2018年12月四级英语听力真题(共两套,含答案及原文)

Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the challenges of studyins should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear three news the end of each news report,you will hear two or three the news report and the questions will be spoken only you hear aquestion,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then markthe corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B)A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the ground.C)A rescue worker got trapped in the basement.D)A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire.He suffered a fatal injury in an accident. C)He was collecting building materials.B)He once served in a fire department. D)He moved into his neighbor's old house. Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.B)Change British people's negative view of maths.C)Help British people understand their paychecks.D)Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.Children take maths courses at an earlier age.B)The public sees the value of maths in their life.C)British people know how to do elementary calculations.D)Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.Questions 5 and 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.He owns a fleet of aircraft. B)He is learning to be a pilot.C)He regards his royal duties as a burden. D)He held a part-time job for over 20 years. He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.B)He can change his focus of attention and relax.C)He can show his difference from other royalty.D)He can come into closer contact with his people.7. A)They enjoyed his company.B)They liked him in his uniform.C)Theyrarelyrecognisedhim.D)They were surprised to see him.Section BDuettions:In this section,you will hear tuo long the end of each conttersutton,you wiyrear Jour the conversation and the questions will be spoken only you ,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C and marthe corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.They were skilled carpenters themselves. C)Wood supply was plentiful in Romania.B)It didn't need much capital to start with. D)They saw a business opportunity there. Provide quality furniture at affordable prices.B)Attract foreign investment to expand business.C)Enlarge their company by hiring more workers.D)Open some more branch companies in Germany.They are from her hometown. C)They all come from Romania.B)They are imported from Germany. D)They come from all over the continent. All across Europe. C)Mostly in Bucharest.B)Throughout the world. D)In Romania only.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Go to a concert with him and his girlfriend. C)Go with him to choose a pearl for Susan.B)Try out a new restaurant together in town. D)Attend the opening of a local restaurant. It is sponsored by local restaurants. C)It is especially popular with the young.B)It specializes in food advertizing. D)It provides information on local events. They design a special set of menus for themselves.B)They treat themselves to various entertainments.C)They go to eat at different stylish restaurants.D)They participate in a variety of social events.More restaurants will join Restaurant Week.B)This year's Restaurant Week will start soon.C)Bigger discounts will be offered this Restaurant Week.D)More types of food will be served this Restaurant Week.Section CDirections:In this section,you will hear three the end of each passage,you will hear three offour the passage and the questions will be spoken only you hear a auestion,youmust choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Rewarding them for eating vegetables.B)Exposing them to vegetables repeatedly.C)Improving the taste of vegetable dishes for them.D)Explaining the benefits of eating vegetables to them.17,A)Theyweredislikedmostbychildren. C)TheywereleastusedinBelgiancooking.B)Theywereconsideredmostnutritious. D)Theywereessentialtochildren'shealth. Vegetables differ in their nutritional value. C)Parents watch closely what children eat.B)Children's cating habits can be changed. D)Children's choices of food vary greatly. Onestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.Space exploration has serious consequences.B)India has many space exploration programs..C)There is quite a lot to learn about the moon.D)A lot of garbage has been left on the moon.It is costly to bring back. C)It is of no use on Earth.B)It is risky to destroy. D)It is damaged by radiation.Record details of space exploration.B)Monitor the change of Junar weather.C)Study the effect of radiation and vacuum on its materials.D)Explore the possibility of human settlement on the moon.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.It is likely to remain a means of business communication.B)It is likely to be a competitor of various messaging apps.C)It will gradually be replaced by social media.D)It will have to be governed by specific rules.Save the message in their file.B)Make a timely response.C)Examine the information carefully.D)See if any action needs to be taken.It is to be passed on.B)It is mostly junk.C)It requires no reply.D)It causes no concern.Make it as short as possible.B)Use simple and clear language.C)Adopt an informal style of writing.D)Avoid using capitals for emphasis.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,there is a passage with ten are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the the passage through carefully before making your choice in the bank is identified by a mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the may not use any of thewords in the bank more than once.Have you ever used email to apologize to colleagueDelivered a 26 to a subordinate(下属) with a voice-mail messageFlown by plane across the country just to deliver important news in personThe various communication options at our fingertips today can be good for 27 and productivity-and at the same time very so many ways to communicate,how should a manager choosethe one that's best 28 when the message to be delivered is bad or unwelcome news for the recipientWe've 29 business communication consultants and etiquette(礼仪)experts to come upwith the following guidelines for 30 using the alternative ways of delivering difficult messages.First of all,choose how personal you want to be,A face-to-face communication is the most 31 .Other choices,in descending order of personalization,are:a real-time phone call,a voice-mail message,a handwritten note,a tvpewritten letter,and the most 32 is of these。

【导语】2018年12⽉英语四级考试已结束，四六级频道在考后特别整理了2018年12⽉英语四级听⼒真题原⽂【完整版】，仅供⼤家参考，祝⼤家顺利通过四级考试！ News 1 A device that weighs less than one kilogram is part of a mission that will allow scientists to deliver fourth generation or4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019。

If successful， the tiny device will provide the moon with its first ever mobile phone network。

The lunar network will support high definition streaming of video and data between the moon and earth。

The network is part of a mission to the moon。

This is a project with the goal of landing the first privately paid for mission to the moon。

The 4G mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in the United States on a space X Falcon 9 rocket in 2019。

Mission to the moon intends to establish and test the first elements of a communications network on the moon。

The scientists working on the project opted to build a 4G rather than a fifth generation or 5G network。

2018年12月英语四级听力原文全文共10篇示例，供读者参考篇1Hey guys, today I wanna tell you about the English listening test in the December 2018 CET-4 exam. So, like, in this test, we had to listen to a bunch of recordings and answer questions based on what we heard. It was pretty tricky, but also kinda fun!The first part was about a girl named Emma who was talking about her summer vacation. She went to the beach and had a blast swimming and playing beach volleyball. She also visited a cool museum and learned a lot about history. The questions were all about where she went and what she did, so we had to pay really close attention.Next up, we listened to a lecture about sharks. It was super interesting! We learned all about how sharks hunt for food and what makes their teeth so sharp. The questions were all about shark facts, like how fast they can swim and what they eat. It was really cool to learn about these amazing creatures.After that, we listened to a conversation between two friends planning a trip to Thailand. They talked about all the places theywanted to visit and the activities they wanted to do. The questions were all about their travel plans, like which cities they would go to and how they would get around. It was like we were planning a trip ourselves!Overall, the listening test was challenging but also really fun.I think I did pretty well, thanks to all the practice I did beforehand.I can't wait to see my score and find out how I did. I hope you guys did well too! Good luck, everyone!篇2Hello everyone, today I'm going to share with you the original transcript of the English listening test for the December 2018 CET-4 exam. Are you ready? Let's get started!Part I: Short Conversations1. Woman: Have you heard about the new movie that just came out?Man: Yeah, I saw the trailer for it online. It looks really interesting.2. Man: Do you want to go grab a bite to eat after class?Woman: I can't. I have to study for my exam tomorrow.3. Woman: Did you finish your homework for English class?Man: No, I still have a few more questions to answer before I'm done.Part II: Short Passages1. Listen carefully and answer the following questions.Question 1: What is the main idea of the passage?Question 2: What is the speaker's opinion on social media?2. Listen carefully and fill in the blanks with the missing information.The speaker talks about his experience traveling to a country he had never been to before. He describes the culture, food, and sights he saw during his trip.Part III: Long ConversationMan: Hey, have you decided where you want to go for spring break?Woman: I'm thinking about going to Europe. There are so many countries I want to visit.Man: That sounds like a great idea! I've always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Woman: Yeah, Paris is definitely on my list. I also want to visit Italy and see the Colosseum in Rome.Man: Italy would be amazing! The history and architecture there are so beautiful.Woman: I know, right? I can't wait to try authentic Italian pizza and gelato.Man: Me too! Let's start planning our trip now so we can make the most of our time there.Part IV: Short TalkThe speaker discusses the importance of volunteering in the community and the benefits it brings to both individuals and society as a whole. He encourages everyone to find a cause they are passionate about and get involved in making a positive impact in their community.And that's the end of the listening test for the December 2018 CET-4 exam. I hope you found it helpful and entertaining. Good luck with your studies, and remember to keep practicing your English skills every day! Bye bye!篇3Hey guys! Today I'm going to tell you all about the 2018 December English Cet-4 listening test! It was so tough but I managed to get through it! The test had four sections and each section had different types of questions.In the first section, we had to listen to a conversation between two people and answer multiple-choice questions. It was kinda easy but some of the questions were tricky!Next up was the second section, where we had to listen to a short talk and fill in the blanks with the missing words. This part was a bit challenging because the speaker spoke really fast!The third section was a lecture and we had to match the speakers with the topics they were talking about. It was hard to keep track of all the information but I tried my best!And finally, the last section was another conversation but this time we had to answer questions about the main idea and details. It was tough but I think I did alright!Overall, the listening test was pretty difficult but I'm proud of myself for getting through it. I can't wait to see my results andsee how I did! Good luck to all my friends who also took the test! Let's all hope for the best!篇4Oh my goodness, here we go! This is the 2018 December English Listening Test for the fourth grade level. Are you ready? Let's do this!Part One:The first part is a conversation between two friends, Sally and Tim. They are talking about their plans for the weekend. Sally wants to go to the movies, but Tim wants to go to the park. They finally decide to go to the park and have a picnic. They will bring sandwiches, fruit, and juice. They will also bring a frisbee and a soccer ball to play with. It sounds like a fun day!Part Two:The second part is a lecture about the history of dinosaurs. The professor talks about the different kinds of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago. He explains how they became extinct and what scientists have learned from studying their fossils. It's really interesting to learn about these ancient creatures!Part Three:The third part is a radio program about recycling. The host talks about the importance of recycling and how we can all help the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling our waste. She gives tips on how to recycle different materials like paper, plastic, and glass. It's important to take care of our planet!Part Four:The fourth part is a news report about a new technology that helps people with disabilities. The reporter interviews a man who lost his sight but can now see with the help of a special device. He explains how the technology works and how it has changed his life. It's amazing to see how technology can make a difference in people's lives!Well, that's all for the listening test. I hope you did well and had fun listening to the different parts. Remember to practice your English listening skills every day so you can improve and become a better English speaker. Good luck!篇5Hey guys, today I'm gonna tell you all about the English listening test in the December 2018 CET-4 exam. It was super tough, but I did my best to listen carefully and catch all the important information!The first part of the listening test was a conversation between two students about their upcoming exams. They talked about what subjects they needed to study for and how to prepare for the tests. It was kinda tricky because they spoke really fast, but I managed to pick up some key words and figure out what they were talking about.Next, there was a lecture about climate change and its impact on the environment. The speaker was talking about global warming and how it's causing problems like rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. It was pretty scary to hear about all the damage we're doing to the planet, but I know we can make a difference if we all work together to protect the environment.After that, there was a discussion between a professor and a student about a research project on renewable energy. They were talking about the benefits of solar power and wind energy, and how it can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I thought it was really cool to learn about all the ways we can use clean energy to protect the Earth.The last part of the listening test was a radio program about a famous artist and his latest exhibition. They talked about his inspiration for the paintings and the different techniques he usedto create them. It was so interesting to hear about his creative process and how he expresses his ideas through art.Overall, the listening test was challenging but fun. I'm glad I got to practice my listening skills and learn some new things along the way. Can't wait to see how I did on the test!篇6Oh boy, English listening test is always the toughest for me, especially the one in December 2018. I still remember how nervous I was sitting in the exam hall, waiting for the test to start. But hey, I survived! Let me tell you all about the test in my own words.The first part of the test was about a conversation at a restaurant. The man wanted to order a steak, but the waiter said they were out of steak. The man then ordered a salad instead. It was quite easy to follow along, but I had to concentrate really hard because the voices were a bit fast.The second part was a lecture about ancient civilizations. The professor talked about the architecture of the pyramids and how they were built. It was super interesting, but some of the words were hard to understand. I tried my best to catch the main ideas.The third part was a discussion between two students about a research project. They were talking about different topics like climate change and pollution. I found this part a bit tricky because they were talking over each other, and I had to think quick to catch all the details.The fourth part was a news report about a new technology that helps blind people navigate the city. It was so cool to hear about how science can make a difference in people's lives. I was really into this part and managed to understand all the information.Overall, the listening test in December 2018 was tough but fun. I learned a lot of new words and phrases, and I'm proud of myself for getting through it. Now, I can't wait to see my scores and celebrate with my friends!篇7Hey everyone, guess what? I listened to the English listening test for the December 2018 CET-4 exam, and it was so cool! I'm going to tell you all about it, so sit back and relax.The first section was about a girl named Sarah who was looking for a job. She went to an employment agency and the agent gave her some tips on how to write a good resume. Sarahwas nervous but she tried her best and finally got a job interview. The conversation was easy to follow and I understood everything!Next, there was a talk between two students discussing their schedules for the upcoming semester. They talked about which classes to take and how to manage their time effectively. It was super helpful because I also struggle with balancing my studies and other activities.In the third section, a man and a woman were talking about different types of accommodation. They discussed the pros and cons of living in a dormitory versus renting an apartment. It was interesting to hear their different opinions.After that, there was a lecture on climate change and its impact on the environment. The speaker talked about the causes of global warming and what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. It was a bit challenging, but I managed to grasp the main points.Lastly, there was a conversation at a restaurant where a customer was complaining about the food. The waiter apologized and offered a discount on the bill. It was a good example of how to handle customer complaints in a professional manner.Overall, I think the listening test was pretty good. It covered a variety of topics and the speakers were easy to understand. I'm feeling confident about my listening skills now, and I can't wait to see how I did on the exam. Fingers crossed for a good score!篇8Uh oh, here comes the English listening test for the December 2018 CET-4 exam. I hope I can understand everything!The first section is about a guy named Tom who lost his phone at a party. He's asking for help to find it. Oh no, poor Tom!I hope someone helps him out.Next, there's a conversation between two students talking about a presentation they have to do for class. They're discussing what topics to pick. I wonder what they'll choose?Then, there's a lecture about the history of computers. It talks about how they were invented and how they've changed over the years. It's pretty interesting stuff!After that, there's a news report about a new environmental initiative in the city. They're trying to reduce waste and protect the planet. That's so cool!Lastly, there's a discussion between a man and a woman about traveling. They're talking about their favorite places to visit and why they love traveling. I wish I could travel too!Phew, that was a lot of listening practice. I hope I did well on the test. Time to wait for the results and see how I did. Fingers crossed!篇9Hi guys! Today I'm going to tell you about the English listening test that happened in December 2018. It was super duper hard, but don't worry, I got all the deets for you!So, in the first part of the test, we had to listen to a conversation between two people. They were talking about different colleges and what kind of courses they offer. It was kinda tricky because they talked really fast, but I managed to catch most of what they were saying. They mentioned stuff like business classes, art programs, and even a cooking school!Next, we had a section where we had to listen to a lecture. The speaker was talking about climate change and how it's affecting the environment. He mentioned things like global warming, pollution, and the importance of recycling. It was reallyinteresting, but also kinda sad to hear about all the bad stuff happening to our planet.After that, we had a listening exercise where we had to listen to a group of students talking about their favorite foods. They mentioned things like pizza, hamburgers, and ice cream. It made me super hungry just listening to them talk about all that yummy food!Finally, we had a section where we had to listen to a radio program about traveling. They talked about different places to visit around the world and the best times to go. It was so cool hearing about all the amazing adventures you can have in different countries.Overall, the listening test was tough, but I think I did pretty well. I just hope I can pass and move on to the next level of English. Fingers crossed!篇10Hey guys, today I’m gonna tell you about the English CET-4 listening test in December 2018. Are you ready? Let’s go!First, there were four sections in the listening test. That’s a lot, right? But don’t worry, we can do it! The first section was aconversation between two people, like a chat between friends. They talked about everyday stuff, like what they did on the weekend or what they like to eat. Easy peasy!The second section was a monologue, where one person talked about a topic all by themselves. It was like a mini lecture, but not boring at all! They talked about things like history, science, or even funny stories. It was really interesting!After that, we had a section with some short talks. The speaker would talk about a topic and then ask a question. We had to listen carefully to catch the answer. Sometimes it was tricky, but we did our best!The last section was the toughest – a long conversation between two people. They talked about something more complicated, like a school project or a business plan. We really had to focus and concentrate on this part.Overall, the listening test wasn’t so bad. As long as we listened carefully and paid attention, we did just fine! So don’t worry, guys, we got this! Let’s keep practicing and we’ll nail the CET-4 test next time!That’s all for today, folks. Thanks for listening!。

2018年12月四级英语听力真题第二套Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section A News ReportDirections：In this section,you will hear three news reports.At the end of each news report,you will hear two or three questions.Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A）, B）, C）and D）. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1.A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the ground.C) A rescue worker got trapped in the basement.D) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire.2.A) He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.B) He once served in a fire department.C) He was collecting building materials.D) He moved into his neighbor's old house.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3.A) Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.B) Change British people's negative view of maths.C) Help British people understand their paychecks.D) Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.4.A) Children take maths courses at an earlier age.B) The public sees the value of maths in their life.C) British people know how to do elementary calculations.D) Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.Questions 5 and 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5.A) He owns a fleet of aircraft.B) He is learning to be a pilot.C) He regards his royal duties as a burden.D) He held a part-time job for over 20 years.6.A) He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.B) He can change his focus of attention and relax.C) He can show his difference from other royalty.D) He can come into closer contact with his people.7.A) They enjoyed his company.B) They liked him in his uniform.C) They rarely recognised him.D) They were surprised to see him.Section B ConversationDirections：In this section,you will hear two long conversations.At the end of each conversations you will hear four questions. Both the conversations and the question-s will be spoken only once。

2018 年 12 月大学英语四级考试英语四级听力真题（全）：News 1A device that weighs less than one kilogram is part ofa mission that will allow scientists to deliver fourthgeneration or 4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019 。

If successful ， the tiny device will provide the moon with itsfirst ever mobile phone network 。

The lunar network willsupport high definition streaming of video and databetween the moon and earth 。

The network is part of amission to the moon 。

This is a project with the goal oflanding the first privately paid for mission to the moon 。

The 4G mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in theUnited States on a space X Falcon 9 rocket in 2019 。

Mission to the moon intends to establish and test thefirstelements of a communications network on the moon 。

The scientists working on the project opted to build a 4Grather than a fifth generation or 5G network 。

2018年12月大学英语六级考试真题完整版附答案和听力音频原文（第2套）（此文档分三部分：真题试卷、答案、听力原文）一、真题试卷Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay on how to balance job responsibilities and personal interests. You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words._______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section AQuestions1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A)Stop worrying about him.B)Keep away from the statue.C)Take a picture of him.D)Put on a smile for the photo.2. A)Gaining great fame on the Internet.B)Publishing a collection of his photos.C)Collecting the best photos in the world.D)Becoming a professional photographer.3. A)Surfing various websites and collecting photos.B)Editing his pictures and posting them online.C)Following similar accounts to compare notes.D)Studying the pictures in popular social media.4. A)They are far from satisfactory.B)They are mostly taken by her mom.C)They make an impressive album.D)They record her fond memories.Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.5. A)A journal reporting the latest progress in physics.B)An introductory course of modern physics.C)An occasion for physicists to exchange ideas.D)A series of interviews with outstanding physicists.6. A)The future of the physical world.B)The origin of the universe.C)Sources of radiation.D)Particle theory.7. A)How matter collides with anti-matter.B)Whether the universe will turn barren.C)Why there exists anti-matter.D)Why there is a universe at all.8. A)Matter and anti-matter are opposites of each other.B)Anti-matter allowed humans to come into existence.C)The universe formed due to a sufficient amount of matter.D)Anti-matter exists in very high-temperature environments.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Questions 9 to 11 are based on the passage you have just heard.9. A)She found herself speaking a foreign language.B)She woke up speaking with a different accent.C)She found some symptoms of her illness gone.D)She woke up finding herself in another country.10. A)It is usually caused by a stroke or brain injury.B)It has not yet found any effective treatment.C)It leaves the patient with a distorted memory.D)It often happens to people with speech defects.11. A)British. B)Irish.C)Russian. D)Australian.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.12. A)Water sports.B)Racing in rivers.C)Stories about women swimmers.D)Books about swimming.13. A)She succeeded in swimming across the English Channel.B)She published a guide to London’s best swimming spots.C)She told her story of adventures to some young swimmers.D)She wrote a book about the history of swimwear in the UK.14. A)They loved vacationing on the seashore.B)They had a unique notion of modesty.C)They were prohibited from swimming.D)They were fully dressed when swimming.15. A)She designed lots of appropriate swimwear for women.B)She once successfully competed against men in swimming.C)She was the first woman to swim across the English Channel.D)She was an advocate of women’s right to swim in public pools.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, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.16. A)Build a machine that can detect lies.B)Develop a magnetic brain scanner.C)Test the credibility of court evidence.D)Win people’s complete trust in them.17. A)They are optimistic about its potential.B)They are sceptical of its reliability.C)They think it is but business promotion.D)They celebrate it with great enthusiasm.18. A)It is not to be trusted at all.B)It does not sound economical.C)It may intrude into people’s privacy.D)It may lead to overuse in court trials.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the recording you have just heard.19. A)Most of its residents speak several languages.B)Some of its indigenous languages are dying out.C)Each village there speaks a totally different language.D)Its languages have interested researchers the world over.20. A)They are spread randomly across the world.B)Some are more difficult to learn than others.C)More are found in tropical regions than in the mild zones.D)They enrich and impact each other in more ways than one.21. A)They used different methods to collect and analyze data.B)They identified distinct patterns of language distribution.C)Their conclusions do not correspond to their original hypotheses.D)There is no conclusive account for the cause of language diversity.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the recording you have just heard.22. A)Its middle-class is disappearing.B)Its wealth is rationally distributed.C)Its population is rapidly growing.D)Its cherished dream is coming true.23.A)Success was but a dream without conscientious effort.B)They could realize their dreams through hard work.C)A few dollars could go a long way.D)Wealth was shared by all citizens.24.A)Better working conditions.B)Better-paying jobs.C)High social status.D)Full employment.25. A)Reduce the administrative costs.B)Adopt effective business models.C)Hire part-time employees only.D)Make use of the latest technology.Part ⅢReading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section A 选词填空Surfing the Internet during class doesn't just steal focus from the educator; it also hurts students who're already struggling to 26 the material. A new study from Michigan State University, though, argues that all students—including high achievers—see a decline in performance when they browse the Internet during class for non-academic purposes.To measure the effects of Internet-based distractions during class, researchers 27 500 students taking an introductory psychology class at Michigan State University. Researchers used ACT scores as a measure of intellectual 28 . Because previous research has shown that people with high intellectual abilities are better at 29 out distractions, researchers believed students with high ACT scores would not show a 30 decrease in performance due to their use of digital devices. But students who surfed the web during class did worse on their exams regardless of their ACT scores, suggesting that even the academically smartest students are harmed when they're distracted in class.College professors are increasingly 31 alarm bells about the effects smartphones, laptops, and tablets have on academic performance. One 2013 study of college students found that 80% of students use their phones or laptops during class, with the average student checking their digital device 11 times in a 32 class. A quarter of students report that their use of digital devices during class causes their grades to 33 .Professors sometimes implement policies designed to 34 students' use of digitaldevices, and some instructors even confiscate (没收) tablets and phones. In a world where peopleare increasingly dependent on their phones, though, such strategies often fail. One international study found that 84% of people say they couldn't go a day without their smartphones. Until students are able to 35 the pull of social networking, texting, and endlessly surfing the web, they may continue to struggle in their classes.Section B 段落匹配A Pioneering Woman of Science Re-Emerges after 300 Y ears[A] Maria Sibylla Merian, like many European women of the 17th century, stayed busy managing a household and rearing children. But on top of that, Merian, a German-born woman who lived in the Netherlands, also managed a successful career as an artist, botanist, naturalist andentomologist （昆虫学家）.[B] “She was a scientist on the level with a lot of people we spend a lot of time talking about,” said Kay Etheridge, a biologist at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania who has been studying the scientific history of Merian’s work. “She didn't do as much to change biology as Charles Darwin, but she was significant.”[C] At a time when natural history was a valuable tool for discovery, Merian discovered facts about plants and insects that were not previously known. Her observations helped dismiss the popular belief that insects spontaneously emerged from mud. The knowledge she collected over decades didn't just satisfy those curious about nature, but also provided valuable insights into medicine and science. She was the first to bring together insects and their habitats, including food they ate, into a single ecological composition.[D] After years of pleasing a fascinated audience across Europe with books of detailed descriptions and life-size paintings of familiar insects, in 1699 she sailed with her daughter nearly 5,000 miles from the Netherlands to South America to study insects in the jungles of what is now known as Suriname. She was 52 years old. The result was her masterpiece, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium.[E] In her work, she revealed a side of nature so exotic, dramatic and valuable to Europeans of the time that she received much acclaim. But a century later, her findings came under scientificcriticism. Shoddy （粗糙的）reproductions of her work along with setbacks to women's roles in18th- and 19th-century Europe resulted in her efforts being largely forgotten. “It was kind ofstunning when she sort of dropped off into oblivion （遗忘）,” said Dr. Etheridge. “Victoriansstarted putting women in a box, and they're still trying to crawl out of it.”[F] Today, the pioneering woman of the sciences has re-emerged. In recent years, feminists,historians and artists have all praised Merian's tenacity （坚韧）, talent and inspirational artisticcompositions. And now biologists like Dr. Etheridge are digging into the scientific texts that accompanied her art. Three hundred years after her death, Merian will be celebrated at an international symposium in Amsterdam this June.[G] And last month, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium was republished. It contains60 plates （插图）and original descriptions, along with stories about Merian's life and updatedscientific descriptions. Before writing Metamorphosis, Merian spent decades documenting European plants and insects that she published in a series of books. She began in her 20s, making textless, decorative paintings of flowers with insects. “Then she got really serious,” Dr. Etheridge said. Merian started raising insects at home, mostly butterflies and caterpillars. “She would sit upall night until they came out of the pupa （蛹）so she could draw them,” she said.[H] The results of her decades' worth of careful observations were detailed paintings and descriptions of European insects, followed by unconventional visuals and stories of insects and animals from a land that most at the time could only imagine. It's possible Merian used amagnifying glass to capture the detail of the split tongues of sphinx moths （斯芬克斯飞蛾）depicted in the painting. She wrote that the two tongues combine to form one tube for drinkingnectar （花蜜）. Some criticized this detail later, saying there was just one tongue, but Merianwasn't wrong. She may have observed the adult moth just as it emerged from its pupa. For a brief moment during that stage of its life cycle, the tongue consists of two tiny half-tubes before merging into one.[I] It may not have been ladylike to depict a giant spider devouring a hummingbird, but when Merian did it at the turn of the 18th century, surprisingly, nobody objected. Dr. Etheridge called it revolutionary. The image, which also contained novel descriptions of ants, fascinated a European audience that was more concerned with the exotic story unfolding before them than the gender of the person who painted it.[J] “All of these things shook up their nice, neat little view,” Dr. Etheridge said. But later, people of the Victorian era thought differently. Her work had been reproduced, sometimes incorrectly. A few observations were deemed impossible. “She'd been called a silly woman for saying that a spider could eat a bird,” Dr. Etheridge said. But Henry Walter Bates, a friend of Charles Darwin, observed it and put it in book in 1863, proving Merian was correct.[K] In the same plate, Merian depicted and described leaf-cutter ants for the first time. “In America there are large ants which can eat whole trees bare as a broom handle in a single night,” she wrote in the description. Merian noted how the ants took the leaves below ground to their young. And she wouldn't have known this at the time, but the ants use the leaves to farm fungi（菌类）underground to feed their developing babies.[L] Merian was correct about the giant bird-eating spiders, ants building bridges with their bodies and other details. But in the same drawing, she incorrectly lumped together army andleaf-cutter ants. And instead of showing just the typical pair of eggs in a hummingbird nest, she painted four. She made other mistakes in Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium as well: not every caterpillar and butterfly matched.[M] Perhaps one explanation for her mistakes is that she cut short her Suriname trip after getting sick, and completed the book at home in Amsterdam. And errors are common among some of history's most-celebrated scientific minds, too. “These errors no more invalidate Ms. Merian's work than do well-known misconceptions published by Charles Darwin or Isaac Newton,” Dr. Etheridge wrote in a paper that argued that too many have wrongly focused on the mistakes of her work.[N] Merian’s paintings inspired artists and ecologists. In an 1801 drawing from his book, General Zoology Amphibia, George Shaw, an English botanist and zoologist, credited Merian for describing a frog in the account of her South American expedition, and named the young tree frog after her in his portrayal of it. It wouldn't be fair to give Merian all the credit. She receivedassistance naming plants, making sketches and referencing the work of others. Her daughters helped her color her drawings.[O] Merian also made note of the help she received from the natives of Suriname, as well as slaves or servants that assisted her. In some instances she wrote moving passages that included her helpers in descriptions. As she wrote in her description of the peacock flower, “The Indians, who are not treated well by their Dutch masters, use the seeds to abort their children, so that they will not become slaves like themselves. The black slaves from Guinea and Angola have demanded to be well treated, threatening to refuse to have children. In fact, they sometimes take their own lives because they are treated so badly, and because they believe they will be born again, free and living in their own land. They told me this themselves.”[P] Londa Schiebinger, a professor of the history of science at Stanford University, called this passage rather astonishing. It's particularly striking centuries later when these issues are still prominent in public discussions about social justice and women’s rights. “She was ahead of her time,” Dr. Etheridge said.36. Merian was the first scientist to study a type of American ant.37. The European audience was more interested in Merian's drawings than her gender.38.Merian's masterpiece came under attack a century after its publication.39. Merian’s mistakes in her drawings may be attributed to her shortened stay in South America.40. Merian often sat up the whole night through to observe and draw insects.41. Merian acknowledged the help she got from natives of South America.42. Merian contributed greatly to people's better understanding of medicine and science.43. Merian occasionally made mistakes in her drawings of insects and birds.44. Now, Merian's role as a female forerunner in sciences has been re-established.45.Merian made a long voyage to South America to study jungle insects over three centuries ago.Section C 仔细阅读Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.While human achievements in mathematics continue to reach new levels of complexity, many of us who aren't mathematicians at heart (or engineers by trade) may struggle to rememberthe last time we used calculus (微积分).It’s a fact not lost on American educators, who amid rising math failure rates are debating how math can better meet the real-life needs of students. Should we change the way math is taught in schools, or eliminate some courses entirely?Andrew Hacker, Queens College political science professor, thinks that advanced algebra and other higher-level math should be cut from curricula in favor of courses with more routine usefulness, like statistics.“We hear on all sides that we're not teaching enough mathematics, and the Chinese are running rings around us,” Hacker says. “I'm suggesting we're teaching too much mathematics to too many people…not everybody has to know calculus. If you're going to become an aeronautical(航空的) engineer, fine. But most of us aren't.”Instead, Hacker is pushing for more courses like the one he teaches at Queens College：Numeracy 101. There, his students of “citizen statistics” learn to analyze public information like the federal budget and corporate reports. Such courses, Hacker argues, are a remedy for the numerical illiteracy of adults who have completed high-level math like algebra but are unable to calculate the price of, say, a carpet by area.Hacker's argument has met with opposition from other math educators who say what's needed is to help students develop a better relationship with math earlier, rather than teaching them less math altogether.Maria Droujkova is a founder of Natural Math, and has taught basic calculus concepts to5-year-olds. For Droujkova, high-level math is important, and what it could use in American classrooms is an injection of childlike wonder.“Make mathematics more available,” Droujkova says. “Redesign it so it's more accessible to more kinds of people: young children, adults who worry about it, adults who may have had bad experiences.”Pamela Harris, a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin, has a similar perspective. Harris says that American education is suffering from an epidemic of “fake math”—an emphasison rote memorization (死记硬背) of formulas and steps, rather than an understanding of howmath can influence the ways we see the world.Andrew Hacker, for the record, remains skeptical.“I'm going to leave it to those who are in mathematics to work out the ways to make their subject interesting and exciting so students want to take it,” Hacker says. “All that I ask is that alternatives be offered instead of putting all of us on the road to calculus.”46. What does the author say about ordinary Americans?A)They struggle to solve math problems.B)They think math is a complex subject.C)They find high-level math of little use.D)They work hard to learn high-level math.47. What is the general complaint about America's math education according to Hacker?A)America is not doing as well as China.B)Math professors are not doing a good job.C)It doesn't help students develop their literacy.D)There has hardly been any innovation for years.48.What does Andrew Hacker's Numeracy 101 aim to do?A)Allow students to learn high-level math step by step.B)Enable students to make practical use of basic math.C)Lay a solid foundation for advanced math studies.D)Help students to develop their analytical abilities.49. What does Maria Droujkova suggest math teachers do in class?A)Make complex concepts easy to understand.B)Start teaching children math at an early age.C)Help children work wonders with calculus.D)Try to arouse students' curiosity in math.50. What does Pamela Harris think should be the goal of math education?A)To enable learners to understand the world better.B)To help learners to tell fake math from real math.C)To broaden Americans' perspectives on math.D)To exert influence on world development.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passageFor years, the U.S. has experienced a shortage of registered nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that while the number of nurses will increase by 19 percent by 2022, demand will grow faster than supply, and that there will be over one million unfilled nursing jobs by then.So what's the solution? Robots.Japan is ahead of the curve when it comes to this trend. Toyohashi University of Technology has developed Terapio, a robotic medical cart that can make hospital rounds, deliver medications and other items, and retrieve records. It follows a specific individual, such as a doctor or nurse, who can use it to record and access patient data. This type of robot will likely be one of the first to be implemented in hospitals because it has fairly minimal patient contact.Robots capable of social engagement help with loneliness as well as cognitive functioning, but the robot itself doesn't have to engage directly—it can serve as an intermediary for human communication. Telepresence robots such as MantaroBot, Vgo, and Giraff can be controlled through a computer, smartphone, or tablet, allowing family members or doctors to remotely monitor patients or Skype them, often via a screen where the robot's ‘face’ would be. If you can't get to the nursing home to visit grandma, you can use a telepresence robot to hang out with her. A 2016 study found that users had a “consistently positive attitude” about the Giraff robot's ability to enhance communication and decrease feelings of loneliness.A robot's appearance affects its ability to successfully interact with humans, which is why the RIKEN-TRI Collaboration Center for Human-Interactive Robot Research decided to develop a robotic nurse that looks like a huge teddy bear. RIBA (Robot for Interactive Body On the less cute and more scary side there is Actroid F, which is so human-like that some patients may not know the difference. This conversational robot companion has cameras in its eyes, which allow it to track patients and use appropriate facial expressions and body language in its interactions. During a month-long hospital trial, researchers asked 70 patients how they felt being around the robot and “only three or four said they didn't like having it around.”It's important to note that robotic nurses don't decide courses of treatment or make diagnoses (though robot doctors and surgeons may not be far off). Instead, they perform routine and laborious tasks, freeing nurses up to attend to patients with immediate needs. This is one industry where it seems the integration of robots will lead to collaboration, not replacement.51. What does the author say about Japan?A)It delivers the best medications for the elderly.B)It takes the lead in providing robotic care.C)It provides retraining for registered nurses.D)It sets the trend in future robotics technology.52. What do we learn about the robot Terapio?A)It has been put to use in many Japanese hospitals.B)It provides specific individualized care to patients.C)It does not have much direct contact with patients.D)It has not revolutionized medical service in Japan.53.What are telepresence robots designed to do?A)Directly interact with patients to prevent them from feeling lonely.B)Cater to the needs of patients for recovering their cognitive capacity.C)Closely monitor the patients' movements and conditions around the clock.D)Facilitate communication between patients and doctors or family members.54.What is one special feature of the robot Actroid F?A)It interacts with patients just like a human companion.B)It operates quietly without patients realizing its presence.C)It likes to engage in everyday conversations with patients.D)It uses body language even more effectively than words.55.What can we infer from the last paragraph?A)Doctors and surgeons will soon be laid off.B)The robotics industry will soon take off.C)Robots will not make nurses redundant.D)Collaboration will not replace competition.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.中国越来越重视公共图书馆，并鼓励人们充分加以利用。

2018年12月大学英语四级考试英语四级听力真题（全）：News 1A device that weighs less than one kilogram is part of a mission that will allow scientists to deliver fourth generation or 4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019。

If successful， the tiny device will provide the moon with its first ever mobile phone network。

The lunar network will support high definition streaming of video and data between the moon and earth。

The network is part of a mission to the moon。

This is a project with the goal of landing the first privately paid for mission to the moon。

The 4G mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in the United States on a space X Falcon 9 rocket in 2019。

Mission to the moon intends to establish and test the first elements of a communications network on the moon。

The scientists working on the project opted to build a 4G rather than a fifth generation or 5G network。

2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版（第1套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the challenges of starting a career after graduation. You should write at least 120 words but no more than180 words.PartⅡListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and then 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 single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the groundC) A rescue worker got trapped in the basementD) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire2. A)He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.B) He once served in a fire department.C) He was collecting building materials.D) He moved into his neighbor's old house.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.B) Change British people’s negative view of mathsC) Help British people understand their paychecks.D) Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.4. A) Children take maths courses at an earlier age.B) The public sees the value of maths in their life.C) British people know how to do elementary calculationsD) Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.Questions 5 and 6 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He owns a fleet of aircraft.B) He is learning to be a pilot.C) He regards his royal duties as a burden.D) He held a part-time job for over 20 years6. A) He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.B) He can change his focus of attention and relax.C) He can show his difference from other royalty.D) He can come into closer contact with his people.7. A) They enjoyed his companyB) They liked him in his uniform.C) They rarely recognised himD) They were surprised to see him.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A），B），C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) They were skilled carpenters themselves.B) It didn't need much capital to start withC) Wood supply was plentiful in Romania.D) They saw a business opportunity there.9. A) Provide quality furniture at affordable pricesB) Attract foreign investment to expand businessC) Enlarge their company by hiring more workersD) Open some more branch companies in Germany.10. A) They are from her hometown.B) They are imported from Germany.C) They all come from Romania.D) They come from all over the continent.11. A) All across Europe.B) Throughout the world.C) Mostly in BucharestD) In Romania onlyQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Go to a concert with him and his girlfriend.B) Try out a new restaurant together in townC) Go with him to choose a pearl for SusanD) Attend the opening of a local restaurant13. A) It is sponsored by local restaurantsB) It specializes in food advertisingC) It is especially popular with the youngD) It provides information on local events14. A) They design a special set of menus for themselves.B) They treat themselves to various entertainmentsC) They go to eat at different stylish restaurantsD) They participate in a variety of social event15. A) More restaurants will join Restaurant Week.B) This year’s Restaurant Week will start soon.C) Bigger discounts will be offered this Restaurant Week.D) More types of food will be served this Restaurant Week.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Rewarding them for eating vegetablesB) Exposing them to vegetables repeatedlyC) Improving the taste of vegetable dishes for theD) Explaining the benefits of eating vegetables to them.17. A) They were disliked most by children.B) They were considered most nutritious.C) They were least used in Belgian cookingD) They were essential to children’s health.18. A) Vegetables differ in their nutritional value.B) Children’s eating habits can be changedC) Parents watch closely what children eat.D) Children’s choices of food vary greatly.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Space exploration has serious consequencesB) India has many space exploration programs.C) There is quite a lot to learn about the moon.D) A lot of garbage has been left on the moon.20. A) It is costly to bring back.B) It is risky to destroyC) It is of no use on Earth.D) It is damaged by radiation.21. A) Record details of space exploration.B) Monitor the change of lunar weather.C) Study the effect of radiation and vacuum on its materialsD) Explore the possibility of human settlement on the moon.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) It is likely to remain a means of business communication.B) It is likely to be a competitor of various messaging appsC) It will gradually be replaced by social media.D) It will have to be governed by specific rules23. A) Save the message in their file.B) Make a timely response.C) Examine the information carefully.D) See if any action needs to be taken.24. A) It is to be passed onC) It requires no reply.B) It is mostly junkD) It causes no concern.25. A) Make it as short as possibleC) Adopt an informal style of writingB) Use simple and clear languageD) Avoid using capitals for emphasis.Part ⅢReading Comprehension ( 40 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank followingthe passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.A few months ago, I was down with a terrible cold which ended with a persistent bad cough. No matter how many different 26I tried, I still couldn’t get rid of the cough. Not only did it 27my teaching but also my life as a whole. Then one day after class, a student came up to me and 28traditional Chinese medicine. From her description, Chinese medicine sounded as if it had magic power that worked wonders; I was 29about it because I knew so little about it and have never tried it before. Eventually, my cough got so much 30that I couldn’t sleep at night, so I decided to give it a try. The Chinese doctor took my pulse and asked to see my tongue, both of which were new 31to me because they are both non-existent in Western medicine. Then the doctor gave me a scrapping (刮) treatment known as ‘Gua Sha’. I was a little 32at first because he used a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin on my neck and shoulders. A few minutes later, the 33 strokes started to produce a relieving effect and my body and mind began to 34deeper into relaxation.I didn’t feel any improvement in my condition in the first couple of days, but after a few more regular visits to the doctor, my cough started to 35. then, within a matter of weeks, it was completely gone!A) deepen E) lessen I) remedies M) temporaryB) experiences F) licenses J) scared N) trembleC) hesitant G) pressured K) sensitive O) worseD) inconvenience H) recommended L) sinkSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Is it really OK to eat food that’s fallen on the floor?[A] When you drop a piece of food on the floor, is it really OK to eat you pick it up within five seconds? An urban food myth contends that if food spends just a fewseconds on the floor, dirt and germs won’t have much of a chance to contaminate it. Research in my lab has focused on how food becomes contaminated, and we’ve done some work on this particular piece of wisdom.[B] While the “five-second rule” might not seem like the most pressing issue for food scientists to get to the bottom of, it’s still worth investigating food myths like this one because they shape our beliefs about when food is safe to eat.[C] So is five seconds on the floor the critical threshold（门槛）that separates a piece of eatable food from a case of food poisoning? It’s a bit more complicated than that. It depends on just how many bacteria can make it from floor to food in a few seconds and just how dirty the floor is.[D] Wondering if food is still OK to eat after it’s dropped on the floor is a pretty common experience. And it’s probably not a new one either. A well-known, but inaccurate, story about Julia Child may have contributed to this food myth. Some viewers of her cooking show, The French Chef, insist they saw Child drop lamb on the floor and pick it up, with the advice that if they were along in the kitchen, their guests would never know.[E] In fact it was a potato pancake, and it fell on the stovetop, not on the floor. Child put it back in the pain, saying. “But you can always pick it up and if you’re alone in the kitchen, who’s going to see it?” But the misremembered story persists. It’s harder to pin down the origins of the oft-quoted five-second rule, but a 2003 study reported that 70% of women and 56% of men surveyed were familiar with the five-second rule and that women were more likely than men to eat food that had dropped on the floor.[F] So what does science tell us about what a few moments on the floor means for the safety of your food? The earliest research report on the five-second rule is attributed to Jillian Clarke, a high school student participating in are search apprenticeship at the University of Illinois. Clarke and her colleagues inoculated floor tiles with bacteria then placed food on the tiles for varying times. They reported bacteria were transferred from the tile to gummy bears and cookies within five seconds, but didn’t report the specific amount of bacteria that made it from the tile to the food.[G] But how much bacteria actually transfer in five seconds? In 2007, my lab at Clemson University published a study–the only peer-reviewed journal paper on this topic–in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. We wanted to know if the length of time food is in contact with a contaminated surface affected the rate of transfer of bacteria to the food. To find out, we inoculated squares of tile, carpet or wood with Salmonella. Five minutes after that, we placed either bologna or bread on the surface for 5, 30 or 60 seconds, and then measured the amount of bacteria transferred to the food. We repeated this exact protocol after the bacteria had been on the surface for two, four, eight and 24 hours.[H] We found that the number of bacteria transferred to either kind of food didn’t depend much on how long the food was in contact with the contaminated surface—whether for a few seconds or for a whole minute. The overall amount of bacteria on the surface mattered more, and this decreased over time after the initial inoculation. It looks like what’s at issue is less how long your food stays on the floor and much more how contaminated with bacteria that patch of floor happens to be.[I] We also found that the kind of surface made a difference as well. Carpets, for instance, seem to be slightly better places to drop your food than wood or tile. When carpet was inoculated with Salmonella, less than 1% of the bacteria were transferred. But when the food was in contact with tile or wood, 48%-70%of bacteria transferred. [J] Last year, a study from Aston University in the UK used nearly identical parameters （参数）to our study and found similar results testing contact times of three and 30 seconds on similar surfaces. They also reported that 87% of people asked either would eat or have eaten food dropped on the floor.[K] Should you eat food fallen on the floor then? From a food safety standpoint, you have millions or more bacteria on a surface, 0.1% is still enough to make you sick. Also, certain types of bacteria are extremely harmful and it takes only a small number to make you sick. For example, 10 bacteria or less of an especially deadly strain of bacteria can cause severe illness and death in people with compromised immune systems. But the chance of these bacteria being on most surfaces is very low.[L] And it’s not just dropping food on the floor that can lead to bacterial contamination. Bacteria are carried by various “media,” which can include raw food, moist surfaces where bacteria has been left, our hands or skin and from coughing or sneezing. Hands, foods and utensils can carry individual bacterial cells, colonies of cells or cells living in communities contained within a protective film that provide protection. These microscopic layers of deposits containing bacteria are known as biofilms and they are found on most surfaces and objects. Biofilm communities can harbor bacteria longer and are very difficult to clean. Bacteria in these communities also have an enhanced resistance to sanitizers and antibiotics compared to bacteria living on their own. [M] So the next time you consider eating dropped food, the odds are in your favor that you can eat that morsel and not get sick. But in the rare chance that here is a microorganism that can make you sick on the exact spot where the food dropped, you can be fairly sure the bug is on the food you are about to put in your mouth.[N] Research or common sense tells us that the best thing to do is to keep your hands and other surfaces clean.36. A research project found bacteria made their way to the food on the floor in five seconds.37. Whether food is contaminated depends much on the number of bacteria that get onto it.38. Food contamination may result from various factors other than food dropping on the floor.39. Males are less likely than females to eat food that may have been contaminated.40. The author’s research center around how food gets contaminated.41. Keeping everything clean is the best way to stay healthy.42. Chances are you will not fall sick because of eating food picked up from the floor.43. For a long time people have had the experience of deciding whether or not to eat food picked up from the floor.44. Some strains of bacteria are so harmful that a tiny few can have deadly consequences.45. Researcher found how many bacteria get onto the food did not have much to dowith how long the food stayed on a contaminated floor.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The latest in cat research reveals that the lovely animal seems to have a basic grasp on both the laws of physics and the ins and outs of cause and effect.According to a newly published study, cats seem to be able to predict the location of hiding prey（借物）using both their ears and an inborn（天生的）understanding of how the physical world worksIn a recent experiment, Japanese researchers taped 30 domestic cats reacting to a container that a team member shook. Some containers rattled（发出响声）, others did not. When the container was tipped over, sometimes an object fell out and sometimes it didn’t.It turns out that the cats were remarkably smart about what would happen when a container was tipped over. When an object did not drop out of the bottom of a rattling container, they looked at it for a longer time than they did when the container behaved as expected.“Cats use a causal-logical understanding of nose or sounds to predict the appearance of invisible objects,” lead researcher Saho Takagi says in a press release. The researchers conclude that cats hunting style may have developed based on their common-sense abilities to infer where prey is, using their hearing.Scientists have explored this idea with other endearing creatures: babies. Like cats, babies appear to engage in what’s called “preferential looking”--looking longer at things that are interesting or unusual than things they perceive as normal.When babies’ expectations are violated in experiments like the ones performed with the cats, they react much like their animal friends. Psychologists have shown that babies apparently expect their world to comply with the laws of physics and cause and effect as early as two months of age.Does the study mean that cats will soon grasp the ins and outs of cause and effect? Maybe. Okay, so cats may not be the next physics faculty members at America’s most important research universities. But by demonstrating their common sense, they’ve shown that the divide between cats and humans may not be that great after all.Even though pumping from these depths is expensive, it is still cheaper than desalinating（脱盐）the ocean water in the largely coastal state. Some desalination plants exist where feasible, but they are costly to run and can need constant repairs.Wells are much more reliable sources of freshwater, and California is hoping that these deep wells may be the answer to their severe water shortage.One problem with these sources is that the deep water also has a higher level of salt than shallower aquifers. This means that some wells may even need to undergo desalination after extraction, thus increasing the cost. Research from the exhaustive study of groundwater from over 950 drilling logs has just been published. New estimates of the water reserves now go up to 2,700 billion cubic meters of freshwater.46. What do we learn from a newly published study about cats?A) They can be trained to understand the physical world.B) They know what kind of prey might be easier to hunt.C) They have a natural ability to locate animals they hunt.D) They are capable of telling which way their prey flees.47. What may account for the cat's response to the noise from the containers?A) Their inborn sensitivity to noise.B) Their unusual sense of direction.C) Their special ability to perceive.D) Their mastery of cause and effect.48. What is characteristic of the way cats hunt, according to the Japanese researchers?A) They depend on their instincts. C) They wait some time before attack.B) They rely mainly on their hearing. D) They use both their ears and eyes.49. In what way do babies behave like cats?A) They focus on what appears odd.B) They view the world as normal.C) They do what some time they prefer to do.D) They are curious about everything.50. What can we conclude about cats from the passage?A) They have higher intelligence than many other animals.B) They interact with the physical world much like humans.C) They display extraordinary high intelligence in hunting.D) They can aid physics professors in their research work. .Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Imagine you enter a car with no steering wheel, no brake or accelerator pedals. Under a voice-activated command, you say an address. "The fastest route will take us 15. 3 minutes. Should I take it?" You say yes and you are on your way. The car responds and starts moving all by itself. All you have to do is sit back and relax.How weird would it be if, one day in the future, everyone had such a car? No crazy driving, no insults, no cutting in; traffic laws would be respected and driving much safer. On the other hand, imagine the cost savings for local police enforcement and town budgets without all those speeding and parking tickets.A new technology has the potential to change modern society in radical ways. There’s no question that self-driving vehicles could be an enormous benefit. The potential for safer cars means accident statistics would drop: some 94% of road accidents in the U. S. involve human error. Older drivers and visually- or physically-impaired people would gain a new level of freedom. Maintaining safe speeds and being eletric, self-driving cars would drastically reduce pollution levels and dependency on non- renewable fuels. Roads would be quieter, people safer.But we must also consider the impact of the new technology on those who now depend on driving for their livelihoods. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, in May 2015 there were 505,560 registered school bus drivers. The American Trucking Association lists approximately 3. 5 million professional truck drivers in the U. S.The companies developing self-driving vehicles should be partnering with state and federal authorities to offer retraining for this massive workforce, many of whom will be displaced by the new technology. This is similar to what’s happening in the coal and oil industries, a situation that fuels much of the current political discontent in this country.New technologies will, and should, be developed. This is how society moves forward. However, progress can’t be one-sided. It is necessary for the companies and state agencies involved to consider the ethical consequences of these potential changes to build a better future for all.51. What would be the impact of the extensive use of driverless cars?A) People would be driving in a more civilized wayB) It would save local governments a lot of money.C) More policemen would be patrolling the streets.D) Traffic regulations would be a thing of the past.52. How would the elderly and the disabled benefit from driverless cars?A) They could enjoy greater mobilityB) They would suffer no road accidents.C) They would have no trouble driving.D) They could go anywhere they want.53. What would be the negative impact of driverless cars?A) The conflict between labor and management would intensify.B) The gap between various sectors of society would be widened.C) Professional drivers would have a hard time adapting to new road conditions.D) Numerous professional drivers would have to find new ways of earning a living.54. What is the result of the introduction of new technologies in energy industries?答：B,A) Political dissatisfaction.B) Retaining of employees.C) Fossil fuel conservation.D) Business restructuring.55. What does the author suggest businesses and the government do?A) Keep pace with technological developments.B) Make new technologies affordable to everyone.C) Enable everyone to benefit from new technologies.D) Popularize the use of new technologies and devices.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes) Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.过去几年里，移动支付市场在中国蓬勃发展。

2018年12月英语四级听力真题College English Test – Band 4大学英语四级考试Part II Listening Comprehension第二部分，听力理解Section A: Directions: In this section, you will hear three news reports.第一部分：在本节中，你将听到三则新闻报道。

At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions.每则新闻结束后，你将会听到两或三个问题。

Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once.新闻和问题都将只放一遍。

After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).听到问题后，从标记为A)、B)、C)和D)的四个选项中选出最佳答案。

Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center. 并在答题纸1的对应位置上填涂相应的字母。

News report 1新闻报道一A device that weighs less than one kilogram is part of a mission that will allow scientiststo deliver fourth generation or 4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019.一个重量不足一千克的设备将在2019年助力科学家完成向月球提供第四代或4G移动通讯覆盖任务。

【导语】2018年12⽉英语四级考试已结束，四六级频道在考后特别整理了2018年12⽉英语四级听⼒真题及答案解析（新东⽅在线版），仅供⼤家参考，祝⼤家顺利通过四级考试！ 新闻： News Report One 参考答案： 1. Set up a mobile phone net work on the moon. 2. It is stable. 主旨内容： 科学家们想要在⽉球上安置⼀个设备，这样就是第⼀次在⽉球上可提供移动信号,且⽉球络将⽀持⽉球和地球之间的⾼清视频和数据流。

参考原⽂： A device that weighs less than 1 kilogram is part of a mission that will allow scientists to deliver fourth generation or 4G mobile coverage to the moon in 2019. If successful, the tiny device will provide the moon with its first ever mobile phone network. The lunar network will support high definition streaming of video and data between the moon and the earth. The network is part of a mission to the moon. This is a project with the goal of landing the first privately paid for mission to the moon. The 4G mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in the United States on a space X Falcon Nine Rocket in 2019. Mission to the moon intends to establish and test the first elements of a communications network on the moon. The scientists working on the project opted to build 4G rather than the fifth generation or 5G work. This is because fifth generation networks are still in testing and trial phases. This means that a 5G network may not yet be stable enough to work on the moon’s surface. Question 1. What are scientists planning to do? Question 2. Why did scientists choose to set up a 4G network in their mission? 解析： 本篇新闻难度适中，第⼀题类似主旨题，问到了科学家的计划，在新闻导语第⼀句即给出了本篇新闻的主旨内容，即在⽉球上安置⼀个可⽀持4G的设备。