2016年12月六级真题(第3套)(答案)

2016年12月英语四级真题及答案第三套Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay. Suppose you have two options upon graduation: one is to work in a state-ownedbusiness and the other in a joint venture.You are to make a choice betweenthe two. Write an essay to explain the reasons for your choice. You shouldwrite 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 reportand 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 1with a singleline through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) To satisfy the curiosity of tourists.B) To replace two old stone bridges.C) To enable tourists to visit Goat Island.D) To improve utility services in the state.2. A) Countless tree limbs.B) A few skeletons.C) Lots of wrecked boats and ships.D) Millions of coins on the bottom.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) It suspended diplomatic relations with Libya.B) It urged tourists to leave Tunisia immediately.C) It shut down two border crossings with Libya.D) It launched a fierce attack against Islamic State.4. A) Advise Tunisian civilians on how to take safety precautions.B) Track down the organization responsible for the terrorist attack.C) Train qualified security personnel for the Tunisian government.D) Devise a monitoring system on the Tunisian border with Libya.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) An environment-friendly battery.B) An energy-saving mobile phone.C) A plant-powered mobile phone charger.D) A device to help plants absorb sunlight.6. A) While sitting in their schools courtyard.B) While playing games on their phones.C) While solving a mathematical problem.D) While doing a chemical experiment.7. A) It increases the applications of mobile phones.B) It speeds up the process of photosynthesis.C) It improves the reception of mobile phones.D) It collects the energy released by plants.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversationand 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 singleline through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He visited the workshops in the Grimsby plant.B) He called the woman and left her a message.C) He used stand-ins as replacements on all lines.D) He asked a technician to fix the broken production line.9. A) It is the most modern production line.B) It assembles super-intelligent robots.C) It has stopped working completely.D) It is going to be upgraded soon.10. A) To seek her permission.B) To place an order for robots.C) To request her to return at once.D) To ask for Tom’s phone number.11. A) She is on duty.B) She is having her day off.C) She is on sick leave.D) She is abroad on business.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) He saved a baby boy’s life.B) He wanted to be a superhero.C) He prevented a train crash.D) He was a witness to an accident.13. A) He has a 9-month-old boy.B) He is currently unemployed.C) He enjoys the interview.D) He commutes by subway.14. A) A rock on the tracks.B) A misplaced pushchair.C) A strong wind.D) A speeding car.15. A) She stood motionless in shock.B) She cried bitterly.C) She called the police at once.D) She shouted for help.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 questionswill be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose thebest answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then markthe corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line throughthe centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) She inherited her family ice-cream business in Billings.B) She loved the ice-cream business more than teaching primary school.C) She started an ice-cream business to finance her daughter’s education.D) She wanted to have an ice-cream truck when she was a little girl.17. A) To preserve a tradition.B) To amuse her daughter.C) To help local education.D) To make some extra money.18. A) To raise money for business expansion.B) To make her truck attractive to children.C) To allow poor kids to have ice-cream too.D) To teach kids the value of mutual support.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) The reasons for imposing taxes.B) The various services money can buy.C) The various burdens on ordinary citizens.D) The function of money in the modern world.20. A) Educating and training citizens.B) Improving public transportation.C) Protecting people’s life and property.D) Building hospitals and public libraries.21. A) By asking for donations.B) By selling public lands.C) By selling government bonds.D) By exploiting natural resources.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) It is located at the center of the European continent.B) It relies on tourism as its chief source of revenues.C) It contains less than a square mile of land.D) It is surrounded by France on three sides.23. A) Its beauty is frequently mentioned in American media.B) Its ruler Prince Rainier married an American actress.C) It is where many American movies are shot.D) It is a favorite place Americans like to visit.24. A) Tobacco.B) Potatoes.C) Machinery.D) Clothing.25. A) European history.B) European geography.C) Small countries in Europe.D) Tourist attractions in Europe.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 wordbank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully beforemaking your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 witha single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words inthe bank more than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.The ocean is heating up. That’s the conclusion of a new study that finds that Earth’s oceans now 26 heat at twice the rate they did 18 years ago. Around half of ocean heat intake since 1865 has taken place since 1997, researchers report online in Nature Climate Change.Warming waters are known to 27 to coral bleaching (珊瑚白化) and they take up more space than cooler waters, raising sea 28 . While the top of the ocean is well studied, its depths are more difficult to 29 . The researchers gathered 150 years of ocean temperature data in order to get a better 30 of heat absorption from surface to seabed. They gathered together temperature readings collected by everything from a 19th century 31 of British naval ships to modern automated ocean probes. The extensive data sources, 32 with computer simulations (计算机模拟), created a timeline of ocean temperature changes, including cooling from volcanic outbreaks and warming from fossil fuel 33 .About 35 percent of the heat taken in by the oceans during the industrial era now resides at a 34 of more than 700 meters, the researchers found. They say they’re 35 whether the deep-sea warming canceled out warming at the sea’s surface.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of theparagraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked witha letter. Answer the question by marking the corresponding letter onAnswer Sheet 2.The Secret to Raising Smart Kids[A] I first began to investigate the basis of human motivation—and how peoplepersevere after setbacks—as a psychology graduate student at Yale University in the 1960s. Animal experiments by psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania had shown that after repeated failures, most animals conclude thata situation is hopeless and beyond their control. After such an experience ananimal often remains passive even when it can effect change—a state they called learned helplessness.[B] People can learn to be helpless, too. Why do some students give up when theyencounter difficulty, whereas others who are no more skilled continue to strive and learn? One answer, I soon discovered, lay in people’s beliefs about why theyhad failed.[C]In particular, attributing poor performance to a lack of ability depressesmotivation more than does the belief that lack of effort is to blame. When I told a group of school children who displayed helpless behavior that a lack of effort led to their mistakes in math, they learned to keep trying when the problems got tough. Another group of helpless children who were simply rewarded for their success on easier problems did not improve their ability to solve hard math problems. These experiments indicated that a focus on effort can help resolve helplessness and generate success.[D]Later, I developed a broader theory of what separates the two general classesof learners-helpless versus mastery-oriented. I realized these different types of students not only explain their failures differently, but they also hold different “theories” of intell igence. The helpless ones believe intelligence is a fixed characteristic: you have only a certain amount, and that’s that. I call this a “fixed mind-set (思维模式) .” Mistakes crack their self-confidence because they attribute errors to a lack of ability, which they feel powerless to change. They avoid challenges because challenges make mistakes more likely.The mastery-oriented children, on the other hand, think intelligence is not fixed and can be developed through education and hard work. Such children believe challenges are energizing rather than intimidating (令人生畏); they offer opportunities to learn. Students with such a growth mind-set were destined (注定) for greater academic success and were quite likely to outperform their counterparts.[E] We validated these expectations in a study in which two other psychologists andI monitored 373 students for two years during the transition to junior high school,when the work gets more difficult and the grading more strict, to determine how their mind-sets might affect their math grades. At the beginning of seventh grade,we assessed the students’ mind-sets by asking them to agree or disagree with statements such as “Your intelligence is something very basic about you that you can’t really change.” We then assessed their beliefs about other aspects of learning and looked to see what happened to their grades.[F] As predicted, the students with a growth mind-set felt that learning was a moreimportant goal than getting good grades. In addition, they held hard work in high regard. They understood that even geniuses have to work hard. Confronted by a setback such as a disappointing test grade, students with a growth mind-set said they would study harder or try a different strategy. The students who held a fixed mind-set, however, were concerned about looking smart with less regard for learning. They had negative views of effort, believing that having to work hard was a sign of low ability. They thought that a person with talent or intelligence did not need to work hard to do well. Attributing a bad grade to their own lack of ability, those with a fixed mind-set said that they would study less in the future, try never to take that subject again and consider cheating on future tests.[G] Such different outlooks had a dramatic impact on performance. At the start ofjunior high, the math achievement test scores of the students with a growth mind-set were comparable to those of students who displayed a fixed mind-set.But as the work became more difficult, the students with a growth mind-set showed greater persistence. As a result, their math grades overtook those of the other students by the end of the first semester—and the gap between the two groups continued to widen during the two years we followed them.[H]A fixed mind-set can also hinder communication and progress in the workplaceand discourage or ignore constructive criticism and advice. Research shows that managers who have a fixed mind-set are less likely to seek or welcome feedback from their employees than are managers with a growth mind-set.[I] How do we transmit a growth mind-set to our children? One way is by telling storiesabout achievements that result from hard work. For instance, talking about mathematical geniuses who were more or less born that way puts students in a fixed mind-set, but descriptions of great mathematicians who fell in love with math and developed amazing skills produce a growth mind-set.[J] In addition, parents and teachers can help children by providing explicit instruction regarding the mind as a learning machine. I designed an eight-session workshop for 91 students whose math grades were declining in their first year of junior high. Forty-eight of the students received instruction in study skills only, whereas the others attended a combination of study skills sessions and classes in which they learned about the growth mind-set and how to apply it to schoolwork. In the growth mind-set classes, students read and discussed an article entitled “You Can Grow Your Brain.” They were taught that the brain is like a muscle that gets stronger with use and that learning prompts the brain to grow new connections. From such instruction, many students began to see themselves as agents of their own brain development. Despite being unaware that there were two types of instruction, teachers reported significant motivational changes in 27% of the children in the growth mind-set workshop as compared with only 9% of students in the control group.[K] Research is converging (汇聚) on the conclusion that great accomplishment and even genius is typically the result of years of passion and dedication and not something that flows naturally from a gift.36. The author’s experiment shows that students with a fixed mind-set believe havingto work hard is an indication of low ability.37. Focusing on effort is effective in helping children overcome frustration andachieve success.38. We can cultivate a growth mind-set in children by telling success stories thatemphasize hard work and love of learning.39. Students’ belief about the cause of their failure explains the ir attitude towardsetbacks.40. In the author’s experiment, students with a growth mind-set showed greaterperseverance in solving difficult math problems.41. The author conducted an experiment to find out about the influence of students’mind-sets on math learning.42. After failing again and again, most animals give up hope.43. Informing students about the brain as a learning machine is a good strategy toenhance their motivation for learning.44. People with a fixed mind-set believe that one’s intelli gence is unchangeable.45. In the workplace, feedback may not be so welcome to managers with a fixedmind-set.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 fourchoices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choiceand mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single linethrough the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on following passage.“Sugar, alcohol and tobacco,” economist Adam Smith once wrote, “are commodities which are nowhere necessaries of life, which have become objects of almost universal consumption, and which are, therefore, extremely popular subjects of taxation.”Two and a half centuries on, most countries impose some sort of tax on alcohol and tobacco. With surging obesity levels putting increasing strain on public healthsystems, governments around the world have begun to toy with the idea of taxing sugar as well.Whether such taxes work is a matter of debate. A preliminary review of Mexico’s taxation found a fall in purchases of taxed drinks as well as a rise in sales of untaxed and healthier drinks. By contrast, a Danish tax on foods high in fats was abandoned a year after its introduction, amid claims that consumers were avoiding it by crossing the border to Germany to satisfy their desire for cheaper, fattier fare.The food industry has, in general, been firmly opposed to such direct government action. Nonetheless, the renewed focus on waistlines means that industry groups are under pressure to demonstrate their products are healthy as well as tasty.Over the past three decades, the industry has made some efforts to improve the quality of its offerings. For example, some drink manufactures have cut the amount of sugar in their beverages.Many of the reductions over the past 30 years have been achieved either by reducing the amount of sugar, salt or fat in a product, or by finding an alternative ingredient. More recently, however, some companies have been investing money in a more ambitious undertaking: learning how to adjust the fundamental make-up of the food they sell. For example, having salt on the outside, but none on the inside, reduces the salt content without changing the taste.While reformulating recipes (配方) is one way to improve public health, it should be part of a multi-sided approach. The key is to remember that there is not just one solution. To deal with obesity, a mixture of approaches—including reformulation, taxation and adjusting portion sizes—will be needed. There is no silver bullet.46. What did Adam Smith say about sugar, alcohol and tobacco?A) They were profitable to manufacture.B) They were in ever-increasing demand.C) They were subject to taxation almost everywhere.D) They were no longer considered necessities of life.47. Why have many countries started to consider taxing sugar?A) They are under growing pressures to balance their national budgets.B) They find it ever harder to cope with sugar-induced health problems.C) They practice of taxing alcohol and tobacco has proved both popular andprofitable.D) The sugar industry is overtaking alcohol and tobacco business in generatingprofits.48. What do we learn about Danish taxation on fat-rich foods?A) It did not work out as well as was expected.B) It gave rise to a lot of problems on the border.C) It could not succeed without German cooperation.D) It met with firm opposition from the food industry.49. What is the more recent effort by food companies to make foods and drinks bothhealthy and tasty?A) Replacing sugar or salt with alternative ingredients.B) Setting a limit on the amount of sugar or salt in their products.C) Investing in research to find ways to adapt to consumers’ needs.D) Adjusting the physical composition of their products.50. What does the author mean by saying, at the end of the passage, “There is nosilver bullet” (Line 4, Para. 7)?A) There is no single easy quick solution to the problem.B) There is no hope of success without public cooperation.C) There is no hurry in finding ways to solve the obesity problem.D) There is no effective way to reduce people’s sugar consumption.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.You may have heard some of the fashion industry horror stories: models eating tissues or cotton balls to hold off hunger, and models collapsing from hunger-inducedheart attacks just seconds after they step off the runway.Excessively skinny models have been a point of controversy for decades, and two researchers say a model’s body mass should be a workplace health and safety issue. In an editorial released Monday in the American Journal of Public Health, Katherine Record and Bryn Austin made their case for government regulation of the fashion industry.The average international runway model has a body mass index (BMI) under 16-low enough to indicate starvation by the World Health Organization’s standard. And Record and Austin are worried not just about the models themselves, but about the vast number of girls and women their images influence.“Especially girls and teens”, says Record. “Seventy percent of girls aged 10 to 18 report that they define perfect body image based on what they see in magazines.” That’s especially worrying, she says, given that anorexia (厌食症) results in more deaths than does any other mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.It’s commonly known that certain diseases are linked with occupations like lung disease in coal miners. Professional fashion models are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders resulting from occupational demands to maintain extreme thinness.Record’s suggestion is to prohibit agents from hiring models with a BMI below 18.In April, France passed a law setting lower limits for a model’s weight. Agents and fashion houses who hire models with BMI under 18 could pay $82,000 in fines and spend up to 6 months in jail. Regulating the fashion industry in the United States won’t be easy, Record says. But with the new rules in France, U.S. support could make a difference. “A designer can’t survive without participating in Paris Fashion Week,” she says, adding, “Our argument is that the same would be true of New York Fashion Week.”51. What do Record and Austin say about fashion models’ body mass?A) It has caused needless controversy.B) It is but a matter of personal taste.C) It is the focus of the modeling business.D) It affects models’ health and safety.52. What are Record and Austin advocating in the Monday editorial?A) A change in the public’s view of female beauty.B) Government legislation about models’ weight.C) Elimination of forced weight loss by models.D) Prohibition of models eating non-food stuff.53. Why are Record and Austin especially worried about the low body mass index ofmodels?A) It contributes to many mental illnesses.B) It defines the future of the fashion industry.C) It has great influence on numerous girls and women.D) It keeps many otherwise qualified women off the runaway.54. What do we learn about France’s fashion industry?A) It has difficulty hiring models.B) It has now a new law to follow.C) It allows girls under 18 on the runway.D) It has overtaken that of the United States.55. What does Record expect of New York Fashion Week?A) It will create a completely new set of rules.B) It will do better than Paris Fashion Week.C) It will differ from Paris Fashion Week.D) It will have models with a higher BMI.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.随着中国的改革开放，如今很多年轻人都喜欢举行西式婚礼。

2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题答案（共三套）听力答案Section A Conversation1. [C] It links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.2. [B] It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.3. [A] The transition to low-carbon energy systems.4. [C] Plan well in advance.5. [B] What determines success.6. [D] It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. [D] Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. [C] Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.Section B Passage9. [A] To stump of a giant tree.10. [B] Wind and water.11. [D] It was created by supernatural powers.12. [C] By lifting them well above the ground.13. [A] They will buy something from the convenience stores.14. [A] They can bring only temporary pleasures.15. [D] Small daily savings an make a big difference in one's life.Section C Lecture16. [B] They are necessary in our lives.17. [B] They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problem.18. [A] They expand our mind.19. [B] It came from a 3D printer.20. [C] When she was studying at a fashion design school.21. [C] It was hard and breakable.22. [D] It marks a breakthrough in printing material.23. [A] They arise from the advances in technology.24. [D] It is intensively competitive.25. [D] Sharing of costs with each other.阅读答案Section A26. [O] vanished27. [M] undergone28. [D] expanding29. [K] survived30. [H] process31. [L] terminals32. [E] industrialized33. [F] perceived34. [B] conveniences35. [G] practiceSection BCountries Rush for Upper Hand in Antarctica36. [J]37. [C]38. [E]39. [G]40. [D]41. [I]42. [B]43. [H]44. [Q]45. [L]Section Cpassage one46. [D] It has little impact on their decision whether or not to quit smoking.47. [A] Pass a law to standardise cigarette packaging.48. [B] The number of smokes has dropped more sharply than in the UK.49. [A] Prime Minister Cameron has been reluctant to take action.50. [C] They made more British people obese.passage two51. [A] It is worthwhile after all.52. [D] Most of them take jobs which don't require a college degree.53. [C] Interactions among themselves outside the classroom.54. [B] Meting people who will be helpful to you in the future.55. [D] The prestige of the university influences employers' recruitment decisions.翻译范文翻译一随着中国经济的蓬勃发展，学汉语的人数迅速增加，使汉语成了世界上人们最爱学的语言之一。

2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention. Youressay should include the importance of invention and measures to be taken to encourageinvention. You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.Part H Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of eachconversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A. It tries to predict the possible trends of global climate change.B. It studies the impacts of global climate change on people's lives.C. It links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.D. It focuses on the efforts countries can make to deal with global warming.2. A. It will take a long time before a consensus is reached on its impact.B. It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.C. It is the most pressing issue confronting all countries.D. It is bound to cause endless disputes among nations.3. A. The transition to low-carbon energy systems.B. The cooperation among world major powers.C. The signing of a global agreement.D. The raising of people's awareness.4. A. Carry out more research on it.B. Cut down energy consumption.C. Plan well in advance.D. Adopt new technology.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A. When luck plays a role.B. what determines success.C. Whether practice makes perfect.D. How important natural talent is.6. A. It knocks at your door only once in a while.B. It is something that no one can possibly create.C. It comes naturally out of one's self-confidence.D. It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. A. Luck rarely contributes to a person's success.B. One must have natural talent to be successful.C. One should always be ready to seize opportunities.D. Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. A. Putting time and effort into fun things is profitable.B. People who love what they do care little about money.C. Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.D. People in need of money work hard automatically.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the end of each passage, you will hearthree or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices markedA, B, C and D. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingle line through the centre.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the passage you have just heard.9. A. The stump of a giant tree.B. A huge piece of rock.C. The peak of a mountain.D. A tall chimney.10. A. Human activity.B. Wind and water.C. Chemical processes.D. Fire and fury.11. A. It is a historical monument.B. It was built in ancient times.C. It is Indians' sacred place for worship.D. It was created by supernatural powers.12. A. By sheltering them in a cave.B. By killing the attacking bears.C. By lifting them well above the ground.D. By taking them to the top of a mountain.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.13. A. They will buy something from the convenience stores.B. They will take advantage of the time to rest a while.C. They will have their vehicles washed or serviced.D. They will pick up some souvenirs or gift items.14. A. They can bring only temporary pleasures.B. They are meant for the extremely wealthy.C. They should be done away with altogether.D. They may eventually drive one to bankruptcy.15. A. A good way to socialize is to have daily lunch with one's colleagues.B. Retirement savings should come first in one's family budgeting.C. A vacation will be affordable if one saves 20 dollars a week.D. Small daily savings can make a big difference in one's life.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three recordings of lectures or talks followed by three orfour questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16. A. They should be done away with.B. They are necessary in our lives.C. They enrich our experience.D. They are harmful to health.17. A. They feel stressed out even without any challenges in life.B. They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problems.C. They are anxious to free themselves from life's troubles.D. They are exhausted even without doing any heavy work. ~18. A. They expand our mind.B. They prolong our lives.C. They narrow our focus.D.They lessen our burdensQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.19. A. It is not easily breakable.B. It came from a 3D printer.C. It represents the latest style.D. It was made by a fashion designer.20. A. When she had just graduated from her college.B. When she attended a conference in New York.C. When she was studying at a fashion design school.D. When she attended a fashion show nine months ago.21. A. It was difficult to print.B. It was hard to come by.C. It was hard and breakable.D. It was extremely expensive.22. A. It is the latest model of a 3D printer.B. It is a plastic widely used in 3D printing.C. It gives fashion designers room for imagination.D. It marks a breakthrough in printing material.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.23. A. They arise from the advances in technology.B. They have not been examined in detail so far.C. They are easy to solve with modern technology.D. They can't be solved without government support.24. A. It is attractive to entrepreneurs.B. It demands huge investment.C. It focuses on new products.D. It is intensely competitive.25. A.Cooperation with big companies.B. Recruiting more qualified staff.C. In-service training of IT personnel.D. Sharing of costs with each other.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions.Good, sound science depends on 26, experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires awillingness to ask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risks and experiencefailures. But good science also requires 27 understanding,clear explanation and concisepresentation.Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in the public 28 and offer theiropinions on important matters. We need more scientists who can explain what they are doing inlanguage that is 29 and understandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists should alsobe prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30 scientific knowledge into ourpublic communications.Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do notunderstand how science works or why robust, long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary (可酌情支配的) spending to research anddevelopment,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, the figure had fallen into the single33 This occurs at a time when other nations have made significant gains in their own researchcapabilities.At the University of California (UC), we 34 ourselves not only on the quality of our research,but also on its contribution to improving our world. To 35 the development of science from the labbench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.A. ArenaB. contextualC. ConvincingD. devotedE. DigitsF. hastenG. Hypotheses H. impairingI. Incorporate J. indefiniteK. Indulge L. inertiaM. Pride N. reapingO. WarrantSection 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 paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Are We in an Innovation Lull?[A] Scan the highlights of this year's Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ), and you may get a slightfeeling of having seen them before. Many of the coolest gadgets this year are the same as thecoolest gadgets last year--or the year before, even. The booths are still exciting, and the demosare still just as crazy. It is still easy to be dazzled by the display of drones (无人机),3D printers,virtual reality goggles ( 眼镜) and more "smart" devices than you could ever hope to catalog.Upon reflection, however, it is equally easy to feel like you have seen it all before. And it is hardnot to think: Are we in an innovation lull ( 间歇期) ?[B] In some ways, the answer is yes. For years, smartphones, televisions, tablets, laptops anddesktops have made up a huge part of the market and driven innovation. But now these segmentsare looking at slower growth curves--or shrinking markets in some cases--as consumers are notas eager to spend money on new gadgets. Meanwhile, emerging technologies--the drones,3Dprinters and smart-home devices of the world--now seem a bit too old to be called "the next bigthing. "[C] Basically the tech industry seems to be in an awkward period now. "There is not any one-hitwonder, and there will not be one for years to come," said Gary Shapiro, president and chiefexecutive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In his eyes, however, that doesn'tnecessarily mean that innovation has stopped. It has just grown up a little. "Many industries aregoing out of infancy and becoming adolescents," Shapiro said.[D] For instance, new technologies that are building upon existing technology have not found theirfooting well enough to appeal to a mass audience, because, in many cases, they need to workeffectively with other devices to realize their full appeal. Take the evolution of the smart home,for example. Companies are pushing it hard but make it almost overwhelming even to dip a toe inthe water for the average consumer, because there are so many compatibility issues to thinkabout. No average person wants to figure out whether their favorite calendar software works withtheir fridge or whether their washing machine and tablet get along. Having to install a different appfor each smart appliance in your home is annoying; it would be nicer if you could manageeverything together. And while you may forgive your smartphone an occasional fault, youprobably have less patience for error messages from your door lock.[E] Companies are promoting their own standards, and the market has not had time to choose awinner yet as this is still very new. Companies that have long focused on hardware now have tothink of ecosystems instead to give consumers practical solutions to their everyday problems."The dialogue is changing from what is technologically possible to what is technologicallymeaningful," said economist Shawn DuBravac. DuBravac works for CTA--which puts on theshow each year--and said that this shift to a search for solutions has been noticeable as heresearched his predictions for 2016.[F] "So much of what CES has been about is the cool. It is about the flashiness and the gadgets,"said John Curran, managing director of research at Accenture. "But over the last couple of years,and in this one in particular, we are starting to see companies shift from what is the largest screensize, the smallest form factor or the shiniest object and more into what all of these devices do thatis practical in a consumer's life. " Even the technology press conferences, which have been high-profile in the past and reached a level of drama and theatrics fitting for a Las Vegas stage, have adifferent bent to them. Rather than just dazzling with a high cool factor, there is a focus on thepractical. Fitbit, for example, released its first smartwatch Monday, selling with a clearpurpose--to improve your fitness--and promoting it as a "tool, not a toy. " Not only that,itsupports a number of platforms: Apple's iOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows phone.[G] That seems to be what consumers are demanding, after all. Consumers are becoming increasinglybored with what companies have to offer: A survey of 28,000 consumers in 28 countries releasedby Accenture found consumers are not as excited about technology as they once were. Forexample, when asked whether they would buy a new smartphone this year, only 48 percent saidyes--a six-point drop from 2015.[H] And when it comes to the hyper-connected super-smart world that technology firms are paintingfor us, it seems that consumers are growing more uneasy about handing over the massive amountsof consumer data needed to provide the personalized, customized solutions that companies needto improve their services. That could be another explanation for why companies seem to bestrengthening their talk of the practicality of their devices.[I] Companies have already won part of the battle, having driven tech into every part of our lives,tracking our steps and our very heartbeats. Yet the persistent question of " Why do I needthat?"--or, perhaps more tellingly, "Why do you need to know that?"--dogs the steps of manynew ventures. Only 13 percent of respondents said that they were interested in buying asmartwatch in 2016, for example--an increase of just one percent from the previous year despite ayear of high-profile launches. That is bad news for any firm that may hope that smartwatches canmake up ground for maturing smartphone and tablet markets. And the survey found flat demandfor fitness monitors, smart thermostats (恒温器) and connected home cameras, as well.[J] According to the survey, that lack of enthusiasm could stem from concerns about privacy andsecurity. Even among people who have bought connected devices of some kind,37 percent saidthat they are going to be more cautions about using these devices and services in the future. A full18 percent have even returned devices until they feel they can get safer guarantees against havingtheir sensitive information hacked.[K] That, too, explains the heavy Washington presence at this year's show, as these new technologiesintrude upon heavily regulated areas. In addition to many senior officials from the Federal Tradeand Federal Communications commissions, this year's list of policy makers also includesappearances from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, to talk about smart cities, and FederalAviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta, to talk about drones.[L] Curran, the Accenture analyst, said that increased government interest in the show makes senseas technology becomes a larger part of our lives. "There is an incompatibility in the rate at whichthese are advancing relative to the way we're digesting it," he said. "Technology is becomingbigger and more aspirational, and penetrating almost every aspect of our lives. We have tounderstand and think about the implications, and balance these great innovations with thepotential downsides they naturally carry with them. "36. Consumers are often hesitant to try smart-home devices because they are worried aboutcompatibility problems.37. This year's electronics show featured the presence of many officials from the federal government.38. The market demand for electronic devices is now either declining or not growing as fast as before.39. One analyst suggests it is necessary to accept both tlie positive and negative aspects of innovativeproducts.40. The Consumer Electronics Show in recent years has begun to focus more on the practicalvalue thanthe showiness of electronic devices.41. Fewer innovative products were found at this year's electronic products show.42. Consumers are becoming more worried about giving personal information to tech companies to getcustomized products and services.43. The Consumer Technology Association is the sponsor of the annual Consumer Electronics Show.44. Many consumers wonder about the necessity of having their fitness monitored.45. The electronic industry is maturing even though no wonder products hit the market.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 andD. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The Paris climate agreement finalised in December last year heralded a new era for climate action.For the first time, the world's nations agreed to keep global warming well below 2℃.This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% of countries are responsible for morethan half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published in Nature Scientific Reports,we reveal just how deep this injustice runs.Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and European countries areessentially climate "free-riders": causing the majority of the problems through high greenhouse gasemissions, while incurring few of the costs such as climate change's impact on food and water. In otherwords, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at thesame time contributing disproportionately to the global burden of climate change.On the flip side, there are many "forced riders", who are suffering from the climate changeimpacts despite having scarcely contributed to the problem. Many of the world's most climatevulnerable countries, the majority of which are African or small island states, produce a very smallquantity of emissions. This is much like a non-smoker getting cancer from second-hand smoke, whilethe heavy smoker is fortunate enough to smoke in good health.The Paris agreement has been widely hailed as a positive step forward in addressing climate changefor all, although the details on addressing "climate justice" can be best described as sketchy.The goal of keeping global temperature rise "well below" 2~C is commendable but the emissions-reduction pledges submitted by countries leading up to the Paris talks are very unlikely to deliver onthis.More than $100 billion in funding has been put on the table for supporting developing nations toreduce emissions. However, the agreement specifies that there is no formal distinction betweendeveloped and developing nations in their responsibility to cut emissions, effectively ignoring historicalemissions. There is also very little detail on who will provide the funds or, importantly, who isresponsible for their provision. Securing these funds, and establishing who is responsible for raisingthem will also be vital for the future of climate-vulnerable countries.The most climate-vulnerable countries in the world have contributed very little to creatingtheglobal disease from which they now suffer the most. There must urgently be a meaningful mobilisationof the policies outlined in the agreement if we are to achieve national emissions reductions whilehelping the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.And it is clearly up to the current generation of leaders from high-emitting nations to decidewhether they want to be remembered as climate change tyrants or pioneers.46. The author is critical of the Paris climate agreement becauseA. it is unfair to those climate-vulnerable nationsB. it aims to keep temperature rise below 2℃ onlyC. it is beneficial to only fewer than 4% of countriesD. it burdens developed countries with the sole responsibility47. Why does the author call some developed countries climate "free-riders"?A. They needn't worry about the food and water they consume.B. They are better able to cope with the global climate change.C. They hardly pay anything for the problems they have caused.D. They are free from the greenhouse effects affecting "forced riders".48. Why does the author compare the "forced riders" to second-hand smokers?A. They have little responsibility for public health problems.B. They are vulnerable to unhealthy environmental conditions.C. They have to bear consequences they are not responsible for.D. They are unaware of the potential risks they are confronting.49. What does the author say about the $100 billion funding?A. It will motivate all nations to reduce carbon emissions.B. There is no final agreement on where it will come from.C. There is no clarification of how the money will be spent.D. It will effectively reduce greenhouse emissions worldwide.50. what urgent action must be taken to realise the Paris climate agreement?A. Encouraging high-emitting nations to take the initiative.B. Calling on all the nations concerned to make joint efforts.C. Pushing the current world leaders to come to a consensus.D. Putting in effect the policies in the agreement at once.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide often wear their troubles like a neon (霓虹灯)sign. Their risky behaviors--drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes andskipping school--can alert parents and teachers that serious problems are brewing.But a new study finds that there's another group of adolescents who are in nearly as much dangerof experiencing the same psychiatric symptoms: teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleepand have a sedentary (不爱活动的) lifestyle.Of course, that may sound like a description of every teenager on the planet. But the study warnsthat it is teenagers who engage in all three of these practices in the extreme who are truly in jeopardy.Because their behaviors are not usually seen as a red flag, these young people have been dubbed the"invisible risk" group by the study's authors."In some ways they're at greater risk of falling through the cracks," says researcher VladimirCarli. "While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or gettingdrunk, they may easily overlook teenagers who are engaging in inconspicuous behaviors."The study's authors surveyed 12,395 students and analyzed nine risk behaviors, including excessivealcohol use, illegal drug use, heavy smoking, high media use and truancy (逃学). Their aim was todetermine the relationship between these risk behaviors and mental health issues in teenagers.About 58% of the students demonstrated none or few of the risk behaviors. Some 13% scored highon all nine of the risk behaviors. And 29%, the "invisible risk" group, scored high on three inparticular: They spent five hours a day or more on electronic devices. They slept six hours a night orless. And they neglected "other healthy activities."The group that scored high on all nine of the risk behaviors was most likely to show symptoms ofdepression; in all, nearly 15% of this group reported being depressed, compared with just 4% of thelow-risk group. But the invisible group wasn't far behind the high-risk set, with more than 13% of themexhibiting depression.The findings caught Carli off guard. "We were very surprised," he says. "The high-risk group andlow-risk group are obvious. But this third group was not only unexpected, it was so distinct and solarge--nearly one third of our sample--that it became a key finding of the study. "Carli says that one of the most significant things about his study is that it provides new early-warning signs for parents, teachers and mental health-care providers. And early identification, supportand treatment for mental health issues, he says, are the best ways to keep them from turning into full-blown disorders.51. What does the author mean by saying "Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide oftenwear their troubles like a neon sign" (Lines 1 - 2, Para.1 ) ?A. Mental problems can now be found in large numbers of teenagers.B. Teenagers' mental problems are getting more and more attention.C. Teenagers' mental problems are often too conspicuous not to be observed.D. Depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms of mental problems.52. What is the finding of the new study?A. Teenagers' lifestyles have changed greatly in recent years.B. Many teenagers resort to drugs or alcohol for mental relief.C. Teenagers experiencing psychological problems tend to use a lot of media.D. Many hitherto unobserved youngsters may have psychological problems.53. Why do the researchers refer to teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleep and have asedentary lifestyle as the "invisible risk" group?A. Their behaviors can be an invisible threat to society.B. Their behaviors do not constitute a warning signal.C. Their behaviors do not tend towards mental problems.D. Their behaviors can be found in almost all teenagers on earth.54. What does the new study find about the invisible group?A. They are almost as liable to depression as the high-risk group.B. They suffer from depression without showing any symptoms.C. They do not often demonstrate risky behaviors as their peers.D. They do not attract the media attention the high-risk group does.55. What is the significance of Vladimir Carli's study?A. It offers a new treatment for psychological problems among teenagers.B. It provides new early-warning signals for identifying teens in trouble.C. It may have found an ideal way to handle teenagers with behavioral problems.D. It sheds new light on how unhealthy behaviors trigger mental health problems.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.随着生活水平的提高，度假在中国人生活中的作用越来越重要。

Section A 注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

11. A) The woman will bring some food backfor dinner. B) They will go to their friend's home fordinner. C) The woman will fill the refrigeratorbefore dinner. D) They will eat out for dinner after work. 12. A) Take more rest breaks while at work. B) Quit her job and find a new one. C) Ask for a leave from her boss. D) Talk to her boss directly. 13. A) Things on sale may be worth buying. B) Things on sale are not worth buying. C) Things on sale are out of style andseason. D) Things on sale are carefully lookedover. 14. A) She's looking forward to her weekendtrip. B) She will accept the man's invitation. C) She would prefer to go to the Disneylandalone. D) She thinks the kids will enjoy theDisneyland. 15. A) Because he met a heavy traffic onhis way. B) Because a terrible car accident happenedto him. C) Because he had taken a different road. D) Because the road was closed and he hadto wait. 16. A) Change the T-shirts for smaller ones. B) Sell T-shirts for her son. C) Work as an assistant at the store. D) Make these T-shirts smaller. 17. A) Ask a friend for the name of a hairstylist. B) Get her hair cut in the afternoon. C) Make an appointment with someone else. D) Call another hair salon to cut her curlyhair. 18. A) The woman should eat a biggerbreakfast. B) The woman should try to make time forlunch. C) The woman would be busy the whole week. D) The woman should change her scheduleafter she eats lunch. Conversation One 19. A) They are held twice a year. B) They were first held in 1927. C) They are given for excellence in films. D) They are less desired than the GrammyAwards. 20. A) By an anonymous ballot. B) By an open vote. C) By rigid rules. D) By their personal preference. 21. A) One of the academy members. B) Creator of the Oscar statue. C) An Oscar winner. D) A nominee for the Oscar award. 22. A) She had great interest in thehistory of the Oscars. B) She searched the information from theInternet. C) She took a course in the history offilm. D) She majored in motion pictures. Conversation Two 23. A) Give suggestions for revision. B) Write one for her. C) Point out grammatical errors in it. D) Cut some unnecessary materials. 24. A) Law. B) Music. C) Geology. D) Biology. 25, A) Look through her materials. B) Make preparation for the interview. C) Pay attention to the presentation. D) Add something to make herself stand out. SectionB 注意．此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2016年12月大学英语六级真题试卷（三）(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Listening Comprehension 3. Reading Comprehension 4. TranslationPart I Writing1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on creation. Your essay should include the importance of creation and measures to be taken to encourage creation. You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.正确答案：On Creation Throughout the ages, we have concluded a number of factors that contribute to success, among which is creation. Just as the saying goes, “ There is no doubt that creation is the most important human resource of all. “ Not only is creation the force driving economy and society to advance, but it is also essential to the development of individuals. Those who often come up with new ideas are more likely to achieve success, while a man who always sticks to habit and experience can hardly create new things. In terms of giving measures to encourage creation, I will list the following ones. On the one hand, the public are expected to realize the significance of creation, so the social media should play its due role in advocating the value of innovation and encouraging the public to cultivate the awareness of creation. On the other hand, those who are equipped with creative thinking deserve some kind of praise, both materially and spiritually. Creation has been a hot word for a long time and we cannot emphasize the importance of creation too much. Therefore, we should spare no effort to learn knowledge as much as possible to prepare ourselves for being creative people.Part II Listening ComprehensionSection A听力原文：M: Guess what? The worst food I’ve ever had was in France.W: Really? That’s odd.(1)I thought the French were all good cooks.M: Yes. That’s right. I suppose it’s really like anywhere else, though. You know, some places are good. Some bad. But it’s really all our own fault. W: What do you mean? M: Well, it was the first time I’d been to France. This was years ago when I was at school.(2)I went there with my parents’ friends, from my father’s school. They’d hired a coach to take them to Switzerland. W: A school trip? M: Right. Most of them had never been abroad before. We’d crossed the English Channel at night, and we set off through France, and breakfast time arrived, and the coach driver had arranged for us to stop at this little cafe. There we all were, tired and hungry, and then we made the great discovery. W: What was that? M: Bacon and eggs.W: Fantastic! The real English breakfast.M: Yes.Anyway, we didn’t know any better—so we had it, and ugh...! W: What was it like? Disgusting? M: Oh, it was incredible! They just got a bowl and put some fat in it. And then they put some bacon in the fat, broke an egg over the top and put the whole lot in the oven for about ten minutes. W: In the oven! You’re joking. You can’t cook bacon and eggs in the oven! M: Well. They must have done it that way. It was hot, but it wasn’t cooked. There was just this egg floating about in gallons of fat and raw bacon. W:(3-1)Did you actually eat it? M:(3-2)No! Nobody did. They all wanted to turn round and go home. You know, back to teabags and fish and chips. You can’t blame them really. Anyway, the next night we were all given another foreign speciality. W: What was that? M:(4)Snails. That really finished them off. Lovely holiday that was!Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. What did the woman think of the French?2. Who did the man travel with on his first trip to Switzerland?3. What does the man say about the breakfast at the little French cafe?4. What did the man think of his holiday in France?2．A．They were all good at cooking.B．They were particular about food.C．They were proud of their cuisine.D．They were fond of bacon and eggs.正确答案：A解析：对话中，当男士说他在法国吃到了自己吃过的最糟糕的食物时，女士表示这很奇怪，并且说她原本以为所有的法国人都是好厨师。

2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题(第1套)Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention. Youressay should include the importance of invention and measures to be taken to encourageinvention. You are required to writeat least 150 words but no more than 200 words.Part II Listening Comprehension(30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations.At the end of eachconversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A. It tries to predict the possible trends of global climate change.B. It studies the impacts of global climate change on people's lives.C. It links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.D. It focuses on the efforts countries can make to deal with global warming.2. A. It will take a long time before a consensus is reached on its impact.B. It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.C. It is the most pressing issue confronting all countries.D. It is bound to cause endless disputes among nations.3. A. The transition to low-carbon energy systems.B. The cooperation among world major powers.C. The signing of a global agreement.D. The raising of people's awareness.4. A. Carry out more research on it.B. Cut down energy consumption.C. Plan well in advance.D. Adopt new technology.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A. When luck plays a role.B. what determines success.C. Whether practice makes perfect.D. How important natural talent is.6. A. It knocks at your door only once in a while.B. It is something that no one can possibly create.C. It comes naturally out of one's self-confidence.D. It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. A. Luck rarely contributes to a person's success.B. One must have natural talent to be successful.C. One should always be ready to seize opportunities.D. Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. A. Putting time and effort into fun things is profitable.B. People who love what they do care little about money.C. Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.D. People in need of money work hard automatically.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the end of each passage, you will hearthree or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, must choose the bestyou answer from the four choices markedA, B, C and D. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingle line through the centre.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the passage you have just heard.9. A. The stump of a giant tree.B. A huge piece of rock.C. The peak of a mountain.D. A tall chimney.10. A. Human activity.B. Wind and water.C. Chemical processes.D. Fire and fury.11. A. It is a historical monument.B. It was built in ancient times.C. It is Indians' sacred place for worship.D. It was created by supernatural powers.12. A. By sheltering them in a cave.B. By killing the attacking bears.C. By lifting them well above the ground.D. By taking them to the top of a mountain.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.13. A. They will buy something from the convenience stores.B. They will take advantage of the time to rest a while.C. They will have their vehicles washed or serviced.D. They will pick up some souvenirs or gift items.14. A. They can bring only temporary pleasures.B. They are meant for the extremely wealthy.C. They should be done away with altogether.D. They may eventually drive one to bankruptcy.15. A. A good way to socialize is to have daily lunch with one's colleagues.B. Retirement savings should come first in one's family budgeting.C. A vacation will be affordable if one saves 20 dollars a week.D. Small daily savings can make a big difference in one's life.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three recordings oflectures or talks followed by three orfour questions. The recordings be playedwill only once. After you hear a question, youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16. A. They should be done away with.B. They are necessary in our lives.C. They enrich our experience.D. They are harmful to health.17. A. They feel stressed out even without any challenges in life.B. They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problems.C. They are anxious to free themselves from life's troubles.D. They are exhausted even without doing any heavy work. ~18. A. They expand our mind.B. They prolong our lives.C. They narrow our focus.D. They lessen our burdensQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.19. A. It is not easily breakable.B. It came from a 3D printer.C. It represents the latest style.D. It was made by a fashion designer.20. A. When she had just graduated from her college.B. When she attended a conference in New York.C. When she was studying at a fashion design school.D. When she attended a fashion show nine months ago.21. A. It was difficult to print.B. It was hard to come by.C. It was hard and breakable.D. It was extremely expensive.22. A. It is the latest model of a 3D printer.B. It is a plastic widely used in 3D printing.C. It gives fashion designers room for imagination.D. It marks a breakthrough in printing material.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.23. A. They arise from the advances in technology.B. They have not been examined in detail so far.C. They are easy to solve with modern technology.D. They can't be solved without government support.24. A. It is attractive to entrepreneurs.B. It demands huge investment.C. It focuses on new products.D. It is intensely competitive.25. A.Cooperation with big companies.B. Recruiting more qualified staff.C. In-service training of IT personnel.D. Sharing of costs with each other.Part 皿Reading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. Youare required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions.Good, sound science depends on 26, experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires awillingness to ask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risks and experiencefailures. But good science also requires 27 understanding,clear explanation and concisepresentation.Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in the public 28 and offer theiropinions on important matters. Weneed more scientists whocan explain what they are doing inlanguage that is 29 and understandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists should alsobe prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30 scientific knowledge into ourpublic communications.Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do notunderstand how science works or why robust, long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary ( 可酌情支配的) spending to research anddevelopment,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, the figure had fallen into the single33This occurs at a time whenother nations have made significant gains in their own researchcapabilities.At the University of California (UC), we 34 ourselves not only on the quality of our research,but also on its contribution to improving our world. To 35 the development of science from the labbench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.A. ArenaB. contextualC. ConvincingD. devotedE. DigitsF. hastenG. HypothesesH. impairingI. IncorporateJ. indefiniteK. IndulgeL. inertiaM. PrideN. reapingO. WarrantSection 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 paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph ismarked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Are We in an Innovation Lull?[A] Scan the highlights of this year's Consumer Electronics Show（ CES）, and you may get a slightfeeling of having seen them before. Many of the coolest gadgets this year are the same as thecoolest gadgets last year--or the year before, even. The booths are still exciting, and the demosare still just as crazy. It is still easy to be dazzled by the display of drones （无人机）,3D printers,virtual reality goggles （眼镜） and more "smart" devices than you could ever hope to catalog.Upon reflection, however, it is equally easy to feel like you have seen it all before. And it is hardnot to think: Are we in an innovation lull （间歇期） ?[B] In some ways, the answer is yes. For years, smartphones, televisions, tablets, laptops anddesktops have madeup a huge part of the market and driven innovation. But now these segmentsare looking at slower growth curves--or shrinking markets in somecases--as consumers are notas eager to spend moneyon newgadgets. Meanwhile, emerging technologies--the drones,3Dprinters and smart-home devices of the world--now seema bit too old to be called "the next bigthing. "[C] Basically the tech industry seems to be in an awkward period now. "There is not any one-hitwonder, and there will not be one for years tocome," said Gary Shapiro, president and chiefexecutive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In his eyes, however, that doesn'tnecessarily mean that innovation has stopped. It has just grown up a little. "Many industries aregoing out of infancy and becoming adolescents," Shapiro said.[D] For instance, new technologies that are building upon existing technology have not found theirfooting well enough to appeal to a mass audience, because, in manycases, they need to workeffectively with other devices to realize their full appeal. Take the evolution of the smart home,for example. Companies are pushing it hard but make it almost overwhelming even to dip a toe inthe water for the average consumer, because there are so manycompatibility issues to thinkabout. No average person wants to figure out whether their favorite calendar software works withtheir fridge or whether their washing machine and tablet get along. Having to install a different appfor each smart appliance in your home is annoying; it would be nicer if you could manageeverything together.And while you mayforgive your smartphone an occasional fault, youprobably have less patience for error messages from your door lock.[E] Companies are promoting their own standards, and the market has not had time to choose awinner yet as this is still very new. Companies that have long focused on hardware now have tothink of ecosystems insteadto give consumers practical solutions to their everyday problems."The dialogue ischanging from what is technologically possible to what is technologicallymeaningful," said economist Shawn DuBravac. DuBravac works for CTA--which puts on theshow each year--and said that this shift to a search for solutions has been noticeable as heresearched his predictions for 2016.[F] "So much of what CES has been about is the cool. It is about the flashiness and the gadgets,"said John Curran, managing director of research at Accenture. "But over the last couple of years,and in in particular, we are starting to see companies shift from what is the largest screensize, the smallest form factor or theshiniest object and more into what all of these devices do thatis practical ina consumer's life. " Even the technology press conferences, which havebeen high-profile in the past and reached a level of drama and theatricsfor a Las Vegas stage, have adifferent bent to them. Rather than justdazzling with a high cool factor, there is a focus on thepractical. forexample, released its first smartwatch Monday, selling with aclearpurpose--to improve your fitness--and promoting it as a "tool, not a toy. " Not only that, itsupports a number of platforms: Apple's iOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows phone.this one fitting Fitbit,[G] That seemsto be what consumers are demanding, after all. Consumers are becoming increasinglybored with what companies have to offer: A survey of 28,000 consumers in 28 countries releasedby Accenture found consumers are not as excited about technology as they once were. Forexample, when asked whether they would buy a new smartphone this year, only 48 percent saidyes--a six-point drop from 2015.[H] And when it comes to the hyper-connected super-smart world that technology firms are paintingfor us, it seems that consumers are growing more uneasy about handing over the massive amountsof consumer data needed to provide the personalized, customized solutions that companies needto improve their services. That could be another explanation for why companies seemto bestrengthening their talk of the practicality of their devices.[I] Companies have already won part of the battle, having driven tech into every part of our lives,tracking our steps and our very heartbeats. Yet the persistent question of " Why do I needthat?"--or, perhaps more tellingly, "Why do you need to know that?"--dogs the steps of manynew ventures. Only 13 percent of respondents said that they were interested in buying asmartwatch in 2016, for example--an increase of just one percent from the previous year despite ayear of high-profile launches. That is bad news for any firm that may hope that smartwatches canmake up ground for maturing smartphone and tablet markets. And the survey found flat demandfor fitness monitors, smart thermostats （恒温器） and connected home cameras, as well.[J] According to the survey, that lack of enthusiasm could stem from concerns about privacy andsecurity. Even among people who have bought connected devices of some kind,37 percent saidthat they are going to be more cautions about using these devices and services in the future. A full18 percent have even returned devices until they feel they can get safer guarantees against havingtheir sensitive information hacked.[K] That, too, explains the heavy Washington presence at this year's show, as these new technologiesintrude upon heavily regulated areas. In addition to many senior officials from the Federal Tradeand Federal Communications commissions, this year's list of policy makers also includesappearances from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, to talk about smart cities, and FederalAviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta, to talk about drones.[L] Curran, the Accenture analyst, said that increased government interest in the show makes senseas technology becomes a larger part of our lives. "There is an incompatibility in the rate at whichthese are advancing relative to the way we're digesting it," he said. "Technology is becomingbigger and more aspirational, and penetrating almost everyaspect of our lives. Wehave tounderstand and think about the implications, and balance these great innovations with thepotential downsides they naturally carry with them. "36. Consumers are often hesitant to try smart-home devices because they areworried aboutcompatibility problems.37. This year's electronics show featured the presence of many officials from the federal government.38. The market demand for electronic devices is now either declining or not growing as fast as before.39. One analyst suggests it is necessary to accept both tlie positive and negative aspects of innovativeproducts.40. The Consumer Electronics Show in recent years has begun to focus more on the practical value thanthe showiness of electronic devices.41. Fewer innovative products were found at this year's electronic products show.42. Consumers are becoming more worried about giving personal information to tech companies to getcustomized products and services.43. The Consumer Technology Association is the sponsor of the annual Consumer Electronics Show.44. Manyconsumers wonder about the necessity of having their fitness monitored.45. The electronic industry is maturing even though no wonder products hit the market.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage isfollowed by somequestions orunfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C andD. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The Paris climate agreement finalised in Decemberlast year heralded a newera for climate action.For the first time, the world's nations agreed to keep global warm ing well below 2 °C.This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% ofcountries are responsible for morethan half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published in Nature Scientific Reports,we reveal just how deep this injustice runs.Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and European countries areessentially climate "free-riders": causing the majority of the problems through high greenhouse gasemissions, while incurring few of the costs such as climate change's impact on food and water. In otherwords, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at thesame time contributing disproportionately to the global burden of climate change.On the flip side, there are many "forced riders", who are sufferingfrom the climate changeimpacts despite having scarcely contributed to the problem. Many of the world's most climatevulnerable countries, the majority of which are African or small island states, produce a very smallquantity of emissions. This is muchlike a non-smoker getting cancer from second-hand smoke, whilethe heavy smoker is fortunate enough to smoke in good health.The Paris agreement has been widely hailed as a positive step forward in addressing climate changefor all, although the details on addressing "climate justice" can be best described as sketchy.The goal of keeping global temperature rise "well below" 2~C is commendable but the emissions-reduction pledges submitted by countries leading up to the Paris talks are very unlikely to deliver onthis.More than $100 billion in funding has been put on the table for supporting developing nations toreduce emissions. However, the agreement specifies that there is no formal distinction betweendeveloped and developing nations in their responsibility to cut emissions, effectively ignoring historicalemissions. There is also very little detail on who will provide the funds or, importantly, who isresponsible for their provision. Securing these funds, and establishing who is responsible for raisingthem will also be vital for the future of climate-vulnerable countries.The most climate-vulnerable countries in the world have contributed very little to creating theglobal disease from which they now suffer the most. There must urgently be a meaningful mobilisationof the policies outlined in the agreement if we are to achieve national emissions reductions whilehelping the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.And it is clearly up to the current generation of leaders from high-emitting nations to decidewhether they want to be remembered as climate change tyrants or pioneers.46. The author is critical of the Paris climate agreement becauseA. it is unfair to those climate-vulnerable nationsB. it aims to keep temperature rise below 2 °C onlyC. it is beneficial to only fewer than 4% of countriesD. it burdens developed countries with the sole responsibility47. Why does the author call some developed countries climate "free-riders"?A. They needn't worry about the food and water they consume.B. They are better able to cope with the global climate change.C. They hardly pay anything for the problems they have caused.D. They are free from the greenhouse effects affecting "forced riders".48. Why does the author compare the "forced riders" to second-hand smokers?A. They have little responsibility for public health problems.B. They are vulnerable to unhealthy environmental conditions.C. They have to bear consequences they are not responsible for.D. They are unaware of the potential risks they are confronting.49. What does the author say about the $100 billion funding?A. It will motivate all nations to reduce carbon emissions.B. There is no final agreement on where it will come from.C. There is no clarification of how the money will be spent.D. It will effectively reduce greenhouse emissions worldwide.50. what urgent action must be taken to realise the Paris climate agreement?A. Encouraging high-emitting nations to take the initiative.B. Calling on all the nations concerned to make joint efforts.C. Pushing the current world leaders to come to a consensus.D. Putting in effect the policies in the agreement at once.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide often wear their troubles like a neon （霓虹灯）sign. Their risky behaviors--drinking toomuch alcohol, using illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes andskipping school--can alert parents and teachers that serious problems are brewing.But a new study finds that there's another group of adolescents who are in nearly as muchdangerof experiencing the samepsychiatric symptoms: teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleepand have a sedentary （不爱活动的）lifestyle.Of course, that may sound like a description of every teenager on the planet. But the study warnsthat it is teenagers who engage in all three of these practices in the extreme who are truly in jeopardy.Because their behaviors are not usually seen as a red flag, these young people have been dubbed the"invisible risk" group by thestudy's authors."In someways they're at greater risk of falling through the cracks," says researcher VladimirCarli. "While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or gettingdrunk, they may easily overlook teenagers who are engaging in inconspicuous behaviors."The study's authors surveyed 12,395 students and analyzed nine risk behaviors, including excessivealcohol use, illegal drug use, heavy smoking, high media use and truancy （逃学）. Their aim was todetermine the relationship between these risk behaviors and mental health issues in teenagers.About 58% of the students demonstrated none or few of the risk behaviors. Some13%scored highon all nine of the risk behaviors. And 29%, the "invisible risk" group, scored high on three inparticular: They spent five hours a day or more on electronic devices. They slept six hours a night orless. And they neglected "otherhealthy activities."The group that scored high on all nine of the risk behaviors was most likely to show symptoms ofdepression; in all, nearly 15% of this group reported being depressed, compared with just 4%of thelow-risk group. But the invisible group wasn't far behind the high-risk set, with more than 13% of themexhibiting depression.The findings caught Carli off guard. "Wewere very surprised," he says. "The high-risk group andlow-risk group are obvious. But this third group was not only unexpected, it was so distinct and solarge--nearly one third of our sample--that it became a key finding of the study. "Carli says that one of the most significant things about his study is that it provides new early-warning signs for parents, teachers and mental health-care providers. And early identification, supportand treatment for mental health issues, he says, are the best ways to keep them from turning into full-blown disorders.51. What does the author mean by saying "Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide oftenwear their troubles like a neon sign" (Lines 1 - 2, Para.1 )A. Mental problems can now be found in large numbers of teenagers.B. Teenagers' mental problems are getting more and more attention.C. Teenagers' mental problems are often too conspicuous not to be observed.D. Depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms of mentalproblems.52. What is the finding of the new study?A. Teenagers' lifestyles have changed greatly in recent years.B. Many teenagers resort to drugs or alcohol for mental relief.C. Teenagers experiencing psychological problems tend to use a lot of media.D. Many hitherto unobserved youngsters may have psychological problems.53. Whydo the researchers refer to teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleep and have asedentary lifestyle as the "invisible risk" group?A. Their behaviors can be an invisible threat to society.B. Their behaviors do not constitute a warning signal.C. Their behaviors do not tend towards mental problems.D. Their behaviors can be found in almost all teenagers on earth.54. What does the new study find about the invisible group?A. They are almost as liable to depression as the high-risk group.B. They suffer from depression without showing any symptoms.C. They do not often demonstrate risky behaviors as their peers.D. They do not attract the media attention the high-risk group does.55. What is the significance of Vladimir Carli's study?A. It offers a new treatment for psychological problems among teenagers.B. It provides new early-warning signals for identifying teens in trouble.C. It mayhave found an ideal way to handle teenagers with behavioral problems.D. It sheds newlight on howunhealthy behaviors trigger mental health problems.Part IV Translation(30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translatea passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.随着生活水平的提高，度假在xx 人生活中的作用越来越重要。

1.A) It is well paid.B)It is stimulating.2.A) A quick promotion.B)Free accommodation. C)It is demanding.D)It is fairly secure.C)Moving expenses.D) A lighter workload.2016年12月全国大学生英语六级考试（卷三）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention.Your essay should include the importance of creation and measures to be taken to encourage creation• You are required to write at least 1 50 words but no more than 200 words.Part II Listening Comprehension （30minutes）（说明：本次六级考试全国共考了两套听力，为避免重复，特补充了一套模拟听力，供同学们练习。

）Section ADirections：In this section，you will hear two Long conversations. At the end of each conversation , you will hear some questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear aquestion , you m ust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A ) , B ) , C ) and D). Thenmark the corresponding Letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 1 to 4 will be based on the conversation you have just heard.3.A) He has difficulty communicating with local people.B)He has to spend a lot more traveling back and forth.C)He has trouble adapting to the local weather.D)He has to sign a long-term contract.4.A) The woman will help the man make a choice.B)The man is going to attend a job interview.C)The man is in the process of job hunting.D)The woman sympathizes with the man.Questions 5 to 8 will be based on he conversation you have just heard.5.A) He made a business trip. C) He talked to her on the phone.B)He had a quarrel with Marsha. D) He resolved a budget problem.6.A) She may have to be fired for poor performance.B)She has developed some serious mental problem.C)She is in charge of the firm’s budget planning.D)She supervises a number of important projects.7.A) She failed to arrive at the airport on time.B)David promised to go on the trip in her place.C)Something unexpected happened at her home.D)She was not feeling herself on that day.8.A) He frequently gets things mixed up.B)He is always finding fault with Marsha.C)He has been trying hard to cover for Marsha.D)He often fails to follow through on his projects.Section BDirections：In this section，you will hear 2 passages. At the end of each passage，you will hear some questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question , you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A) , B) , C) and D). Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre•Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A) By invading the personal space of listeners.B)By making gestures at strategic points.C)By speaking in a deep, loud voice.D)By speaking with the local accent.10.A) To promote sportsmanship among business owners.B)To encourage people to support local sports groups.C)To raise money for a forthcoming local sports event.D)To show his family’s contribution to the community.11.A) They are known to be the style of the sports world.B)They would certainly appeal to his audience.C)They represent the latest fashion in the business circles.D)They are believed to communicate power and influence.12.A) To cover up his own nervousness.B)To create a warm personal atmosphere.C)To enhance the effect of background music.D)To allow the audience to better enjoy his slides.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13.A) She was the first educated slave of John Wheatley's.B)She was the greatest female poet in Colonial America.Now listern to the following recording and20.A) The important color in nature.B)The stories of the word “green”.21.A) A mature person.B) A brave soldier.22.A) In the 15th century.B) About 400 years ago. answer questions 20 to 22.C)The emotions of green-eyed monster.D)The meanings of a green light.C) A young cow.D)An inexperienced person.C)In the 18th century.D)About 600 years ago.C)She was born about the time of the War of Independence.D)She was the first African-American slave to publish a book.14.A) Revise it a number of times. C) Go through a scholarly examination.B)Obtain consent from her owner. D) Turn to the colonial governor for help.15.A) Literary works calling for the abolition of slavery.B)Religious scripts popular among slaves in America.C) A rich stock of manuscripts left by historical figures.D)Lots of lost works written by African-American women.Section CDirections：In this section，you will hear recordings of Lectures or talks followed by some questions. The recordings -will be played only once. After you hear a question , you must choose the best answerfrom the four choices marked A ), B ), C) and D ). Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single Line through the centre.Now listern to the following recording and answer questions 16 to 19.16.A) Those who have enough time for holidays.B)Those who are too busy to make perfect private plans.C)Those who seldom do time management.D)Those who have got a messy life.17.A) Lighting candles. C) Saying a special prayer.B)Singing songs. D) Going to church.18.A) Let them deliver the things to the recipients.B)Let them choose what to give away.C)Tell them how meaningful giving is.D)Give them some awards after that.19.A) Holding a New Year’s Day party.C) Protecting people’s privacy.B)Locking yourself in the bathroom. D) Carving out time for yourself.Now listern to the following recording and answer questions 23 to 25.23.A) It had much more pages than newspapers.B)It was given away for free.C)It dealt with issues rather than events.D)It was more widely available than newspapers.24.A) He wrote articles critical of the Church of England.B)He refused to stop publishing the Review•C)He refused to pay publishing taxes.D)He refused to join the Church of England.25.A) It was not really a magazine. C) It was praised by readers of poetry.B) It featured a variety of articles and stories. D) It was unpopular with politicians.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 foLlovuing the passage. Read the passage throughcarefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark thecorresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the. centre. You maynot use any of the words in the bank more than once.The tree people in the Lord of the Rings— the Ents — can get around by walking. But for real trees, it’s harder to uproot. Because they're literally rooted into the ground, they are unable to leave and go 26.When a tree first starts growing in a certain area, it’s likely that the 27 envelope — the temperature, humidity, rainfall patterns and so on — suits it. Otherwise, it would be unable to grow from a seedling. But as it 28 ，these conditions may change and the area around itmay no longer be suitable for its 29 .When that happens, many trees like walnuts, oaks and pines, rely 30 on so-called “scatter hoarders，’’ such as birds, to move their seeds to new localities. Many birds like to store food for the winter, which they 31 retrieve.When the birds forget td retrieve their food — and they do sometimes — a seedling has a chance to grow. The bird Clark’s nutcracker, for example, hides up to 100,000 seeds per year, up to 30 kilometers away from the seed source, and has a very close symbiotic(共生的)relationship with several pine species, most 32 the whitebark pine.As trees outgrow their ideal 33 in the face of climate change，these flying ecosystem engineers could be a big help in 34 trees. It’s a solution for us — getting birds to do the work is cheap and effective —and it could give 35 oaks and pines the option to truly “make like a tree and leave.”"vSection 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 fromwhich the 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 American Workplace Is Broken. Here’s How We Can Start Fixing It.A)Americans are working longer and harder hours than ever before. 83% of workers say they're stressedabout their jobs, nearly 50% say work-related stress is interfering with their sleep, and 60% use their smartphones to check in with work outside of normal working hours； No wonder only 13% of employees worldwide feel engaged in their occupation.B)Glimmers(少许)of hope, however, are beginning to emerge in this bruising environment: Americansare becoming aware of the toll their jobs take on them, and employers are exploring ways to alleviate the harmful effects of stress and overwork. Yet much more work remains to be done. To call str ess an epidemic isn’t exaggeration. The 83% of American employees who are stressed about their jobs — up from 73% just a year before — say that poor compensation and an unreasonable workload are their number-one sources of stress. And if you suspected that the workplace had gotten more stressful than it was just a few decades ago, you're right. Stress levels increased 18% for women and 24% for men from 1983 to 2009. Stress is also starting earlier in life, with some data suggesting that today's teens are even more stressed than ^dults.C)Stress is taking a significant toll on our health, and the collective public health cost may be enormous.Occupational stress increases the risk of heart attack and diabetes, accelerates the aging process, decreases longevity, and contributes to depression and anxiety, among numerous other negative health outcomes. Overall, stress-related health problems account for up to 90% of hospital visits, many of them preventable. Your job is “literally killing you，” as The Washington Post put it. It’s also hurting our relationships. Working parents say they feel stressed, tired, rushed and short on quality time with their children, friends and partners.D)Seven in 10 workers say they struggle to maintain work-life balance. As technology (and with it,work emails) seeps(渗入)into every aspect of our lives, work-life balance has become an almost meaningless term. Add a rapidly changing economy and an uncertain future to this 24/7 connectivity, and you’ve got a recipe for overwork, according to Phyllis Moen. “There’s rising work demand coupled with the insecurity of mergers, takeovers, downsizing and other factors，’’ Moen said.“Part of the work-life issue has to talk about uncertainty about the future.”E） These factors have converged to create an increasingly impossible situation with many employeesoverworking to the point of burnout. It’s not only unsustainable for workers, but also for the companies that employ them. Science has shown a clear correlation between high stress levels in workers and absenteeism（旷工），reduced productivity, disengagement and high turnover. Too many workplace policies effectively prohibit employees from developing a healthy work-life balance by barring them from taking time off，even when they need it most.F）T he U. S. trails far behind every wealthy nation and many developing ones that have family- friendly work policies including paid parental leave, paid sick days and breast-feeding support,according toa 2007 study. The U. S. is also the only advanced economy that does not guarantee workers paidvacation time, and it’s one of only two countries in the world that does not offer guaranteed paid maternity leave. But even when employees are given paid time off, workplace norms and expectations that pressure them to overwork often prevent them from taking it. Fulltime employees who do have paid vacation days only use half of them on average.G） Our modern workplaces also operate based on outdated time constraints. The practice of clocking in for an eight-hour workday is a leftover from the days of the Industrial Revolution, as reflected in the then-popular saying, “Eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.”H）W e’ve held on to this workday structure — but thanks to our digital devices, many employees never really clock out. Today, the average American spends 8.8 hours at work daily, and the majority of working professionals spend additional hours checking in with work during evenings, weekends and even vacations. The problem isn’t the technolog y itself, but that the technology is being used to create more flexibility for the employer rather than the employee. In a competitive work environment, employers are able to use technology to demand more from their employees rather than motivating workers with flexibility that benefits them.I）In a study published last year, psychologists coined the term “workplace telepressure M to describe an employee’s urge to immediately respond to emails and engage in obsessive thoughts about returning an email to one’s boss, colleagues or clients. The researchers found that telepressure is a major cause of stress at work, which over time contributes to physical and mental burnout. Of the 300 employees participating in the study, those who experienced high levels of telepressure were more likely to agree with statements assessing burnout, like “I’ve no energy for going to work in the morning，’’ and to report feeling fatigued and unfocused. Telepressure was also correlated with sleeping poorly and missing work.J) Harvard Business School professor Leslie Perlow explains that when people feel the pressure to be always “on,” they find ways to acco mmodate that pressure, including altering their schedules, work habits and interactions with family and friends. Perlow calls this vicious cycle the “cycle of responsiveness”：Once bosses and colleagues experience an employee’s increased responsiveness, th ey increase their demands on the employee’s time. And because a failure to accept these increased demands indicates a lack of commitment to one’s work，the employee complies.K) To address skyrocketing employee stress levels, many companies have implemente d workplace wellness programs, partnering with health care providers that have created programs to promoteemployee health and well-being. Some research does suggest that these programs hold promise. A study of employees at health insurance provider Aetna revealed that roughly one quarter of those taking in-office yoga and mindfulness classes reported a 28% reduction in their stress levels and a 20% improvement in sleep quality. These less-stressed workers gained an average of 62 minutes per week of productivity. While yoga and meditation (静思)are scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, these programs do little to target the root causes of burnout and disengagement. The conditions creating the stress are long hours, unrealistic demands and deadlines, a nd work-life conflict.L)Moen and her colleagues may have found the solution. In a 2011 study, she investigated the effects of implementing a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) on the productivity and well-being of employees at Best Buy's corporate headquarters.M) For the study, 325 employees spent six months taking part in ROWE, while a control group of 334 employees continued with their normal workflow. The ROWE participants were allowed to freely determine when, where and how they worked — the only thing that mattered was that they got the job done. The results were striking. After six months, the employees who participated in ROWE reported reduced work-family conflict and a better sense of control of their time, and they were getting a full hour of extra sleep each night. The employees were less likely to leave their jobs, resulting in reduced turnover. It’s important to note that the increased flexibility didn’t encourage them to work around the clock. “They didn’t work anywhere and all the time — they were better able to manage their work,” Moen said. “Flexibility and control is key，’’ she continued.36.Workplace norms pressure employees to overwork, deterring them from taking paid time off.37.The overwhelming majority of employees attribute their stress mainly to low pay and an excessiveworkload.38.According to Moen, flexibility gives employees better control over their work and time.2016 — 12六级试题(第3套)第7页(共22页)39.Flexibility resulting from the use of digital devices benefits employers instead of employees.40.Research finds that if employees suffer from high stress, they will be less motivated, less productiveand more likely to quit.41.In-office wellness programs may help reduce stress levels, but they are hardly an ultimate solutionto the problem.42.Health problems caused by stress in the workplace result in huge public health expenses.43.If employees respond quickly to their job assignments, the employer is likely to demand more fromthem.44.With technology everywhere in our life, it has become virtually imposs ible for most workers to keepa balance between work and life.45.In America today, even teenagers suffer from stress, and their problem is even more serious thangrown-ups’.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinishedstatements. For each of them there are four choices marked A ) , B ),C)and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Dr. Donald Sadoway at MIT started his own battery company with the hope of changing the world’s energy future. It’s a dramatic endorsement for a technology most people think about only when their smart phone goes dark. But Sadoway isn’t alone in trumpeting energy storage as a missing link to a cleaner, more efficient, and more equitable energy future.Scientists and engineers have long believed in the promise of batteries to change the world. Advanced batteries are moving out of specialized markets and creeping into the mainstream, signaling a tipping point for forward-looking technolpgies such as electric cars and rooftop solar panels.The ubiquitous (无所不在的)battery has already come a long way, of course. For belter or worse, batteries make possible our mobile-first lifestyles, our screen culture, our increasingly globalized world. Still, as impressive as all this is, it may be trivial compared with what comes next. Having already enabled a communications revolution, the battery is now poised to transform just about everything else.The wireless age is expanding to include not just our phones, tablets, and laptops, but also our cars, homes, and even whole communities. In emerging economies, rural communitie s are bypassing the wires and wooden poles that spread power. Instead, some in Africa and Asia are seeing their first lightbulbs illuminated by the power of sunlight stored in batteries.Today, energy storage is a $ 33 billion global industry that generates nearly 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year. By the end of the decade, it’s expected to be worth over $50 billion and generate 160 gigawatt-hours, enough to attract the attention of major companies that might not otherwise be interested in a decidedly pedestrian technology. Even utility companies, which have long viewed batteries and alternative forms of energy as a threat, are learning to embrace the technologies as enabling rather than disrupting.Today's battery breakthroughs come as the world looks to expand modern energy access to the billion or so people without it, while also cutting back on fuels that warm the planet. Those simultaneous challenges appear less overwhelming with increasingly better answers to a centuries-old question： how to make power portable.To be sure, the battery still has a long way to go before the nightly recharge completely repla ces the weekly trip to the gas station. A battery-powered world comes with its own risks, too. What happens to the centralized electric grid, which took decades and billions of dollars to build, as more and more people become “prosumers，” who produce and c onsume their own energy onsite?No one knows which — if any — battery technology will ultimately dominate, but one thing remains dear. The future of energy is in how we store it.46.What does Dr. Sadoway think of energy storage?A)It involves the application of sophisticated technology.B)It is the direction energy development should follow.C)It will prove to be a profitable business.D)It is a technology benefiting everyone.47.What is most likely to happen when advanced batteries become widely used?A)Mobile-first lifestyles will become popular.B)The globalization process will be accelerated.C)Communications will take more diverse forms.D)The world will undergo revolutionary changes.48.In some rural communities of emerging economies, people have begun to _______ •A)find digital devices simply indispensable.B)communicate primarily by mobile phone.C)light their homes with stored solar energy.D)distribute power with wires and wooden poles.49.Utility companies have begun to realize that battery technologies______ .J A) benefit their business. C) promote innovation.B)transmit power faster. D) encourage competition.50.What does the author imply about the centralized electric grid?A)It might become a thing of the past.B)It might turn out to be a “prosumer”.C）It will be easier to operate and maintain.D）It will have to be completely transformed.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.More than 100 years ago, American sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois was concerned that race was being used as a biological explanation for what he understood to be social and cultural differences between different populations of people. He spoke out against the idea of “white” and “black” as distinct groups, claiming that these distinctions ignored the scope of human diversity.Science would favor Du Bois. Today, the mainstream belief among scientists is that race is a social construct without biological meaning. In an article published in the journal Science，four scholars say racial categories need to be phased out.14Essentially, I could not agree more with the authors,” said Svante Paabo, a biologist and director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. In one example that demonstrated genetic differences were not fixed along racial lines, the full genomes（基因组）of James Watson and Craig Venter, two famous American scientists of European ancestry, were compared to that of a Korean scientist, Seong-Jin Kim. It turned out that Watson and Venter shared fewer variations in their genetic sequences than they each shared with Kim.Michael Yudell, a professor of public health at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said that modern genetics research is operating in a paradox： on the one hand, race is understood to be a useful tool to illuminate human genetic diversity, but on the other hand, race is also understood to be a poorly defined marker of that diversity.Assumptions about genetic differences between people of different races could be particularly dangerous in a medical setting. “If you make clinical predictions based on some body’s race, you’re going to be wrong a good chunk of the time,” Yudell told Live Science. In the paper, he and his colleagues used the example of cystic fibrosis, which is underdiagnosed in people of African ancestry because it is thought of as a “white” disease.So what other variables could be used if the racial concept is thrown out? Yudell said scientists need to get more specific with their language, perhaps using terms like “ancestry” or “population” that might more precisely reflect the relationship between humans and their genes, on both the individual and population level. The researchers also acknowledged that there are a few areas where race as a construct might still be useful in scientific research： as a political and social, but not biological, variable.“While we argue phasing out racial terminology（术语）in the biological sciences）we also acknowledge that using race as a political or social category to study racism, although filled with lots of challenges, remains necessary given our need to understand how structural inequities and discrimination produce health disparities（差异）between groups.” Yudell said.51.Du Bo is was opposed to the use of race as ____ .A) a basis for explaining human genetic diversity.B)an aid to understanding different populations.C)an explanation for social and cultural differences.D) a term to describe individual human characteristics.52.The study by Svante Paabo served as an example to show .A)modern genetics research is likely to fuel racial conflicts.B)race is a poorly defined marker of human genetic diversity.C)race as a biological term can explain human genetic diversity.D)genetics research should consider social and cultural variables.53.The example of the disease cystic fibrosis underdiagnosed in people of African ancestrydemonstrates that ____ .A)it is absolutely necessary to put race aside in making diagnosis.B)it is important to include social variables in genetics research.C)racial categories for genetic diversity could lead to wrong clinical predictions.D)discrimination against black people may cause negligence in clinical treatment.54.What is Yudell’s suggestion to scientists?A)They be more precise with the language they use.B)They refrain from using politically sensitive terms.C)They throw out irrelevant concepts in their research.D)They examine all possible variables in their research.55.What can be inferred from Yudell’s remark in the last paragraph?A)Clinging to racism prolongs inequity and discrimination.B)Physiological disparities are quite striking among races.C)Doing away with racial discrimination is challenging.D)Racial terms are still useful in certain fields of study.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.农业是中国的一个重要产业，从业者超过3亿。

2016年12月六级答案第三套【篇一：2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题答案(共三套)】听力答案section a conversation1. [c] it links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.2. [b] it would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.3. [a] the transition to low-carbon energy systems.4. [c] plan well in advance.5. [b] what determines success.6. [d] it means being good at seizing opportunities.7. [d] practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. [c] being passionate about work can make one wealthy.section b passage9.[a] to stump of a giant tree.10. [b] wind and water.11. [d] it was created by supernatural powers.12. [c] by lifting them well above the ground.13. [a] they will buy something from the convenience stores.14. [a] they can bring only temporary pleasures.15. [d] small daily savings an make a big difference in ones life. section c lecture16. [b] they are necessary in our lives.17. [b] they feel too overwhelmed to deal with lifes problem.18. [a] they expand our mind.19. [b] it came from a 3d printer.20. [c] when she was studying at a fashion design school.21. [c] it was hard and breakable.22. [d] it marks a breakthrough in printing material.23. [a] they arise from the advances in technology.24. [d] it is intensively competitive.25. [d] sharing of costs with each other.阅读答案section a26. [o] vanished27. [m] undergone28. [d] expanding29. [k] survived30. [h] process31. [l] terminals32. [e] industrialized33. [f] perceived34. [b] conveniences35. [g] practicesection bcountries rush for upper hand in antarctica36. [j]37. [c]38. [e]39. [g]40. [d]41. [i]42. [b]43. [h]44. [q]45. [l]section cpassage one46. [d] it has little impact on their decision whether or not to quit smoking.47. [a] pass a law to standardise cigarette packaging.48. [b] the number of smokes has dropped more sharply than in the uk.49. [a] prime minister cameron has been reluctant to take action.50. [c] they made more british people obese.passage two51. [a] it is worthwhile after all.52. [d] most of them take jobs which dont require a college degree.53. [c] interactions among themselves outside the classroom.54. [b] meting people who will be helpful to you in the future.55. [d] the prestige of the university influences employers recruitment decisions.翻译范文翻译一随着中国经济的蓬勃发展，学汉语的人数迅速增加，使汉语成了世界上人们最爱学的语言之一。

2016 年 12 月大学英语六级考试真题及答案2016 年 12 月大学英语六级考试真题( 第 1 套) Part IWriting(30 minutes)Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention. Youressay should include the importance of invention and measures to be taken to encourageinvention.You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.PartⅡListening Comprehension(30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. Atthe end of eachconversation, you will hear four questions. Both theconversation and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you heara question, you mustchoose the best answer from the four choicesmarked A, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A. It tries to predict the possible trends of global climate change.B. It studies the impacts of global climate change on people's lives.C. It links the science of climate change to economic andpolicy issues.D. It focuses on the efforts countries can make to deal with global warming.2.A. It will take a long time before a consensus is reached on itsimpact.B. It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.C. It is the most pressing issue confronting all countries.D. It is bound to cause endless disputes among nations.3.A. The transition to low-carbon energy systems.B. The cooperation among world major powers.C.The signing of a global agreement.D. The raising of people's awareness.4.A. Carry out more research on it.B. Cut down energy consumption.C. Plan well in advance.D. Adopt new technology.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5.A. When luck plays a role.B. what determines success.C. Whether practice makes perfect.D. How important natural talent is.6.A. It knocks at your door only once in a while. B.It is something that no one can possibly create. C.It comes naturally out of one's self-confidence.7.A. Luck rarely contributes to a person's success.B. One must have natural talent to be successful.C. One should always be ready to seize opportunities.D.Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8.A. Putting time and effort into fun things is profitable.B. People who love what they do care little about money.C. Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.D. People in need of money work hard automatically.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the endof each passage, you will hearthree or four questions. Both the passageand the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices markedA, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingleline through the centre.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the passage you have just heard.9.A. The stump of a giant tree.B. A huge piece of rock.C. The peak of a mountain.D. A tall chimney.10.A. Human activity.B. Wind and water.C. Chemical processes.D. Fire and fury.11.A. It is a historical monument.B. It was built in ancient times.C. It is Indians' sacred place for worship.D. It was created by supernatural powers.12.A. By sheltering them in a cave.B. By killing the attacking bears.C. By lifting them well above the ground.D. By taking them to the top of a mountain.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.13.A. They will buy something from the convenience stores.B. They will take advantage of the time to rest a while.C. They will have their vehicles washed or serviced.D. They will pick up some souvenirs or gift items.14.A. They can bring only temporary pleasures.B. They are meant for the extremely wealthy.C. They should be done away with altogether.D. They may eventually drive one to bankruptcy.15.A. A good way to socialize is to have daily lunch withone's colleagues.B. Retirement savings should come first in one's family budgeting.C. A vacation will be affordable if one saves 20 dollars a week.D. Small daily savings can make a big difference in one's life.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three recordings oflectures or talks followed by three orfour questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16.A. They should be done away with.B. They are necessary in our lives.C. They enrich our experience.D. They are harmful to health.17.A. They feel stressed out even without any challenges in life.B. They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problems.C. They are anxious to free themselves from life's troubles.D. They are exhausted even without doing any heavy work. ~18.A. They expand our mind.B. They prolong our lives.C. They narrow our focus.D.They lessen our burdensQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.19.A. It is not easily breakable.B. It came from a 3D printer.C.It represents the latest style.D. It was made by a fashion designer.20.A. When she had just graduated from her college.B. When she attended a conference in New York.C. When she was studying at a fashion design school.D. When she attended a fashion show nine months ago.21.A. It was difficult to print. B.It was hard to come by. C. Itwas hard and breakable. D. Itwas extremely expensive.22.A. It is the latest model of a 3D printer.B. It is a plastic widely used in 3D printing.C. It gives fashion designers room for imagination.D. It marks a breakthrough in printing material.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.23.A. They arise from the advances in technology.B. They have not been examined in detail so far.C.They are easy to solve with modern technology. D.They can't be solved without government support.24.A. It is attractive to entrepreneurs.B. It demands huge investment.C. It focuses on new products.D. It is intensely competitive.25.A.Cooperation with big companies.B. Recruiting more qualified staff.C. In-service training of IT personnel.D. Sharing of costs with each other.Part ⅢReading Comprehension(40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. Youare required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by aletter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions.Good, sound science depends on 26, experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires awillingness toask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risksand experiencefailures. But good science also requires 27understanding,clear explanation and concisepresentation.Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in thepublic 28 and offer theiropinions on important matters. Weneed more scientists who can explain what they are doing inlanguage that is 29 andunderstandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists shouldalsobe prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30scientific knowledge into ourpublic communications.Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do notunderstand how science works or why robust,long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary (可酌情支配的) spending to research anddevelopment,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, thefigure had fallen into the single33This occurs at a time when other nations have made significant gains in their own researchcapabilities.At the University of California the quality of our research,but also (UC),on itswe 34ourselves not onlycontribution to improvingonourworld. To 35 the development of science from the labbench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.A. ArenaB. contextualC. ConvincingD. devotedE. DigitsF. hastenG. HypothesesH. impairingI. IncorporateJ. indefiniteK. IndulgeL. inertiaM. PrideN. reapingO. WarrantSection 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 paragraphfrom which the informationis derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph ismarked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorrespondingletter on Answer Sheet 2.Are We in an Innovation Lull?[A] Scan the highlights of this year's Consumer Electronics Show( CES), and you may get a slightfeeling of having seen them before. Many of the coolest gadgets this year are the same as thecoolest gadgets lastyear--or the year before, even. The booths are still exciting, and thedemosare still just as crazy. It is still easy to be dazzled by the displayof drones ( 无人机 ),3D printers,virtual reality goggles ( 眼镜 ) and more "smart" devices than you could ever hope to catalog.Upon reflection,however, it is equally easy to feel like you have seen it all before. And it is hardnot to think: Are we in an innovation lull ( 间歇期 ) ?[B] In some ways, the answer is yes. For years, smartphones,televisions,tablets, laptops anddesktops have made up a huge part of the market and driven innovation. But now these segmentsare looking at slower growth curves--or shrinking markets in some cases--as consumers are notas eager to spend moneyon new gadgets. Meanwhile, emerging technologies--thedrones,3Dprinters and smart-home devices of the world--now seem a bit too old to be called "the next bigthing. "[C] Basically the tech industry seems to be in an awkward period now. "Thereis not any one-hitwonder, and there will not be one for years tocome," said Gary Shapiro, president and chiefexecutive of theConsumer Technology Association (CTA). In his eyes, however, thatdoesn'tnecessarily mean that innovation has stopped. It has just grownup a little. "Many industries aregoing out of infancy and becoming adolescents," Shapiro said.[D]For instance, new technologies that are building upon existingtechnology have not found theirfooting well enough to appeal to a massaudience, because, in many cases, they need to workeffectively with other devices to realize their full appeal. Take the evolution of the smarthome,for example. Companies are pushing it hard but make it almost overwhelming even to dip a toe inthe water for the average consumer,because there are so many compatibility issues to thinkabout. No average person wants to figure out whether their favorite calendar software works withtheir fridge or whether their washing machine and tablet get along.Having to install a different appfor each smart appliance in your homeis annoying; it would be nicer if you could manageeverything together.And while you may forgive your smartphone an occasional fault, youprobably have less patience for error messages from your door lock.[E]Companies are promoting their own standards, and the market hasnot had time to choose awinner yet as this is still very new. Companiesthat have long focused on hardware now have tothink of ecosystems insteadto give consumers practical solutions to their everyday problems."Thedialogue is changing from what is technologically possible to what is technologicallymeaningful," said economist Shawn DuBravac. DuBravacworks for CTA--which puts on theshow each year--and said that this shiftto a search for solutions has been noticeable as heresearched hispredictions for 2016.[F]"So much of what CES has been about is the cool. It is about the flashiness and the gadgets,"said John Curran, managing director ofresearch at Accenture. "But over the last couple of years,and in this one in particular, we are starting to see companies shift from what is thelargest screensize, the smallest form factor or the shiniest object andmore into what all of these devices do thatis practical in a consumer'slife. " Even the technology press conferences, which have beenhigh-profile in the past and reached a level of drama and theatrics fitting for a Las Vegas stage, have adifferent bent to them. Rather than justdazzling with a high cool factor, there is a focus on thepractical. Fitbit, for example, released its first smartwatch Monday, selling with aclearpurpose--to improve your fitness--and promoting it as a "tool, nota toy. " Not only that, itsupports a number of platforms: Apple's iOS,Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows phone.[G] That seems to be what consumers are demanding, after all. Consumers are becoming increasinglybored with what companies have to offer: A survey of 28,000 consumers in 28 countries releasedby Accenture found consumersare not as excited about technology as they once were. Forexample, whenasked whether they would buy a new smartphone this year, only 48 percent saidyes--a six-point drop from 2015.[H] And when it comes to the hyper-connected super-smart world that technology firms are paintingfor us, it seems that consumers are growing more uneasy about handing over the massive amountsof consumer data neededto provide the personalized, customized solutions that companies needtoimprove their services. That could be another explanation for whycompanies seem to bestrengthening their talk of the practicality of their devices.[I] Companies have already won part of the battle, having driven tech into every part of our lives,tracking our steps and our very heartbeats.Yet the persistent question of " Why do I needthat?"--or, perhaps moretellingly, "Why do you need to know that?"--dogs the steps of manynew ventures. Only13 percent of respondents said that they were interested in buying asmartwatch in 2016, for example--an increase of just one percent from the previous year despite ayear of high-profile launches. That isbad news for any firm that may hope that smartwatches canmake up groundfor maturing smartphone and tablet markets. And the survey found flatdemandfor fitness monitors, smart thermostats ( 恒温器 ) and connected home cameras, as well.[J]According to the survey, that lack of enthusiasm could stem from concerns about privacy andsecurity. Even among people who havebought connected devices of some kind,37 percent saidthat they are goingto be more cautions about using these devices and services in the future.A full18 percent have even returned devices until they feel they can getsafer guarantees against havingtheir sensitive information hacked.[K] That, too, explains the heavy Washington presence at this year's show, as these new technologiesintrude upon heavily regulated areas. In addition to many senior officials from the Federal Tradeand Federal Communications commissions, this year's list of policy makers also includesappearances from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, to talkabout smart cities, and FederalAviation AdministrationAdministrator Michael Huerta, to talk about drones.[L]Curran, the Accenture analyst, said that increased governmentinterest in the show makes senseas technology becomes a larger partof our lives. "There is an incompatibility in the rate at whichthese areadvancing relative to the way we're digesting it," he said. "Technology is becomingbigger and more aspirational, and penetrating almost everyaspect of our lives. Wehave tounderstand and think about the implications, and balance these great innovations with thepotential downsides they naturally carry with them. "36.Consumers are often hesitant to try smart-home devicesbecause they are worried aboutcompatibility problems.37.This year's electronics show featured the presence of manyofficials from the federal government.38. The market demand for electronic devices is now either declining or not growing as fast as before.39.One analyst suggests it is necessary to accept both tlie positive and negative aspects of innovativeproducts.40.The Consumer Electronics Show in recent years has begun to focus more on the practical value thanthe showiness of electronic devices.41.Fewer innovative products were found at this year's electronicproducts show.42.Consumers are becoming more worried about giving personal information to tech companies to getcustomized products and services.43. The Consumer Technology Association is the sponsor of the annual Consumer Electronics Show.44. Many consumers wonder about the necessity of having their fitness monitored.45. The electronic industry is maturing even though no wonder products hit the market.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage isfollowed by somequestions orunfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C andD. You should decide on the best choiceand mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a singleline through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The Paris a new era for climateclimateagreement finalisedaction.For the firstintime,December lastthe world'syear heraldednations agreedto keep global warming well below 2 ℃.This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% ofcountries are responsible for morethan half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published in Nature Scientific Reports,we reveal just how deep this injustice runs.Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada,and European countries areessentially climate "free-riders": causing themajority of the problems through high greenhouse gasemissions, whileincurring few of the costs such as climate change's impact on food andwater. In otherwords, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at thesame time contributing disproportionatelyto the global burden of climate change.On the flip side, there are many "forced riders", who are sufferingfrom the climate changeimpacts despite having scarcely contributed to the problem. Many of the world's most climatevulnerable countries, themajority of which are African or small island states, produce a verysmallquantity of emissions. This is much like a non-smoker getting cancer from second-hand smoke, whilethe heavy smoker is fortunate enough to smoke in good health.The Paris agreement has been widely hailed as a positive step forward in addressing climate changefor all, although the details on addressing "climate justice" can be best described as sketchy.The goal of keeping global temperature rise "well below" 2~C is commendable but the emissions-reduction pledges submitted by countriesleading up to the Paris talks are very unlikely to deliver onthis.More than $100 billion in funding has been put on the table for supporting developing nations toreduce emissions. However, the agreement specifies that there is no formal distinction betweendeveloped and developing nations in their responsibility to cut emissions, effectively ignoring historicalemissions. There is also very littledetail on who will provide the funds or, importantly, whoisresponsible for their provision. Securing these funds, andestablishing who is responsible for raisingthem will also be vital forthe future of climate-vulnerable countries.The most climate-vulnerable countries in the world havecontributed very little to creating theglobal disease from which they now suffer the most. There must urgently be a meaningful mobilisationof the policies outlined in the agreement if we are to achieve nationalemissions reductions whilehelping the most vulnerable countries adaptto climate change.And it is clearly up to the current generation of leaders from high-emitting nations to decidewhether they want to be remembered asclimate change tyrants or pioneers.46. The author is critical of the Paris climate agreement becauseA. it is unfair to those climate-vulnerable nationsB. it aims to keep temperature rise below 2℃ onlyC. it is beneficial to only fewer than 4% of countriesD. it burdens developed countries with the sole responsibility47.Why does the author call some developed countriesclimate "free-riders"?A. They needn't worry about the food and water they consume.B. They are better able to cope with the global climate change.C. They hardly pay anything for the problems they have caused.D. They are free from the greenhouse effects affecting "forced riders".48.Why does the author compare the "forced riders" to second-hand smokers?A. They have little responsibility for public health problems.B. They are vulnerable to unhealthy environmental conditions.C. They have to bear consequences they are not responsible for.D. They are unaware of the potential risks they are confronting.49. What does the author say about the $100 billion funding?A. It will motivate all nations to reduce carbon emissions.B. There is no final agreement on where it will come from.C. There is no clarification of how the money will be spent.D. It will effectively reduce greenhouse emissions worldwide.50.what urgent action must be taken to realise the Parisclimate agreement?A. Encouraging high-emitting nations to take the initiative.B. Calling on all the nations concerned to make joint efforts.C. Pushing the current world leaders to come to a consensus.D. Putting in effect the policies in the agreement at once.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide often wear theirtroubles like a neon ( 霓虹灯 )sign. Their risky behaviors--drinking toomuch alcohol, using illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes andskippingschool--can alert parents and teachers that serious problems are brewing.But a new study finds that there's another group of adolescents whoare in nearly as muchdangerof experiencing the same psychiatric symptoms: teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleepand have a sedentary( 不爱活动的 ) lifestyle.Of course, that may sound like a description of every teenager on the planet. But the study warnsthat it is teenagers who engage in all threeof these practices in the extreme who are truly in jeopardy.Because their behaviors are not usually seen as a red flag, these young people have been dubbed the"invisible risk" group by the study's authors."In some ways they're at greater risk of falling through the cracks," says researcher VladimirCarli. "While most parents, teachers andclinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or gettingdrunk,they may easily overlook teenagers who are engaging ininconspicuous behaviors."The study's authors surveyed 12,395 students and analyzed nine risk behaviors, including excessivealcohol use, illegal drug use, heavysmoking, high media use and truancy ( 逃学 ). Their aim was todetermine the relationship between these risk behaviors and mental health issues in teenagers.About 58% of the students demonstrated none or few of the riskbehaviors. Some13%scored highon all nine of the risk behaviors.And 29%,the "invisible risk" group, scored high on three inparticular:They spent five hours a day or more on electronic devices. They slept six hoursa night orless. And they neglected "other healthy activities."The group that scored high on all nine of the risk behaviors was most likely to show symptoms ofdepression; in all, nearly 15% of this groupreported being depressed, compared with just 4%of thelow-risk group. But the invisible group wasn't far behind the high-risk set, with more than13% of themexhibiting depression.The findings caught Carli off guard. "We were very surprised," he says. "The high-risk group andlow-risk group are obvious. But this third group was not only unexpected, it was so distinct and solarge--nearly one third of our sample--that it became a key finding of the study. "Carli says that one of the most significant things about his studyis that it provides new early-warning signs for parents, teachers andmental health-care providers. And early identification, supportandtreatment for mental health issues, he says, are the best ways tokeep them from turning into full-blown disorders.51. What does the author mean by saying "Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide oftenwear their troubles like a neon sign" (Lines 1 - 2, Para.1 ) ?A. Mental problems can now be found in large numbers of teenagers.B. Teenagers' mental problems are getting more and more attention.C. Teenagers' mental problems are often too conspicuous not tobe observed.D. Depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms of mental problems.52. What is the finding of the new study?A. Teenagers' lifestyles have changed greatly in recent years.B. Many teenagers resort to drugs or alcohol for mental relief.C. Teenagers experiencing psychological problems tend to use alot of media.D. Many hitherto unobserved youngsters may have psychological problems.53. Whydo the researchers refer to teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleep and have asedentary lifestyle as the "invisible risk" group?A. Their behaviors can be an invisible threat to society.B. Their behaviors do not constitute a warning signal.C. Their behaviors do not tend towards mental problems.D. Their behaviors can be found in almost all teenagers on earth.54. What does the new study find about the invisible group?A. They are almost as liable to depression as the high-risk group.B. They suffer from depression without showing any symptoms.C. They do not often demonstrate risky behaviors as their peers.D. They do not attract the media attention the high-risk group does.55. What is the significance of Vladimir Carli's study?A. It offers a new treatment for psychological problems amongteenagers.B. It provides new early-warning signals for identifying teensin trouble.C. It may have found an ideal way to handle teenagers with behavioral problems.D. It sheds new light on how unhealthy behaviors trigger mental health problems.PartⅣTranslation(30 minutes)。

【关键字】英语2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention. Youressay should include the importance of invention and measures to be taken to encourageinvention. You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.Part H Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of eachconversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A. It tries to predict the possible trends of global climate change.B. It studies the impacts of global climate change on people's lives.C. It links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.D. It focuses on the efforts countries can make to deal with global warming.2. A. It will take a long time before a consensus is reached on its impact.B. It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.C. It is the most pressing issue confronting all countries.D. It is bound to cause endless disputes among nations.3. A. The transition to low-carbon energy systems.B. The cooperation among world major powers.C. The signing of a global agreement.D. The raising of people's awareness.4. A. Carry out more research on it.B. Cut down energy consumption.C. Plan well in advance.D. Adopt new technology.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A. When luck plays a role.B. what determines success.C. Whether practice makes perfect.D. How important natural talent is.6. A. It knocks at your door only once in a while.B. It is something that no one can possibly create.C. It comes naturally out of one's self-confidence.D. It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. A. Luck rarely contributes to a person's success.B. One must have natural talent to be successful.C. One should always be ready to seize opportunities.D. Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. A. Putting time and effort into fun things is profitable.B. People who love what they do care little about money.C. Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.D. People in need of money work hard automatically.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the end of each passage, you will hearthree or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices markedA, B, C and D. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingle line through the centre.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the passage you have just heard.9. A. The stump of a giant tree.B. A huge piece of rock.C. The peak of a mountain.D. A tall chimney.10. A. Human activity.B. Wind and water.C. Chemical processes.D. Fire and fury.11. A. It is a historical monument.B. It was built in ancient times.C. It is Indians' sacred place for worship.D. It was created by supernatural powers.12. A. By sheltering them in a cave.B. By killing the attacking bears.C. By lifting them well above the ground.D. By taking them to the top of a mountain.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.13. A. They will buy something from the convenience stores.B. They will take advantage of the time to rest a while.C. They will have their vehicles washed or serviced.D. They will pick up some souvenirs or gift items.14. A. They can bring only temporary pleasures.B. They are meant for the extremely wealthy.C. They should be done away with altogether.D. They may eventually drive one to bankruptcy.15. A. A good way to socialize is to have daily lunch with one's colleagues.B. Retirement savings should come first in one's family budgeting.C. A vacation will be affordable if one saves 20 dollars a week.D. Small daily savings can make a big difference in one's life.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three recordings of lectures or talks followed by three orfour questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16. A. They should be done away with.B. They are necessary in our lives.C. They enrich our experience.D. They are harmful to health.17. A. They feel stressed out even without any challenges in life.B. They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problems.C. They are anxious to free themselves from life's troubles.D. They are exhausted even without doing any heavy work. ~18. A. They expand our mind.B. They prolong our lives.C. They narrow our focus.D.They lessen our burdensQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.19. A. It is not easily breakable.B. It came from a 3D printer.C. It represents the latest style.D. It was made by a fashion designer.20. A. When she had just graduated from her college.B. When she attended a conference in New York.C. When she was studying at a fashion design school.D. When she attended a fashion show nine months ago.21. A. It was difficult to print.B. It was hard to come by.C. It was hard and breakable.D. It was extremely expensive.22. A. It is the latest model of a 3D printer.B. It is a plastic widely used in 3D printing.C. It gives fashion designers room for imagination.D. It marks a breakthrough in printing material.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.23. A. They arise from the advances in technology.B. They have not been examined in detail so far.C. They are easy to solve with modern technology.D. They can't be solved without government support.24. A. It is attractive to entrepreneurs.B. It demands huge investment.C. It focuses on new products.D. It is intensely competitive.25. A.Cooperation with big companies.B. Recruiting more qualified staff.C. In-service training of IT personnel.D. Sharing of costs with each other.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions.Good, sound science depends on 26, experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires awillingness to ask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risks and experiencefailures. But good science also requires 27 understanding,clear explanation and concisepresentation.Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in the public 28 and offer theiropinions on important matters. We need more scientists who can explain what they are doing inlanguage that is 29 and understandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists should alsobe prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30 scientific knowledge into ourpublic communications.Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do notunderstand how science works or why robust, long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary (可酌情支配的) spending to research anddevelopment,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, the figure had fallen into the single33 This occurs at a time when other nations have made significant gains in their own researchcapabilities.At the University of California (UC), we 34 ourselves not only on the quality of our research,but also on its contribution to improving our world. To 35 the development of science from the labbench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.A. ArenaB. contextualC. ConvincingD. devotedE. DigitsF. hastenG. Hypotheses H. impairingI. Incorporate J. indefiniteK. Indulge L. inertiaM. Pride N. reapingO. WarrantSection 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 paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Are We in an Innovation Lull?[A] Scan the highlights of this year's Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ), and you may get a slightfeeling of having seen them before. Many of the coolest gadgets this year are the same as thecoolest gadgets last year--or the year before, even. The booths are still exciting, and thedemosare still just as crazy. It is still easy to be dazzled by the display of drones (无人机),3D printers,virtual reality goggles ( 眼镜) and more "smart" devices than you could ever hope to catalog.Upon reflection, however, it is equally easy to feel like you have seen it all before. And it is hardnot to think: Are we in an innovation lull ( 间歇期) ?[B] In some ways, the answer is yes. For years, smartphones, televisions, tablets, laptops anddesktops have made up a huge part of the market and driven innovation. But now these segmentsare looking at slower growth curves--or shrinking markets in some cases--as consumers are notas eager to spend money on new gadgets. Meanwhile, emerging technologies--the drones,3Dprinters and smart-home devices of the world--now seem a bit too old to be called "the next bigthing. "[C] Basically the tech industry seems to be in an awkward period now. "There is not any one-hitwonder, and there will not be one for years to come," said Gary Shapiro, president and chiefexecutive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In his eyes, however, that doesn'tnecessarily mean that innovation has stopped. It has just grown up a little. "Many industries aregoing out of infancy and becoming adolescents," Shapiro said.[D] For instance, new technologies that are building upon existing technology have not found theirfooting well enough to appeal to a mass audience, because, in many cases, they need to workeffectively with other devices to realize their full appeal. Take the evolution of the smart home,for example. Companies are pushing it hard but make it almost overwhelming even to dip a toe inthe water for the average consumer, because there are so many compatibility issues to thinkabout. No average person wants to figure out whether their favorite calendar software works withtheir fridge or whether their washing machine and tablet get along. Having to install a different appfor each smart appliance in your home is annoying; it would be nicer if you could manageeverything together. And while you may forgive your smartphone an occasional fault, youprobably have less patience for error messages from your door lock.[E] Companies are promoting their own standards, and the market has not had time to choose awinner yet as this is still very new. Companies that have long focused on hardware now have tothink of ecosystems instead to give consumers practical solutions to their everyday problems."The dialogue is changing from what is technologically possible to what is technologicallymeaningful," said economist Shawn DuBravac. DuBravac works for CTA--which puts on theshow each year--and said that this shift to a search for solutions has been noticeable as heresearched his predictions for 2016.[F] "So much of what CES has been about is the cool. It is about the flashiness and the gadgets,"said John Curran, managing director of research at Accenture. "But over the last couple of years,and in this one in particular, we are starting to see companies shift from what is the largest screensize, the smallest form factor or the shiniest object and more into what all of these devices do thatis practical in a consumer's life. " Even the technology press conferences, which have been high-profile in the past and reached a level of drama and theatrics fitting for a Las Vegas stage, have adifferent bent to them. Rather than just dazzling with a high cool factor, there is a focus on thepractical. Fitbit, for example, released its first smartwatch Monday, selling with a clearpurpose--to improve your fitness--and promoting it as a "tool, not a toy. " Not only that, itsupports a number of platforms: Apple's iOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows phone.[G] That seems to be what consumers are demanding, after all. Consumers are becoming increasinglybored with what companies have to offer: A survey of 28,000 consumers in 28countries releasedby Accenture found consumers are not as excited about technology as they once were. Forexample, when asked whether they would buy a new smartphone this year, only 48 percent saidyes--a six-point drop from 2015.[H] And when it comes to the hyper-connected super-smart world that technology firms are paintingfor us, it seems that consumers are growing more uneasy about handing over the massive amountsof consumer data needed to provide the personalized, customized solutions that companies needto improve their services. That could be another explanation for why companies seem to bestrengthening their talk of the practicality of their devices.[I] Companies have already won part of the battle, having driven tech into every part of our lives,tracking our steps and our very heartbeats. Yet the persistent question of " Why do I needthat?"--or, perhaps more tellingly, "Why do you need to know that?"--dogs the steps of manynew ventures. Only 13 percent of respondents said that they were interested in buying asmartwatch in 2016, for example--an increase of just one percent from the previous year despite ayear of high-profile launches. That is bad news for any firm that may hope that smartwatches canmake up ground for maturing smartphone and tablet markets. And the survey found flat demandfor fitness monitors, smart thermostats (恒温器) and connected home cameras, as well.[J] According to the survey, that lack of enthusiasm could stem from concerns about privacy andsecurity. Even among people who have bought connected devices of some kind,37 percent saidthat they are going to be more cautions about using these devices and services in the future. A full18 percent have even returned devices until they feel they can get safer guarantees against havingtheir sensitive information hacked.[K] That, too, explains the heavy Washington presence at this year's show, as these new technologiesintrude upon heavily regulated areas. In addition to many senior officials from the Federal Tradeand Federal Communications commissions, this year's list of policy makers also includesappearances from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, to talk about smart cities, and FederalAviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta, to talk about drones.[L] Curran, the Accenture analyst, said that increased government interest in the show makes senseas technology becomes a larger part of our lives. "There is an incompatibility in the rate at whichthese are advancing relative to the way we're digesting it," he said. "Technology is becomingbigger and more aspirational, and penetrating almost every aspect of our lives. We have tounderstand and think about the implications, and balance these great innovations with thepotential downsides they naturally carry with them. "36. Consumers are often hesitant to try smart-home devices because they are worried aboutcompatibility problems.37. This year's electronics show featured the presence of many officials from the federal government.38. The market demand for electronic devices is now either declining or not growing as fast as before.39. One analyst suggests it is necessary to accept both tlie positive and negative aspects of innovativeproducts.40. The Consumer Electronics Show in recent years has begun to focus more on the practical value thanthe showiness of electronic devices.41. Fewer innovative products were found at this year's electronic products show.42. Consumers are becoming more worried about giving personal information to techcompanies to getcustomized products and services.43. The Consumer Technology Association is the sponsor of the annual Consumer Electronics Show.44. Many consumers wonder about the necessity of having their fitness monitored.45. The electronic industry is maturing even though no wonder products hit the market.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 andD. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The Paris climate agreement finalised in December last year heralded a new era for climate action.For the first time, the world's nations agreed to keep global warming well below 2℃.This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% of countries are responsible for morethan half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published in Nature Scientific Reports,we reveal just how deep this injustice runs.Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and European countries areessentially climate "free-riders": causing the majority of the problems through high greenhouse gasemissions, while incurring few of the costs such as climate change's impact on food and water. In otherwords, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at thesame time contributing disproportionately to the global burden of climate change.On the flip side, there are many "forced riders", who are suffering from the climate changeimpacts despite having scarcely contributed to the problem. Many of the world's most climatevulnerable countries, the majority of which are African or small island states, produce a very smallquantity of emissions. This is much like a non-smoker getting cancer from second-hand smoke, whilethe heavy smoker is fortunate enough to smoke in good health.The Paris agreement has been widely hailed as a positive step forward in addressing climate changefor all, although the details on addressing "climate justice" can be best described as sketchy.The goal of keeping global temperature rise "well below" 2~C is commendable but the emissions-reduction pledges submitted by countries leading up to the Paris talks are very unlikely to deliver onthis.More than $100 billion in funding has been put on the table for supporting developing nations toreduce emissions. However, the agreement specifies that there is no formal distinction betweendeveloped and developing nations in their responsibility to cut emissions, effectively ignoring historicalemissions. There is also very little detail on who will provide the funds or, importantly, who isresponsible for their provision. Securing these funds, and establishing who is responsible for raisingthem will also be vital for the future of climate-vulnerable countries.The most climate-vulnerable countries in the world have contributed very little to creating theglobal disease from which they now suffer the most. There must urgently be a meaningful mobilisationof the policies outlined in the agreement if we are to achieve national emissions reductions whilehelping the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.And it is clearly up to the current generation of leaders from high-emitting nations todecidewhether they want to be remembered as climate change tyrants or pioneers.46. The author is critical of the Paris climate agreement becauseA. it is unfair to those climate-vulnerable nationsB. it aims to keep temperature rise below 2℃ onlyC. it is beneficial to only fewer than 4% of countriesD. it burdens developed countries with the sole responsibility47. Why does the author call some developed countries climate "free-riders"?A. They needn't worry about the food and water they consume.B. They are better able to cope with the global climate change.C. They hardly pay anything for the problems they have caused.D. They are free from the greenhouse effects affecting "forced riders".48. Why does the author compare the "forced riders" to second-hand smokers?A. They have little responsibility for public health problems.B. They are vulnerable to unhealthy environmental conditions.C. They have to bear consequences they are not responsible for.D. They are unaware of the potential risks they are confronting.49. What does the author say about the $100 billion funding?A. It will motivate all nations to reduce carbon emissions.B. There is no final agreement on where it will come from.C. There is no clarification of how the money will be spent.D. It will effectively reduce greenhouse emissions worldwide.50. what urgent action must be taken to realise the Paris climate agreement?A. Encouraging high-emitting nations to take the initiative.B. Calling on all the nations concerned to make joint efforts.C. Pushing the current world leaders to come to a consensus.D. Putting in effect the policies in the agreement at once.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide often wear their troubles like a neon (霓虹灯)sign. Their risky behaviors--drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes andskipping school--can alert parents and teachers that serious problems are brewing.But a new study finds that there's another group of adolescents who are in nearly as much dangerof experiencing the same psychiatric symptoms: teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleepand have a sedentary (不爱活动的) lifestyle.Of course, that may sound like a description of every teenager on the planet. But the study warnsthat it is teenagers who engage in all three of these practices in the extreme who are truly in jeopardy.Because their behaviors are not usually seen as a red flag, these young people have been dubbed the"invisible risk" group by the study's authors."In some ways they're at greater risk of falling through the cracks," says researcher VladimirCarli. "While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or gettingdrunk, they may easily overlook teenagers who are engaging in inconspicuous behaviors."The study's authors surveyed 12,395 students and analyzed nine risk behaviors, including excessivealcohol use, illegal drug use, heavy smoking, high media use and truancy (逃学). Theiraim was todetermine the relationship between these risk behaviors and mental health issues in teenagers.About 58% of the students demonstrated none or few of the risk behaviors. Some 13% scored highon all nine of the risk behaviors. And 29%, the "invisible risk" group, scored high on three inparticular: They spent five hours a day or more on electronic devices. They slept six hours a night orless. And they neglected "other healthy activities."The group that scored high on all nine of the risk behaviors was most likely to show symptoms ofdepression; in all, nearly 15% of this group reported being depressed, compared with just 4% of thelow-risk group. But the invisible group wasn't far behind the high-risk set, with more than 13% of themexhibiting depression.The findings caught Carli off guard. "We were very surprised," he says. "The high-risk group andlow-risk group are obvious. But this third group was not only unexpected, it was so distinct and solarge--nearly one third of our sample--that it became a key finding of the study. "Carli says that one of the most significant things about his study is that it provides new early-warning signs for parents, teachers and mental health-care providers. And early identification, supportand treatment for mental health issues, he says, are the best ways to keep them from turning into full-blown disorders.51. What does the author mean by saying "Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide oftenwear their troubles like a neon sign" (Lines 1 - 2, Para.1 ) ?A. Mental problems can now be found in large numbers of teenagers.B. Teenagers' mental problems are getting more and more attention.C. Teenagers' mental problems are often too conspicuous not to be observed.D. Depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms of mental problems.52. What is the finding of the new study?A. Teenagers' lifestyles have changed greatly in recent years.B. Many teenagers resort to drugs or alcohol for mental relief.C. Teenagers experiencing psychological problems tend to use a lot of media.D. Many hitherto unobserved youngsters may have psychological problems.53. Why do the researchers refer to teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleep and have asedentary lifestyle as the "invisible risk" group?A. Their behaviors can be an invisible threat to society.B. Their behaviors do not constitute a warning signal.C. Their behaviors do not tend towards mental problems.D. Their behaviors can be found in almost all teenagers on earth.54. What does the new study find about the invisible group?A. They are almost as liable to depression as the high-risk group.B. They suffer from depression without showing any symptoms.C. They do not often demonstrate risky behaviors as their peers.D. They do not attract the media attention the high-risk group does.55. What is the significance of Vladimir Carli's study?A. It offers a new treatment for psychological problems among teenagers.B. It provides new early-warning signals for identifying teens in trouble.C. It may have found an ideal way to handle teenagers with behavioral problems.D. It sheds new light on how unhealthy behaviors trigger mental health problems.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.随着生活水平的提高，度假在中国人生活中的作用越来越重要。

2016年12月六级考试真题（第三套）Part IWriting (30 minutes) ．． D1rect10ns: 凡r this part , yll d 30· ou are a owe minutes to write a short essay on innovation. Your essay should include the Part IIimportance of innovation and measures to be taken to encourage innovation. You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words. Listening Comprehension 说明：2016年12月六级真题全国共考了两套听力。

本套的听力内容与第二套的完全一样，只是选项的顺序不一样而已。

Part IDReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section A Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank f rom a list of cho即es 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 eachitem 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. Small communities, with their distinctive character —where life is stable and intensely human —aredisappearing. Some have 26 from the face of the earth, others are dying slowly, but all have 27 changes as they have come into contact with an 28 machine civilization. The merging of diverse peoples into a commonmass has produced tension among members of the minorities and the majority alike.The Old Order Amish, who arrived on American shores in colonial times, have29 in the modem world in distinctive, small communities. They have resisted the homogenization 30 more successfully than others. In planting and harvest time one can see their bearded men working the fields with horses and their women hanging out the laundry in neat rows to dry. Many American people have seen Amish families, with the men wearing broad­brimmed black hats and the women in long dresses, in railway or bus31 . Although the Amish have lived with 32 America for over two and a half centuries, they have moderated its influence on their personal lives , theirfamilies, communities, and their values. The Amish are often 33 by other Americans to be relics of the past who live a simple, inflexible life dedicated to inconvenient out-dated customs. They are seen as abandoning both modem 34 and the Americandream of success and progress. But most people have no quarrel with the Amish for doing things the old-fashioned way. Their conscientious objection was tolerated in wartime, for after all, they are good farmers who 35 thevirtues of work and thrift.A) a ccessing B) c onvemences C) d estinedD) e xpanding E) i ndustrialized F) p erceivedG)practice H)process!)progressJ)respective K) s urvived L) t erminalsM) u ndergone N) u niversal O)vanishedSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains 叫ormation given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questionsby marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Countries Rush for Upper Hand in Antarctica[ A]On a glacier-filled island with fjords (峡湾）and elephant seals ,Russia has built Antarctica's first Orthodox church on a hill overlooking its research base. Less than an hour away by snowmobile, Chinese labourers have updated the Great Wall Station, a vital part of China's plan to operate five bases on Antarctica, complete with an indoor badminton court and sleeping quarters for 150 people. Not to be outdone, India's futuristic new Bharathi base, built on stilts (桩子）using 134 interlocking shipping containers, resembles a spaceship. Turkey and Iran have announced plans to build bases, too.[ B ]More than a century has passed since explorers raced to plant their flags at the bottom of the world ,and for decades to come this continent is supposed to be protected as a scientific preserve, shielded from intrusions like military activities and mining. But an array of countries are rushing to assert greater influence here, with an eye not just towards the day those protective treaties expire, but also for the strategic and commercial opportunities that already exist.[ C]The newer players are stepping into what they view as a treasure house of resources. Some of the ventures focus on the Antarctic resources that are already up for grabs, like abundant sea life. South Korea, which operates state-of-the-art bases here, is increasing its fishing of krill (磷虾），found in abundance in the Southern Ocean, while Russia recently frustrated efforts to create one of the world's largest ocean sanctuaries here.[ D]Some scientists are examining the potential for harvesting icebergs from Antarctica, which is estimated to have the biggest reserves of fresh water on the planet. Nations are also pressing ahead with space research and satellite projects to expand their global navigation abilities.[ E]Building on a Soviet-era foothold, Russia is expanding its monitoring stations for Glonass, its version of the Global Positioning System (GPS) .At least three Russian stations are already operating in Antarctica, part of its effort to challenge the dominance of the American GPS , and new stations are planned for sites like the Russian base, in the shadow of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity.[ F]Elsewhere in Antarctica, Russian researchers boast of their recent discovery of a freshwater reserve the size of Lake Ontario after drilling through miles of solid ice. "You can see that we're here to stay," said Vladimir Cheberdak, 57 , chief of the Bellingshausen Station, as he sipped tea under a portrait of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Russian Navy who explored the Antarctic coast in 1820. [ G]Antarctica's mineral, oil and gas wealth are a longer-term prize. The treaty banning mining here, shielding coveted (令人垂涎的）reserves of iron ore, coal and chromium, comes up for review in 2048. Researchers recently found kimberlite (金伯利岩）deposits hinting at the existence of diamonds. And while assessments vary widely, geologists estimate that Antarctica holds at least 36 billion barrels of oil and natural gas.[ H]Beyond the Antarctic treaties, huge obstacles persist to tapping these resources, like drifting icebergs that could jeopardise offshore platforms. Then there is Antarctica's remoteness, with some mineral deposits found in windswept locations on a continent that is larger than Europe and where winter temperatures hover around minus55 degrees Celsius.[I]But advances in technology might make Antarctica a lot more accessible three decades from now. And evenbefore then, scholars warn, the demand for resources in an energy-hungry world could raise pressure to renegotiate Antarctica's treaties, possibly allowing more commercial endeavours here well before the prohibitions against them expire. The research stations on King George Island offer a glimpse into the long game on this ice­blanketed continent as nations assert themselves, eroding the sway long held by countries like the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.[ J]Being stationed in Antarctica involves adapting to life on the planet's driest, windiest and coldest continent, yet each nation manages to make itself at home. Bearded Russian priests offer regular services at the Orthodox church for the 16 or so Russian speakers who spend the winter at the base, largely polar scientists in fields like glaciology and meteorology. Their number climbs to about 40 in the warmer summer months. China has arguably the fastest-growing operations in Antarctica. It opened its fourth station last year and is pressing ahead with plans to build a fifth. It is building its second ice-breaking ship and setting up research drilling operations on an ice dome 13 ,422 feet above sea level that is one of the planet's coldest places. Chinese officials say the expansion in Antarctica prioritises scientific research, but they also acknowledge that concerns about "resource security" influence their moves.[ K]China's newly renovated Great Wall Station on King George Island makes the Russian and Chilean bases here seem outdated. "We do weather monitoring here and other research, "Ning Xu, 53 ,the chief of the Chinese base , said over tea during a fierce blizzard (暴风雪）in late November. The large base he leads resembles a snowed-in college campus on holiday break, with the capacity to sleep more than 10 times the 13 people who were staying on through the Antarctic winter. Yong Yu, a Chinese microbiologist, showed off the spacious building, with empty desks under an illustrated timeline detailing the rapid growth of China's Antarctic operations since the 1980s. "We now feel equipped to grow," he said.[ L]As some countries expand operations in Antarctica, the United States maintains three year-round stations on the continent with more than 1, 000 people during the southern hemisphere's summer, including those at the Amundsen-Scott station, built in 1956 at an elevation of 9,301 feet on a plateau at the South Pole. But US researchers quietly complain about budget restraints and having far fewer icebreakers than Russia, limiting the reach of the United States in Antarctica.[ M]Scholars warn that Antarctica's political drift could blur the distinction between military and civilian activities long before the continent's treaties come up for renegotiation, especially in parts of Antarctica that are ideal for intercepting (拦截）signals from satellites or retasking satellite systems , potentially enhancing global electronic intelligence operations.[ N]Some countries have had a hard time here. Brazil opened a research station in 1984, but it was largely destroyed by a fire that killed two members of the navy in 2012, the same year that a diesel-laden Brazilian barge sank near the base. As if that were not enough, a Brazilian C-130 Hercules military transport plane has remained stranded near the runway of Chile's air base here since it crash-landed in 2014.[ 0]However, Brazil's stretch of misfortune has created opportunities for China, with a Chinese company winning the MYMlOO million contract in 2015 to rebuild the Brazilian station.[ P]Amid all the changes, Antarctica maintains its allure. South Korea opened its second Antarctic research base in 2014, describing it as a way to test robots developed by Korean researchers for use in extreme conditions. WithRussia's help, Belarus is preparing to build its frrst Antarctic base. Colombia said this year that it planned to join other South American nations with bases in Antarctica.[ Q]" T he old days of the Antarctic being dominated by the interests and wishes of white men from European, Australasian and North American states are over," said Klaus Dodds, a politics scholar at the University of London who specialises in Antarctica. "The reality is that Antarctica is geopolitically contested. "36.According to Chinese officials, their activities in Antarctica lay greater emphasis on scientific research.37.Efforts to create one of the world's largest ocean sanctuaries failed because of Russia's obstruction.38.With several monitoring stations operating in Antarctica, Russia is trying hard to counter America's dominancein the field of worldwide navigational facilities.39.According to geologists'estimates, Antarctica has enormous reserves of oil and natural gas.40.It is estimated that Antarctica boasts of the richest reserves of fresh water on earth.41.The demand for energy resources may compel renegotiation of Antarctica's treaties before their expiration.42.Many countries are racing against each other to increase their business and strategic influence on Antarctica.43.Antarctica's harsh natural conditions constitute huge obstacles to the exploitation of its resources.44.With competition from many countries, Antarctica is no longer dominated by the traditional white nations.45.American scientists complain about lack of sufficient money and equipment for their expansion in Antarctica. 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 andmark 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.Any veteran nicotine addict will testify that fancy packaging plays no role in the decision to keep smoking. So, it is argued, stripping cartons of their branding will trigger no mass movement to quit.But that isn't why the government—under pressure from cancer charities, health workers and the Labour party— has agreed to legislate for standardised packaging. The theory is that smoking should be stripped of any appeal to discourage new generations from starting in the first place. Plain packaging would be another step in the reclassification of cigarettes from inviting consumer products to narcotics (麻醉剂）．Naturally, the tobacco industry is violently opposed. No business likes to admit that it sells addictive poison as a lifestyle choice. That is why government has historically intervened, banning advertising, imposing health warnings and punitive (惩罚性的）duties. This approach has led over time to a fall in smoking with numbers having roughly halved since the 1970s. Evidence from Australia suggests plain packaging pushes society further along that road. Since tobacco is one of the biggest causes of premature death in the UK, a measure that tames the habit even by a fraction is worth trying.So why has it taken so long? The Department of Health declared its intention to consider the move in November 2010 and consulted through 2012. But the plan was suspended in July 2013. It did not escape notice that a lobbying firm set up by Lynton Crosby, David Cameron's election campaign曲ector,had previously acted for Philip Morris International. (The prime minister denied there was a connection between his new adviser's outside interests and the change in legislative programme.) In November 2013 , after an unnecessary round of additional consultation, health minister Jane Ellison said the government was minded to proceed after all. Now we are told Members of Parliament (MPs) will have a free vote before parliament is dissolved in March.Parliament has in fact already authorised the government to tame the tobacco trade. MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of Labour amendments to the children and families bill last February that included the power to regulate for plain packaging. With sufficient will in Downing Street this would have been done already. But strength of will is the missing ingredient where Mr. Cameron and public health are concerned. His attitude to state intervention has looked confused ever since his bizarre 2006 lament (叹惜）that chocolate oranges placed seductively at supermarket checkouts fueled obesity.The government has moved reluctantly into a sensible public health policy, but with such obvious over­cautiousness that any political credit due belongs to the opposition. Without sustained external pressure it seems certain Mr. Cameron would still be hooked on the interests of big tobacco companies.46.What do chain smokers think of cigarette packaging?A)Fancy packaging can help to engage new smokers.B)It has little to do with the quality or taste of cigarettes.C)Plain packaging discourages non-smokers from taking up smoking.D)It has little impact on their decision whether or not to quit smoking.47.What has the UK government agreed to do concerning tobacco packaging?A)Pass a law to standardise cigarette packaging.B)Rid cigarette cartons of all advertisements.C)Subsidise companies to adopt plain packaging.D)Reclassify cigarettes according to packaging.48.What has happened in Australia where plain packaging is implemented?A)Premature death rates resulting from smoking have declined.B)The number of smokers has dropped more sharply than in the UK.C)The sales of tobacco substitutes have increased considerably.D)Cigarette sales have been falling far more quickly than in the UK.49.Why has it taken so long for the UK government to consider plain packaging?A)Prime Minister Cameron has been reluctant to take action.B)There is strong opposition from veteran nicotine addicts.C)Many Members of Parliament are addicted to smoking.D Pressure from tobacco manufacturers rem扣ns strong.50.What did Cameron say about chocolate oranges at supermarket checkouts?A)They fueled a lot of controversy.B)They attracted a lot of smokers.C)They made more British people obese.D)They had certain ingredients missing.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.What a waste of money! In return for an average of£44 , 000 of debt, students get an average of only 14 hours of lecture and tutorial time a week in Britain. Annual fees have risen from£1 , 000 to£9 , 000 in the last decade , but contact time at university has barely risen at all. And graduating doesn't even provide any guarantee of a decent job: six in ten graduates today are in non-graduate jobs.No wonder it has become fashionable to denounce many universities as little more than elaborate con-trick s (骗术）. There's a lot for students to complain about: the repayment threshold for paying back loans will be frozen forfive years, meaning that lower-paid graduates have to start repaying their loans; and maintenance grants have been replaced by loans, meaning that students from poorer backgrounds face higher debt than those with wealthier parents.Yet it still pays to go to university. If going to university doesn't work out, students pay very little—if any—of their tuition fees back: you only start repaying when you are earning£21,000 a year. Almost half of graduates— those who go on to earn less—will have a portion of their debt written off. It's not just the lectures and tutorials that are important. Education is the sum of what students teach each other in between lectures and seminars. Students do not merely benefit while at university; studies show they go on to be healthier and happier than non-graduates, and also far more likely to vote.Whatever your talents, it is extraordinarily difficult to get a leading job in most fields without having been to university. Recruiters circle elite universities like vultures (兀鹰）. Many top firms will not even look at applications from those who lack a 2. 1, i.e. , an upper-second class degree, from an elite university. Students at university also meet those likely to be in leading jobs in the future, forming contacts for life. This might not be right, but school­leavers who fail to acknowledge as much risk making the wrong decision about going to university.Perhaps the reason why so many universities offer their students so little is they know studying at a top university remains a brilliant investment even if you don't learn anything. Studying at university will only become less attractive if employers shift their focus away from where someone went to university—and there is no sign of that happening anytime soon. School-leavers may moan, but they have little choice but to embrace university and the student debt that comes with it.51.What is the author's opinion of going to university?A)It is worthwhile after all.B)It is simply a waste of time.C)It is hard to say whether it is good or bad.D)It is too expensive for most young people.52.What does the author say about the employment situation of British university graduates?A)Few of them are satisfied with the jobs they are offered.B)It usually takes a long time for them to find a decent job.C)Graduates from elite universities usually can get decent jobs.D)Most of them take jobs which don't require a college degree.53.What does the author say is important for university students besides classroom ins血ction?A)Making sure to obtain an upper-second class degree.B)Practical skills they will need in their future careers.C)Interactions among themselves outside the classroom.D)Developing independent and creative thinking abilities.54.What is said to be an advantage of going to university?A)Learning how to take risks in an ever-changing world.B)Meeting people who will be helpful to you in the future.C)Having opportunities of playing a leading role in society.D)Gaining up-to-date knowledge in science and technology.55.What can we infer from the last paragraph?A)It is natural for students to make complaints about university education.B)Few students are willing to bear the burden of debt incurred at university.C)University education is becoming attractive to students who can afford it.D)The prestige of the university influences employers'recruitment decisions.Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions : 凡r this part yo u are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passa g e f rom Chinese into E ng lish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.随着生活水平的提高，度假在中国人生活中的作用越来越重要。

梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人2016年12月大学英语六级考试（第3套）Part I Writing(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay on innovation.Your essay should include the importance of creation and measures to be taken to encourage innovation.You are required to write at least150 words but no more than200words.（本次六级考试全国共考了两套听力，第三套的听力就是前面两套中的一套，故不在这里重复）Part III Reading Comprehension(40minutes)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 Sheet2with a single line through the center.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.The tree people in the Lord of the Rings—the Ents---can get around by walking.But for real trees,it’s harder to uproot.Because they’re literally rooted into the ground,they are unable to leave and go-26-.When a tree first starts growing in a certain area,it’s likely that the-27-envelope—the temperature,humidity, rainfall patterns and so on—suits it.Otherwise,it would be unable to grow from a seedling.But as it-28-,these conditions may change and the area around it may no longer be suitable for its-29-.When that happens,many trees like walnuts,oaks and pines,rely-30-on so-called“scatter hoarders,”such as birds,to move their seeds to new localities.Many birds like to store food for the winter,which they-31-retrieve. When the birds forget to retrieve their food---and they do sometimes—a seedling has a chance to grow.The bird Clark’s nutcracker,for example,hides up to100,000seeds per year,up to30kilometers away from the seed source, and has a very close symbiotic(共生的)relationship with several pine species,most32the whitebark pine.As trees outgrow their ideal-33-in the face of climate change,these flying ecosystem engineers could be a big help in-34-trees.It’s a solution for us—getting birds to do the work is cheap and effective—and it could give-35-oaks and pines the option to truly“make like a tree and leave.”A)ages B)breathing C)climatic D)elsewhere E)exclusivelyF)forever G)fruitful H)habitats I)legacy J)notablyK)offspring L)replanting M)subsequently N)vulnerable O)withdrawsSection BDirections:In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2.The American Workplace Is Broken.Here’s How We Can Start Fixing It.[A]Americans are working longer and harder hours than ever before.83%of workers say they’re stressed about their jobs,nearly50%say work-related stress is interfering with their sleep,and60%use their smartphones to check in with work outside of normal working hours.No wonder only13%of employees worldwide feel engaged in their occupation.[B]Glimmers(少许)of hope,however,are beginning to emerge in this bruising environment:Americans are becoming aware of the toll their jobs take on them,and employers are exploring ways to alleviate the harmful effects of stress and overwork.Yet much more work remains to be done.To call stress an epidemic isn’t exaggeration.The 83%of American employees who are stressed about their jobs---up from73%just a year before—say that poor compensation and an unreasonable workload are their number-one sources of stress.And if you suspected that the workplace had gotten more stressful than it was just a few decades ago,you’re right.Stress levels increased18%for women and24%for men from1983to2009.Stress is also starting earlier in life,with some data suggesting that today’s teens are even more stressed than adults.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人[C]Stress is taking a significant toll on our health,and the collective public health cost may be enormous. Occupational stress increases the risk of heart attack and diabetes,accelerates the aging process,decreases longevity, and contributes to depression and anxiety,among numerous other negative health outcomes.Overall,stress-related health problems account for up to90%of hospital visits,many of them preventable.Your job is“literally killing you,”as The Washington Post put it.It’s also hurting our relationships.Working parents say they feel stressed,tired,rushed and short on quality time with their children,friends and partners.[D]Seven in ten workers say they struggle to maintain work-life balance.As technology(and with it,work emails) seeps(渗入)into every aspect of our lives,work-life balance has become an almost meaningless term.Add a rapidly changing economy and an uncertain future to this24/7connectivity,and you’ve got a recipe for overwork,according to Phyllis Moen.“There’s rising work demand coupled with the insecurity of mergers,takeovers,downsizing and other factors，”Moen said.“Part of the work-life issue has to talk about uncertainty about the future.”[E]These factors have converged to create an increasingly impossible situation with many employees overworking to the point of burnout.It’s not only unsustainable for workers,but also for the companies that employ them.Science has shown a clear correlation between high stress levels in workers and absenteeism(旷工)，reduced productivity,disengagement and high turnover.Too many workplace policies effectively prohibit employees from developing a healthy work-life balance by barring them from taking time off,even when they need it most.[F]The U.S.trails far behind every wealthy nation and many developing ones that have family-friendly work policies including paid parental leave,paid sick days and breast-feeding support,according to a2007study.The U.S. is also the only advanced economy that does not guarantee workers paid vacation time,and it’s one of only two countries in the world that does not offer guaranteed paid maternity leave.But even when employees are given paid time off,workplace norms and expectations that pressure them to overwork often prevent them from taking it.Full-time employees who do have paid vacation days only use half of them on average.[G]Our modem workplaces also operate based on outdated time constraints.The practice of clocking in for an eight-hour workday is a leftover from the days of the Industrial Revolution,as reflected in the then-popular saying,“Eight hours labor,eight hours recreation,eight hours rest.”[H]We’ve held on to this workday structure—but thanks to our digital devices,many employees never really clock out.Today,the average American spends8.8hours at work daily,and the majority of working professionals spend additional hours checking in with work during evenings,weekends and even vacations.The problem isn’t the technology itself,but that the technology is being used to create more flexibility for the employer rather than the employee.In a competitive work environment,employers are able to use technology to demand more from their employees rather than motivating workers with flexibility that benefits them.[I]In a study published last year,psychologists coined the term“workplace telepressure”to describe an employee’s urge to immediately respond to emails and engage in obsessive thoughts about returning an email to one’s boss,colleagues or clients.The researchers found that telepressure is a major cause of stress at work,which over time contributes to physical and mental burnout.Of the300employees participating in the study,those who experienced high levels of telepressure were more likely to agree with statements assessing burnout,like“I’ve no energy for going to work in the morning,”and to report feeling fatigued and unfocused.Telepressure was also correlated with sleeping poorly and missing work.[J]Harvard Business School professor Leslie Perlow explains that when people feel the pressure to be always “on,”they find ways to accommodate that pressure,including altering their schedules,work habits and interactions with family and friends.Perlow calls this vicious cycle the“cycle of responsiveness”:Once bosses and colleagues experience an employee’s increased responsiveness,they increase their demands on the employee’s time.And because a failure to accept these increased demands indicates a lack of commitment to one’s work,the employee complies.[K]To address skyrocketing employee stress levels,many companies have implemented workplace wellness programs,partnering with health care providers that have created programs to promote employee health and well-being.Some research does suggest that these programs hold promise.A study of employees at health insurance provider Aetna revealed that roughly one quarter of those taking in-office yoga and mindfulness classes reported a 28%reduction in their stress levels and a20%improvement in sleep quality.These less-stressed workers gained an average of62minutes per week of productivity.While yoga and meditation(静思)are scientifically proven to reduce stress levels,these programs do little to target the root causes of burnout and disengagement.The conditions creating the stress are long hours,unrealistic demands and deadlines,and work-life conflict.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人[L]Moen and her colleagues may have found the solution.In a2011study,she investigated the effects of implementing a Results Only Work Environment(ROWE)on the productivity and well-being of employees at Best Buy’s corporate headquarters.[M]For the study,325employees spent six months taking part in ROWE,while a control group of334 employees continued with their normal workflow.The ROWE participants were allowed to freely determine when, where and how they worked---the only thing that mattered was that they got the job done.The results were striking. After six months,the employees who participated in ROWE reported reduced work-family conflict and a better sense of control of their time,and they were getting a full hour of extra sleep each night.The employees were less likely to leave their jobs,resulting in reduced turnover.It’s important to note that the increased flexibility didn’t encourage them to work around the clock.“They didn’t work anywhere and all the time---they were better able to manage their work,”Moen said.“Flexibility and control is key,”she continued.36.Workplace norms pressure employees to overwork,deterring them from taking paid time off.37.The overwhelming majority of employees attribute their stress mainly to low pay and an excessive workload.38.According to Moen,flexibility gives employees better control over their work and time.39.Flexibility resulting from the use of digital devices benefits employers instead of employees.40.Research finds that if employees suffer from high stress,they will be less motivated,less productive and more likely to quit.41.In-office wellness programs may help reduce stress levels,but they are hardly an ultimate solution to the problem.42.Health problems caused by stress in the workplace result in huge public health expenses.43.If employees respond quickly to their job assignments,the employer is likely to demand more from them.44.With technology everywhere in our life,it has become virtually impossible for most workers to keep a balance between work and life.45.In America today,even teenagers suffer from stress,and their problem is even more serious than grown-ups’.Section CDirections:There are two 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 Sheet2with a single line through the center.Passage OneQuestions46to50are based on the following passage.Dr.Donald Sadoway at MIT started his own battery company with the hope of changing the world’s energy future.It’s a dramatic endorsement for a technology most people think about only when their smartphone goes dark. But Sadoway isn’t alone in trumpeting energy storage as a missing link to a cleaner,more efficient,and more equitable energy future.Scientists and engineers have long believed in the promise of batteries to change the world.Advanced batteries are moving out of specialized markets and creeping into the mainstream,signaling a tipping point for forward-looking technologies such as electric cars and rooftop solar panels.The ubiquitous(无所不在的)battery has already come a long way,of course.For better or worse,batteries make possible our mobile-first lifestyles,our screen culture,our increasingly globalized world.Still,as impressive as all this is,it may be trivial compared with what comes next.Having already enabled a communications revolution,the battery is now poised to transform just about everything else.The wireless age is expanding to include not just our phones,tablets,and laptops,but also our cars,homes,and even whole communities.In emerging economies,rural communities are bypassing the wires and wooden poles that spread power.Instead,some in Africa and Asia are seeing their first lightbulbs illuminated by the power of sunlight stored in batteries.Today,energy storage is a$33billion global industry that generates nearly100gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.By the end of the decade,it’s expected to be worth over$50billion and generate160gigawatt-hours,enough to梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人attract the attention of major companies that might not otherwise be interested in a decidedly pedestrian technology. Even utility companies,which have long viewed batteries and alternative forms of energy as a threat,are learning to embrace the technologies as enabling rather than disrupting.Today’s battery breakthroughs come as the world looks to expand modem energy access to the billion or so people without it,while also cutting back on fuels that warm the planet.Those simultaneous challenges appear less overwhelming with increasingly better answers to a centuries-old question:how to make power portable.To be sure,the battery still has a long way to go before the nightly recharge completely replaces the weekly trip to the gas station.A battery-powered world comes with its own risks,too.What happens to the centralized electric grid,which took decades and billions of dollars to build,as more and more people become“prosumers,”who produce and consume their own energy onsite?No one knows which---if any---battery technology will ultimately dominate,but one thing remains clear.The future of energy is in how we store it.46.What does Dr.Sadoway think of energy storage?A)It involves the application of sophisticated technology.B)It is the direction energy development should follow.C)It will prove to be a profitable business.D)It is a technology benefiting everyone.47.What is most likely to happen when advanced batteries become widely used?A)Mobile-first lifestyles will become popular.B)The globalization process will be accelerated.C)Communications will take more diverse forms.D)The world will undergo revolutionary changes.48.In some rural communities of emerging economies,people have begun to.A)find digital devices simply indispensableB)communicate primarily by mobile phoneC)light their homes with stored solar energyD)distribute power with wires and wooden poles49.Utility companies have begun to realize that battery technologies.A)benefit their businessB)transmit power fasterC)promote innovationD)encourage competition50.What does the author imply about the centralized electric grid?A)It might become a thing of the past.B)It might turn out to be a“prosumer.”C)It will be easier to operate and maintain.D)It will have to be completely transformed.Passage TwoQuestions51to55are based on the following passage.梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人More than100years ago,American sociologist W.E.B.Du Bois was concerned that race was being used as a biological explanation for what he understood to be social and cultural differences between different populations of people.He spoke out against the idea of“white”and“black”as distinct groups,claiming that these distinctions ignored the scope of human diversity.Science would favor Du Bois.Today,the mainstream belief among scientists is that race is a social construct without biological meaning.In an article published in the journal Science,four scholars say racial categories need to be phased out.“Essentially，I could not agree more with the authors,”said Svante Paabo,a biologist and director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany.In one example that demonstrated genetic differences were not fixed along racial lines,the full genomes(基因组)of James Watson and Craig Venter,two famous American scientists of European ancestry,were compared to that of a Korean scientist,Seong-Jin Kim.It turned out that Watson and Venter shared fewer variations in their genetic sequences than they each shared with Kim.Michael Yudell,a professor of public health at Drexel University in Philadelphia,said that modem genetics research is operating in a paradox:on the one hand,race is understood to be a useful tool to illuminate human genetic diversity,but on the other hand,race is also understood to be a poorly defined marker of that diversity.Assumptions about genetic differences between people of different races could be particularly dangerous in a medical setting.“If you make clinical predictions based on somebody’s race,you’re going to be wrong a good chunk of the time,Yudell told Live Science.In the paper,he and his colleagues used the example of cystic fibrosis,which is underdiagnosed in people of African ancestry because it is thought of as a“white”disease.So what other variables could be used if the racial concept is thrown out?Yudell said scientists need to get more specific with their language,perhaps using terms like“ancestry”or“population”that might more precisely reflect the relationship between humans and their genes,on both the individual and population level.The researchers also acknowledged that there are a few areas where race as a construct might still be useful in scientific research:as a political and social,but not biological,variable.“While we argue phasing out racial terminology(术语)in the biological sciences,we also acknowledge that using race as a political or social category to study racism,although filled with lots of challenges,remains necessary given our need to understand how structural inequities and discrimination produce health disparities(差异)between groups.”.Yudell said51.Du Bois was opposed to the use of race as.A)a basis for explaining human genetic diversityB)an aid to understanding different populationsC)an explanation for social and cultural differencesD)a term to describe individual human characteristics52.The study by Svante Paabo served as an example to show.A)modem genetics research is likely to fuel racial conflictsB)race is a poorly defined marker of human genetic diversityC)race as a biological term can explain human genetic diversityD)genetics research should consider social and cultural variables53.The example of the disease cystic fibrosis underdiagnosed in people of African ancestry demonstrates thatA)it is absolutely necessary to put race aside in making diagnosisB)it is important to include social variables in genetics research.C)racial categories for genetic diversity could lead to wrong clinical predictionsD)discrimination against black people may cause negligence in clinical treatment梦想不会辜负每一个努力的人54.What is Yudell’s suggestion to scientists?A)They be more precise with the language they use.B)They refrain from using politically sensitive terms.C)They throw out irrelevant concepts in their research.D)They examine all possible variables in their research.55.What can be inferred from Yudell’s remark in the last paragraph?A)Clinging to racism prolongs inequity and discrimination.B)Physiological disparities are quite striking among races.C)Doing away with racial discrimination is challenging.D)Racial terms are still useful in certain fields of study.Part IV Translation(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.农业是中国的一个重要产业，从业者超过3亿。

2016年12月大学英语六级考试真题(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on invention. Youressay should include the importance of invention and measures to be taken to encourageinvention. You are required to write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.Part H Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of eachconversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and thequestions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A. It tries to predict the possible trends of global climate change.B. It studies the impacts of global climate change on people's lives.C. It links the science of climate change to economic and policy issues.D. It focuses on the efforts countries can make to deal with global warming.2. A. It will take a long time before a consensus is reached on its impact.B. It would be more costly to deal with its consequences than to avoid it.C. It is the most pressing issue confronting all countries.D. It is bound to cause endless disputes among nations.3. A. The transition to low-carbon energy systems.B. The cooperation among world major powers.C. The signing of a global agreement.D. The raising of people's awareness.4. A. Carry out more research on it.B. Cut down energy consumption.C. Plan well in advance.D. Adopt new technology.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A. When luck plays a role.B. what determines success.C. Whether practice makes perfect.D. How important natural talent is.6. A. It knocks at your door only once in a while.B. It is something that no one can possibly create.C. It comes naturally out of one's self-confidence.D. It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. A. Luck rarely contributes to a person's success.B. One must have natural talent to be successful.C. One should always be ready to seize opportunities.D. Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. A. Putting time and effort into fun things is profitable.B. People who love what they do care little about money.C. Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.D. People in need of money work hard automatically.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the end of each passage, you will hearthree or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices markedA, B, C and D. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with asingle line through the centre.Questions 9 to 12 are based on the passage you have just heard.9. A. The stump of a giant tree.B. A huge piece of rock.C. The peak of a mountain.D. A tall chimney.10. A. Human activity.B. Wind and water.C. Chemical processes.D. Fire and fury.11. A. It is a historical monument.B. It was built in ancient times.C. It is Indians' sacred place for worship.D. It was created by supernatural powers.12. A. By sheltering them in a cave.B. By killing the attacking bears.C. By lifting them well above the ground.D. By taking them to the top of a mountain.Questions 13 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.13. A. They will buy something from the convenience stores.B. They will take advantage of the time to rest a while.C. They will have their vehicles washed or serviced.D. They will pick up some souvenirs or gift items.14. A. They can bring only temporary pleasures.B. They are meant for the extremely wealthy.C. They should be done away with altogether.D. They may eventually drive one to bankruptcy.15. A. A good way to socialize is to have daily lunch with one's colleagues.B. Retirement savings should come first in one's family budgeting.C. A vacation will be affordable if one saves 20 dollars a week.D. Small daily savings can make a big difference in one's life.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three recordings of lectures or talks followed by three orfour questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. Thenmark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16. A. They should be done away with.B. They are necessary in our lives.C. They enrich our experience.D. They are harmful to health.17. A. They feel stressed out even without any challenges in life.B. They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life's problems.C. They are anxious to free themselves from life's troubles.D. They are exhausted even without doing any heavy work. ~18. A. They expand our mind.B. They prolong our lives.C. They narrow our focus.D.They lessen our burdensQuestions 19 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.19. A. It is not easily breakable.B. It came from a 3D printer.C. It represents the latest style.D. It was made by a fashion designer.20. A. When she had just graduated from her college.B. When she attended a conference in New York.C. When she was studying at a fashion design school.D. When she attended a fashion show nine months ago.21. A. It was difficult to print.B. It was hard to come by.C. It was hard and breakable.D. It was extremely expensive.22. A. It is the latest model of a 3D printer.B. It is a plastic widely used in 3D printing.C. It gives fashion designers room for imagination.D. It marks a breakthrough in printing material.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.23. A. They arise from the advances in technology.B. They have not been examined in detail so far.C. They are easy to solve with modern technology.D. They can't be solved without government support.24. A. It is attractive to entrepreneurs.B. It demands huge investment.C. It focuses on new products.D. It is intensely competitive.25. A.Cooperation with big companies.B. Recruiting more qualified staff.C. In-service training of IT personnel.D. Sharing of costs with each other.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word foreach blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank isidentified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bankmore than once.Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions.Good, sound science depends on 26, experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires awillingness to ask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risks and experiencefailures. But good science also requires 27 understanding,clear explanation and concisepresentation.Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in the public 28 and offer theiropinions on important matters. We need more scientists who can explain what they are doing inlanguage that is 29 and understandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists should alsobe prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30 scientific knowledge into ourpublic communications.Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do notunderstand how science works or why robust, long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary (可酌情支配的) spending to research anddevelopment,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, the figure had fallen into the single33 This occurs at a time when other nations have made significant gains in their own researchcapabilities.At the University of California (UC), we 34 ourselves not only on the quality of our research,but also on its contribution to improving our world. To 35 the development of science from the labbench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.A. ArenaB. contextualC. ConvincingD. devotedE. DigitsF. hastenG. Hypotheses H. impairingI. Incorporate J. indefiniteK. Indulge L. inertiaM. Pride N. reapingO. WarrantSection 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 paragraphfrom which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Are We in an Innovation Lull?[A] Scan the highlights of this year's Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ), and you may get a slightfeeling of having seen them before. Many of the coolest gadgets this year are the same as thecoolest gadgets last year--or the year before, even. The booths are still exciting, and the demosare still just as crazy. It is still easy to be dazzled by the display of drones (无人机),3Dprinters,virtual reality goggles ( 眼镜) and more "smart" devices than you could ever hope to catalog.Upon reflection, however, it is equally easy to feel like you have seen it all before. And it is hardnot to think: Are we in an innovation lull ( 间歇期) ?[B] In some ways, the answer is yes. For years, smartphones, televisions, tablets, laptops anddesktops have made up a huge part of the market and driven innovation. But now these segmentsare looking at slower growth curves--or shrinking markets in some cases--as consumers are notas eager to spend money on new gadgets. Meanwhile, emerging technologies--the drones,3Dprinters and smart-home devices of the world--now seem a bit too old to be called "the next bigthing. "[C] Basically the tech industry seems to be in an awkward period now. "There is not any one-hitwonder, and there will not be one for years to come," said Gary Shapiro, president and chiefexecutive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In his eyes, however, that doesn'tnecessarily mean that innovation has stopped. It has just grown up a little. "Many industries aregoing out of infancy and becoming adolescents," Shapiro said.[D] For instance, new technologies that are building upon existing technology have not found theirfooting well enough to appeal to a mass audience, because, in many cases, they need to workeffectively with other devices to realize their full appeal. Take the evolution of the smart home,for example. Companies are pushing it hard but make it almost overwhelming even to dip a toe inthe water for the average consumer, because there are so many compatibility issues to thinkabout. No average person wants to figure out whether their favorite calendar software works withtheir fridge or whether their washing machine and tablet get along. Having to install a different appfor each smart appliance in your home is annoying; it would be nicer if you could manageeverything together. And while you may forgive your smartphone an occasional fault, youprobably have less patience for error messages from your door lock.[E] Companies are promoting their own standards, and the market has not had time to choose awinner yet as this is still very new. Companies that have long focused on hardware now have tothink of ecosystems instead to give consumers practical solutions to their everyday problems."The dialogue is changing from what is technologically possible to what is technologicallymeaningful," said economist Shawn DuBravac. DuBravac works for CTA--which puts on theshow each year--and said that this shift to a search for solutions has been noticeable as heresearched his predictions for 2016.[F] "So much of what CES has been about is the cool. It is about the flashiness and the gadgets,"said John Curran, managing director of research at Accenture. "But over the last couple of years,and in this one in particular, we are starting to see companies shift from what is the largest screensize, the smallest form factor or the shiniest object and more into what all of these devices do thatis practical in a consumer's life. " Even the technology press conferences, which have been high-profile in the past and reached a level of drama and theatrics fitting for a Las Vegas stage, have adifferent bent to them. Rather than just dazzling with a high cool factor, there is a focus on thepractical. Fitbit, for example, released its first smartwatch Monday, selling with a clearpurpose--to improve your fitness--and promoting it as a "tool, not a toy. " Not only that, itsupports a number of platforms: Apple's iOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows phone.[G] That seems to be what consumers are demanding, after all. Consumers are becoming increasinglybored with what companies have to offer: A survey of 28,000 consumers in 28 countries releasedby Accenture found consumers are not as excited about technology as they oncewere. Forexample, when asked whether they would buy a new smartphone this year, only 48 percent saidyes--a six-point drop from 2015.[H] And when it comes to the hyper-connected super-smart world that technology firms are paintingfor us, it seems that consumers are growing more uneasy about handing over the massive amountsof consumer data needed to provide the personalized, customized solutions that companies needto improve their services. That could be another explanation for why companies seem to bestrengthening their talk of the practicality of their devices.[I] Companies have already won part of the battle, having driven tech into every part of our lives,tracking our steps and our very heartbeats. Yet the persistent question of " Why do I needthat?"--or, perhaps more tellingly, "Why do you need to know that?"--dogs the steps of manynew ventures. Only 13 percent of respondents said that they were interested in buying asmartwatch in 2016, for example--an increase of just one percent from the previous year despite ayear of high-profile launches. That is bad news for any firm that may hope that smartwatches canmake up ground for maturing smartphone and tablet markets. And the survey found flat demandfor fitness monitors, smart thermostats (恒温器) and connected home cameras, as well.[J] According to the survey, that lack of enthusiasm could stem from concerns about privacy andsecurity. Even among people who have bought connected devices of some kind,37 percent saidthat they are going to be more cautions about using these devices and services in the future. A full18 percent have even returned devices until they feel they can get safer guarantees against havingtheir sensitive information hacked.[K] That, too, explains the heavy Washington presence at this year's show, as these new technologiesintrude upon heavily regulated areas. In addition to many senior officials from the Federal Tradeand Federal Communications commissions, this year's list of policy makers also includesappearances from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, to talk about smart cities, and FederalAviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta, to talk about drones.[L] Curran, the Accenture analyst, said that increased government interest in the show makes senseas technology becomes a larger part of our lives. "There is an incompatibility in the rate at whichthese are advancing relative to the way we're digesting it," he said. "Technology is becomingbigger and more aspirational, and penetrating almost every aspect of our lives. We have tounderstand and think about the implications, and balance these great innovations with thepotential downsides they naturally carry with them. "36. Consumers are often hesitant to try smart-home devices because they are worried aboutcompatibility problems.37. This year's electronics show featured the presence of many officials from the federal government.38. The market demand for electronic devices is now either declining or not growing as fast as before.39. One analyst suggests it is necessary to accept both tlie positive and negative aspects of innovativeproducts.40. The Consumer Electronics Show in recent years has begun to focus more on the practical value thanthe showiness of electronic devices.41. Fewer innovative products were found at this year's electronic products show.42. Consumers are becoming more worried about giving personal information to tech companies to getcustomized products and services.43. The Consumer Technology Association is the sponsor of the annual Consumer Electronics Show.44. Many consumers wonder about the necessity of having their fitness monitored.45. The electronic industry is maturing even though no wonder products hit the market.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 andD. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The Paris climate agreement finalised in December last year heralded a new era for climate action.For the first time, the world's nations agreed to keep global warming well below 2℃.This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% of countries are responsible for morethan half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published in Nature Scientific Reports,we reveal just how deep this injustice runs.Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and European countries areessentially climate "free-riders": causing the majority of the problems through high greenhouse gasemissions, while incurring few of the costs such as climate change's impact on food and water. In otherwords, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at thesame time contributing disproportionately to the global burden of climate change.On the flip side, there are many "forced riders", who are suffering from the climate changeimpacts despite having scarcely contributed to the problem. Many of the world's most climatevulnerable countries, the majority of which are African or small island states, produce a very smallquantity of emissions. This is much like a non-smoker getting cancer from second-hand smoke, whilethe heavy smoker is fortunate enough to smoke in good health.The Paris agreement has been widely hailed as a positive step forward in addressing climate changefor all, although the details on addressing "climate justice" can be best described as sketchy.The goal of keeping global temperature rise "well below" 2~C is commendable but the emissions-reduction pledges submitted by countries leading up to the Paris talks are very unlikely to deliver onthis.More than $100 billion in funding has been put on the table for supporting developing nations toreduce emissions. However, the agreement specifies that there is no formal distinction betweendeveloped and developing nations in their responsibility to cut emissions, effectively ignoring historicalemissions. There is also very little detail on who will provide the funds or, importantly, who isresponsible for their provision. Securing these funds, and establishing who is responsible for raisingthem will also be vital for the future of climate-vulnerable countries.The most climate-vulnerable countries in the world have contributed very little to creating theglobal disease from which they now suffer the most. There must urgently be a meaningful mobilisationof the policies outlined in the agreement if we are to achieve national emissions reductions whilehelping the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.And it is clearly up to the current generation of leaders from high-emitting nations to decidewhether they want to be remembered as climate change tyrants or pioneers.46. The author is critical of the Paris climate agreement becauseA. it is unfair to those climate-vulnerable nationsB. it aims to keep temperature rise below 2℃ onlyC. it is beneficial to only fewer than 4% of countriesD. it burdens developed countries with the sole responsibility47. Why does the author call some developed countries climate "free-riders"?A. They needn't worry about the food and water they consume.B. They are better able to cope with the global climate change.C. They hardly pay anything for the problems they have caused.D. They are free from the greenhouse effects affecting "forced riders".48. Why does the author compare the "forced riders" to second-hand smokers?A. They have little responsibility for public health problems.B. They are vulnerable to unhealthy environmental conditions.C. They have to bear consequences they are not responsible for.D. They are unaware of the potential risks they are confronting.49. What does the author say about the $100 billion funding?A. It will motivate all nations to reduce carbon emissions.B. There is no final agreement on where it will come from.C. There is no clarification of how the money will be spent.D. It will effectively reduce greenhouse emissions worldwide.50. what urgent action must be taken to realise the Paris climate agreement?A. Encouraging high-emitting nations to take the initiative.B. Calling on all the nations concerned to make joint efforts.C. Pushing the current world leaders to come to a consensus.D. Putting in effect the policies in the agreement at once.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide often wear their troubles like a neon (霓虹灯)sign. Their risky behaviors--drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes andskipping school--can alert parents and teachers that serious problems are brewing.But a new study finds that there's another group of adolescents who are in nearly as much dangerof experiencing the same psychiatric symptoms: teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleepand have a sedentary (不爱活动的) lifestyle.Of course, that may sound like a description of every teenager on the planet. But the study warnsthat it is teenagers who engage in all three of these practices in the extreme who are truly in jeopardy.Because their behaviors are not usually seen as a red flag, these young people have been dubbed the"invisible risk" group by the study's authors."In some ways they're at greater risk of falling through the cracks," says researcher VladimirCarli. "While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or gettingdrunk, they may easily overlook teenagers who are engaging in inconspicuous behaviors."The study's authors surveyed 12,395 students and analyzed nine risk behaviors, including excessivealcohol use, illegal drug use, heavy smoking, high media use and truancy (逃学). Their aim was todetermine the relationship between these risk behaviors and mental health issues inteenagers.About 58% of the students demonstrated none or few of the risk behaviors. Some 13% scored highon all nine of the risk behaviors. And 29%, the "invisible risk" group, scored high on three inparticular: They spent five hours a day or more on electronic devices. They slept six hours a night orless. And they neglected "other healthy activities."The group that scored high on all nine of the risk behaviors was most likely to show symptoms ofdepression; in all, nearly 15% of this group reported being depressed, compared with just 4% of thelow-risk group. But the invisible group wasn't far behind the high-risk set, with more than 13% of themexhibiting depression.The findings caught Carli off guard. "We were very surprised," he says. "The high-risk group andlow-risk group are obvious. But this third group was not only unexpected, it was so distinct and solarge--nearly one third of our sample--that it became a key finding of the study. "Carli says that one of the most significant things about his study is that it provides new early-warning signs for parents, teachers and mental health-care providers. And early identification, supportand treatment for mental health issues, he says, are the best ways to keep them from turning into full-blown disorders.51. What does the author mean by saying "Teenagers at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide oftenwear their troubles like a neon sign" (Lines 1 - 2, Para.1 ) ?A. Mental problems can now be found in large numbers of teenagers.B. Teenagers' mental problems are getting more and more attention.C. Teenagers' mental problems are often too conspicuous not to be observed.D. Depression and anxiety are the most common symptoms of mental problems.52. What is the finding of the new study?A. Teenagers' lifestyles have changed greatly in recent years.B. Many teenagers resort to drugs or alcohol for mental relief.C. Teenagers experiencing psychological problems tend to use a lot of media.D. Many hitherto unobserved youngsters may have psychological problems.53. Why do the researchers refer to teens who use tons of media, don't get enough sleep and have asedentary lifestyle as the "invisible risk" group?A. Their behaviors can be an invisible threat to society.B. Their behaviors do not constitute a warning signal.C. Their behaviors do not tend towards mental problems.D. Their behaviors can be found in almost all teenagers on earth.54. What does the new study find about the invisible group?A. They are almost as liable to depression as the high-risk group.B. They suffer from depression without showing any symptoms.C. They do not often demonstrate risky behaviors as their peers.D. They do not attract the media attention the high-risk group does.55. What is the significance of Vladimir Carli's study?A. It offers a new treatment for psychological problems among teenagers.B. It provides new early-warning signals for identifying teens in trouble.C. It may have found an ideal way to handle teenagers with behavioral problems.D. It sheds new light on how unhealthy behaviors trigger mental health problems.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese intoEnglish. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.随着生活水平的提高，度假在中国人生活中的作用越来越重要。

近年来英语六级翻译真题汇总（含答案）近年来英语六级翻译真题汇总（含答案）2015 年12 月六级翻译真题及参考译文第1套：中国工业升级最近，中国政府决定将其工业升级。

中国现在涉足建造高速列车，远洋船舶，机器人，甚至飞机。

不久前，中国获得了在印度尼西亚建造一条高铁的合同：中国还与马拉西亚签署了为其提供高速列车的合同。

这证明人们信赖中国造产品。

中国造产品越来越受欢迎。

中国为此付出了代价，但这确实有助于消除贫困，同时还为世界各地的人们提供了就业机会。

这是一件好事，值得称赞。

下次你去商店时，可能想看一看你所购商品的出产国名。

很有可能这件商品是中国造的。

Recently, the Chinese government decided to upgrade its industry. China is now involved in building high-speed trains, ocean going ships, robots and even airplanes. Not long ago, China won a contract to build a high-speed railway in Indonesia: it also signed a contract with Malaysia to supply it with high-speed trains. This proves that people believe in products made in China. Products made in China are more and more popular. China has paid for this, but it does help eradicate poverty and provide jobs for people around the world. It's a good thing, to be commended. The next time you go to the store, you may want to have a look at the name of the country where the goods you buy are made. It is likely that this product is made in China.第2套：中国减贫在帮助国际社会于2030 年前消除极端贫困过程中，中国正扮演着越来越重要的角色。