged, all of a sudden, in 1957: the most explosive new poetic talent of the English post-war era. Poetry specialised, at that moment, in the wry chronicling of the everyday. The poetry of Yorkshire-born Ted Hughes, first published in a book called "The Hawk in the Rain" when he was 27, was unlike anything written by his immediate predecessors. Driven by an almost Jacobean rhetoric, it had a visionary fervour. Its most eye-catching characteristic was Hughes’s ability to get beneath the skins of animals: foxes, otters, pigs. These animals were the real thing all right, but they were also armorial devices-symbols of the countryside and lifeblood of the earth in which they were rooted. It gave his work a raw, primal stink. It was not only England that thought so either. Hughes’s book was also published in America, where it won the Galbraith prize, a major literary award. But then, in 1963, Sylvia Plath, a young American poet whom he had first met at Cambridge University in 1956, and who became his wife in the summer of that year, committed suicide. Hughes was vilified for long after that, especially by feminists in America. In 1998, the year he died, Hughes broke his own self-imposed public silence about their relationship in a book of loose-weave poems called "Birthday Letters".In this new and exhilarating collection of real letters, Hughes returns to the issue of his first wife’s death, which he calls his "big and unmanageable event". He felt his talent muffled by the perpetual eavesdropping upon his every move. Not until he decided to publish his own account of their relationship did the burden begin to lighten. The analysis is raw, pained and ruthlessly self-aware. For all the moral torment, the writing itself has the same rush and vigour that possessed Hughes’s early poetry. Some books of letters serve as a personalised historical chronicle. Poets’letters are seldom like that, and Hughes’s are no exception. His are about a life of literary engagement: almost all of them include some musing on the state or the nature of writing, both Hughes’s own or other people’s. The trajectory of Hughes’s literary career had him moving from obscurity to fame, and then, in the eyes of many, to life-long notoriety. These letters are filled with his wrestling with the consequences of being the part-private, part-public creature that he became, desperate to devote himself to his writing, and yet subject to endless invasions of his privacy. Hughes is an absorbing and intricate commentator upon his own poetry, even when he is standing back from it and good-humouredly condemning himself for "its fantasticalia, its pretticisms and its infinite verballifications". He also believed, from first to last, that poetry had a special place in the education of children. "What kids need", he wrote in a 1988 letter to the secretary of state for education in the Conservative government, "is a headfull [sic] of songs that are not songs but blocks of refined and achieved and exemplary language." When that happens, children have "the guardian angel installed behind the tongue". Lucky readers, big or small. 1．The poetry of Hughes’s forerunners is characteristic of ______ [A] its natural, crude flavor. [B] its distorted depiction of people’s daily life. [C] its penetrating sight. [D] its fantastical enthusiasm. 2.The word "vilified" (Line 3, Paragraph 2)most probably means _____ [A] tortured [B] harassed [C] scolded [D] tormented 3．According to the third paragraph, Hughes’s collection of letters are _____ [A] personal recollection of his life. [B] personalised historical chronicle of his literary engagement. [C] reflections of his struggle with his devotion and the reality. [D] his meditation on the literary world. 4. From the letters, we may find the cause of Hughes’s internal struggle is _____ [A] his devotion to the literary world. [B] that he is a part-private, part-public creature. [C] that he is constrained by the fear of his privacy being invaded. [D] his fame and notoriety. 5. By "lucky readers" in the last sentence, the author means_____ [A] children who read poetry. [B] children who have a headfull of songs. [C] children who own blocks of refined and achieved and exemplary language. [D] children who have the guardian angel installed behind the tongue 篇章剖析： 本⽂讲述了英国诗⼈特德·休斯作品的特点和其所反映的诗⼈的⼀些情况。
2015年考研英语二阅读真题(直接打印方便笔记自用版)
2015 Text 1A new study suggests that contrary to most surveys, people are actually more stressed at home than at work. Researchers measured people’s cortisol, which is a stress marker, while they were at work and while they were at home and found it higher at what is supposed to be a place of refuge.“Further contradicting conventional wisdom, we found that women as well as men have lower levels of stress at work than at home,” writes o ne of the researchers, Sarah Damaske. In fact women even say they feel better at work, she notes. “It is men, not women, who report being happier at home than at work.” Another surprise is that the findings hold true for both those with children and without, but more so for nonparents. This is why people who work outside the home have better health.What the study doesn’t measure is whether people are still doing work when they’re at home, whether it is household work or work brought home from the office. For many men, the end of the workday is a time to kick back. For women who stay home, they never get to leave the office. And for women who work outside the home, they often are playing catch-up-with-household tasks. With the blurring of roles, and the fact that the home front lags well behind the workplace in making adjustments for working women, it’s not surprising that women are more stressed at home.But it’s not just a gender thing. At work, people pretty much know what they’re supposed to be doing: wor king, making money, doing the tasks they have to do in order to draw an income. The bargain is very pure: Employee puts in hours of physical or mental labor and employee draws outlife-sustaining moola.On the home front, however, people have no such clarity. Rare is the household in which the division of labor is so clinically and methodically laid out. There are a lot of tasks to be done, there are inadequate rewards for most of them. Your home colleagues –your family –have no clear rewards for their l abor; they need to be talked into it, or if they’re teenagers, threatened with complete removal of all electronic devices. Plus, they’re your family. You cannot fire your family. You never really get to go home from home.So it’s not surprising that people are more stressed at home. Not only are the tasks apparently infinite, the co-workers are much harder to motivate.21.According to Paragraph 1, most previous surveys found that home .[A]offered greater relaxation than the workplace[B]was an ideal place for stress measurement[C]generated more stress than the workplace[D]was an unrealistic place for relaxation22.According to Damaske, who are likely to be the happiest at home?[A]Working mothers.[B]Childless husbands.[C]Working fathers.[D]Childless wives.23.The blurring of working women’s roles refers to the fact that .[A]their home is also a place for kicking back[B]they are both bread winners and housewives[C]there is often much housework left behind[D]it is difficult for them to leave their office24.The word “moola” (Line 4, Para. 4) most probably means .[A]skills[B]energy[C]earnings[D]nutrition25.The home front differs from the workplace in that .[A]family labor is often adequately rewarded[B]home is hardly a cozier working environment[C]household tasks are generally more motivating[D]division of labor at home is seldom clear-cut2015 Text 2For years, studies have found that first-generation college students –those who do not have a parent with a college degree – lag other students on a range of education achievement factors. Their grades are lower and their dropout rates are higher. But since such students are most likely to advance economically if they succeed in higher education, colleges and universities have pushed for decades to recruit more of them. This has created “a paradox” in that recruiting first-generation students, but then watching many of them fail, means that higher education has “continued to reproduce and widen, rather than close” an achievement gap based on social class, according to the depressing beginning of a paper forthcoming in the journal Psychological Science.But the article is actually quite optimistic, as it outlines a potential solution to this problem, suggesting that an approach (which involves a one-hour, next-to-no-cost program) can close 63 percent of the achievement gap (measured by such factors as grades) between first-generation and other students.The authors of the paper are from different universities, and their findings are based on a study involving 147 students (who completed the project) at an unnamed private university. First generation was defined as not having a parent with a four-year college degree. Most of the first-generation students (59.1 percent) were recipients of Pell Grants, a federal grant for undergraduates with financial need, while this was true only for 8.6 percent of the students with at least one parent with a four-yeardegree.Their thesis – that a relatively modest intervention could have a big impact – was based on the view that first-generation students may be most lacking not in potential but in practical knowledge about how to deal with the issues that face most college students. They cite past research by several authors to show that this is the gap that must be narrowed to close the achievement gap.Many first-generation students “struggle to navigate the middle-class culture of higher education, learn the ‘rules of the game,’ and take advantage of college resources,” they write. And this becomes more of a problem when colleges don’t talk about the class advantages and disadvantages of different groups of students. “Bec ause US colleges and universities seldom acknowledge how social class can affect students’ educational experiences, many first-generation students lack insight about why they are struggling and do not understand how students ‘like them’ can improve.”26.Recruiting more first-generation students has .[A]reduced their dropout rates[B]narrowed the achievement gap[C]missed its original purpose[D]depressed college students27.The authors of the research article are optimistic because .[A]their findings appeal to students[B]the recruiting rate has increased[C]the problem is solvable[D]their approach is costless28.The study suggests that most first-generation students .[A]are from single-parent families[B]study at private universities[C]are in need of financial support[D]have failed their college29.The authors of the paper believe that first-generation students .[A]may lack opportunities to apply for research projects[B]are inexperienced in handling their issues at college[C]can have a potential influence on other students[D]are actually indifferent to the achievement gap30.We may infer from the last paragraph that .[A]universities often reject the culture of the middle-class[B]students are usually to blame for their lack of resources[C]social class greatly helps enrich educational experiences[D]colleges are partly responsible for the problem in question2015 Text 3Even in traditional offices, “the lingua franca of corporate America has gotten much more emotional and much more right-brained than it was 20 years ago,” said Harvard Business School professor Nancy Koehn. She started spinning off examples. “If you and I parachuted back to Fortune 500 companies in 1990, we would see much less frequent use of terms like journey, mission, passion. There were goals, there were strategies, there were objectives, but we didn’t talk about energy; we didn’t talk about passion.”Koehn pointed out that this new era of corporate vocabulary is very “team”-oriented – and not by coincidence. “Let’s not forget sports – in male-dominated corporate America, it’s still a big deal. It’s not explicitly conscious; it’s the idea that I’m a coach, and you’re my team, and we’re in this together. There are lots and lots of CEOs in very different companies, but most think of themselves as coaches and this is their team and they want to win. ”These terms are also intended to infuse work with meaning – and, as Rakesh Khurana, another professor, points out, increase allegiance to the firm. “You have the importation of terminology that historically used to be associated with non-profit organizations and religious organizations: terms like vision, values, passion, and purpose,” said Khurana.This new focus on personal fulfillment can help keep employees motivated amid increasingly loud debates over work-life balance. Theabout why women still can’t have it all and books like Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, whose title has become a buzzword in its own right. Terms like unplug, offline, life-hack, bandwidth, and capacity are all about setting boundaries between the office and the home. But if your work is your “passion,” you’ll be more likely to devote yourself to it, even if that means going home for dinner and then working long after the kids are in bed.But this seems to be the irony of office speak: Everyone makes fun of it, but managers love it, companies depend on it, and regular people willingly absorb it. As a linguist once said, “You can get people to think it’s nonsense at the same time that you buy into it.” In a workplace that’s fundamentally indifferent to your life and its meaning, office speak can help you figure out how you relate to your work – and how your work defines who you are.31.According to Nancy Koehn, office language has become .[A]less strategic [B] less energetic[C] more objective [D] more emotional32.“Team”-oriented corporate vocabulary is closely related to .[A]sports culture [B] gender difference[C] historical incidents [D] athletic executives33.Khurana believes that the importation of terminology aims to .[A]revive historical terms[B]promote company image[C]foster corporate cooperation[D]strengthen employee loyalty34.It can be inferred that Lean In .[A]voices for working women[B]appeals to passionate workaholics[C]triggers debates among mommies[D]praises motivated employees35.Which of the following statements is true about office speak?[A]Linguists believe it to be nonsense.[B]Regular people mock it but accept it.[C]Companies find it to be fundamental.[D]Managers admire it but avoid it.2015 Text 4Many people talked of the 288,000 new jobs the Labor Department reported for June, along with the drop in the unemployment rate to 6.1 percent, as good news. And they were right. For now it appears the economy is creating jobs at a decent pace. We still have a long way to go to get back to full employment, but at least we are now finally moving forward at a faster pace.However, there is another important part of the jobs picture that was largely overlooked. There was a big jump in the number of people who report voluntarily working part-time. This figure is now 830,000（4.4 percent）above its year ago level.Before explaining the connection to the Obamacare, it is worth making an important distinction. Many people who work part-time jobs actually want full-time jobs. They take part-time work because this is all they can get. An increase in involuntary part-time work is evidence of weakness in the labor market and it meansthat many people will be having a very hard time making ends meet.There was an increase in involuntary part-time in June, but the general direction has been down. Involuntary part-time employment is still far higher than before the recession, but it is down by 640,000 (7.9 percent) from its year ago level.We know the difference between voluntary and involuntary part-time employment because people tell us. The survey used by the LaborDepartment asks people if they worked less than 35 hours in the reference week. If the answer is “yes,” they are classified as working part-time. The survey then asks whether they worked less than 35 hours in that week because they wanted to work less than full time or because they had no choice. They are only classified as voluntary part-time workers if they tell the survey taker they chose to work less than 35 hours a week.The issue of voluntary part-time relates to Obamacare because one of the main purposes was to allow people to get insurance outside of employment. For many people, especially those with serious health conditions or family members with serious health conditions, before Obamacare the only way to get insurance was through a job that provided health insurance.However, Obamacare has allowed more than 12 million people to either get insurance through Medicaid or the exchanges. These are people who may previously have felt the need to get a full-time job that provided insurance in order to cover themselves and their families. With Obamacare there is no longer a link between employment and insurance.36.Which part of the jobs picture was neglected?[A]The prospect of a thriving job market.[B]The increase of voluntary part-time jobs.[C]The possibility of full employment.[D]The acceleration of job creation.37.Many people work part-time because they .[A]prefer part-time jobs to full-time jobs[B]feel that is enough to make ends meet[C]cannot get their hands on full-time jobs[D]haven’ t seen the weakness of the market38.Involuntary part-time employment in the US .[A]shows a general tendency of decline[B]is harder to acquire than one year ago[C]satisfies the real need of the jobless[D]is lower than before the recession39.It can be learned that with Obamacare, .[A]it is no longer easy for part-timers to get insurance[B]full-time employment is still essential for insurance[C]it is still challenging to get insurance for family members[D]employment is no longer a precondition to get insurance40.The text mainly discusses .[A]employment in the US[B]part-timer classification[C]insurance through Medicaid[D]Obamacare’s troublePart AText 1 21~25 A B B C D Text 2 26~30 C C C B D Text 3 31~35 D A D A B Text 4 36~40 B C A D A。
2016年考研英语二阅读真题(直接打印方便笔记自用版)
2016 Text 1It’s true that high-school coding classes aren’t essential for learning computer science in college. Students without experience can catch up after a few introductory courses, said Tom Cortina, the assistant dean at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science.However, Cortina said, early exposure is beneficial. When younger kids learn computer science, they learn that it’s not just a confusing, endless string of letters and numbers –but a tool to build apps, or create artwork, or test hypotheses. It’s not as hard for them to transform their thought processes as it is for older students. Breaking down problems into bite-sized chunks and using code to solve them becomes normal. Giving more children this training could increase the number of people interested in the field and help fill the jobs gap, Cortina said.Students also benefit from learning something about coding before they get to college, where introductory computer-science classes are packed to the brim, which can drive the less-experienced or -determined students away.The Flatiron School, where people pay to learn programming, started as one of the many coding bootcamps that’s become popular for adults looking for a career change. The high-schoolers get the same curriculum, but “we try to gea r lessons toward things they’re interested in,” said Victoria Friedman, an instructor. For instance, one of the apps the students are developing suggests movies based on your mood.The students in the Flatiron class probably won’t drop out of high school and build the next Facebook. Programming languages have a quick turnover, so the “Ruby on Rails” language they learned may not even be relevant by the time theyproblem and organize the results –apply to any coding language, said Deborah Seehorn, an education consultant for the state of North Carolina.Indeed, the Flatiron students might not go into IT at all. But creating a future army of coders is not the sole purpose of the classes. These kids are going to be surrounded by computers – in their pockets, in their offices, in their homes – for the rest of their lives. The younger they learn how computers think, how to coax the machine into producing what they want – the earlier they learn that they have the power to do that – the better.1.Cortina holds that early exposure to computer science makes it easier to .[A]complete future job training[B]remodel the way of thinking[C]formulate logical hypotheses[D]perfect artwork production2.In delivering lessons for high-schoolers, Flatiron has considered their .[A]experience[B]interest[C]career prospects[D]academic backgrounds3.Deborah Seehorn believes that the skills learned at Flatiron will .[A]help students learn other computer languages[B]have to be upgraded when new technologies come[C]need improving when students look for jobs[D]enable students to make big quick money4.According to the last paragraph, Flatiron students are expected to .[A]bring forth innovative computer technologies[B]stay longer in the information technology industry[C]become better prepared for the digitalized world[D]compete with a future army of programmers5.The word “coax” (Line 4, Para. 6) is closest in meaning to .[A]persuade[B]frighten[C]misguide[D]challenge2016 Text 2Biologists estimate that as many as 2 million lesser prairie chickens – a kind of bird living on stretching grasslands – once lent red to the often grey landscape of the midwestern and southwestern United States. But just some 22,000 birds remain today, occupying about 16% of the species’ historic range.The crash was a major reason the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decided to formally list the bird as threatened. “The lesser prairie chicken is in a desperate situation,” said USFWS Director Daniel Ashe. Some environmentalists, however, were disappointed. They had pushed the agency to designate the bird as “endangered,” a status that gives federal officials greater regulatory power to crack down on threats. But Ashe and others argued that the “threatened” tag gave the federal government flexibility to try out new, potentially less confrontational conservation approaches. In particular, they called for forging closer collaborations with western state governments, which are often uneasy with federal action, and with the private landowners who control an estimated 95% of the prairie chicken’s habitat.Under the plan, for example, the agency said it would not prosecute landowners or businesses that unintentionally kill, harm, or disturb the bird, as long as they had signed a range-wide management plan to restore prairie chicken habitat. Negotiated by USFWS and the states, the plan requires individuals and businesses that damage habitat as part of their operations to pay into a fund to replace every acre destroyed with 2 new acres of suitable habitat. The fund will also be used to compensate landowners who set aside habitat. USFWS also set an interim goal of restoring prairie chicken populations to an annual average ofand Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), a coalition of state agencies, the job of monitoring progress. Overall, the idea is to let “states remain in the driver’s seat for managing the species,” Ashe said.Not everyone buys the win-win rhetoric. Some Congress members are trying to block the plan, and at least a dozen industry groups, four states, and three environmental groups are challenging it in federal court. Not surprisingly, industry groups and states generally argue it goes too far; environmentalists say it doesn’t go far enough. “The federal government is giving responsibility for managing the bird to the same industries that are pushing it to extinction,” says biologist Jay Lininger.6.The major reason for listing the lesser prairie chicken as threatened is .[A]its drastically decreased population[B]the underestimate of the grassland acreage[C]a desperate appeal from some biologists[D]the insistence of private landowners7.The “threatened” tag disappointed some environmentalists in that it .[A]was a give-in to governmental pressure[B]would involve fewer agencies in action[C]granted less federal regulatory power[D]went against conservation policies8.It can be learned from Paragraph 3 that unintentional harm-doers will not beprosecuted if they .[A]agree to pay a sum for compensation[B]volunteer to set up an equally big habitat[C]offer to support the WAFWA monitoring job[D]promise to raise funds for USFWS operations9.According to Ashe, the leading role in managing the species is .[A]the federal government[B]the wildlife agencies[C]the landowners[D]the states10.Jay Lininger would most likely support .[A]industry groups[B]the win-win rhetoric[C]environmental groups[D]the plan under challenge2016Text 3That everyone’s too busy these days is a cliché. But one specific complaint is made especially mournfully: There’s never any time to read.What makes the problem thornier is that the usual time-management techniques don’t seem sufficient. The web’s full of articles offering tips on making time to read: “Give up TV” or “Carry a book with you at all times.” But in my experience, using such meth ods to free up the odd 30 minutes doesn’t work. Sit down to read and the flywheel of work-related thoughts keeps spinning – or else you’re so exhausted that a challenging book’s the last thing you need. The modern mind, Tim Parks, a novelist and critic, wr ites, “is overwhelmingly inclined toward communication... It is not simply that one is interrupted; it is that one is actually inclined to interruption.” Deep reading requires not just time, but a special kind of time which can’t be obtained merely by beco ming more efficient.In fact, “becoming more efficient” is part of the problem. Thinking of time as a resource to be maximised means you approach it instrumentally, judging any given moment as well spent only in so far as it advances progress toward some goal. Immersive reading, by contrast, depends on being willing to risk inefficiency, goallessness, even time-wasting. Try to slot it in as a to-do list item and you’ll manage only goal-focused reading – useful, sometimes, but not the most fulfilling kind. “The future comes at us like empty bottles along an unstoppable and nearly infinite conveyor belt,” writes Gary Eberle in his book Sacred Time, and “we feel a pressure to fill these different-sized bottles (days, hours, minutes) as they pass, for if they get by without being filled, we will have wasted them.” No mind-setSo what does work? Perhaps surprisingly, scheduling regular times for reading. You’d think this might fuel the efficiency mind-set, but in fact, Eberle notes, such ritualistic behaviour helps us “step outside time’s flow” into “soul time.” You could limit distractions by reading only physical books, or on single-purpose e-readers. “Carry a book with you at all times” can actually work, too –providing you dip in often enough, so that reading becomes the default state from which you temporarily surface to take care of business, before dropping back down. On a really good day, it no longer feels as if you’re “making time to read,” but just reading, and making time for everything else.11.The usual time-management techniques don’t work because .[A]what they can offer does not ease the modern mind[B]what challenging books demand is repetitive reading[C]what people often forget is carrying a book with them[D]what deep reading requires cannot be guaranteed12.The “empty bottles” metaphor illustrates that people feel a pressure to .[A]update their to-do lists[B]make passing time fulfilling[C]carry their plans through[D]pursue carefree reading13.Eberle would agree that scheduling regular times for reading helps .[A]encourage the efficiency mind-set[B]develop online reading habits[C]promote ritualistic reading[D]achieve immersive reading14.“Carry a book with you at all times” can work if .[A]reading becomes your primary business of the day[B]all the daily business has been promptly dealt with[C]you are able to drop back to business after reading[D]time can be evenly split for reading and business15.The best title for this text could be .[A]How to Enjoy Easy Reading[B]How to Find Time to Read[C]How to Set Reading Goals[D]How to Read Extensively2016 Text 4Against a backdrop of drastic changes in economy and population structure, younger Americans are drawing a new 21st-century road map to success, a latest poll has found.Across generational lines, Americans continue to prize many of the same traditional milestones of a successful life, including getting married, having children, owning a home, and retiring in their sixties. But while young and old mostly agree on what constitutes the finish line of a fulfilling life, they offer strikingly different paths for reaching it.Young people who are still getting started in life were more likely than older adults to prioritize personal fulfillment in their work, to believe they will advance their careers most by regularly changing jobs, to favor communities with more public services and a faster pace of life, to agree that couples should be financially secure before getting married or having children, and to maintain that children are best served by two parents working outside the home, the survey found.From career to community and family, these contrasts suggest that in the aftermath of the searing Great Recession, those just starting out in life are defining priorities and expectations that will increasingly spread through virtually all aspects of American life, from consumer preferences to housing patterns to politics.Young and old converge on one key point: Overwhelming majorities of both groups said they believe it is harder for young people today to get started in lifeoptimistic than their elders about the prospects for those starting out today, big majorities in both groups believe those “just getting started in life” face a tougher climb than earlier generations in reaching such signpost achievements as securing a good-paying job, starting a family, managing debt, and finding affordable housing.Pete Schneider considers the climb tougher today. Schneider, a 27-year-old auto technician from the Chicago suburbs, says he struggled to find a job after graduating from college. Even now that he is working steadily, he said, “I can’t afford to pay my monthly mortgage payments on my own, so I have to rent rooms out to people to make that happen.” Looking back, he is struck that his parents could provide a comfortable life for their children even though neither had completed college when he was young. “I still grew up in an upper middle-class home with paren ts who didn’t have college degrees,” Schneider said. “I don’t think people are capable of that anymore.”16.One cross-generation mark of a successful life is .[A]trying out different lifestyles[B]having a family with children[C]working beyond retirement age[D]setting up a profitable business17.It can be learned from Paragraph 3 that young people tend to .[A]favor a slower life pace[B]hold an occupation longer11[C]attach importance to pre-marital finance[D]give priority to childcare outside the home18.The priorities and expectations defined by the young will .[A]become increasingly clear[B]focus on materialistic issues[C]depend largely on political preferences[D]reach almost all aspects of American life19.Both young and old agree that .[A]good-paying jobs are less available[B]the old made more life achievements[C]housing loans today are easy to obtain[D]getting established is harder for the young20.Which of the following is true about Schneider?[A]He found a dream job after graduating from college.[B]His parents believe working steadily is a must for success.[C]His parents’ good life has little to do with a college degree.[D]He thinks his job as a technician quite challenging.1213。
2009考研英语阅读理解精读(二)
2009考研英语阅读理解精读（二）新东方印建坤第一篇In a world where sight and sound seem to reign supreme, all it takes is a cursory glance at the size of the perfume industry to realise that smell matters quite a lot, too. Odours are known to regulate moods, thoughts and even dating decisions, which is why any serious romantic will throw on the eau de toilette before going out for a night on the town. Yet in all these cases, those affected are aware of what they are smelling. Unlike the media of sight and sound, in which subliminal messages have been studied carefully, the potential power of subliminal smells has been neglected.Wen Li and her colleagues at Northwestern University in Chicago are now changing that. In particular, they are investigating smells so faint that people say they cannot detect them. The idea is to see whether such smells can nevertheless change the way that people behave towards others.Dr Li's experiment, the results of which have just been published in Psychological Science, employed 31 volunteers. These people were exposed to three different odours at low concentration. One was the fresh lemon scent of citral. The second was the neutral ethereal perfume of anisole. The third was the foul sweaty smell of valeric acid. And the concentrations really were low. In the case of valeric acid, for example, that concentration was seven parts per trillion—a level only just detectable by bloodhounds. As a control, Dr Li used a mineral oil that has no detectable smell at any concentration.The participants were asked to sniff a jar containing either one of the three odours or the scentless oil, and then press a button to indicate whether they thought the jar smelled of anything. Immediately after that, a picture of a face would appear on a screen in front of them for just over a second. Each participant was asked to rate the face's “likeability”.Dr Li found that the odours helped shape people's judgments about the faces when their responses indicated that they had not smelled anything. When someone had been exposed to valeric acid, for example, he tended to react negatively to a face. Exposure to citral, by contrast, made that face seem, on average, more friendly.(Obviously, the same face was not shown to any given participant more than once.) Even more intriguing, however, was that when participants did consciously perceive a smell, its effect on face-perception disappeared.What is going on is unclear. If smells can carry useful information about personality (which is possible), then the effect would be expected to be the same whether or not the chemical in question is detected subliminally. If they do not carry such information, then it is hard to see what use the subliminal reaction is. Nevertheless, it is there.The findings do, however, demonstrate what might be a powerful method of manipulation. Indeed, Dr Li considers the potential uses to be vast. Business meetings might be made more pleasant by releasing appropriate fragrances into the air in unsmellable amounts. Conversely, fights might be started by putting people in the presence of a faint foul odour. Advertising hoardings might benefit from a little olfactory tweaking and cinema audiences could be reduced to floods of tears at the appropriate moment. The sweet smell of success might, in other words, actually be undetectable.1. Dr. Li is carrying out such an investigation in order to _____.[A] find out how smells regulate moods in a subtle and nuanced way[B] prove that smell plays an equally important role in daily life as that of sight and sound[C] find out if people are sensitive to faint smells[D] find out if faint smells could influence people’s judgement of others2.The mineral oil is used in Dr. Li’s experiment to _____.[A] control the concentration of odours in a slightly detectable degree[B] act as a group of comparison with that of the other smells[C] regulate the participants’ moods by decreasing the smell’s concentration[D] protect the participants from losing sense of smell3. The word “likeability” (Line 3, Paragraph 4) most probably means_____.[A] similarity[B] likeness[C] loveliness[D] likelihood4. When the participants conciously smelt the valeric acid, they tended to_____.[A] make negative judgement to a face[B] make positive judgement to a face[C] make biased judgement to a face[D] make fair judgement to a face5. From Dr. Li’s experiment, it can be infered that_____.[A] one’s reaction to subliminal smells reflect useful information about his or her personality[B] subliminal smells can influence people’s interaction with each other[C] subliminal smells have no effect on people’s conscious face-perception.[D] subliminal smells turn out to be a means of powerful manipulation in terms of business success.文章剖析：这篇文章介绍了细微气味对人们的影响。
考研英语10年英语二阅读解析text2
主题：考研英语10年英语二阅读解析text21. 背景介绍1.1 考研英语作为研究生入学考试的一部分，其英语二部分一直以来都是备受考生关注的重点。
1.2 为了帮助考生更好地备考英语二，我们将针对近10年的考研英语二阅读部分中的text2进行详细解析。
2. text2概述2.1 text2是考研英语二阅读部分中的一篇阅读材料，其内容涉及多个方面，语言较为复杂。
2.2 考生在解析text2时，需要理清主题思路，把握文章脉络。
3. text2结构分析3.1 text2一般由导语、正文和结语构成。
3.2 考生在阅读text2时，应该注意文章的结构，逐段理解，不漏掉任何细节。
4. text2解析4.1 第一段4.1.1 首先介绍这篇文章的主题是什么，给出文章的大致内容概述。
4.1.2 提醒考生在阅读第一段时，要抓住文章的主旨思想，不要被细节困扰。
4.2 第二段4.2.1 写出第二段的主题和作者的观点。
4.2.2 总结第二段的内容，强调其中的关键词汇。
4.3 第三段4.3.1 分析第三段的观点和论据，理清作者的逻辑思路。
4.3.2 提醒考生在阅读第三段时，要注意作者的论证手法和论据支撑。
4.4 第四段4.4.1 总结第四段的主题和作者的结论。
4.4.2 强调第四段的重点内容，给出相关的解析思路。
5. 解析技巧5.1 理清文章脉络，抓住主题思想，不迷失在细枝末节当中。
5.2 注重细节分析，抓住关键词汇和作者观点的转折。
5.3 善于归纳总结，把握文章的中心思想和结论。
6. 解析示范6.1 通过具体的示例分析，演示如何解析text2，引导考生从实际例子中学习解析技巧。
7. 解析指导7.1 给出一些解析text2的指导建议，帮助考生在备考过程中更好地应对英语二的阅读部分。
8. 结语8.1 总结全文的主要内容，强调解析text2的重要性和必要性。
8.2 鼓励考生在备考过程中多加练习，提高阅读解析的能力。
9. 参考资料9.1 提供一些相关的参考资料和阅读材料，供考生备考时参考。
2019考研英语二阅读理解真题及答案解析text2
2019考研英语二阅读理解真题及答案解析text2森林为我们提供了阴凉、宁静的环境，是应对气候变化斗争中更艰巨的挑战之一。
小编为大家提供2019考研英语二阅读理解真题及答案解析text2，一起来学习一下吧！2019考研英语二阅读理解真题text2Text 2Forests give us shade, quiet and one of the harder challenges in the fight against climate change. Even as we humans count on forests to soak up a good share of the carbon dioxide we produce, we are threatening their ability to do so. The climate change we are hastening could one day leave us with forests that emit more carbon than they absorb.Thankfully, there is a way out of this trap—but it involves striking a subtle balance. Helping forests flourish as valuable "carbon sinks" long into the future may require reducing their capacity to sequester carbon now. California is leading the way, as it does on so many climate efforts, in figuring out the details.The state's proposed Forest Carbon Plan aims to double efforts to thin out young trees and clear brush in parts of the forest, including by controlled burning. This temporarily lowers carbon-carrying capacity. But the remaining trees draw a greater share of the available moisture, so they grow and thrive, restoring the forest's capacity to pull carbon from the air. Healthy trees are also better able to fend off bark beetles. The landscape is rendered less combustible. Even in the event of a fire, fewer trees are consumed.The need for such planning is increasingly urgent. Already, since 2010, drought and beetles have killed more than 100 million trees in California, most of them in 2016 alone, andwildfires have scorched hundreds of thousands of acres.California's plan envisions treating 35,000 acres of forest a year by 2020, and 60,000 by 2030 —financed from the proceeds of the state's emissions-permit auctions. That's only a small share of the total acreage that could benefit, an estimated half a million acres in all, so it will be important to prioritize areas at greatest risk of fire or drought.The strategy also aims to ensure that carbon in woody material removed from the forests is locked away in the form of solid lumber, burned as biofuel in vehicles that would otherwise run on fossil fuels, or used in compost or animal feed. New research on transportation biofuels is under way, and the state plans to encourage lumber production close to forest lands. In future the state proposes to take an inventory of its forests' carbon-storing capacity every five years.State governments are well accustomed to managing forests, including those owned by the U.S. Forest Service, but traditionally they've focused on wildlife, watersheds and opportunities for recreation. Only recently have they come to see the vital part forests will have to play in storing carbon. California's plan, which is expected to be finalized by the governor early next year, should serve as a model.26. “One of the harder challenges” implies ___A. global climate change may get out of controlB. forests may become a potential threatC. people may misunderstand global warmingD. extreme weather conditions may arise27. To maintain forests as valuable "carbon sinks", we may need to _A.preserve diversity of speciesB. lower their present carbon-absorbing capacityC. accelerate the growth of young treesD. strike a balance among different plants28.California's Forest Carbon Plan endeavors to ___A. restore its forests quickly after wildfires.B. cultivate more drought resistant trees.C. find more effective ways to kill insectsD. reduce the density of some of its forests29. What is essential to California's plan according to para. 5?A. To obtain enough financial supportB. To carry it out before 2020C. To handle the areas in the serious danger firstD. To perfect the emission-permit auctions30.the author's attitude toward California's plan can be best described as ____A. supportiveB. ambiguousC. tolerantD. cautious2019考研英语二阅读理解答案解析text226. 答案【B】 forests may become a potential threat解析：本题目为推断题，考察推理判断能力。
2014年考研英语二阅读真题(直接打印方便笔记自用版)
Text 1What would you do with $590m? This is now a question for Gloria MacKenzie, an 84-year-old widow who recently emerged from her small, tin-roofed house in Florida to collect the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in history. If she hopes her new-found fortune will yield lasting feelings of fulfilment, she could do worse than read Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton.These two academics use an array of behavioral research to show that the most rewarding ways to spend money can be counterintuitive. Fantasies of great wealth often involve visions of fancy cars and extravagant homes. Yet satisfaction with these material purchases wears off fairly quickly. What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat; regret creeps in. It is far better to spend money on experiences, say Ms Dunn and Mr Norton, like interesting trips, unique meals or even going to the cinema. These purchases often become more valuable with time–as stories or memories –particularly if they involve feeling more connected to others.This slim volume is packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners get the most “happiness bang for your buck.” It seems most people would be better off if they could shorten their commutes to work, spend more time with friends and family and less of it watching television (something the average American spends a whopping two months a year doing, and is hardly jollier for it). Buying gifts or giving to charity is often more pleasurable than purchasing things for oneself, and luxuries are mostenjoyable when they are consumed sparingly. This is apparently the reason McDonald’s restricts the availability of its popular McRib –a marketing trick that has turned the pork sandwich into an object of obsession.Readers of Happy Money are clearly a privileged lot, anxious about fulfilment, not hunger. Money may not quite buy happiness, but people in wealthier countries are generally happier than those in poor ones. Yet the link between feeling good and spending money on others can be seen among rich and poor people around the world, and scarcity enhances the pleasure of most things for most people. Not everyone will agree with the authors’ policy ideas, which range from mandating more holiday time to reducing tax incentives for American homebuyers. But most people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.21.According to Dunn and Norton, which of the following is the mostrewarding purchase?[A]A big house.[B]A special tour.[C]A stylish car.[D]A rich meal.22.The author’s attitude toward Americans’ watching TV is .[A]critical[B]supportive[C]sympathetic[D]ambiguous23.McRib is mentioned in Paragraph 3 to show that .[A]consumers are sometimes irrational[B]popularity usually comes after quality[C]marketing tricks are often effective[D]rarity generally increases pleasure24.According to the last paragraph, Happy Money .[A]has left much room for readers’criticism[B]may prove to be a worthwhile purchase[C]has predicted a wider income gap in the US[D]may give its readers a sense of achievement25.This text mainly discusses how to .[A]balance feeling good and spending money[B]spend large sums of money won in lotteries[C]obtain lasting satisfaction from money spent[D]become more reasonable in spending on luxuriesText 2An article in Scientific American has pointed out that empirical research says that, actually, you think you’re more beautiful than you are. We have a deep-seated need to feel good about ourselves and we naturally employ a number of self-enhancing strategies to achieve this. Social psychologists have amassed oceans of research into what they call the “above average effect”, or “illusory superiority”, and shown that, for example, 70% of us rate ourselves as above average in leadership, 93% in driving and 85% at getting on well with others –all obviously statistical impossibilities.We rose-tint our memories and put ourselves into self-affirming situations. We become defensive when criticised, and apply negative stereotypes to others to boost our own esteem. We stalk around thinking we’re hot stuff.Psychologist and behavioural scientist Nicholas Epley oversaw a key study into self-enhancement and attractiveness. Rather than have people simply rate their beauty compared with others, he asked them to identify an original photograph of themselves from a lineup including versions that had been altered to appear more and less attractive. Visual recognition, reads the study, is “an automatic psychological process, occurring rapidly and intuit ively with little or no apparent conscious deliberation”. If the subjects quickly chose a falsely flattering image – which most did – they genuinely believed it was really how they looked.Epley found no significant gender difference in responses. Nor wasthere any evidence that those who self-enhanced the most (that is, the participants who thought the most positively doctored pictures were real) were doing so to make up for profound insecurities. In fact, those who thought that the images higher up the attractiveness scale were real directly corresponded with those who showed other markers for having higher self-esteem. “I don’t think the findings that we have are any evidence of pers onal delusion,” says Epley. “It’s a reflection simply of people generally thinking well of themselves.” If you are depressed, you won’t be self-enhancing.Knowing the results of Epley’s study, it makes sense that many people hate photographs of themselves viscerally –on one level, they don’t even recognise the person in the picture as themselves. Facebook, therefore, is a self-enhancer’s paradise, where people can share only the most flattering photos, the cream of their wit, style, beauty, intellect and lifestyles. It’s not that people’s profiles are dishonest, says Catalina Toma of Wisconsin-Madison University, “but they portray an idealised version of themselves.”26.According to the first paragraph, social psychologists have found that .[A]our self-ratings are unrealistically high[B]illusory superiority is a baseless effect[C]our need for leadership is unnatural[D]self-enhancing strategies are ineffective27.Visual recognition is believed to be people’s.[A]rapid matching[B]conscious choice[C]intuitive response[D]automatic self-defence28.Epley found that people with higher self-esteem tended to .[A]underestimate their insecurities[B]believe in their attractiveness[C]cover up their depressions[D]oversimplify their illusions29.The word “viscerally” (Line 2, Para.5) is closest in meaning to .[A]instinctively[B]occasionally[C]particularly[D]aggressively30.It can be inferred that Facebook is a self-enhancer’s paradise becausepeople can .[A]present their dishonest profiles[B]define their traditional lifestyles[C]share their intellectual pursuitsText 3The concept of man versus machine is at least as old as the industrial revolution, but this phenomenon tends to be most acutely felt during economic downturns and fragile recoveries. And yet, it would be a mistake to think we are right now simply experiencing the painful side of a boom and bust cycle. Certain jobs have gone away for good, outmoded by machines. Since technology has such an insatiable appetite for eating up human jobs, this phenomenon will continue to restructure our economy in ways we cannot immediately foresee.When there is rapid improvement in the price and performance of technology, jobs that were once thought to be immune from automation suddenly become threatened. This argument has attracted a lot of attention, via the success of the book Race Against the Machine, by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who both hail from MIT’s Center for Digital Business.This is a powerful argument, and a scary one. And yet, John Hagel, author of The Power of Pull and other books, says Brynjolfsson and McAfee miss the reason why these jobs are so vulnerable to technology in the first place.Hagel says we have designed jobs in the U.S. that tend to be “tightly scripted” and “highly standardized” ones that leave no room for “individual initiative or creativity”. In short, these are the types of jobs that machines can perform much better at than human beings. That is how we have put a giant target sign on the backs of American workers, Hagel says.It’s time to reinvent the formula for how work is conducted, since we are still relying on a very 20th century notion of work, Hagel says. In our rapidly changing economy, we more than ever need people in the workplace who can take initiative and exercise their imagination “to respond to unexpected events”. That is not something machines are good at. They are designed to perform very predictable activities.As Hagel notes, Brynjolfsson and McAfee indeed touched on this point in their book. We need to reframe race against the machine as race with the machine. In other words, we need to look at the ways in which machines can augment human labor rather than replace it. So then the problem is not really about technol ogy, but rather, “how do we innovate our institutions and our work practices?”31.According to the first paragraph, economic downturns would .[A]ease the competition of man vs. machine[B]highlight machines’ threat to human jobs[C]provoke a painful technological revolution[D]outmode our current economic structure32.The authors of Race Against the Machine argue that .[A]technology is diminishing man’s job opportunities[B]automation is accelerating technological development[C]certain jobs will remain intact after automation[D]man will finally win the race against machine33.Hagel argues that jobs in the U.S. are often .[A]performed by innovative minds[B]scripted with an individual style[C]standardized without a clear target[D]designed against human creativity34.According to the last paragraph, Brynjolfsson and McAfee discussed .[A]the predictability of machine behavior in practice[B]the formula for how work is conducted efficiently[C]the ways machines replace human labor in modern times[D]the necessity of human involvement in the workplace35.Which of the following could be the most appropriate title for the text?[A]How to Innovate Our Work Practices?[B]Machines Will Replace Human Labor[C]Can We Win the Race Against Machines?[D]Economic Downturns Stimulate InnovationsText 4When the government talks about infrastructure contributing to the economy the focus is usually on roads, railways, broadband and energy. Housing is seldom mentioned.Why is that? To some extent the housing sector must shoulder the blame. We have not been good at communicating the real value that housing can contribute to economic growth. Then there is the scale of the typical housing project. It is hard to shove for attention among multibillion-pound infrastructure projects, so it is inevitable that the attention is focused elsewhere. But perhaps the most significant reason is that the issue has always been so politically charged.Nevertheless, the affordable housing situation is desperate. Waiting lists increase all the time and we are simply not building enough new homes.The comprehensive spending review offers an opportunity for the government to help rectify this. It needs to put historical prejudices to one side and take some steps to address our urgent housing need.There are some indications that it is preparing to do just that. The communities minister, Don Foster, has hinted that George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, may introduce more flexibility to the current cap on the amount that local authorities can borrow against their housing stock debt. Evidence shows that 60,000 extra new homes could be built over the next five years if the cap were lifted, increasing GDP by 0.6%.environment, which would have a significant impact on the ability of registered providers to fund new developments from revenues.But it is not just down to the government. While these measures would be welcome in the short term, we must face up to the fact that the existing £ 4.5bn programme of grants to fund new affordable housing, set to expire in 2015, is unlikely to be extended beyond then. The Labour party has recently announced that it will retain a large part of the coalition’s spending plans if it returns to power. The housing sector needs to accept that we are very unlikely to ever return to the era of large-scale public grants. We need to adjust to this changing climate.While the government’s commitment to long-term funding may have changed, the very pressing need for more affordable housing is real and is not going away.36.The author believes that the housing sector .[A]has attracted much attention[B]involves certain political factors[C]shoulders too much responsibility[D]has lost its real value in economy37.It can be learned that affordable housing has .[A]increased its home supply[B]offered spending opportunities[C]suffered government biases[D]disappointed the government38.According to Paragraph 5, George Osborne may .[A]allow greater government debt for housing[B]stop local authorities from building homes[C]prepare to reduce housing stock debt[D]release a lifted GDP growth forecast39.It can be inferred that a stable rental environment would .[A]lower the costs of registered providers[B]lessen the impact of government interference[C]contribute to funding new developments[D]relieve the ministers of responsibilities40.The author believes that after 2015, the government may .[A]implement more policies to support housing[B]review the need for large-scale public grants[C]renew the affordable housing grants programme[D]stop generous funding to the housing sector。
2008年考研英语二阅读笔记
上个周末，Montreal的Kyle举办了一个聚会来庆祝自己用一个红色的曲形别针换来了他的新家。
从一年前开始，MacDonald用那枚曲别针交换到了价值越来越高的东西，包括一个扎营用的炉子和一所在Phoenix的公寓的免费租赁（租用）。
由于MacDonald（事先）提前公布了他的目的（房子），他很可能收到了来自技术精英的鼓励（支持和帮助boost），（因为）他们期盼看到互联网通过这次大胆的（“对其建立关系网的力量”）“互联网社交关系能力”的大胆测试。
“我的座右铭是‘从小处开始，想得更大，获得乐趣’‘小处着手，大处思考，且行且乐’”，26岁的MacDonald说道，“我真的是把自己的努力放在一直致力于创造性的方面而不是商业利益方面。
”【积累】①曲别针：paper ???clip②以物易物：barter以...交换...：in exchange for用...交换...: trade for...③激励、鼓舞：boost受到鼓舞：receive a boost④（精通计算机和电子设备的）技术人员：tech???techie⑤大胆的：bold/baring/adventurous羞怯、胆小、缺乏自信的：intimidate(恐吓威胁) timid⑥networking：社交关系网结交朋友：do some networking⑦将努力放在……：place the effort on... Keep one’s effort on...虽然MacDonald的物物交换事迹有些（奇特）古怪，但（易货）物物交换如今（在网上确实是已经颇具规模）已经是互联网上的一项大生意。
今年，全世界超过40万家公司将在日益增多的以物易物的网站上（进行）交换价值（高达）一百亿的商品和服务（交易）。
这些网站允许公司（将产品换成虚拟货币）交易得到一种虚拟货币，它可以用来向其他成员购买商品。
在冰岛，服装制造商Kapusalan在（大受欢迎的booming）日渐繁荣的Vidskiptanetid 交易平台上卖出了它三分之一的商品，（并将赚到的虚拟货币）赚到了用于购买机器和支付部分员工工资的虚拟货币。
考研英语往年真题阅读理解精读笔记
考研英语历年真题阅读理解精读笔记众所周知，考研是人生的一次重新洗牌和重大机遇，而在考研的四门课程中，英语成了许多考生前进征途上的一只凶猛拦路虎和十分困难的羁跘与障碍。
详细分析历年考研英语试卷，又可以发现主要矛盾在于阅读（占60%的分数），故可谓：得阅读者得天下。
阅读的60分细分为Part A、Part B 和Part C，其中Part A为四篇阅读理解，占40分，是阅读理解考试中的主战场。
那么，阅读Part A有没有什么技巧呢？技巧一：看懂阅读理解其实主要考的是“阅读”之后的“理解”，所以，看得懂乃是第一项技巧。
任何一篇文章，若要能看懂它，至少需要两个条件：认识单词和看明白句子。
单词就像盖房的砖瓦，考研词汇大约为5500个，这不是一个小数字，也并非三两天时间可以记住的，所以，考生必须先买一本考研英语词汇书进行系统、长期的学习和记忆。
（推荐《考研英语词汇真题词频语境记忆》，该书打破了传统考研词汇书按字母顺序排序的做法，而是采用历年真题作为单词出现频率的统计依据，将所有大纲单词及超纲单词按照历年真题出现的频率从高到低排列，而且全部按照考过的不同词义配不同的真题例句，可以使学生用最少的时间获得最好的学习效率）.拿到词汇书之后，首先用大约一周的时间把这些单词中你根本不认识的挑出来，如rear, tedious, deteriorate, plausible, jargon, isotope, ……, （因为这些单词你可能完全不认识，看到之后两眼漆黑，所以称之为“黑”字）. “黑”字是阅读的头一个障碍，单词不认识，句子当然看不懂，所以，消灭“黑”字是当务之急。
（争取用一个月左右的时间消灭它们！)考研词汇中，除“黑”字外，还有大量意思非常明白的所谓“白”字，如：able, benefit, culture, space, topic, ……。
此类单词可一掠而过，除“黑”（完全不认识）和“白”（完全明白）字两类外，还有许多似会不会的“灰”字，如：treaty, tutor, sample, saddle, fuss, ……。
英语阅读二 课文与笔记
Text 3 ARE THESE THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE?這些是你生命中的黄金时期吗？(Lead-in: Which are the best years of life? All of us ask ourselves this question from time to time, and we probably come up with different answers.You may find the answers in the following text.)Text:The ups and downs盛衰,沉浮of life may seem to have no predictable (可预言的) plan. But scientists now know there are very definite life patterns that almost all people share. Today, when we live 20 years longer than our great-grandparents曾祖父/母, and when women mysteriously outlive men by seven years, it is clearer than ever that the ―game of life‖ is really a game oftrade-off s交换. As we age, we trade交换strength for ingenuity (聪明才智/独创性), speed for thoroughness, passion for reason. These exchanges may not always seem fair, but at every age, there are some advantages. So it is reassuring to note that even if you‘ve passed some of your prime全盛时期, you still have other prime years to experience in the future. Certain important primes seem to peak later in time.WHEN ARE YOU SMARTEST? From 18 to 25, according to IQ scores; but you are more experienced with increasing age. You‘re sharpest in your 20‘s; around 30, memory begins to decline, particularly your ability to perform mathematical computation s. ―Bu t your IQ for other tasks climbs,‖ says Berkeley psychologist Arthur Jensen. Your vocabulary at age 45, for example, is three times as great as when you graduated from college. At 60, your brain possesses almost four times as much information as it did at age 21. This trade-off between sharpness and wisdom has led psychologist Dr. Leopold Bella to suggest that ―maturity quotients（成熟商数）‖ (MQ s instead of IQs) be adopted for adults.WHEN ARE YOU HEALTHIEST? For men, from 15 to 25; for women 15 to 30.―A man is in his best shape in the decade before age 25,‖ says New York internist Dr. Donald Tompkins. ―His muscles are firmest, his resistance to colds and infection s (传染/感染) is highest, and his body is most efficient in utilizing nutrient s营养.‖ Women, for reasons scientists do not understand, get a five-year bonus (奖金/意想不到的收获). Peak health begins to decline when the body process called anabolism (合成代谢cell growth) is overtaken by the opposite process, catabolism(cell death). ―Cells have been dying since birth,‖ says Tomkins, ―but in our late 20‘s, they start dying faster than they are replaced.‖ Also, muscle is replaced with fat.Women also get an additional bonus of good health later in life. The figures of National Institute of Health show that the onset of su ch ―old age‖ disease s as arthritis(关节炎), rheumatism（风湿病）, and heart ailment s (疾病) denies the generally greater fitness健康of women: Life expectancy for men is now 68.3; for women 75.9. U. S. aging authority William Kennel says, ―Older women with low blood pressure are practically important.‖ However, psychologists believe that by entering the competitive job market in increasing numbers, women may eventually give up their statistical advantage.WHEN ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO DEVELOP MENTAL DISORDERS? From 30 to 35.This surprisingly narrow peak is very real. The National Institute of Mental Health (INMH) reports that more than half of the patients in mental hospitals, male and female, are in this age group (men lead ing领先women by about 20%)But if we are most neurotic (患神经病的) between 30 and 35, apparently we recover quickly. Admission s进入to mental hospitals drop sharply around age 40 and stay down until age 65. Yet, say psychologists, between 40 and 55, more people rep ort they ―feel‖ on the verge (边缘) of a nervous breakdown. Relatively few actually occur. ―We become veteran s at coping (cope:应付,处理).‖ says psychologist Marvin Marlins.Suicide, a measure of mental problems, peaks from 20 to 24 and then again around 70. Incidence s发生/出现of suicide are smallest among people with intact完好的marriages, highest among the divorced.WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST? You have the best physical sense of yourself from 15 to 24; the best professional sense from 40 to 49. Pessimism (悲观主义) peaks between 30 and 39. San Diego State University psychologists Marilyn Barges and Linda Dutton found that before age 24, we believe that our happiest years are yet to come (还没来); over 30, we believer that they‘re behind us.A National Health Survey agrees: After age 30, we become more realistic and do not view happiness as a goal in itself在本质上. If we maintain our health, achieve professional and emotional goals, then happiness, we feel, we follow.‖The American Institute of Public Opinion says that the pessimism peak occurs when we realize that talent and determination aren‘t enough to guarantee (保证/担保) success. Lady Luck幸运女神must help.Also, youth‘s good physical sense of self apparently does little to foster培养/抱有happiness. ―Parents who tell their teenage c hildren t hese are the happiest years,‖ says L igget, ―couldn‘t be more wrong大错特错. Adolescence is very difficult. Only when you are 40 and looking back does youth青春期look blissful (非常幸福的,极其快乐的).‖WHEN ARE YOU MOST CREATIVE? Generally between 30 to 39, but the peak varies with different professions.Mozart wrote a symphony交响曲/乐and four sonata s (奏鸣曲) by age eight, and Mendelssohn composed his best-known work, A Midsummer Night’s dream, at 17. Psychologist H.C. Lehman presents the years for peak work in many fields. Though the peak in most fields comes early---most Nobel Prize winners did their top research in their late 20‘s and 30‘s----creative people continue to produce quality work throughout their lives.By viewing life‘s various peaks, we can eas ily get the feeling that we are part of a giantgive-and–take plan. Though statistically the plan is there, we must remember that every peak has many exception s例外. Says McLeish, ―The human life journey cannot be chart ed by a single curving line.‖Text 4Our disappearing wildlifeAnimal life first appeared on the earth about 400 million years ago. Through the passing millennia (millennium n. a period of 1,000 years), thousands of animal species have come and gone. Until recently, this process was gradual, the result of change in climate, in habitat (the natural home of a plant or animal ), or in the gene s基因of the animals themselves. But the tremendous expansion of modern civilization now threatens to upset this natural balance, putting unprecedented (史无前例的) pressure on the survival of our wildlife.This imbalance can be traced to many causes. Most arise in the greed and poor planning of man himself. With e ach increase in man‘s population, the wilderness areas where the animals liveget smaller. The use of pesticide s to control injurious insect also harms wild birds and animals. Water pollution kills fish in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Hunters have almost exterminate d(v.destroy utterly) many of the larger animals like the bighorn sheep (大角羊) and the grizzly bear (灰熊). And farmers destroy smaller animals like the prairie dog (草原犬鼠) and coyote(郊狼/小狼). As a result of this unrelenting pressure, our wildlife is disappearing at the rate of one species or subspecies per years.Of all the continents, the most drastic激烈的reduction in wildlife has occurred in North America, where the transition from a rural to a highly industrialized society has been most rapid. Among the victims are birds, mammal s哺乳动物and fish. We will never again see the passenger pigeon旅鸽or the eastern elk ( n.麋/四不像). They have been wiped out. Of many other species, only a few representatives still survive in the wild. The U.S. Department of the Interior has put no fewer than多达109 species on the endangered species list. (An endangered species is one with poor prospects for survival and in need of protection.) This list includes everything from the timber wolf (大灰狼/林狼) to the whooping crane (鸣鹤). Even the bald eagle, our national symbol, is threatened.Animals that kill other game猎物for food are called predator s (捕食者). The predators include the wolf, mountain lion, fox, bobcat, and bear. Attack against these animals began with the arrival of the first European settlers, who wished to protect their livestock. Eventually, a reward was offered to hunters for every predator that was killed. This reward is called a bounty奖励金（money given for reward）. Ironically, the Federal government is the chief funder of predator control programs.The settlers also brought with them their Old World fears and superstition s迷信想法concerning predators. Whether preying on捕食livestock or not, predators were shot on sight. This attitude continues to this day for coyotes, eagles, foxes, mountain lions, and bobcats, and is largely responsible for placing the eastern timber wolf, grizzly bear, and bald eagle on the endangered species list.Y et every animal, including the predator, has its place in nature‘s grand总的design. Predators help maintain the health of their prey species by eliminating the diseased, young, old, and injured. Predators like the mountain lion and the wolf help to keep the deer herds healthy. Their kill also provider food for scavenger s (食腐动物) that feed on以...为食carrion腐肉. Occasional loss of livestock must be weighed against the good these animals do in maintaining the balance of nature.The mountain lion has especially suffered from trapping and hunting. This great cat had the widest distribution of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Its range extended from northern British Columbia to the tip of South America, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. But by the turn of 19th century, this splendid animal was almost extinct in the eastern United States. In the West, the pattern of persecution was similar to that suffered by other predators. As the sheep and cattle empires grew, so did the war on the mountain lion.Overhunting an animal is an obvious form of extermination, but there are more subtle processes that often have the same fatal result. One of these is destruction of habitat. When farmers introduced sheep and cattle to North America, the domestic animals competed with the wild animals for the available grazing牧草land. Animals like the buffalo and the pronghorn antelope（叉角羚）, which once roam ed the plains in countless numbers, were either killed or pushed off thegrasslands. Today, a few remnant s残余(a part that remains) of these giant herds are protected from hunters in national game preserves禁猎区and wildlife refuges.Pesticides have also taken their toll. In 1947 a new chemical poison called DDT was introduced. It proved very effective in controlling insect pests like the potato beetle and the boll weevil (棉铃象鼻虫). But pesticides, which decompose（分解）very slowly, accumulate in animals which feed on pest or their predators, and the accumulated poisons attack their nervous systems. Pesticides also interfere with the formation of calcium钙in birds, which then lay eggs with very thin shells or no shell at all. When wildlife fail to reproduce, it isn‘t very long before they disappear. The bald eagle, 12 species of hawks, and the pelican have been seriously reduced by chemicals.Why should we care about担心the extinction of these birds and animals? The answer is simple enough. Every species that becomes extinct is gone forever. With each departure a small part of the diversity of nature that makes life so interesting is also gone. What has man got to look forward to – endless cities and houses and roads that cross barren贫瘠的country devoid of缺乏birds and animals ? Is that the world we want for ourselves and our children?T ext 5 Pollution is a Dirty WordLead-inMany people complain that the world is getting dirtier. And pollution problem is getting more serious than ever before. What is pollution? Read the following passage and learn more about it.TextConsume, consume, consume! Our society is consumer oriented –- dangerously so. To keep the wheels of industry turning, we manufacture consumer goods in endless quantities, and, in the process, are rapidly exhaust ing our natural resources. But this is only half the problem. What do we do with manufactured products when they are worn out? They must be disposed of, but how and where? Unsightly junkyard s废品旧货栈full of rusting automobiles already surround every city in the nation. Americans throw away 80 billion bottles and cans each year, enough to build more than ten stacks to the moon. There isn‘t room for much more waste, and yet the factories grind on向前移动. They cannot stop because everyone wants a job. Our standard of living, one of the highest in the world, requires the consumption of manufactured products in ever-increasing不断增加的amounts. Man, about to be buried in his own waste, is caught in a vicious cycle. ―Stop the world, I want to get off,‖ is the way a popular song put表达man‘s dilemma.进退两难的局面It wasn‘t always like this. Only 100 years ago man lived in harmony with nature. There weren‘t so many people then and their wants were fewer. Whatever wastes were produced could be absorbed by nature and were soon covered over遮没. T oday this harmonious relationship is threatened by man‘s lack of foresight and planning, and by his carelessness and greed. For man is slowly poisoning his environment.Pollution i s a ―dirty‖ word. T o pollute means to contaminate –- to spoil something by introducing impurities which make it unfit不合格的or unclean to use. Pollution comes in many forms. We see it, smell it, taste it, drink it, and stumble through it. We literally真实地live in and breathe pollution, and, not surprisingly, it is beginning to threaten our health, our happiness, and our very civilization.Once we thought of pollution as meaning simply smog – the choking窒息的, stinging刺人的,dirty air that hover s盘旋over cities. But air pollution, while虽然it is still the most dangerous, is only one type of contamination among several which attack the most basic life function.Through the uncontrolled use of insecticide s杀虫剂, man has polluted the land, killing the wildlife. By dumping sewage污水/物and chemicals into rivers and lakes, we have contaminated our drinking water. We are polluting the ocean, too, killing the fish and thereby depriving ourselves of an invaluable food supply.Part of the problem is our exploding猛增population. More and more people produce more wastes. But this problem is intensified by our ―throw-away‖ technology. Each year Americans dispose of 7 million autos, 20 million tons of waste paper, 25 million pounds of toothpaste tubes and 48 million cans. We throw away gum wrappers包装纸, newspapers, and paper plates纸盘. It is easier and cheaper to buy a new one and discard the old, even though 95 per cent of its parts may still be functioning. Baby‘s diaper s, which used to be made of reusable cloth, are now paper throwaway s临时利用件. Soon we will wear clothing made of paper: ―Wear it once and throw it away, ― will be the slogan口号/标语of the fashion conscious赶时髦的.Where is this all to end? Are we turning the world into a gigantic dump, or is there hope that we can solve the pollution problem? Fortunately, solutions are in sight. A few of them are positively ingenious有独创性的/巧妙的.T ake the problem of discarded automobiles, for instance, Each year over 40,000 of them are abandoned in New Y ork City alone. Eventually the discards end up in a junkyard. But cars are too bulky庞大的to ship as scrap to a steel mill. They must first be flatten ed. This is done in a giant compressor which can reduce a Cadillac to the size of a television set in a matter of minutes. Any leftover剩余的scrap metal is mixed with concrete and made into exceptionally strong bricks that are used in buildings and bridges. Man‘s ingenuity聪明才智has come to his rescue.What about water pollution? More and more cities are building sewage-treatment plants. Instead of being dumped into a nearby river or lake, sewage is sent through a system of underground pipes to a giant tank where the water is separated from the solid material, purified, and returned for reuse to the community water supply. The solid material, called sludge淤泥/沉淀物, is converted into fertilizer. The sludge can also be made into bricks.Controlling air pollution is another crucial objective. Without food, man can live about five weeks, without water about five days. Without air, he can only live five minutes. So pure air is a must. Here the wrongdoer is the automobile. Where there is a concentration of automobiles, as in our big cities, air pollution is severe. It is important to see that our cars are equipped with装备pollution-control devices. Such devices effectively reduce the harmful gases emitted from the engine.Power plants, factories, and apartment buildings can also avoid消除air pollution. When possible they should use clean fuels like gas and oil. And the smokestack s烟窗of these buildings should be equipped with filter s and other smoke-reduction devices.Can we eliminate pollution altogether? Probably not. Modern man pollutes with everything he does, so total elimination would require drastic极端的measures. Every power plant would have to shut down. Industries would have to close. We would have to leave all our automobiles in the garage. Every bus and truck and airplane would have to stop running. There would be no heat and no light. Under these conditions, our population would die in a short time.Since such a drastic solution is impossible, we must employ determined坚决的public action.We can reduce pollution, even if we can‘t eliminate it altogether. But everyone must do his part. Check your car to see if the pollution-control device is working. Reduce your use of electricity. Is air conditioning really necessary? Don‘t dump garbage or other waste on the land or in the water. Demand that government take firm action against polluters. We can have a clean world, or we can do nothing. The choice is up to you.Text 6 Keeping Food on the TablePre-reading A ctivities1. What do you know about topsoil?2. Can topsoil be exhausted? Why or why not?TextIt‘s early August and the countryside appears peaceful. Planting庄稼has long been finished and the fields are alive with strong, healthy crops. Soybeans and wheat are flourishing under the hot summer sun, and the corn, which was ―knee-high by the fourth of July‖, is now well over six feet tall. Herds of dairy and beef cattle are grazing吃草peacefully in rolling pastures which surround big, red barn s畜棚and neat, white farmhouses. Everything as far as the eye can see radiates a sense of prosperity. Welcome to the Midwest — one of the most fertile agricultural regions of the world.The tranquility宁静of the above scene is misleading. Farmers in the Midwest put in some of the longest workdays of any profession in the United States. In addition to caring for their crops and livestock, they have to keep up with new farming techniques, such as those for combating soil erosion侵蚀and increasing livestock production. It is essential that farmers adopt these advances in technology if they want to continue to meet the growing demands of a hungry world.Agriculture is the number one industry in the United States and agricultural products are the country‘s leading export. American farmers manage to feed not only the total population of the United States, but also millions of other people throughout the rest of the world. Corn and soybean exports alone account for 占approximately 75 per cent of the amount sold in world markets.This productivity, however, has its price. Intensive密集的/精细的cultivation exposes the earth to the damaging forces of nature. Every year wind and water remove tons of rich soil from the nation‘s croplands, with the result that soil erosion has become a national problem concerning everyone from the farmer to the consumer.Each field is covered by a limited amount of topsoil, the upper layer of earth which is richest in the nutrient s营养and minerals necessary for growing crops. Ever since the first farmers arrived in the Midwest almost 200 years ago, cultivation and, consequently, erosion have been depleting耗尽the supply of topsoil. In the 1830s, nearly two feet of rich, black top soil covered the Midwest. Today the average depth is only eight inches, and every decade another inch is blown or washed away. This erosion is steadily decreasing the productivity of valuable cropland. A United States Agricultural Department survey states that if erosion continues at its present rate, corn and soybean yields in the Midwest may drop as much as 30 per cent over the next 50 years.So far, farmers have been able to compensate弥补/补偿for the loss of fertile topsoil by applying more chemical fertilizers to their fields; however, while this practice has increased crop yields, it has been devastating for ecology. Agriculture has become one of the biggest polluters ofthe nation‘s precious water supply. Rivers, lakes, and underground reserves of water are being filled in and poisoned by soil and chemicals carried by drainage from eroding fields. Furthermore, fertilizers only replenish补充the soil; they do not prevent its loss.Clearly something else has to be done in order to avoid an eventual ecological disaster. Conservationists insist that the solution to the problem lies in new and better farming techniques. Concerned farmers are building terrace s梯田on hilly fields, rotating their crops, and using new plowing methods to cut soil losses significantly. Substantial progress has been made, but soil erosion is far from being under control.The problems and innovation s创新of the agricultural industry in the Midwest are not restricted to growing crops. Livestock raising, which is big business in the certral region of the United States, is also undergoing many changes. Recent developments in technology have enabled farmers to raise not only healthier animals, but more animals as well. By employing the techniques of superovulation超数排卵, artificial insemination授精, and embryo胚胎transfer, farmers can more than triple增至三倍the number of offspring后代produced by a single cow per year.The procedure of accomplishing this remarkable feat技艺/壮举is as follows. First, the farmer chooses a cow on the basis of certain valuable trait s特点/特性, such as rapid weight gain or high milk production. A veterinarian then injects the cow with hormone s激素which cause the animal to super ovulate, that is, to produce more eggs, or ―ova卵细胞‖, than the usual one or two. As many as ten or more ova may be released in one superovulation.While the ova are moving down the Fallopian tubes输卵管toward the uterus子宫, about five days after superovulation, the cow is artificially inseminated with semen精子from a prize bull. If the insemination is successful, the eggs are fertilized and become living embryos, each of which has the potential to develop into a calf小牛.Next comes the process of embryo transfer. After the embryos have developed in the uterus for six to eight days, they are carefully removed and examined for defects. Each healthy embryo is then implant ed移植in the uterus of a different cow, where it continues to develop. Nine months later the surrogate代理mother gives birth to a healthy calf to which she is not genetically related.The result of the entire procedure is that a farmer can increase the size of a herd of cows at a rate which was previously impossible. Although three to four calves are the average, as many as ten or more may be produced from the embryos of one mother cow. The possible applications of these techniques are overwhelming when one considers that by freezing an embryo until its sister embryo has been born and become sexually mature, it is even possible for a cow to give birth to its identical同卵双生的twin sister!As the world‘s population continues to increase, farmers will be called upon要求to produce more and more life-sustaining food. Constant technological advances in soil conservation and livestock production will be required to keep pace with this ever-growing need. One concern, however, is that while this technology is solving old problems, it may be creating new ones in the process.Text 7 How to be Happylead-inEveryone wants to live a happy life. How can one be happy? Read the following passage and see whether you can find an answer to that question.Text1. Britain's most prestigious(有声望的) scientific institution, the Royal Society, will host a meeting for some of the world's top psychologists. Their aim is to find out why it is that some people's lives go so right. What is it that makes them happy and fulfilled, while others seem doomed to founder沉没in misery, dissatisfaction and dejection沮丧?2. Psychologists have known for some time that optimism is a good defence against unhappiness. "If you're optimistic and you think life is going to get better, it will become a"self-fulfilling prophecy 预言," says Baylis. "You will involve yourself more, you'll put yourself forward more, you will take more care of yourself. You'll figure认为that if you do more exercise and not booze豪饮as much, life will be better.3. But some of us are just not natural optimists. What are we supposed to do?4. Positive psychologists believe optimism can be learned, and we can teach ourselves to seea half-empty glass as half-full. All we have to do is to spend time mull ing 深思over all the things that have gone right for us, rather than dwelling on细想what has gone badly. "Research on depression shows that one of the biggest causes of depression is ruminating沉思about something that went wrong in the past," says Baylis. "What happens is you look into the past and think about some event and keep turning it over, saying, ‗I messed up, I messed up,' and you let it hurt you. You keep feeding it the oxygen of attention and the flames keep burning you.5. But just as dwelling on negative events can lead to depression, dwelling on things that have gone well can help pick you up, he says: "You have to thank your lucky stars about what goes right on a daily basis. Whenever you get the feeling of being negative about things, just take a moment out and remind yourself of the stuff that has gone well. It could be anything from a conversation to your garden looking nice, or that it didn't rain on you when you were out on your bike. It's an extremely powerful technique. "6. By reminding ourselves what went well instead of what went wrong, positive psychologists believe we can build a buffer减震器/缓冲器against unhappiness, making us better able to take life's knocks when they come.7. Seligman, who is the figurehead of the positive psychology movement, goes further than suggesting people learn to think positively. He has worked out what he sees as a blueprint蓝图for happiness that people can use to set them on the path to a fulfilling and satisfying life. He believes there are three routes to happiness, which he calls the "pleasant life", the "good life" and the "meaningful life". Some are better than others, although a mix of all three is ideal. The pleasant life sees superficial pleasures as the key to happiness, and it is this that many people mistakenly pursue, he says."The biggest mistake that people in the rich west make is to be enchanted with 为...陶醉/迷恋the Hollywood idea of happiness, which is really just giggling and smiling a lot," he says. While a life bent (bend:专心于) on instant pleasure and gratification offers some degree of happiness, it is ultimately dissatisfying on its own, he says.8. Money, it turns out, isn't the answer either. Seligman believes that once we have enough to pay for life's basics such as food and a roof over our heads, more money adds little to our happiness.9. To be seriously happy, Seligman says, we have to set our sights on a good life and a meaningful life. To do this we need to identify what he calls our signature strengths, which could be anything from perseverance(坚持不懈) and leadership to a love of learning. (能力特点)10. Seligman says that once we know our signature strengths, using them more and more in our daily lives will make us feel happier and more fulfilled. By exploiting our strengths, he says, we will find life more gratifying and become completely immerse d in what we are doing, whether working, making music or playing sport - a state positive psychologists call "flow".11. Using our signature strengths in our working and social lives will help us achieve what Seligman calls a good life, while using them to help others will put us on course for achieving a meaningful life, he says.12. While positive psychology is broadly seen as valid by the psychology and psychiatry establishment, it does have its critics.13. Positive psychologists also stand accused of burying their heads in the sand and ignoring that depressed, even merely unhappy people, have real problems that need dealing with. Seligman counter s反驳this, saying positive psychology is not meant to replace other forms of therapy, but should be complementary, while people work through their negative feelings.Text 8 Never be nervous againPre-reading A ctivities1. How can you avoid being nervous when you meet people?2. Have you ever experienced uncontrollable nervousness? How can you get it over?TextSocial anxiety is the single most common psychological problem, according to the 1986 results of the Stanford shyness Inventory, a survey conducted by Philip G. Zimbardo, professor of social psychology at Stanford University in California. At a party with strangers, for instance,three-qua rters of adults feel anxiety. ―T he best estimate is that 40 per cent of all Americans suffer from shyness,‖ says Zimbardo.How can you avoid being nervous when you meet people? Prepare. Preparation for any communicating situation is a must. You‘ve been invited to a big dinner party in two weeks. You know that one of the other guests is a politician. Scan the newspapers and magazines; listen to newscasts for topics of conversation in political areas. Then at the party, pretend you‘re an interviewer on talk show. Think of question to ask that can‘t be answered yes or no. ―In your opinion, who… ― ―what do you think of… ― keep the momentum势头going.W hether you‘re delivering a speech, approac hing your boss for a raise or an important social occasion, do your homework. The most polished, smoothly delivered, spontaneous-sounding talks are the result of many hours of work. The memorable one-liner s and moving phrases that go down in history don‘t come from last-minute bursts of inspiration.If you‘re maki ng a presentation of any sort, begin preparing as far ahead of time as possible. ―good writing,‖ say Harvard university historian Richard Marius, ―is a kind of wrestling with thought‖.。
考研英语二历年真题阅读与写作常见词汇及短语
（对于 mortal 解释就是用生死来做个约定，但当今社会是法治社会，不能用真正的生死来做
个约定，因此只能用生命中最有价值的东西来做约定，比如将房子抵押出去来换贷款）
mortal combat 殊死搏斗
cheap mortgage 低息抵押贷款
2. 表示萧条的单词：recession、recede、depression、depress（○1 使萧条○2 使沮丧）、slump
merse 合
merger 合并 acquisition 收购
↑
↑
merge
acquire 收获，得到 inquire 询问 require 要求
↓
emerge 涌现，浮现（合并以后出来的东西）
emerging countries 新兴国家
emergence 涌现；出现
emergency 紧急情况
acquire 收获，得到
deficit in trade 贸易逆差
surplus in trade 贸易顺差
balance of trade 贸易差额（balance 在这里译作为差额）
unfavorable balance 贸易逆差（不利的差额）
favorable balance 贸易顺差（有利的差额）
favorite 喜爱
gold rush 黄金热；淘金热
4. private enterprise 私企
private property 私人财产
private 私人的
↑
priv 私人的（priv 为词根）
deprive 剥夺（否定私人的）
↑ └←prive：私人的
否定
privilege 给特权；给优惠（v.）<2012 年英语二翻译>；特权，优惠（法律上授予私人的）
2013年考研英语阅读 2精读精讲
2013年考研英语阅读是考研英语阅读题型中的一部分，是考研英语考试中的重要内容。
以下是关于2013年考研英语阅读的精读精讲：一、2013年考研英语阅读题型的特点1. 题型内容：2013年考研英语阅读题型内容涉及到社会、文化、科技等多个领域，涵盖面广。
2. 题目数量：2013年考研英语阅读题型的题目数量较多，需要考生花费较长的时间来解答。
3. 题目难度：2013年考研英语阅读题型的题目难度较大，需要考生具有一定的英语阅读能力和理解能力。
4. 题型要求：2013年考研英语阅读题型要求考生能够对文章内容进行深入的理解和分析，综合运用语言和逻辑推理能力。
二、2013年考研英语阅读题型的备考方法1. 夯实基础：在备考2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生首先要夯实英语语法、词汇等基础知识，扎实基础是解答阅读题的前提。
2. 阅读练习：考生在备考2013年考研英语阅读题型时，需要大量进行阅读练习，提高自己的阅读速度和理解能力，同时锻炼自己的阅读技巧。
3. 分析解题技巧：考生在备考2013年考研英语阅读题型时，要重点分析解题技巧，掌握不同题型的解题方法和技巧，提高自己的解题效率和准确率。
三、2013年考研英语阅读题型的解题技巧1. 词汇理解：在解答2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生需要注重对文章中的生词和短语的理解，尤其是一些中文翻译的生僻词汇。
2. 文章结构：在解答2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生要对文章的结构和逻辑进行分析，把握文章的主题和重点。
3. 推理判断：在解答2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生需要通过文章内容进行推理和判断，提高自己的逻辑推理能力。
四、2013年考研英语阅读题型的应试策略1. 合理安排时间：在应对2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生需要合理安排时间，把握好答题的速度和节奏，确保每道题的答题时间。
2. 充分把握题意：在应对2013年考研英语阅读题型时，考生需要充分把握题意，确保自己对文章内容和题目要求的理解准确。
2003考研英语阅读Text 2(大间距笔记版)
To paraphrase 18th-century statesman Edmund Burke, “all that is needed for the triumph of a misguided cause is that good people do nothing.” One such cause now seeks to end biomedical research because of the theory that animals have rights ruling out their use in research. Scientists need to respond forcefully to animal rights advocates, whose arguments are confusing the public and thereby threatening advances in health knowledge and care. Leaders of the animal rights movement target biomedical research because it depends on public funding, and few people understand the process of health care research. Hearing allegations of cruelty to animals in research settings, many are perplexed that anyone would deliberately harm an animal.For example, a grandmotherly woman staffing an animal rights booth at a recent street fair was distributing a brochure that encouraged readers not to use anything that comes from or is tested in animals—no meat, no fur, no medicines. Asked if she opposed immunizations, she wanted to know if vaccines come from animal research. When assured that they do, she replied, “Then I would have to say yes.” Asked what will happen when epidemics return, she said, “Don’t worry, scientists will find some way of using computers.” Such well-meaning people just don’t understand.Scientists must communicate their message to the public in a compassionate, understandable way --in human terms, not in the language of molecular biology. We need to make clear the connection between animal research and a grandmother’s hip replacement, a father’s bypass operation, a baby’svaccinations, and even a pet’s shots. To those who are unaware that animal research was needed to produce these treatments, as well as new treatments and vaccines, animal research seems wasteful at best and cruel at worst.Much can be done. Scientists could “adopt” middle school classes and present their own research. They should be quick to respond to letters to the editor, lest animal rights misinformation go unchallenged and acquire a deceptive appearance of truth. Research institutions could be opened to tours, to show that laboratory animals receive humane care. Finally, because the ultimate stakeholders are patients, the health research community should actively recruit to its cause not only well-known personalities such as Stephen Cooper, who has made courageous statements about the value of animal research, but all who receive medical treatment. If good people do nothing there is a real possibility that an uninformed citizenry will extinguish the precious embers of medical progress.（2003Text 2）46. The author begins his article with Edmund Burke’s words to ________.[A] call on scientists to take some actions[B] criticize the misguided cause of animal rights[C] warn of the doom of biomedical research[D] show the triumph of the animal rights movement47. Misled people tend to think that using an animal in research is ________.[A] cruel but natural[B] inhuman and unacceptable[C] inevitable but vicious[D] pointless and wasteful48. The example of the grandmotherly woman is used to show the public’s ________.[A] discontent with animal research[B] ignorance about medical science[C] indifference to epidemics[D] anxiety about animal rights49. The author believes that, in face of the challenge from animal rights advocates, scientists should ________.[A] communicate more with the public[B] employ hi-tech means in research[C] feel no shame for their cause[D] strive to develop new cures50. From the text we learn that Stephen Cooper is ________.[A] a well-known humanist[B] a medical practitioner[C] an enthusiast in animal rights[D] a supporter of animal research。
2023年考研英语(二)阅读 text 2 精读精讲
2023年考研英语(二)阅读 text 2 精读精讲The 2023 Postgraduate English (II) Examination is a crucial milestone for many aspiring graduate students in China. Among the various sections of the test, the reading comprehension portion has always been a significant challenge for test-takers. In this essay, we will delve into the in-depth analysis of Reading Text 2 from the examination, exploring its key elements, potential pitfalls, and effective strategies for mastering this critical component.Reading Text 2 is often considered the most demanding section of the Postgraduate English (II) Examination due to its complexity and the depth of understanding required. The text typically covers a wide range of academic or professional topics, requiring candidates to demonstrate not only their language proficiency but also their ability to comprehend and analyze intricate information.One of the primary challenges in tackling Reading Text 2 is the density of the content. The passages often feature high-level vocabulary, intricate sentence structures, and a wealth of technical or specialized terminology. Candidates must be well-versed in theselinguistic elements to grasp the overall meaning and nuances of the text effectively.Furthermore, the questions accompanying the reading passage are designed to test the test-takers' critical thinking skills. They may require the identification of the main idea, the inference of implicit information, the recognition of the author's tone or attitude, or the evaluation of the logical flow and coherence of the text. Successful navigation of these questions demands a deep understanding of the passage, the ability to synthesize information, and the capacity to think critically.To effectively tackle Reading Text 2, test-takers must employ a strategic approach. Firstly, it is crucial to develop a strong foundation in English vocabulary and grammar. Systematic vocabulary building, focusing on academic and subject-specific terms, can greatly enhance one's comprehension of complex passages. Additionally, a thorough understanding of English grammar structures and their usage can aid in navigating the intricate sentence constructions often found in the reading texts.Secondly, practicing active reading techniques can significantly improve one's performance in this section. This includes carefully reading the passage, actively identifying key information, and taking notes or annotations to facilitate better understanding. Activelyengaged reading, as opposed to passive skimming, enables candidates to capture the nuances and subtleties of the text, which are often crucial in answering the accompanying questions.Another essential strategy is to familiarize oneself with the typical question types and formats encountered in the Postgraduate English (II) Examination. By understanding the patterns and expectations of the test, candidates can better prepare and develop effective approaches to tackle each question efficiently.Furthermore, time management is a critical factor in the Reading Text 2 section. Candidates must learn to strike a balance between thoroughly understanding the passage and completing the questions within the allotted time frame. Developing techniques to quickly identify the main ideas, scan for relevant details, and efficiently answer the questions can greatly improve one's performance.In addition to the aforementioned strategies, test-takers should also consider the importance of regular practice and self-evaluation. Frequent exposure to sample reading passages, followed by a critical analysis of one's own performance, can help identify areas for improvement and refine one's approach. Seeking feedback from experienced teachers or mentors can also provide valuable insights and guidance.In conclusion, the Reading Text 2 section of the 2023 Postgraduate English (II) Examination presents a formidable challenge for test-takers. However, by developing a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic and analytical skills required, adopting effective reading and problem-solving strategies, and consistently practicing, candidates can enhance their chances of success in this crucial component of the examination. With dedication and a strategic mindset, test-takers can unlock the key to mastering Reading Text 2 and achieve their academic and professional aspirations.。
2013年考研英语(二)阅读 text 2 精读精讲
2013年考研英语(二)阅读text 2 精读精讲全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇12013年考研英语(二)阅读text 2 精读精讲Text 2When the Thomas Cook agency made its first appearance in a British High Street in 1865, selling "chartered" (包租的) trains, or special trains that it had chartered and would operate, it was denounced (谴责) in the press. But time has vindicated it. The world owes much to the founder, who in the golden era of railway travel, made it possible for humbler folk to travel with enjoyment. Thomas Cook had the idea of bringing people together for pleasure. Today, mass tourism is simply an extension of his dream, with about 300 million people a year taking advantage of the service the world over. It is as though one great town, the size of Shanghai or Bombay, moves-the entire population of Britain flying here and there, skiing in winter and sunbathing in summer.It soon became apparent that if most people were to be able to afford the price of travel and accommodation, then the costswould have to be shared, if the industry was to survive. So the hoteliers and airline companies sold their services to the travel agents at lower prices that they could get from private individuals. As a result, many more people could afford to travel, though they might not always get the service they wanted.The consequence of this process was that the nature of travel became very different from that experienced in the early days of the travel and transport industry. In the past, it had been left to the rich to travel; to those who had "money to burn." But with Thomas Cook's innovation and other developments like the holiday charter, ordinary people could afford to enjoy their leisure and spare time.Many people feel that this has led to all sorts of problems in widely different areas. For instance, the beauty of a scene is often spoilt by the presence of something which has no right to be there-a building, a vehicle, a group of people. The easy movement of people can cause devastation. Some of the world's most beautiful cities-Geneva and Venice among them-are being made vulgar by visitors, though the lives even of the native inhabitants can be enriched by their presence. On the other hand, the appearance of a once foreign and exotic place may soon bealtered or, worse still, rubbed out as a result of the tourist's presence.So this is a difficult question. If tourism should be stopped, what is to happen to the massed holiday makers, who include those at the lowest level of income in the world? Even if it is possible-and it is not-to persuade people to stay at home, should the financially poor be stopped from going on the annual holiday?To sum up, Thomas Cook's vision of the enjoyment of ordinary people has revolutionized the travel industry and made it possible for millions to see new places and experience different cultures. However, this mass tourism has also brought about negative consequences such as environmental destruction and cultural homogenization. It is therefore important to strike a balance between promoting accessibility to travel and preserving the uniqueness and beauty of destinations.精读精讲：1. When the Thomas Cook agency made its first appearance in a British High Street in 1865, selling "chartered" (包租的) trains, or special trains that it had chartered and would operate, it was denounced (谴责) in the press.2. Thomas Cook had the idea of bringing people together for pleasure.3. It soon became apparent that if most people were to be able to afford the price of travel and accommodation, then the costs would have to be shared.4. The consequence of this process was that the nature of travel became very different from that experienced in the early days of the travel and transport industry.5. In the past, it had been left to the rich to travel; to those who had "money to burn."6. Some of the world's most beautiful cities-Geneva and Venice among them-are being made vulgar by visitors.7. Even if it is possible-and it is not-to persuade people to stay at home, should the financially poor be stopped from going on the annual holiday?8. To sum up, Thomas Cook's vision of the enjoyment of ordinary people has revolutionized the travel industry and made it possible for millions to see new places and experience different cultures.以上为对Text 2的精读精讲，希望能够帮助考生更好地理解文本内容。
考研英语历真题阅读理解精读笔记
考研英语历年真题阅读理解精读笔记二TEXT 3During the past generation, the American middle class family that once could count on hard work and fair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities. Now a pink slip, a bad diagnosis, or a disappearing spouse can reduce a family from solidly middle class to newly poor in a few months.In just one generation, millions of mothers have gone to work, transforming basic family economics. Scholars, policymakers, and critics of all stripes have debated the social implications of these changes, but few have looked at the side effect: family risk has risen as well. Today's families have budgeted to the limits of their new two paycheck status. As a result, they have lost the parachute they once had in times of financial setback-a back up earner usually Mom who could go into the workforce if the primary earner got laid off or fell sick. This "added worker effect" could support the safety net offered by unemployment insurance or disability insurance to help families weather bad times. But today, a disruption to family fortunes can no longer be made up with extra income from an otherwise stay at home partner.During the same period, families have been asked to absorb much more risk in their retirement income. Steelworkers, airline employees, and now those in the auto industry are joining millions of families who must worry about interest rates, stock market fluctuation, and the harsh reality that they may outlive their retirement money. For much of the past year, President Bush campaigned to move Social Security to a savings account model, with retirees trading much or all of their guaranteed payments for payments depending on investment returns. For younger families, the picture is not any better. Both the absolute cost of healthcare and the share of it borne by families have risen-and newly fashionable health savings plans are spreading from legislative halls to Wal Mart workers, with much higher deductibles and a large new dose of investment risk for families' future healthcare. Even demographics are working against the middle class family, as the odds of having a weak elderly parent-and all the attendant need for physical and financial assistance-have jumped eightfold in just one generation.From the middle class family perspective, much of this, understandably, looks far less like an opportunity to exercise more financial responsibility, and a good deal more like a frightening acceleration of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto theiralready overburdened shoulders. The financial fallout has begun, and the political fallout may not be far behind.31. Today's double income families are at greater financial riskin thatA. the safety net they used to enjoy has disappearedB. their chances of being laid off have greatly increasedC. they are more vulnerable to changes in family economicsD. they are deprived of unemployment or disability insurance32. As a result of President Bush's reform, retired people may haveA. a higher sense of securityB. less secured paymentsC. less chance to investD. a guaranteed future33. According to the author, health savings plans willA. help reduce the cost of healthcareB. popularize among the middle classC. compensate for the reduced pensionsD. increase the families' investment risk34. It can be inferred from the last paragraph thatA. financial risks tend to outweigh political risksB. the middle class may face greater political challengesC. financial problems may bring about political problemsD. financial responsibility is an indicator of political status35. Which of the following is the best title for this textA. The Middle Class on the Alert.B. The Middle Class on the Cliff.C. The Middle Class in Conflict.D. The Middle Class in Ruins.absolute 2 a.绝对的,完全的absorb 3 v.①吸收；②吸引,使专心account 22 n.①账目,户；②叙述,说明；③价值,地位；v.for①说明,解释；②占；③take into考虑；顾及airline 1 n.①航线；②航空公司alert 1 a.①警惕的；②机灵的assistance 2 n.帮助,援助attendant 1 n.①服务员,值班员；②护理人员author 69 n.①作者；②创始人auto 2 n.汽车being 9 n.①生物,人；②存在,生存budget 4 n.预算；v.做预算campaign 4 n.①战役；②运动；vi.从事活动challenge 10 n.①挑战书；②艰巨任务,难题；v.向...挑战cliff 1 n.悬崖,峭壁compensate 5 v.for补偿,赔偿conflict 3 n.①战斗,斗争；②抵触,冲突；v.with抵触,冲突critic 7 n.批评家,评论家debate 8 v./n.争论,辩论depend 16 v.on取决于,依靠,信赖,相信deprive 2 v.夺去,使丧失disappear 4 v.不见,消失dose 2 n.剂量,一服,一剂；v.给...服药economic 23 a.经济上的,经济学的economics 5 n.经济学；经济情况elderly 1 a.过了中年的,稍老的employee 7 n.雇工,雇员fair 9 a.①公平的,合理的；②相当的,尚好的；③晴朗的；④金发的；n.集市,交易会,博览会fashionable 2 a.流行的,时髦的fell 1 v.砍倒,砍伐financial 11 a.财政的,金融的guarantee 5 n.保证,保证书；v.保证,担保harsh 3 a.①粗糙的,刺耳的；②残酷的,严厉的implication 6 n.含意,暗示infer 21 v.推论,推断insurance 6 n.保险,保险费,保险业invest 4 v.投资investment 11 n.投资,投资额model 8 n.①样式,型；②模范,典型；③模型；④原型,模特；v.on, after模仿,构造odds 1 n.①不平等,差异；②机会opportunity 11 n.机会parachute 1 n.降落伞；v.跳伞paragraph 66 n.①段,节；②小新闻,短评partner 3 n.①合作者,合伙人；②伙伴,舞伴payment 5 n.支付,付款额pension 2 n.养老金,年金perspective 3 n.①视角；②透视法；③in~正确地physical 7 a.①物质的,有形的；②肉体的,身体的；③自然科学的,物理的primary 7 a.①最初的,初级的；②首要的,主要的,基本的rate 31 n.①比率,率；②等级；③价格,费用；v.①估价；②评级,评价reality 10 n.①现实,实际；②真实reform 8 v./n.改革,改造,改良responsibility 7 n.①责任,责任心；②职责,任务result 37 n.结果,成果,成绩；v.①in导致,结果是；②from起因于,因...而造成retire 2 v.①退休,引退；②退却,撤退；③就寝risk 14 v.冒...的危险；n.风险,危险saving 3 n.①储蓄；②pl.储蓄金,存款scholar 5 n.学者secure 4 a.from, against安全的,可靠的,放心的；v.①得到,获得；②防护,保卫security 8 n.安全sense 16 n.①感官,官能；②感觉；③判断力；④见识；⑤意义,意思；v.感觉到,意识到setback 3 n.退步,后退shift 12 v.①替换,转移；②移动；n.①转换,转变；②轮班,换班shoulder 2 n.肩,肩部；v.肩负,承担slip 3 v.①滑,滑倒；②滑落,滑掉；③溜走；n.疏忽,小错,口误,笔误social 38 a.①社会的；②社交的,交际的；n.社交活动spouse 1 n.配偶指夫或妻保证人,主办人；vt.发起,主办；v.赞助status 5 n.①地位,身份；②情形,状况stock 9 n.①备料,库存,现货；②股票,公债；③无生命之物；④群,家庭,家系；v.储存stripe 1 n.条纹tend 26 v.①趋向,往往是；②照料,看护title 6 n.①书名,标题；②头衔,称号transform 5 v.①改变,变换；②变压；③转化；④改造unemployment 4 n.失业,失业人数vulnerable 3 a.易受攻击的,易受...的攻击acceleration 2 n.加速度according 47 ad.依照,根据deductible 1 a.可扣除的demographic 1 a.人口统计学的diagnosis 1 n.诊断disability 2 n.无能力,无资格disruption 1 n.中断,分裂,瓦解,破坏eightfold 1 a.八倍的,八层的；ad.八倍地,八层地fallout 1 n.降落,滑落financially 2 ad.财政上,金融上fluctuation 1 n.波动,起伏healthcare 2 n.卫生保健indicator 4 n.指示器legislative 2 a.立法的,立法机关的；n.立法机关outlive 2 vt.比...长寿outweigh 1 v.超过overburden 1 vt.不堪重负paycheck 1 n.薪水policymaker 1 n.决策人popularize 1 v.普及solidly 1 ad.坚硬地,稳固地steelworker 1 n.钢铁工人understandably 1 ad.可理解地wholesale 1 n.批发,趸售；a.批发的,喻大规模的难句1During the past generation, the American middle class family that once could count on hard work and fair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities.语法分析本句主干结构为：the American middle class family... has been transformed by..., family后面是一个定语从句修饰family;本句难点整句较长,主要是其中定语从句比较复杂;方法对策首先找出主句的主干,然后再分析从句结构,就可以把握本句了;例句精译在过去一代人中,美国中产阶级家庭已经被经济危机和新的现实所改变;过去他们曾经还能指望依靠艰苦工作和公平竞争来使自己在经济生活中获得安全保障;难句2As a result, they have lost the parachute they once had in times of financial setback-a back up earner usually Mom who could go into the workforce if the primary earner got laid off or fell sick.语法分析本句主干为:... they have lost the parachute...,其后是一个定语从句,破折号后面是一个同位语从句,其中又包含一个定语从句;本句难点句子结构比较复杂,需要仔细分析;方法对策首先分析出主句的主干,然后再依次分析其他从句,本句就不再难了;例句精译其结果是,他们失去一个他们过去在财政困难时可以依赖的保险伞 - 或者说是一个后备的挣钱者通常指妻子：因为她可以出来参加工作,如果主要的挣钱者下了岗或生了病;难句3Steelworkers, airline employees, and now those in the auto industry are joining millions of families who must worry about interest rates, stock market fluctuation, and the harsh reality that they may outlive their retirement money.语法分析本句的主干结构为：Steelworks,... are joining millions of families..., families后面是一个who引导的定语从句;定语从句中,主语是who,谓语是worry about,宾语是三个并列短语,其后是that引导的定语从句修饰the harsh reality;本句难点从句中结构稍复杂;方法对策只要抓住句子主干就可以掌握大意,然后再分析其他成分即可;例句精译钢铁工人、空勤人员以及汽车工业的工作者都与数百万家庭一样,他们都在担心着银行的存款利息变化、股票市场的波动、以及他们的退休金可能不够使用这一残酷现实;难句4Both the absolute cost of healthcare and the share of it borne by families have risen-and newly fashionable health savings plans are spreading from legislative halls to Wal Mart workers, with much higher deductibles and a large new dose of investment risk for families' future healthcare.语法分析本句是由第二个and连接的两个并列句组成,句首的both和第一个and形成的both... and...结构是第一个分句的主干；第二个and后是第二个分句,包含：spread from... to...结构,其后with引导的成分说明newly fashionable health savings plans的内容；本句难点整句比较长,且有两个and容易让考生迷惑;方法对策首先抓住第二个and这个连接词,明白这是两个并列分句,然后确定两个分句各自的主干,即可理解本句内容;例句精译医疗保健费用的绝对数目和各个家庭所分担的数目也都在上升,而一种新近流行起来的医疗费用节约计划也正在从上层立法大厅到底层沃尔玛的工人之间广泛铺开,这对千家万户未来的医疗保健意味着更大的风险;难句5From the middle class family perspective, much of this, understandably, looks far less like an opportunity to exercise more financial responsibility, and a good deal more like a frightening acceleration of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto their already overburdened shoulders.语法分析本句的主干结构是：... much of this looks... like... an opportunity... and... a frightening acceleration...;本句难点整句比较长,句子结构复杂;方法对策通读全句,抓住主句主干,然后再分析其他成分;例句精译从中产阶级家庭的角度出发,可以理解的是,这与其说是一个承担更多经济责任的机会,倒还不如说更像把经济危险的整个转变以惊人的速度加在他们早已不堪重负的双肩上;31.答案C解析本文提到了美国中产阶级家庭,因国家经济衰落而要面临的巨大风险;本题目问："今日这种夫妻双收入家庭会面临更大的财务风险是因为什么原因"我们从前两段中可以看出：由于经济原因现在的夫妻双方都要出去找工作;这样,原来妻子在家里操持家务,同时万一丈夫生了病或者失业了也可以出去找工作以帮助家庭渡过难关的这把保险伞就没有了;所以选C;32.答案B解析众所周知,钱存在银行比较保险可以稳定拿利息,但是把钱投入股市或者用于创业风险要大很多,但一旦获益也比存银行要强很多;在去年的大多数时间里,布什总统一直致力于将社会保险体制转变成一种储蓄存款账户模式 - 要求退休人员将其大多数或全部有保障的收入变成必须依靠投资收益的收入;对于略为年轻的家庭来说,情况也好不到哪去;医疗的绝对费用和家庭必须承担的份额都在上升;这说明,退休人员的可靠收入可能更少;因此B.为正确选项;33.答案D解析本题仍应从第三段中找,因为34题问"从末段中可以看出："因此,本题应在末段前的这一段内,本段提到了：health saving plan are... of investment risk for families' future healthcare.据此,我们判断可以选D;选项A、C原文均未提及;至于B 医疗费用节约计划将在中产阶级中间得以推广与原文不符;原文谈到：医疗费用节约计划正在从上层立法院大厅到底层沃尔玛超市的员工之间广泛的铺开;34.答案C解析本题问"从末段可以看出什么"我们仅从末段末句的总结中可看出作者想说的是：美国经济滑落已经开始了,那政治上的跌落可能不是很远了吧;35.答案B解析本题考查考生对全文内容的理解;文章第一段指出,中产阶层家庭被经济风险和新现实改变了,如今,一个家庭可能在几个月之内从稳定的中产阶层家庭降格成一个新贫困家庭,随后的段落介绍了造成这种现状的原因;这说明,本文主要是介绍中产阶层面临穷困问题的现象;因此选择B.项;在过去一代人中,美国中产阶级家庭已经被经济危机和新的现实所改变;过去他们曾经还能指望依靠艰苦工作和公平竞争来使自己在经济生活中获得安全保障;如今,一份解雇通知书,一个错误的判断或失去配偶都有可能在几个月之内使他们从稳固的中产阶级滑向新生的贫民阶层;就在他们这代人中,成百万的女性参加了工作,改变了基本家庭经济结构;各种各样的学者们、政客们和批评家们还在辩论这件事的社会含义;但很少有人看待它的副作用：家庭的风险也随之上升;今日的家庭已经把两份收入这种预算状况推到了极致,毫无保留余地;其结果是,他们失去一个他们过去在财政困难时所可以依赖的保险伞 - 或者说是一个后备的挣钱者通常指妻子：因为她可以出来参加工作,如果主要的挣钱者下了岗或生了病;这种"后备人员效应"可以支援"家庭安全网",再加上失业保险或残疾保险使家庭得以渡过难关;但是,今天一旦家中有了不测,再也无法从本应待在家中的那位后备者可以挣得的额外收入中得到补充;与此同时,家庭现在要承担退休收入方面的更多的风险;钢铁工人、空勤人员以及汽车工业的工作者等也加入了成百万的家庭,他们都在担心着银行的存款利息变化、股票市场的波动、以及他们的退休金可能不够使用这一残酷现实;去年,布什总统发起一场运动把人们固定的社保基金转为银行存款这种类型,由此,退休者们正在把他们有保障的收入变成取决于投资回报的钱财类型;对于年轻人组成的家庭来说,情况也好不到哪里去;医疗保健费用的绝对数目和各个家庭所分担的数目也都在上升,而一种新近流行起来的医疗费用节约计划也正在从上层立法大厅到底层沃尔玛的工人之间广泛铺开,这对千家万户未来的医疗保健意味着更大的风险;甚至人口学也正在对中产阶级家庭造成不利影响;家中有一个衰弱的老年父母,医疗看护费用在过去一代人的时间内上涨了八倍;从中产阶级家庭的角度出发,可以理解的是,这与其说是一个承担更多经济责任的机会,倒还不如说更像把经济危险的整个转变以吓人的速度加在他们早已过于不堪重负的双肩上;经济滑落己经开始了,政治上的跌落可能也不会很远了吧;31今日这种夫妻双份收入家庭会面临更大的财务风险是因为：A.他们所曾经享有的那种安全网应经不复存在了;B.他们两人下岗的机会增大了;C.他们对家庭经济转变的抵抗力变得更加脆弱了;D.他们被剥夺了失业保险或残疾保险;32作为布什总统改革的结果,退休人员可能有A.更高的安全感;B.更没有保障的收入;C.更少的投资机会;D.一个更加得到保障的未来;33按照作者看法,医疗费用节约计划将A.有助于减少医疗开支的费用;B.在中产阶级中间得以推广;C.对减少的退休金是一个补偿;D.增加了家庭的投资风险;34从末段中可推论出：A.财经风险可能超过政治风险;B.中产阶级可能面临更大的政治挑战;C.财经问题可能带来政治问题;D.财经责任是一个人的政治地位标志;35下列哪个是本文最佳的标题：A.警觉的中产阶级B.处于悬崖的中产阶级C.冲突中的中产阶级D.毁掉了的中产阶级TEXT 4It never rains but it pours. Just as bosses and boards have finally sorted out their worst accounting and compliance troubles, and improved their feeble corporation governance, a new problem threatens to earn them-especially in America-the sort of nasty headlines that inevitably lead to heads rolling in the executive suite: data insecurity. Left, until now, to odd, low level IT staff to put right, and seen as a concern only of data rich industries such as banking, telecoms and air travel, information protection is now high on the boss's agenda in business of every variety. Several massive leakages of customer and employee data thisyear-from organizations as diverse as Time Warner, the American defense contractor Science Applications International Corp and eventhe University of California, Berkeley-have left managers hurriedly peering into their intricate IT systems and business processes in search of potential vulnerabilities."Data is becoming an asset which needs to be guarded as much as any other asset,"says Haim Mendelson of Stanford University's business school."The ability to guard customer data is the key to market value, which the board is responsible for on behalf of shareholders". Indeed, just as there is the concept of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GAAP, perhaps it is time for GASP, Generally Accepted Security Practices, suggested Eli Noam of New York's Columbia Business School."Setting the proper investment level for security, redundancy, and recovery is a management issue, not a technical one," he says.The mystery is that this should come as a surprise to any boss. Surely it should be obvious to the dimmest executive that trust, that most valuable of economic assets, is easily destroyed and hugely expensive to restore-and that few things are more likely to destroy trust than a company letting sensitive personal data get into the wrong hands.The current state of affairs may have been encouraged-though not justified-by the lack of legal penalty in America, but not Europe for data leakage. Until California recently passed a law, Americanfirms did not have to tell anyone, even the victim, when data went astray. That may change fast: lots of proposed data security legislation is now doing the rounds in Washington, D. C. Meanwhile, the theft of information about some 40 million credit card accounts in America, disclosed on June 17 th, overshadowed a hugely important decision a day earlier by America's Federal Trade Commission FTC. that puts corporate America on notice that regulators will act if firms fail to provide adequate data security.36. The statement: "It never rains but it pours" is used to introduceA. the fierce business competitionB. the feeble boss board relationsC. the threat from news reportsD. the severity of data leakage37. According to Paragraph 2, some organizations check theirsystems to find outA. whether there is any weak pointB. what sort of data has been stolenC. who is responsible for the leakageD. how the potential spies can be located38. In bringing up the concept of GASP the author is making the pointthatA. shareholders' interest should be properly attended toB. information protection should be given due attentionC. businesses should enhance their level of accounting securityD. the market value of customer data should be emphasized39. According to Paragraph 4, what puzzles the author is that somebosses fail toA. see the link between trust and data protectionB. perceive the sensitivity of personal dataC. realize the high cost of data restorationD. appreciate the economic value of trust40. It can be inferred from Paragraph 5 thatA. data leakage is more severe in EuropeB. FTC's decision is essential to data security.C. California takes the lead in security legislation.D. legal penalty is a major solution to data leakage ability 15 n.①能力,智能；②才能,才干account 22 n.①账目,户；②叙述,说明；③价值,地位；v.for①说明,解释；②占；③take into考虑；顾及act 11 v.①行动,做事；②on起作用；③表演；④for代表,代替；n.①行为,动作；②一幕；③法令,条例adequate 3 a.足够的,充分的,恰当的affair 2 n.事,事情,事件agenda 2 n.议事日程application 4 n.①请求,申请书,表；②应用,运用；③施用,敷用appreciate 3 v.①感谢,感激；②正确评价,欣赏,赏识asset 2 n.资产,有用的东西attend 5 v.①出席,参加；②to照顾,护理；③关注,注意attention 14 n.①注意力,留心；②立正author 69 n.①作者；②创始人behalf 5 n.利益,支持,好处board 5 n.①板,纸板；②全体委员,委员会,部门；③伙食；船舷；v.上船车,飞机business 36 n.①商业,生意；②事务,业务,职责；③企业；④贸易量；⑤行业,业务commission 4 n.①委员会；②委任,委托书,代办；③佣金,手续费competition 16 n.①比赛；②竞争concept 15 n.概念,观念,思想concern 20 v.①涉及,关系到；②常与with, about, in连用关心,挂念；③担心,担忧；n.①利害关系；②关心,挂念；③担心,担忧corporation 10 n.公司,企业,团体current 7 n.①电流,水流,气流；②潮流,趋势；a.①当前的,现在的；②通用的,流行的,最近的data 22 n.datum的复数资料,数据dim 1 a.暗淡的,模糊的disclose 2 v.揭示,泄露diverse 3 a.多种多样的,from不同的economic 23 a.经济上的,经济学的emphasize 6 v.强调employee 7 n.雇工,雇员encourage 13 v.鼓励,怂恿enhance 7 v.提高,增强essential 11 a.①to必要的,必不可少的；②本质的,基本的；n.①本质,要点；②必需品executive 6 n.总经理,董事,行政负责人；a.执行的,实施的federal 14 a.联邦的feeble 1 a.虚弱的,无力的fierce 3 a.①凶猛的,残忍的；②激烈的,强烈的firm 14 a.①坚固的,稳固的；②坚决的,坚定的；n.公司,商号gasp 1 n.喘息,气喘；v.①喘息；②气吁吁地说headline 3 n.大字标题infer 21 v.推论,推断information 44 n.①通知,报告；②情报,信息intricate 1 a.错综复杂的,复杂精细的investment 11 n.投资,投资额issue 18 v.①流出,放出；②发行,发表,颁布；n.①发行物,报刊期号；②问题,争论点,争端justify 8 v.证明...是正当的,为...辩护lead 21 v.①领导,引导；②领先,占首位；③to通向,导致,引起；④经验,过生活；n.带领,引导；n.铅legal 11 a.①法律的,法定的；②合法的,正当的legislation 4 n.①立法；②法规link 9 v.连接,联系；n.环节,链环locate 3 v.①查找；②使...坐落于,位于major 11 a.较大的,较重要的；n.①专业,主修科目；②专业学生；③少校；v.in主修,专攻management 11 n.①经营,管理；②管理部门massive 3 a.①巨大的；大规模的；②严重的mystery 2 n.①神秘,神秘的事物；②神秘小说,侦探小说nasty 2 a.①肮脏的,卑劣的,下流的；②令人厌恶的obvious 13 a.明显的,显而易见的odd 5 a.①奇数的,单的；②奇怪的,古怪的；③单只的,不成对的；④临时的,不固定的；⑤带零头的,余的organization 6 n.①组织体制；②团体,机构paragraph 66 n.①段,节；②小新闻,短评peer 2 n.同等的人,贵族；vi.凝视,窥视；vt.与...同等,封为贵族penalty 2 n.处罚,惩罚perceive 5 v.①察觉,感知；②理解,领悟potential 13 a.①潜在的,可能的；②势的,位的；n.潜能,潜力principle 7 n.①原理,原则；②主义,信念；③行动的规则,准则process 34 n.①过程,进程；②工序,制作法；③工艺；v.加工,处理propose 4 v.①提议,建议；②提名,推荐；③求婚puzzle 4 n.难题,谜,迷惑；v.使迷惑,使为难recovery 4 n.①痊愈,复元；②经济复苏responsible 11 a.①for, to应负责的,有责任的；②可靠的,可信赖的；③责任重大的,重要的restore 3 v.①恢复,使回复；②归还,交还；③修复,重建school 44 n.①学校；②大学里的学院,系；③学派,流派science 58 n.①科学；②学科security 8 n.安全sensitive 7 a.①to敏感的,易受伤害的；②灵敏的setting 6 n.①安置,安装；②落山；③固定东西的柜架底座；④环境,背景severe 3 a.①严厉的,严格的；②剧烈的,严重的,严峻的,艰难的solution 4 n.①解答,解决办法；②溶解,溶液spy 6 n.间谍；v.①当间谍,刺探；②察觉,发现staff 5 n.①全体职工,全体人员；②杠,棒；③参谋部；v.配备工作人员statement 7 n.声明,陈述suite 1 n.一批随员,一套家具,套房system 31 n.①系统,体系；②制度,体制theft 1 n.偷窃,失窃threat 9 n.①恐吓,威胁；②坏兆头,危险迹象threaten 8 v.①恐吓,威胁；②有...危险,快要来临victim 3 n.牺牲品,受害者according 47 ad.依照,根据astray 1 ad.迷途地,入歧途地compliance 1 n.依从,顺从contractor 1 n.订约人,承包人corporate 4 a.①公司的；②法人的；③共同的,全体的given 22 a.特定的,假设的governance 1 n.统治,管理hugely 2 ad.巨大地,非常地hurriedly 1 ad.仓促地,慌忙地inevitably 3 ad.不可避免insecurity 3 n.不安全,不安全感leakage 2 n.漏,泄漏,渗漏overshadow 1 v.遮蔽,使黯然失色redundancy 2 n.冗余,过剩regulator 1 n.管理者restoration 1 n.恢复,复职,赔偿sensitivity 2 n.敏感,灵敏度,灵敏性severity 1 n.严肃,严重shareholder 6 n.股东telecom 3 n.=telecommunication电信vulnerability 1 n.弱点,攻击难句1Left, until now, to odd, low level IT staff to put right, and seen as a concern only of data rich industries such as banking, telecoms and air travel, information protection is now high on the boss's agenda in business of every variety.语法分析本句的主干结构是: information protection is on... agenda,主干结构前是一个left to引导的不定式作information protection的定语;本句难点主句前面的修饰成分比较长,影响考生的理解;方法对策分清主次,抓住主句,分析结构,这个难点就可以迎刃而解了;例句精译到目前为止,还仅仅是留给少数IT业低层人士去处理并仅受到信息资料比较丰富的诸如银行、通讯、航空等行业重视的信息保护工作;现在正在变成各个行业老板们议事日程中非常重要的内容;难句2Several massive leakages of customer and employee data thisyear-from organizations as diverse as Time Warner, the Americandefense contractor Science Applications International Corp and even the University of California, Berkeley-have left managers hurriedly peering into their intricate IT systems and business processes in search of potential vulnerabilities.语法分析本句的主干结构是: Several massive leakages... have left managers...,两个破折号之间的成分是地点状语,补充说明的作用;分词结构peering into...对宾语managers进一步说明;本句难点整句比较长,句子结构稍复杂,且有长插入语;方法对策首先略去插入语不看,然后找出句子的主干结构,再分析其他修饰成分,本句就简单了;例句精译今年内有关客户和雇员的资料的好几次重大泄漏已经迫使经理们不得不匆匆忙忙地检查他们复杂的IT系统和业务往来情况以期从中找出可能的漏洞并加以改进;这些泄漏发生在多个不同的组织身上;从时代的"华纳公司"、"美国国防承包公司"、"国际科技应用"、甚至到还有"加州大学伯克利分校"等等不一一列举;难句3Meanwhile, the theft of information about some 40 million credit card accounts in America, disclosed on June 17 th, overshadowed a hugely important decision a day earlier by America's Federal Trade Commission FTC. that puts corporate America on notice that regulators will act if firms fail to provide adequate data security.语法分析本句的主干结构是:... the theft... overshadowed... a decision...; theft后面的of information... in America和分词短语disclosed on June 17 th修饰主语the theft,FTC.后面的that引导定语从句补充说明decision,其后还包含一个if引导的从句;本句难点句子比较长,且机构比较复杂,考生不容易读懂;方法对策首先抓主句主干,然后再分析其他修饰和补充成分,本句就简单了;例句精译与此同时,6月17日美国提出的一桩大约4000万信用卡价值的信息失窃案让美国联邦贸易委员会将通过的决定黯然失色：如果公司无法保护资料安全,那么立法者们将会采取行动;36.答案D解析众所周知,现代社会的网络已经把人们紧密的联系在了一起;有银联网、移动通信网、也有人们互相做生意的电子商务网,等等;本文提到了一个公司面临的新型严重问题,那就是：信息资料的泄密问题;36题问"It never rains but it pours"可译为"真是祸不单行"或译为"屋漏又逢连阴雨,船迟偏遇顶头风"这句话是要引出一个如下的话题：A激烈的商业竞争; B脆弱的老板与董事会关系；C来自新闻报道的威胁；D资料泄密这一问题的严重性;显然应该选D 为了迷惑考生,出题人把文章首段中的data insecurity换成了问题里的data leakage;37.答案A解析"依据第二段,有些公司检查他们的系统是要找出"文章第二段说有些经理们"hurriedly peering into their IT system... in search ofpotential vulnerabilities"匆匆忙忙地检查他们复杂的IT系统,和业务往来情况以期从中找出可能的漏洞和弱点这正是选项A,只不过将文章里的vulnerabilities换成了问题里的同义词weak point;38.答案B解析本题目问：作者提出GASP概念是想说......;从第三段中我们可知,GASP是指Generally Accepted Security Practices 人们普遍认可的安全法则 ;所以,应该选B,作者是想强调信息安全保护工作应予以重视;39.答案A解析问题是：依据第四段,使作者感到困惑不解的是,有些老板们竟然不能选A.：看到公众对公司信任和资料保护之间的关系;根据是原文第四段的首句："令人费解的是这竟然会让有些老板感到吃惊;"而其中代词"这"是指上文提到的为信息资料的安全备份等工作;而整个第四段也都在谈顾客对公司信任的重要性以及顾客们资料泄漏的后果;40.答案D解析这是一道推理题;根据末段,我们自然可以推出D为选项;应为末段原文首句即暗示了这种含义：由于缺少法律惩罚,这种苗头还正在得到助长;"屋漏又逢连阴雨"正当老板们和董事会成员们刚刚清理完他们糟糕的财会账目以及相关的规章制度问题并刚刚改进了他们对公司的虚弱管理之际,一个新的难题又出现了,这正在给他们带来新的威胁尤其是美国 - 信息资料的泄密问题;这种威胁正是他们变成报纸上糟糕的头条新闻并可能在高层方面引起人员的波动;到目前为止,还仅仅是留给少数IT业低层人。
研究生英语精读二(含答案)
一、填空(10题10’unit1-3 vocabulary part A)Unit-1intervene; despise; take in; bow to; gumption; peddle; reverence; trudge; embark on; enchant; detachable; pauper1.After two years’ unemployment, he worked as a door-to-door salesman peddlingcloths and brushes and underwent an unforgettable money-making hardship.2.In the early morning the armed forces began the march but the progress was slowas they had to trudge through deep mud.3.She had the gumption to write directly to the company manager and persuade himto give her a job for she had finished all the professional training courses with straight As.4.Men, in the most cases, naturally despise those who court them, but respect thosewho do not give way to them.5.To participate in the evening party, she wore a long, loose overcoat with a(n)detachable cape with a round collar.6.The essence of humanistic spirit is to respect the value of human beings, the valueof life, and have a sense of reverence, because life is sacred.7.This paper is aimed at analyzing the inevitability and possibility for Chineseenterprises to embark on international business.8.The Commission has wide powers to intervene in the affairs of charity wherethings have gone wrong.9.The actual low standard of expropriating land and allocation and the singleness inthe model of allocation cause lots of peasants to be paupers in city.10.T he old lady was pretty good-hearted and her generosity was popular among allwho were familiar with her. She often offered to take in the poor homelessstranger.Unit-2funk; rant; dwindle; intimidate; proximity; catalyst; hierarchy; overwhelming; resourcefulness; anarchy; nurture; quirk1.Don’t worry about the problem. She is a shrewd woman full of resourcefulness,and will certainly be able to cope.2.We finally chose the house for its proximity to the school. It takes us only fiveminutes to walk to school from the house.3.The friends of the accused man intimidated the witness by bashing him in a darkalley. As a result, the witness didn’t appear in court.4.The women’s movement acted as a catalyst for change in many aspects ofwomen’s social lives.5.Judging from the relevant evidence, it seems that he should be responsible for theaccident because the evidence against him is overwhelming.6.The death of the King was followed by a year of anarchy. People were eager for apowerful leader.7.The economic recession has a fatal effect on demand. The inquiries for ourproduct have dwindled to about three fifths of the previous demand.8.After twenty years of hard work, Jerry finally worked his way up through thecorporate hierarchy to become President.9.Greg is a nice guy, but he has a few weird personality quirk, which does notsurprise me because everyone has his little oddities to a certain extent.10.Thompson was ranting about American youth again, which was his favorite topic.He could talk about the topic for an hour without stopping.Unit-3contagious; ritual; fuss; spawn; weld; surpass; languish; tacit; spur; apprehend; womb; feat1.The US economy has turned in 108 straight months of growth, surpass the recordof 106 months between February 1961 and December 1969, the report notes.2.Persons suspected of carrying a contagious disease should be detained at a port ofentry under enforced isolation to prevent disease from entering a country.3.In an international conference last year, all the representatives agreed to found anew academy which aimed to spur scientific researches in different fields.4.Japan, a previous leader, languish in 17th place in the poll of business leaderconducted by the International Institute for Management Development.5.They spend a lot of effort fussing over their cultures and the development andmaintenance of work environments that will be appealing to those they want to attract.6.Because of the efforts made by many generations of scientists in our country,some apparently impossible feats are now accomplished.7.You have to really think seriously about the introduction of new species oforganic compounds that could have acted to catalyze, if not actually spawn, more diverse kinds of life.8.In spite of the great number of denominations, scholars find that in many casesthere are no major differences in belief, and only minor ones in ritual between many of the Protestant denominations.9.It often takes trouble from outside to weld a family together and cause them toforget their quarrels.10.The Christian doctrine says that the Son of God was conceived in the womb ofMary and that Jesus is true God and true man.二、选择(10题10’ unit1-3 vocabulary part B)Unit-11.He turned and walked towards the glass doors in the lobby, feeling that faint guiltand bewilderment we experience when we by-pass some old friend or classmate who seems threadbare, or sick, or miserable in some other way.A. oldB. raggedC. proudD. ill2.I don’t know anything about art, and I haven’t met any grand people, and I don’tgo to a good tailor, and all that, I’m not what he calls from top-drawer society.A. highestB. lowestC. outstandingD. important3.When someone compliments me on something I’ve cooked, that makes me veryhappy, so I guess you’d say that I like cooking.A. congratulatesB. commentsC. praisesD. mentions4.As a manager, it’s advisable to bear in mind that if your division’s profit outlookis bleak, so may be your future with the company.A. bareB. chillyC. pleasantD. dismal5.On Christmas morning, the children were enchanted with the various presentssupposedly given by Santa Claus.A. gladdenedB. satisfiedC. fascinatedD. exposed6.There are, as the old saying goes, some people who pretend to despise the thingsthey cannot have.A. scornB. crushC. neglectD. refuse7.While watching TV to kill time at night, he draped his legs over the arm of thechair and made himself as comfortable and relaxed as he possibly could.A. coveredB. arrangedC. hungD. dwelled8.I had a theoretical reverence and homage for beauty, elegance, gallantry, andfascination so I could appreciate all the beauties around me that might be neglected by others.A. appealB. admirationC. prejudiceD. attitude9.An accident must have occurred there for the spectators ringed the intersectionspeaking in low voices.A. convergenceB. crosswayC. overlapD. scene10.The skills of the George Washington University medical team, plus his amazingdetermination and the grit and spirit of his wife, Sarah, pulled Jim through.A. loyaltyB. courageC. ambitionD. patienceUnit-21.According to research, the stronger the motivation, the more quickly a person willlearn a foreign language.A. involvementB. enjoymentC. willingnessD. earnestness2.Digital cell phones offer more security, but the downside is that they have lesspower compared with the traditional telephone.A. disadvantageB. disengagementC. misadventureD. misfortune3.When others were actively taking part in the conversation, Leo stood there still, ashe fell self-conscious about his accent.A. sensibleB. embarrassedC. rationalD. sentimental4.During the course of her lifetime, Mrs. Boone amassed more than $5 millionthrough her hard work and wise investment.A. maintainedB. affordedC. sustainedD. collected5.Donna’s having a bridal shower for Julie next week. Now she is busy preparingpresents and inviting friends.A. washingB. partyC. rainD. water6.I think Morris is too laid-back to run the company compared with the ex-CEO,who was very strict with employees.A. lazyB. irresponsibleC. relaxedD. unprofessional7.Lucy through for a minute before the solution dawned on her. Her quick responseleft a deep impression on the interviewer.A. occurred toB. conjured upC. took upD. stuck in8.For parents, many things can help their children to cultivate good habits. Forexample, reading aloud nurtures a love of books in children.A. keepsB. selectsC. accumulatesD. cultivates9.The chemistry between Hepburn and Tracy is obvious. One can easily observetheir love from the way they look at each other.A. similarityB. differenceC. attractionD. dislike10.I enjoyed the camaraderie among the team, which brought mutual trust among theteam members. To certain extent, this was the key to our success.A. amusementB. friendshipC. confidenceD. trustUnit-31.She looked wretched and lonely, despairing of the arrival of a friend who hadpromised to meet her.A. miserableB. wearyC. helplessD. disappointed2.An investigation carried out ostensibly to uncover subversive activities butactually used to harass and undermine those with differing views.A. terroristicB. treasonableC. resistantD. rebellious3.The soldier scaled the wall of the fortress by turret to attack the enemies inside,which caused a lot of casualties.A. fortB. buildingC. mansionD. houseunching “The Sims” lets players alternate between being a voyeur and a god ina game that is at once wholesome and creepy.A. happyB. holyC. healthyD. merciless5.The most important thing is that there should be more cohesion within the partyin order to win the next general election.A. coherenceB. integrityC. continuityD. comprehension6.Gingerly stepping over each sleeper, like a forest hiker over fallen tree trunks,finally I reached the hall and managed to open the door.A. nervouslyB. softlyC. cautiouslyD. tightly7.It breaks my heart to think of all the money we spent on our son’s education andall he wants to do is work in a dreary factory.A. modernB. dullC. obsoleteD. old8.The dictator decreed that his birthday should be a public holiday because heconsidered himself the God of the continent.A. declaredB. orderedC. sentencedD. ruled9.My judgment was frequently faulty and my information was useless sometimes,but my fealty to the nation could not be questioned.A. loyaltyB. affectionC. ambitionD. responsibility10.We should pay homage to the genius of Shakespeare, and to his greatcontributions in the fields of drama and sonnets.A. respectB. commitmentC. honorD. attention三、阅读理解(15题30’)四、中译英(1题10’ unit2-3练习题)Unite-2Due to hard schedule, my social life had dwindled to almost nothing. When I realized that there was no chum to meet, and let me rant, I was in funk. I resolved to acquire new friends, however, it’s a whole lot harder to make friends in midlife than it is when you’re younger. To start a new relationship may make us self-conscious. To make friends in midlife, we do not choose friends based on their popularity. Mutual interests become the perfect catalyst for bringing us together. With new friendship, I turned over a new leaf.Unite-3All families are different, and all families have their own issues, but the qualities of a good family tend to be the same: respect, responsibility, tolerance, honesty, courage, integrity, self-discipline, compassion and generosity. Respect your parents. Do this not just by giving them respect, but by listening to what they say and trying your best to make them happy. Realize that life is not always going to go smoothly. Try to face t he “ups and downs” in your family life with positive thinking and a cool mind. Try to compromise whenever and wherever it’s possible. You will have to compromise a lot in life; family is the first environment to begin learning this important skill. Be honest, but bear in mind that sometimes saying nothing can be better for a family relationship than saying everything. Try to feel free to communicate with each person in your family. There should be a “Family Time” for all the members to eat together, play to gether... No one’s family life is perfect; but you can make yours good through efforts.五、英译中(3题20’ unit2-4课文)Unite-2友谊的艺术斯蒂芬妮・多戈夫斯蒂芬妮・多戈夫1989年大学毕业后就为杂志和报纸撰稿。
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考研英语历年真题阅读理解精读笔记(二)TEXT 3During the past generation, the American middle class family that once could count on hard work andfair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities. Nowa pink slip, a bad diagnosis, or a disappearing spouse can reduce a family from solidly middle class tonewly poor in a few months.In just one generation, millions of mothers have gone to work, transforming basic family economics. Scholars, policymakers, and critics of all stripes have debated the social implications of these changes,but few have looked at the side effect: family risk has risen as well. Today's families have budgeted tothe limits of their new two paycheck status. As a result, they have lost the parachute they once had intimes of financial setback-a back up earner (usually Mom) who could go into the workforce if theprimary earner got laid off or fell sick. This added worker effect could support the safety net offeredby unemployment insurance or disability insurance to help families weather bad times. But today, adisruption to family fortunes can no longer be made up with extra income from an otherwise stay athome partner.During the same period, families have been asked to absorb much more risk in their retirement income. Steelworkers, airline employees, and now those in the auto industry are joining millions of familieswho must worry about interest rates, stock market fluctuation, and the harsh reality that they mayoutlive their retirement money. For much of the past year, President Bush campaigned to move SocialSecurity to a savings account model, with retirees trading much or all of their guaranteed payments for payments depending on investment returns. For younger families, the picture is not any better. Both the absolute cost of healthcare and the share of it borne by families have risen-and newly fashionablehealth savings plans are spreading from legislative halls to Wal Mart workers, with much higherdeductibles and a large new dose of investment risk for families' future healthcare. Even demographicsare working against the middle class family, as the odds of having a weak elderly parent-and all theattendant need for physical and financial assistance-have jumped eightfold in just one generation.From the middle class family perspective, much of this, understandably, looks far less like anopportunity to exercise more financial responsibility, and a good deal more like a frighteningacceleration of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto their already overburdened shoulders. Thefinancial fallout has begun, and the political fallout may not be far behind.. ' s double income families are at greater financial risk in thatToday31. the safety net they used to enjoy has disappearedA. their chances of being laid off have greatly increasedB. they are more vulnerable to changes in family economicsC. they are deprived of unemployment or disability insuranceD. ' s reform, retired people may haveAs a result of President Bush32. a higher sense of securityA. less secured paymentsB. less chance to investC．. a guaranteed futureD. According to the author, health savings plans will33. help reduce the cost of healthcareA. popularize among the middle classB. compensate for the reduced pensionsC.' investment risk increase the familiesD. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that34. financial risks tend to outweigh political risksA. the middle class may face greater political challengesB. financial problems may bring about political problemsC. financial responsibility is an indicator of political statusD. Which of the following is the best title for this text?35.. The Middle Class on theAlertA.. The Middle Class on the CliffB.. The Middle Class in ConflictC..The Middle Class in RuinsD absolute 2 a.绝对的，完全的absorb 3 v.①吸收；②吸引，使专心account 22 n.①账(目，户)；②叙述，说明；③价值，地位；v.(for)①说明，解释；②占；③(take into)考虑；顾及airline 1 n.①航线；②航空公司alert 1 a.①警惕的；②机灵的assistance 2 n.帮助，援助attendant 1 n.①服务员，值班员；②护理人员author 69 n.①作者；②创始人auto 2 n.汽车being 9 n.①生物，人；②存在，生存budget 4 n.预算；v.做预算campaign 4 n.①战役；②运动；vi.从事活动challenge 10 n.①挑战(书)；②艰巨任务，难题；v.向...挑战cliff 1 n.悬崖，峭壁compensate 5 v.(for)补偿，赔偿conflict 3 n.①战斗，斗争；②抵触，冲突；v.(with)抵触，冲突critic 7 n.批评家，评论家debate 8 v./n.争论，辩论depend 16 v.(on)取决于，依靠，信赖，相信deprive 2 v.夺去，使丧失不见，消失disappear 4 v.dose 2 n.剂量，一服，一剂；v.(给...)服药economic 23 a.经济(上)的，经济学的economics 5 n.经济学；经济情况elderly 1 a.过了中年的，稍老的employee 7 n.雇工，雇员fair 9 a.①公平的，合理的；②相当的，尚好的；③晴朗的；④金发的；n.集市，交易会，博览会fashionable 2 a.流行的，时髦的fell 1 v.砍倒，砍伐financial 11 a.财政的，金融的guarantee 5 n.保证，保证书；v.保证，担保harsh 3 a.①粗糙的，刺耳的；②残酷的，严厉的implication 6 n.含意，暗示infer 21 v.推论，推断insurance 6 n.保险，保险费，保险业invest 4 v.投资investment 11 n.投资，投资额model 8 n.①样式，型；②模范，典型；③模型；④原型，模特；v.(on, after)模仿，构造odds 1 n.①不平等，差异；②机会opportunity 11 n.机会parachute 1 n.降落伞；v.跳伞paragraph 66 n.①段，节；②小新闻，短评partner 3 n.①合作者，合伙人；②伙伴，舞伴payment 5 n.支付，付款额pension 2 n.养老金，年金perspective 3 n.①视角；②透视法；③(in~)正确地physical 7 a.①物质的，有形的；②肉体的，身体的；③自然科学的，物理的primary 7 a.①最初的，初级的；②首要的，主要的，基本的rate 31 n.①比率，率；②等级；③价格，费用；v.①估价；②评级，评价reality 10 n.①现实，实际；②真实reform 8 v./n.改革，改造，改良responsibility 7 n.①责任，责任心；②职责，任务result 37 n.结果，成果，成绩；v.①(in)导致，结果是；②(from)起因于，因...而造成retire 2 v.①退休，引退；②退却，撤退；③就寝risk 14 v.冒...的危险；n.风险，危险saving 3 n.①储蓄；②[pl.]储蓄金，存款scholar 5 n.学者secure 4 a.(from, against)安全的，可靠的，放心的；v.①得到，获得；②防护，保卫security 8 n.安全sense 16 n.①感官，官能；②感觉；③判断力；④见识；⑤意义，意思；v.感觉到，意识到setback 3 n.退步，后退shift 12 v.①替换，转移；②移动；n.①转换，转变；②(轮)班，(换)班shoulder 2 n.肩，肩部；v.肩负，承担slip 3 v.①滑，滑倒；②滑落，滑掉；③溜走；n.疏忽，小错，口误，笔误社交活动n.①社会的；②社交的，交际的；social 38 a.赞助发起，主办；v.(配偶指夫或妻)保证人，主办人；vt.spouse 1 n. ①地位，身份；②情形，状况status 5 n. 储存①备料，库存，现货；②股票，公债；③无生命之物；④群，家庭，家系；v.stock 9 n. 条纹stripe 1 n. ①趋向，往往是；②照料，看护tend 26 v. ①书名，标题；②头衔，称号title 6 n. ①改变，变换；②变压；③转化；④改造transform 5 v. 失业，失业人数unemployment 4 n. ...的攻击vulnerable 3 a.易受攻击的，易受acceleration 2 n.加速度according 47 ad.依照，根据deductible 1 a.可扣除的demographic 1 a.人口统计学的diagnosis 1 n.诊断disability 2 n.无能力，无资格disruption 1 n.中断，分裂，瓦解，破坏ad.八倍地，八层地eightfold 1 a.八倍的，八层的；fallout 1 n.降落，滑落财政上，金融上financially 2 ad. 波动，起伏fluctuation 1 n. 卫生保健healthcare 2 n. 指示器indicator 4 n. 立法机关legislative 2 a.立法的，立法机关的；n. 长寿比...outlive 2 vt. 超过outweigh 1 v. 不堪重负overburden 1 vt. 薪水paycheck 1 n. policymaker 1 n.决策人popularize 1 v.普及solidly 1 ad.坚硬地，稳固地steelworker 1 n.钢铁工人understandably 1 ad.可理解地大规模的(喻)wholesale 1 n.批发，趸售；a.批发的，1难句During the past generation, the American middle class family that once could count on hard work andfair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities.the American middle本句主干结构为：class family... has been transformed by...,][语法分析family;family后面是一个定语从句修饰;主要是其中定语从句比较复杂]整句较长,本句难点[;就可以把握本句了,]方法对策首先找出主句的主干,然后再分析从句结构[在过去一代人中，美国中产阶级家庭已经被经济危机和新的现实所改变。