2014National English Contest forCollege Students(Level C–Preliminary)(总分：150分时间：120分钟)Part I listening Comprehension(30marks)Section A(5marks)In this section,you will hear five short conversations.Each conversation will be read only once.After each conversation,there will be a twenty-second pause. During the pause,read the question and the three choices marked A,B and C,and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.1.why does Carl meet the woman?A.he is going to interview her on media matters.B.They are going to start a new company together.C.He will help her cope with an interview.D.He wants to recommend a new product to her.2.what is the man worrying about most?A.he can’t afford what the woman may recommend to him.B.The designer may charge him more than he should pay.C.There is no appropriate design for him in the Armani shopD.The woman may spend too much on new clothes.3.what is the woman suggesting by accepting that they can’t cut the mustard?A.she does’t have a knife so they can’t have mustard.B.She does’t know how to cook mustard without a recipe.C.They have to face the imperfect reality at the moment,D.The man needs to calm down or he may get hurt by a knife.4.Why did the man take up golf?A.He enjoyed the sport when he was a child.B.He thought golf was useful in his career.C.It could help improve his health.D.It was part of his New York project.5.When did the man quit smoking this time?A.Less than two weeks ago.B.About two months ago.C.Some four years ago.D.More than ten years ago.Section B(10marks)In this section,you will hear two long conversations.Each conversation will be read only once.At the end of each conversation,there will be a one-minute pause.During the pause,read the questions and the three choices marked A,Band C,and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Conversation one6.Why did Jane phone Matt?A.she asked for a project record in Matt’s company.B,she invited him to participate in a project release in her Company,C.she had some questions about an investment project.D.she wanted to place a new project advertisement through him.7.how did tane get to know Matt’s project?A.She got a copy of the investment proposal.B.she got the information from another company.C.She was informed by one of his colleagues.D.Matt recommended the project to her before.8.when did Matt’s company find problems of the previous deal?A.before they signed the contract.B.shortly after they started the deal.C.when they completed the project.D.soon after they paid the deposit.9.Why did the deal fall through?A.Matt’s company changed its investment policy.B.Matt’s company was slow in delivering the money.C.the client company broke its promise.D.the client company had financial problems.10.what is tane going to do before she makes a decision on the project?A.discuss with her partners.B.submit the proposal to emma.C.call some other investment companies.D.visit Matt’s company in person.Conversation two11.what is Hilary Kingsley.A.A newspaper reporter.B.a TV columnist.C.A soap opera direct.D.a radio commentator.12.How did Hilary define a soap opera?A.It is a continuing story about things that happen among family members and colleagues.B.It is a fiction story that describes the life of people living on a special.C.It is a never-ending story telling about women selling soap powders.D.It is a TV series that concentrates on men coping with difficulties.13.When did soap operas get stated according to the passage?A.Since the1920s and1930s.B.Since the1930s and1940s.C.since the1950s and1960s.D.since1960s and1970s.14.why was the programme given the name“soap opera”?A.Because the first soap opera was about a women selling soap businesses.B.Because it was broadcast mainly to promote the sale of soap powders.C.Because it was broadcast mainly to promote the sale of soap factory.D.Because the first soap opera was soap operas differ from other dramas?15.In what way does Hilary think soap operas differ from other dramas?A.They always show how people deal with everyday problems.B.They have changed quite a lot since they got started.C.They have more female characters than male ones.D.They mainly focus on men’s never-ending pursuits in career.Section C(5marks)In this section,you will hear five short news items.After each item,which will be read only once,there will be a pause.During the pause,read the question and the three choices marked A,B and C,and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.16.what is the main finding about carbon dioxide in roger’s report?A.carbon dioxide is firstly found in human history.B.Carbon dioxide is an important factor in global warming.C.Carbon dioxide is found reaching a quite high level.D.Measurement of carbon dioxide is symbolic in human history.17.How did the woman survive from the disaster?A.She was in a hospital when the collapse happened.B.She found water and food before she was saved.C.She got help from a colleague who died the later on.D.She was fortunately stronger than the others.18.Why did the government drop leaflets over the town?A.To express the concern over a build-up of troops.B.To warn the rebels the preparing attack on Qusair.C.To make the people aware of the danger and leave.D.To advertise for the government to collect more money.19.How many megawatts will the solar capacity reach in morocco by2020?A. B. C. D.20.What did the survey by the American institute of CPAs mainly find?A.Student loans are rising because of the huge amounts of borrowers.B.Student loan debtors tend to borrow more money to live happily.C.60percent of student loan are regretful about the survey.D.Student loans may have a negative influence on the borrowers’life.Section D(10marks)In this section,you will hear a short passage.There are10missing words or phrases.Fill in the blanks with the exact words or phrases you hear.The passage will be read twice. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Doctors often patients to take a certain kind of medicine in order to21._________an illness.For example,a patient may need medicine because his or her shoulder hurts.The doctor may tell the patient that there is a brand name medicine which will help him or her.This brand name medicine is made by a famous company.However,there may be also a generic type of the name medicine.Generic medicine are22.________by some people because they are usually less expensive,yet they have the name ingredients as brand new medicines.If the generic medicine has the same ingredients,this means that the medicine should have23._______on the person as the brand name medicines.If the ingredients in the generic and brand name medicines are a little different,then the generic type cannot24._______the same as the brand name medicine.Generic medicine are almost aways cheaper than brand name medicines.Why is this? Making any kind of medicine takes a lot of money and a lot of time.This is because a company has to pay doctors and scientists to study and illness.Then,it takes more money and more time for the company to test the medicine to25.________it is safe and that it works.Once a company is ready to sell its product to people,the company usually sets the price of the medicine very high.The company26._______a lot of money in order to get back all of the money that it spent making the medicine.Generic medicine makers,on the other hand,copy some kind of medicine that has already been developed and tested.For this reason,they do not have to spend as much money to develop the medicine.Generic medicines are usually not sold27.______Companies that make generic medicines must wait a certain28.______before they can make the same medicine.But once the generic medicine ison the market,doctors are usually quick to offer it to their patients.This is because the price of medicine is very expensive.Taking a generic medicine can save a patient,or his or her29._____,a lot of money.Generic medicines are just as good as brand name medicine.Therefore,doctors 30._____having their patients take these medicines.Part II Vocabulary and Structure(15marks)There are15incomplete sentences in this section.For each blank there are four choices marked A,B,C and D.Choose the one that best completes the sentence.Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Section A Vocabulary and Grammar(10marks)31.They finally____a conclusion that the company’s failure has been attributed to_____bad management.A.get;fullB.draw;sheerC.reach;wholeD.make;total32.----Most young people want to_____more about environment problems.--------Yes.but everyone knows about pollution problem,not many people have_____any solutions.A.look up;looked intoB.find out;come up withC.deal with;got round toD.make out;thought over33.I knew______at the party,but Monica knew_____people,nearly everybody in fact.A.hardly anybody;plenty ofB.rarely somebody;fewC.barely everybody;a fewD.scarcely nobody;many34.She hastened to______me that the report contained no critical comments on my department performance.A.ensureB.insureC.assureD.make sure35.______for his broken leg in the earlier part of the season,he_____in the England team to play Poland last may.A.Except;would have playedB.But;might have beenC.Only;could not playD.If it’s not;was able to be36._______before we depart next Thursday,we should have a wonderful together,A.had they arrivedB.Would they arriveC.Were they arrivingD.Were they to arrive37.please remember that Jeanie hasn’t been well recently,so please_____for her if she seems a bit slow,A.Make allowances forB.Make an observation aboutC.Provide the opportunity forD.Have your own way.38.Great as Einstein was,many of his ideas____today and are being modified by the seems a bit slow.A.Are to be challengedB.May be challengedC.Have been challengedD.Are challenged39.-----oh.I can speak only a few words of french,i’m no good at languages! --------Come on!______we know you can speak five languages!A.are you pulling my leg?B.Keep your chip up!C.Stop fishing for compliment!D.A leopard can’t change its sports!40.-------Frances,do you think you could fix up a staff meeting for me?-------yes,I’ll do that._____--------well.let’s arranged it for Friday morning and see whether everyone else is free then.A.what’re you going to talk aboutB.Do you think they all will come?C.At what time do you stop working?D.When were you thinking of?Section B Cultures(5marks)41.In his famous speech,the Gettysburg Address,_____extolled virtues for the listeners(and the nation)to ensure the survival of America's representative democracy,that "government of the people,by the people.for the people,shall not perish from the earth."A. B. C. D.42.The Wars of the_____were a series of dynastic wars fought between supporters of tworival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet:the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England.They were fought in several sporadic episodes between1455and1485, although there was related fighting both before and after this period.A.LiliesB.RosesC.TulipsD.Mayflower43.Shakespeare produced most of his known work between1589and1613.His early plays were mainly comedies and histories.He then wrote mainly tragedies until about1608，including Hamlet,king lear,_____,and Macbeth,considered some of the finest works in the English language.A.merchant of VeniceB.A midsummer night's dreamC.OthelloD.The taming of the shrew44._____is awarded the2013Nobel prize in literature for her work as"master of the modern short story".and the2009man Booker international prize for her lifetime body of work.A.Alice MunroB.Helen KellerC.J.K.RowlingD.Anne Frank45._____is a collegiate research university located in England,united kingdom.although its exact date of foundation is unclear,there is evidence of teaching as far back as1096，making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world,and the second-oldest surviving university in the world,after the university of Bologna.A.the university of CambridgeB.the university of OxfordC.the university of walesD.the university of EdinburghPart III Cloze(10marks)Read the following passage and fill in each blank with one word.Choose the correct word in one of the following three ways:according to the context,by using the correct form of the given word,or by using the given letters of the word.Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Birds are warm blooded animals.though their feathers help to keep them warm,some birds such as ducks,46.()(goose),and swans still can't endure harsh winter temperatures.for these reasons,birdseed from cold climates fly to warmer climates47.()the winter.this seasonal movement of birdseed is called migration.birds migrate to warmer places,often hundreds of milestone away,where they can have the best chance of48.sur().Birds migrate naturally.certain clues form the environment cause hormone changes in the bird's body.as the days get49.()(short),for example,these hormones tell the bird's body to store fat.this is because migrating Takes an50.en()energy.birds don't have a lot of time to eat while migrating,so they rely on stores of fat.when bird migrate,they fly as a group.to minimize theenergy needed to fly long distances,a group of birds51.()(fly)together in a V-shape.the bird at the front of the"V"uses the most energy because the wind often blows52.()him.every so often,the birds change positions site that each bird has a turn at the front,and everyone gets a rest.53.Nav()is also an important part of the journey.birds find where they are going birds using visual clues,such as Rivers coastlines,and mountain ranges.In addition,they use the sun and the star for guidance.54.()(amaze),they also use the earth's invisible magnetic force for direction.this gives them a natural sense of north and south,like a kind of internal compass. Many studies indicate that migratory birds fly along the same course every year.researchers decide to test this using"bird banding".they first capture a migratory bird and attach a tag to its foot.this tag has an ID number on it,55.()is stored in a database.they then set the bird free and track its movement.bird banding has shown that many birds follow the same route year after year.Part IV Reading Comprehension(40marks)Read the following passages.Each passage is followed by several questions.Respond to the questions using information from the passage.Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Section A(5marks)Questions56—60are based on the following passage.WHERE TO GO WHAT TO GOFridayClint blackOne of the hot new artists on the country music scene,clint black,will perform with one of country music's legends merle haggard and up-and-comer Lorrie Morgan at red Rocks amphitheater.for ticket information,call Ticketmaster at290-8497.Time:7：30p.m.tickets:$19.542nd street‘42nd street'will be presented through Sunday at the Denver auditorium theatre.the comedy includes songs by Irving Berlin,Jerome Kern,ColePorter.call893-4100for tickets or for more information.Time:8p.m.tonight and Saturday;7p.m.Sunday.tickets:$25-$38Bluegrass artistsHome on the Grande concert series presents top bluegrass artists including the bluegrass patriots and Peter and Joan Wernick performing at Grange hall in Niwot.for more information call444-4537Time:8：30tonight and Saturday.tickets:$6SaturdayRiff performanceRiff will perform with ll cool j at Arnold hall theater at the u.s air force academy.call 1-719-472for ticket information.Time:8p.m.ticket:$18，$15，$10Train ridesThe Georgetown loop historic mining and railroad park is open on weekends through may.passengers may board in either Georgetown or silver plume.the train will running daily beginning memorial day and continuing through labor day call670-1686.Time:9：20a.m.-3:55p.m.tickets:$5-$12.5SundayMorning concertThe Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra will perform at the Denver first church of the Nazarene,3800E.Hampden ave.the150-member choir will perform a variety of classical and popular songs.A free continental breakfast will be offered before the concert.call761-8370.When:8：45a.m.breakfast,9：45a.m.concert.Tickets:free-will offering.Help for kidsColorado Kpids Care And Funplex are teaming up to help homeless children by accepting donations of baby items including clothing,formula and diapers at Funplex,located at south Kipling street and west coal mine avenue in Littleton.each person who brings a donation will receive a free activity pass to Funplex.for more information,call934-0277.Time:11a.m.-6p.m.origamiThe Boulder public library's Sunday specials program is presenting an origami workshop in the convent garden at the library,1000canyon Blvd.participants will learn to make birds,boats and other objects using the age-old paper folding techniques.call441-3100.Time:3p.m tickets:freeAuto exhibitThe either annual concours d’Elegance auto exhibit will be held in the north parking lot at university Hillsborough mall,2700s.Colorado Blvd.Rare Porsches,Maseratis,jaguars and racing Carson will be featured.all proceeds benefit Denver's united cerebral palsy association.call 355-7337for more information.Time:9a.m.-4p.m.Tickets:$5Questions56—60Decide the following statements are TRUE or FALSE according to the passage.56.Only those WHO bring donations to homeless children can attend the activity at Funplex.57.if you are interested in gardening,you won't want to mission the"bluegrass artists"Friday night in Niwot.58.if you are interested in buying a used car,you won't find any useful information in this page of weekend.59.in the Sunday morning concert at the Denver first church of the Nazarene,free breakfast and performance will be provided.60.participants can watch and learn paper folding technique rather than do handset-on activities in the origami workshop.Section B(10marks)Questions61-65are based on the following passage.One of the hardest things for any sportsperson to do is to know when to retire.do you retire when you are at your physical peak or do you wait untilyour body(or your coach)tells you that it's time to go?but even harder is finding the answer to the question"what am i going to do with the rest of my life?"61()"there's a high risk of depression and people often find adjusting to a new way of life difficult",says Ian Cockerill,a sports psychologist."for sport people,There's an extra trauma-the loss of the glamour.that's the hardest part."as Eddie Araro,the us jockey says,"when a jockey retires,he becomes just another little man."62()perhaps they just can't stand life without the"high"of playing professional sport.Michael Jordan,the greatest basketball player of all time,retired three timeshare.he retired once from the Chicago bulls,made a successful comeback with the bulls,then retired again.his second comeback with an inferior team ended in failure and he retired for ever at the age of 38.Jordan said,"there will never be anything in do that will fulfill me as much as competing did."63()Muhammad Alice needed the money,but his comeback fight,at the age of 39，against Trevor Berbick,was one of the saddest spectacles in modern sport.after losing to Berbick,Alice retired permanently.three years later he developed Parkinson's disease.64()as Jimmy greaves,an ex-England international footballer said,"I think that a lot of players would prefer to be shot once their career is over."many of them spend their retirement in a continual battle against depression,alcohol,or drugs.65()Franz Beckenbauer is a classic example of a footballer WHO won everythingwith his club,Bayern Munich.after retiring he became a successful coach with Bayern and finally president of the club.John McEnroe,the infamous"bad boy"of tennis,is now a highly respected and highly paid TV commentator.another good example is world famous Chinese table tennis player-Deng Yaping.after retiring at the end of the1997season,Deng served on the international Olympic committee's ethics and athletes commissions.she is also a member of the elite Laureus World Sportswear academy,and a member of the Chinese people's political consultative conference.Deng Yaping becomes deputy secretary of China communist youth league Beijing committee later.but sadly,for most sportspeople these cases are the exceptions.\A.for some people the pain of saying goodbye never leaves them.B.others can't resist the chance of one last"pay day".C.however,some famous sports persons are much easier to develop some typical psychological disease.D.but for the lucky few,retirement can mean a successful new career.E.when you hear the final whistle you have to leave as soon as possible.F.retirement for people in general is traumatic.G.some sportspeople go on playing too long.Section C(10marks)Questions66—70are based on the following passage.There are two reasons why I wanted to come to southern Germany to study.I wanted to be at the centre of Europe,within easier reach of other countries,and cities such as Paris and Prague.the other reason was that is was finding it very difficult to find a place to study medicinein Norway,where there are ONLY three medical schools.I spent my last two years at a boarding school,where I made lots of friends and learned to look after myself and integrate with other people.I was19when I left,and those two years had changed me;I knew I could cope with student life in another country.First I had to learn German.I went Munich in September,a month before the term started,and spent three weeks on a language with them.nobody spoke Norwegian,of course,so it was a great he;[to find that there were other students from Norway at the university.I made friend with some of them and we were able to help one another during the Firestone few weeks in a new city.after sic months in moved into my own apartment;there is a wonderful mix of cultures and is have made many friend form different places.for three years I had a Norwegian boy friend WHO was also studying to be a doctor,but that ended when he left.I would recommend studying abroad to anyone.you get a chance to learn another language and to understand the culture and traditions of another country.Munich is a fantastic city for students,especially as beer is the favourite drink of student everywhere.I didn't like beer before,but if you live in Munich,there really is no alternative,and now i have acquired the taste.In winter i prefer to visit cafes and talk with friends,but in summer my favourite place is the Englisher Garten,with its lake and park and lots of barstool.the city's beer halls are generally full of students and tourists.At weekends I often go skiing in the Australian Alps with friends.we pile into a couple of Carson and rent an apartment.this all costs money,and,like most students,I am living on a loan from the government,by the time i take my final exams i shall have serious problems.I hope to get a job in a hospital near Oslo.I worked there last summer,while earning the money to go to Nepal,Thailand and Vietnam fore three months.we are a medical family.My mother and elder sisters are nurses,but my father is the odd one out:he runs a hairdressing salon.Questions66—70Answers the following question according to the passage.66.why did Marianne go to Germany to study besides her desire to be in the centre of Europe?67.how long did Marianne live in a Germany family after she reached Munich?68.what does Marianne want to be after her graduation?69.what makeshift Marianne be accustomed to drinking beer?70.how did Marianne get the money for her three months’travelling to other countries? Section D(10marks)Questions71—75are based on the following passage.Would you believe that your diet can make a big difference in keeping a youthful appearance?It seems strange to think that the food we take in could result in fewer wrinkles.wouldn't it be betterto put things on our skin rather than in our mouths?well,according to one scientific theory,our bodies start aging because of oxidation.this means the certain oxygen-containing molecules in our cells,called free radicals,have the capability to attach to and damage parts of our cells,including our DNA.our bodies can repair this damage,butas we get older,these repair mechanisms start to break down,resulting in the signs of aging.free radicals are actually reduced by our bodies,but their numbers can also increase because of the food we eat.Besides avoiding foodstuff which could potentially produce more free radicals,eating foodstuff which contain certain vitamins and micro-nutritious can also contribute to keep useful looking young.these vitamins help produce molecules called antioxidants,which actually help reduce the production of free radicals.even better,foodstuff containing antioxidant are not mon antioxidants,like vitamins A and E,can be found in many dark-coloured vegetables.for example,carrots,seaweed,spinach,and broccoli are excellent sources of these helpful vitamins.also,you can eat orange-coloured fruits like apricots and peaches.vitamins A and E are particularly good for helping your skin remain young-looking.these nutrients strengthen your skin and make it soft.however,if you really want to stock up quickly on nutrients that benefit your skin,you should eat cow's liver.one small piece of cooked cow'sliver contains twice a much vitamin A as half a cup of cooked carrots.More recently,green tea has also been tentatively added to the list of youth-promoting substances.although research about green tea's effects on our bodies is at an Early stage,scientists certainly believe that it is good for useful.scientists,however,are still cautious about predicting its capability to keep useful looking youthful.but from recent experiments,its antioxidant properties seem to be able to repair cell damage already sustained as well as prevent damage in the future.In fact,green tea workshop even better if you apply it directly to your skin as an ingredient in facial cream."You are what you eat/"this old proverb certainly seems to be TRUE there more we find out about how our body works.think about that the next time you sit down at the table.Question71-75Complete the summary with words from the passage,changing the form where necessary,with only one word for each blank.people use cosmetic surgery,facial71_____and cosmetics to look younger.maybe the best way to fight wrinkles is really just to eat foodstuff with the right vitamins and nutrients in them.some foodstuff we eat have the capability of72_____our cells in that these foods can increase harmful molecules in our bodies called free radicals.but if we take in foods with vitamins A and E,for example,we can73_____the production of free radicals in our bodies.other foods that seem to have healthy74_____of antioxidant include cow's liver and green tea.moreover,green tea is proved to be more helpful in repairing sustained damage and even preventing future damage if it is75_____properly and directly.Part V Translation(10marks)Translate the following sentences into English,using the hints given in brackets. Remember to write the answer on the answer sheet.76.distance learning is a formal educational process that breaks the traditional mode of classroom teaching.there are two key differences between traditional education and distance learning.distance learning adds flexibility and availability,regardless of time,place,regardless pace of learning.here an instructor teaches,and somewhere else a student learns,regardless of barriers of time or place.distance learning reaches out to non-traditional students WHO must fit。
2014年全国大学生英语竞赛初赛(C类)试卷及答案2011 National English Contest for College students(Level C-Preliminary)Part I Listening Comprehension (30 marks) Section A (5 marks)In this section, you will hear five short conversations. Each conversations will be read only once. At the end of each conversation, there will be a twenty-second pause, read the question and the there choices marked A,B and C ,and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.1.What does the man want to do?A.G et something to eat now.B.Find a quiet place that shows games.C.W atch the next game with the woman.2.Why does not the man have a MySpace account?A.H e is not skilled at using computer.B.All of the instruction are in EnglishC.T he woman won not teach him.3.How long does the woman plan to tryteleworkingA.F or a few days.B.For a few weeks.C.F or a few months.4.What does the man hope will happen?A.T he price of cell phone novels will go down.B.The novel’s author will writer longer stories.C.T he woman will tell him ho the story ends.5.what is the woman going to do next?A.t urn on her computer.B.Go for a walk with peter.C.V isit her new neighbors.Section B (10 marks)In this section, you will hear two long conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. At the end each conversation, there will be a one minute pause. During the pause, read the questions, each with three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Conversation one6.What did Jack do over the summer?A.H e studied very hard.B.He took a summer class.C.H e visited one of his teachers.7.What does Jack think of Ms Wellington as a teacher?A.E asy-going.B.Tough.C.I nteresting.8.Why i s Ms Wellington’s class hard?A.H er exams are difficult.B.She does not give students the help they need.C.S he makes do lots of work.Conversation two9.Why is Mrs. Griffin going to the city where the hotel is located?A.H e is on holiday.B.He’s on a business tripC.H e is going to a conference.10. How many times has Mrs. Griffin stayed at the Sunrise Hotel?A. Twice.B. Once.C. Three times.11. Where is Mrs. Griffin form?A. Canada.B. New Zealand.C. Australia.12. What is Mrs. Griffin’s passport number?A.87647489B.87637289C.8763748913. What kind of room does Mrs. Griffin want?A. A single room for two nights.B. A double room for two nights.C. A single room for one night.14. When will Mrs. Griffin arrive at Sunrise Hotel?A. at 9:15 pmB. at 9:35 pmC. at 10:00 pm15. What food will be put into Mrs. Griffin’s room?A. a sandwich with fries.B. a cheese sandwich.C. a burger with chips.Section C (5Marks)16. What does the Associated Press ask editor and news directors to do?A. vote for the top stories of the year.B. describe the oil spill in the Gulf of MexicoC. writes about the 11 workers killed in the explosion17. Where are the doctors and technology experts from?A. New York.B. LondonC. Tokyo18. For how long does President Obama agree to extend the tax cuts?A. for four yearsB. for three yearsC. for two years.19. How many people in the world don’t have enough to eat,according to the report?A. more than one billion.B. some six hundred million.C. nearly nine hundred million20. What have astronomers recently discovered?A. there are unknown plants in older galaxies.B. there are many galaxies in the universeC. there are a lot more red dwarf in older galaxiesSection D (10 marks)In the section, you will hear a short passage. There are 10 missing words phrases. Fill in the blanks with the exact words or phrases you hear. Remember to write the answer on the answer sheetWhat do you do if you don’t get your first choice university? This ____ faces thousands of British every year. Many such_____ turn to Clearing, a service that helps find university places for students at the last moment. If they don’t have the marks to get into their____, Clearing tells them about places available at other university, though they might have to reada difficult subject.This year has seen a record number of people applying to university. This, combined with the _____________________,an uncertain job market, and budget cuts at university, product even more of a scramble for places than usual. Some sources say six students have applied for eachremaining___________________________ place The British University Admissions Service, UCAS, says up to a quarter of this year’s university applicants-almost 190000 people-have not been admitted intoa____________________________. That is an increase of over 46000 students from last year.Faced with these figure, some British students might consider an interesting alternative:_____________________________. The University of Nottingham for is offering place at its campuses in Ningbo, near Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Students at these institutions can earn University of Nottinghamdegrees, according, engineering and English. Similarly, the University of Bolton says it has unlimited places at its campus in the United Arab Emirates.To deal with these problems, the UK’s Higher Education Minister, David Willet’s, is encouraging students who have not made the grade to consider alternatives to university, such as _______________________and studying at home.“There are arr ange of options available, “he says. “people can reapply next year, so they should consider spending this year in a way that will add positively to their CVs. Getting_____________________or other skills will strengthen their chances next year.” Some commentators say, though that rising university costs, poor long-term_______________________, and a drop in graduate recruitment mean this the worst time to be a university student in the UK.Part Two Vocabulary and Structure (15 marks ) There are 15 incomplete sentences in this section. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.31.After four days of talks, we are glad to announce that the union and management have reached an______. The agreement is fair and benefits both sides.A.accordB. accomplishmentC. identityD. undertaking32.As the clerk______prepared my milk shake,I wondered how long she had been working there ,mindlessly making ice cream treats in a set order of steps.A.logicallyB. methodicallyC. graphicallyD. synthetically33. As a boy he wanted to be a fireman. As a high school student, he thought he'd like to become a teacher. Now he______to be nothingmore than a janitor.A.AssumesB. PrescribesC. AspiresD. Presumes34. Regardless of what caused it, I an grateful that have finally reached a point in mylife_______I can appreciate my strengths, accept my weaknesses and try to be comfortable with everything in between.A.WhyB. WhereC. WhichD. What35. ______information provided by members of the public, the police would have a much move difficult job.A.SupposingB. Provided theC. If it were not forD. On condition that36.Peter Brown was a painstakingwriter;______, he once spent half a day on the composition of a single sentence.A.On the other handB. NeverthelessC. MoreoverD. For example37.----What an I going to do about a present for Carol?----You______some flowers.A.Might have sent herB. Must have sent herC. Could send herD. Would send her38.Without the air holding in some of the sun's heat, the earth______cold at night, too cold for us to live on.A.Will be freezingB. Would be freezingC. An be frozenD. Would be frozen39.The students in our university each______an English dictionary. That is to say, each of the students in our university______an English dictionary.A.Have; hasB. Have; haveC. Has; haveD. Has; has40.Here's your kitchen. I hope you enjoy cooking here. Is there______else that you need?A.SomethingB. AnythingC. NothingD. Everything41.David______his business partner over plans to reduce the workforce.A.Came down toB. Broke down toC. Fell out withD. Went along with42.______is this piece of equipment to be removed from the building.A.On no accountB. AbsolutelyC. ScarcelyD. Not at all43.Helen' s parents were______that she was still on the job., but she had resigned.A.In doubtB. Of the opinionC. Under the impressionD. With suspicion 44.----I don't think I will ever, in my life, win a lottery of five million dollars.----Well, ______. Anything can happen.A.You made itB. You're kiddingC. What you sayD. You can never tell45.-----How did you find the concert in the Grand Theatre last night?-----______ but the conductor was perfect. A.I couldn't agree more B. I didn't think much of it C. I was crazy about it D. I really liked itPart Three Cloze(15 marks )I have been reading a lot on my iPad recently, and I have some (46)_____ (complain) not about the iPad itself but about the state of digital reading generally. Reading is a subtle thing, and its subtleties are artifacts of a venerable medium: words printed in ink on paper. Glass and pixels aren't the same.When I read a physical book, I don't have to look anywhere else to find out how much I've read. The iPad e---reader, iBooks tries to create the (47) illu_____ of a physical book. The pages seem to turn, and I can the edges of those that remain, but it's fake. There are always exactly six unturned pages, no matter (48)_____ I am in the book.Also, there is a larger problem. Books in their digital format look vastly less "finished", or less genuine than real books. You can vary their font and type size, but this only makes them(49)_____(resemble) word---processed---nomatter how (50)_____(wretch) or wonderful they are---will never look as good as Robert Hass's poems in the print edition of The Apple Trees at Olema. But your poems can look almost exactly as ugly---as "e---book---like" ---as the Kindle version of that collection.All the e---book I've read have beenugly---books by Chang---rae Lee, Alvin Kernan, and Stieg Larsson---though the texts have been wonderful. I didn't grow up reading texts. I grew up reading books, and this(51)_____(differ) is important.When it comes to digital editions,the(52)_____(assume) seems to be that allbooks(53)are_____(create) equal. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In the mass migration from print to digital, we're seeing a profusion of digital books---many of them out of copyright---that look new and even "HD," but which may well have been supplanted by more accurate editions and better translations. We need a digital readers' guide---aplace where readers can find(54)_____ whether the book they're about to download is the best available edition.(55)Fi_____, two related problems. I already have a personal library, but most of the booksI've read have come from(56)_____(lend) libraries. Barnes & Noble has released ane---reader that allows short---term (57)_____(borrow) of some books. The entire idea behind Amazon's Kindle and Apple's iBooks assumes that you cannot read a book unless you own it first and that only you can read it unless you want to give your reading device to someone else.This goes against the social value of reading, the collective knowledge and(58)_____(collaborate) discourse that comes from access to (59)_____or our culture in general.Part Four Reading Comprehension (40 marks). Section A (10 marks ).Questions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Not keen on reading? Do you have trouble finding a novel that arouses your interest? Why not follow Ammon Shea's example and start reading a dictionary?Mr Shea owns over 1,000 dictionaries and he reads them for fun. He recently spent a year reading all 20 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary. The dictionary contains more than 20,000 pages and over 59 million words.As he read from A to Z, he noted down interesting words in a ledger. This includes words such as "happify," meaning to make someone happy and "tripudiate", which means to dance, skip or leap for joy. Mr Shea also kept a diary about this experience, which has since become a best---selling book.Why did he do this? He claims it was fun."I've always enjoyed reading dictionaries . Theyare far more interesting than people give then credit for," he said.It appears that it was not his goal to sound more intelligent by using longer and more complex words. "I'm not against long, fancy or obscure words, but I'm opposed to using then for their own sake," he said.In fact ,as a result of reading so many new words , Mr Shea often forgot everyday vocabulary. He wrote, "My head was so full of words that I often had trouble forming simple sentences."Mr Shea is not alone in his love of reading dictionaries.Elaine Higgleton, a representative of Collins Cbuild dictionaries, explained that thousands of crossword puzzle and Srabble fans read dictionaries for fun and to improve their games. Ms Higgleton did however note that, "It's probably not the best way to learn English ,and you'd learn more than you need." It is not known how many of the 59 million words Ms Shea remembers, but he has certainlymade history with his eccentric hobby.Questions 61 to 65.Decide whether the following statements are True or False.61.Mr Shea has read 1.000 dictionaries.62.Mr Shea spent one month reading the Oxford English Dictionary.63.In Mr Shea's opinion,people don't give dictionaries enough credit for being interesting.64.Mr Shea thinks it is important t be able to use long and complicated words in everyday conversation.65.Elaine Higgleton thinks that reading a dictionary is the best way to learn English. Section B (10 marks)Questions 66 to 70are based on the following passage.Surfing is something people often get hooked on after trying it a few times. For many surfers it is much more than a hobby---they wouldprobably agree with the American professional surfer Kelly Slater when he said,"Once you're in, you're in. There's no getting out." "Surfing", of course, refers to riding on ocean waves using a surfboard. Many surfers stand up on their boards, which requires god balance and is therefore difficult for most beginners to learn, but some lie down and "bodyboard"The history of surfing probably began with the Polynesian people of the Pacific Islands. One of the first white people to see anyone surfing was the British explorer Captain Gook, when his ship arrived in Hawaii in 1779. He watched many Hawaiians riding waves on large pieces of wood, and reported that, "Surfing seems to give them a feeling of great pleasure. "When surfing started to become very popular in the United States in the 1950's and 60s, surfers used large wooden boards (often more than three metres long) that were quite heavy. Boards today are shorter and also much lighter, because they are made of artificial materialsinstead of wood.For anyone who wants to try surfing. The only essentials are waves and a board. There are a few other things, however, that most surfers find important; a cord t attach one of their ankles to the board and therefore stop it from being carried a long way away when they fall off'; wax, which they put on the surface of the board to help their feet stick to it; and a wetsuit to help them keep warm in cold water. The south---west of English is an example of a place where surfers usually need wetsuits, even in summer.Surfing has been a professional sport for many yeara and the very best surfers are able to make a living from it. Most of the best professional surfers in the last 30 years, both men and women, have been American or Australian, but surfers from Brazil, Peru and South Africa have also won important competitions.Questions 66 to 70Answer the following questions with the information given in the assage in a maximum of 10 words for each question.66.Why do most beginners find it difficult t stand up on a surfboard?67.In what part of the world did surfing probably begin?68.When did surfing start to become very popular in the United States?69.What do surfers use wax for?70.According to the passage, in what part of the world do surfers usually need wetsuits? Section C (10 marks)Questions 71 to 75 are based on the following passage.The latest human development report from the United Nations Development Programmed (UNDP) contains some good news, but also a very serious warning about the threat posed y climate change.The report, published annually since 1990, seeks to asses “human development”around the world, and calculates a “Human Development Index (HDI) for 169 counties. The HDI is based on average income, life expectancy and level of education in a country. Not surprisingly, rich counties tend to have higher HDIs than poor counties, but there are interesting variations in human development among countries with similar levels of economic development, because some have better health and education systems than others.According to the 2010 report, the county with the highest level of human development is Norway, followed by Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Ireland. Most of the lowest HDIs belong to counties in sub-Saharan Africa.Almost all counties around the worlds have higher HDIs now than in 1990, despite the fact that since the 2008 financial crisis, the total number of people living in extreme poverty has increased. The report concludes that most people are healthier, live longer, are better educated and have access to more goods andservices. Even in countries with severe economic problems, people’s level of health and education as generally improved. Although sub-Saharan African countries are at the bottom of the pile in terms of human development, some of them have made significant progress since 1990. The report is critical, however, of the fact economic inequality has increased significantly in the last twenty years, both within and between countries.The greatest threat to improving HDIs in the future, according to the report, is climate change. Economic growth increases average incomes in a country through increasing production and consumption. However , if this leads to greater emissions of greenhouse gases, as has always been the case in the past, global warning will probably accelerate, and cause severe environmental problems in some parts of the world hat will threaten the livelihoods of huge numbers f people. The progress of the last twenty years, therefore, might not besustainable.The only solution, according to the report, I to break the link between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions-which, needless to say, is easier, said than done. Questions 71 to 75Complete the following sentences with information given in the passage in a maximum of 10 words for each blank.71. The concept of “human development” is based on the following three factors: _______, _____________and_____________.72. Some countries with similar levels of economic development have quite different HDIs because they have_____________.73._________________has caused the number of people living in extreme poverty to increase since 2008.74. The report says that ______________ is the greatest threat to increasing HDIs in the future.75. The report says the linkbetween____________ and ____________needsto be broken.Section D (10 marks)Questions 76 to 80 are based on the following passageIt is natural for young people to be critical of their parents at times and to blame them for most of the misunderstanding between them. They have always complained, more or less justly, that their parents are out of touch with modern ways; that they are possessive and dominant; that they do not trust their children to deal with crises: that they talk too much about certain problems-and that they have no sense o humor, at least parent-child relationships.I think it is true that parents often underestimate their teenage children and also forget how they felt themselves when were young.Young people often irritate their parents with their choices in clothes, hairstyles, entertainers and music. This is not their motive.They feel cut off from the adult world into which they have not yet been accepted, so they create a culture and society and their own. Then, if it turns out that their music, entertainers, vocabulary, clothes or hairstyles irritate their parents, this gives them additional enjoyment. They feel they are superior, at least in a small way, and that they are leaders in style and taste.Sometimes teenagers are resistant and proud because they do not want their parents to approve of what they do. If they did approve, it looks as if the teenager is betraying his own age group. All this is assuming that the teenager is the underdog: he can not win but at least he can keep his honor. This is a passive way of looking at things. It is natural enough after years of childhood, when children were completely under their parent’s control, but it ignores the fact that when they become teenagers, children are beginning to be responsible for themselves.If you plan to control your life,co-operation should be a part of that plan. Youcan charm other people, especially your parents, into doing things the way you want. You can also impress people with your of responsibility and your initiative, so that they will give you the authority to do what you want to do. Questions 76 to 78Choose the best answer according to the passage.76 the first paragraph is mainlyabout_____________.A teenagers’ criticism of their parentsB misunderstanding between teenagers and their parentsC the dominance of parents over their childrenD teenagers’ ability to deal with crises77 teenagers have strange clothes and hairstyles because they___________A have a strong desire to be leaders in style and tasteB want to prove their existence by creating a culture of their ownC have no other way to enjoy themselvesD want to irritate their parent78 teenagers do not want their parents to approve of what they do because they_______________.A have already been accepted into adult worldB feel that they are superior to adult worldC want to win adults over to their cultureD don’t want to appear to be disloyal to their own age groupQuestion 79 to 80Translate the sentences in the passage into Chinese79 I think it is true that parents often underestimate their teenage children and also forget how they felt themselves when were young80 You can charm other people, especially your parents, into doing things the way you want. Part V translate (10 mark)Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given brackets. Remember to write your answer on the answer sheet.81 他以牺牲健康为代价获得财富。
2014 National English Contest forCollege Students(Level C – Preliminary)(总分：150分时间：120分钟)Part I listening Comprehension (30 marks)Section A (5 marks)In this section, you will hear five short conversations. Each conversation will be read only once .After each conversation, there will be a twenty-second pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer .Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.1.why does Carl meet the woman?A.he is going to interview her on media matters.B.They are going to start a new company together.C.He will help her cope with an interview.D.He wants to recommend a new product to her.2.what is the man worrying about most?A.he can’t afford what the woman may recommend to him.B.The designer may charge him more than he should pay.C.There is no appropriate design for him in the Armani shopD.The woman may spend too much on new clothes.3.what is the woman suggesting by accepting that they can’t cut the mustard?A.she does’t have a knife so they can’t have mustard.B.She does’t know how to cook mustard without a recipe.C.They have to face the imperfect reality at the moment,D.The man needs to calm down or he may get hurt by a knife.4.Why did the man take up golf ?A. He enjoyed the sport when he was a child.B. He thought golf was useful in his career.C. It could help improve his health.D. It was part of his New York project.5.When did the man quit smoking this time?A.Less than two weeks ago.B.About two months ago.C.Some four years ago.D.More than ten years ago.Section B (10 marks)In this section, you will hear two long conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. At the end of each conversation, there will be a one-minute pause. During the pause, read thequestions and the three choices marked A, Band C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Conversation one6.Why did Jane phone Matt?A.she asked for a project record in Matt’s company.B,she invited him to participate in a project release in her Company,C.she had some questions about an investment project.D.she wanted to place a new project advertisement through him .7. how did tane get to know Matt’s project?A. She got a copy of the investment proposal.B.she got the information from another company.C. She was informed by one of his colleagues.D. Matt recommended the project to her before.8.when did Matt’s company find problems of the previous deal?A.before they signed the contract.B.shortly after they started the deal.C.when they completed the project.D.soon after they paid the deposit.9.Why did the deal fall through?A.Matt’s company changed its investment policy.B.Matt’s company was slow in delivering the money.C.the client company broke its promise.D.the client company had financial problems.10.what is tane going to do before she makes a decision on the project?A.discuss with her partners.B.submit the proposal to emma.C.call some other investment companies.D.visit Matt’s company in person.Conversation two11.what is Hilary Kingsley.A.A newspaper reporter.B.a TV columnist.C. A soap opera direct .D.a radio commentator.12.How did Hilary define a soap opera?A. It is a continuing story about things that happen among family members and colleagues.B. It is a fiction story that describes the life of people living on a special.C. It is a never-ending story telling about women selling soap powders.D. It is a TV series that concentrates on men coping with difficulties.13.When did soap operas get stated according to the passage?A. Since the 1920s and 1930s.B. Since the 1930s and 1940s.C.since the 1950s and 1960s.D.since 1960s and 1970s.14.why was the programme given the name “soap opera”?A.Because the first soap opera was about a women selling soap businesses.B.Because it was broadcast mainly to promote the sale of soap powders.C.Because it was broadcast mainly to promote the sale of soap factory.D.Because the first soap opera was soap operas differ from other dramas?15.In what way does Hilary think soap operas differ from other dramas?A.They always show how people deal with everyday problems.B.They have changed quite a lot since they got started.C.They have more female characters than male ones.D.They mainly focus on men’s never-ending pursuits in career.Section C (5 marks)In this section, you will hear five short news items. After each item, which will be read only once, there will be a pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.16.what is the main finding about carbon dioxide in roger’s report?A.carbon dioxide is firstly found in human history.B.Carbon dioxide is an important factor in global warming.C.Carbon dioxide is found reaching a quite high level.D.Measurement of carbon dioxide is symbolic in human history.17.How did the woman survive from the disaster?A.She was in a hospital when the collapse happened.B.She found water and food before she was saved.C.She got help from a colleague who died the later on .D.She was fortunately stronger than the others.18.Why did the government drop leaflets over the town?A.To express the concern over a build-up of troops.B.To warn the rebels the preparing attack on Qusair.C.To make the people aware of the danger and leave.D.To advertise for the government to collect more money.19.How many megawatts will the solar capacity reach in morocco by 2020?A. B. C. D.20.What did the survey by the American institute of CPAs mainly find?A.Student loans are rising because of the huge amounts of borrowers.B.Student loan debtors tend to borrow more money to live happily.C.60 percent of student loan are regretful about the survey.D.Student loans may have a negative influence on the borrowers’life.Section D (10 marks)In this section, you will hear a short passage. There are 10 missing words or phrases. Fill in the blanks with the exact words or phrases you hear. The passage will be read twice. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Doctors often patients to take a certain kind of medicine in order to 21._________an illness. For example ,a patient may need medicine because his or her shoulder hurts. The doctor may tell the patient that there is a brand name medicine which will help him or her. This brand name medicine is made by a famous company. However,there may be also a generic type of the name medicine.Generic medicine are 22.________by some people because they are usually less expensive ,yet they have the name ingredients as brand new medicines. If the generic medicine has the same ingredients, this means that the medicine should have 23._______on the person as the brand name medicines.If the ingredients in the generic and brand name medicines are a little different ,then the generic type cannot 24. _______the same as the brand name medicine.Generic medicine are almost aways cheaper than brand name medicines. Why is this? Making any kind of medicine takes a lot of money and a lot of time.This is because a company has to pay doctors and scientists to study and illness.Then,it takes more money and more time for the company to test the medicine to 25.________it is safe and that it works.Once a company is ready to sell its product to people,the company usually sets the price of the medicine very high. The company 26._______a lot of money in order to get back all of the money that it spent making the medicine .Generic medicine makers,on the other hand,copy some kind of medicine that has already been developed and tested .For this reason,they do not have to spend as much money to develop the medicine.Generic medicines are usually not sold27.______Companies that make generic medicines must wait a certain28. ______before they can make the same medicine.But once the generic medicine is on the market,doctors are usually quick to offer it to their patients.This is because the price of medicine is very expensive.Taking a generic medicine can save a patient,or his or her 29._____,a lot of money.Generic medicines are just as good as brand name medicine.Therefore,doctors 30._____having their patients take these medicines.Part II Vocabulary and Structure (15 marks)There are 15 incomplete sentences in this section. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letteron the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Section A Vocabulary and Grammar(10marks)31.They finally____a conclusion that the company’s failure has been attributed to_____bad management.A.get;fullB.draw;sheerC.reach;wholeD.make;total32.----Most young people want to_____more about environment problems.--------Yes.but everyone knows about pollution problem,not many people have_____any solutions.A.look up;looked intoB.find out;come up withC.deal with;got round toD.make out;thought over33.I knew ______at the party ,but Monica knew_____people,nearly everybody in fact.A.hardly anybody;plenty ofB.rarely somebody;fewC.barely everybody;a fewD.scarcely nobody;many34.She hastened to______me that the report contained no critical comments on my department performance.A.ensureB.insureC.assureD.make sure35.______for his broken leg in the earlier part of the season,he_____in the England team to play Poland last may.A.Except ; would have playedB.But; might have beenC.Only; could not playD.If it’s not ;was able to be36._______before we depart next Thursday, we should have a wonderful together,A.had they arrivedB.Would they arriveC.Were they arrivingD.Were they to arrive37.please remember that Jeanie hasn’t been well recently,so please_____for her if she seems a bit slow,A.Make allowances forB.Make an observation aboutC.Provide the opportunity forD.Have your own way.38.Great as Einstein was ,many of his ideas ____today and are being modified by the seems a bit slow .A.Are to be challengedB.May be challengedC.Have been challengedD.Are challenged39.-----oh. I can speak only a few words of french ,i’m no good at languages! --------Come on !______we know you can speak five languages!A.are you pulling my leg?B. Keep your chip up!C.Stop fishing for compliment!D.A leopard can’t change its sports!40.------- Frances, do you think you could fix up a staff meeting for me ?-------yes,I’ll do that. _____--------well.let’s arranged it for Friday morning and see whether everyone else is free then.A.what’re you going to talk aboutB. Do you think they all will come?C.At what time do you stop working?D.When were you thinking of?Section B Cultures(5 marks)41. In his famous speech, the Gettysburg Address,_____extolled virtues for the listeners(and the nation) to ensure the survival of America's representative democracy, that "government of the people, by the people. for the people, shall not perish from the earth."A. B. C. D.42. The Wars of the _____ were a series of dynastic wars fought between supporters of tworival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England. They were fought in several sporadic episodes between 1455 and 1485, although there was related fighting both before and after this period.A. LiliesB. RosesC. TulipsD. Mayflower43.Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories.He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608，including Hamlet ,king lear,_____,and Macbeth ,considered some of the finest works in the English language .A.merchant of VeniceB.A midsummer night's dreamC.OthelloD.The taming of the shrew44._____is awarded the 2013 Nobel prize in literature for her work as "master of the modern short story ".and the 2009 man Booker international prize for her lifetime body of work .A.Alice MunroB.Helen KellerC.J.K.RowlingD.Anne Frank45._____is a collegiate research university located in England ,united kingdom .although its exactdate of foundation is unclear ,there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096，making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world ,and the second -oldest surviving university in the world ,after the university of Bologna .A.the university of CambridgeB.the university of OxfordC.the university of walesD.the university of EdinburghPart III Cloze (10 marks)Read the following passage and fill in each blank with one word. Choose the correct word in one of the following three ways: according to the context, by using the correct form of the given word, or by using the given letters of the word. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Birds are warm blooded animals.though their feathers help to keep them warm ,some birds such as ducks,46.( )(goose),and swans still can't endure harsh winter temperatures .for these reasons ,birdseed from cold climates fly to warmer climates 47.()the winter .this seasonal movement of birdseed is called migration .birds migrate to warmer places ,often hundreds of milestone away ,where they can have the best chance of 48.sur( ).Birds migrate naturally .certain clues form the environment cause hormone changes in the bird's body .as the days get 49.( )(short),for example ,these hormones tell the bird's body to store fat .this is because migrating Takes an 50.en( )energy .birds don't have a lot of time to eat while migrating ,so they rely on stores of fat .when bird migrate ,they fly as a group .to minimize the energy needed to fly long distances ,a group of birds51.( )(fly )together in a V-shape .the bird at the front of the "V"uses the most energy because the wind often blows 52.( )him.every so often ,the birds change positions site that each bird has a turn at the front ,and everyone gets a rest .53.Nav( )is also an important part of the journey .birds find where they are going birds using visual clues ,such as Rivers coastlines,and mountain ranges.In addition ,they use the sun and the star for guidance .54.( )(amaze),they also use the earth's invisible magnetic force for direction.this gives them a natural sense of north and south ,like a kind of internal compass . Many studies indicate that migratory birds fly along the same course every year .researchers decide to test this using "bird banding ".they first capture a migratory bird and attach a tag to its foot .this tag has an ID number on it ,55.( )is stored in a database .they then set the bird free and track its movement .bird banding has shown that many birds follow the same route year after year .Part IV Reading Comprehension (40 marks)Read the following passages. Each passage is followed by several questions. Respond to the questions using information from the passage. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Section A (5 marks)Questions 56—60 are based on the following passage.WHERE TO GO WHAT TO GOFridayClint blackOne of the hot new artists on the country music scene ,clint black ,will perform with one of country music's legends merle haggard and up-and-comer Lorrie Morgan at red Rocks amphitheater .for ticket information ,call Ticketmaster at 290-8497.Time:7：30 p.m. tickets:$19.542nd street‘42nd street' will be presented through Sunday at the Denver auditorium theatre .the comedy includes songs by Irving Berlin ,Jerome Kern ,ColePorter .call 893-4100 for tickets or for more information .Time :8 p.m.tonight and Saturday ;7 p.m.Sunday .tickets :$25-$38Bluegrass artistsHome on the Grande concert series presents top bluegrass artists including the bluegrass patriots and Peter and Joan Wernick performing at Grange hall in Niwot .for more information call 444-4537Time:8：30tonight and Saturday . tickets :$6SaturdayRiff performanceRiff will perform with ll cool j at Arnold hall theater at the u.s air force academy .call 1-719-472 for ticket information .Time:8p.m. ticket :$18，$15，$10Train ridesThe Georgetown loop historic mining and railroad park is open on weekends through may .passengers may board in either Georgetown or silver plume .the train will running daily beginning memorial day and continuing through labor day call 670-1686.Time :9：20a.m.-3:55p.m. tickets:$5-$12.5SundayMorning concertThe Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra will perform at the Denver first church of the Nazarene ,3800 E.Hampden ave.the 150-member choir will perform a variety of classical and popular songs .A free continental breakfast will be offered before the concert .call 761-8370.When :8：45a.m.breakfast ,9：45a.m.concert . Tickets:free-will offering .Help for kidsColorado Kpids Care And Funplex are teaming up to help homeless children by accepting donations of baby items including clothing ,formula and diapers at Funplex ,located at south Kipling street and west coal mine avenue in Littleton .each person who brings a donation will receive a free activity pass to Funplex .for more information ,call 934-0277.Time:11a.m.-6p.m.origamiThe Boulder public library's Sunday specials program is presenting an origami workshop in the convent garden at the library ,1000canyon Blvd .participants will learn to make birds ,boats and other objects using the age-old paper folding techniques .call 441-3100.Time:3p.m tickets :freeAuto exhibitT he either annual concours d’Elegance auto exhibit will be held in the north parking lot at university Hillsborough mall ,2700s.Colorado Blvd .Rare Porsches ,Maseratis ,jaguars and racing Carson will be featured .all proceeds benefit Denver 's united cerebral palsy association .call 355-7337 for more information .Time:9 a.m.-4p.m. Tickets :$5Questions 56—60Decide the following statements are TRUE or FALSE according to the passage .56.Only those WHO bring donations to homeless children can attend the activity at Funplex .57.if you are interested in gardening ,you won't want to mission the "bluegrass artists "Friday night in Niwot .58.if you are interested in buying a used car ,you won 't find any useful information in this page of weekend .59.in the Sunday morning concert at the Denver first church of the Nazarene ,free breakfast and performance will be provided .60.participants can watch and learn paper folding technique rather than do handset -on activities in the origami workshop .Section B (10 marks)Questions 61-65 are based on the following passage.One of the hardest things for any sportsperson to do is to know when to retire .do you retire when you are at your physical peak or do you wait untilyour body (or your coach )tells you that it's time to go ?but even harder is finding the answer to the question "what am i going to do with the rest of my life ?"61( )"there 's a high risk of depression and people often find adjusting to a new way of life difficult ",says Ian Cockerill ,a sports psychologist ."for sport people ,There's an extra trauma -the loss of the glamour .that 's the hardest part ."as Eddie Araro ,the us jockey says ,"when a jockey retires ,he becomes just another little man ."62( )perhaps they just can 't stand life without the "high "of playing professional sport .Michael Jordan ,the greatest basketball player of all time ,retired three timeshare .he retired once from the Chicago bulls,made a successful comeback with the bulls,then retired again .his second comeback with an inferior team ended in failure and he retired for ever at the age of 38.Jordan said ,"there will never be anything in do that will fulfill me as much as competing did ."63( )Muhammad Alice needed the money ,but his comeback fight ,at the age of 39，against Trevor Berbick ,was one of the saddest spectacles in modern sport .after losing to Berbick ,Alice retired permanently .three years later he developed Parkinson 's disease .64( )as Jimmy greaves ,an ex-England international footballer said ,"I think that a lot of players would prefer to be shot once their career is over ."many of them spend their retirement in a continual battle against depression,alcohol ,or drugs.65( )Franz Beckenbauer is a classic example of a footballer WHO won everything with his club ,Bayern Munich .after retiring he became a successful coach with Bayern and finally president of the club .John McEnroe ,the infamous "bad boy "of tennis ,is now a highly respected and highly paid TV commentator .another good example is world famous Chinese table tennis player -Deng Yaping.after retiring at the end of the 1997season ,Deng served on the international Olympic committee's ethics and athletes commissions.she is also a member of the elite Laureus World Sportswear academy ,and a member of the Chinese people 's political consultative conference .Deng Yaping becomes deputy secretary of China communist youth league Beijing committee later .but sadly ,for most sportspeople these cases are the exceptions .\A.for some people the pain of saying goodbye never leaves them .B.others can 't resist the chance of one last "pay day ".C.however ,some famous sports persons are much easier to develop some typical psychological disease .D.but for the lucky few ,retirement can mean a successful new career .E.when you hear the final whistle you have to leave as soon as possible .F.retirement for people in general is traumatic .G.some sportspeople go on playing too long .Section C (10 marks)Questions 66—70 are based on the following passage.There are two reasons why I wanted to come to southern Germany to study .I wanted to be at the centre of Europe ,within easier reach of other countries ,and cities such as Paris and Prague .the other reason was that is was finding it very difficult to find a place to study medicinein Norway ,where there are ONL Y three medical schools .I spent my last two years at a boarding school ,where I made lots of friends and learned to look after myself and integrate with other people .I was 19 when I left ,and those two years had changed me ;I knew I could cope with student life in another country .First I had to learn German .I went Munich in September ,a month before the term started ,and spent three weeks on a language with them .nobody spoke Norwegian ,of course ,so it was a great he;[ to find that there were other students from Norway at the university .I made friend with some of them and we were able to help one another during the Firestone few weeks in a new city .after sic months in moved into my own apartment ;there is a wonderful mix of cultures and is have made many friend form different places .for three years I had a Norwegian boy friend WHO was also studying to be a doctor ,but that ended when he left .I would recommend studying abroad to anyone .you get a chance to learn another language and to understand the culture and traditions of another country .Munich is a fantastic city for students ,especially as beer is the favourite drink of student everywhere .I didn't like beer before ,but if you live in Munich ,there really is no alternative ,and now i have acquired the taste .In winter i prefer to visit cafes and talk with friends,but in summer my favourite place is the Englisher Garten ,with its lake and park and lots of barstool .the city's beer halls are generally full of students and tourists .At weekends I often go skiing in the Australian Alps with friends. we pile into a couple of Carson and rent an apartment .this all costs money ,and ,like most students ,I am living on a loan from the government ,by the time i take my final exams i shall have serious problems .I hope to get a job in a hospital near Oslo .I worked there last summer ,while earning the money to go to Nepal ,Thailand and Vietnam fore three months .we are a medical family .My mother and elder sisters are nurses ,but my father is the odd one out :he runs a hairdressing salon .Questions 66—70Answers the following question according to the passage.66.why did Marianne go to Germany to study besides her desire to be in the centre of Europe ?67.how long did Marianne live in a Germany family after she reached Munich ?68.what does Marianne want to be after her graduation ?69.what makeshift Marianne be accustomed to drinking beer ?70.how did Marianne get the money for her three months’ travelling to other countries ? Section D (10 marks)Questions 71—75 are based on the following passage.Would you believe that your diet can make a big difference in keeping a youthful appearance ?It seems strange to think that the food we take in could result in fewer wrinkles .wouldn't it be betterto put things on our skin rather than in our mouths ?well ,according to one scientific theory ,our bodies start aging because of oxidation .this means the certain oxygen -containing molecules in our cells ,called free radicals ,have the capability to attach to and damage parts of our cells ,including our DNA .our bodies can repair this damage ,but as we get older ,these repair mechanisms start to break down ,resulting in the signs of aging .free radicals are actually reduced by our bodies ,but their numbers can also increase because of the food we eat .Besides avoiding foodstuff which could potentially produce more free radicals ,eating foodstuff which contain certain vitamins and micro -nutritious can also contribute to keep useful looking young .these vitamins help produce molecules called antioxidants ,which actually help reduce the production of free radicals .even better ,foodstuff containing antioxidant are not rare .common antioxidants,like vitamins A and E,can be found in many dark-coloured vegetables .for example ,carrots ,seaweed,spinach ,and broccoli are excellent sources of these helpful vitamins .also ,you can eat orange-coloured fruits like apricots and peaches .vitamins A and E are particularly good for helping your skin remain young -looking .these nutrients strengthen your skin and make it soft .however ,if you really want to stock up quickly on nutrients that benefit your skin ,you should eat cow's liver .one small piece of cooked cow 'sliver contains twice a much vitamin A as half a cup of cooked carrots .More recently ,green tea has also been tentatively added to the list of youth -promoting substances .although research about green tea 's effects on our bodies is at an Early stage ,scientists certainly believe that it is good for useful .scientists ,however ,are still cautious about predicting its capability to keep useful looking youthful .but from recent experiments ,itsantioxidant properties seem to be able to repair cell damage already sustained as well as prevent damage in the future .In fact ,green tea workshop even better if you apply it directly to your skin as an ingredient in facial cream ."You are what you eat /"this old proverb certainly seems to be TRUE there more we find out about how our body works .think about that the next time you sit down at the table .Question 71-75Complete the summary with words from the passage, changing the form where necessary, with only one word for each blank.people use cosmetic surgery ,facial 71_____and cosmetics to look younger .maybe the best way to fight wrinkles is really just to eat foodstuff with the right vitamins and nutrients in them .some foodstuff we eat have the capability of 72_____our cells in that these foods can increase harmful molecules in our bodies called free radicals .but if we take in foods with vitamins A and E,for example ,we can 73_____the production of free radicals in our bodies .other foods that seem to have healthy 74_____of antioxidant include cow's liver and green tea .moreover ,green tea is proved to be more helpful in repairing sustained damage and even preventing future damage if it is75_____properly and directly .Part V Translation (10 marks)Translate the following sentences into English, using the hints given in brackets. Remember to write the answer on the answer sheet.76.distance learning is a formal educational process that breaks the traditional mode of classroom teaching .there are two key differences between traditional education and distance learning .distance learning adds flexibility and availability ,regardless of time ,place ,regardless pace of learning .here an instructor teaches ,and somewhere else a student learns ,regardless of barriers of time or place .distance learning reaches out to non -traditional students WHO must fit their studies around workplace ,family responsibilities ,and geographical barriers ,etc .Section B (10 marks)Translate the following sentences into English by using the hints gives in brackets. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.77.体育运动可以防止发胖，增强体质，使我们保持身体健康。
2014 National English Contest for College Students(Level A – Preliminary)(总分：150分答题时间：120分钟)Part I listening Comprehension (30 marks)Section A (5 marks)In this section, you will hear five short conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. At the end of each conversation, there will be a twenty-second pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.1. What will the man have to do with his bag?A. Throw it away.B. Have it checked in.C. Hold it all the way.D. Handle it with care.2. Why did the man move?A. He needed a larger building.B. He wanted an environmental-friendly place for business.C. He wanted to live downtown.D. He needed convenient transportation.3. What may they have to do to find the suitable person according to the man?A. Put up ads in newspapers.B. Ask their staff to recommend.C. Rely on head-hunters.D. Advertise on TV.4. What does the woman want exactly?A. Similar companies‟ sales in Wessex.B. Contact information of residents in Scandinavia.C. Crime statistics of Scandinavian countries.D. Cases of assault and robbery in Wessex.5. Why doesn‟t Sophie feel right?A. She just feels that way without any evidence.B. The money they can earn is quite limited.C. The market is gloomy.D. She worries about the big investment.Section B (10 marks)In this section, you will hear two long conversations. Each conversation will be read only once. At the end of each conversation, there will be a one-minute pause. During the pause, read the questions and the three choices marked A, Band C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.Conversation One6. Which of the following is true about Bablake?A. It is completely independent of the government.B. There is no charge for education in Bablake.C. Children have to pass an entry exam to enter Bablake.D. It is an independent boarding school.7. How does Bablake adopt the National Curriculum?A. It only uses the National Curriculum for reference.B. It follows the National Curriculum completely.C. It offers more than the National Curriculum.D. It adopts part of the National Curriculum.8. How does Bablake treat student of ethnic groups?A. It does not accept students of ethnic groups at all.B. Teachers are not allowed to talk about religions of ethnic groups.C. It organizes ethnic groups to celebrate their own special occasions.D. The whole school will celebrate special occasions of all the ethnic groups. Conversation Two9. What is the earliest record of alcohol about?A. It is just meaningless graffiti randomly drawn.B. It is about how the earliest alcohol was produced.C. It is the complaint about people adding water to the beer.D. It is about how ancient people drank alcohol.10. What is the alcohol-related problem mentioned in the dialogue?A. Alcohol smuggling.B. Alcohol abuse.C. Teenage alcohol drinking.D. Illegal sale of alcohol.11. Why does the man say drinking alcohol helps people become more cheerful?A. It provides energy that causes the feeling of euphoria.B. It makes people forget about the reality temporarily.C. It usually occurs at celebrations and social gatherings.D. It speeds up the drinker‟s blood circulation.12. How does drinking alcohol damage the body?A. It disrupts the metabolic system.B. It destroys the brain cells.C. Blood is incapable of breaking down the harmful substances.D. Not all the organs and tissues can convert alcohol to disposable substances.13. What should be the correct attitude towards drinking according to the man?A. People should drink at regular intervals.B. People should refrain from drinking too much for too long.C. People should drink only on special occasions.D. People should give up the bad habit of drinking alcohol.14. What is the most worrying result of drinking?A. Euphoria.B. Body dysfunction.C. Obesity and heart disease.D. Cancer and immune system depression.15. Which statement below is mentioned in the dialogue?A. Alcohol is almost as old as human civilization.B. Britain has the most severe alcohol-related problems.C. Drinking a little wine every day is good for health.D. Teenagers should not be allowed to drink alcohol.Section C (5 marks)In this section, you will hear five short news items. After each item, which will be read only once, there will be a pause. During the pause, read the question and the three choices marked A, B and C, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre.16. Which one below is true according to the news?A. Students in the UK are encouraged to insist on the learning of French andGerman.B. The UK will increase the investment on the teaching of Chinese.C. The UK has been greatly short of teachers proficient in Chinese.D. The UK government refuses the help from China for Chinese learning.17. What has caused the dispute over South Korea‟s law under consideration?A. Benefit conflict among different industrial groups.B. The popularity of online gaming in South Korea.C. Parents‟ concern about children‟s mental health.D. Conflict between social and economic priorities.18. What is the main idea of the news?A. Obesity among youth in the UK is increasing rapidly.B. The Obesity Action Campaign has won popular support.C. Obesity has resulted in the rapid increase in liver disease in the UK.D. Liver disease is no longer to be neglected in the UK.19. What is the aim of Obama‟s decision on privacy protection?A. To defend human rights.B. To maintain the relationship with other countries.C. To gain more votes in the next election.D. To regain public trust.20. What could be inferred from the news?A. There is no evidence that the planet is suitable for human existence.B. There may be several planets that really resemble the Earth in space.C. Scientists are planning to explore the planet someday.D. Astronomers have landed on an Earth-like planet in space.Section D (10 marks)In this section, you will hear a radio talk. The talk will be read only once. For questions 21-30, complete the notes which summarize what the speaker says. You will need to write a word or a short phrase. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.ContextDefinition: Our environment, particularly its significance during (21)______.Two types of cultures:A. High context cultures●The emphasis is the environment (22) ______.●A message may not be stated very (23) ______ whose meaning is (24)_____.●A certain statement may have (25) ______.B. (26) _____ context cultures●The emphasis is the (27) ______, which is often quite (28) ______.●(29) ______ don‟t often change the meaning of the message very much.●All the people are expected to understand the message in (30) ______.Part II Vocabulary and Structure (15 marks)There are fifteen incomplete sentences in this section. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet with a single line through the centre. Section A Vocabulary and Grammar（10 marks）31. The life expectancies of even the very old have increased significantly in recently years, but at the same time, this group faces the highest risk of _____ disease requiring long-term care.A. chronicB. acuteC. majorD. fatal32. You will only be _____ to sit the end-of course test if you attend 65 percent or more of the lessons in this course.A. rationalB. eligibleC. validD. effective33. Wearing uniforms to school is _____ to the French and Germans, whose thriving state sector has never the need for compulsory ties, caps and blazers.A. preferenceB. sluggishnessC. anathemaD. fanaticism34. Though much has been said about teacher appraisal, it‟s odd that children, who see more of teachers than anyone else, are not routinely ______ for their views.A. verifiedB. prosecutedC. canvassedD. detected35. The recent identification of strains of plague resistant to drugs, and the possibility of using the microbe “ yersinia pestis” as a chemical weapon in a war, mean that plague still humans.A. opens up an opportunity toB. poses a threat toC. offers assistance toD. remains a rival to36. Doctors are becoming ______ about the health of children spending hour after hour ______ computer games who are exposing themselves to a range of potential hazards, form “mouse elbow” to “joystick digit”.A. increased concerning; sticking toB. increasingly concerning; stuck toC. increasingly concerned; glued toD. increased concerned; gluing to37. If you are near the magnificent Cedar valley, you might also ______ the Cyprus moufflon , the wild sheep which is ______ to Cyprus and whose male is characterized by large, sickle-shaped horns.A. glare at; exclusiveB. conceive of; exceptionalC. catch a glimpse of; endemicD. catch hold of; exotic38. Geologists suggested that the region might in fact be more susceptible to earthquakes than ______ .A. previously been believedB. it had previously believedC. did it previously believeD. had previously been believed39. Sally: Is it broken?Kate: Yes, the bulb is broken. I‟m afraid I won‟t be able to use the projector.______ I have some paper copies in my briefcase.Sally: Sure, Take your time.A. Could you bear with me ?B. Something has gone wrong.C. Could you see to it?D. Where could we find a new bulb?40. Tim: Moving there would have so many advantages. More space for a start . Andit‟s a nicer neighborhood . And the park opposite the house would be great for the kids .Lena: But it would mean the children moving schools just when they‟ve settled into the ones they‟re at now.Tim: Yes , ______ . But I‟m sure they can manage .A. good pointB. that‟s an ideaC. that is a nuisanceD. no problemSection B Cultures （5 marks）41.In the United Kingdom, ministers are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of ______.A. the SpeakerB. the Lord ChancellorC. the Prime MinisterD. the Duke of Edinburgh42. Blues is a type of music of strong rhythm, which was originally sung by ______.A. African AmericansB. American IndiansC. WelshmenD. Scotsmen43. The longest river in Britain is ______.A. the SevenB. the ClydeC. the ThamesD. the Tyne44. ______developed the atomic theory in the 18th century.A. Francis GlissonB. John DaltonC. Robert BoyleD. Benjamin Franklin45. The Welsh national symbol is the leek or the daffodil, but the symbol for Scotland is ______.A. the roseB. the thistleC. the shamrockD. the carnation Part III Cloze (10 marks)Read the following passage and fill in each blank with one word. Choose the correct word in one of the following three ways: according to the context, by using the correct form of the given word, or by using the given letter(s) of the word. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Stratford-upon-Avon is an unremarkable market town but (46) ______ one little detail: in 1564, the wife of a local merchant ,John Shakespeare, gave birth to William Shakespeare, probably the greatest writer ever to use the English language …There was no theatre in Stratford in Shakespeare‟s day —it was not until 1769 that Stratford organized any event in (47) ho______ of him, and that was a festival put together by London-based actor-manager David Garrick ,(48) ______ featured no dramatic performances at all. From then on ,the idea of building a permanent home in which to perform Shakespeare‟s works gained momentum, and the (49)fea______ of building a theatre in backwater Stratford grew immensely with the advent of better roads and the railways. The first memorial theatre opened in 1879,on land donated by local beer magnate Charles Flower, who also funded the project.After a fire in 1926, the competition held for a (50) ______(replace) was won by the only woman applicant, Elisabeth Scott. Her theatre, overlooking a beautiful scene of lush meadows and willow trees on the northern banks of the Avon, is today the Main House, presenting a constant diet of Shakespeare‟s works. At the bank, the burnt-out (51) ori______ theatre has been converted into a replica “in-the-round”Elizabethan stage-named The Swan. It‟s used for himself. A third (52)aud______ ,The Other Place, in nearby Southern Lane, showcases modern and experimental pieces.As the Royal Shakespeare Company works on a repertory system, you could stay in Stratford for a few days and see four or five different plays. During the day you can inspect the Royal Shakespeare Company‟s trove of (53) ______(theatre) memorabilia at the RSC Collection, or go on a backstage tour.In Stratford you can (54) ______ visit the Shakespeare Centre and Birthplace Museums; Holy Trinity Church, which contains Shakespeare‟s tomb; Hall‟s Croft, the former home of Shakespeare‟s elder daughter, Susanna, and her doctor husband, John Hall—now a fascinating museum of Elizabethan medicine; the beautiful gardens and foundations of New Place; Anne Hathaway‟s Cottage, the home of the woman who in 1582 became Shakespeare‟s wife; Mary Arden‟s House, an Elizabethan country farm, (55) ______(former) the home of Shakespeare‟s mother ; and the Shakespeare Countryside Museum.Part IV Reading Comprehension (35 marks)Read the following passages. Each passage is followed by several questions. Respond to the questions using information from the passage. Remember to write the answers on the answer sheet.Section A (5 marks)Questions 56—60 are based on the following passage.At the age of 37, Jared , a would-be professor in New York State, should already have a permanent position at a university and perhaps be publishing his second or third book . Instead, he‟s working on a paper in sociology that he‟d planned to complete a decade ago. He‟s blown two “drop-dead”deadlines and is worried aboutmissing a third. No one can understand why a guy they consider brilliant doesn‟t “just do it.” Nor, for that matter, can Jared.Jared is among the one in five people who chronically procrastinate , endangering careers and throwing away peace of mind, all the while repeating, “I should be doing something else right now.”Procrastination is not just an issue of time management or laziness. It‟s about feeling paralyzed and guilty as you channel surf, knowing you should be studying or rethinking your investment strategy. Why the gap between incentive and action? Psychologists now believe it is a combination of several factors, some of which are anxiety and false beliefs about productivity.Tim Pychyl , Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, tracked students with procrastination problems in the final week before a projects. “They were telling themselves ,‟I work better under pressure‟ or …This isn‟t important‟” says Pychyl . But as soon as they began to work, they reported more positive emotions ; they no longer lamented wasted time , nor claimed that pressure helped. Psychologists have focused on procrastination among students because the problem with overdue papers and delayed studying, according to Joseph Ferrari, associate professor of psychology at Chicago‟s DePaul University.Many procrastinators are convinced that they work better under pressure. But tomorrow never comes and last-minute work is often low quality. In spite of what they may believe, “Procrastinators generally don‟t do well under pressure,” says Ferrari. The idea is perhaps the most common myth among procrastinators.“The main reason people procrastinate is fear,” says Neil Fiore , Ph.D., the author of The Now Habit. Procrastinators fear they‟ll fall short because they don‟t have the requisite talent or skills. “They‟re afraid they‟ll look stupid.” According to Ferrari, “Procrastinators would rather be seen as lacking in effort than lacking in ability.”Impulsivity may seem diametrically opposed to procrastination, but both can be part of a larger problem: self-control. People who are impulsive may not be able to prioritize intentions, says Pychyl. So, while writing a term paper you break for a snack and see some dirt in the refrigerator, which leads to cleaning the entire kitchen.Children of authoritarian parents are more likely to procrastinate. Pychyl speculates that children with such parents postpone choices because their decisions are so frequently criticized-or made for them. Alternatively, the child mayprocrastinate as a form of rebellion . Refusing to study can be an angry—ifself-defeating —message to Mom and Dad.Ambiguous directions and vague priorities increase procrastination. The boss who asserts that everything is high priority and due yesterday is more likely to be kept waiting. Supervisors who insist on “prioritizing the Jones project and using the Smith plan as a model” see greater productivity.It might be comforting for procrastinators to realize that there is a reason for why they procrastinate. But for the situation to change, they have to do something about it . And for a procrastinator, that is not easy to do.Questions 56 to 60Mark each statement as either true (T) or (F) according to the passage.56. Procrastinators, to a great extent, are incapable of appropriate time management.57. It is found out that most college students‟ study is plagued by procrastination.58. The main reasons for procrastination, according to the passage, can be summarized as false beliefs, fear of failure, self-control, indulgent parenting and low expectations .59. We may conclude from the passage that procrastination-prone individuals tend to avoid difficulty.60. To realize the exact reason for one‟s procrastination is nowhere near for him to solve his problem.Section B (10 marks)Questions 61-65 are based on the following passage.What‟s that on your pizza? You can bet it‟s not just the extra cheese and onions you ordered. As a matter of fact, you can count on at least a dozen other extra additives that you never asked for. (61) __________________However, additives are nothing new, and neither is the controversy surrounding them. London in the 18th century could have been called the “adulterated food capital of the world,” though it‟s likely that other cities in other countries were just as guilty of the practice of food adulteration. One might think that food in the “old days” was pure and simple , but in many cases ,what people paid for was not what they were getting. When black Indian tea became popular, it was common for manufacturers to buy up used tea leaves, which they stiffened with a gum solution and then tinted with lead, another dangeroussubstance. Practices like that eventually came to the public‟s attention, and in 1860 the first British Food and Drug Act was passed.(62) __________________Salt has been used as a preservative for thousands of years, and , thanks to some basic and other quite complicated substances we have “fresh”vegetables in January, and meat that doesn‟t turn green on the way home from the grocery store. But as they say, there‟s a price to pay for everything.The federal government recognizes about 35 different categories of additives, which are used for various purposes. Antioxidants are added to oil-containing foods to prevent the oil from spoiling. Chelating agents stop food from discoloring. Emulsifiers keep oil and water mixed together. Flavor enhancers improve the natural flavor of food. Thickening agents absorb some of the water present in food and mark food thicker. About 800 million pounds of additives are added to our food every year.(63) __________________ The average American ingests about five pounds of food additives per year. The good news is that the majority of the hundreds of chemicals that are added to food ate safe. In some cases ,they‟re even good for us, such as when vitamins are added. The bad news is that some of them are not safe, and these are the ones with which we need to concern ourselves.(64) __________________ The sugar substitute aspartame is used in many diet beverages. However, some scientists believe that aspartame can cause problems with brain function and behavior changes in people who consume it. Aspartame is still widely added, although many lawsuits have been filed to block its use.The additives sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are two closely related chemicals to preserve meat. These additives keep meat‟s red color, enhance its flavor, and stop the growth of dangerous bacteria. Nitrate by itself is harmless, but it is quickly changed into nitrite by a chemical reaction that occurs at high temperatures. During this chemical reaction, nitrite combines with other chemicals to form some very powerful cancer-causing agents.(65) __________________ But several additives ,such as those we havementioned ,do pose some risks to the general public and should be avoided as much as possible. There is intense pressure on the federal government to ban unsafe substances. But it is also our responsibility as consumers to read labels and be aware of whatwe‟re putting into our bodies, and to learn how to eat safe and healthy food for long and healthy lives.Questions 61 to 65Choose from the sentences A-G the one which best fits each gap of 61-65. There are two extra sentences which you do not need to use.A. What happens when we consume this conglomeration of chemicals?B. It‟s good to know that no signal food additive poses a severe danger to the entire population.C. Despite the regulations on food purity that currently exist in almost every country, there are still problems.D. Believe it or not, food adulteration is not all bad.E. Today‟s additives read like a chemistry book, so many people believe they‟re a modern invention.F. The first of the unsafe additives is artificial sweeteners.G. Food additives make food more flavorful and easier to prepare; they make it last longer, look more appetizing, and feel better in our mouths.Section C (10 marks)Questions 66 to 70 are based on the following passage.There was a time when only governments could create money, and as Mike Rowbotham explains in his excellent book, The Grip of Death, they have long since delegated 97percent of that responsibility to the banks-which create it in the form of mortgages or interest-bearing loan.They are helped by the credit card companies, which give the power to customers to create their own debts-and create their own money at the sametime-every time their card is swiped through a till.But now there are also supermarkets and airlines issuing their own money. Tesco, Safeway , and other businesses all issue their own points to encourage regular customers. A whole range of businesses deal in frequent-flier miles, which you can spend on an ever-increasing variety of goods and services, and which then disappear when you‟ve spent them . In the United States, there are now a range of off-the-shelf “incentive cards” along the same lines for companies to offer their customers. There is even one card that acts as a combined loyalty and credit card. You can use it to buy things with “loyalty points” you haven‟t earned yet, but which then have to be repaid with increased customer loyalty.None of these innovations help us to improve either the shortage of money, the collapse of local communities, or the damage done by worldwide human greed. But they do open up new possibilities for experiments with new kinds of money which arekinder to the planet-and maybe even turning the base metal of human poverty into something closer to gold. As we know, with Local Exchange and Trading Systems (LETS) in the United Kingdom, people have been experimenting with this technology to invent their own new kinds of money. LETS money is available to anyone with time and skills, is less dependent on the increasingly bizarre fluctuations of the market, and does damage to the planet by not charging ruinous interest.Similar ideas are suddenly popping up all over the world. But in America, as befits the great money innovators, the field is even broader , with a range of local currencies all launched kind of money that recognizes the contribution people make to the places they live. Time dollars record, store, and find new ways of rewarding the human transactions where neighbors help neighbors, such as giving lifts to older people. One hour is worth an hour, whether you ate a rich lawyer or an elderly widow. All of the work is voluntary, yet none of it is volunteer work.Research shows that the Time dollar idea also helps us to see workdifferently ,recognizing that caring work is productive work. Governments may not define it as such, and economists may balk at the whole idea, but it is.Then there are Hours, the innovative printed currency, which has revolutionized the local economy of Ithaca in upstate New York. Now Ithaca is home to what is probably the biggest local currency in the world .Like so many other small cities, Ithaca local business and sent profits out of the area. The result was that local incomes were falling ,economic self-determination was crumbling, and the city was increasingly dependent on expensive, packaged imports to the area, usually brought in from great distances by multinational traders.These experiments may be difficult to sustain ,but they could potentially give people the means to provide themselves with the money they need—when it normally seeps away to the big cities and massive world capital flows. Taken together ,they could mean an economic breakthrough for tackling poverty and social collapse and, given the implications of economic collapse in Russia or the Far East ,an urgent one for the whole of humanity.Questions 66 to 68Answer the following questions with the information given in the passage.66. How are “incentive cards” used?67. What is the purpose of experiments such as Time dollars and Hours?68. What does the author mean by “All of the work is voluntary, yet none of it is volunteer work” in the fifth paragraph?69. What does the passage mainly talk about?70. Please list the three new ways to pay mentioned in the passage.Section D (10 marks)Questions 71—75 are based on the following passage.Cultural imperialism , a term first coined in the 1960s, refers to cultural hegemony, or the domination of other nations, specifically as practiced by the United States, through the dissemination of a consumer ideology. Critics of the US point to the plethora of US cultural products available in other countries, particularly media products, such as music , television , movies, news and technology. They argue that the ubiquity and influence of US cultural exports threaten the cultures of other nations and communities. With the growing popularity of the Internet, many countries worried about an unregulated and uni-directional flow of information and have approved policies to control the amount and types of information available to their citizens . Those who oppose regulations declare that the leaders of these countries are opposed to freedom or progress. However, those in favor of regulations believe that their culture and very identities may be under siege.Herbert Schiller , a communications scholar, asserts that although the advent of an information society and innovations such as the Internet have been heralded as democratic, in reality both information and technology are controlled by a wealthy elite. Within Marxist theory ,this is explained in terms of the “core” versus “periphery”argument ,which posits the presence of global imbalances between “core”and “periphery” nations. Core nations , such as the United states, are those with political power and economic advantages, while the periphery nations are poor, so-called Third World nations. According to this perspective ,information flows from the core to the periphery. Periphery nations are, thus, unwitting consumers of core values, ideology, and assumptions embedded in the information they receive.On the other hand , others argue that this theory is too simplistic because it does not account for internal dynamics within societies, and it views culture as deterministic and static. It assumes ,according to its critics , passivity and a lack of。
