2008年6月英语六级真题听力原文和答案

passage3Articles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing dropout rate in our junior and senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have workforceto fill the many jobs that require properly-educated personnel. The highest student dropout rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting dropoutrates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that dropouts remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the dropout problem doesn't start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy, that is, staying away from school without permission. Under the guidanceof counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in high school include rewarding academic excellenceby designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing such as school letter jackets formally given only to athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers, and administrators are in the frontlinesof what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone's concern, since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.Questions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 33: Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing dropout rate in school?Question 34: What do we learn about the student dropout problem in America?Question 35: What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?I’m interested in the criminal justicesystem of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to survive as a country. I certainly don’t know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get complicatedin a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn’t be done to deal with some of these problems. One thing I’m concerned about is our practice of putting offenders in jail who haven’t harmed anyone. Why not work out some system wherebythey can pay back the debts they owe society instead of incurring another debt by going to prison and of course coming out at the influence of hardened criminals? I’m also concerned about the short prison sentences people are serving for serious crimes. Of course one alternativeto this is to restore capital punishment, but I’m not sure I would be for that—I’m not sure it’s right to take an eye for an eye. The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences. But they would certainly cost the taxpayers much money. I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person’s life intentionallyis insane. However, that does not mean that the person isn’t guilty of the crime or that he shouldn’t pay society the debt he owes. It’s sad of course that a person may have to spend the rest of his life or a large part of it in prison for acts that he committedwhile not in full control of his mind。

Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says:“It’s is now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and productive as today’s people in their 60s”
He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly.Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.

四、2008年6月六级听力passgePassage OneWater scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays, speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and particularly popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in Longboat Key while they were floating on the rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and kill them. Also water scooter operators have been killed or seriously injured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been stranded at the sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increase the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water waves are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proving to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?27. What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?Passage TwoIt seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend nest door from whom you borrowed for eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there now are strangers. Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly and maybe just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible “Love thy neighbor” was probably a poor translation of what must haveoriginally been, “respect thy neighbor”. Love can be called up on order. Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there is no reason to love the people who live next door to you, just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity and unless something more develops that isn’t reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choices friends or that you will be theirs, either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say “hello”, use small talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The drive way or the fence between you is not really a cold shoulder but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves.30. What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors nowadays?31. Why does speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?32. What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion?Passage ThreeArticles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our junior and senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educated personnel. The high student drop-out rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting drop-out rates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that drop-outs remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the drop-out problem doesn’t start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy—that is staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in a high school include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing, such as school letter jackets formerly given only to athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing drop-out rate in school?34. What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America?35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?。

Part III Listening Comprehension (35minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C), and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.11. A) The man might be able to play in the World Cup.B) The man’s football career seems to be at an end.C) The man was operated on a few weeks ago.D) The man is a fan of world-famous football players.12. A) Work out a plan to tighten his budgetB) Find out the opening hours of the cafeteria.C) Apply for a senior position in the restaurant.D) Solve his problem by doing a part-time job.13. A) A financial burden. C) A real nuisance.B) A good companion D) A well-trained pet.14. A) The errors will be corrected soon. C) The computing system is too complex.B) The woman was mistaken herself. D) He has called the woman several times.15. A) He needs help to retrieve his files. C) He needs some time to polish his paper.B) He has to type his paper once more. D) He will be away for a two-week conference.16. A) They might have to change their plan.B) He has got everything set for their trip.C) He has a heavier workload than the woman.D) They could stay in the mountains until June 8.17. A) They have wait a month to apply for a student loan.B) They can find the application forms in the brochure.C) They are not eligible for a student loan.D) They are not late for a loan application.18. A) New laws are yet to be made to reduce pollutant release.B) Pollution has attracted little attention from the public.C) The quality of air will surely change for the better.D) It’ll take years to bring air pollution under control.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) Enormous size of its stores. C) Its appealing surroundings.B) Numerous varieties of food. D) Its rich and colorful history.20. A) An ancient building. C) An Egyptian museum.B) A world of antiques. D) An Egyptian Memorial.21. A) Its power bill reaches $9 million a year.B) It sells thousands of light bulbs a day.C) It supplies power to a nearby town.D) It generates 70% of the electricity it uses.22. A) 11,500 C) 250,000B) 30,000 D) 300,000Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. A) Transferring to another department. C) Thinking about doing a different job.B) Studying accounting at a university D) Making preparation for her wedding.24. A) She has finally got a promotion and a pay raise.B) She has got a satisfactory job in another company.C) She could at last leave the accounting department.D) She managed to keep her position in the company.25. A) He and Andrea have proved to be a perfect match.B) He changed his mind about marriage unexpectedly.C) He declared that he would remain single all his life.D) He would marry Andrea even without meeting her.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some question. Both the passage and the question will be spoken only once.. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard.26.A) They are motorcycles designated for water sports.B) They are speedy boats restricted in narrow waterways.C) They are becoming an efficient form of water transportation.D) They are getting more popular as a means or water recreation.27.A) Waterscooter operators’ lack of experience.B) Vacationers’ disregard of water safety rules.C) Overloading of small boats and other craft.D) Carelessness of people boating along the shore.28.A) They scare whales to death. C) They discharge toxic emissions.B)They produce too much noise. D) They endanger lots of water life.29.A) Expand operating areas. C) Limit the use of waterscooters.B) Restrict operating hours. D) Enforce necessary regulations.Passage TwoQuestions 30 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard.30.A) They are stable. C) They are strained.C) They are close. D) They are changing.31.A) They are fully occupied with their own business.B) Not many of them stay in the same place for long.C) Not many of them can win trust from their neighbors.D) They attach less importance to interpersonal relations.32.A) Count on each other for help. C) Keep a friendly distance.B) Give each other a cold shoulder. D) Build a fence between them.Passage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.33.A) It may produce an increasing number of idle youngsters.B) It may affect the quality of higher education in America.C) It may cause many schools to go out of operation.D) It may lead to a lack of properly educated workers.34．A）It is less serious in cities than in rural areas.B)It affects both junior and senior high schools.C)It results from a worsening economic climate.D)It is a new challenge facing American educators.35. A)Allowing them to choose their favorite teachers.B)Creating a more relaxed learning environment.C)Rewarding excellent academic performance.D)Helping them to develop better study habits.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blank numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are requiredto fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write downthe main points in your own word. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written. Compound DictationI'm interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to36_______ as a country. I certainly don't know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get 37______ in a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn't be done to deal with some of these problems.One thing I'm concerned about is our practice of putting 38______ in jail who haven't harmed anyone. Why not work out some system 39_______ they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of 40______ another debt by going to prison, and of course, coming under the 41______ of hardened criminals? I'm also concerned about the short prison sentences people are 42______ for serious crimes. Of course, one alternative to this is to 43_______ capital punishment, but I'm not sure I would be for that. I'm not sure it's right to take an eye for eye.44__________________________________________________________________________________I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person's life intentionally is insane. However, 45_____________________________________________________________________________________.It's said, of course, that the person may have to spend the rest of his life or46_____________________________________________________________________________.Scripts and KeysPart ⅢListening ComprehensionSection A11. M: Good news! I am not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That’s terrific. It will be great if you could get back in shape in time for the World’s Cup.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?A)。

2008年6月大学英语六级考试听力原文及参考答案Section 111. M: Good news, I'm not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That's terrific. It would be great if you could get back in shape in time for the world cup.Q：What do we learn from the conversation?12. M: I really need to make some extra money. You know I've practically spent my entire budget for this semester.W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at Market Street? I think there are still a few openingssuitable for seniors like you.Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?13. M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he's on vacation abroad. How were you getting along with it?W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place. I can't wait till John gets back.Q: How does the woman find the cat?14. W: Hello, Professor White, I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think there might be a mistake in my mark.M: Yeah, I've got several calls just like yours. There must be a problem with the computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours.Q: What does the man mean?15. M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on my paper, a computer failure completely wiped out my files, do you think I can have another day to retype it?W: I'm sorry, Rod. I'm leaving for a conference tomorrow and I'll be away two weeks.I suppose you can send me an E-copy.Q: Why does the man say he can't submit his assignment on time?16. W: I just called the travel agency, it's all set. On 1st June, we are heading for the mountains and will be camping there for a whole week.M：Have you checked the academic calendar？My classes aren't over until the 8th.Q: What does the man imply?17. W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan, but someone just told me that the closing date was last Tuesday.M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month. Wait, I've got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date.Q: What does the man imply?18. W: Look at the all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they'll ever get that under control?M: Now with the new laws in effect and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.Q: What does the man mean?Conversation OneW: Tell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?M: Well, it's the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harrods just to see them.W: What is special about the Food Hall?M: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy 100 tons every year.W: That's amazing! And why is the Egyptian Hall so famous?M: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like Egyptian building from 4, 000 years ago and it sells beautiful objects. They are not 4,000 years old, of course.W: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?M: Yes, it does. 70%. Enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs.W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?M: About 30,000 people come on an average day, but during the sales the number increases to 300,000 customers a day. How much do they spend? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is 9 million pounds.W: 9 million pounds in one day?M: Yes! On the first day of the January sales.W: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody everywhere. Is that really true?M: Oh yes, of course! Absolutely everything.Q19. What is the Food Hall of Harrods noted for?Q20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers?Q21. What make customers find surprising about Harrods?Q22. About how many customers come to Harrods on an average day?Conversation TwoW: Hi Kevin!M: Hi Laura, long time no see! What have you been up to lately?W: Not much, I can assure you, and you?M: Much the same except I do have some big news.W: Come on this suspense is killing me.M: No, really, what have you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.W: Well, that's not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department.M: A step up in the big business world.W: ??? exaggerate, but I am pleased. I had been hoping to get a promotion for a while. So when it finally came through, I was relieved. Actually, that's why I was looking for a new job. I just didn't want to work there anymore if they weren't going to recognize my efforts.M: Right, sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don't know you exist. I hope the money's better.W: I got an reasonable raise, now enough about me, I'm dying to hear your news.M: I getting married.W: No, you said you'd never get married.M: That was then and this is now. You've got to meet Andrea , she's great!W: This is all news to me. I didn't even know you were dating.M: We weren't, we've just been dating for two weeks now.W: And you getting married?M: I know, I can't help it. I just know she's the one.W: Well, congratulations! That's fantastic!M: Thanks, I'm glad to hear you feel that way.Q23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her?Q24 Why does the woman say she was relived?Q25 Why is the woman surprised at the man's news?Passage 1Water scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays, speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and particularly popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in Longboat Key while they were floating on the rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and kill them. Also water scooter operators have been killed or seriously injured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been stranded at the sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increases the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water waves are simply an open invitation to disaster.In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proving to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?27. What was mentioned as one of the causes of water accident?28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?Passage 2It seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend next door from whom you borrowed for eggs or a ladder has moved and people in there now are strangers.Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly and maybe just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible "Love thy neighbor" was probably a poor translation, of what must have originally been, "respect thy neighbor". Love can be called up on order. Fewer than half of the people in U.S. live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there is no reason to love the people who live next door to you, just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity and unless something more develops that isn't reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choice friends or that you will be theirs either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say "hello", use small talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The drive way or the fence between you is not really a cold shoulder but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves.30. What does the speak say about the relations among neighbors nowadays?31. Why does the speak say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?32. What should neighbors do in the speaker's opinion?Passage 3Articles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our junior and senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educated personnel. The high student drop-out rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting drop-out rates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that drop-outs remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the drop-out problem doesn't start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy, that is staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in a high school include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing, such as school letter jackets formerly given only to athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in schools. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing drop-out rate in school?34. What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America?35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?Compound DictationI'm interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to survive as a country. I certainly don't know whatthe answers to our problems are. Things certainly get complicated in a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn't be done to deal with some of these problems.One thing I'm concerned about is our practice of putting offenders in jail who haven't harmed anyone. Why not work out some system whereby they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of incurring another debt by going to prison, and of course, coming under the influence of hardened criminals? I'm also concerned about the short prison sentences people are serving for serious crimes. Of course, one alternative to this is to restore capital punishment, but I'm not sure I would be for that. I'm not sure it's right to take an eye for eye.The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences, but they would certainly costthe tax payers much money.I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, any one who takes another person's life intentionally is insane. However, that does not mean that the person isn't guilty of the crime, or that he shouldn't pay society the debt he owes.It's sad, of course, that a person may have to spend the rest of his life, or a large part of it, in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of his mind.听力A卷参考答案北京导航、北京领航李勇全庄延君提供11. A) The man mightbe able to play in the World Cup.12. D) Solve his problem by doing a part-time job.13. C) A real nuisance.14. A) The errors will be corrected soon.15. B) He has to type his paper once more.16. A) They might have to change their plan.17. D) They are not late for a loan application.18. C) The quality of air will surely change for the better.Conversation19. B) Numerous varieties of food.20. A) An ancient building.21. D) It generates 70% of the electricity it uses.22. B) 30,00023. C) Thinking about doing a different job.24. A) She has finally got a promotion and a pay raise.25. B) He changed his mind about marriage unexpectedly.Passage One北京导航、北京领航李勇全庄延君提供26.D) They are getting more popular as a means or water recreation.27.A) Waterscooter operators’ lack of experience.28. B)They produce too much noise.29. D) Enforce necessary regulations.Passage Two北京导航、北京领航提供30.D) They are changing.31.B) Not many of them stay in the same place for long.32. C) Keep a friendly distance.Passage Three33. D) It may lead to a lack of properly educated workers.34． B)It affects both junior and senior high schools.35. C)Rewarding excellent academic performance.Section C37. complicated38. offenders39. whereby40. incurring41. influence42. serving43. restore44. The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences. But they would certainly cost the tax payers much money.45. that does not mean that person isn't guilty of the crime, or that he shouldn't pay society the debt he owes.46. a large part of it in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of his mind.。

2008年6月大学英语六级考试A卷真题及答案Part ⅠWriting (30 minutes)注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上Part ⅡReading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)(15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D. For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty years?This week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their vision of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary health advances, John Ingham reports on what the world’s finest minds believe our futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of almost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our companions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexbaustible, safe, green energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we will have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religious prejudice.Will we really, as today’s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at least cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150?Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitation to look foolish, as with the predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were made 50 year ago.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, belives failing organs will be repaired by injecting cells into the body. They will naturally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections without needles could also slow the ageing process by using thesa me process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, anticipates the ability to produce“unlimited supplies” of transplantable human organs without the needed a new organ,such as kidney, the surgeon would contac t a commercial organ producer, give him the patient’s immuno-logical profile and would then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introducing them into animal hosts, and alloweing th em to deveoop into and organ in place of the animal’s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “Very few people would want to have their brains replaced by someone else’s and we probably don’t want to put a human brain ing an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says:“It’s i s now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and productive as today’s people in their 60s”AliensConli n Pillinger ,professor of planerary sciences at the Open University,says:”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life didi start to evolve on Mars well as Earth.”Within 50years he hopes scientists will prove that alien life came here in Martian meteorites(陨石).Chris McKay,a planetary scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center.believes that in 50 years we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent forst of Mars or on other planers.He adds:”There is even a chance we will find alien life f orms here on Earth.It mightbe as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer space will be discovered defore 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as optical and radio detection and data processing,are improving.He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly.Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gottprofessor of astrophysics at Princeton,hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars,which would be a “life insurance policy against w hatever catastrophes,natural or otherwise,might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other worlds before money for the space programme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz,a professor at the Wistar Institude in Philadelphia,foresees cures for inijuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicated Superman star Christopher Reeve.She says:”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able to profescribe drugs that cause severes(断裂的) spinal cords to heal,hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within,inmuch the same way that we fix an appliance or automobile:by replancing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.”She predict that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Reparies to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and,in time,the spinal cord.”Within 50years whole body replacement will be routine,”Prof.Heber-Katz adds.ObesitySydney Brenner,senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in California,won the 2002 Noblel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolition will favour small people with bodies large enough to support the required amount of brain power.”Obesity,”he says.”will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks,professor of robotice at MIT,says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly overcome.As a result,”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy,green technology expert in Califomia,says:”The most significant breakthrought would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe,green energy that is substantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally,such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weapons and would not make hazardous or toxic waste or carbon dioxide,the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller,evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico,says:”The US will follow the UKin realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提)for ordinary human decency.“This,sci ence will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offering a more practical,uniwersal and rewarding moral frameworkfor human interaction.”He also predicts that “ahsurdly wasteful”displays of wealth will become umfashionable while the importance of close-knit communities and families will become clearer.These there changer,he says,will help make us all”brighe\ter,wiser,happier and kinder”.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

11. M: Good news! I am not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can startworking out again soon and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That's terrific. It will be great if you could get back in shape in time for the World Cup.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?A) The man might be able to play in the World Cup.B) The man's football career seems to be at an end.C) The man was operated on a few weeks ago.D) The man is a fan of world-famous football players.12. M: I really need to make some extra money. You know, I've practically spent myentire budget for this semester.W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at Market Street? I think there are still a few openings suitable for seniors like you.Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?A) Work out a plan to tighten his budget.B) Find out the opening hours of the cafeteria.C) Apply for a senior position in the restaurant.D) Solve his problem by doing a past-time job.13.M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he's on vacation abroad. How are yougetting along with it?W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place.I can't wait till John gets back.Q: How does the woman find the cat?A) A financial burden.B) A good companion.C) A real nuisance.D) A well-trained pet.14. W: Hello, Professor White. I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think theremight be a mistake in my mark.M: Yeah, I've got several calls, just like yours. There must be a problem with the computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours.Q: What does the man mean?A) The errors will be corrected soon.B) The woman was mistaken herself.C) The computing system is too complex.D) He has called the woman several times.15. M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on mypaper, a computer failure completely wiped out my files. Do you think I could have another day to retype it?W: I'm sorry, Rod. I'm leaving for a conference tomorrow and I'll be away two weeks. I suppose you couldQ: Why does the man say he can't submit his assignment on time.A) He needs help to retrieve his files.B) He has to type his paper once more.C) He needs some time to polish his paper.D) He will be away for a two-week conference.16. W: I just called the travel agency. It's all set. On June first, we are heading for themountains, and we'll be camping there for a whole week.M: Have you checked the academic calendar? My classes aren't over until the 8th.Q: What does the man imply?A) They might have to change their plan.B) He has got everything set for their trip.C) He has a heavier workload than the woman.D) They could stay in the mountains until June 8.17. W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan, but someone justtold me that the closing date was last Tuesday.M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month, Wait. I got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date.Q: What does the man imply?A) They have to wait a month to apply for a student loan.B) They can find the application forms in the brochure.C) They are not eligible for a student loan.D) They are not late for a loan application.18: W: Look at all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they'll ever get that under control?M: Now with the new laws in effect and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.Q: What does the man mean?A) New laws are yet to be made to reduce pollutant release.B) Pollution has attracted little attention from the public.C) The quality of air will surely change for the better.D) It'll take years to bring air pollution under control.W: Tell me, Peter. What makes Hotalds so famous?M: Well, it's the biggest department store in the UK, and its food hall and Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harolds just to see them.W: What is special about the food hall?M: [19] It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has two hundred and fifty kinds of cheese from all over the world, and more than 180 kinds of bread.Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy a hundred tons every year.W: That's amazing, and why is the Egyptian hall so famous?M: [20] When people see it they feel they're in another world. It looks like an Egyptian building from 4000 years ago, and it sells beautiful objects. They are not 4000 years old, of course.W: [21] Is it true that Harolds produces its own electricity?M: [21]Yes, it does. 70%. Enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs.W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend? [22] About 30,000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300,000 customers a day. How much do they spend? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is 9 million pounds.W: 9 million pounds in one day?M: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.W: Harolds says it sells everything to everybody everywhere. Is that really true?M: Oh, yes, of course. Absolutely everything.19. What is the food hall of Harolds noted for?A) Enormous size of its stores.B) Numerous varieties of food.C) Its appealing surroundings.D) Its rich and colorful history.20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers?A) An ancient building.B) A world of antiques.C) An Egyptian museum.D) An Egyptian memorial.21. What may customers find surprising about Harolds?A) Its power bill reaches £9 million a year.B) It sells thousands of light bulbs a day.C) It supplies power to a nearby town.D) It generates 70% of the electricity it uses.22. About how many customers cone to Harolds on an average day?A) 11，500. B) 30，000.C) 250，000. D) 300，000.W: Hi, Kevin.M: Hi, Laura. Long time no see. What have you been up to lately? W: Not much, I can assure you. And you?M: Much the same except I do have some big news. W: Come on, the suspense is killing me.M: No, really. What have you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.W: Well, that's not exactly true. [23] I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department.M: A step up in the big business world.W: I wouldn't exaggerate, but I'm pleased. [24] I had been hoping to get promotion for a while, so when it finally came through I was relieved. Actually, that's why I was looking for a new job. 1 just didn't want to work there anymore if they weren't going to recognize my efforts.M: Right, sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don't know you exist. I hope the money is better.W: I got a reasonable raise. Now, enough about me. I'm dying to hear your news.M: I'm getting married.W: No, [25] you said you'd never get married.M: That was then, and this is now, you've got to meet Andrea. She is great.W: This is all news to me. I didn't even know you were dating.23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her?A) Transferring to another department.B) Studying accounting at a university.C) Thinking about doing a different job.D) Making preparations for her wedding.24. Why does the woman say she was relieved?A) She has finally got a promotion and a pay raise.B) She has got a satisfactory job in another company.C) She could at last leave the accounting department.D) She managed to keep her position in the company.25. Why is the woman surprised at the man’s news?A) He and Andrea have proved to be a perfect match.B) He changed his mind about marriage unexpectedly.C) He declared that he would remain single all his life.D) He would marry Andrea even without meeting her.Water scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles.[26]Nowadays speedy colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. Theycan travel anywhere a small boat can and are typically popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised a question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For ""ample, two women were vacationing in Longboat Key. While they were floating on a rubber boat along the shore, o water scooter crashed into them and killed them. Also, water scooter operators have been killed and seriously J1jured in collisions with other watercraft. Others have been stranded at sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. [27]Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increases the potential for accidents.The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water ways are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proven to be an environmental nuisance. [28]Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed the concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. [29]Regulations, such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas, and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?A) They are motorcycles designated for water sports.B) They are speedy boats restricted in narrow waterways.C) They are becoming an efficient form of water transportationD) They are getting more popular as a means of water recreation.27. What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?A) Water scooter operators' lack of experience.B) Vacationers' disregard of water safety rules.C) Overloading of small boats and other craft.D) Carelessness of people boating along the shore.28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?A) They scare whales to death.B) They produce too much noise.C) They discharge toxic emissions.D) They endanger lots of water life.29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?A) Expand operation areas.B) Restrict operating hours.C) Limit the use of water scooters.D) Enforce necessary regulations.It seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend next door from whom you borrowed four eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there now are strangers.Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly, and [30] it may be just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible "Love Thy Neighbor" was probably a poor translation of what must have originally been "Respect Thy Neighbor." Love can't be called up on order. [31] Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago, so there's no reason to love the people who live next door to you just because they happened to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity, and unless something more develops, that isn't reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choice as friends. Or that you will be theirs, either.[32]The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say hello, you small-talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The driveway or the fence between you is not really a cold shoulder, but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves.30. What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors?A) They are stable.B) They are close.C) They are strained.D) They are changing.31. Why does the speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?A) They are fully occupied with their own business.B) Not many of them stay in the same place for long.C) Not many of them can win trust from their neighbors.D) They attach less importance to interpersonal relations.32. What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion?A) Count on each other for help.B) Give each other a cold shoulder.C) Keep a friendly distance.D) Build a fence between them.Articles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing dropout rate [34] in our junior and senior high schools. [33]Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have workforce to fill the many jobs that require properly-educated personnel.The high student dropout rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting dropout rates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that dropouts remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. [34]Since the dropout problem doesn't start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy,that is, staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. [35)Strategies to motivate students in high school include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing such as school letter jackets formally given only to athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers, and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone's concern, since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing dropout rate in school?A) It may produce an increasing number of idle youngsters.B) It may affect the quality of higher education in America.C) It may cause many schools to go out of operation.D) It may lead to a lack of properly educated workers.34. What do we learn about the student dropout problem in America?A) It is less serious in cities than in rural areas.B) It affects both junior and senior high schools.C) It results from a worsening economic climate.D) It is a new challenge facing American educators.35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?A) Allowing them to choose their favorite teachers.B) Creating a more relaxed learning environment.C) Rewarding excellent academic performance.D) Helping them to develop better study habits.I'm interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that。

2008.12Section A11. A)He is quite easy to recognizeB)he is an outstanding speakerC)he looks like a movie starD)he looks young for his age12. A)consult her dancing teacherB)take a more interesting classC)continue her dancing classD)improve her dancing skills13. A)the man did not believe what the woman saidB)the man accompanied the woman to the hospitalC)the woman may be suffering from repetitive strain injuryD)the woman may not followed the doctor’s instructions14. A)they are not in style any moreB)they have cost him far too muchC)they no longer suit his eyesightD)they should be cleaned regularly15. A)he spilled his drink onto the floorB)he has just finished wiping the floorC)he was caught in a shower on his way homeD)he rushed out of the bath to answer the phone16. A)fixing some furnitureB)repairing the toy trainC)reading the instructionsD)assembling the bookcase17. A)urge Jenny to spend more time on studyB)help Jenny to prepare for the coming examsC)act towards Jenny in a more sensible wayD)send Jenny to a volleyball training center18. A)The building of the dam needs a large budgetB)the proposed site is near the residential areaC)the local people fel insecure about the damD)the dam poses a threat to the local environmentQuestions 19-21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19A. It saw the end of its booming years worldwideB. Its production and sales reached record levels.C. It became popular in some foreign countriesD. Its domestic market started to shrink rapidly.20. A. They cost less.B. They tasted better.C. They were in fashion.D. They were widely advertised.21. A. It is sure to fluctuate .B. It is bound to revive.C. It will remain basically stable.D. It will see no more monopolyQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the conversations you have just heard. 22A. Organising protestsB. Recruiting membersC. Acting as its spokesman.D. Saving endangered animals.23. A. Anti-animal-abuse demonstrationsB. Anti-nuclear campaignsC. Surveying the Atlantic Ocean floorD. Removing industrial waste.24. A. By harassing them.B. By appealing to the publicC. By taking legal action.D. By resorting to force.25. A. DoubtfulB. ReservedC. Indifferent .D. SupportiveSection BPassage OneQuestions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.26.A. The air becomes still.B. The air pressure is low.C. The clouds block the sun.D. The sky appears brighter27.A. Ancient people were better at foretelling the weather.B. Sailors’saying about the weather are unreliable.C. People knew long ago how to predict the weather.D. It was easiter to forecast the weather in the old days28A. Weather forecast is getting more accurate today.B. People can predict the weather by their sensesC. Who are the real esperts in weather forecast .D. Weather changes affect people’s life remarkablyPassage TwoQuestions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.29.A. They often feel insecure about their jobs.B. They are unable to decide what to do first .C. They are feel burdened with numerous tasks every day.D they feel burdened with numerous tasks every day30A. Analyze them rationally.B. Draw a detailed to-do list .C. Turn to others for help.D. Handle them one by one .31.A. They have accomplished little .B. They feel utterly exhausted .C. They have worked out a way to relax.D. They no longer feel any sense of guilt.Passage ThreeQuestions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.32.A. Their performance may improve.B. Their immune system may be reinforcedC. Their blood pressure may rise all of a sudden.D. Their physical development may be enhanced.33.A. Improved mental functioningB. Increased susceptibility to diseaseC. Speeding up of blood circulationD. Reduction of stress-related hormones34.A. Pretend to be in better shape.B. Have more physical exercise .C. Turn more often to friends for helpD. Pay more attention to bodily sensations.35.A. Different approaches to coping with stress.B. Various causes for serious health problems.C. The relationship between stress and illness.D. New finding of medical research on stress.2009年6月Part III Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section A注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2008年6月大学英语六级考试A卷（真题+答案）7［1］Passage TwoQuestions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.In the college—admissions wars，we parents are the true fights. We are pushing our kids to get good grades，take SAT preparatory courses and build resumes so they can get into the college of our first choice. I’ve twice been to the wars, and as I survey th e battlefield，something different is happening。

We see our kids’college background as e prize demonstrating how well we’ve raised them。

But we can’t acknowledge that our obsession(痴迷）is more about us than them. So we've contrived various justifications that turn out to be half—truths，prejudices or myths。

It actually doesn’t matter much whether Aaron and Nicole go to Stanford。

We have a full-blown prestige panic；we worry that there won't be enough prizes to go around。

七夕，古今诗人惯咏星月与悲情。

吾生虽晚，世态炎凉却已看透矣。

情也成空，且作“挥手袖底风”罢。

是夜，窗外风雨如晦，吾独坐陋室，听一曲《尘缘》，合成诗韵一首，觉放诸古今，亦独有风韵也。

乃书于纸上。

毕而卧。

凄然入梦。

乙酉年七月初七。

-----啸之记。

2008年6月大学英语六级考试（听力原文）Section A11. M: Good news, I’m not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon andmaybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That’s terrific. It would be great if you could get back in shape in time for the World Cup.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?12. M: I really need to make some e xtra money. You know I’ve practically spent my entire budget for thissemester.W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at Market Street? I think there are still a few openings suitable for seniors like you.Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?13. M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he’s on vacation abroad. How are you getting along with it?W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place. I can’t wait till John gets back.Q: How does the woman find the cat?14. W: Hello, Professor White, I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think there might be a mistake in mymark.M: Yeah, I’ve got several calls just like yours. There must be a problem with the computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours.Q: What does the man mean?15. M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on my paper, a computer failurecompletely wiped out my files, do you think I can have another day to retype it?W: I’m sorry, Rod. I’m leaving for a conference tomorrow and I’ll be away two weeks. I suppose you could send me an E-copy.Q: Why does the man say he can’t submit his assignment on time?16. W: I just called the travel agency, it’s all set. On June l st, we are heading for the mountains and will becamping there for a whole week.M: Have you checked the academic calendar? My classes aren’t over until the 8th.Q: What does the man imply?17. W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan. But someone just told me that the closingdate was last Tuesday.M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month. Wait, I’ve got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date.Q: What does the man imply?18. W: L ook at all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they’ll ever get that undercontrol?M: Now with the new laws in effect and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.Q: What does the man mean?Conversation OneW: Tell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?M: Well, it’s the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and the Egyptian hall are very famous.People come to Harrods just to see them.W: What is special about the food hall?M: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy a hundred tons every year.W: That’s amazing! And why is the Egyptian hall so famous?M: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like in Egyptian building from 4,000 years ago. And it sells beautiful objects. They are not 4,000 years old, of course.W: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?M: Yes, it does.70%, enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs. W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?M: About 30,000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300,000 customersa day. How much do they spent? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. Therecord for one day is nine million pounds.W: Nine million pounds in one day?M: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.W: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody, everywhere. Is that really true?M: Oh, yes. of course! Absolutely everything!19. What is the food hall of Harrods noted for?20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers?21. What may customers find surprising about Harrods?22. About how many customers come to Harrods on an average day?Conversation TwoW: Hi Kevin!M: Hi Laura, long time no see! What have you been up to lately?W: Not much. I can assure you. And you?M: Much the same except I do have some big news.W: Come on. This suspense is killing me.M: No, really, what have you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.W: Well, that’s not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department.M: A step up in the big business world.W: I wouldn’t exaggerate, but I am pleased. I had been hoping to get a promoti on for a while. So when it finally came through, I was relieved. Actually, that’s why I was looking for a new job. I just didn’t want to work there anymore if they weren’t going to recognize my efforts.M: Right, sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don’t know you exist. I hope the money’s better.W: I got a reasonable raise, now enough about me. I’m dying to hear your news.M: I am getting married.W: No, you said you’d never get married.M: That was then and this is now. You’ve got to meet Andrea, she’s great!W: This is all news to me. I didn’t even know you were dating.M: We weren’t. We’ve just been dating for two weeks now.W: And you getting married?M: I know. I can’t help it. I just know she’s the one.W: Well, congratulations! That’s fantastic!M: Thanks, I’m glad to hear you feel way.23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her?24. Why does the woman say she was relieved?25. Why is the woman surprised at the man’s news?Section BPassage OneWater scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays, speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and particularly popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in Longboat Key while they were floating on the rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and kill them. Also water scooter operators have been killed or seriouslyinjured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been stranded at the sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increase the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water waves are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proving to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?27. What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?Passage TwoIt seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend nest door from whom you borrowed for eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there now are strangers. Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly and maybe just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible “Love thy neighbor” was probably a poor translation of what must have originally been, “respect thy neighbor”. Love can be called up on order. Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there is no reason to love the people who live next door to you, just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity and unless something more develops that isn’t reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choices friends or that you will be theirs, either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say “hello”, use small talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The drive way or the fence between you is not really a cold shoulder but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves.30. What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors nowadays?31. Why does speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?32. What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion?Passage ThreeArticles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our junior and senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educated personnel. The high student drop-out rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting drop-out rates between 35 and 50 percent. Some administrators maintain that drop-outs remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the drop-out problem doesn’t start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy—that is staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in a high school include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing, such as school letter jackets formerly given only to athletes. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing drop-out rate in school?34. What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America?35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?Section CI’m interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done, if we’re to survive as a country. I certainly don’t know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get complicated in a hurry when you get into them, but I wonder if something couldn’t be done to deal with some of these problems. One thing I’m concerned about is our practice of putting offenders in jail who haven’t harmed anyone. Why not work out some system whereby they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of incurring another debt by going to prison and, of course, coming under the influence of course, coming under the influence of hardened criminals. I’m also concerned about he short prison sentences people are serving for serious crimes.Of course one alternative to this is to restore capital pu8nishment, but I’m not sure I would be for that. I’m not sure it’s r ight to take an eye . The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences but they would certainly cost the tax-payers much money. I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person’s life intentionally is insane; however, that does not mean that the person isn’t guilty of the crime or that he shouldn’t pay society the debt he owes. It’s sad, of course, that a person may have to spend the rest of his life, or a large part of it in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of his mind.。

2008年6月21日大学英语六级真题及答案PartⅠWriting (30 minutes)Will E-books Replace Traditional Books1.随着信息技术的发展，电子图书越来越多2.有人认为电子图书会取代传统图书，理由是……3.我的看法注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上Part ⅡReading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)(15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D. For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty yearsThis week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their vision of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary health advances, John Ingham reports on what the world’s finest minds believe our futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of almost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our companions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexbaustible, safe, green energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we will have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religious prejudice.Will we really, as today’s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at least cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitation to look foolish, as with the predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were made 50 year ago.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, belives failing organs will be repaired by injecting cells into the body. They will naturally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections without needles could also slow the ageing process by using the same process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, anticipates the ability to produce“unlimited supplies” of transplantable human organs without the needed a new organ, such as kidney, the surgeon would contact a commercial organ producer, give him the patient’s immuno-logical profile and would then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introducing them into animal hosts, and alloweing them to deveoop into and organ in place of the animal’s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “Very few people would want to have their brains replaced by someone els e’s and we probably don’t want to put a human brain ing an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and h uman resist many forms of injuries. Hesays:“It’s is now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and prod uctive as today’s people in their 60s”AliensConlin Pillinger ,professor of planerary sciences at the Open University,says:”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life didi start to evolve on Mars well as Earth.”Within 50years he hopes scienti sts will prove that alien life came here in Martian meteorites(陨石).Chris McKay,a planetary scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center.believes that in 50 years we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent forst of Mars or on other planers.He add s:”There is even a chance we will find alien life forms here on Earth.It mightbe as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer space will be discovered defore 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as optical and radio detection and data processing,are improving.He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly.Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gottprofessor of astrophysics at Princeton,hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars,which would be a “life insurance policy against whatever catastrophes,natural or otherwise,might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other worlds before money for the space programme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz,a professor at the Wistar Institude in Philadelphia,foresees cures for inijuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicated Superman star Christopher Reeve.She says:”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able t o profescribe drugs that cause severes(断裂的) spinal cords to heal,hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within,inmuch the same way that we fix an appliance or automobile:by replancing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.”She predict that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Reparies to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and,in time,the spinal cord.”Within 50years whole body replacement will be routine,”Prof.Heber-Katz adds.ObesitySydney Brenner,senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in California,won the 2002 Noblel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolition will favour small people with bodies large enough to support the required amount of brain power.”Obesity,”he says.”will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks,professor of robotice at MIT,says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly overcome.As a result,”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy,green technology expert in Califomia,s ays:”The most significant breakthrought would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe,green energy that is substantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally,such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weapons and would not make hazardous ortoxic waste or carbon dioxide,the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller,evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico,says:”The US will follow the UKin realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提)for ordinary human decency.“This,science will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offering a more practical,uniwersal and rewarding moral frameworkfor human interaction.”He also predicts that “ahsurdly wasteful”displa ys of wealth will become umfashionable while the importance of close-knit communities and families will become clearer.These there changer,he says,will help make us all”brighe\ter,wiser,happier and kinder”.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2008年6月英语六级听力原文Section A11. M: Good news, I’m not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That’s terrific. It would be great if you could get back in shape in time for the World Cup. Q: What do we learn from the conversation?12. M: I really need to make some extra money. You know I’ve practically spent my entire budget for this semester.W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at Market Street? I think there are still a few openings suitable for seniors like you.Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?13. M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he’s on vacation abroad. How are you getting along with it?W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place. I can’t wait till John gets back.Q: How does the woman find the cat?14. W: Hello, Professor White, I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think there might bea mistake in my mark.M: Yeah, I’ve got several calls just like yours. There must be a problem with the computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours.Q: What does the man mean?15. M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on my paper, a computer failure completely wiped out my files, do you think I can haveanother day to retype it?W: I’m sorry, Rod. I’m leaving for a conference tomorrow and I’ll be away two weeks. I suppose you could send me an E-copy.Q: Why does the man say he can’t submit his assignment on time?16. W: I just called the travel agency, it’s all set. On June l st, we are heading for the mountains and will be camping there for a whole week.M: Have you checked the academic calendar? My classes aren’t over until the 8th.Q: What does the man imply?17. W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan. But someone just told me that the closing date was last Tuesday.M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month. Wait, I’ve got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date.Q: What does the man imply?18. W: Look at all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they’ll ever get that under control?M: Now with the new laws in effect and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.Q: What does the man mean?Conversation OneW: Tell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?M: Well, it’s the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and the Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harrods just to see them.W: What is special about the food hall?M: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all thedifferent kinds of chocolate. They buy a hundred tons every year.W: That’s amazing! And why is the Egyptian hall so famous?M: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like in Egyptian building from 4,000 years ago. And it sells beautiful objects. They are not4,000 years old, of course.W: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?M: Yes, it does.70%, enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs.W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?M: About 30,000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300,000 customers a day. How much do they spent? Well, on average,customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is nine million pounds. W: Nine million pounds in one day?M: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.W: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody, everywhere. Is that really true?M: Oh, yes. of course! Absolutely everything!19. What is the food hall of Harrods noted for?20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers?21. What may customers find surprising about Harrods?22. About how many customers come to Harrods on an average day?Conversation TwoW: Hi Kevin!M: Hi Laura, long time no see! What have you been up to lately?W: Not much. I can assure you. And you?M: Much the same except I do have some big news.W: Come on. This suspense is killing me.M: No, really, what have you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.W: Well, that’s not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department.M: A step up in the big business world.W: I wouldn’t exaggerate, but I am pleased. I had been hoping to get a promotion for a while. Sowhen it finally came through, I was relieved. Actually, that’s why Iwas looking for a new job. I just didn’t want to work there anymore if they weren’t going to recognize my efforts.M: Right, sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don’t know you exist. I hope the money’s better.W: I got a reasonable raise, now enough about me. I’m dying to hear your news.M: I am getting married.W: No, you said you’d never get married.M: That was then and this is now. You’ve got to meet Andrea, she’s great!W: This is all news to me. I didn’t even know you were dating.M: We weren’t. We’ve just been dating for two weeks now.W: And you getting married?M: I know. I can’t help it. I just know she’s the one.W: Well, congratulations! That’s fantastic!M: Thanks, I’m glad to hear you feel way.23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her?24. Why does the woman say she was relieved?25. Why is the woman surprised at the man’s news?Section BPassage OneWater scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays, speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere asmall boat can and particularly popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, theargument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in LongboatKey while they were floating on the rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and kill them. Also water scooter operators have been killed orseriously injured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been stranded at the sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many waterscooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increase the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter hasaggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water waves are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to theinherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proving to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The PacificWhale Foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding.Regulations such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragediesinvolving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26. What does the speaker say about water scooters?27. What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?28. In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?29. What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?Passage TwoIt seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend nest door from whom you borrowed for eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there noware strangers. Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly and maybe just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing.The saying in the Bible “Love thy neighbor”was probably a poor translation of what must have originally been, “respect thy neighbor”. Love can be called up onorder. Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there is no reason to love the people who live next doorto you, just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with,is proximity and unless something more develops that isn’t reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that yourneighbors will be your choices friends or that you will be theirs, either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say “hello”, usesmall talk if you see them in the yard, you discuss problems as they arise and you help each other in an emergency. The drive way or the fence between you is notreally a cold shoulder but a clear boundary. We all like clearly-defined boundaries for ourselves.30. What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors nowadays?31. Why does speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?32. What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion?Passage ThreeArticles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our juniorand senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educatedpersonnel. The high student drop-out rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting drop-out rates between 35 and 50 percent. Someadministrators maintain that drop-outs remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students withproblems in order to give them more attention before they become failures. Since the drop-out problem doesn’t start in senior high school, special programs in juniorhigh school focus on students who show promise but have a record of truancy—that is staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors,these students are placed in classes with teachers who have had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in a high school includerewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing, such as school letter jackets formerly given only to athletes.No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems attimes to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all.33. Why are many Americans concerned with the increasing drop-out rate in school?34. What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America?35. What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?Section CI’m interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done, if we’re to survive as a country. I certainly don’t knowwhat the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get complicated in a hurry when you get into them, but I wonder if something couldn’t be done to deal with someof these problems. One thing I’m concerned about is our practice of putting offenders in jail whohaven’t harmed anyone. Why not work out some system whereby theycan pay back the debts they owe society instead of incurring another debt by going to prison and, of course, coming under the influence of course, coming under theinfluence of hardened criminals. I’m also concerned about he short prison sentences people are serving for serious crimes. Of course one alternative to this is torestore capital pu8nishment, but I’m not sure I would be for that. I’m not sure it’s right to take an eye . The alternative to capital punishment is longersentences but they would certainly cost the tax-payers much money. I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes anotherperson’s life intentionally is insane; however, that does not mean that the person isn’t guilty of the crime or that he shouldn’t pay society the debt he owes. It’s sad, of course, that a person may have to spend the rest of his life, or a large part of it in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of hismind.2008年12月六级听力原文11．M: I’m asked to pick up the guest speaker Bob Russel at the airport this afternoon, do you know what he looks like?W: Well, he’s in his sixties, he stands out, he’s bald, tall and thin and has a beard.Q: What do we conclude from the woman’s remarks about Bob Russel?12. W: I’m considering dropping my dancing class. I’m not making any progressM: If I were you, I’d stick with it. It's definitely worth time and effort.Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?13. W: You see I still have this pain in my back, this medicine the doctor gave me was supposed to make me feel better by now.M: Maybe you should’ve taken it three times a day as you were told.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?14. M: Frankly, when I sat at the back of the classroom, I can’t see the words on the board clearly.W: Well, you’ve been wearing those same glasses as long as I’ve known you. Why not get a new pair, it won’t cost you too much.Q: What does the woman imply about the man’s glasses?15. W: How come the floor is so wet? I almost slipped, what happened?M: Oh, sorry! The phone rang the moment I got into the shower, anyway, I’ll wipe it up right now.Q: Why was the floor wet according to the man?16. M: The instructions on the package say that you need to some assembly yourself. I’ve spent all afternoon trying in vain to put this bookcase together,W: I know what you mean, last time I tried to assemble a toy train for my son and I almost gave up.Q: What does the man find difficult?17. M: I’m getting worried about Jenny’s school work. All she talks about these days is volleyball games and all she does is practice, training and things likethat.W: Her grades on the coming exams will fall for sure. It’s high time we talk(ed) some sense to her.Q: What are the speakers probably going to do?18. W: Do you understand why the local people are opposed to the new dam up the river?M: They are worried about the potential danger if the dam should break. The river is very wide above the proposed site.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?2008年12月六级听力长对话1原文-----------------------------------Longer conversationsW: Mr. White, What changes have you seen in the champagne market in the last ten to fifteen years?M: well , the biggest change has been the decrease in sales since the great boom years in 1980s when champagne production and sales reached record levels.W: Which was the best year?M: Well, the record was in 1989 when 249 million bottles of champagne was sold. Thehighest production level was reached in 1990 with a total of 293 millionbottles. Of course since those boom years , sales have fallen.W: Has the marker been badly hit by the recession?M: Oh, certainly. The economic problems in champagne's export ? markets that's Europe , the United States ,Japan, and of course , the domestic market in France.The economic problems have certainly been one reason for the decrease in champagne sales.W:And the other reasons?M:Another important factor has been price. In the early 90s, champagne was very overpriced, so many people stopped buying it. Instead, they bought sparkling winesfrom other countries, in particular, from Australia, and Spain. And then, there was another problem for champagne in early 90s.W: What was that?M: There was a lot of rather bad champagne on the market. This meant the popularity of good sparkling wines increased even more. People were surprised by theirquality, and of course they were a lot cheaper than champagne.W: Do you think the champagne market will recover in the future?M: Oh, I am sure it will. When the economic situation improves, I believe the market will recover.Q19: What does the man say about champagne in 1990s?Q20: Why sparkling wine more popular than champagne in early 1990s?Q21: What dose the man think of the champagne market in the future?2008年12月六级听力长对话2原文----------------------------------W: Right, well, in the studio this morning, for our interview spot is Peter Wilson. Peter works for Green Peace. So, Peter, welcome.M: Thanks a lot. It's good to be here.W: Great! Now, Peter, perhaps you can tell us something about Green Peace and your job there.M: Sure. Well, I'll start by telling you roughly what Green Peace is all about. I actually work in London for the Green Peace organization. We've been going for afew decades and we're a non-violent, non-political organization. We're involved in anti-nuclear activity, conservation and protection of animals and protection andsupport of our eco-system. I'm the action organizer and arrange any protests.W: Right! A pretty important role, Peter. What sort of protest would you organize?M: Well, recently we've been involved in anti-nuclear campaigns. I, personally arranged for the demonstration against radioactive waste dumping in the AtlanticOcean. We've got a few small Green Peace boats that we harass the dumping ship with.W: Say? Hold on, Peter. I thought you said your organization was non-violent. What do you mean by "harass"?M: Well, we circle round and round the ships and get in the way when they try to dump the drums of nuclear waste in the sea. We talk to the men and try to change,you know, yell at them to stop. We generally make ourselves as much of a nuisance as possible.M: Well, people may think differently of your methods, but there's no doubt you're doing a great job. Keep it up and good luck. And thanks for talking with us.W: Thanks for having me.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.22. What is the man's chief responsibility in the Green Peace organization?23. What has Green Peace been involved in recently?24. How does Green Peace try to stop people from dumping nuclear waste?25. What is the woman's attitude towards the Green Peace's campaigns?----------------2008年12月六级听力短文Passage One:To find out what the weather is going to be, most people go straight to the radio, television, or newspaper, to get an expert weather forecast. But if you knowwhat to look for, you can use your own senses to make weather predictions. There're many science that can help you. For example, in fair weather, the air pressure isgenerally high, the air is still, and often full of dust. And far away objects may look vague. But when a storm is blowing, the pressure drops, and you are often ableto see things more clearly. Sailors took note of this long ago, and came up with a saying:" The farther the sight, the nearer the rain." Your sense of smell can alsohelp you detect weather changes. Just before it rains, odors become stronger. This is because odors are repressed in a fair high pressure center. When a bad weatherlow moves in, air pressure lessens, and odors are released. You can also hear an approaching storm. Sounds bounce off heavy storm clouds and return to earth withincreased force. An old saying describes to this way:" Sound traveling far and wide, a stormy day will be tied." And don't laugh at your grandmother if she says shecan feel a storm coming. It is commonly known that many people feel pains in their bones or joints when humidity rises. The pressure drops, and bad weather is on theway.26. Why does the speaker say we can see far away objects more clearly as a storm is approaching?27. What does the speaker want to show by quoting a couple of old sayings?28. What does the passage mainly talk about?2008年12月六级听力Passage Two:Many days seem to bring numerous tasks and responsibilities. All of which apparently must be tackled right away. You spend a day putting out files, but by the endof the day, you haven't accomplished any of the really important things you set out to do. In desperation, you draft a "to-do" list, but most days, you can make littleprogress with it. When you look at the list each morning, a big fat cloud of doom is right at the top. Those difficult, complex, important tasks, that are so crucialto get done, and so easy to avoid. Plenty of us create a "to-do" list to address feelings of being overwhelmed, but we rarely use these tools to their best effect.They wind out being guilt-provoking reminders of the fact that will over-committed and losing control of our priorities. According to T.P, a professor of psychology atCarlton University in Ottawa, people often draw up a "to-do" list, and then that's it. The list itselfbecomes the day's achievement, allowing us to feel we've donesomething useful without taking on any real work. In fact, drawing up the list becomes a way of avoiding the work itself. Too often, the list is seen as theaccomplishment for the day, reducing the immediate guilt of not working on the tasks at hand by investing energy in the list, says P. When a list is used like this,it's simply another way in which we lie to ourselves.29. What is the problem that troubles many people nowadays according to the speaker?30. According to the speaker, what too many people do to cope with their daily tasks?31. According to psychologist T.P, what do people find by the end of the day?2008年12月六级听力Passage 3In many stressful situations, the body's responses can improve our performance. We become more energetic, more alert, better able to take effective action. Butwhen stress is encountered continually, the body's reactions are more likely to be harmful than helpful to us. The continual speeding up of bodily reactions andproduction of stress related hormones seem to make people more susceptible to heart disease. And stress reactions can reduce the disease fighting effectiveness of thebody's immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to illnesses ranging from colds to cancer. Stress may also contribute to disease in less direct ways byinfluencing moods and behavior. People under stress may become anxious or depressed, and as a result may eat too much or too little, have sleep difficulties or fail toexercise. These behavioral changes may in turn be harmful to the health. In addition, people are more likely to pay attention to certain bodily sensations such asaches and pains when they are under stress and to think that they're sick. If the person were not under stress, the same bodily sensations might not be perceived assymptoms and the person might continue to feel well. Some researchers have suggested that assuming the role of a sick person is one way in which certain people try tocope with stress. Instead of dealing with the stressful situation directly, these people fall sick. After all, it is often more acceptably in our society to be sickand to seek medical help than it is to admit that one can not cope with the stresses of life.32. What does the speaker say about people who encounter stress once in a while?33. What does the speaker say frequent stress reactions may lead to?34. What are people more likely to do when they are under stress?35. What does the passage mainly talk about?2008年12月六级听力复合式听写One of the most common images of an advanced, Western-style culture is that of a busy, traffic-filled city. Since their first (36) appearance on American roadways,automobiles have become a (37) symbol of progress, a source of thousands of jobs and an al most inalienable right for citizens’personal freedom of movement. In recent(38) decades, our “love affair”with the car is being (39) exported directly to the developing world, and it is increasingly (40) apparent that this transfer isleading to disaster.American’s almost complete dependence on automobiles has been a terrible mistake. As late as the 1950s, a large (41) percentage of the Americanpublic used mass transit. A (42) combination of public policy decisions and corporate scheming saw to it that countless (43) convenient and efficient urban streetcarand intra-city rail systems were dismantled. (44) Our air quality now suffers from the effects of pollutants emitted directly from our cars. Our lives have beenplanned along a road grid -- homes far from work, shopping far from everything, with ugly stretches of concrete and blacktop in between.Developing countries arecopying Western-style transportation systems down to the last detail. (45) The problems caused by motorized vehicles in the West are often magnified in developingnations. Pollution control measures are either not strict or nonexistent, leading to choking clouds of smog. Gasoline still contains lead, which is extremely poisonousto humans. (46) Movement in some cities comes to a virtual standstill as motorized traffic competes with bicycles and pedestrians.In addition to pollution and trafficjams, auto safety is a critical issue in developing nations.。

Part ⅠWritingDirections:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Will E-books Replace Traditional Books? You should at least write 150 words following the outline given below.1.随着信息技术的发展，电子图书越来越多；2.有人认为电子图书将会取代传统图书，理由是……3.我的看法。

Part ⅡReading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty years?This week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their vision of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary health advances, John Ingham reports on what the world‟s finest minds believe our futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of almost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our companions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexhaustible, safe, green energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we will have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religious prejudice.Will we really, as today‟s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at least cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150?Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitatio n to look foolish, as with the predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were made 50 year ago.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, believes failing organs will be repaired by injecting cells into the body. They will naturally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections without needles could also slow the ageing process by using the same process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, anticipates the ability to produce “unlimited supplies” of transplantable human organs without the needed a new organ, such as kidney, the surgeon would contact a commercial organ producer, give him the patient‟s immunologic al profile and would then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introducing them into animal hosts, and allowing them to devel op into and organ in place of the animal‟s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “Very few people would want to have their brains replaced by someone else‟s and we probably don‟t want to put a human brain ing an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop “a uthentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says: “It‟s is now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and productive as today‟s people in their 60s”AliensConlin Pillinger, professor of planetary sciences at the Open University, says: ”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life did start to evolve on Mars well as Earth. ”Within 50years he hopes scientists will prove that alien life came here in Martian meteorites (陨石).Chris McKay, a planetary scien tist at NASA‟s Ames Research Center, believes that in 50 years we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent frost of Mars or on other planers.He adds: ”There is even a chance we will find alien life forms here on Earth. It might be as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer space will be discovered before 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as optical and radio detection and data processing, are improving.He says: ”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly. Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gott, professor of astrophysics at Princeton, hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars, which would be a “life insurance policy against whatever catastrophes, natural or otherwise, might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other worlds before money for the space programme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz, a professor at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, foresees cures for injuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicted Superman star Christopher Reeve. She says: ”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able to prescribe drugs that cause severed (断裂的) spinal cords to heal, hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within, in much the same way that we fix an appliance or automobile: by replacing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.” She predicts that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Repairs to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and, in time, the spinal cord. “Within 50years whole body replacement will be routine,” Prof. Heber-Katz adds.ObesitySydney Brenner, senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in California, won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolution will favour small people with bodies large enough to support the required amount of brain power. “Obesity,” he says, “will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks, professor of robotics at MIT, says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly overcome. As a result, ”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy, green technology expert in California, says: ”The most s ignificant breakthrough would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe, green energy that is substantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally, such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weapons and would not make hazardous or toxic waste or carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller, evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico, says: “The US will follow the UK in realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提) for ordinary human decency.“This,science will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offering a more practical, universal and rewarding moral framework for human interaction.”He also predicts that “a b surdly wasteful” displays of wealth will become unfashionable while the importance of close-knit communities and families will become clearer.These there changer, he says, will help make us all ”brighter, wiser, happier and kinder”.1. What is john lngham‟s report about?A) A solution to the global energy crisisB) Extraordinary advances in technology.C) The latest developments of medical scienceD) Scientists‟ vision of the world in half a century2. According to Harvard professor Steven Pinker, predictions about the future_____.A) may invite troubleB) may not come trueC) will fool the publicD) do more harm than good3. Professor Bruce Lahn of the University of Chicago predicts that____.A) humans won‟t have to donate organs for transplantationB) more people will donate their organs for transplantationC) animal organs could be transplanted into human bodiesD) organ transplantation won‟t be as scary as it is today4. According to professor Richard Miller of the University of Michigan, people will____.A) life for as long as they wishB) be relieved from all sufferingsC) life to 100 and more with vitalityD) be able to live longer than whales5. Princeton professor Freeman Dyson thinks that____.A) scientists will find alien life similar to oursB) humans will be able to settle on MarsC) alien life will likely be discoveredD) life will start to evolve on Mars6. According to Princeton professor Richard Gott, by setting up a self-sufficient colony on Mars, Humans_____.A) might survive all catastrophes on earthB) might acquire ample natural resourcesC) will be able to travel to Mars freelyD) will move there to live a better life7. Ellen Heber-Katz, professor at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, predicts that_____.A) human organs can be manufactured like appliancesB) people will be as strong and dynamic as supermenC) human nerves can be replaced by optic fibersD) lost fingers and limbs will be able to regrow8. Rodney Brooks says that it will be possible for robots to work with humans as a result or the development of___________________.9. The most significant breakthrough predicted by Bill joy will be an inexhaustible green energy source that can‟t be used to make_____________________________.10. According to Geoffrey Miller, science will offer a more practical, universal and rewarding moral framework in place of _________________.Part III Listening ComprehensionSection ADirections:In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C), and D),and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.11. A) The man might be able to play in the World Cup.B) The man‟s football career seems to be at an end.C) The man was operated on a few weeks ago.D) The man is a fan of world-famous football players.12. A) Work out a plan to tighten his budgetB) Find out the opening hours of the cafeteria.C) Apply for a senior position in the restaurant.D) Solve his problem by doing a part-time job.13. A) A financial burden.C) A real nuisance.B) A good companion D) A well-trained pet.14. A) The errors will be corrected soon.C) The computing system is too complex.B) The woman was mistaken herself.D) He has called the woman several times.15. A) He needs help to retrieve his files.C) He needs some time to polish his paper.B) He has to type his paper once more.D) He will be away for a two-week conference.16. A) They might have to change their plan.B) He has got everything set for their trip.C) He has a heavier workload than the woman.D) They could stay in the mountains until June 8.17. A) They have wait a month to apply for a student loan.B) They can find the application forms in the brochure.C) They are not eligible for a student loan.D) They are not late for a loan application.18. A) New laws are yet to be made to reduce pollutant release.B) Pollution has attracted little attention from the public.C) The quality of air will surely change for the better.D) It‟ll take years to bring air pollution under control.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) Enormous size of its stores.C) Its appealing surroundings.B) Numerous varieties of food.D) Its rich and colorful history.20. A) An ancient building.C) An Egyptian museum.B) A world of antiques.D) An Egyptian Memorial.21. A) Its power bill reaches $9 million a year.B) It sells thousands of light bulbs a day.C) It supplies power to a nearby town.D) It generates 70% of the electricity it uses.22. A) 11,500C) 250,000B) 30,000D) 300,000Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. A) Transferring to another department.C) Thinking about doing a different job.B) Studying accounting at a university D) Making preparation for her wedding.24. A) She has finally got a promotion and a pay raise.B) She has got a satisfactory job in another company.C) She could at last leave the accounting department.D) She managed to keep her position in the company.25. A) He and Andrea have proved to be a perfect match.B) He changed his mind about marriage unexpectedly.C) He declared that he would remain single all his life.D) He would marry Andrea even without meeting her.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some question. Both the passage and the question will be spoken only once.. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard.26.A) They are motorcycles designated for water sports.B) They are speedy boats restricted in narrow waterways.C) They are becoming an efficient form of water transportation.D) They are getting more popular as a means or water recreation.27.A)Water scooter operators‟ lack of experience.B)Vacatio ners‟ disregard of water safety rules.C)Overloading of small boats and other craft.D)Carelessness of people boating along the shore.28.A) They scare whales to death.C) They discharge toxic emissions.B)They produce too much noise.D) They endanger lots of water life.29.A) Expand operating areas.C) Limit the use of waterscooters.B) Restrict operating hours.D) Enforce necessary regulations.Passage TwoQuestions 30 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard.30. A) They are stable.C) They are strained.C) They are close.D) They are changing.31.A) They are fully occupied with their own business.B) Not many of them stay in the same place for long.C) Not many of them can win trust from their neighbors.D) They attach less importance to interpersonal relations.32.A) Count on each other for help.C) Keep a friendly distance.B) Give each other a cold shoulder.D) Build a fence between them.Passage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.33. A) It may produce an increasing number of idle youngsters.B) It may affect the quality of higher education in America.C) It may cause many schools to go out of operation.D) It may lead to a lack of properly educated workers.34. A) It is less serious in cities than in rural areas.B) It affects both junior and senior high schools.C) It results from a worsening economic climate.D) It is a new challenge facing American educators.35. A) Allowing them to choose their favorite teachers.B) Creating a more relaxed learning environment.C) Rewarding excellent academic performance.D) Helping them to develop better study habits.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blank numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own word. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.I'm interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to (36)______ as a country. I certainly don't know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get (37)______ in a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn't be done to deal with some of these problems.One thing I'm concerned about is our practice of putting (38)______ in jail who haven't harmed anyone. Why not work out some system (39)_____ they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of (40)______ another debt by going to prison, and of course, coming under the (41)______ of hardened criminals? I'm also concerned about the short prison sentences people are (42)______ for serious crimes. Of course, one alternative to this is to (43)______ capital punishment, but I'm not sure I would be for that. I'm not sure it's right to take an eye for eye. (44)__________________________________. I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person‟s lifeintentionally is insane: however, (45)________________________________. It‟s sad, of course, that a person may have to spend the rest of his life, or (46)_______________________________________.Part IV Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a short passage with 5 questions or incomplete statements. Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements in the fewest possible words. Please write our answers on Answer Sheet 2.Questions 47 to 51 are based on the following passage.If movie trailers (预告片) are supposed to cause a reaction, the preview for "United 93" more than succeeds. Featuring no famous actors, it begins with images of a beautiful morning and passengers boarding an airplane. It takes you a minute to realize what the movie's even about. That‟s when a plane hits the World Trade Center. the effect is visceral (震撼心灵的). When the trailer played before "Inside Man" last week at a Hollywood theater, audience members began calling out, "Too soon!" In New York City, the response was even more dramatic. The Loews theater in Manhattan took the rare step of pulling the trailer from its screens after several complaints."United 93" is the first feature film to deal explicitly with the events of September 11, 2001, and is certain to ignite an emotional debate. Is it too soon? Should the film have been made at all? More to the point, will anyone want to see it? Other 9/11 projects are on the way as the fifth anniversary of the attacks approaches, most notably Oliver Stone's " World Trade Center." but as the forerunner, "United 93"will take most of the heat, whether it deserves it or not.The real United 93 crashed in a Pennsylvania field after 40 passengers and crew fought back against the terrorists. Writer-director Paul Greengrass has gone to great lengths to berespectful in his depiction of what occurred, proceeding with the film only after securing the approval of every victim's family. "Was I surprised at the agreement? Yes. Very. Usually there‟re one or two families who're more reluctant," Greengrass writes in an e-mail. "I was surprised at the extraordinary way the United 93 families have welcomed us into their lives and shared their experiences with us." Carole O'Hare, a family member, says, "They were very open and honest with us, and they made us a part of this whole project." Universal, which is releasing the film, plans to donate 10% of its opening weekend gross to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund. That hasn't stopped criticism that the studio is exploiting a national tragedy. O'Hare thinks that's unfair. "This story has to be told to honor the passengers and crew for what they did," she says. "But more than that, it raises awareness. Our ports aren't secure. Our borders aren't secure. Our airlines still aren't secure, and this is what happens when you're not secure. That‟s the message I want people to hear."47. The trailer for "United 93" succeeded in __________________ when it played in the theaters in Hollywood and New York City.48. The movie "United 93" is sure to give rise to ______________.49. What did writer-director Paul Greengrass obtain before he proceeded with the movie?50. Universal, which is releasing "United 93", has been criticized for _________________.51. Carole O‟Hare thinks that besides honoring the passengers and crew for what they did, the purpose of telling the story is to ___________________ about security.Section BDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C)and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line thought the centre.Passage OneQuestions 52 to 56 are based on the following passage.Imagine waking up and finding the value of your assets has been halved. No, you‟re not an investor in one of those hedge funds that failed completely. With the dollar slumping to a 26-year low against the pound, already-expensive London has become quite unaffordable. A coffee at Starbucks, just as unavoidable in England as it is in the United States, runs about $8.The once all-powerful dollar isn‟t doing a Titanic against just the pound. It is sitting at a record low against the euro and at a 30-year low against the Canadian dollar. Even the Argentine peso and Brazilian real are thriving against the dollar.The weak dollar is a source of humiliation, for a nation‟s self-esteem rests in part on the strength of its currency. It‟s also a potential economic problem, since a declining dollar makes imported food more expensive and exerts upward pressure on interest rates. And yet there are substantial sectors of the vast U.S. economy-from giant companies like Coca-Cola to mom-and-pop restaurant operators in Miami-for which the weak dollar is most excellent news.Many Europeans may view the U.S. as an arrogant superpower that has become hostile to foreigners. But nothing makes people think more warmly of the U.S. than a weak dollar. Through April, the total number of visitors from abroad was up 6.8 percent from last year. Should the trend continue, the number of tourists this year will finally top the 2000 peak? Many Europeans now apparently view the U.S. the way many Americans view Mexico-as a cheap place to vacation, shop and party, all while ignoring the fact that the poorer locals can‟t afford to join the merrymaking.The money tourists spend helps decrease our chronic trade deficit. So do exports, which thanks in part to the weak dollar, soared 11 percent between May 2006 and May 2007. For first five months of 2007, the trade deficit actually fell 7 percent from 2006.If you own shares in large American corporations, you‟re a winner in the weak-dollar gamble. Last week Coca-Cola‟s stick bubbled to a five-year high after it reported a fantastic quarter. Foreign sales accounted for 65 percent of C oke‟s beverage business. Other American companies profiting from this trend include McDonald‟s and IBM.American tourists, however, shouldn‟t expect any relief soon. The dollar lost strength the way many marriages break up- slowly, and then all at once. And currencies don‟t turn on a dime. So if you want to avoid the pain inflicted by the increasingly pathetic dollar, cancel that summer vacation to England and look to New England. There, the dollar is still treated with a little respect.52. Why do Americans feel humiliated?A) Their economy is plunging B) They can‟t afford trips to EuropeC) Their currency has slumped D) They have lost half of their assets.53.How does the current dollar affect the life of ordinary Americans?A) They have to cancel their vacations in New England.B) They find it unaffordable to dine in mom-and-pop restaurants.C) They have to spend more money when buying imported goods.C) They might lose their jobs due to potential economic problems.54 How do many Europeans feel about the U.S with the devalued dollar?A) They feel contemptuous of itB) They are sympathetic with it.C) They regard it as a superpower on the decline.D) They think of it as a good tourist destination.55 what is the author‟s advice to A mericans?A) They treat the dollar with a little respectB) They try to win in the weak-dollar gambleC) They vacation at home rather than abroadD) They treasure their marriages all the more.56 What does the author imply by saying “currencies don‟t turn on a dime” (Line 2,Para7)?A) The dollar‟s value will not increase in the short term.B) The value of a dollar will not be reduced to a dimeC) The dollar‟s value will drop, but within a small margin.D) Few Americans will change dollars into other currencies.Passage TwoQuestions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.In the college-admissions wars, we parents are the true fights. We are pushing our kids to get good grades, take SAT preparatory courses and build resumes so they can get into the college of our first choice. I‟ve twice been to the wars, and as I survey the battlefield, something different is happening. We see our kids‟ college background as e prize demonstrating how well we‟ve raised them. But we can‟t acknowledge that our obses sion(痴迷) is more about us than them. So we‟ve contrived various justifications that turn out to be half-truths, prejudices or myths. It actually doesn‟t matter much whether Aaron and Nicole go to Stanford.We have a full-blown prestige panic; we worry that there won‟t be enough prizes to go around. Fearful parents urge their children to apply to more schools than ever. Underlying the hysteria (歇斯底里) is the belief that scarce elite degrees must be highly valuable. Their graduates must enjoy more success because they get a better education and develop better contacts. All that is plausible——and mostly wrong. We haven‟t found any convincing evidence that selectivity or prestige matters. Selective schools don‟t systematically employ better instructional approaches than less selective schools. On two measures——professors‟ feedback and the number of essay exams——selective schools do slightly worse.By some studies, selective schools do enhance their graduates‟ lifetime earnings. The gain is reckoned at 2-4% for every 100-poinnt increase in a school‟s average SAT scores. But even this advantage is probably a statistical fluke(偶然). A well-known study examined students who got into highly selective schools and then went elsewhere. They earned just as much as graduates from higher-status schools.Kids count more than their colleges. Getting into Yale may signify intellgence, talent and a mbition. But it‟s not the only indicator and, paradoxically, its significance is declining. The reason: so many similar people go elsewhere. Getting into college is not life only competiton. Old-boy networks are breaking down. Princeton economist Alan Krueger studied admissions to one top Ph.D. program. High scores on the GRE helped explain who got in; degrees of prestigious un iversities didn‟t.So, parents, lighten up. The stakes have been vastly exaggerated. Up to a point, we can rationalize our pushiness. America is a competitive society; our kids need to adjust to that. But too much pushiness can be destructive. The very ambition we impose on our children may get some into Harvard but may also set them up for disappointment.one study found that, other things being equal, graduates of highly selective schools experienced more job dissatisfaction. They may have been so conditioned to being on top that anything less disappoints.57. Why dose the author say that parents are the true fighters in the college-admissions wars?A) They have the final say in which university their children are to attend.B) They know best which universities are most suitable for their children.C) They have to carry out intensive surveys of colleges before children make an application.D) They care more about which college their children go to than the children themselves.58. Why do parents urge their children to apply to more school than ever?。

2008年6月21日大学英语六级真题PartⅠWriting (30 minutes)Will E-books Replace Traditional Books?1.随着信息技术的发展，电子图书越来越多2.有人认为电子图书会取代传统图书，理由是……3.我的看法注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上Part ⅡReading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)(15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D. For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty years?This week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their vision of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary health advances, John Ingham reports on what the world‟s finest minds believe our futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of almost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our companions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexbaustible, safe, green energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we will have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religious prejudice.Will we really, as today‟s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at least cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150?Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitation to look foolish, as with the predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were made 50 year ag o.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, belives failing organs will be repaired byinjecting cells into the body. They will naturally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections wit hout needles could also slow the ageing process by using the same process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, anticipates the ability to produce“unlimited supplies” of transplantable human organs without the needed a new organ, such as kidney, the surgeon would contact a commercial organ producer, give him the patient‟s immuno-logical profile and would then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introducing them into animal hosts, and alloweing them to deveoop into and organ in place of the animal‟s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “V ery few people would want to have their brains replaced by someone else‟s and we probably don‟t want to put a human brain ing an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says:“It‟s is now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and productive as today‟s people in their 60s”AliensConlin Pillinger ,professor of planerary sciences at the Open University,says:”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life didi start to evolve on Mars well as Earth.”Within 50years he hopes scientists will prove that alien life came here in Martian meteorites(陨石).Chris McKay,a planetary scientist at NASA‟s Ames Research Center.believes that in 50 years we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent forst of Mars or on other planers.He adds:”There is even a chance we will find alien life forms here on Earth.It mightbe as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer space will be discovered defore 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as optical and radio detection and data processing,are improving.He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly.Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gottprofessor of astrophysics at Princeton,hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars,which would be a “life insurance policy against whateve r catastrophes,natural or otherwise,might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other worlds before money for the spaceprogramme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz,a professor at the Wistar Institude in Philadelphia,foresees cures for inijuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicated Superman star Christopher Reeve.She says:”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able to profescribe drugs that cause severes(断裂的) spinal cords to heal,hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within,inmuch the same way that we fix an appliance or automobile:by replancing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.”She predict that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Reparies to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and,in time,the spinal cord.”Within 50years whole body replacement will be routine,”Prof.Heber-Katz adds.ObesitySydney Brenner,senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in California,won the 2002 Noblel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolition will favour small people with bodies large enough to support the required amount of brain power.”Obesity,”he says.”will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks,professor of robotice at MIT,says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly overcome.As a result,”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy,green technology expert in Califomia,says:”The most significant breakthrought would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe,green energy that is substantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally,such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weapons and would not make hazardous or toxic waste or carbon dioxide,the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller,evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico,says:”The US will follow the UKin realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提)for ordinary human decency.“This,s cience will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offering a more practical,uniwersal and rewarding moral frameworkfor human interaction.”He also predicts that “ahsurdly wasteful”displays of wealth will become umfashionable while the imp ortance of close-knit communities and families will become clearer.These there changer,he says,will help make us all”brighe\ter,wiser,happier and kinder”.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Section A11.M: Good news! I’m not going to have surgery after all. The doctor says I can start working out again soon, and maybe play football like before in a few weeks.W: That’s terrific! It will be great if you can get back in shape in time for the World Cup.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?12.M: I really need to make some extra money. You know, I’ve practically spent my entire budget for the semester.W: Why not check out the new cafeteria at the Market Street. I think there’s still a few opening suitable for seniors like you.Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?13.M: I hear John left his cat in your care while he’s on vacation abroad. How are you getting along with it?W: Well, it never comes when I call it. It spills its food and sheds all over the place. I can’t wait till John gets back.Q: How does the woman find the cat?14.W: Hello, Professor White, I got my grade in the mail this morning, but I think there might be a mistake in my mark.M: Yeah. I’ve got several calls just like yours. There must be a problem with a computing system. It should be straightened out in a couple of hours.Q: What does the man mean?15.M: Professor Johnson, last night when I was putting the finishing touches on my paper a computer failure completely wiped up my files. Do you think I could have another day to retype it?W: I’m sorry, Rod. I’m leaving for a conference tomorrow, and I’ll be away two weeks. I suppose you could send me an e-copy.Q: Why does the man say he can’t submit his assignment on time?16.W: I just called the travel agency. It’s all set. On June 1s we are heading for the mountains and will be camping there for a whole week.M: Have you checked the academic calendar? My classes aren’t over until the 8th.Q: What does the man imply?17.W: I thought there was still time for me to apply for a student loan. But someone just told me that the closing date was last Tuesday.M: Are you sure? I thought we still had another month. Wait, I’ve got a brochure right here. Last Tuesday was the opening date.Q: What does the man imply?18.W: Look at all the pollutants going into the air from those factories. Do you think they’ll ever get that under control?M: Now with the new laws in effect, and social awareness increasing, we are sure to turn things around.Q: What does the man mean?Conversation oneW: T ell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?M: Well, it’s the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and the Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harrods just to see them.W: What is special about the food hall?M: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy 100 tons every year.W: That’s amazing! And why is the Egyptian hall so famous?M: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like an Egyptian building from 4000 years ago. And it sells beautiful objects. They are not4000 years old, of course.W: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?M: Yes, it does. 70%, enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11500 light bulbs.W: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?M: About 30000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300000 customers a day. How much do they spend? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is 9 million pounds,W: 9 million pounds in one day?M: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.W: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody, everywhere. Is that really true?M: Oh, yes, of course! Absolutely everything!19. What is the food hall of Harrods noted for?20. What does the Egyptian hall seem like to the customers?21. What may customers find surprising about Harrods?22. About how many customers come to Harrods on an average day? Conversation twoW: Hi, Kevin.M: Hi, Laura. Long time no see. What’ve you been up to lately?W: Not much, I can assure you. And you?M: Much the same, except I do have some big news.W: Come on! This suspense is killing me.M: No, really. What’ve you been doing these past few weeks? The last time I saw you, you were looking for a new job.W: Well, That’s not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, they offered me a new position in the accounting department.M: A step up in the big business world.W: I wouldn’t exaggerate, but I’m pleased. I had been hoping to get a promotion for a while. So when it finally came through I was relieved. Actually that’s why I was looking for a new job. I just didn’t want to work there any more. They weren’t going to recognize my efforts.M: Right. Sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don’t know you exist. I hope the money is better?W: I got a reasonable raise. Now, enough about me. I’m dying to hear your news.M: I’m getting married.W: No! You said you never get married.M: That was then, and this is now. You’ve got to meet Andria. She’s great! W: This is all news to me. I didn’t even know you were dating.M: We weren’t. We’ve just been dating for two weeks now.W: And you’re getting married?M: I know I can’t help it. I just know she’s the one.W: Well, congratulations! That’s fantastic!M: Thanks. I’m glad to hear you feel that way.23. What was the woman doing when the man last saw her?24. Why does the woman say she was relieved?25. Why is the woman surprised at the man’s news?Section BPassage 1Water scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motor cycles. Nowadays speedy, colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and typically popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised the question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in Long Boat Key. While they were floating on a rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and killed them. Also, water scooter operators have been killed or seriously injured in collisions with other water craft. Others have been straddled at the sea when the scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules which increases the potential for accidents. The increasingpopularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water ways are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they’re proving to be an environmental nonsense. Beach residents complained of the noise of the scooters. The pacific whale foundation on the west coast expressed concern that the scooters are frightening away and endanger species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas and compulsory classes in water safety are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involve water scooters are sure to multiply which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.26 What does the speaker say about water scooters?27 What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?28 In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nonsense?29 What does the speaker propose to ensure the safety of beaches for recreation?Passage 2It seems to me that neighbors are going out of style in America. The friend next door from whom you borrowed four eggs or a ladder has moved and the people in there now are strangers. Some of the traditional stories of neighborliness are impractical or silly. And it may be just as well that our relations with our neighbors are changing. The saying in the Bible “Love Thy Neighbor” was probably a poor translation of what must have originally been – Respect Thy Neighbor. Love cant’be called up on order. Fewer than half the people in the United States live in the same house they lived in five years ago. So there’s no reason to love the people who live next door to you just because they happen to wander into a real estate office that listed the place next door to yours. The only thing neighbors have in common, to begin with, is proximity. And unless something more develops, that isn’t reason enough to be best friends. It sometimes happens naturally, but the chances are very small that your neighbors will be your choice of friends or that you’ll be theirs, either. The best relationship with neighbors is one of friendly distance. You say hello, you small talk if you see them in the yard. You discuss problems as they arise. And you help each other in an emergency. The driveway, or the fence between you, is not really a cold shoulder but a clear boundary - we all like clearly defined boundaries for ourselves.30 What does the speaker say about the relations among neighbors nowadays?31 Why does the speaker say it may be difficult for people to love their neighbors?32 What should neighbors do in the speaker’s opinion?Passage ThreeArticles in magazines and newspapers and special reports on radio, and television reflect the concern of many Americans about the increasing drop-out rate in our junior and senior high schools. Coupled with this fact is the warning that soon we will no longer have a work force to fill the many jobs that require properly educated personnel. The high student dropout rate is not a recent development. Ten years ago, many urban schools were reporting dropout rates between 35% and 50%. Some administrators maintain that dropouts remain the single greatest problem in their schools. Consequently, much effort has been spent on identifying students with problems in order to give them more attention before become failures. Since the dropout problem doesn’t start in senior high school, special programs in junior high school focus on students who show promise, but have a record of truancy. That’s staying away from school without permission. Under the guidance of counselors, these students are placed in classes with teachers whohave had success in working with similar young people. Strategies to motivate students in high school, include rewarding academic excellence by designating scholars of the month, or by issuing articles of clothing such as school letter jackets formally given only to athletes.. No one working with these students claims to know how to keep all students in school. Counselors, teachers and administrators are in the frontlines of what seems at times to be a losing battle. Actually, this problem should be everyone’s concern since uneducated, unemployed citizens affect us all33 Why are Americans concerned about the increasing drop-out rate in school?34 What do we learn about the student drop-out problem in America?35 What is mentioned as one of the strategies used to motivate students?Section CI’m interested in the criminal justice system of our country. It seems to me that something has to be done if we are to survive as a country. I certainly don’t know what the answers to our problems are. Things certainly get complicated in a hurry when you get into them. But I wonder if something couldn’t be done to deal with some of these problems. One thing I’m concerned about is our practice of puttingoffenders in jail who haven’t harmed anyone. Why not work out some system whereby they can pay back the debts they owe society instead of incurring another debt by going to prison and of course coming out the influence of hardened criminals. I’m also concerned about the short prison sentences people are serving for serious crimes. Of course one alternative to this is to restore capital punishment. But I’m not sure I would be for that. I’m not sure it’s right to take an eye for an eye. The alternative to capital punishment is longer sentences but they would certainly cost the tax-payers much money.I also think we must do something about the insanity plea. In my opinion, anyone who takes another person’s life intentionally is insane. However that does not mean that the person isn’t guilty of the crime or that he shouldn’t pay society the debt he owes. It said of course that a person may have to spend the rest of his life or a large part of it in prison for acts that he committed while not in full control of his mind.。

2008年6月大学英语六级考试A卷（真题+答案）2008年06月21日19:55 昂立英语第1 页感激昂立英语友情支持Part ⅠWriting (30 minutes)注意：此部份试题在答题卡1上Part Ⅱ Reading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)(15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage q uickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D. For questions 8-10,co mplete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty years?This week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their visi on of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary he alth advances, John Ingham reports on what the world’s finest minds believe o u r futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of alm ost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our c ompanions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexbaustible, safe, gr een energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we wil l have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religi ous prejudice.Will we really, as today’s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at lea st cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150?Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harva rd professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitation to look foolish, as with t he predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were m ade 50 year ago.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, beli ves failing organs will be repaired by injecting cells into the body. They will natu rally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections without needles could also slow the ageing process by using the same process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, antici pates the ability to produce“unlimited supplies”of transplantable human organs without the needed a new organ, such as kidney, the surgeon would contact a c ommercial organ producer, give him the patient’s immuno-logical profile and wo uld then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introdu cing them into animal hosts, and alloweing them to deveoop into and organ in place of the animal’s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “Very few people would want to have their brains repl aced by someone else’s and we probably don’t wa nt to put a human brain in g an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist co uld develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger a nimals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says:“It’s i s now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and productive as today’s people in their 60s”AliensConlin Pillinger ,professor of planerary sciences at the Open University,says:”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life didi start to evolve on M ars well as Earth.”Within 50years he hopes scientists will prove that alien li fe ca me here in Martian meteorites(陨石).Chris McKay,a planetary scientist at NASA’s Ames Research that in 50 ye ars we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent forst of Mars or on other planers.He adds:”There is even a chance we will find alie n life forms here on mi ghtbe as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer s pace will be discovered defore 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as opti cal and radio detection and data processing,are improving.He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow discoveries are likely to have r evolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may chan ge the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gottprofessor of astrophysics at Princeton,hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars,which would be a “life insurance policy against wh atever catastrophes,natural or otherwise,might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other wo rlds before money for the space programme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz,a professor at the Wistar Institude in Philadelphia,foresees cures for inijuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicated Superman star Christopher Reeve.She says:”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able to pro fescribe drugs that cause severes(断裂的) spinal cords to heal,hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within,inmuch the same way that we fix an appliance or autom obile:by replancing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.”She predict that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Reparies to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and,in time,the spinal cord.”Within 50years whole body replace ment will be routine,” adds.ObesitySydney Brenner,senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in Cali fornia,won the 2002 Noblel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolition will favour small people with bod ies large enough to support the required amount of brain power.”Obesity,”he s ays.”will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks,professor of robotice at MIT,says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly a result,”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy,green technology expert in Califomia,says:”The most significant break throught would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe,green energy that is s ubstantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally,such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weap ons and would not make hazardous or toxic waste or carbon dioxide,the main gr eenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller,evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico, says:”The US will follow the UKin realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提)for ordinary human decency.“This,science will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offer ing a more practical,uniwersal and rewarding moral frameworkfor human interactio n.”He also predicts that “ahsurdly wasteful”displays of wealth will become umfashionable while the importance of close-knit communities and families will b ecome clearer.These there changer,he says,will help make us all”brighe\ter,wiser,happier and kinder”.注意：此部份试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2008年6月21日大学英语六级真题及答案PartⅠWriting (30 minutes)Will E-books Replace Traditional Books?1.随着信息技术的发展，电子图书越来越多2.有人认为电子图书会取代传统图书，理由是……3.我的看法Part ⅡReading Comprehension(Skimming and Scanning)(15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1 For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D. For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.What will the world be like in fifty years?This week some top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, gave their vision of how the world will look in 2056,fron gas-powered cars to extraordinary health advances, John Ingham reports on what the world‟s fi nest minds believe our futures will be.For those of us lucky enough to live that long,2056 will be a world of almost perpetual youth, where obesity is a remote memory and robots become our companions.We will be rubbing shoulders with aliens and colonizing outer space. Better still, our descendants might at last live in a world at peace with itself.The prediction is that we will have found a source of inexbaustible, safe, green energy, and that science will have killed off religion. If they are right we will have removed two of the main causes of war-our dependence on oil and religious prejudice.Will we really, as today‟s scientists claim, be able to live for ever or at least cheat the ageing process so that the average person lives to 150?Of course, all these predictions come with a scientific health warning. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says: “This is an invitation to look foolish, as with the predictions of domed cities and nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners that were made 50 year ago.”Living longerAnthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute in North Carolina, belives failing organs will be repaired by injecting cells into the body. They will naturally to straight to the injury and help heal it. A system of injections without needles could also slow the ageing process by using the same process to “tune” cells.Bruce Lahn, professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago, anticipates the abilityto produce“unlimited supplies” of transplantable human organs without the needed a n ew organ, such as kidney, the surgeon would contact a commercial organ producer, give him the patient‟s immuno-logical profile and would then be sent a kidney with the correct tissue type.These organs would be entirely composed of human cells, grown by introducing them into animal hosts, and alloweing them to deveoop into and organ in place of the animal‟s own. But Prof. Lahn believes that farmed brains would be “off limits”.He says: “Very few people would want to have their brains replaced by someone els e‟s and we probably don‟t want to put a human brain ing an animal body.”Richard Miller, a professor at the University of Michigan, thinks scientist could develop“an thentic anti-ageing drugs” by working out how cells in larger animals such as whales and human resist many forms of injuries. He says:“It‟s is now routine, in laboratory mammals, to extend lifespan by about 40%. Turning on the same protective systems in people should, by 2056, create the first class of 100-year-olds who are as vigorous and pro ductive as today‟s people in their 60s”AliensConlin Pillinger ,professor of planerary sciences at the Open University,says:”I fancy that at least we will be able to show that life didi start to evolve on Mars well as Earth.”Within 50years he hopes scientists will prove that alien life came here in Martian meteorites(陨石). Chris McKay,a planetary scientist at NASA‟s Ames Research Center.believes that in 50 years we may find evidence of alien life in ancient permanent forst of Mars or on other planers.He adds:”There is even a chance we will find alien life forms here on Earth.It mightbe as different as English is to Chinese.Priceton professor Freeman Dyson thinks it “likely” that life form outer space will be discovered defore 2056 because the tools for finding it, such as optical and radio detection and data processing,are improving.He ays:”As soon as the first evidence is found,we will know what to look for and additional discoveries are likely to follow quickly.Such discoveries are likely to have revolutionary consequences for biology, astronomy and philosophy. They may change the way we look at ourselves and our place in the universe.Colonies in spaceRichard Gottprofessor of astrophysics at Princeton,hopes man will set up a self-sufficient colony on Mars,which would be a “life insurance policy against whateve r catastrophes,natural or otherwise,might occur on Earth.“The real space race is whether we will colonise off Earth on to other worlds before money forthe space programme runs out.”Spinal injuriesEllen Heber-Katz,a professor at the Wistar Institude in Philadelphia,foresees cures for inijuries causing paralysis such as the one that afflicated Superman star Christopher Reeve.She says:”I believe that the day is not far off when we will be able to profescribe drugs that cause severes(断裂的) spinal cords to heal,hearts to regenerate and lost limbs to regrow.“People will come to expect that injured or diseased organs are meant to be repaired from within,inmuch the same way that we fix an appliance or automobile:by replancing the damaged part with a manufacturer-certified new part.”She predict that within 5 to 10 years fingers and toes will be regrown and limbs will start to be regrown a few years later. Reparies to the nervous system will start with optic nerves and,in time,the spinal cord.”Within 50years whole body replacement will be routine,”Prof.Heber-Katz adds.ObesitySydney Brenner,senior distinguished fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center in California,won the 2002 Noblel Prize for Medicine and says that if there is a global disaster some humans will survive-and evolition will favour small people with bodies large enough to support the required amount of brain power.”Obesity,”he says.”will have been solved.”RobotsRodney Brooks,professor of robotice at MIT,says the problems of developing artificial intelligence for robots will be at least partly overcome.As a result,”the possibilities for robots working with people will open up immensely”EnergyBill Joy,green technology expert in Califomia,says:”The most significant breakthrought would be to have an inexhaustible source of safe,green energy that is substantially cheaper than any existing energy source.”Ideally,such a source would be safe in that it could not be made into weapons and would not make hazardous or toxic waste or carbon dioxide,the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.SocietyGeoffrey Miller,evolutionary psychologist at the University of New Mexico,says:”The US will follow the UKin realizing that religion is nor a prerequisite (前提)for ordinary human decency.“This,s cience will kill religion-not by reason challenging faith but by offering a more practical,uniwersal and rewarding moral frameworkfor human interaction.”He also predicts that “ahsurdly wasteful”displays of wealth will become umfashionable while the importance of close-knit communities and families will become clearer.These there changer,he says,will help make us all”brighe\ter,wiser,happier and kinder”.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。