新东方金秀秀：2017年12月四级作文真题解析(新东方版)

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案（第一套）1Part I Writing （25 minutes）2Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write 3a short easy on how to best4handle the relationship between doctors and patients. You should 5write at least6120 words but no more than 180 words.7Part II Listening Comprehension （25 minutes）8Section A9Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports.10At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions.11Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After 12you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices 13marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer 14Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.15Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.161. A) Her friend Erika. C) Her grandfather.17B) Her little brother. D) Her grandmother.182. A) By taking pictures for passers-by. C) By selling lemonade 19and pictures.20B) By working part time at a hospital. D) By asking for help on21social media.22Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.231 精品.资料3. A) Finding cheaper ways of highway construction.24B) Generating electric power for passing vehicles.25C) Providing clean energy to five million people.26D) Testing the efficiency of the new solar panel.274. A) They can stand the wear and tear of natural elements.28B) They can be laid right on top of existing highways.29C) They are only about half an inch thick.30D) They are made from cheap materials.31Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. 325. A) Endless fighting in the region. C) Inadequate funding for 33research.34B) The hazards from the desert. D) The lack of clues about the35species.366. A) To observe the wildlife in the two national parks.37B) To identify the reasons for the lions’ disappearance.38C) To study the habitat of lions in Sudan and Ethiopia.39D) To find evidence of the existence of the “lost lions”.407. A) Lions walking. C) Some camping facilities.41B) Lions’ tracks. D) Traps set by local hunters.42Section B43Directions：In this section, you will hear two long conversations.44At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the 452 精品.资料conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear46a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked47A), B), C), and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet481 with a single line through the centre.49Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just 50heard.518. A) Her ‘lucky birthday’. C) Her wedding anniversary.52B) A call from her dad. D) A special gift from the man.539. A) Gave her a big model plane. C) Took her on a trip overseas.54B) Bought her a good necklace. D) Threw her a surprise party.5510. A) The gift her husband has bought.56B) The trip her husband has planned.57C) What has been troubling her husband.58D) What her husband and the man are up to.5911. A) He will be glad to be a guide for the couple’s holiday 60trip.61B) He will tell the women the secret if her husband agrees.62C) He is eager to learn how the couple’s holiday turns out.63D) He wants to find out about the couple’s holiday plan.64Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just 65heard.6612. A) They are sensitive to the dynamics of a negotiation.67B) They see the importance of making compromises.683 精品.资料C) They know when to adopt a tough attitude.69D) They take the rival’s attitude into account.7013. A) They know how to adapt. C) They know when to make71compromises.72B) They know when to stop. D) They know how to control their73emotion.7414. A) They are patient. C) They learn quickly.75B) They are good at expression. D) They uphold their principles.7615. A) Make clear one's intentions. C) Formulate one's strategy.77B) Clarify items of negotiation. D) Get to know the other side.78Section C79Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At 80the end of each passage, you will81hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions 82will be spoken only83once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer 84from the four85choices marked A), B), C), D). Then mark the corresponding letter 86on Answer87Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.88Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.8916. A) When America's earliest space program started.90B) When the International Space Station was built.914 精品.资料C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.92D) How space research benefits people on Earth.9317. A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting 94shuttles.95B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.96C) They tried to meet astronauts' specific requirements.97D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.9818. A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in 99space.100B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s. 101Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. 10219. A) It was when her ancestors came to America.103B) People had plenty of land to cultivate then.104C) It marked the beginning of something new.105D) Everything was natural and genuine then.10620. A) They believed in working for goals. C) They had all kinds 107of entertainment.108B) They enjoyed living a living a life of ease. D) They were known 109to be creative.11021. A) Chatting with her ancestors. C) Polishing all the silver 111work.112B) Furnishing her country house. D) Doing needlework by the fire. 113Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. 1145 精品.资料22. A) Use a map to identify your location. C) Sit down and try 115to calm yourself.116B) Call your family or friends for help. D) Try to follow your 117footprints back.11823. A) You may find a way out without your knowing it.119B) You may expose yourself to unexpected dangers.120C) You may get drowned in a sudden flood.121D) You may end up entering a wonderland.12224. A) Look for food. C) Start a fire.123B) Wait patiently. D) Walk uphill.12425. A) Inform somebody of your plan. C) Check the local weather. 125B) Prepare enough food and drink. D) Find a map and a compass. 126Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes )127Section A128Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. 129You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices 130given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through 131carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is132identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each 133item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may 134not use any of the words in the bank more than once.135A rat or pigeon might not be the obvious choice to tend to someone 136who is sick, but these creatures have some 26 skills that could help the 137treatment of human diseases.1386 精品.资料Pigeons are often seen as dirty birds and an urban 27 , but they 139are just the latest in a long line of animals that have been found to 140have abilities to help humans. Despite having a brain no bigger than the 14128 of your index finger, pigeons have a very impressive 29__ memory. 142Recently it was shown that they could be trained to be as accurate as 143humans at detecting breast cancer in images.144Rats are often 30 with spreading disease rather than 31 it, but 145this long-tailed animal is highly 32 . Inside a rat's nose are up to 1,000 146different types of olfactory receptors （嗅觉感受器）, whereas humans 147only have 100 to 200 types. This gives rats the ability to detect __33 148smells. As a result, some rats are being put to work to detect TB（肺149结核）. When the rats detect the smell, they stop and rub their legs to 15034 a sample is infected.151Traditionally, a hundred samples would take lab technicians more 152than two days to 35 , but for a rat it takes less than 20 minutes. This 153rat detection method doesn't rely on specialist equipment. It is also 154more accurate — the rats are able to find more TB infections and, 155therefore, save more lives.156A) associated I) slight157B) examine J) specify158C) indicate K) superior159D) nuisance L) suspicious160E) peak M) tip161F) preventing N) treated162G) prohibiting O) visual163H) sensitive1647 精品.资料Section B165Directions: In this section, you are going to read a passage with 166ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given 167in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the168information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each 169paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the 170corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.171Do In-Class Exams Make Students Study Harder?172Research suggests they may study more broadly for the unexpected 173rather than search for answers.174[A] I have always been a poor test-taker. So it may seem rather 175strange that I have returned to college to finish the degree I left undone 176some four decades ago. I am making my way through Columbia University, 177surrounded by students who quickly supply the verbal answer while I am 178still processing the question.179[B] Since there is no way for me to avoid exams, I am currently 180questioning what kind are the most taxing and ultimately beneficial. I 181have already sweated through numerous in-class midterms and finals, and 182now I have a professor who issues take-home ones. I was excited when I 183learned this, figuring I had a full week to do the research, read the 184texts, and write it all up. In fact, I was still rewriting my midterm 185the morning it was due. To say I had lost the thread is putting it mildly. 186[C] As I was suffering through my week of anxiety, overthinking 187the material and guessing my grasp of it, I did some of my own polling 188among students and professors. David Eisenbach, who teaches a popular 189class on U.S. presidents at Columbia, prefers the in-class variety. He 190believes students ultimately learn more and encourages them to form study 191groups. “That way they socialize over history outside the class, which 192wouldn’t happen without the pressure of an in-class exam,” he explained, 1938 精品.资料“Furthermore, in-class exams force students to learn how to perform 194under pressure, and essential work skill.”195[D] He also says there is less chance of cheating with the196in-class variety. In 2012, 125 students at Harvard were caught up in a 197scandal when it was discovered they had cheated on a take-home exam for 198a class entitled “Introduction To Congress.” Some colleges have what 199they call an “honor code,” th ough if you are smart enough to get into 200these schools, you are either smart enough to get around any codes or 201hopefully, too ethical to consider doing so. As I sat blocked and clueless 202for two solid days, I momentarily wondered if I couldn’t just call an 203expert on the subject matter which I was tackling, or someone who took 204the class previously, to get me going.205[E] Following the Harvard scandal, Mary Miller, the former dean 206of students at Yale, made an impassioned appeal to her school’s207professors to refrain from take-hone exams. “Students risk health and 208well being, as well as performance in other end-of-term work, when faculty 209offers take-home exams without clear, time-limited boundaries,” she 210told me. “Research now shows that regular quizzes, short es says, and 211other assignments over the course of a term better enhance learning and 212retention.”213[F] Most college professors agree the kind of exam they choose 214largely depends on the subject. A quantitative-based one, for example, 215is unlikely to be sent home, where one could ask their older brothers 216and sisters to help. Vocational-type classes, such as computer science 217or journalism, on the other hand, are often more research-oriented and 218lend themselves to take-home testing. Chris Koch, who teaches “History 219of Broadcast Journalism” at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, 220Maryland, points out that reporting is about investigation rather than 221the memorization of minute details. “In my field, it’s not what you 222know—it’s what you know how to find out,” says Koch. “There is way 223too much information, and more coming all the time, for anyone to remember. 2249 精品.资料I want my students to search out the answers to questions by using all 225the resources available to them.226[G] Students’ test-form preferences vary, too, often depending 227on the subject and course difficulty. “I prefer take-home essays because 228it is then really about the writing, so you have time to edit and do more 229research,” says Elizabeth Dresser, a junior at Barnard. Then there is 230the stress factor. Francesca Haass, a senior at Middlebury, says, “I 231find the in-class ones are more stressful in the short term, but there 232is immediate relief as you swallow information like mad, and then you 233get to forget it all. Take-homes require thoughtful engagement which can 234lead to longer term stress as there is never a moment when the time is 235up.” Meanwhile, Olivia Rubin, a sophomore at Emory, says she hardly even 236considers take-homes true exams. “If you understand the material and 237have the ability to articulate (说出) your thoughts, they should be a 238breeze.”239[H] How students ultimately handle stress may depend on their 240personal test-taking abilities. There are people who always wait until 241the last minute, and make it much harder than it needs to be. And then 242there those who, not knowing what questions are coming at them, and having 243no resources to refer to, can freeze. And then there are we rare folks 244who fit both those descriptions.245[I] Yes, my advanced age must factor into the equation (等式), 246in part because of my inability to247access the information as quickly. As another returning student 248at Columbia, Kate Marber, told249me, “We are learning not only all this information, but250essentially how to learn again. Our251fellow students have just come out of high school. A lot has 252changed since we were last in25310 精品.资料school.”254[J] If nothing else, the situation has given my college son and 255me something to share, When I256asked his opinion on this matter, he responded, “I like in-class 257exams because the time is258already reserved, as opposed to using my free time at home to 259work on a test,” he responded.260It seems to me that a compromise would be receiving the exam 261questions a day or two in262advance, and then doing the actual test in class the ticking clock 263overhead.264[K] Better yet, how about what one Hunter College professor 265reportedly did recently for her final266exam: She encouraged the class not to stress or even study, 267promising that, “It is going to be a268piece of cake.” When the students came in, sharpened pencils 269in hand, there was not a blue270book in sight. Rather, they saw a large chocolate cake and they 271each were given a slice.27236. Elderly students find it hard to keep up with the rapid 273changes in education.27437. Some believe take-home exams may affect students'275performance in other courses.27638. Certain professors believe in-class exams are ultimately 277more helpful to students.27811 精品.资料39. In-class exams are believed to discourage cheating in exams. 27940. The author was happy to learn she could do some exams at home. 28041. Students who put off their work until the last moment often 281find the exams more difficult than282they actually are.28342. Different students may prefer different types of exams. 28443. Most professors agree whether to give an in-class or a 285take-home exam depends on type of286course being taught.28744. The author dropped out of college some forty years ago. 28845. Some students think take-home exams will eat up their free 289time.290Section C291Directions: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage 292is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them 293there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on 294the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with 295a single line through the centre.296Passage One297Questions 46 and 50 are based on the following passage.298That people often experience trouble sleeping in a different bed 299in unfamiliar surroundings is a phenomenon known as the “first-night” 300effect. If a person stays in the same room the following night they tend 301to sleep more soundly. Yuka Sasaki and her colleagues at Brown University 302set out to investigate the origins of this effect.30312 精品.资料Dr. Sasaki knew the first-night effect probably has something 304to do with how humans evolved. The puzzle was what benefit would be gained 305from it when performance might be affected the following day. She also 306knew from previous work conducted on birds and dolphins that these animals 307put half of their brains to sleep at a time so that they can rest while 308remaining alert enough to avoid predators (捕食者). This led her to wonder 309if people might be doing the same thing. To take a closer look, her team 310studied 35 healthy people as they slept in the unfamiliar environment 311of the university’s Department of Psychological Sciences. The312participants each slept in the department for two nights and were313carefully monitored with techniques that looked at the activity of their 314brains. Dr. Sasaki found, as expected, the participants slept less well 315on their first night than they did on their second, taking more than twice 316as long to fall asleep and sleeping less overall. During deep sleep, the 317participants’ brains behaved in a similar manner seen in birds and 318dolphins. On the first night only, the left hemispheres (半球) of their 319brains did not sleep nearly as deeply as their right hemispheres did. 320Curious if the left hemispheres were indeed remaining awake to 321process information detected in the surrounding environment, Dr. Sasaki 322re-ran the experiment while presenting the sleeping participants with 323a mix of regularly timed beeps (蜂鸣声) of the same tone and irregular 324beeps of a different tone during the night. She worked out that, if the 325left hemisphere was staying alert to keep guard in a strange environment, 326then it would react to the irregular beeps by stirring people from sleep 327and would ignore the regularly timed ones. This is precisely what she 328found.32946. What did researchers find puzzling about the first-night 330effect?331A) To what extent it can trouble people. C) What circumstances 332may trigger it.33313 精品.资料B) What role it has played in evolution. D) In what way it can 334be beneficial.33547. What do we learn about Dr. Yuka Sasaki doing her research? 336A) She found birds and dolphins remain alert while asleep.337B) She found birds and dolphins sleep in much the same way. 338C) She got some idea from previous studies on birds and dolphins 339D) She conducted studies on birds’ and dolphins’ sleeping 340patterns.34148. What did Dr. Sasaki do when she first did her experiment? 342A) She monitored the brain activity of participants sleeping in 343a new environment.344B) She recruited 35 participants from her Department of345Psychological Sciences.346C) She studied the differences between the two sides of347participants’ brains.348D) She tested her findings about birds and dolphins on human 349subjects.35049. What did Dr. Sasaki do when re-running her experiment?351A) She analyzed the negative effect of irregular tones on brains. 352B) She recorded participants’ adaptation to changed353environment.354C) She exposed her participants to two different stimuli.355D) She compared the responses of different participants.35614 精品.资料50. What did Dr. Sasaki find about the participants in her357experiment?358A) They tended to enjoy certain tones more than others.359B) They tended to perceive irregular beeps as a threat.360C) They felt sleepy when exposed to regular beeps.361D) They differed in their tolerance of irregular tones.362Passage Two363Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.364It’s time to reevaluate how women handle confl ict at work. Being 365overworked or over-committed at home and on the job will not get you where 366you want to be in life. It will only slow you down and hinder your career 367goals.368Did you know women are more likely than men to feel exhausted? 369Nearly twice as many women than men ages 18-44 reported feeling “very 370tired” or “exhausted”, according to a recent study.371This may not be surprising given that this is the age range when 372women have children. It's also the age range when many women are trying 373to balance careers and home. One reason women may feel exhausted is that 374they have a hard time saying "no." Women want to be able todo it all 375volunteer for school parties or cook delicious meals-and so their answer 376to any request is often “Yes, I can.”377Women strugg le to say “no” in the workplace for similar reasons, 378including the desire to be liked by their colleagues. Unfortunately, this 379inability to say "no" may be hurting women's heath as well as their career. 380At the workplace, men use conflict as a way to position themselves, 381while women often avoid conflict or strive to be the peacemaker, because 38215 精品.资料they don't want to be viewed as aggressive or disruptive at work. For 383example, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, 384resulting in a dispute over should be the one to fix it. Men are more 385likely to face that dispute from the perspective of what benefits them 386most, whereas women may approach the same dispute from the perspective 387of what's the easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem-even388if that means doing the boring work themselves.389This difference in handling conflict could be the deciding factor 390on who gets promoted to a leadership position and who does not. Leaders 391have to be able to delegate and manage resources wisely –including staff 392expertise. Shouldering more of the workload may not earn you that393promotion. Instead, it may highlight your inability to delegate394effectively.39551. What does the author say is the problem with women?396A) They are often unclear about the career goals to reach.397B) They are usually more committed at home than on the job. 398C) They tend to be over-optimistic about how far they could go. 399D) They tend to push themselves beyond the limits of their 400ability.40152. Why do working women of child-bearing age tend to feel drained 402of energy?403A) They struggle to satisfy the demands of both work and home. 404B) They are too devoted to work and unable to relax as a result. 405C) They do their best to cooperate with their workmates.406D) They are obliged to take up too many responsibilities.40716 精品.资料53. What may hinder the future prospects of career women?408A) Their unwillingness to say “no”.409B) Their desire to be considered powerful.410C) An underestimate of their own ability.411D) A lack of courage to face challenges.41254. Men and woman differ in their approach to resolving workplace 413conflicts in that______.414A) women tend to be easily satisfied415B) men are generally more persuasive416C) men tend to put their personal interests first417D) women are much more ready to compromise41855. What is important to a good leader?419A) A dominant personality. C) The courage to admit failure420B) The ability to delegate. D) A strong sense of responsibility. 421Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)422Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to423translate a passage from Chinese into424English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.425华山位于华阴市，据西安120公里。

英语四级17年12月真题作文英文回答：In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape,the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both immense excitement and apprehension. As AI continues to advance, it is imperative that we carefully consider the ethical implications of its widespread adoption and use.One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding AI revolves around the potential for job displacement. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, they have the capability to automate tasks that were once performed by human workers. This raises the specter of mass unemployment, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on routine and repetitive labor.Another ethical issue to be considered is the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities. AI systems can be built upon biased data sets, which can lead todiscriminatory outcomes. For example, if an AI system used for hiring is trained on data that favors certain demographic groups, it may perpetrate unfair hiring practices that disadvantage other groups.Furthermore, the use of AI in surveillance and law enforcement raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties. AI-powered surveillance systems have the potential to monitor individuals' movements and activities, raising concerns about the potential for abuse of power by authorities.To address these ethical concerns, it is crucial that we develop and implement robust regulatory frameworks for AI. These frameworks should ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner. Governments, industry leaders, and researchers must collaborate to establish clear guidelines and standards for the development, deployment, and use of AI.Moreover, it is essential to promote public awareness and education about AI and its ethical implications. Byfostering a better understanding of AI among the general population, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about the use of AI and to hold policymakers and industry actors accountable for ethical conduct.Ultimately, the responsible development and use of AI requires a multifaceted approach that involvescollaboration among governments, industry, researchers, and the public. By addressing the ethical concerns associated with AI, we can harness its transformative potential while safeguarding our values and ensuring a just and equitable future.中文回答：随着人工智能（AI）的出现，人们对此既兴奋又担忧。

2017年12月英语4级考试作文题目全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1Title: 2017 December CET-4 Writing TopicIn the 2017 December CET-4 exam, candidates were asked to write an essay on the following topic:"Is technology more of a boon than a curse for society?"Technology has become an integral part of modern society, impacting every aspect of our lives. While it has brought about numerous benefits and advancements, there are also concerns about its negative effects. In this essay, we will discuss whether technology is more of a boon or a curse for society.First and foremost, technology has revolutionized communication, making it faster and more convenient. With the advent of smartphones and social media platforms, people can connect with each other instantaneously regardless of distance. This has facilitated collaboration, information sharing, and global networking, enhancing communication and fostering relationships.Furthermore, technology has transformed industries and economies, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Automation and artificial intelligence have streamlined processes, reduced costs, and boosted innovation. This has created new opportunities for growth and development, driving economic progress and creating jobs.On the other hand, technology has also raised concerns about privacy, security, and social isolation. With the proliferation of personal data and cyber threats, there are fears about breaches of privacy and identity theft. In addition, excessive use of technology can lead to addiction and social withdrawal, affecting interpersonal relationships and mental well-being.In conclusion, technology is a double-edged sword that brings both benefits and challenges to society. While it has revolutionized communication, enabled economic growth, and improved quality of life, it also poses risks to privacy, security, and social interaction. Therefore, it is important for individuals, governments, and organizations to harness the power of technology responsibly and ethically, ensuring that its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.Overall, the impact of technology on society depends on how it is utilized and managed. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing ethical considerations, we can harness the potential of technology to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.篇22017 年12 月英语四级考试作文题目：Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic "Our Environment". You should write at least 120 words, and base your composition on the outline given in Chinese below:1. 当代社会，人们越来越关注环境保护；2. 环境保护问题变得日益严峻，影响我们的生活；3. 作为大学生，我们应该怎样保护环境。

2017-年-12-月大学英语四级考试真题详细解析第三套2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）Part I Writing (25 minutes) Directions：For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between parents and children. You should write at least 120 words but no morethan 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes)说明：由于2017 年12 月四级考试全国共考了 2 套听力，本套真题听力与前 2 套内容完全一样，只是顺序不一样，因此在本套真题中不再重复出现。

Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one wordfor each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line throughthe centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.We all know there exists a great void (空白)in the public educational system when it comes to 26 to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses. One educator named Dori Roberts decided to do something to change this system. Dori taught high school engineering for 11 years. She noticed there was a real void in quality STEM education at all 27 of the public educational system. She said, “I started Engineering For Kids (EFK) after noticing a real lack of math, science and engineering programs to 28 my own kids in.”She decided to start an afterschool program where children 29 in STEM-based competitions. The club grew quickly and when it reached 180 members and the kids in the program won several state 30 , she decided to devote all her time to cultivating and 31 it. The global business EFK was born.Dori began operating EFK out of her Virginia home, which she then expanded to 32recreation632017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）centers. Today, the EFK program 33 over 144 branches in 32 states within the United States and in 21 countries. Sales have doubled from $5 million in 2014 to $10 million in 2015, with 25 new branches planned for 2016. The EFK website states, “Our nation is not 34 enough engineers. Our philosophy is to inspire kids at a young age to understand that engineering is a great 35.”A) attractedB) careerchampionships D) degrees E) developingF) enrollexposureH) feasibleI) feedingJ) graduatinginterestL) levelsM) localN) operatesparticipatedSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraphis marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2.Why aren’t you curious about what happened?A) “You suspended Ray Rice after our video, a reporter from TMZ challenged National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell the other day. “Why didn’t you have the curiosity to go to the casino (赌场)yourself?” The implication of the question is that a more curious commissioner would have found a way to get the tape.B) The accusation of incuriosity is one that we hear often, carrying the suggestion that there is something wrong with not wanting to search out the truth. I have been bothered for a long time about the curious lack of curiosity said a Democratic member of the New Jersey legislature backin July, referring to an insufficiently inquiring attitude on the part of an assistant to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who chose not to ask hard questions about the George Washington Bridge traffic scandal. “Isn’t the mainstream media the least bit curious about what happened?” wrote conservative writer Jennifer Rubin earlier this year, referring to the attack on Americans in Benghazi, Libya.C) The implication, in each case, is that curiosity is a good thing, and a lack of curiosity is a2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）problem. Are such accusations simply efforts to score political points for one’s party? Or is there something of particular value about curiosity in and of itself?D) The journalist Ian Leslie, in his new and enjoyable book Curious：The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It, insists that the answer to that last question is ‘Yes’. Leslie argues that curiosity is a much-overlooked human virtue, crucial to our success，and that we are losing it.E) We are suffering，he writes，from a “serendipity deficit.” The word “serendipity” was coined by Horace Walpole in an 1854 letter, from a tale of three princes who “were always making discoveries, by accident, of things they were not in search of.” Leslie worries that the rise of the Internet, among other social and technological changes, has reduced our appetite for aimless adventures. No longer have we the inclination to let ourselves wander through fields of knowledge, ready to be surprised. Instead, we seek only the information we want.F) Why is this a problem? Because without curiosity we will lose the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. We will see unimaginative governments and dying corporations make disastrous decisions. We will lose a vital part of what has made humanity as a whole so successful as a species.G) Leslie presents considerable evidence for the proposition that the society as a whole isgrowing less curious. In the U.S. and Europe, for example, the rise of the Internet has led to a declining consumption of news from outside the reader’s borders. But not everything is to be blamed on technology. The decline in interest in literary fiction is also one of the causes identified by Leslie. Reading literary fiction, he says, makes us more curious.H) Moreover, in order to be curious, “you have to be aware of a gap in your knowledge in thefirst place.” Although Leslie perhaps paints a bit broadly in contending that most of us are unaware of how much we don’t know, he’s surely right to point out that the problem is growing: “Google can give us the powerful illusion that all questions have definite answers.”I) Indeed, Google，for which Leslie expresses admiration, is also his frequent whipping boy (替罪羊）. He quotes Google co-founder Larry Page to the effect that the “ perfect search engine” will “understand exactly what I mean and give me back exactly what I want.” Elsewhere in the book, Leslie writes: “Google aims to save you from the thirst of curiosity altogether.”J) Somewhat nostalgically(怀旧地），he quotes John Maynard Keynes’s justly famous words of praise to the bookstore："One should enter it vaguely, almost in a dream, and allow what is there2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）40. There are often accusations about politicians’ and the media’s lack of curiosity to find out the truth.41. The less curious a child is, the less knowledge the child may turn out to have.42. It is widely accepted that academic accomplishment lies in both intelligence and diligence.43. Visiting a bookshop as curiosity leads us can be a good way to entertain ourselves.44. Both the rise of the Internet and reduced appetite for literary fiction contribute to people’sdeclining curiosity.45. Mankind wouldn’t be so innovative without curiosity.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with asingle line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Aging happens to all of us, and is generally thought of as a natural part of life. It would seem silly to call such a thing a “disease.”On the other hand, scientists are increasingly learning that aging and biological age are two different things, and that the former is a key risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, cancer and many more. In that light, aging itself might be seen as something treatable, the way you would treat high blood pressure or a vitamin deficiency.Biophysicist Alex Zhavoronkov believes that aging should be considered a disease. He said that describing aging as a disease creates incentives to develop treatments.“It unties the hands of the pharmaceutical (制药的)industry so that they can begin treating the disease and not just the side effects,” he said.“Right now, people think of aging as natural and something you can’t control，” he said. “In academic circles, people take aging research as just an interest area where they can try to develop interventions. The medical community also takes aging for granted, and can do nothing about it except keep people within a certain health range. ”But if aging were recognized as a disease, he said, “It would attract funding and change the2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）way we do health care. What matters is understanding that aging is curable.”“It was always known that the body accumulates damag e，” he added. “The only way to cure aging is to find ways to repair that damage. I think of it as preventive medicine for age-related conditions.”Leonard Hayflick, a professor at the University of California，San Francisco，said the idea that aging can be cured implies the human lifespan can be increased, which some researchers suggest is possible. Hayflick is not among them.“There’re many people who recover from cancer, stroke，or heart disease. But they continue to age，because aging is separate from their disease,” Hayflick said. “Even if those causes of death were eliminated, life expectancy would still not go much beyond 92 years.”46. What do people generally believe about aging?A) It should cause no alarm whatsoever.B) They just cannot do anything about it.C) It should be regarded as a kind of disease.D) They can delay it with advances in science.47. How do many scientists view aging now?A) It might be prevented and treated. C) It results from a vitamin deficiency.B) It can be as risky as heart disease. D) It is an irreversible biological process.48. What does Alex Zhavoronkov think of “describing aging as a disease”?A) It will prompt people to take aging more seriously.B) It will greatly help reduce the side effects of aging.C) It will free pharmacists from the conventional beliefs about aging.D) It will motivate doctors and pharmacists to find ways to treat aging.49. What do we learn about the medical community?A) They now have a strong interest in research on aging.B) They differ from the academic circles in their view on aging.C) They can contribute to people’s health only to a limited extent.D) They have ways to intervene in peopled aging process.50. What does Professor Leonard Hayflick believe?A) The human lifespan cannot be prolonged.2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）B) Aging is hardly separable from disease.C) Few people can live up to the age of 92.D) Heart disease is the major cause of aging.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Female applicants to postdoctoral positions in geosciences were nearly half as likely to receive excellent letters of recommendation, compared with their male counterparts. Christopher Intagliata reports.As in many other fields, gender bias is widespread in the sciences. Men score higher starting salaries, have more mentoring (指导），and have better odds of being hired. Studies show they’re also perceived as more competent than women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. And new research reveals that men are more likely to receive excellent letters of recommendation, too.“Say, you know，this is the best student I’ve ever had，” says Kuheli Dutt，a social scientist and diversity officer at Columbia University’s Lamont campus. “Compare those excellent letters with a merely good letter：‘ The candidate was productive, or intelligent, or a solid scientist or something that’s clearly solid praise，’ but nothing that s ingles out the candidate as exceptional or one of a kind. ”Dutt and her colleagues studied more than 1,200 letters of recommendation for postdoctoral positions in geoscience. They were all edited for gender and other identifying information, so Dutt and her team could assign them a score without knowing the gender of the student. They found that female applicants were only half as likely to get outstanding letters, compared with their male counterparts. That includes letters of recommendation from all over the world, and written by, yes, men and women. The findings are in the journal Nature Geoscience.Dutt says they were not able to evaluate the actual scientific qualifications of the applicants using the data in the files. But she says the results still suggest women in geoscience are at a potential disadvantage from the very beginning of their careers starting with those less than outstanding letters of recommendation.“We’re not trying to assign blame or criticize anyone or call anyone consciously sexist. Rather, the point is to use the results of this study to open up meaningful dialogues on implicit2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）gender bias, be it at a departmental level or an institutional level or even a discipline level.” Which may lead to some recommendations for the letter writers themselves.51. What do we learn about applicants to postdoctoral positions in geosciences?A) There are many more men applying than women.B) Chances for women to get the positions are scarce.C) More males than females are likely to get outstanding letters of recommendation.D) Male applicants have more interest in these positions than their female counterparts.52. What do studies find about men and women in scientific research show?A) Women engaged in postdoctoral work are quickly catching up.B) Fewer women are applying for postdoctoral positions due to gender bias.C) Men are believed to be better able to excel in STEM disciplines.D) Women who are keenly interested in STEM fields are often exceptional.53. What do the studies find about the recommendation letters for women applicants?A) They are hardly ever supported by concrete examples.B) They contain nothing that distinguishes the applicants.C) They provide objective information without exaggeration.D) They are often filled with praise for exceptional applicants.54. What did Dutt and her colleagues do with the more than 1,200 letters of recommendation?A) They asked unbiased scholars to evaluate them.B) They invited women professionals to edit them.C) They assigned them randomly to reviewers.D) They deleted all information about gender.55. What does Dutt aim to do with her study?A) Raise recommendation writers’ awareness of gender bias in their letters.B) Open up fresh avenues for women post-doctors to join in research work.C) Alert women researchers to all types of gender bias in the STEM disciplines.D) Start a public discussion on how to raise women’s status in academic circles.2017 年12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第三套）Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.黄山位于安徽省南部。

Directions：For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to handle the relationship between doctors and patients/parents and children /teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.分析：无论是医患，亲子还是师生，本质都是人与人之间的关系。

如何处理人际关系，这对于尚未有深刻生活经验的学生来说有一定难度。

但通过媒体我相信大家应该知道现在医患关系比较紧张，亲子之间有代沟，师生之间各有难处。

但如处理人际关系，我想事情得一分为二。

这样的议论文结构上却是比较好写，本质是一个热点的议论。

医生：耐心对待患者患者：信任治疗医生父母：与时俱进学会换位思考孩子：理解父母，感恩父母老师：与时俱进因材施教学生：努力学习，学会接受批评。

这三种人际关系均有的公共特质就是需要换位思考（think in sb‘s position /see the situation from other’s perspective/ ）行文结构第一段：医患/亲子/师生之间关系的紧张，已经成为了一个社会热点问题。

人们对如何处理两者的关系众说纷纭。

我则同意以下观点第二段：观点1、媒体不要过度炒作；2医生更耐心，患者更尊重。

第三段：总结升华，并提出要换位思考的观点，社会才会和谐。

Nowadays，the relationship between doctors and patients has been more intense than ever since, which aroused public attention. I do agree some ideas from a thoughtful article.Firstly, now we are in a digital era, so any negative news on the hospital would be immediately broadcasted by media through newspapers and social medias,many of which proved to be exaggerated and misleading. Actually, the real situation is always better than what we see.It is necessary to punish the person who deliberately mislead the mass. In addition, patients who lack basic professional knowledge usually can not understand the process of curing and the pressure of doctors. In order to make the patients calm and rational,doctors should explain more details to patients with great patience. Finally, due to the medical resources are limited in our country while there are so many nervous patients, the conflicts could be easily caused.Our country should spend more money on medicals.All in all ,to release the intense relationship,we should think in other’s positions.。

2017年12月大学英语四级写作真题分析来源：文都教育2017年12月大学英语四级考试正在火热进行，文都教育英语老师为大家分析一下这次的写作真题。

写作部分主要考查语言输出能力，提示形式包括提纲、情景、图画或图表等，每次考试采取其中的一种形式。

要求大家在30分钟内，根据所规定的题目以及所给出的提示写出一篇短文，四级要求不少于120词。

Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.作文题目要求写一篇关于how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students（如何恰当处理师生关系）的作文，字数120-180。

常见表达如下：当今社会，应该如何建立和维系良好的师生关系是一个古老又崭新的话题。

In recent society, how to construct and maintian a good relationship between teachers and students is a topic both old and new.摆脱传统观念的束缚是建立平等友好的师生关系的根本因素。

It is a radical factor to break away from the constraint of conventional view for the construction of an equal and friendly teacher-student relationship.想要处理好师生关系，老师需要更好地了解学生，成为学生的良师益友。

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes towrite a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part IIListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three newsreports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) It tries to entertain its audience. C) It wantsto catch people 's attention.B) It tries to look into the distance. D) It has gotone of its limbs injured.2. A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.C) Its videos were posted on social media.D) Its picture won a photography prize.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) The distance travelled C) The spending on gas.B) The incidence of road accidents. D) The number of people travelling.4. A) Fewer people are commuting. C) Job growth isslowing down.B) Gas consumption is soaring. D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.B) He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.C) He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.D) He washed a stranger 's car in return for some food.6. A) He ordered a lot of food for his family. C) He raised a large sum of money for him.B) He gave him a job at his own company. D) He offered him a scholarship for college.7. A) He works hard to support his family. C) He isvery good at making up stories.B) He is an excellent student at school. D) He has been disabled since boyhood.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Attended an economics lecture. C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.B) Taken a walk on Charles Street. D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.9. A) Treat a college friend to dinner. C) Attend his brother 's birthday party.B) Make preparations for a seminar. D) Visit some ofhis high school friends.10. A) Gather statistics for his lecture.B) Throw a surprise birthday party.C) Meet with Jonathan 's friends on the weekend.D) Join him in his brother 's birthday celebration.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Taking a vacation abroad.C) Saving enoughmoney for a rainy day.B) Reviewing for his last exam. D) Finding a better way to earnmoney.13. A) Preparing for his final exams. C) Working part time as awaiter.B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise.D) Helping the woman with her courses.14. A) Finish her term paper.C) Learn a little bit of Spanish.B) Save enough money.D) Ask her parent 's permission.15. A) He has rich sailing experience.C) He is also eager to go to Spain. 11. A) By car.By bus. B) By train. C) By taxi. D)B) He speaks Spanish fluently. D) He is easy to get along with.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mast choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) She went to the same university as her mother.B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17. A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.C) She helped to set up several military hospitals.D) She made donations to save wounded soldiers.18. A) Both died of blood cancer. C) Both won military medals.B) Both fought in World War I. D) Both married their assistants.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were the first settlers in Europe.B) They were the conquerors of Norway.C) They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.D) They settled on a small island north of England.20. A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.B) It was covered with green most time of the year.C) It was the Vikings ' most important discovery.D) It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21. A) The Vikings, ocean explorations. C) The Vikings ' everyday life.B) The making of European nations. D) The Europeans ' Arctic discoveries.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Work hard for a better life. C) Dream about the future.B) Make mistakes now and then. D) Save against a rainy day.23. A) Teach foreign languages for the rest of his life.B) Change what he has for his past imaginary world.C) Exchange his two-story house for a beach cottage.D) Dwell on the dreams he had dreamed when young.24. A) Criminal law. C) Oriental architecture.B) City planning. D) International business.25. A) Dream and make plans. C) Be content with what you have.B) Take things easy in life, D) Enjoy whatever you are doing.Part IIIReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.Technological changes brought dramatic new options to Americans living in the 1990s. During this decade new forms of entertainment, commerce, research, and communication became commonplacein the U. S. The driving force behind much of this change was a (n) 26 popularly known as the Internet.The Internet was developed during the 1970s by the Department of Defense. In the case of an attack, military advisers suggested the 27 of being able to operate one computer from another terminal. In the early days, the Internet was used mainly by scientists to communicate with other scientists. The Internet 28 under government control until 1984.One early problem faced by Internet users was speed. Phone lines could only transmit information at a 29 rate. The development of fiber-optic （光纤）cables allowed for billionsof bits of information to be received every minute. Companies like Intel developed faster microprocessors, so personal computers could processthe 30 signals at a more rapid rate.In the early 1990s, the World Wide Web was developed, in large part, for 31 purposes. Corporations created home pages where they could place text and graphics to sell products. Soon airline tickets, hotel32 , and even cars and homes could be purchased online. Universities33 research data on the Internet, so students could find 34 information without leaving their dormitories. Companies2017年12月英语四级真题和答案解析soon discovered that work could be done at home and 35 on li ne, so a whole new class of telecommuters bega n to earn alivi ng from home offices un shave n and weari ng pajamas ( 睡衣).Secti on BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passagewith ten stateme nts attached to it. Each stateme nt contains in formati on give n in one of the paragraphs. Ide ntify the paragraph from which the information is derived. Youmaychoosea paragraph more tha n on ce. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. An swer the questio ns by marki ng the corresp onding letter on An swer Sheet 2.The Health Benefits of Kn itt ingA) About 15 years ago, I was invited to join a knitting group.I agreed to give it a try.B) My mother had taught me to knit at 15, and I knitted in classthroughout college and for a few years thereafter. Then decades passed without my touching a knitting needle. But within two Mondays in the group, I was hooked, not only on knitting but also on crocheting ( 钩织), and I was on my way tobecoming a highly productive crafter.C) I 've made countless baby blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, caps for newborns. I take a knitting project with me everywhere, especially when I have to sit still and listen. As I discovered in college, when my hands are busy, my mind stays focused on the here and now.D) It seems, too, that I 'm part of a national renewal of interest in needle and other handicrafts ( 手工艺).The Craft Yam Council reports that a third of women ages 25-35 now knit or crochet. Even men and schoolchildren are swelling the ranks, among them my Mend's three small grandsons. Last April, the council created a Stitch Away Stress ” campaign in honor of National Stress Awareness Month. Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of The Relaxation Response, says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce arelaxed state like that associated with meditation ( yoga. Once you get沉思) and beyond the initial learning curve, knitting and crocheting canlower heart rate and blood pressure.E） But unlike meditation, craft activities result in tangible and often useful products that can enhance self-esteem. I keep photos of my singular accomplishments on my cellphone to boost my spirits when needed.F）Since the 1990s, the council has surveyed hundreds of thousands of knitters and crocheters, whoroutinely list stress relief and creative fulfillment as the activities ' main benefits. Among them is the father of a prematurely born daughter who reported that during the baby's five weeks in the intensive care unit,“learni ng how to knit infant hats gaveme a sense of purpose during a time that I felt very helpless. It 's a hobby that I 've stuck with, and it continues to help mecope with stress at work, provide a sense of order in hectic （忙乱的） days, and allow my brain time t o solve problems. ”G） A recent email from the yam （纺纱） company Red Hearttitled “Health Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting ” prompted me to explore what else might be known about the health value of activities like knitting. My research revealed that therewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxiety with the satisfaction of creation.H）For example, Karen Hayes, a life coach in Toronto, conducts knitting therapy programs, including Knit to Quit to help smokers give up the habit, and Knit to Heal for people coping with health crises, like a cancer diagnosis or serious illness of a family member. Schools and prisons with craft programs report that they have a calming effect and enhance social skills. And having to follow instructions on complex craft pr ojects can improve children 's math skills.I）Somepeople find that craftwork helps them control their weight. Just as it 's challenging to smokewhile knitting, when hands are holding needles and hooks, there 's less snacking and mindless eating out of boredom.J） I ' ve found that my handiwork with yam has helped my arthritic （患关节炎的）fingers remain more dexterous （灵巧的） as I age. A woman encouraged to try knitting and crocheting after developing an autoimmune disease that caused a lot of hand pain reported on the Craft YamCouncil site that her hands are now less stiff and painful.K） A 2009 University of British Columbia study of 38 women with aneating disorder who were taught to knit found that learning the craft led to significant improvements. Seventy-four percent of the women said the activity lessened their fears and kept them from thinking about their problem.L） Betsan Corkhill, a wellness coach in Bath, England, and author of the book Knit for Health & Wellness, established a website, Stitchlinks, to explore the value of what she calls therapeutic knitting. Among her respondents, 54 percent of those who were clinically depressed said that knitting made them feel happy or very happy. In a study of 60 self-selected people with persistent pain, Ms. Corkhill and colleagues reported that knitting enabled them to redirect their focus, reducing their awareness of pain. She suggested that the brain can process just so much at once, and that activities like knitting and crocheting makeit harder for the brain to register pain signals. Perhaps most exciting is research that suggests that crafts like knitting and crocheting may help to keep off a decline in brain function with age. In a 2011 study, researchers led by Dr. Yonas Geda at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester interviewed a random （随机的） sample of 1,321 people ages 70-89, most of whomwere cognitively （在认知方面） normal,about the cognitive activities they engaged in late in life. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, found that those who engaged in crafts like knitting and crocheting had adiminished chance of developing mild cognitive disorder and memory loss.M) Although it is possible that only people who are cognitively healthy would pursue such activities, those who read newspapers or magazines or played music did not show similar benefits. The researchers speculate that craft activities promote the development of nerve pathways in the brain that help to maintain cognitive health.N) In support of that suggestion, a 2014 study by Denise C. Park of the University of Texas at Dallas and colleagues demonstrated that learning to knit or do digital photography enhanced memoryfunction in older adults. Those who engaged in activities that were not intellectually challenging, either in a social group or alone, did not show such improvements.O) Given that sustained social contacts have been shown to support health and a long life, those wishing to maximize the health value of crafts might consider joining a group of like-minded folks.I for one try not to miss a single weekly meeting of my knitting group.36. When the author was a college student, she found that knitting helped her concentrate.37. Knitting can help people stay away from tobacco.38. Even men and children are now joining the army of knitters.39. Being a memberof a crafts group enhances one's health and prolongs one 's life.40. Knitting diverts people 's attention from their pain.41. The author learnt to knit as a teenager, but it was not until she was much older that she became keenly interested.42. Whenpeople are knitting, they tend to eat fewer snacks.43. Survey findings show that knitting can help people relieve stress.44. According to a study, knitters and crocheters are less likely to suffer mild cognitive damage.45. The products of knitting can increase one 's sense of self-respect.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by somequestions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Nobody really knows how big Lagos is. What's indisputable is that it 's growing very quickly. Between now and 2050, the urban population of Africa could triple. Yet cities in sub-Saharan Africa are not getting richer the way cities in the rest of the world have. Most urban Africans live in slums ( 贫民窟); migrants are often not much better off than they were in the countryside. Why?The immediate problem is poverty. Most of Africa is urbanising at a lower level of income than other regions of the world did. That means there 's little money around forinvestment that would makecities liveable and more productive. Without upgrades and new capacity, bridges, roads and power systems are unable to cope with expanding populations. With the exception of South Africa, the only light rail metro system in sub-Saharan Africa is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Traffic jam leads to expense and unpredictability, things that keep investors away.In other parts of the world, increasing agricultural productivity and industrialization went together. More productive farmers meant there was a surplus that could feed cities; in turn, that created a pool of labour forfactories. But African cities are different. They are too often built around consuming natural resources. Government is concentrated in capitals, so is the money. Most urban Africans work for a small minority of the rich, who tend to be involved in either cronyish （有裙带关系的）businesses or politics. Since African agriculture is still broadly unproductive, food is imported, consuming a portion of revenue.So what can be done? Though African countries are poor, not all African cities are. In Lagos, foreign oil workers can pay as much as $65,000 per year in rent for a modest apartment in a safe part of town. If that income were better taxed, it might provide the revenue for better infrastructure. If city leaders were more accountable to their residents, they might favour projects designed to help them more. Yet even as new roads are built, new people arrive. When a city 's population grows by 5% a year, it is difficult to keep up.46. What do we learn from the passage about cities in sub-Saharan Africa?A) They have more slums than other cities in the world.B) They are growing fast without becoming richer.C) They are as modernised as many cities elsewhere.D) They attract migrants who want to be better off.47. What does the author imply about urbanisation in other parts of the world?A) It benefited from the contribution of immigrants.B) It started when people 's income was relatively high.C) It benefited from the accelerated rise in productivity.D) It started with the improvement of people 's livelihood.48. Why is sub-Saharan Africa unappealing to investors?A) It lacks adequate transport facilities.B) The living expenses there are too high.C) It is on the whole too densely populated.D) The local governments are corrupted.49. In what way does the author say African cities are different?A) They have attracted huge numbers of farm labourers.B) They still rely heavily on agricultural productivity.C) They have developed at the expense of nature.D) They depend far more on foreign investment.50. What might be a solution to the problems facing African cities?A) Lowering of apartment rent. C) More rational overall planning.B) Better education for residents. D) A more responsible government.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.For the past several decades, it seems there 's been a general consensus on howto get ahead in America: Get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy your own home. But do Americans still believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?The most recent National Journal poll asked respondents about the American dream, what it takes to achieve their goals, and whether or not they felt a significant amount of control over their ability to be successful. Overwhelmingly, the results show that today, the idea of the American dream —and what it takes to achieve it —looks quite different than it did in the late 20th century.By and large, people felt that their actions and hard work—not outside forces —were the deciding factor in howtheir lives turned out. But respondents had decidedly mixed feelings about what actions make for a better life in the current economy.In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic about the power of education to lead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority —52 percent —think that young people do not need a four-year college education in order to be successful.Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master 's degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability his parents and grandparents never did.While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of the degree rather than the education itself, others still see college as a way to gain new perspectives and life experiences.Sixty-year-old Will Fendley, who had a successful career in the military and never earned a college degree, thinks “personal drive ” is far more important than just going to college. To Fendley, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective high-school education, and basic life skills, like balancing a checkbook, are the necessary ingredients for a successful life in America.51. It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have ____ .A) an advanced academic degree C) a firm belief in their dreamB) an ambition to get ahead D) a sense of drive andpurpose52. What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?A) More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.B) It remains alive amongthe majority of American people.C) Americans ' idea of it has changed over the past few decades.D) An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.53. What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?A) It still remains open to debate.B) It has proved to be beyond doubt.C) It is no longer as important as it used to be.D) It is much better understood now than ever.54. How do some people view college education these days?A) It promotes gender equality. C) It adds to cultural diversity.B) It needs to be strengthened. D) It helps broaden their minds.55. What is one factor essential to success in America, according to Will Fendley?A) A desire to learn and to adapt. C) A willingness to commit oneself.B) A strong sense of responsibility. D) A clear aim and high motivation.Part IV Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed SO minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.xx位于xx，距xx120公里。

2017年12月大学英语四级考试真题答案与详解（第1套）Part I Writing审题思路：父母与子女的关系是一个老生常谈的话题，学生自己也会非常有感触、有话说。

因此，关键是如何组织语言，并把重点落脚到“how”上面。

如果采用我们一贯熟悉的“三点式”来讲怎么做，当然无可厚非。

不过，也可以换一种思路，重点从子女如何做下笔，并分析原因，使文章显得有理有据。

考场上时间紧张，考生思维也易受局限，不管从哪个角度写，一定要先列好提纲，理顺思路。

高分范文：Communication Is the Best Gift for ParentsThe relationship between parents and children is an eternal and universal topic for mankind. Our relationship with parents might be different at different ages. And for young people at their 20s, I think it will depend more on what children do.The reason why I say so is that as we grow up, our parents who were our idols before gradually get old and even out-dated. However hard efforts they make, they could not catch up with our steps, leading to the so-called invisible generation gap. Thus, if we cannot slow down our pace, there will definitely be an awkward silence between parents and us, which is not rare now. As a result, young people should talk more with parents to share our feelings and to understand each other better.Everyone wants loving parents who are open and supportive. Only through frequent communication with them, can we establish such a harmonious relationship.全文翻译：交流是给父母的最好的礼物对人类而言，父母与子女的关系是一个永恒而又普通的话题。

2017年12月英语四级作文真题：师生关系 【题目】 Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay onhow to best handle the relationshop between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. 【参考范文一】 A good teacher-student relationship will make learning and teaching enjoyable and interesting. Both teachers and students should make efforts to build a harmonious relationship. On the one hand, the teacher plays an essential role in setting up a good teacher-student relationship. The teacher should motivate the students and lead them to be interested in learning. A good teacher should be patient, kindly and strict. Too kindly or too strict can be both harmful. On the other hand, the students should respect their teachers, and pay more attention in class to learn how to solve problems. It’s important to learn to raise questions and work out problems in new ways. A good teacher-student relationship benefits both the teachers and the students, so it’s vital for them to word harder. 【参考范文二】 Boundaries exist in virtually all human relationships, and students-teacher relationships are no exception to this rule. This reality gives rise to the following question: what kind of boundaries can be deemed appropriate in an academic setting ?My opinion is that, in general, a relatively formal distance should be kept between professors and their students. One reason to maintain a formal distance between students and teachers is to highlight the instructor’s role as an authority figure. This is important so that the professors can enforce discipline, have instructions followed, and command respect from students. Another reason why teachers should maintain a formal students with their students is to avoid real and perceived bias. If the teacher develops close relationships with the students, it may be difficult to completely eliminate bias. Even the impression of bias may cause some students to feel that they have been treated unfairly. In sum, maintaining a formal distance between teachers and students can ensure an atmosphere of authority in the classroom and avoid both real and perceived bias. 【参考译文】 几乎所有人类关系中都存在着界限，师生关系也不例外。

2017 年 12 月大学英语四级考试真题(第 2 套)Part I Writing(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on how to best handle the relationship between teachers and students. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension(25 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) It tries to entertain its audience.C) It wants to catch people’ s attention.B) It tries to look into the distance.D) It has got one of its limbs injured.2.A) It was spotted by animal protection officials.B) It was filmed by a local television reporter.C) Its videos were posted on social media.D) Its picture won a photography prize.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3.A) The distance travelled C) The spending on gas.B) The incidence of road accidents.D) The number of people travelling.4.A) Fewer people are commuting.C) Job growth is slowing down.B) Gas consumption is soaring.D) Rush-hour traffic is worsening.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He told a stranger the sad story about himself.B)He helped a stranger to carry groceries to his car.C)He went up to a stranger and pulled at his sleeves.D)He washed a stranger’ s car in return for some food.6.A) He ordered a lot of food for his family.B) He gave him a job at his own company.7.A) He works hard to support his family.B) He is an excellent student at school. Section B C)He raised a large sum of money for him.D)He offered him a scholarship for college.C)He is very good at making up stories.D)He has been disabled since boyhood.Directions: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8.A) Attended an economics lecture.C) Had a drink at Queen Victoria.B) Taken a walk on Charles Street.D) Had dinner at a new restaurant.9.A) Treat a college friend to dinner.C) Attend his brother’ s birthday party.B) Make preparations for a seminar.D) Visit some of his high school friends.10.A) Gather statistics for his lecture.B) Throw a surprise birthday party.C) Meet with Jonathan’ s friends on the weekend.D) Join him in his brother’ s birthday celebration.11. A) By car.B) By train.C) By taxi.D) By bus.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Taking a vacation abroad.C) Saving enough money for a rainy day.B) Reviewing for his last exam.13.A) Preparing for his final exams. B) Negotiating with his boss for a raise.14.A) Finish her term paper.B) Save enough money.15.A) He has rich sailing experience.B) He speaks Spanish fluently. Section C D)Finding a better way to earn money.C)Working part time as a waiter.D)Helping the woman with her courses.C)Learn a little bit of Spanish.D) Ask her parent’ s permission.C)He is also eager to go to Spain.D)He is easy to get along with.Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mast choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A) She went to the same university as her mother.B) She worked as a nurse in the First World War.C) She won the Nobel Prize two times.D) She was also a Nobel Prize winner.17.A) She fought bravely in a series of military operations.B) She developed X-ray facilities for military hospitals.C) She helped to set up several military hospitals. D)She made donations to save wounded soldiers.18. A) Both died of blood cancer.C) Both won military medals.B) Both fought in World War I.D) Both married their assistants.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were the first settlers in Europe.B)They were the conquerors of Norway.C)They discovered Iceland in the ninth century.D)They settled on a small island north of England. 20.A) It was some five hundred miles west of Norway.B)It was covered with green most time of the year.C)It was the Vikings’ most important discovery.D)It was a rocky mass of land covered with ice.21.A) The Vikings, ocean explorations.C) The Vikings’ everyday life.B) The making of European nations.D) The Europeans’ Arctic discoveries. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22.A) Work hard for a better life.C) Dream about the future.B) Make mistakes now and then.D) Save against a rainy day.23.A) Teach foreign languages for the rest of his life. B)Change what he has for his past imaginary world. C)Exchange his two-story house for a beach cottage. D)Dwell on the dreams he had dreamed when young.24.A) Criminal law.C) Oriental architecture.B) City planning.D) International business.25.A) Dream and make plans.C) Be content with what you have.B) Take things easy in life,D) Enjoy whatever you are doing.Part III Reading Comprehension(40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. 4Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line throughthe centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.Technological changes brought dramatic new options to Americans living in the 1990s. During this decade new forms of entertainment, commerce, research, and communication became commonplace in the U. S. The driving force behind much of this change was a (n) 26 popularly known as the Internet.The Internet was developed during the 1970s by the Department of Defense. In the case of an attack, military advisers suggested the27of being able to operate one computer from another terminal. In the early days, the Internet was used mainly by scientists to communicate with other scientists. The Internet28under government control until 1984.One early problem faced by Internet users was speed. Phone lines could only transmit information at a29rate. The development of fiber-optic ( 光纤 )cables allowed for billions of bits of information to be received every minute. Companies like Intel developed faster microprocessors, so personal computers could process the30signals at a more rapid rate.In the early 1990s, the World Wide Web was developed, in large part, for31purposes. Corporations created home pages where they could place text and graphics to sell products. Soon airline tickets, hotel32, and even cars and homes could be purchased online. Universities33research data on the Internet, so students could find34information without leaving their dormitories. Companies soon discovered that work could be done at home and35online, so a whole new class of telecommuters began to earn a living from home offices unshaven and wearing pajamas (睡衣 ).A) advantage I) maintainedB) commercial J) occupationsC) conservation K) postedD) equipped L) remainedE) incoming M) reservationsF) innovation N) submittedG) limited O) valuableH) localSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from whichthe information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph ismarked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.The Health Benefits of KnittingA)About 15 years ago, I was invited to join a knitting group. I agreed to give it a try.B)My mother had taught me to knit at 15, and I knitted in class throughout college and for afew years thereafter. Then decades passed without my touching a knitting needle. But within twoMondays in the group, I was hooked, not only on knitting but also on crocheting ( 钩织 ), and I wason my way to becoming a highly productive crafter.C)I ’ vemade countless baby blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, caps for newborns. I take aknitting project with me everywhere, especially when I have to sit still and listen. As I discoveredin college, when my hands are busy, my mind stays focused on the here and now.D) It seems, too, that I’ m part of a national renewal of interest in needle and other handicrafts(手工艺 ).The Craft Yam Council reports that a third of women ages 25-35 now knit or crochet.Even men and schoolchildren are swelling the ranks, among them my Mend’ s three small grandsons Last April, the council created a Stitch Away Stress”campaign in honor of National StressAwareness Month. Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of TheRelaxation Response, says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state likethat associated with meditation ( 沉思 ) and yoga. Once you get beyond the initial learning curve,knitting and crocheting can lower heart rate and blood pressure.E)But unlike meditation, craft activities result in tangible and often useful products that canenhance self-esteem. I keep photos of my singular accomplishments on my cellphone to boostmy spirits when needed.F)Since the 1990s, the council has surveyed hundreds of thousands of knitters and crocheters,who routinely list stress relief and creative fulfillment as the activities’ main benefits. A is the father of a prematurely born daughter who reported that during the baby’ s five weeks intensive care unit,“ learning how to knit infant hats gave me a sense of purpose during a time thatI felt very helpless. It’ s a hobby that I’ ve stuck with, and it continues to help me cope with stress at work, provide a sense of order in hectic ( 忙乱的 ) days, and allow my brain time to solve problems.”G) A recent email from the yam ( 纺纱 ) company Red Heart titled“ HealthBenefits ofCrocheting and Knitting ” prompted me to explore what else might be known about the health value ofactivities like knitting. My research revealed that the rewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxietywith the satisfaction of creation.H)For example, Karen Hayes, a life coach in Toronto, conducts knitting therapy programs,including Knit to Quit to help smokers give up the habit, and Knit to Heal for people coping with healthcrises, like a cancer diagnosis or serious illness of a family member. Schools and prisons with craftprograms report that they have a calming effect and enhance social skills. And having to followinstructions on complex craft projects can improve children’ s math skills.I) Some people find that craftwork helps them control their weight. Just as it’ s challe smoke while knitting, when hands are holding needles and hooks, there’ s less snacking and mind eating out of boredom.J) I ’ ve found that my handiwork with yam has helped my arthritic患(关节炎的 )fingers remainmore dexterous ( 灵巧的) as I age. A woman encouraged to try knitting and crocheting afterdeveloping an autoimmune disease that caused a lot of hand pain reported on the Craft Yam Councilsite that her hands are now less stiff and painful.K) A 2009 University of British Columbia study of 38 women with an eating disorder whowere taught to knit found that learning the craft led to significant improvements. Seventy-fourpercent of the women said the activity lessened their fears and kept them from thinking about theirproblem.L)Betsan Corkhill, a wellness coach in Bath, England, and author of the book Knit for Health&Wellness, established a website, Stitchlinks, to explore the value of what she calls therapeuticknitting. Among her respondents, 54 percent of those who were clinically depressed said thatknitting made them feel happy or very happy. In a study of 60 self-selected people with persistentpain, Ms. Corkhill and colleagues reported that knitting enabled them to redirect their focus,reducing their awareness of pain. She suggested that the brain can process just so much at once, andthat activities like knitting and crocheting make it harder for the brain to register pain signals.Perhaps most exciting is research that suggests that crafts like knitting and crocheting may help tokeep off a decline in brain function with age. In a 2011 study, researchers led by Dr. Yonas Geda atthe Mayo Clinic in Rochester interviewed a random ( 随机的 ) sample of 1,321 people ages 70-89,most of whom were cognitively ( 在认知方面 ) normal, about the cognitive activities they engaged inlate in life. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, foundthat those who engaged in crafts like knitting and crocheting had a diminished chance of developingmild cognitive disorder and memory loss.M)Although it is possible that only people who are cognitively healthy would pursue suchactivities, those who read newspapers or magazines or played music did not show similar benefits.The researchers speculate that craft activities promote the development of nerve pathways in thebrain that help to maintain cognitive health.N)In support of that suggestion, a 2014 study by Denise C. Park of the University of Texas atDallas and colleagues demonstrated that learning to knit or do digital photography enhancedmemory function in older adults. Those who engaged in activities that were not intellectuallychallenging, either in a social group or alone, did not show such improvements.O)Given that sustained social contacts have been shown to support health and a long life, thosewishing to maximize the health value of crafts might consider joining a group of like-minded folks.I for one try not to miss a single weekly meeting of my knitting group.36.When the author was a college student, she found that knitting helped her concentrate.37.Knitting can help people stay away from tobacco.38.Even men and children are now joining the army of knitters.39.Being a member of a crafts group enhances one’ s health and prolongs one’ s life.40.Knitting diverts people’ s attention from their pain.41.The author learnt to knit as a teenager, but it was not until she was much older that shebecame keenly interested.42.When people are knitting, they tend to eat fewer snacks.43.Survey findings show that knitting can help people relieve stress.44.According to a study, knitters and crocheters are less likely to suffer mild cognitive damage.45. The products of knitting can increase one’ s sense of self-respect.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions orunfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Youshould decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a singleline through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Nobody really knows how big Lagos is. What’ s indisputable is that it’ s growing very quick Between now and 2050, the urban population of Africa could triple. Yet cities in sub-SaharanAfrica are not getting richer the way cities in the rest of the world have. Most urban Africans live inslums (贫民窟 ); migrants are often not much better off than they were in the countryside. Why?The immediate problem is poverty. Most of Africa is urbanising at a lower level of income thanother regions of the world did. That means there ’ s little money around for investment that would make citiesliveable and more productive. Without upgrades and new capacity, bridges, roads andpower systems are unable to cope with expanding populations. With the exception of South Africa,the only light rail metro system in sub-Saharan Africa is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Traffic jam leadsto expense and unpredictability, things that keep investors away.In other parts of the world, increasing agricultural productivity and industrialization wenttogether. More productive farmers meant there was a surplus that could feed cities; in turn, thatcreated a pool of labour for factories. But African cities are different. They are too often built aroundconsuming natural resources. Government is concentrated in capitals, so is the money. Most urbanAfricans work for a small minority of the rich, who tend to be involved in either cronyish (有裙带关系的 )businesses or politics. Since African agriculture is still broadly unproductive,food isimported, consuming a portion of revenue.So what can be done? Though African countries are poor, not all African cities are. In Lagos,foreign oil workers can pay as much as $65,000 per year in rent for a modest apartment in a safepart of town. If that income were better taxed, it might provide the revenue for better infrastructure.If city leaders were more accountable to their residents, they might favour projects designed to helpthem more. Yet even as new roads are built, new people arrive. When a city ’ s population grow 5% a year, it is difficult to keep up.46.What do we learn from the passage about cities in sub-Saharan Africa?A) They have more slums than other cities in the world.B) They are growing fast without becoming richer.C) They are as modernised as many cities elsewhere.D) They attract migrants who want to be better off.47.What does the author imply about urbanisation in other parts of the world?A) It benefited from the contribution of immigrants.B) It started when people’ s income was relatively high.C)It benefited from the accelerated rise in productivity.D) It started with the improvement of people’ s livelihood.48.Why is sub-Saharan Africa unappealing to investors?A) It lacks adequate transport facilities.B) The living expenses there are too high.C) It is on the whole too densely populated.D) The local governments are corrupted.49.In what way does the author say African cities are different?A) They have attracted huge numbers of farm labourers.B) They still rely heavily on agricultural productivity.C) They have developed at the expense of nature. D)They depend far more on foreign investment.50.What might be a solution to the problems facing African cities?A) Lowering of apartment rent.C) More rational overall planning.B) Better education for residents.D) A more responsible government.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.For the past several decades, it seems there’ s been a general consensus on how to get ahead in America: Get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy your own home. But do Americansstill believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?The most recent National Journal poll asked respondents about the American dream, what ittakes to achieve their goals, and whether or not they felt a significant amount of control over theirability to be successful. Overwhelmingly, the results show that today, the idea of the Americandream — and what it takes to achieve it—looks quite different than it did in the late 20th century.By and large, people felt that their actions and hard work — not outside forces — werethedeciding factor in how their lives turned out. But respondents had decidedly mixed feelings aboutwhat actions make for a better life in the current economy.In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic about the power of education tolead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority52 percent — thinkthat young people do not need a four-year college education in order to besuccessful.Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master’ s degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability hisparents and grandparents never did.While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of the degree rather than the education itself,others still see college as a way to gain new perspectives and life experiences.Sixty-year-old Will Fendley, who had a successful career in the military and never earned acollege degree, thinks “ personal drive ” is far more important than just going to college. To Fendley, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective high-school education, and basic life skills, like balancing a checkbook, are the necessary ingredients for a successful life in America.51. It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have ______.A) an advanced academic degree C) a firm belief in their dreamB) an ambition to get ahead D) a sense of drive and purpose52.What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?A) More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.B) It remains alive among the majority of American people.C) Americans ’ idea of it has changed over the past few decades. D)An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.53.What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?A) It still remains open to debate.B) It has proved to be beyond doubt.C) It is no longer as important as it used to be.D) It is much better understood now than ever.54.How do some people view college education these days?A) It promotes gender equality.C) It adds to cultural diversity.B) It needs to be strengthened.D) It helps broaden their minds.55. What is one factor essential to success in America, according to Will Fendley?A)A desire to learn and to adapt.B)A strong sense of responsibility. C)A willingness to commit oneself.D)A clear aim and high motivation.Part IV Translation(30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed SO minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.华山位于华阴市，距西安120 公里。