2012.12四级第二套听力部分及答案

2012年12月大学英语四级真题试卷（第2套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Education Pays based on the statistics provided in the chart below (Unemployment rate in 2010). Please give a brief description of the chart first and then make comments on it. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Education PaysPart II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes) Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions attached to the passage. For questions 1-7, mark：Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage; N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage; NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage.Should Sugar Be Regulated like Alcohol and Tobacco?Sugar poses enough health risks that it should be considered a controlled substance just like alcohol and tobacco, argue a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).In an opinion piece called "The Toxic (毒性的) Truth About Sugar"published Feb. 1 in Nature, Robert Lustig, Laura Schmidt and Claire Brindis argue that it's wrong to consider sugar just " empty calories. " They write: " There is nothing empty about these calories. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that fructose (果糖) can trigger processes that lead to liver toxicity and a host of other chronic diseases. A little is not a problem, but a lot kills—slowly. "Almost everyone's heard of—or personally experienced—the well-known sugar high, so perhaps the comparison between sugar and alcohol or tobacco shouldn't come as a surprise. But it's doubtful that Americans will look favorably upon regulating their favorite vice. We're a nation that's sweet on sugar: the average US adult downs 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the American Heart Association, and surveys have found that teens swallow 34 teaspoons.To counter our consumption, the authors advocate taxing sugary foods and controlling sales to kids under 17. Already, 17% of US children and teens are obese (肥胖的), and across the world the sugar intake (摄入) has increased three times in the past 50 years. The increase has helped create a global obesity plague that contributes to 35 million annual deaths worldwide fromnoninfectious diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Linda Matzigkeit, a senior vice president at Children's Healthcare, said " We have to do something about this or our country is in danger. It's not good if your state has the second-highest obesity rate. Obese children turn into obese adults. "" There are good calories and bad calories, just as there are good fats and bad fats, good amino acids (氨基酸) and bad amino acids," Lustig, director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health program at UCSF, said in a statement. "But sugar is toxic beyond its calories. "The food industry tries to imply that " a calorie is a calorie," says Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. " But this and other research suggests there is something different about sugar," says Brownell.The UCSF report emphasizes the metabolic (新陈代谢的) effects of sugar. Excess sugar can alter metabolism, raise blood pressure, affect the signaling of hormones and damage the liver—outcomes that sound suspiciously similar to what can happen after a person drinks too much alcohol. Schmidt, co-chair of UCSF's Community Engagement and Health Policy program, noted on CNN: " When you think about it, this actually makes a lot of sense. Alcohol, after all, is simply made from sugar. Where does vodka come from? Sugar. "But there are also other areas of impact that researchers have investigated: the effect of sugar on the brain and how liquid calories are interpreted differently by the body than solids. Research has suggested that sugar activates the same reward pathways in the brain as traditional drugs of abuse like morphine or heroin. No one is claiming the effect of sugar is quite that strong, but, says Brownell, " it helps confirm what people tell you sometimes, that they hunger for sugar and have withdrawal symptoms when they stop eating it. "There's also something particularly tricky about sugary drinks. " When calories come in liquids, the body doesn't feel as full," says Brownell. " People are getting more of their calories than ever before from sugared drinks. "Other countries, including France, Greece and Denmark, impose soda taxes, and the concept is being considered in at least 20 US cities and states. Last summer, Philadelphia came close to passing a 2-cents-per-ounce soda tax. The Rudd Center has been a strong advocate of a more modest 1 -cent-per-ounce tax. But at least one study, from 2010, has raised doubts that soda taxes would result in significant weight loss: apparently people who are determined to eat—and drink—unhealthily will find ways to do it. Teens—no surprise—are good at finding ways to get the things they can't have, so state policies banning all sugar-sweetened drinks from public schools and providing only water, milk or 100% fruit juices haven't had the intended effect of steering kids away from drinking sugared drinks: the average teen consumes about 300 calories per day—that's nearly 15% of his daily calories—in sweetened drinks, and the food and drink industry is only too happy to feed this need.Ultimately, regulating sugar will prove particularly tricky because it goes beyond health concerns; sugar, for so many people, is love. A plate of cut-up vegetables just doesn't pack the same emotional punch as a tin of home-made chocolate chip cookies (饼干) , which is why I took my daughter out for a cupcake and not an apple as an after-school treat today. We don't do that regularly—it's the first time this school year, actually—and that's what made it special. As a society, could we ever reach the point where we'd think apples—not a cupcake—are something to get excited over? Says Brindis, one of the report's authors and director of UCSF's Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies: " We recognize that there are cultural and celebratory aspectsof sugar. Changing these patterns is very complicated. "For inroads (进展) to be made, say the authors in their statement, people have to be better educated about the hazards of sugar and agree that something's got to change:Many of the interventions (干预) that have reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption can be models for addressing the sugar problem, such as imposing special sales taxes, controlling access, and tightening licensing requirements on vending machines (自动售货机) and snack-bars that sell high sugar products in schools and workplaces." We're not talking prohibition," Schmidt said. " We're not advocating a major imposition of the government into people's lives. We're talking about gentle ways to make sugar consumption slightly less convenient, thereby moving people away from the concentrated dose. What we want is to actually increase people's choices by making foods that aren't loaded with sugar comparatively easier and cheaper to get. "2．Why do some researchers think sugar should be considered "a controlled substance" ?A．It contains nothing but empty calories. B．It is as harmful as morphine and heroin. C．It works the same way as alcohol and tobacco in the human body. D．Excessive intake of sugar results in liver toxicity and various diseases,3．What might be Americans' attitude towards government regulation of sugar consumption? A．Ehusiastic. B．Indifferent. C．Disapproving. D．Supportive.4．What is a consequence of excessive sugar intake worldwide?A．It contributes to 35 million noninfectious disease-related deaths a year. B．It has increased the death toll nearly three times in the past 50 years. C．It contributes to the rise of prices of sugar and sugary foods. D．It has increased the global obesity rate to some 17 percent.5．The food industry tries to relieve the public worry about sugar intake by suggesting that______.A．sugar is no more than a source of energy B．sugar is not harmful like alcohol or tobacco C．the hazard of sugar to the body is exaggerated D．the consumption of sugar is easily controllable 6．According to Brownell, liquid sugar______.A．is especially attractive to young children B．is much easier and quicker to absorb than solid sugar C．effectively stimulates people's appetite D．increases your calorie intake without your knowing it7．What does the author think of the practice of imposing sugar taxes?A．It will harm the food and drink industry. B．It is unlikely to yield the intended effect. C．It is likely to alter people's eating habits. D．It can steer kids away from sugary foods. 8．Regulating sugar will prove tricky because______.A．people consume sugar in large quantities B．nothing has been found to replace sugar C．sugar may convey a sense of love D．many foods will become tasteless9．In order to reduce sugar consumption, education should be conducted to raise people's awareness of its______.10．To address the sugar problem, the author suggests that the licensing requirements on vending machines and snack-bars selling high sugar products be______.11． A gentle way to steer people away from sugar is to make inexpensive, low-sugar foods______.Part III Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, C and D, and decide which is the best answer.12．A．Find a shortcut to the park. B．Buy some roses from the market. C．Plant trees in the east end of town. D．Go to the park to enjoy the flowers.13．A．She has been invited to give a talk. B．She is going to meet the man at 9:30. C．She cannot attend the presentation. D．She cannot work because of her toothache.14．A．He is a very successful businessman. B．He has changed his business strategy. C．He is making plans to expand his operation. D．He was twenty when he took over the company. 15．A．She has every confidence in Susan. B．She has not read the news on the Net. C．She is a little bit surprised at the news. D．She is not as bright and diligent as Susan.16．A．It is more comfortable and convenient to take a bus. B．It is worth the money taking a train to Miami. C．It is not always cheaper going by bus. D．It is faster to go to Miami by train. 17．A．Antiques can improve their image. B．Preservation of antiques is important. C．The old furniture should be replaced. D．They should move into a new office.18．A．All roads were closed because of the flood. B．The man stayed at the lab the whole night. C．The man got home late due to the storm. D．The storm continued until midnight. 19．A．Many children feel bored when left alone. B．The woman's sons might enjoy team sports. C．The woman's kids can play soccer with his son. D．Children should play sports at least once a week.20．A．Make phone calls to promote sales. B．Arrange business negotiations. C．Handle complaints from customers. D．Take orders over the phone.21．A．They had different business strategies. B．Customers often mistook one for the other. C．Conflicts between them could not be properly solved. D．Customers' questions could not be answered on the same day.22．A．They each take a week. B．They like to spend it together. C．They have to take it by turns. D．They are given two weeks each.23．A．At a road crossing. B．Outside a police station. C．Near a school. D．In front of a kindergarten.24．A．He drove too fast to read it. B．He did not notice it. C．It says 45 miles an hour. D．It is not clearly visible.25．A．It should have been renewed two months ago. B．It actually belongs to somebody else. C．It is no longer valid. D．It is not genuine.26．A．He got a ticket. B．He was fined $35. C．He had his driver's license canceled. D．He had to do two weeks' community service.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.27．A．A package of ideas formally presented. B．A short presentation clearly delivered. C．A natural and spontaneous style of speech. D．A clever use of visual aids in presentation.28．A．The skillful use of gestures and facial expressions. B．Differences in style between writing and speaking. C．Different preferences of audiences. D．The importance of preparation. 29．A．The differences between American and Asian cultures. B．The significance of cross-cultural communication. C．The increasing importance of public speaking. D．The key to becoming a good speaker.30．A．By comparing his performance with others'. B．By being repeatedly corrected by adults. C．By observing what their teachers do. D．By being given constant praise.31．A．The best students are usually smart by nature. B．It is only natural for children to make errors. C．Children cannot detect their own mistakes. D．All children should have equal opportunities.32．A．It is favorable to knowledge accumulation. B．It is beneficial to independent children. C．It is unhealthy to students' upbringing. D．It is unhelpful to students' learning. 33．A．They care more about an item's price than its use. B．They grab whatever they think is a good bargain. C．They become excited as if they had never been there. D．They behave as if their memories have failed totally.34．A．Those with a VIP card. B．Those with 15 items or less. C．Those needing assistance. D．Those paying in cash.35．A．Go back and pick up more items. B．Take out some unwanted purchases. C．Change the items they have picked up. D．Calculate the total cost of the groceries.36．A．It calls for carefulness. B．It requires tolerance. C．It needs a good knowledge of math. D．It involves communication skills.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the【B1】______visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things【B2】______on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep【B3】______relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest【B4】______.It may seem to you that most Americans are completely【B5】______by the little machines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off【B6】______to make it to their next appointment on time.Americans' language is filled with【B7】______ to time, giving a clear【B8】______of how much it is valued. Time is something to be "on," to be "kept," "filled," "saved," "wasted," "gained," "planned," "given," "made the most of," even "killed. "The international visitor soon learns that【B9】______.Time is so valued in America because by considering time to be important one can clearly achieve more than if one "wastes" time and doesn't keep busy. This philosophy has proven its worth.【B10】______. Many American proverbs (谚语) stress the value of guarding time, using it wisely and setting and working toward specific goals.【B11】______.38．【B2】39．【B3】40．【B4】41．【B5】42．【B6】43．【B7】44．【B8】45．【B9】46．【B10】47．【B11】Part IV Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth) (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item with a single line through the center. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.When Carly Fiorina became Hewlett-Packard's first female chief executive officer, the existence of her househusband, Frank Fiorina, who had retired early from AT&T to support her career, was a mini-sensation (小轰动); now this arrangement isn't【S1】______at all. Seven of the 18 women who are【S2】______CEOs of Fortune 500 companies—including Xerox's Ursula Burns and PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi—have, or at some point have had, a stay-at-home husband. So do scores of【S3】______CEOs of smaller companies and women in other senior executive jobs.This role change is【S4】______more and more as women edge past men at work. Women now【S5】______a majority of jobs in the US, including 51.4 percent of managerial and professional【S6】______, according to US Census Bureau data. Some 23 percent of wives now earn more than their husbands. And this earnings trend is more dramatic among younger people. Women 30 and under make more money, on【S7】______, than their male counterparts (年龄相当的人) in many large cities in the US.During the recent【S8】______, three men lost their jobs for every woman. Many unemployed fathers have ended up caring for their children full-time while their wives are the【S9】______wage earners. The number of men in the US who【S10】______care for children under age five increased to 32 percent in 2010 from 19 percent in 1988, according to Census figures.A) appealing I) occupationsB) average J) occurringC) conflict K) positionsD) currently L) primaryE) elementary M) recessionF) ensure N) regularlyG) female O) unusualH) fill48．【S1】49．【S2】51．【S4】52．【S5】53．【S6】54．【S7】55．【S8】56．【S9】57．【S10】Section BDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice.I've worked in the factories surrounding my hometown every summer since I graduated from high school, but making the transition (转变) between school and full-time blue-collar work during the break never gets any easier. For a student like me who considers any class before noon to be uncivilized, getting to a factory by 6 o'clock each morning is torture. My friends never seem to understand why I'm so relieved to be back at school or that my summer vacation has been anything but a vacation.There're few people as self-confident as a college student who has never been out in the real world. People my age always seem to overestimate the value of their time and knowledge. In fact, all the classes did not prepare me for my battles with the machine I ran in the plant, which would jam whenever I absent-mindedly put in a part backward or upside down.The most stressful thing about blue-collar life is knowing your job could disappear overnight. Issues like downsizing (裁员) and overseas relocation had always seemed distant to me until my co-workers told me that the unit I was working in would shut down within six months and move to Mexico, where people would work for 60 cents an hour.After working 12-hour shifts in a factory, the other options have become only too clear. When I'm back at the university, skipping classes and turning in lazy re-writes seems too irresponsible after seeing what I would be doing without school. All the advice and public-service announcements about the value of an education that used to sound stale now ring true.These lessons I'm learning, however valuable, are always tinged (带有) with a sense of guilt. Many people pass their lives in the places I briefly work, spending 30 years where I spend only two months at a time. "This job pays well, but it's hell on the body," said one co-worker. "Study hard and keep reading," she added.My experiences in the factories have inspired me to make the most of my college years before I enter the real world for good.58．How did the author look back on his summer days while at college?A．They brought him nothing but torture. B．They were no holiday for him at all. C．They were a relief from his hard work at school. D．They offered him a chance to know more people. 59．What does the author say about college students?A．They expect too much from the real world. B．They have little interest in blue-collar life. C．They think too highly of themselves. D．They are confident of their future.60．What, according to the author, is most frustrating for blue-collar workers?A．They do not get decent pay. B．They do not have job security. C．They have to work 12-hourshifts. D．They have to move from place to place.61．In what important way has the author's work experience changed him?A．He learned to be more practical. B．He acquired a sense of urgency. C．He came to respect blue-collar workers. D．He came to appreciate his college education.62．Why does the author feel somewhat guilty?A．He realizes there is a great divide between his life and that of blue-collar workers. B．He looks down upon the mechanical work at the assembly line. C．He has not done much to help his co-workers at the factory. D．He has stayed at school just for the purpose of escaping from the real world.Are people suffering from gadget (小器具) overload? Are they exhausted by the consumer equivalent of the brain fatigue—information overload—that is caused by constant updates of devices and online media?Underwriters Laboratories issued a report last week that found 48% of consumers " feel high-tech manufacturers bring new products to market faster than people need them. "There are two possible explanations. The first, obvious one is that the pace of innovation (创新) is too fast for consumers. The second, less obvious one is that, in fact, innovation is too slow. That is, the new offerings companies are pushing out the door every six months or so are me-too products or ones with just a couple of new features. Marketing schedules, not product innovation, are driving the corporate (公司的) train. Manufacturers in America valued " speed to market" more than in other countries, the report found.Sara Greenstein, Underwriters Laboratories' chief strategy officer, offered her interpretation of the survey results, " Innovation is too fast only if corners are cut. "For the high-tech sector, there are a few other interesting findings. Consumers are less concerned about safety in high-tech products than categories like fresh and processed food. But their top safety concerns are emissions and wireless radio waves. Many people, it seems, are uneasy living in a thickening cloud of radio waves from mobile phone towers and the gadgets they communicate with.A finding that was a bit surprising is that to consumers, the inner parts of high-tech devices do apparently matter. Some 55% of consumers, according to the report, said they are "more concerned about where high-tech components come from than where the product was assembled. "The report doesn't really say how that information would affect consumer buying decisions. It could be complicated. Manufacturing companies on average rely on more than 35 contract suppliers around the world to create a single product. That number would be higher for a smartphone or laptop.But maybe some sort of supply-chain labeling showing where parts come from in a product? "We're working on it," Ms. Greenstein said.63．What is the finding in Underwriters Laboratories' report about many consumers?A．They are exhausted by the information overload. B．They are tired of the constant updating of devices. C．They feel products are updated faster than needed. D．They have difficulty following high-tech innovations.64．What does the author mean by "me-too products"?A．Products with no substantial difference. B．Products tailored to individual users. C．Products everyone is eager to possess. D．Products companies compete to make.65．What do American businesses give priority to when marketing their products?A．The constant updating of their technology. B．The speed of putting them on the market. C．The quality of their new products. D．The pace of product innovation.66．What is the consumers' chief concern about high-tech products?A．User-friendliness. B．Product quality. C．Place of assembly. D．Radio emissions. 67．Why does the author suggest supply-chain labeling?A．It guarantees the safe shipping of products. B．It promotes the competitiveness of the supplier. C．Consumers care about where components are made. D．Consumers tend to buy products they are familiar with.Part V Cloze (15 minutes)Directions: There are 20 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage.Strong emotional bonds between mothers and infants increase children's willingness to explore the world—an effect that has been observed【C1】______the animal kingdom, in people, monkeys and even spiders. The more secure we are in our【C2】______to Mom, the more likely we are to try new things and take risks. Now researchers are discovering that this effect continues into adulthood. A【C3】______reminder of Mom's touch or the sound of her voice on the phone is【C4】______to change people's minds and moods,【C5】______their decision making in measurable ways.In a study【C6】______online in April in Psychological Science, undergraduate business students had to choose between safe bets and risky gambles—a bond with a guaranteed 4 percent yearly【C7】______or a riskier stock option, for example. In half the cases, the experimenters patted the students【C8】______on the back of the shoulder for about one second【C9】______providing verbal (口头的) instructions about the study. Both male and female students who were touched by a female experimenter were【C10】______more likely to choose the risky alternative【C11】______were those who had not been touched or were patted by male experimenters. The reassuring (宽慰的) touch of a woman may have induced early associations,【C12】______the same openness to exploration that is observed in young children of【C13】______mothers, explains Jonathan Levav, a business professor at Columbia University and lead author of the study.To further【C14】______that a woman's touch links feelings of security【C15】______risk taking, the researchers asked a【C16】______group of undergraduates to make financial decisions after a writing exercise. Half of them wrote about a time they felt secure and supported, whereas the【C17】______half wrote about feeling insecure and alone. Evoking (唤起) a【C18】______of insecurity made students in the latter group【C19】______receptive to the gentle shoulder pats from female experimenters and much more willing to take a risk—just as a child leaving for a field trip might steal one last reassuring hug【C20】______Mom before stepping on the bus.68．【C1】A．by B．up C．above D．acrossA．concern B．attachment C．treatment D．appeal70．【C3】A．bare B．unique C．mere D．just71．【C4】A．enough B．ready C．easy D．quick。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版Part I Writing【标准版】Nothing Succeeds Without a Strong WillNothing runs smoothly in our life. To achieve things successfully, a strong will is essential. Life is like a Marathon. Many people can’t get to the terminal. This is not bec ause they are lack of vitality but because their will of success is not strong enough.To take quitting smoking as an example, some regard it as a piece of cake. They make up their minds to quit it in the morning, but in the evening they feel that the smell of cigarettes is tempting. Their throats are sore, their mouths are thirsty, and their hands are shaking. After the painful mental struggle, they tell themselves that “One cigarette is enough. Just take one, and the next day I will quit it.” By doing this, they surrender to their weak will. In the end, they have quitted smoking “a hundred times”, but in no time they succeed.Just like quitting smoking, nothing succeeds without a strong will. To be successful in one’s life, a strong will means that you know where you go and you will persist on the road you choose. Undoubtedly success belongs to those who overcome their weak will and who hang in there until the last minute.【文章点评】本文属于话题类作文，只看题目“Nothing Succeeds without a strong will”考生会觉得比较抽象，难以下手。

2012年12月英语听力答案及原文短对话：11. Go to the park to enjoy the flowers.12. She cannot attend the presentation.13. He is a very successful businessman.14. She has every confidence in Susan.15. It is worth the money taking a train to Miami.16. The old furniture should be replaced.17. The man got home late due to the storm.18. The woman’s sons might enjoy team sports.长对话：Conversation One19. Take orders over the phone.20. Customers’questions could not be answered on the same day.21. They each take a week.Conversation Two22. Near a school.23. He did not notice it.24. It is no longer valid.25. He got a ticket.听力短文：Passage 126. They behave as if their memories have failed totally.27. Those with 15 items or less.28. Go back and pick up more items.29. It requires tolerance.Passage 230. A natural and spontaneous style of speech.31. Differences in style between writing and speaking.32. The key to becoming a good speaker.Passage 333. By comparing his performance with others.34. Children cannot detect their own mistakes.35. It is unhelpful to students’learning.复合式听写：36. foreign37. accomplished38. interpersonal39. detail.40. controlled41. abruptly42. references43. indication44. it is considered very rude to be late -- even by 10 minutes -- for an appointment in America.45. It has enabled Americans to be extremely productive, and productivity itself is highly valued in America.46. Americans believe in spending their time and energy today so that the fruits of their labor may be enjoyed at a later time.2012年12月英语四级考试听力原文汇总完整版Part III Listening ComprehensionSection ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.11.W: I just heard about a really beautiful park in the east end of the town. There are a lot of roses in bloom.M: Why don’t we walk over there and see for ourselves?Q: What will the speakers probably do?12.M: My presentation is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning at the lecture hall. I hope to see you there.W: Oh, sorry. I was about to tell you that I have an appointment with my dentist at 9:00 o’clock tomorrow.Q: What do we learn about the woman?13.W: How long have you been running this company?M: Twenty years if you can believe that. I brought it from a small operation to what it is today. Q: What do we learn about the man?14.M: Have you read the news on the campus net? Susan has won the scholarship for next year.W: I knew she would from the very beginning. Such a brilliant and diligent girl! She certainly deserves it.Q: What does the woman mean?15.W: Taking a bus to Miami, it’s cheaper than going by train.M: That’s true. But I’d rather pay a little more for the added comfort and convenience.Q: What does the man mean?16.M: I think it’s time we got rid of all this old furniture.W: Y ou’re right. We need to promote our image besides it’s not a real antique.Q: What do the speakers mean?17.M: That was some storm yesterday. How was I afraid I couldn’t make it home.W: Y eah, most of the roads to my house were flooded. I didn’t get home from the lab until midnight.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?18.W: My boys are always complaining that they’re bored.M: Why don’t you get them into some team sports? My son and daughter play soccer every Saturday. And they both look forward to it all week.Q: What does the man mean?Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.W: I don’t know what to do. I can’t seem to get anyone in the hospital to listen to my complaints and this outdated equipment is dangerous. Just look at it.M: Hmm, uh, are you trying to say that it presents a health hazard?W: Y es, I am. The head technician in the lab tried to persuade the hospital administration to replace it, but they are trying to cut costs.M: Y ou are pregnant, aren’t you?W: Y es, I am. I made an effort to get my supervisor to transfer me to another department, but he urged me not to complain too loudly. Because the administration is more likely to replace me than an X-ray equipment, I’m afraid to refuse to work. But I’m more afraid to expose my unborn child to the radiation.M: I see what you mean. Well, as your union representative, I have to warn you that it would take quite a while to force management to replace the old machines and attempt to get you transferred may or may not be successful.W: Oh, what am I supposed to do then?M: Workers have the legal right to refuse certain unsafe work assignments under two federal laws, the Occupation or Safety and Health Act and the National Labor Relations Act. But the requirements of either of the Acts may be difficult to meet.W: Do you think I have a good case?M: If you do lose your job, the union will fight to get it back for you along with back pay, your lost income. But you have to be prepared for a long wait, maybe after two years.Q19. What does the woman complain about?Q20. What has the woman asked her supervisor to do?Q21. What does the man say about the two federal laws?Q22. What will the union do if the woman loses her jobQuestions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.W: Mr. Green, is it fair to say that negotiation is an art?M: Well, I think it’s both an art and science. Y ou can prepare for a negotiation quite scientifically, but the execution of the negotiation has quite a lot to do with one’s artistic quality. The scientific part of a negotiation is in determining your strategy. What do you want out of it? What can you give? Then of course there are tactics. How do you go about it? Do you take an opening position in a negotiation which differs from the eventual goal you are heading for? And then of course there are the behavioral aspects.W: What do you mean by the behavioral aspects?M: Well, that’s I think where the art comes in. In your behavior, you can either be an actor. Y ou can pretend that you don’t like things which you are actually quite pleased about. Or you can pretend to like things which you are quite happy to do without. Or you can be the honest type negotiator who’s known to his partners in negotiation and always plays everything straight. But the artistic part of negotiation I think has to do with responding immediately to cues one gets in the process of negotiation. These can be verbal cues or even body language. This is where the artistic quality comes in.W: So really, you see two types of negotiator then, the actor or the honest one.M: That’right. And both can work. I would say the honest negotiator can be quite effective in some circumstances. In other circumstances you need an actor.Q23. When is a scientific approach best embodied in a negotiation according to the man?Q24. In what way is a negotiator like an actor according to the man?Q25. What does the man say about the two types of negotiator?Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the center.Passage 1Questions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.Since I started working part-time at a grocery store, I have learned that a customer is more thansomeone who buys something. To me, a customer is a person whose memory fails entirely once he or she starts to push a shopping cart. One of the first things customers forget is how to count. There is no other way to explain how so many people get in their express line, which is clearly marked 15 items or less, with 20, 25 or even a cart load of items. Customers also forget why they came to the store in the first place. Just as I finish ringing up an order, a customer will say, “Oops, I forgot to pick up a fresh loaf of bread. I hope you don’t mind waiting while I go get it.”Five minutes later, he is back with the bread, a bottle of milk, and three rolls of paper towels. Strange as it seems, customers also seem to forget that they have to pay for their groceries. Instead of writing a check or looking for a credit card while I am ringing up the groceries, my customers will wait until I announce the total. Then, in surprise, she says, “Oh no, what did I do with my check book?”After 5 minutes of digging through her purse, she borrows my pen because she’s forgotten hers. But I have to be tolerant of customers because they pay my salary, and that’s something I can’t afford to forget.Q26. What does the speaker say about customers’entering the grocery store?Q27. Which customers are supposed to be in the express line?Q28. What does the speaker say some customers do when they arrive at the check-out counter?Q29. What does the speaker say about his job at the end of the talk?Passage 2Questions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.The speech delivery style of Europeans and Asians tends to be very formal. Speakers of these cultures often read oral presentations from carefully written manuscripts. On the other hand, American speakers are generally more informal relative to speakers in other cultures. American audiences prefer natural, spontaneous delivery that conveys a lively sense of communication. They don’t relate well to speakers who read from a manuscript. If you use an outline of your ideas instead of a prepared text, your speech will not only sound more natural, but you will also be able to establish better relationship with your listeners and keep their attention. The language and style you use when making an oral presentation should not be the same as the language and style you use when writing. Well-written information, that is meant to be read, does not work as well when it is heard. It is, therefore, important for you to adapt written texts or outlines for presentations. Good speakers are much more informal when speaking than when writing. They also use their own words and develop their own speaking styles. Whenever possible, they use short words. Listeners appreciate it when speakers use simple, everyday words in a presentation. One advantage is that it’s much easier for speakers to pronounce short words correctly. Another is that long and sophisticated vocabulary choices make listening more difficult.Question 30 to 3230. What does the speaker say American audiences prefer?31. What should one pay attention to when making an oral presentation?32. What does the speaker focus on in the talk?Passage 3Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.Let children learn to judge their own work. A child learning to talk does not learn by beingcorrected all the time. If corrected too much, he will stop talking. He compares a thousand times a day the difference between language as he uses it and language as those around him use it. Bit by bit, he makes the necessary changes to make his language like other people’s. In the same way, kids learning to do all the other things they learn without adult teachers, to walk, run, climb, ride a bike, play games, compare their own performance with what more skilled people do, and slowly make the needed changes. But in school we never give a child a chance to detect his mistakes. We do it all for him. We act as if we thought he would never notice a mistake unless it was pointed out to him. Soon he becomes dependent on the expert. We should let him do it himself. Let him figure out, with the help of other children if he wants it, what this word says, what is the answer to that problem, whether this is a good way of saying or doing this or that. If right answers need to be given, as in mathematics or science, give him the answer book. Let him correct his own papers. Why should we teachers waste time on such tedious work? Our job should be to help children when they tell us that they can’t find a way to get the right answer.Question 33 to 3533. How does a child learn to do something according to the speaker?34. What belief do teachers commonly hold according to the speaker?35. What does the speaker imply about the current way of teaching?Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the foreign visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things accomplished on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep interpersonal relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail. It may seem to you that most Americans are completely controlled by the little machines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off abruptly to make it to their next appointment on time. Americans’language is filled with references to time, giving a clear indication of how much it is valued. Time is something to be “on,”to be “kept,”“filled,”“saved,”“wasted,”“gained,”“planned,”“given,”“made the most of,”even “killed.”The international visitor soon learns that it is considered very rude to be late -- even by 10 minutes -- for an appointment in America. Time is so valued in America, because by considering time to be important one can clearly achieve more than if one “wastes”time and doesn’t keep busy. This philosophy has proven its worth. It has enabled Americans to be extremely productive, and productivity itself is highly valued in America. Many American proverbs stress the value of guarding time, using it wisely, and setting and working toward specific goals. Americans believe in spending their time and energy today so that the fruits of their labor may be enjoyed at a later time.。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Education PaysYou should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) Why Integrity Matters What is Integrity? "Integrity" is defined as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty." The key to integrity is consistency--not only setting high personal standards for oneself (honesty, responsibility, respect for others, fairness) but also living up to those standards each day. One who has integrity is bound by and follows moral and ethical standards even when making life's hard choices, choices which may be clouded by stress, pressure to succeed, or temptation. What happens if we lie, cheat, steal, or violate other ethical standards? We feel disappointed in ourselves and ashamed. But a lapse of integrity also affects our relationships with others. Trust is essential in any important relationship, whether personal or professional. Who can trust someone who is dishonest or unfair? Thus, integrity must be one of our most important goals. Risky Business We are each responsible for our own decisions, even if the decision-making process has been undermined by stress or peer pressure. The real test of character is whether we can learn from our mistake, by understanding why we acted as we did, and then exploring ways to avoid similar problems in the future. Making ethical decisions is a critical part of avoiding future problems. We must learn to recognize risks, because if we can't see the risks we're taking, we can't make responsible choices. To identify risks, we need to know the rules and be aware of the facts. For example, one who doesn't know the rules about plagiarism may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit, or one who fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote and cite sources as required. But the fact that such a violation is "unintentional" does not excuse the misconduct. Ignorance is not a defense. "But Everybody Does It" Most people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts, but manage to fool themselves about the risks they’re taking by using excuses: "Everyone else does it," "I'm not hurting anyone," or "I really need this grade." Excuses can get very elaborate: "I know I'm looking at another's exam, even though I'm supposed to keep my eyes on my own paper, but that's not cheating because I'm just checking my answers, not copying." We must be honest about our actions, and avoid excuses. If we fool ourselves into believing we're not doing anything wrong, we can't see the real choice we're making--and that leads to bad decisions. To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Ask how you would feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over yourshoulder. Would you feel proud or ashamed of your actions? If you'd rather hide your actions, that's a good indication that you're taking a risk and rationalizing it to yourself. Evaluating Risks To decide whether a risk is worth taking, you must examine the consequences, in the future as well as right now, negative as well as positive, and to others as well as to yourself. Those who take risks they later regret usually focus on immediate benefits ("what's in it for me"), and simply haven't considered what might go wrong. The consequences of getting caught are serious, and may include a "0" on a test or assignment; an "F" in the class; Suspension or Dismissal from school; transcript notation; and a tarnished reputation. In fact, when you break a rule or law, you lose control over your life, and give others the power to impose punishment: you have no control over what that punishment might be. This is an extremely precarious and vulnerable position. There may be some matters of life and death, or highest principle, which might justify such a risk, but there aren't many things that fall in this category. Getting Away With It--Or Not Those who don't get caught pay an even higher price. A cheater doesn't learn from the test, depriving him/herself of an education. Cheating undermines confidence and independence: the cheater is a fraud, and knows that without dishonesty, he/she would have failed. Cheating destroys self-esteem and integrity, leaving the cheater ashamed, guilty, and afraid of getting caught. Worst of all, a cheater who doesn't get caught the first time usually cheats again, not only because he/she is farther behind, but also because it seems "easier." This slippery slope of eroding ethics and bigger risks leads only to disaster. Eventually, the cheater gets caught, and the later he/she gets caught, the worse the consequences. Students have been dismissed from school because they didn't get this simple message: Honesty is the ONLY policy that works. Cheating Hurts Others, Too Cheaters often feel invisible, as if their actions "don't count" and don't really hurt anyone. But individual choices have a profound cumulative effect. Cheating can spread like a disease, and a cheater can encourage others just by being seen from across the room. Recent statistics suggest 30% or more of college students cheat. If a class is graded on a curve, cheating hurts others' grades. Even if there is no curve, cheating "poisons" the classroom, and others may feel pressured to join in. ("If I don't cheat, I can't compete with those who do.") Cheating also has a destructive impact on teachers. The real reward of good teaching is seeing students learn, but a cheater says, "I'm not interested in what you're trying to teach; all I care about is stealing a grade, regardless of the effect on others." The end result is a blatant and destructive attack on the quality of your education. Finally, cheating can hurt the reputation of the University, and harm those who worked hard for their degree. Why Integrity Matters If cheating becomes the norm, then we are in big trouble. We must rely on thehonesty and good faith of others every day. If not, we couldn't put money in the bank, buy food, clothing, or medicine from others, drive across a bridge, get on a plane, go to the dentist--the list is endless. There are many examples of the vast harm that is caused when individuals forget or ignore the effect their dishonesty can have. The savings and loan scandal, the stock market and junk bond swindles, and, of course, Watergate, have undermined the faith of many Americans in the integrity of political and economic leaders and society as a whole. Such incidents take a tremendous toll on our nation's economy and our individual well-being. For example, but for the savings and loan debacle, there might be funds available to reduce the national debt and pay for education. In sum, we all have a common stake in our school, our community, and our society. Our actions do matter. It is essential that we act with integrity in order to build the kind of world in which we want to live. 1. A person of integrity not only sets high moral and ethical standards but also _______. A) sticks to them in their daily life B) makes them known to others C) understands their true values D)sees that others also follow them 2. What role does integrity play in personal and professional relationships? A) It helps to create team spirit B) It facilitates communication C) It is the basis of mutual trust D) It inspires mutual respect 3. why must we learn to identify the risks we are going to take? A. To ensure we make responsible choices. B. To avoid being overwhelmed by stress. C. so that we don’t break any rules. D. so that we don’t run into trouble. 4. Violation of a rule is misconduct even if _______? A. it has caused no harm. B. it is claimed to be unintentional. C. it has gone unnoticed. D. it is committed with good intentions. 5. What should one do if he doesn’t wish to fool himself? A. Avoid making excuses. B. Listen to other people’s advice. C. Make his intensions public. D. Have others watch over his shoulder. 6. Those who take risks they regret later on _______. A. will often become more cautious B. are usually very aggressive C. value immediate benefits most. D. may lose everything in the end 7. According to the author, a cheater who doesn’t get caught right away will _______. A) pay more dearly B) become more confident C) be widely admired D) feel somewhat lucky 8. Cheaters at exam don’t care about their education, all they care about is how to _______ 9. Integrity matters in that all social activities rely on people’s _______ 10. Many Americans lost faith in the integrity of their political leaders asa result of _______. Part III Listening Comprehension Section A Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. 11. W: I just heard about a really beautiful park in the east end of the town. There are a lot of roses in bloom. M: Why don’t we walk over there and see for ourselves? Q: What will the speakers probably do? 12. M: My presentation is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning at the lecture hall.I hope to see you there. W: Oh, sorry. I was about to tell you that I have an appointment with my dentist at 9:00 o’clock tomorrow. Q: What do we learn about the woman? 13. W: How long have you been running this company? M: Twenty years if you can believe that. I brought it from a small operation to what it is today. Q: What do we learn about the man? 14. M: Have you read the news on the campus net? Susan has won the scholarship for next year. W: I knew she would from the very beginning. Such a brilliant and diligent girl! She certainly deserves it. Q: What does the woman mean? 15. W: Taking a bus to Miami, it’s cheaper than going by train. M: That’s true. But I’d rather pay a little more for the added comfort andconvenience. Q: What does the man mean? 16. M: I think it’s time we got rid of all this old furniture. W: You’re right. We need to promote our image besides it’s not a real antique. Q: What do the speakers mean? 17. M: That was some storm yesterday. How was I afraid I couldn’t make it home. W: Yeah, most of the roads to my house were flooded. I didn’t get home from the lab until midnight. Q: What do we learn from the conversation? 18. W: My boys are always complaining that they’re bored. M: Why don’t you get them into some team sports? My son and daughter play soccer every Saturday. And they both look forward to it all week. Q: What does the man mean? Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard. W: I don’t know what to do. I can’t seem to get anyone in the hospital to listen to my complaints and this outdated equipment is dangerous. Just look at it. M: Hmm, uh, are you trying to say that it presents a health hazard? W: Yes, I am. The head technician in the lab tried to persuade the hospital administration to replace it, but they are trying to cut costs. M: You are pregnant, aren’t you? W: Yes, I am. I made an effort to get my supervisor to transfer me to another department, but he urged me not to complain too loudly. Because the administration is more likely to replace me than an X-ray equipment, I’m afraid to refuse to work. But I’m more afraid to expose my unborn child to the radiation. M: I see what you mean. Well, as your union representative, I have to warn you that it would take quite a while to force management to replace the old machines and attempt to get you transferred may or may not be successful. W: Oh, what am I supposed to do then? M: Workers have the legal right to refuse certain unsafe work assignments under two federal laws, the Occupation or Safety and Health Act and the National Labor Relations Act. But the requirements of either of the Acts may be difficult to meet. W: Do you think I have a good case? M: If you do lose your job, the union will fight to get it back for you along with back pay, your lost income. But you have to be prepared for a long wait, maybe after two years. Q19. What does the woman complain about? Q20. What has the woman asked her supervisor to do? Q21. What does the man say about the two federal laws? Q22. What will the union do if the woman loses her job Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard. W: Mr. Green, is it fair to say that negotiation is an art? M: Well, I think it’s both an art and science. You can prepare for a negotiation quite scientifically, but the execution of the negotiation has quite a lot to do with one’s artistic quality. The scientific part of a negotiation is in determining your strategy. What do you want out of it? What can you give? Then of course there are tactics. How do you go about it? Do you take an opening position in a negotiation which differs from the eventual goal you are heading for? And then of course there are the behavioral aspects. W: What do you mean by the behavioral aspects? M: Well, that’s I think where the art comes in. In your behavior, you can either be an actor. You can pretend that you don’t like things which you are actually quite pleased about. Or you can pretend to like things which you are quite happy to do without. Or you can be the honest type negotiator who’s known to his partners in negotiation and always plays everything straight. But the artistic part of negotiation I think has to do with responding immediately to cues one gets in the process of negotiation. These can be verbal cues or even body language. This is where the artistic quality comes in. W: So really, you see two types of negotiator then, the actor or the honest one. M: That’ right. And both can work. I would say the honest negotiator can be quite effective in some circumstances. In other circumstances you need an actor. Q23. When is a scientific approach best embodied in a negotiation according to the man? Q24. In what way is a negotiator like an actor according to the man? Q25. What does the man say about the two types of negotiator? Section B Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the center. Passage 1 Questions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard. Since I started working part-time at a grocery store, I have learned that a customer is more than someone who buys something. To me, a customer is a person whose memory fails entirely once he or she starts to push a shopping cart. One of the first things customers forget is how to count. There is no other way to explain how so many people get in their express line, which is clearly marked 15 items or less, with 20, 25 or even a cart load of items. Customers also forget why they came to the store in the first place. Just as I finish ringing up an order, a customer will say, “Oops, I forgot to pick up a fresh loaf of bread. I hope you don’t mind waiting while I go get it.” Five minutes later, he is back with the bread, a bottle of milk, and three rolls of paper towels. Strange as it seems, customers also seem to forget that they have to pay for their groceries. Instead of writing a check or looking for a credit card while I am ringing up the groceries, my customers will wait until I announce the total. Then, in surprise, she says, “Oh no, what did I do with mycheck book?” After 5 minutes of digging through her purse, she borrows my pen because she’s forgotten hers. But I have to be tolerant of customers because they pay my salary, and that’s something I can’t afford to forget. Q26. What does the speaker say about customers’ entering the grocery store? Q27. Which customers are supposed to be in the express line? Q28. What does the speaker say some customers do when they arrive at the check-out counter? Q29. What does the speaker say about his job at the end of the talk? Passage 2 Questions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard. The speech delivery style of Europeans and Asians tends to be very formal. Speakers of these cultures often read oral presentations from carefully written manuscripts. On the other hand, American speakers are generally more informal relative to speakers in other cultures. American audiences prefer natural, spontaneous delivery that conveys a lively sense of communication. They don’t relate well to speakers who read from a manuscript. If you use an outline of your ideas instead of a prepared text, your speech will not only sound more natural, but you will also be able to establish better relationship with your listeners and keep their attention. The language and style you use when making an oral presentation should not be the same as the language and style you use when writing. Well-written information, that is meant to be read, does not work as well when it is heard. It is, therefore, important for you to adapt written texts or outlines for presentations. Good speakers are much more informal when speaking than when writing. They also use their own words and develop their own speaking styles. Whenever possible, they use short words. Listeners appreciate it when speakers use simple, everyday words in a presentation. One advantage is that it’s much easier for speakers to pronounce short words correctly. Another is that long and sophisticated vocabulary choices make listening more difficult. Question 30 to 32 30. What does the speaker say American audiences prefer? 31. What should one pay attention to when making an oral presentation? 32. What does the speaker focus on in the talk? Passage 3 Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard. Let children learn to judge their own work. A child learning to talk does not learn by being corrected all the time. If corrected too much, he will stop talking. He compares a thousand times a day the difference between language as he uses it and language as those around him use it. Bit by bit, he makes the necessary changes to make his language like other people’s. In the same way, kids learning to do all the other things they learn without adult teachers, to walk, run, climb, ride a bike, play games, compare their own performance with what more skilled people do, and slowly make the needed changes. But in school we never give a child a chance to detect his mistakes. We do it all for him. We act as if we thought he would never notice a mistake unless it was pointed out to him. Soon he becomes dependent on the expert.We should let him do it himself. Let him figure out, with the help of other children if he wants it, what this word says, what is the answer to that problem, whether this is a good way of saying or doing this or that. If right answers need to be given, as in mathematics or science, give him the answer book. Let him correct his own papers. Why should we teachers waste time on such tedious work? Our job should be to help children when they tell us that they can’t find a way to get the right answer. Question 33 to 35 33. How does a child learn to do something according to the speaker? 34. What belief do teachers commonly hold according to the speaker? 35. What does the speaker imply about the current way of teaching? Section C Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written. (听力原文)Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the foreign visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things accomplished on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep interpersonal relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail. It may seem to you that most Americans are completely controlled by the little machines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off abruptly to make it to their next appointment on time. Americans’ language is filled with references to time, giving a clear indication of how much it is valued. Time is something to be “on,” to be “kept,” “filled,” “saved,” “wasted,” “gained,” “planned,” “given,” “made the most of,” even “killed.” The international visitor soon learns that it is considered very rude to be late -- even by 10 minutes -- for an appointment in America. Time is so valued in America, because by considering time to be important one can clearly achieve more than if one “wastes” time and doesn’t keep busy. This philosophy has proven its worth. It has enabled Americans to be extremely productive, and productivity itself is highly valued in America. Many American proverbs stress the value of guarding time, using it wisely, and setting and working toward specific goals. Americans believe in spending their time and energy today so that the fruits of their labor may be enjoyed at a later time. Part IV Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth) Section A Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letterfor each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once. Questions 47 to 56 is based on the following passage. So many people use the cell phone so frequantly every day,But ___47__little is certain adout he health effects of its use.Macufacturers___48___that cell phones meet government standards for safe radio- frequency radiation omission,but enough studies are beginning to document a possible ___49___in rare brain tumour(肿瘤)：bendaches and behavioral disorders in children to cause coneem.So far,the avidence isn't___50___on whether the use of cell phones __51__to any uncased risk of cancer.In a new trial,researchers asked 47 yolunteers to ___52__in a project to measure glucose(葡萄糖)consurnption in the brain by scanning the brain to see how cells use energy.For both 50- minute scans,the volunteers had a cell phone __53__to each ear.During be first scan,the devices were turned off,but for the second scan,the phone on the right ear as___54____on and received a recorded- message call,although the yolume was muted(消毒) so the dise wouldn't bias the results.The results of the second scan abowed that the__55__of the brain rarest to the device had higher rales of glucose consumption than the rest of the brain.The study ows that cell phones can change brain activity,and __56__a whole new avenue for scientific quiry,tuough it doesn't say anything about whether cell-phone radiation can cause cancer. 注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

Section A11.W: I just heard about a really beautiful park in the east end of the town. There are a lot of roses in bloom.M: Why don’t we walk over there and see for ourselves?Q: What will the speakers probably do?答案：C. Go to the park to enjoy the flowers.点评：对话中女士介绍了一处漂亮的公园，从男士的回答“为什么不去看看呢？”可以判断，接下去两人可能会去这个公园。

see for 看见12.M: My presentation is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning at the lecture hall. I hope to see you there.W: Oh, sorry. I was about to tell you that I have an appointment wi th my dentist at 9:00 o’clock tomorrow.Q: What do we learn about the woman?答案：C. She cannot attend the presentation.点评：从对话中可知，女士九点要去看牙医，无法参加男士的讲座了。

13.W: How long have you been running this company?M: Twenty years if you can believe that. I brought it from a small operation to what it is today.Q: What do we learn about the man?答案：B. He is a very successful businessman.点评：从对话中可知，男士经营这家公司20年了，而且成功把公司从一家小公司发展到了现在较大的规模。

Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.11.W: This crazy bus schedule has got me completely confused. I can’t figure out when my bus to Cleveland leaves?M: Why don’t you just go to the ticket window and ask?Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?12.W: I really enjoyed the TV special about drafts last night. Did you get home in time to see it?W: Oh, yes, but I wish I could have stayed awake long enough to see the whole thing.Q: What does the man mean?13.W: Airport, please. I’m running a little late. So just take the fastest way even if it’s not the most direct.M: Sure, but there is a lot of traffic everywhere today because of the football game.Q: What do we learn about the woman from the conversation?14.W: May I make a recommendation, sir? Our seafood with this special sauce is very good.M: Thank you, but I don’t eat shellfish. I’m allergic to it.Q: Where does this conversation most probably take place?15. W: now one more question if you don’t mind, what position in the company appeals to you most?M: Well, I’d like the position of sales manager if that position is still vacant.Q: What do we learn about the man?16. M: I don’t think I want to live in the dormitory next year. I need moreprivacy.W: I know what you mean. But check out the cost if renting an apartment first. I won’t be surprised if you change your mind.Q: What does the woman imply?17. M: You’re on the right track. I just think you need to narrow the topic down.W: Yeah, you’re right. I always start by choosing two boarder topics when I’m doing a research paper.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?18. W: This picnic should beat the last one we went to, doesn’t it?M: Oh, yeah, we had to spend the whole time inside. Good thing, the weather was cooperative this time.What do we learn about the speakers from the conversation?Long ConversationConversation OneM: When I say I live in Sweden, people always want to know about the seasons.W: The seasons?M: Yeah, you know how cold it is in winter? What is it like when the days are so short?W: So what is it like?M: Well, it is cold ,very cold in winter. Sometimes it is cold as 26 degrees below centigrade. And of course when you go out, you’ll wrap up warm. But inside in the houses it’s always very warm, much warmer than at home. Swedish people always complain that when they visit England, the houses are cold even in the good winter.W: And what about the darkness?M: Well, yeah, around Christmas time there’s only one hour of daylight, so you really looks forward to the spring. It is sometimes a bit depressing. But you see the summers are amazing, from May to July in the North of Sweden the sun never sets. It’s still light in the midnight. You can walk in the mountains and read a newspaper.W: Oh, yeah, the land of the midnight sun.M: Yeah, that’s right, but it’s wonderful. You won’t stay up all night. And the Swedes makes most of it often they started work earlier in summer and then leave at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, so that they can really enjoy the long summer evenings. They’d like to work hard, but play hard, too. I think Londoners work longer hours, but I’m not sure this is a good thing.Q19: What do we learn about the man from the conversation?Q20: What do Swedish people complain about when they visit England in winter?Q21: How does the man describe the short hour of daylight around Christmas in Sweden?Q21: What does the man say about the Swedish people? Conversation TwoW: What kind of training does one need to go into this type of job?M: That’s a very good question. I don’t think there is any, specifically. W: For example, in your case, what was your educational background? M: Well, I did a degree in French at Nottingham. After that, I did careers work in secondary schools like the careers guidance people. Here is in the university. Then I went into local government because I found I was more interested in the administrative side. Then progressed on to universities. So there wasn’t any plan and there was no specific training. There are plenty of training courses in management techniques and committee work which you can attend now.W: But in the first place, you did a French degree.M: In my time, there wasn’t a degree you could do for administration. I think most of the administrators I’ve come across have degrees and all sorts of things.W: Well, I know in my case, I did an English literature degree and I didn’t really expect to end up doing what I am doing now.M: Quite.W: But you are local to Nottingham, actually? Is there any reason why you went to Nottingham University?M: No, no, I come from the north of England, from west Yorkshire. Nottingham was one of the universities I put on my list. And I like the look of it. The campus is just beautiful.W: Yes, indeed. Let’s see. Were you from the industrial part of Yorkshire? M: Yes, from the Woolen District.Q23. What was the man’s major at university?Q24: What was the man’s job in secondary schools?Q25: What attracted the man to Nottingham University?Section BPassage OneWhile Gail Obcamp, an American artist was giving a speech on the art of Japanese brush painting to an audience that included visitors from Japan,she was confused to see that many of her Japanese listeners have their eyes closed. Were they tuned off because an American had the nerve to instruct Japanese in their own art form or they deliberately tried to signal their rejection of her? Obcamp later found out that her listeners were not being disrespectful. Japanese listeners sometimes closed their eyes to enhance concentration. Her listeners were showing their respect for her by chewing on her words. Some day you may be either a speaker or a listener in a situation involving people from other countries or members of minority group in North America. Learning how different cultures signal respect can help you avoid misunderstandings. Here are some examples. In the deaf culture of North America, many listeners show applause not by clapping their hands but by waving them in the air. In some cultures, both overseas and in some minority groups in North America, listeners are considered disrespectful if they look directly at the speaker. Respect is shown by looking in the general direction but avoiding direct eye contact. In some countries, whistling by listeners is a sign of approval while in other courtiers it is a form of insult.Questions:26, What did Obcamp’s speech focus on?27, Why do Japanese listeners sometimes close their eyes while listening to a speech?28, What does the speaker try to explain?Passage TwoChris is in charge of purchasing and maintaining equipment in his Division at Taxlong Company. He is soon going to have an evaluation interview with his supervisor and the personnel director to discuss the work he has done in the past year. Salary, promotion and plans for the coming year will also be discussed at the meeting. Chris has made several changes for his Division in the past year. First, he bought new equipment for one of the departments. He has been particularly happy about the new equipment because many of the employees have told him how much it has helped them. Along with improving the equipment, Chris began a program to train employees to use equipment better and do simple maintenance themselves. The training saved time for the employees and money for the company. Unfortunately, one serious problem developed during the year. Two employees the Chris hired were stealing, and he had to fire them. Chris knows that a new job for a purchasing and maintenance manager for the whole company will be open in a few months, and he would like to be promoted to the job. Chris knows, however, that someone else wants that new job, too. Kim is in charge of purchasing and maintenance in another Division of thecompany. She has also made several changes over the year. Chris knows that his boss likes Kim’s work, and he expects that his work will be compared with hers.Questions 29 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard.29. What is Chris’s main responsibility at Taxlong Company?30. What problem did Chris encounter in his Division?31. What does Chris hope for in the near future?32. What do we learn about Kim from the passage?Passage ThreeProverbs, sometimes called sayings, are examples of folk wisdom. They are little lessons which older people of a culture pass down to the younger people to teach them about life. Many proverbs remind people of the values that are important in the culture. Values teach people how to act, what is right, and what is wrong. Because the values of each culture are different, understanding the values of another culture helps explain how people think and act. Understanding your own culture values is important too. If you can accept that people from other cultures act according to their values, not yours, getting along with them will be much easier. Many proverbs are very old. So some of the values theyteach may not be as important in the culture as they once were. For example, Americans today do not pay much attention to the proverb “Haste makes waste”, because patience is not important to them. But if you know about past values, it helps you to understand the present and many of the older values are still strong today. Benjamin Franklin, a famous American diplomat, writer and scientist, died in 1790, but his proverb “Time is money”is taken more seriously by Americans of today than ever before. A study of proverbs from around the world shows that some values are shared by many cultures. In many cases though, the same idea is expressed differently.Questions 33- 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.33. Why are proverbs so important?34. According to the speaker what happens to some proverbs with the passage of time?35 What do we learn from the study of proverbs from around the world?Section CCompound DictationOur lives are woven together. As much as I enjoy my own company, I no longer imagine I can get through a single day much less all my lifecompletely on my own. Even if I am on vacation in the mountains, I am eating food someone else has grown, living in a house someone else has built, wearing clothes someone else has sewn from cloth woven by others, using electricity someone else is distributing to my house. Evidence of interdependence is everywhere; we are on this journey together.As I was growing up, I remember being carefully taught that independence not interdependence was everything. “Make your own way”,”Stand on your own two feet”or my mother’s favorite remark when I was face-to-face with consequences of some action: Now that you’ve made your bed, lie on it.Total independence is a dominant thing in our culture. I imagine that what my parents were trying to teach me was to take responsibilities for my actions and my choices. But the teaching was shaped by our cultural imagines. And instead, I grew up believing that I was supposed to be totally independent and consequently became very reluctant to ask for help. I would do almost anything not to be a burden, and not require any help from anybody.答案：11.答案：B) Go and ask the staff.12.答案：A) He fell asleep in the middle of the TV program.13.答案：B) She is worried about missing her flight.14.答案：A) In a restaurant15.A) He is being interviewed for a job.16.B) The man is unlikely to move out of the dormitory.17.D) The woman is going to make her topic more focused.18.B) They didn’t quite enjoy their last picnic.19. C）He is an English living in Sweden.20. B）The cold houses.21. C）Depressing.22. B）They work hard and play hard.23. What was the man’s major at university?答案：B）French.24. What was the man’s job in secondary schools?答案：C）careers guidance.25. What attracted the man to Nottingham University?答案：B）Its pleasant environment.Section BPassage One（听力短文第一大题）26. A. The art of Japanese brush painting27. A. To enhance concentration28. C. How listeners in different cultures show respectPassage Two（听力短文第二大题）29. A. Buying and maintaining equipment.30. A. Two of his employees committed theft.31. D. Advancement to a higher promotion32. D. She is competing with Chris for that new job.33. A) They help us see the important values of a culture。

2012年12月英语四级真题（完整版）Part I Writing【标准版】Nothing Succeeds Without a Strong WillNothing runs smoothly in our life. To achieve things successfully, a strong will is essential. Life is like a Marathon. Many people can’t get to the terminal. This is not because they are lack of vitality but because their will of success is not strong enough.To take quitting smoking as an example, some regard it as a piece of cake. They make up their minds to quit it in the morning, but in the evening they feel that the smell of cigarettes is tempting. Their throats are sore, their mouths are thirsty, and their hands are shaking. After the painful mental struggle, they tell themselves that “One cigaretteis enough. Just take one, and the next day I will quit it.” By doing this, they surrender to their weak will. In the end, they have quitted smoking “a hundred times”, but in no time they succeed.Just like quitting smoking, nothing succeeds without a strong will. To be successful in one’s life, a strong will means that you know where you go and you will persist on the road you choose. Undoubtedly success belongs to those who overcome their weak will and who hang in there until the last minute.【文章点评】本文属于话题类作文，只看题目“Nothing Succeeds without a strong will”考生会觉得比较抽象，难以下手。

2012年12月英语四级真题及答案解析完整版Part I Writing【标准版】Nothing Succeeds Without a Strong WillNothing runs smoothly in our life. To achieve things successfully, a strong will is essential. Life is like a Marathon. Many people can’t get to the terminal. This is not bec ause they are lack of vitality but because their will of success is not strong enough.To take quitting smoking as an example, some regard it as a piece of cake. They make up their minds to quit it in the morning, but in the evening they feel that the smell of cigarettes is tempting. Their throats are sore, their mouths are thirsty, and their hands are shaking. After the painful mental struggle, they tell themselves that “One cigarette is enough. Just take one, and the next day I will quit it.” By doing this, they surrender to their weak will. In the end, they have quitted smoking “a hundred times”, but in no time they succeed.Just like quitting smoking, nothing succeeds without a strong will. To be successful in one’s life, a strong will means that you know where you go and you will persist on the road you choose. Undoubtedly success belongs to those who overcome their weak will and who hang in there until the last minute.【文章点评】本文属于话题类作文，只看题目“Nothing Succeeds without a strong will”考生会觉得比较抽象，难以下手。

2012年12月大学英语四级真题试卷（第2套）(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. Writing 2. Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) 3. Listening Comprehension 4. Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth) 5. Cloze 8. TranslationPart I Writing (30 minutes)1．For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Education Pays based on the statistics provided in the chart below (Unemployment rate in 2010). Please give a brief description of the chart first and then make comments on it. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Education Pays正确答案：Education Pays The bar chart given by US Bureau of Labor Statistics reflects the unemployment rate in 2010 among people with different educational background. From these statistics, it can be seen that the higher degree one possesses, the less likely he is to be unemployed. Generally speaking, two factors have contributed to this phenomenon. For one thing, the advancement of technology and the adjustment of industrial structure lead to a dramatic demand of workforces with high educational degrees. Therefore, it is natural for people with higher educational degrees to enjoy a more steady and well-paid job. For another, those with lower educational degrees tend to be dismissed and substituted more frequently because their jobs usually feature low technologies which can be done by anybody. As far as I am concerned, education is always a worthy investment. So, as individuals, first we should attach great importance to education. Second, the government and authorities should adopt relevant measures to ensure the equity of education. Only in this way can more people get the tickets to a much more comfortable life.Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions attached to the passage. For questions 1-7, mark：Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage;N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage;NG (for NOT GIVEN)if the information is not given in the passage.Should Sugar Be Regulated like Alcohol and Tobacco? Sugar poses enough health risks that it should be considered a controlled substance just like alcohol and tobacco, argue a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). In an opinion piece called “The Toxic (毒性的) Truth About Sugar”published Feb. 1 in Nature, Robert Lustig, Laura Schmidt and Claire Brindis argue that it’s wrong to consider sugar just “empty calories. “They write:“ There is nothing empty about these calories. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that fructose (果糖) can trigger processes that lead to liver toxicity and a host of other chronic diseases. A little is not a problem, but a lot kills—slowly. “Almost everyone’s heard of—or personally experienced—the well-known sugar high, so perhaps the comparison between sugar and alcohol or tobacco shouldn’t come as a surprise. But it’s doubtful that Americans will look favorably upon regulating their favorite vice. We’re a nation that’s sweet on sugar: the average US adult downs 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the American Heart Association, and surveys have found that teens swallow 34 teaspoons. To counter our consumption, the authors advocate taxing sugary foods and controlling sales to kids under 17. Already, 17% of US children and teens are obese (肥胖的), and across the world the sugar intake (摄入) has increased three times in the past 50 years. The increase has helped create a global obesity plague that contributes to 35 million annual deaths worldwide from noninfectious diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Linda Matzigkeit, a senior vice president at Children’s Healthcare, said “ We have to do something about this or our country is in danger. It’s not good if your state has the second-highest obesity rate. Obese children turn into obese adults. ““ There are good calories and bad calories, just as there are good fats and bad fats, good amino acids (氨基酸) and bad amino acids,” Lustig, director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health program at UCSF, said in a statement. “But sugar is toxic beyond its calories. “The food industry tries to imply that “a calorie is a calorie,” says Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. “But this and other research suggests there is something different about sugar,”says Brownell. The UCSF report emphasizes the metabolic (新陈代谢的) effects of sugar. Excess sugar can alter metabolism, raise blood pressure, affect the signaling of hormones and damage the liver—outcomes that sound suspiciously similar to what can happen after a person drinks too much alcohol. Schmidt, co-chair of UCSF’s Community Engagement and Health Policy program, noted on CNN: “ When you think about it, this actually makes a lot of sense. Alcohol, after all, is simply made from sugar. Where does vodka come from? Sugar. “But there are also other areas of impact that researchers have investigated: the effect of sugar on the brain and how liquid calories are interpreted differently by the body than solids. Research has suggested that sugar activates the same reward pathways in the brain as traditional drugs of abuse like morphine or heroin. No one is claiming the effect of sugar is quite that strong, but, says Brownell, “ it helps confirm what people tell you sometimes, that they hunger for sugar and have withdrawal symptoms when they stop eating it. “There’s also something particularly tricky about sugary drinks. “ When calories come in liquids, the body doesn’t feel as full,” says Brownell. “People are getting more of their calories than ever before from sugared drinks. “Other countries, including France, Greece and Denmark, impose soda taxes, and the concept is being considered in at least 20 US cities and states. Last summer, Philadelphia came close to passing a 2-cents-per-ounce soda tax. The Rudd Center has been a strong advocate of a more modest 1 -cent-per-ounce tax. But at least one study, from 2010, has raised doubts that soda taxes would result in significant weight loss:apparently people who are determined to eat—and drink—unhealthily will find ways to do it. Teens—no surprise—are good at finding ways to get the things they can’t have, so state policies banning all sugar-sweetened drinks from public schools and providing only water, milk or 100% fruit juices haven’t had the intended effect of steering kids away from drinking sugared drinks: the average teen consumes about 300 calories per day—that’s nearly 15% of his daily calories—in sweetened drinks, and the food and drink industry is only too happy to feed this need. Ultimately, regulating sugar will prove particularly tricky because it goes beyond health concerns; sugar, for so many people, is love. A plate of cut-up vegetables just doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as a tin of home-made chocolate chip cookies (饼干) , which is why I took my daughter out for a cupcake and not an apple as an after-school treat today. We don’t do that regularly—it’s the first time this school year, actually—and that’s what made it special. As a society, could we ever reach the point where we’d think apples—not a cupcake—are something to get excited over? Says Brindis, one of the report’s authors and director of UCSF’s Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies: “We recognize that there are cultural and celebratory aspects of sugar. Changing these patterns is very complicated. “For inroads (进展) to be made, say the authors in their statement, people have to be better educated about the hazards of sugar and agree that something’s got to change: Many of the interventions (干预) that have reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption can be models for addressing the sugar problem, such as imposing special sales taxes, controlling access, and tightening licensing requirements on vending machines (自动售货机) and snack-bars that sell high sugar products in schools and workplaces. “ We’re not talking prohibition,”Schmidt said. “We’re not advocating a major imposition of the government into people’s lives. We’re talking about gentle ways to make sugar consumption slightly less convenient, thereby moving people away from the concentrated dose. What we want is to actually increase people’s choices by making foods that aren’t loaded with sugar comparatively easier and cheaper to get. “2．Why do some researchers think sugar should be considered “a controlled substance” ?A．It contains nothing but empty calories.B．It is as harmful as morphine and heroin.C．It works the same way as alcohol and tobacco in the human body.D．Excessive intake of sugar results in liver toxicity and various diseases,正确答案：D解析：文章第一段提出将糖归为管制品，是因为其会造成健康风险，第二段引用评论文章来列举糖带来的健康风险：果糖会诱发肝毒性和许多其他慢性疾病的进程，少量的糖不会出问题，但是大量的糖会慢慢导致死亡。

2012年12月大学英语四级(CET-4)参考答案作文范文Education PayWhat is shown in the chart above is that those people with high degree earn more than those with lower. For example, staff with master’s degree receive a better payment than those with bachelor’s degree, according to a survey of the payment to the employee. These survey indicates that education degree does have a relationship with earnings, contrary to the recent theory of useless education.Recently, there is a heated discussion about the significance of the education. Some people hold a view that higher education is useless since college education cannot mesh with the social needs. Some think that higher education is indispensable if you want to go far in both your studies and life. Now that survey has proved which part is wiser.As for me, I definitely support the view that education is necessary for people’s life. Reading can not only make me survive well in this society with **petition but also help me make sense of life. I pursue for it for my whole life.1-5 BCBAD 6-7 CD 8. closed and inflexible 9. combined 10. creating a reality of his own11-15 BADAA 16-20 DBBCA 21-25 DCDCA 26-30 BCDAC 31-35 DDBCB36. selection 37. knowledge 38. vegetables 39. purchase 40. determines41. single 42. responsible 43. rush44. Partly as a result of this limited time, over half of all American homes now havemicrowave ovens45. The United States Department of Agriculture and the food industry collect salesstatistics and keep accurate records46. Red meat, which used to be the most popular choice for dinner ,is no longer anAmerican favorite.47. N 48. D 49. M 50 B 51. I 52. L 53. O 54. G 55. F 56. E57-61 CBACD 62-66 DCBAA67-71 DBCAC 72-76 BADCB 77-81ACADB 82-86 CBDAD87. had I felt so excited88. would have said something she would regret later89. (in) concentrating on reviewing / going over my lessons90. have heard **municating / talking in French91. available for free听力原文Part III Listening ComprehensionSection A ConversationsShort Conversations11.- W:Have you finished that painting for the new student center?M: Just this morning, I’ve been working extra hours all week, you know the building opens tomorrow.Q: What does the man mean?12. M: Do you sell camping gear?W: Yes, we have tents, sleeping bags, just about everything you might need, including stoves.Q: What is the man probably going to do?13. M: Hi Jenny have you talked to Mr Wright about the new sports program?W: well, I contacted his office half an hour ago, and his secretary said he was out for lunch until 2:00.Q: What does the woman mean?14.M：Bill says he’s not working so hard on his biology project.W: But he spends a lot of time in the lab, doesn’t he?Q: What does the woman imply about Bill?15.M: I have to say i find the new smoking regulations too strict.W: Well, they are for everyone’s health. I have no complaints.Q: What are the speakers talking about?16.W: Jack asked me to drop off this report. He’s tight up in meetings all m orning.M: I was hoping he brings it in himself, I need to talk with him about it.Q: Why can’t **e in person?17.M: Should we invite Mr.Smith to join us for dinner this weekend,he has **e back from England.W: You can have a try, but as far as i know,he seldom accepts invitations from his employeesQ: What can we infer about Mr.Smith?18.W: This place doesn’t look familiar at all, we must be lost.M：Yes，it seems so. Let’s pull in here, while i’m filling in the tank,you go ask the way and get me something to drink please.Q: What does the man going to do first?Long Conversation 1M: Well ,did you enjoy it?W: Yes, I enjoy it much more that I thought I would.M: Really?W: Yes, I don’t usually go to science fiction films.I don’t think they are much better **ics on film, if you know what I mean.M : Yes, sure.And a few years ago,they were certainly like that. But they’ve got a lot better now.W: Yes, and historical films, that’s what I really like. I never miss a good film set in middle ages. Oh, and love stories, I never miss one on TV.M: Fondly enough, I don’t like those kinds of films at all. But to come back to this one, I personally didn’t think it was very good . It certainly wasn’t as good as other science fiction films I’ve ever seen.W: Wasn’t it?M: No, not at all. Oh, the effects were very good.W: Yes, I thought they were marvelous. Especially the battle in space, incredable.M: Yes, but I was going to say I thought the acting was terrible.W: Yes. I suppose Jason was too good to be true. And what was the name of the Baddy?M: Cargon?W: Yeah. Cargon was really evil, wasn’t he? But I suppose that’s what these films are all about—good triumphing over evil. And the characters have to be black and white.M: Well ,yes, but not always. Worth the well wasn’t like for example. Anyway, you enjoy the film. That’s the most important.W: Yes, I did. Thanks for taking me.Q:19. What does the man say about the science fiction films?20. What opinion did the speakers share about the film they just seen?21. What to be learned about Jason and Cargon?Long Conversation 2M: Can I ask you about your evening class? What class do you go to?W: Car maintance.M: What night of the week it on?W: Wednesday night.M: And how long does it last?M: Well, it supposed to start at 6, but that’s a bit of problem because people have difficulty getting through the traffic. So we start at 6: 30 and then it goes on until the 9 o’clock.M: And what was your reason for wanting to do the class?W: Well, I just bought my first car and I don’t know anything about cars. So I thought it was a good opportunity to learn. I guess most of the peole in the class are in the same situation.M: Um, and what do you actually do? Do you bring the car along to the class?W: Yes, we do. And in the first part of the lesson, the first half hour, the man who runs the class will go though some particular part of the car, and we’ll learn about it. And then we spend the rest of the time, actually working on my own cars, the same problem.M: And how many people are there in the class?W: Mm, I think 16, but 3 quarters of them are women. It’s quite interesing because the man is obiously used to teaching man. And he always starts his sentence by saying, ” Wow, your chops were slow.” And then he stops and says “Oh, any woman, you ladies, but...ur..”M: Mm..sounds funny.Q:22. What does the woman say about her evening class?23. Why did the wman want to attend to the class?24.What do the people who attend the class do in the first part of the lesson?25. What do we learn about participants in the class?Section B PassagesPassage 1We don’t choose friends on the basis of how much money they have, of course, but lots of differences can be disturbing to both sides. Aaron, for example,was single, and earns a very good salary. Her friend, Pat, the divorced mother of three, is struggli ng to make ends meet. “We are both frequent theater-goers,” Aaron explains, “ and I’ll glad ly pay for two tickets, just to have **pany it plays in concerts , but she won’t go anywhere unless she can pay herown way. I hate to go alone, so we both stay home. It all seems so silly.” Pat sees the situation differently. After her unhappy marrige to a man who was trying to control her without considering her wishes and feelings ,she says, “ it’s very important to me to carry my own weight. I’m **fortable in any relationship where all I do is take. ”The difficult situation finally changed when Aaron moved recently. Pat’s children were with their father, so she took a picnik lunch to her friends new plays, then spend the day helping her unpack and get settled. “ I was so grateful, ” Aarons says, “ but I persuaded Pat to let me return the favour in my own way with season tickets to our little theater group. I think she’s beginning to recognize that she contributes as much to our friendship, but I do”26. What do we learn about Pat?27. What draws Aaron and Pat together?28. What does Aaron do to re turn Pat’s favor?29. What do we learn friendship from the passage?Passage 2Sun School in the town of Ashbert in England is a day school for children age 10 to 18.It is based on the value of social equality between students and stuff, and has few rules.Sun School believes that the healthy growth of the child is more important than academic success. It offers a variety of lessons and activities for students to choose from. In free time for children to follow their own interests.Classes are small,and based on the individual needs of each child. The timetable is fixed.But democratically decided and students are expected to attend.The weekly school meeting is at the center of the way sun school is orgnized.It mix all the decisions that affect theschool,including rules, the timetable and accepting or rejecting new students and teachers.Participating in thease meetings gives children an understand of democratic decision making and helps them develops their skills of argument and persuasion.The most import a dvantage of the school meeting is that it shows the children that the school is really their’s.Theyhave the right to decide on changes. And the school’s success or failure depends on their decisions and their behavior.Sun School employs no cooking or cleaning stuff,these jobs are done by students and teachers.Decorating and simple repairs are also done by students, it is believed that school truly belongs to who use it, they must take responsibility for its maintenance.30. what value is Sun School based on?31. what is characteristic of the school decision making processur program?32. why does sun school ask the students to do the maintainance?Passage 3Well, to continue, as i mentioned earlier, there is also research that demonstrates that individuals perform worse, not better on tasks when other people are there. R.W.Harburt did an interesting experiment. He had his sujects learn a finger maze. This is a game in which you indicate with your finger the way through a complex system of passages or paths.The subjects who had an audience did worse than the subjects who did alone.Now how can we explain these very different results? It seemed very confusing for a long time. Social psychologist, John Roberts, finally cleared up the confusion about why people sometimes perform better and sometimes worse in front of an audience. Roberts found that the presence of an audience facilitates what you already know how to do. That is, if you know what you are doing, having an audience helps you do it bette r.But if you don’t already know how to do something, you will probably make some mistakes and you will make mistakes for a longer time if you have an audience. That’s exactly what happened to the subjects who were learning the finger maze.So, if you were doing well, having an audience increases the chances that you will continue to do well. If you were doing badly, having an audience increases the chances that you will continue to do badly. Roberts cleverly pointed out that when you are first learning something, you are better off working alone than practicing with other people.33. What did the speaker probably discuss **ing to this part of the talk?34. When does the presence of an audience facilitate your performance according to Roberts?35. What does Roberts think as a better way to learn new things?Section C Compound DictationAmericans today have different eating habits than they had in the past. There is a wide selection of food available. They have a broader knowledge of nutrition, so they buy more fresh fruit and vegetables than ever before. At the same time, Americans purchase increasing quantities of sweets and sodas.Statistics show that the way people live determines the way they eat. American life-styles have changed. There are now growing numbers of people who live alone, single parents and children, and double-income families. These changing life styles are responsible for the incresing number of people who must rush meals or sometimes simply go without them. Many Americans have less time than ever before to spend preparing food. Partly as a consequence of this limited time, over half of all American homes now have microwave ovens. Moreover, Americans eat out nearly four times a week on average. It is easy to study the amounts and kinds of food that people consume. The United States Department of Agriculture and the food industry collect sales statistics and keep accurate records. This information not only tells us what people are eating but also tells us about the changes in attitudes and tastes. Red meat, which used to be the most popular choice for dinner, is no longer an American favorite. Instead, chicken, turkey, and fish have become more popular. Sales of these foods have greatly increased in recent years.。