2014年12月英语四级考试真题及答案(第1套)

2023年12月英语四级听力真题原文(第1套)News Report 1Have you noticed how similar you are to your friends?It may be because your brains operate in harmony with each other.We know that friends are more likely to be the same age, gender and ethnic background as each other.Now it seems their brains are alike, too.Researchers at the University of California scanned the brains of 42 classmates while they watched videos intended to provoke varying responses.Some people might find a romantic scene touching, for instance, while others would feel it was embarrassing.The activity of friends' brains was more similar than that of people who didn't know each other, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion and language.This similarity was strong enough that it could be used to predict whether two people were already friends or not.The relationship probably goes two ways.We are drawn to people who think like us; we then influence their thoughts over time, which may push their brain activity into more closely resembling our own.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 1:What may be the reason that friends are similar to each other according to the recent research?Question 2:What does the news report say about the relationship between friends?News Report 2Two men who have been best friends for 60 years have just realized they are actually brothers.Ifs reported that Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald met in the 6th grade at a school in Hawaii.They have been best friends ever since.Alan was given away for adoption soon after he was born, and Walter never knew his father.So recently, they made separate attempts on DNA matching websites to discover more about their ancestry.Walter was astonished to find that he matched with website user Robi 737. He knew immediately that this was his best friend Alan, whose friends call him Robi and flew 737 airplanes when he was a pilot.The pair were bom to the same mother 15 months apart.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 3: What did both Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald attempt todo on DNA matching websites?Question 4: What did the news report say about Alan Robinson and Walter MacDonald?News Report 3Amid all the election drama, air pollution problems and disease outbreaks, five tourists' good work is being spread online.Yesterday two male and three female tourists were spotted walking the kilometer-long beach, picking up trash.One of the male tourists from Australia commented that although there was a lot of trash, nobody was doing anything.The beach was not as nice or beautiful as it should be.He felt so sad to see such a gorgeous place littered with so much trash. Thus, he and his friends decided to grab a few trash bags and clean it all up.A man passing by decided to video their good deed and put it on the internet.It was unclear where the rest of the group was from, but they were most likely traveling together.One local woman commented on being embarrassed that tourists were cleaning up their beach.Another mentioned that it was actually the natives who brought food and drinks then left trash all along the island.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 5: Why did one of the male tourists feel sad?Question 6: Who put the good deed video on the internet?Question 7: Why did one local woman say she was embarrass?Conversation 1Hello Benjamin, Dan and I will be going for a run along the canal Saturday morning. Would you like to join us?I'd love to, but I hurt my ankle last weekend playing football with work colleagues.Oh dear, is it serious?No, not at all. I landed badly during a fall and twisted it a little, but it's no big deal.It's just a little swollen and I should be fine for next Saturday if you still want to go for a jog then.I won't be here next Saturday. I'm going to the zoo.The zoo?Yeah. My little nephew turns six, and he loves the zoo, so the whole family is going.Oh, okay then. I haven't been to a zoo since I was a kid.They are nowhere near as popular as they used to be when we were children.I personally feel sorry for the poor animals stuck in cages, but there's no denying they are fun and educational for children.Do you know if Dan will be around next Saturday?Yeah, I think he will. Just send him a text message. He's always keen on physical activities.That's true. Dan is extremely fit and healthy. He goes to the gym most days, plus tennis two or three times a week.So, what have you been doing to stay busy while you've had that swollen ankle?I've been catching up on some reading. I was given three books over Christmas, and I'm only now getting around to reading them.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 8: Why can't the man go for a run Saturday morning?Question 9:Why is the woman's whole family going to the zoo next Saturday? Question 10: What do we learn about Dan from the man's description? Question 11: What has the man been doing since last weekend?Conversation 2Our guest on today's Book Talk is John Black, the author of the new bestseller, Retire Early.Thanks for having me on the show, Lisa.John, your book is getting a lot of attention, partly because you write that most people can retire by 40. Is that realistic?Definitely. When researching this book, I interviewed hundreds of people who retired by 40.Okay, but how much money does a person need to retire? I've read articles recommending one million dollars as a good figure for retirement. While most financial planners do give numbers, I don't think that's useful, as people are living in different areas with different costs of living, and have different needs and wants, which is why I suggest that people aim for financial independence.What do you mean by financial independence?Having investment income that's greater than monthly expenses.That sounds risky to me. What if an accident happens or you get ill and need medical treatment? Shouldn't people have extra cash for emergencies? Too many people spend their lives working on jobs they hate because they're afraid, so I counsel people to take risks. Retirement doesn't have to be permanent, and if people need to, they can go back to work.But it's not always easy to get back into the workforce after an extended absence.True, but if you keep current with your skills, you will be attracted to employers.Maybe, but how can anyone save enough to retire by 40 when most people can't retire at 60?Simple, by cutting housing, food, and transport expenses, and investing half your monthly income.That sounds impossible.I admit it's difficult, but it has worked for thousands.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12: What do we learn about the man's book published recently? Question 13: What do the articles the woman read recommend?Question 14: What does the man say about retirement?Question 15: How does the man say his proposal about retirement can be carried out?Passage 1New research from America studies the role that the presence of individuals from different social or racial groups has in influencing consumers' food choices.This research found college students were more likely to choose healthy food in the presence of an observer of a different race, as opposed to an observer from their own race.The same was true when they were with someone from a different university, compared to someone from their own.Researchers say this was because participants anticipated more negative judgment from an outsider group.In contrast, they felt less judged by members of their own group.In one experiment, participants were offered the choice between candy and fruit as a snack.When in the presence of an unknown student from their own university, only 12 per cent of students selected the healthier option.However, this number was 31 per cent when in the presence of ae unknown student from another university.Other experiments showed similar results based on racial group.What's the reason for this pattern? The study found that people feel judged to a larger extent by members of other groups.Because of this, they strategically use healthy food choices to make a positive impression.There have been many attempts to help consumers make healthier choices, but consumers often struggle to maintain a healthy diet.This research finds that one way to promote a healthy diet could be to advertise the social benefits of healthy choices.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16:What was the finding of the new research from America about consumers' food choices?Question 17: When did 31 per cent of students in the experiment select the healthier option?Question 18:How could a healthy diet be promoted according to the findingsof the new research?Passage 2For college students under pressure, a dog may be the best stress fighter around, according to the finding of a recent study."It's a really powerful finding," said Patricia Pendry, who led the study. "Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues.This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren’t as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs."The researchers measured executive functioning in the students involved in the study.Executive function is a term for the skills one needs to plan, organize, motivate, concentrate and memorize.These are skills students need to succeed in college.The researchers found that students who were most at risk had the most improvements in executive functioning after interacting with therapy dogs.These results remained when researchers followed up six weeks later. Many universities provide academic stress management programs and workshops.These are traditionally very similar to college classes.They often talk about ways to get more sleep, set goals, or manage stress or anxiety.Pendry acknowledges that these are really important topics and these workshops help typical students succeed.But they're less helpful for struggling students.Pendry believes those students may experience the programs as another lecture and feel even more stressed.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19: What does the recent study led by Patricia Pendry aim to examine?Question 20: What did the new study measure in the participants? Question 21: What does Patricia Pendry think traditional stress management programs may do?Passage 3Taking risks in business does not mean going into business blindly and then expecting great results.On the contrary, taking risks in entrepreneurship involves careful planning and hard work.Nobody can really be sure if risks will be met with success, no matterhow calculated they may be.But this should not stop you from taking risks, as risks are necessary if you want your business to succeed.Some risks may not work out, but an optimistic risk-taker will always look at failure as an opportunity to learn.The willingness to experiment with new ideas is key to business growth. As the old saying goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."Failure will teach you how to think and plan strategically.But just remember that not all risks are good ones, and when you fail, learn it and move forward.Since most people tend to avoid risk, businesses that are brave enough to take risks already have a competitive advantage.They are the ones setting the standard with new ideas, fresh offers and bold inventions.Risktakers are best at adapting in difficult times.Simply put, when most individuals stay away risk, it means less competition for risk-takers.We don't know if you'll achieve what these risk-takers have achieved. But for as long as you want to stay safe, and for as long as you are content with where your business is right now, you will never find out. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22:What do entrepreneurs have to do when taking risks according to the passage?Question 23: What does the passage say is key to business growth? Question 24: What are we advised to do when we fail?Question 25:What does it mean to risk-taking businesses when most people tend to avoid risk?。

听力部分短对话1.B He has not cleared the apartment since his mother’s visit.2.C They might as well take the next bus.3.C She has to do extra work for a few days.4.A change her job.5.D He failed to do what he promised to do.6.B The woman does not like horror films.7.C The speakers share a common view on love.8.A Preparations for a forum.长对话9. B Scandinavia10. D More women will work outside the family11. D Spend more time changing women’s attitudes12. A In a restaurant13. C He is the Managing Director of Jayal Motors14. B To get a good import agent15. D His determination短文第一篇16. What are scientists trying to explain according to the passage?答案：(A) How being an identical twin influences one’s identify.【点评】：细节题。

本篇文章开头即指出‘they(scientists) are trying to explain how being half of the biological pair influences a twin’s identity.’由此可知科学家一直试图想要解释双胞胎的身份人格是如何受到影响的。

2014年12月四级真题（第1套）注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph fromwhich the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Eachparagraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the correspondingletter on Answer Sheet 2.Ban sugary drinks--that will add fuel to the obesity war[A] On a train last Thursday, I sat opposite a man who was so fat he filled more than one seat. Hewas pale and disfigured and looked sick to death, which he probably was: obesity (肥胖症) leads tomany nasty ways of dying. Looking around the carriage, I saw quite a few people like him, includinga couple of fatty children with swollen cheeks pressing against their eyes. These people are part ofwhat is without exaggeration an epidemic (流行病) of obesity.[B] But it is quite unnecessary: there is a simple idea--far from new--that could spare millions of suchpeople a lifetime of chronic (长期病 ) ill health, and at the same time save the National HealthService (NHS) at least ￡14 billion a year in England and Wales. There would, you might think, beconsiderable public interest in it. This simple idea is that sugar is as good--or as bad--as poisonand should be avoided. It is pure, white and deadly, as Professor John Yudkin described it 40 yearsago in a revolutionary book of that name. The subtitle was How Sugar Is Killing Us.[C] In its countless hidden forms, in ready meals, junk food and sweet drinks, sugar leads to addiction(瘾), to hormonal upsets to the appetite, to metabolic (新陈代谢的) maffunctions and obesity andfrom there to type 2 d/abetes (糖尿病) and its many horrible complications, ff people really graspedthat, they would try to kick the habit, particularly as Britain is the "fat man of Europe". They mighteven feel driven to support government measures to prevent people from consuming this deadlystuff. Yet so far this idea has met little but resistance.[D] It is not difficult to imagine the vested interests (既得利益集团) lined up against any sugar control--all the food and drink manufacturers, processors, promoters and retailers who make such easypickings out of the magic powers of sugar. Then there are the liberals, with whom I would normallyside, who protest that government regulation would be yet another instance of interference in ourlives.[E] That is true, but people should realise that you cannot have a welfare state without a nanny state(保姆国家), to some degree. If we are all to be responsible for one another's health insurance,through socialised medicine, then' we are all closely involved in one another's health, includingeveryone's eating and drinking. That has already been admitted, finally, with smoking. But it has yetto be admittedwith overeating, even though one in four adults in this country is obese and thatnumber is predicted to double by the year 2050. Quite apart from anything else, obesity will cripplethe NHS.[F] Recently, though, there have been signs that the medical establishment is trying to sound the st month the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AMRC．published a report saying that obesity isthe greatest public health issue affecting the UK and urging government to do something.[G] The report offers 10 recommendations, of which the first is imposing a tax of20 percent on sugarydrinks for at least a year, on top of the existing 20 percent value-added tax. That at least would be'an excellent start. The amounts of sugar in soft drinks are horrifying, and turn straight to fat. AsProfessor Terence Stephenson, head of the AMRC, has said, sugary soft drinks are "the ultimate badfood. You are just consuming neat sugar. Your body didn't evolve to handle this kind of thing."[H] Precisely. The risks of eating too much fat or salt(which are very different) pale into insignificancecompared with the harm done by sugar. And it is everywhere.[I ] It is difficult to buy anything in a supermarket, other than plain, unprepared meat, fish or vegetables,that doesn't have a large amount of sugar in it. This has come about because the prevailingscientific views of the 1960s and 1970s ignored the evidence about sugar, and instead saw fat as thereally serious risk, both to the heart and other organs, as well as the cause of obesity.[J] The fashion was to avoid fat. But finding that food with much of its fat removed is not veryappetising, food producers turned to sugar as a magic alternative flavour enhancer, often in theforms of syrups (糖浆) that had recently been developed from corn, and put it generously into mostprepared foods and soft drinks.[K] This stuff is not just fattening. It is addictive. It interferes with the body's metabolism, possibly viathe activity of an appetite-controlling hormone. There's plenty of evidence for this, for those who willaccept the troth.[L] Theoretically, people ought to make"healthy choices" and avoid overeating. But sugar additives arenot easy to identify and are hard to avoid. So the snacking, over-drinldng and over-eating that makespeople fat is not really their own fault: obesity is in large part something that is being done tothem. It should be stopped, or rather the government should stop it.[M] Going round my local supermarket, I am constantly astonished that it is still legal to sell all thepoisons stacked high on the shelves. The problem is that they are worse than useless. They arepoisonous. They are known to be addictive. They are known to make people obese. And giving smallchildren sweet drinks or bottles of fake juice all day long is nothing less than child abuse.[N] Clearly, the sale of such stuff ought to be illegal. I hate to think of yet more government regulation,But a bit of tax on sweet soda and a little more health education, a bit of cooking in schools andbanning vending machines (自动售货机) here and there--as suggested by the AMRC report--is notgoing to achieve very much. Labelling is quite inadequate. What is needed is legislation banning highlevels of sugary syrups used in foods and drinks.[O] In June 2012, the then minister for public health said the government was not scared of the foodindustry and had not ruled out legislation, because of the costs of obesity to the NHS. However,nothing has happened yet. Why not have another Jammie Dodger biscuit and forget about it.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第一套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)【作文范文】The Classmate Who Has Influenced Me Most in CollegeClassmates play an essential role in our life. When it comes to the classmate who has influenced me most in college, undoubtedly. Zhao Lei is the one who comes to my mind first. Zhao Lei is my roommate and my best friend. The reasons why I deem that Zhao Lei has influenced me most are as follows: firstly, one can always find a smile on his face which not only reflects his pleasant and optimistic character but also gives others a good impression. This is what I need to learn from Zhao Lei first. Secondly, Zhao Lei is diligent. He does well in all his subjects. However, he is no bookworm. He joins societies such as basketball club and poetry society. He never plays computer games, and only spends time-and energy on things that are conducive to personal development. Thirdly, Zhao Lei is always ready to help others. I never saw him turn a deaf ear to other's request for help.Thanks to Zhao Lei, I have learned the importance of optimism, diligence and kindness, the indispensable virtues in life.1-8：BDCCCBAA9-11：CBD12-15：BCBC16-18：ADC19-21：ADA22-25：CDAB27. sharp28. fill in for29. probably30. resemble31. focuses on32. specialize33. timing34. invented35. figured out36-45：NOIKJ MHLCB46-55：FIDOK BECLG56-65：BBCAD BCBADTranslationMore and more Chinese young people are gaining interest in tourism, which is a new trend recently. The rising number of young tourists can be attributed to their rapidly increasing income and the curiosity of exploring the outside world. With the increase of traveling, young people spend less time in big cities and famous scenic spots, instead they are more attracted by remote locations. Some even choose long-distance backpacking trip. A recent survey shows that many young people want to experience different culture, enrich knowledge and expand their horizon via traveling.2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第二套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)A Course that Has Impressed Me Most in CollegeDuring my college life, there were so many fantastic courses impressing me deeply. Among them the course which impressed me most is Fundamentals of Law given by Professor Lin Xuezheng.At first I was not very interested in the course. As time goes on, the course and Professor Lin's lecture attracted me greatly. Firstly, in this course, for the first time in my life did I realize that law is related closely lo everyone's life. 1 get to know that people need to know law to turn our country a legal society, and that everyone need the weapon of law to protect his lawful rights and interests. Secondly, in his wonderful lectures Professor Lin cited many vivid examples which have really happened so that we not only grasped knowledge but also learn how to analyze and settle the matters by law. It was in this course that we cultivated legal consciousness.Overall, this course exerted great influence on me and my life. I believe it will still have far-reaching effects on me in the days to come.1-8：BCCADBCA9-11：BDD12-15：ACCD16-18：ABA19-21：DBC22-25：ADCB26. familiar27. put forward28. caution29. live30. alternatives31. ignore32. participated33. in need of34. focus35. judgments36-45：FDKNC EBIGH46-55：BNMAE CGCHL56-65：BCBAD CBCADTranslationGiant panda is a kind of tame animal with unique black-and-white fur. It has been listed as an endangered species due to its very limited number. Panda has a special meaning to WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature). Panda has been its symbol ever since WWF's establishment in 1961. Panda, which lives in the forest of Southwest China, is the rarest member in the bear family. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 giant pandas in the world. These bamboo-eating creatures are now facing many threats. Therefore, to ensureits survival is of greater importance2014年12月全国大学英语四级考试（第三套）-- 参考答案(仅供参考)【作文范文】A Campus Activity that Benefited Me MostUniversity provides many interesting activities to enrich our life on campus. In the past two years, I attended a couple of student societies such as mountain-climbing club andliterature society. The most beneficial activity I participated is attending English Comer. First, attending English Comer offers a great opportunity to draw my attention away from busy studies so that 1 can relax, since the Comer is held in a square. As a college student, most of my time is killed in the classroom and library. At the Corner, I can talk in English with my peers on topics of our interest, so it's a relaxation in tedious school life. Second, joining English Corner significantly improved my oral English as well as English listening comprehension. It's the most efficient way for me to practice spoken English because mine is far better now than before.Third, it is a terrific way of socializing. I can get to know unacquainted students, and make friends with them.Therefore, it is safe to conclude that, attending English Corner has benefited me most among campus activities.1-8：BDCCCBAA9-11：CBD12-15：BCBC16-18：ADC19-21：ADA22-25：CDAB26. land on27. sharp28. fill in for29. probably30. resemble31. focuses on32. specialize33. timing34. invented35. figured out36-45：HNKFJ ELMBG46-55：FDJCI MBHEG56-65：ACBDB DDABCTranslationThe Internet community in China develops fastest in the world. China has about 420 million netizens in 2010, and the number is still growing rapidly. The increasing popularity of Internet has produced a significant social changc. The Chinese netizens are often different from the American netizens. Driven by practical needs, American netizens often use the Internet to send emails, buy and sell goods, do research, plan trips or pay for the bills. While Chinese netizens use the Internet more out of social reasons, therefore, the Internet is more widely used in forums, blogs, chat rooms, and so on.。

2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（第1套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the following topic. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Suppose a foreign friend of yours is coming to visit your hometown, what is the most interesting place you would like to take him/her to see and why?注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Part II Listening Comprehension (30 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. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.1. A) See a doctor about her strained shoulder.B) Use a ladder to help her reach the tea.C) Replace the cupboard with a new one.D) Place the tea on a lower shelf next time.2. A) At Mary Johnson’s. C) In an exhibition hall.B) At a painter’s studio. D) Outside an art gallery.3. A) The teacher evaluated lacks teaching experience.B) She does not quite agree with what the man said.C) The man had better talk with the students himself.D)New students usually cannot offer a fair evaluation.4. A) He helped Doris build up the furniture.B) Doris helped him arrange the furniture.C) Doris fixed up some of the bookshelves.D) He was good at assembling bookshelves.5. A) He doesn’t get on with the others. C) He has been taken for a fool.B) He doesn’t feel at ease in the firm. D) He has found a better position.6. A) They should finish the work as soon as possible.B) He will continue to work in the garden himself.C) He is tired of doing gardening on weekends.D) They can hire a gardener to do the work.7. A) The man has to get rid of the used furniture.B) The man’s apartment is ready for rent.C) The furniture is covered with lots of dust.D) The furniture the man bought is inexpensive.8. A) The man will give the mechanic a call.B) The woman is waiting for a call.C) The woman is doing some repairs.D) The man knows the mechanic very well.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) She had a job interview to attend.B) She was busy finishing her project.C) She had to attend an important meeting.D) She was in the middle of writing an essay.10. A) Accompany her roommate to the classroom.B) Hand in her roommate’s application form.C) Submit her roommate’s assignment.D) Help her roommate with her report.11. A) W here Dr. Ellis’s office is located. C) Directions to the classroom building.B) When Dr. Ellis leaves his office. D) Dr. Ellis’s schedule for the afternoon. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) He finds it rather stressful. C) He can handle it quite well.B) He is thinking of quitting it. D) He has to work extra hours.13. A) The 6:00 one. C) The 7:00 one.B) The 6:30 one. D) The 7:30 one.14. A) It is an awful waste of time.B) He finds it rather unbearable.C) The time on the train is enjoyable.D) It is something difficult to get used to.15. A) Reading newspapers. C) Listening to the daily news.B) Chatting with friends. D) Planning the day’s work.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 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2014年12月英语四级考试真题以及答案(第1套)2014年12月英语四级考试真题以及答案(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic of "The Importance of Time Management". You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.The Importance of Time ManagementTime management is an essential skill that everyone should possess. It is the process of planning and organizing how much time you spend on various activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. Effective time management can help you achieve your goals, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.Firstly, time management helps you achieve your goals. By setting priorities and allocating time to each task, you can ensure that you are making progress towards your objectives. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and ultimately lead to greater success.Secondly, time management can reduce stress. When you have a lot of tasks to complete, it can be overwhelming and stressful. However, by breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and make progress towards your goals.Finally, effective time management can improve your overall quality of life. By managing your time effectively, you can create more time for the things that matter most to you, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.In conclusion, time management is a crucial skill that can help you achieve your goals, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life. By taking the time to plan and organize your activities, you can make the most of your time and achieve greater success.。

2014 年12 月英语四级考试真题试卷（1）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a classmate of yours who has influenced you most in college. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.注意：此部分试题在答题卡1 上Part II Listening Comprehension (30 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. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡 1 上作答。

2024年06月大学英语四级考试真题和答案（第1套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: Suppose your university is seeking students’ opinions on whether university libraries should be open to the public. You are now to write an essay to express your view. You will have 30 minutes for the task. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.PartⅡ Listening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A）, B), C) and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Due to a fire alarm in their apartments.B) Because of the smoke and heat damage.C) Due to the water used to extinguish the flames.D) Because of the collapse of the three-story building.2. A) Investigating the cause of the incident.B) Helping search for the suspect of the crime.C) Rescuing the businessmen trapped in the building.D) Checking town records for the property developer.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) It plays a less important role in one’s health than nutrient intake.B) It impacts people’s health to a lesser degree than sun exposure.C) It is associated with people’s mental health conditions.D) It is linked with older adults’ symptoms of depression.4. A) It was indefinite.B) It was systematic.C) It was straightforward.D) It was insignificant.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) It has helped solve several murder cases.B) It has become a star police dog in Beijing.C) It has surpassed its mother in performance.D) It has done better than naturally born dogs.6. A) To speed up investigation into criminal cases.B) To test the feasibility of cloning technology.C) To cut down training expenses.D) To reduce their training time.7. A) Cloning is too complicated a process.B) The technology is yet to be accepted.C) Cloning is ethically controversial.D) The technology is too expensive.Section BDirections:In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A），B），C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He read it somewhere online.B) He heard about it from a coworker.C) He read an article reviewing it.D) He watched a TV series based on it.9. A) His publications.B) His first book.C) His address.D) His name.10. A) Collect a lot more data.B) Relax a bit less often.C) Clarify many new concepts.D) Read more reference books.11. A) Find out the show’s most interesting episodes.B) Watch the series together with the woman.C) Get an e-copy of the book to read.D) Check to see when the show starts.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To check the prices of his farm produce.B) To ask the way to the Newcastle City Hall.C) To inquire about the vegetarian food festival.D) To seek the man’s help with her work on the farm.13. A) Bakers.B) Vendors.C) Vegetarians.D) Organisers.14. A) The issuing of certificates to vendors.B) The completion of the baking task.C) The festival they are organising.D) The deadline for application.15. A) The closing date of submission.B) The website of his company.C) The details of the ceremony.D) The organiser’s address.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Most scenic sites have been closed.B) Access to official campsites is limited.C) Health experts advise going outdoors.D) People have more time during the summer.17. A) It is strongly opposed by nearby residents.B) It leads to much waste of public money.C) It has caused environmental concerns.D) It has created conflicts among campers.18. A) Look for open land in Scotland.B) Leave no trace of their camping.C) Avoid getting close to wilderness.D) Ask for permission from authorities.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They outcompete mythical creatures.B) They usually mind their own business.C) They truly exist in the Amazon region.D) They resemble alarmingly large snakes.20. A) Scar tissue from dolphins’ fighting.B) Skin infection from water pollution.C) Unhealed wounds from snake bites.D) Swimming along in seasonal floods.21. A) It has been shrinking at an astonishing pace.B) It has been placed under international protection.C) It has been appealing to both freshwater and sea dolphins.D) It has been abandoned as a battleground for male dolphins.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) About 58% of young adults call parental support the new normal.B) Most adult children enjoy increasing sources of financial support.C) A full 70% of the young adults cannot afford to buy a car by themselves.D) Most early adults cannot sustain their lifestyles without parental support.23. A) It renders them dependent.B) It causes them to lose dignity.C) It makes them mentally immature.D) It hinders them from getting ahead.24. A) It challenges one’s willpower.B) It results from education.C) It calls for due assistance.D) It defines adulthood.25. A) Current lifestyles.B) Poor budgeting.C) College loans.D) Emergency expenses.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．It’s well known that physical exercise is beneficial not just to physical health but also to mental health. Yet whereas most countries have____26____, evidence-backed guidelines on the type and intensity of exercise____27____for various physical health benefits, such guidelines do not yet exist for exercise and mood.This is____28____due to a lack of necessary evidence. However, a new systematic review brings us usefully up-to-date on the current findings in this area.Before____29____into some of the key take-aways, animportant____30____made in the review is between aerobic exercise and anaerobic. The former____31____such things as walking, jogging and cycling and means exercising in such a way that your body is able to use oxygen to burn fat for energy. In contrast, anaerobic exercise—such as lifting heavy weights—is of such____32____intensity that your body does not have time to use oxygen to create energy and so instead it breaks down glucose (葡萄糖) in your blood or muscles.Beginning first with the influence of exercise intensity on the moodbenefits of aerobic exercise, the researchers, led by John Chan at Shenzhen University, found____33____results from 19 relevant studies. Some favoured higher intensity, others low, while seven studies found that intensity made no____34____to mood benefits.In relation to the intensity of anaerobic exercise, however, the results were far clearer—the optimum (最佳选择) for improving moodis____35____intensity, perhaps because low intensity is too dull while high intensity is too unpleasant.A) constitutesB) contradictoryC) decisionD) detailedE) differenceF) dippingG) distinctionH) fallingI) involvesJ) moderateK) notifiedL) partlyM) requiredN) traditionallyO) vigorousSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Why Do Americans Work So Much?A) How will we all keep busy when we only have to work 15 hours a week? That was the question that worried the British economist John Maynard Keynes when he wrote his short essay “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren” in 1930. Over the next century, he predicted, the economy would become so productive that people would barely need to work at all. For a while, it looked like Keynes was right. In 1930 the average working week was 47 hours in the United States. But by 1970, the number of hours Americans worked on average had fallen to slightly less than 39.B) But then something changed. Instead of continuing to decline, the duration of the working week remained stable. It has stayed at just below 40 hours for nearly five decades. So what happened? Why are people working just as much today as in 1970?C) There would be no mystery in this if Keynes had been wrong about the power of technology to increase the economy’s productivity, which he thought would lead to a standard of living “between four and eight times as high as it is today.” But Keynes got that right: Technology has made the economy massively more productive. According to Benjamin M. Friedman, an economist at Harvard, the U.S. economy is right on track to reach Keynes’s eight-fold (八倍) multiple by 2029. That is a century after the last data Keynes would have had access to.D) In a new paper, Friedman tries to figure out why that increased productivity has not translated into increased leisure time. Perhaps people just never feel materially satisfied, always wanting more money to buy the next new thing. This is a theory that appeals to many economists. “This argument is, at best, far from sufficient,” he writes. If that were the case, why did the duration of the working week decline in the first place?E) Another theory Friedman considers is that, in an era of ever fewer settings that provide effective opportunities for personal connections and relationships, people may place more value on the socializing that happens at work. There is support for this theory. Many people today consider colleagues as friends. But Friedman argues that the evidence for this theory is far from conclusive. Many workers report that they would like to spend more time with family, rather than at work. Furthermore, this theory cannot explain the change in trend in the U.S. working week in the 1970s.F) A third possibility proves more convincing for Friedman. That is: American inequality means that the gains of increasing productivity are not widely shared by everyone. In other words, most Americans are too poor to work less. Unlike the other two explanations Friedman considers, this one fits chronologically (按年代). Inequality declined in America during the period following World War II, along with the duration of the working week. But since the early 1970s it has risen dramatically.G) Keynes’s prediction of a shorter working week rests on the idea that the standard of living would continue rising for everyone. But Friedman says that this is not what has happened. Although Keynes’s eight-fold figure holds up for the economy as a whole, it is not at all the case for the median (中位数的) American worker. For them, output by 2029 is likely to be around 3.5 times what it was when Keynes was writing. This is a bit below his fourto eight-fold predicted range.H) This can be seen in the median worker’s income over this time period, complete with a shift in 1973 that fits in precisely with when the working week stopped shrinking. According to Friedman, between 1947 and 1973 the average hourly wage for normal workers (those who were not in management roles) in private industries other than agriculture nearly doubled in terms of what their money could buy. But by 2013 the average hourly wagefor ordinary workers had fallen 5 percent from the 1973 level in terms of actual purchasing power. Thus, though American incomes may have gone up since 1973, the amount that American workers can actually buy with their money has gone down. For most Americans, then, the magic of increasing productivity stopped working around 1973. Thus, they had to keep working just as much in order to maintain their standard of living.I) What Keynes predicted was a very optimistic version of what economists call technological unemployment. This is the idea that less labor will be necessary because machines can do so much. In Keynes’s vision, the resulting unemployment would be distributed more or less evenly across society in the form of increased leisure. But Friedman says that, for Americans, reality is much darker. Americans now have a labor market in which millions of people—those with fewer skills and less education —are seeking whatever poorly paid work they can get. This is confirmed by a recent poll that found that, for half of hourly workers, their top concern is not that they work too much but that they work too little. This is most likely not because they like their jobs so much. Rather, we can assume it is because they need the money.J) This explanation leaves an important question. If the very rich—the workers who have reaped above-average gains from the increased productivity since Keynes’s time—can afford to work less, why do they continue to work so much? (Indeed, research has shown that the highest earners in America tend to work the most.) Friedman believes that for many top earners, work is a labor of love. They are doing work they care about and are interested in, and doing more of it is not necessarily a burden. For them, it may even be a pleasure. These top earners derive meaning from their jobs and work is an important part of how they think of themselves. And, of course, they are compensated for it at a level that makes it worth their while.K) Friedman concludes that the prosperity (繁荣) Keynes predicted is here. After all, the economy as a whole has grown even more brilliantly than he expected. But for most Americans, that prosperity is nowhere to be seen. And, as a result, neither are those shorter working weeks.36. Some people view socializing at the workplace as a chance to develop personal relationships.37. As ordinary American workers’ average hourly pay had decreased despite increasing productivity, they had to work just as many hours as before to keep their living standards.38. American workers’ average weekly working time has not changed for nearly half a century.39. Friedman believes inequality in the U.S. largely explains why increasing productivity has not resulted in reduced working hours. 40. Many economists assume people’s thirst for material things has prevented them from enjoying more leisure time.41. An economist’s prediction about a shorter average working week seemed to be correct for a time in the 20th century.42. In the U.S. labor market, the primary concern of people with less schooling and fewer skills is to secure any employment even if it is low-paid.43. Keynes was right in predicting that technology would make the economy much more productive.44. Many of the highest earners have a keen interest in and love for what they are doing.45. According to Keynes, there would be a shorter working week with everyone’s standard of living continuing to rise.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Lao Zi once said, “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”People-pleasing, or seeking self-worth through others’ approval, is unproductive and an exhausting way to go through life. Why do we allow what others think of us to have so much power over how we feel about ourselves? If it’s true that you can’t please all people all of the time, wouldn’t it make sense to stop trying?Unfortunately, sense often isn’t driving our behavior. For social beings who desire love and belonging, wanting to be liked, and caring about the effect we have on others, is healthy and allows us to make connections. However, where we get into trouble is when our self-worth is dependent upon whether we win someone’s approval or not.This need to be liked can be traced back to when we were children and were completely dependent on others to take care of us: Small children are not just learning how to walk and communicate, they are also trying to learn how the world works. We learn about who we are and what is expected of us based on interactions with others, so, to a four-year-old, if Mommy or Daddy doesn’t like him or her, there is the danger that they will abandon them. We need to understand that when we desperately want someone to approve of us, it’s being driven by that little kid part of us that is still terrified of abandonment.As you become more capable of providing yourself with the approval you seek, your need for external validation will start to vanish, leaving youstronger, more confident, and yes, happier in your life. Imagine how much time we lose each moment we restrain our authenticselves in an effort to be liked.If we base our worth on the opinions of others, we cheat ourselves of the power to shape our experiences and embrace life not only for others but also for ourselves, because ultimately, there is no difference. So embrace the cliché(老话) and love yourself as it’s highly doubtfulthat you’ll regret it.46. What can we conclude from Lao Zi’s quotation?A) We should see through other people’s attempt to make a prisoner of us.B) We can never really please other people even if we try as hard as we can.C) We can never be truly free if taking to heart others’ opinion of us.D) We should care about other people’s view as much as they care about our own.47. What will happen if we base our self-worth on other people’s approval?A) Our desire to be loved will be fulfilled.B) Our life will be unfruitful and exhausting.C) Our identity as social beings will be affected.D) Our sense of self will be sharpened and enhanced.48. What may account for our need to be liked or approved of?A) Our desperate longing for interactions with others.B) Our understanding of the workings of the world.C) Our knowledge about the pain of abandonment.D) Our early childhood fear of being deserted.49. What can we do when we become better able to provide ourselves with the desiredapproval?A) Enjoy a happier life.B) Exercise self-restraint.C) Receive more external validation.D) Strengthen our power of imagination.50. What does the author advise us to do in the last paragraph?A) Embrace life for ourselves and for others.B) Base our worth on others’ opinions.C) See our experiences as assets.D) Love ourselves as we are.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Some people have said aging is more a slide into forgetfulness than a journey towards wisdom. However, a growing body of research suggeststhat late-in-life learning is possible. In reality, education does an aging brain good.Throughout life, people’s brains constantly renovate themselves. In the late 1960s, British brain scientist Geoffrey Raisman spied growth in damaged brain regions of rats through an electron microscope; their brains were forging new connections. This meant brains may change every time a person learns something new.Of course, that doesn’t mean the brain isn’t affected by the effects of time. Just as height usually declines over the years, so does brain volume: Humans lose about 4 percent every decade starting in their 40s. But that reduction doesn’t necessarily make people think slower; as long as we are alive and functioning, we can alter our brains with new information and experiences.In fact, scientists now suspect accumulating novel experiences, facts, and skills can keep people’s minds more flexible. New pathways can strengthen our ever-changing mental structure, even as the brain shrinks.Conventional fixes like word puzzles and brain-training apps can contribute to mental durability. Even something as simple as taking a different route to the grocery store or going somewhere new on vacation can keep the brain healthy.A desire for new life challenges can further boost brainpower. Research about aging adults who take on new enterprises shows improved function and memory as well as a reduced risk of mental disease. Openness —a characteristic defined by curiosity and a desire for knowledge—may also help folks pass brain tests. Some folks are born with thistake-in-theworld attitude, but those who aren’t as genetically gifted aren’t necessarily out of luck. While genes can encourage an interest in doing new things, a 2012 study in the journal Psychology and Aging found completing reasoning tasks like puzzles and number games can enhance that desire for novel experiences, which can, in turn, refresh the brain. That’s why brain scientist Richard Kennedy says “It’s not that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. It’s that maybe old dogs don’t realize why they should. ”51. What do some people think of aging adults?A) Their wisdom grows as time goes by.B) Their memory gradually deteriorates.C) They can benefit from late-in-life learning.D) They are likely to have mental health issues.52. What can we conclude from Geoffrey Raisman’s finding?A) Brain damage seriously hinders one’s learning.B) Brain power weakens slower than we imagine.C) Brains can refresh and improve with learning.D) Brains forge connections under new conditions.53. What is one thing that helps maintain the health of our brain even as it shrinks?A) Doing daily routines by conventional means.B) Avoiding worrying about our mental durability.C) Imitating old dogs’ way of learning new tricks.D) Approaching everyday tasks in novel ways.54. What does the author say can contribute to the improvement of brain function?A) Being curious and desiring knowledge.B) Being eager to pass brain tests at an old age.C) Rising to life’s challenges and avoiding risks.D) Boosting immunity to serious mental diseases.55. What is the finding of the 2012 study in the journal Psychology and Aging?A) Wishing to solve puzzles enhances one’s reasoning power.B) Playing number games unexpectedly stimulates one’s memory.C) Desiring new experiences can help to renovate the brain.D) Learning new tricks should not be confined to old dogs only.Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chineseinto English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.四合院（siheyuan）是中国一种传统的住宅建筑，其特点是房屋建造在一个院子的四周，将院子合围在中间。

2014年12月四级真题（第1套）注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Part ⅡListening Comprehension (30 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． andD．, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

1. A． The woman is fussy about the cleanness of the apartment.B． He has not cleaned the apartment since his mother's visit.C． He does not remember when his mother canoe over.D． His mother often helps him to clean the apartment.2. A． The bus stop is only two minutes' walk.B． The nmning made him short of breath.C． They might as well take the next bus.D． The woman is late by a couple of minutes.3. A． She is suffering a pain in her neck.B． She is likely to replace Miss Smith.C． She has to do extra work for a few days.D． She is quite sick of working overtime.4. A． Change her job.B． Buy a dishwasher.C． Open a flower shop.D． Start her own business.5. A． He forgot where he had left the package.B． He slipped on his way to the post office.C． He wanted to deliver the package himself.D． He failed to do what he promised to do.6. A． The speakers do not agree with each other.B． The woman does not like horror films.C． The man pays for the tickets as a rule.D． The speakers happened" to meet in the cinema.7. A． The woman is just as unlucky as the man.B． The woman is more sensitive than the man.C． The speakers share a common view on love.D． The speakers are unhappy with their marriage.8. A． Preparations for a forum.B． Participants in the forum.C． Organizers of a forum.D． Expectations of the forum.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A． France.B． Scandinavia.C． Russia.D． East Europe.10. A． More women will be promoted in the workplace.B． More women will overcome their inadequacies.C． More women will receive higher education.D． More women will work outside the family.11. A． Try hard to protect women's rights.B． Educate men to respect women more.C． Help women acquire more professional skills.D． Spend more time changing women's attitudes.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A． In a restaurant.B． In a hotel lobby.C． At the man's office.D． At the woman's place.13. A． He is the chief designer of the latest bike model.B． He has completed an overseas market survey.C． He is the Managing Director of Jayal Motors.D． He has just come back from a trip to Africa.14. A． To select the right model.B． To get a good import agent.C． To convince the board members.D． To cut down production costs.15. A． His flexibility.B． His vision.C． His intelligence.D． His determination.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hoar 3 short passages. At tho end of each passage, you will hoar some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose tho best answer from tho four choices marked A．, B．, C．andD．. Then mark tho corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through tho centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2014年12月英语四级真题及答案（文字版）Part I WritingDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the follo wing topic. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.作文题一：印象最深的活动AA campus activity that has benefited most.作文题二：印象最深的课程A course that has impressed you most in college.作文题三:印象最深的同学A classmate of yours who has influenced you most in college．Part II ListeningSection 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 s aid. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each questio n 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 lette r on Answer Sheet I with a single line through the centre.Question 1A.The man is not good at balancing his budget.B.She will go purchase the gift herself.C.The gift should not be too expensive.D.They are gonging to Jane's house-warming party.Question 2A.He is quite willing to give the woman a hand.B.It takes patience to go through the statistics.C.He has prepared the statistics for the woman.D.The woman should take a course in statistics.Question 3A.Page 55 is missing from the woman's scripts.B.They cannot begin their recording right away.C.The woman does not take the recording seriously.D.The man wants to make some changes in the scripts.Question 4A.The date of Carl's wedding.B.The birthday of Carl's bride.C.A significant event in July.D.Preparation for a wedding.Question 5A.The woman forgot to tell the man in advance.B.The man was absent from the weekly meeting.C.The woman was annoyed at the man's excuse.D.The man was in charge of scheduling meetings.Question 6A.The woman is a marvelous cook.B.The woman has just bought an oven.C.The man has to leave in half an hour.D.The man cannot want for his meal.Question 7A.How she can best help the man.B.Where the man got the bad news.C.What items sell well in the store.D.Whether the man can keep his job.Question 8A.The woman can sign up for a swimming class.B.He works in the physical education department.C.The woman has the potential to swim like a fish.D.He would like to teach the woman how to swim.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 9A.He teaches in a law school.B.He loves classical music.C.He is a diplomat.D.He is a wonderful lecturer.Question 10A.Went to see a play.B.Watched a soccer game.C.Took some photos.D.Attended a dance.Question 11A.She decided to get married in three years.B.Her mother objected to Eric’s flying lessons.C.She insisted that Eric pursue graduate studies.D.Her father said she could marry Eric right away.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Question 12A.Editor.B.Teacher.C.JournalistD.Typist.Question 13A.The beautiful Amazon rainforests.B.A new railway under construction.C.Big changes in the Amazon valley.D.Some newly discovered scenic spot.Question 14A.In news weeklies.B.In newspapers' Sunday editions.C.In a local evening paper.D.In overseas editions of U.S. magazines.Question 15A.To be employed by a newspaper.B.To become a professional writer.C.To sell her articles to a news service.D.To get her life story published soon.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 on ce. After you hear a question，you must choose the best answer from the four choices ma rked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet I with a si ngle line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.Question 16A.Nodding one's head.B.Waving one's hand.C.Holding up the forefinger.D.Turning the right thumb down.Question 17A.Looking away from them.B.Forming a circle with fingers.C.Bowing one's head them.D.Waving or pointing to them.Question 18A.Looking one's superior in the eye.B.Keeping one's arms folded while talking.C.Showing the sole of one's foot to a guest.ing a lot of gestures during a conversation.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19A.They had to beg for foot after the harvest.B.They grew wheat and corn on a small farm.C.They shared a small flat with their relatives.D.The children walked to school on dirt roads.Question 20A.Tour Ecuador's Andes Mountains.B.Earn an annual income of $2800.C.Purchase a plot to build a home on.D.Send their children to school.Question 21A.The achievements of the Trickle Up Program.B.A new worldwide economic revolution.C.Different forms of assistance to the needy.D.The life of poor people in developing countries.Passage ThreeQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22A.They are highly sensitive to cold.B.They are vitally important to our life.C.They are a living part of our body.D.They are a chief source of our pain.A.It has to be removed in time by a dentist.B.It is a rare oral disease among old people.C.It contains many nerves and blood vessels.D.It is sticky and colorless film on the teeth.Question 24A.It can change into acids causing damage to their outer covering.B.It greatly reduces their resistance to the attacks of bacteria.C.It makes their nerves and blood vessels more sensitive to acid food.D.It combines with food particles to form a film on their surface.Question 25A.Food particles.B.Gum disease.C.Unhealthy living habits.D.Chemical crosion.Section CStunt people(替身演员) are not movie stars, but they are the hidden heroes of many mo vies.They were around long before films. Even Shakespeare may have used them in fight sce nes. To be good, a fight scene has to look real. Punches must (26)______ enemies' jaws. Sword fights must be fought with(27)______ swords. Several actors are usually in a fight scene. Their moves must be set up so that no one gets hurt. It is almost like planning a dance performance.If a movie scene is dangerous, stun people usually(28)______the stars. You may think yo u see Tom Cruise running along the top of a train. But it is(29)______ his stunt double. Stunt people must(30)______ the stars they stand in for. Their height and build should be about the same. But when close-ups are needed, the film(31)______ the star.Some stunt people(32)______ in certain kinds of scenes. For instance, a stunt woman na med Jan Davis does all kinds of jumps. She has leapt from planes and even off the top of a waterfall. Each jump required careful planning and expert(33)______.Yakima Canutt was a famous cowboy stunt man. Among other stunts, he could jump fro m a second story window onto a horse's back. He(34)______ the famous trick of sliding under a moving stagecoach. Canutt also(35)______ a new way to make a punch look real. He was the only stunt man ever to get anOscar.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)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 passa ge. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the ba nk is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.For decades, Americans have taken for granted the XXXX development of new technolo gies. The innovations(创新)XXXX opment during World War II and afterwards were(36)__ ___ to the prosperity of the nation in the second half of the 20th century. Those innovati ons, upon which virtually all aspects of(37)_____ society now depend, were possible beca use the United States then(38)_____ the world in mathematics and science education. Toda y, however, despite increasing demand for workers with strong skills in mathematics and s cience, the(39)_____ of degrees awarded in science, math, and engineering are decreasing. The deeling in degree production in what are called the STEM disciplines(science, techno logy, engineering, and math.)seems to be(40)_____related to the comparatively weak perfor mance by U.S. schoolchildren on international assessments of math and science. Many stu dents entering college have weak skills in mathematics. According to the 2005 report of t he Business Higher Education Forum, 22 percent of college freshmen must take remediat (补习的)math(41)_____, and less than half of the students who plan to major in science o r engineering(42)_____complete a major in those fields.The result has been a decrease in the number of American college graduates who have t he skills, (43)_____ in mathematics, to power a workforce that can keep the country at th e forefront(前言)of innovation and maintain its standard of living. With the(44)_____ perfo rmance of American students in math and science has come increased competition from st udents from other countries that have strongly supported education in these areas. Many m ore students earn(45)_____ in the STEM disciplines in developing countries than in the U nited States.A.acceleratingB.actuallyC.closelyD.contemporaryE.coursesF.criticalG.decliningH.degreesJ.futureK.ledL.metM.proceduresN.proportionsO.sphetesSection BDirections：In this section，you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the par agraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than on ce. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the correspo nding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Ban sugary drinks that will add fuel to the obesity war[A] On a train last Thursday, I sat opposite a man who was so fat he filled more than one seat. He was pale and disfigured and looked sick to death, which he probably was: o besity(肥胖的)leads to many nasty ways of dying. Looking around the carriage, I saw quit e a few people like him, including a couple of fatty children with swollen checks pressin g against their eyes. These people are part of what is without exaggeration an epidemic (流行病)of obesity.[B] But it is quite unnecessary: there is a simple idea- far from new- that could spare millions of such people a lifetime of chronic(长期的)ill health, and at the same time save the National Health Service(NHS)at least ￡14 billion a year in England and Wales. Ther e would, you might think, be considerable public interest in it. This simple idea is that su gar is as good- or as bad- as poison and should be avoided. It is pure, white and deadly, as Professor John Yudkin described it 40 years ago in a revolutionary book of that name. The subtitle was How Sugar Is Killing Us.[C] In its countless hidden forms, in ready meals, junk food and sweet drinks, sugar lea ds to addiction(瘾), to hormonal upsets to the appetite, to metabolic(新陈代谢的)malfunctio ns and obesity and from there to type 2 diabetes(糖尿病)and its many horrible complicatio n. If people really grasped that, they would try to kick the habit, particularly as Britain is the ―fat man of Europe‖. They might even feel driven to support government measuresto prevent people from consuming this deadly stuff. Yet so far this idea has met little b ut resistance.[D] It is not difficult to imagine the vested interests(既得利益集团)lined up against any sugar control- all the food and drink manufacturers, processors, promoters and retailers wh o make such easy pickings out of the magic powers of sugar. Then there are the liberals, with whom I would normally side, who protest that government regulation would be yet another instance of interference in our lives.[E]That is true, but people should realize that you cannot have a welfare state without a nanny state(保姆国家), to some degree. If we are all to be responsible for one another’s health insurance, through socialized medicine, then we are all closely involved in one an other’s health, including everyone’s eating and drinking. That has already been admitted, fi nally, with smoking. But it has yet to be admitted with overeating, even though one in fo ur adults in this country is obese and that number is predicted to double by the year 205 0.Quite apart from anything else, obesity will cripple the NHS.[F]Recently, though, there have been signs that the medical establishment is trying to sou nd the alarm. Last month the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges(AMRC)published a rep ort saying that obesity is the greatest public health issue affecting the UK and urging gov ernment to do something.[G]The report offers 10 recommendations, of which the first is imposing a tax of 20 per cent on sugary drinks for at least a year, on top of the existing 20 percent value-added ta x. That at least would be an excellent start. The amounts of sugar in soft drinks are horri fying, and turn straight to fat. As Professor Terence Stephenson, head of the AMRC, has said, sugary soft drinks are ―the ultimate bad food. You are just consuming neat sugar. Y our body didn’t evolve to handle this kind of thing.‖[H]Precisely. The risks of eating too much fat or salt(which are very different)pale into i nsignificant compared with the harm done by sugar. And it is everywhere.[I]It is difficult to buy anything in a supermarket, other than plain, unprepared meat, fish or vegetables, that doesn’t have a large amount of sugar in it. This has come about beca use the prevailing scientific views of the 1960s and 1970s ignored the evidence about sug ar, and instead saw fat as the really serious risk, both to the heart and other organs, as well as the cause of obesity.[J]The fashion was to avoid fat. But finding that food with much of its fat removed is not very appetizing, food producers turned to sugar as a magic alternative flavor enhancer,often in the forms of syrups(糖浆)that had recently been developed from corn, and put it generously into most prepared foods and soft drinks.[K]This stuff is not just fattening. It is addictive. It interferes with the body’s metabolis m, possibly via the activity of an appetite-controlling hormone. There’s plenty of evidence for this, for those who will accept the truth.[L]Theoretically, people ought to make ―healthy choices‖and avoid overeating. But sugar additives are not easy to identify and are hard to avoid. So the snacking, over-drinking a nd over eating that makes people fat is not really their own fault: obesity is in large part something that is being done to them. It should be stopped, or rather the government sh ould stop it.[M]Going round my local supermarket, I am constantly astonished that it is still legal to sell all the poisons stacked high on the shelves. The problem is that they are worse than useless. They are poisonous. They are known to be addictive. They are known to make people obese. And giving small children sweet drinks or bottles of fake juice all day long is nothing less than child abuse.[N]Clearly, the sale of such stuff ought to be illegal. I hate to think of yet more govern ment regulation. But a bit of tax on sweet soda and a little more health education, a bit of cooking in schools and banning vending machines(自动售货机)here and there —as sug gested try the AMRC report —is not going to achieve very much. Labelling is quite ina dequate. What is needed is legislation banning high levels of sugary syrups used in foods and drinks.[O]In June 2012, the then minister for public health said the government was not scared of the food industry and had not ruled out legislation, because of the costs of obesity to the NHS. However, nothing has happened yet. Why not have another Jammie Dodger bis cuit and forget about it.46、Avoiding over-consumption of sugar can improve people’s health as well as save medi cal expenses.47、Laws should be passed to make it illegal to produce overly sweet foods or drinks.48、Giving small children sweet juices to drink all the time is equal to child abuse. 59、Looking around, the author found obesity quite widespread.50、The number of obese people is expected to increase quickly in the next few decades.51、If people really understood the horrible consequences of sugary foods and drinks, they would support government measures against sugar consumption.52、It would be a very good beginning wo improve an additional tax on sugary drinks.53、The government has not yet taken any action to regulate sugar consumption although it indicated its intention to do so some time ago.54、Sugar is far more harmful to health than fat and salt.55、Consumers of sweet foods are not really to blame because they cannot tell what food is sugary.Section CDirections：There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some quest ions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answ er Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. O ver two billion people worldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever b efore, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremendous impacts has only just begun.―Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effe cts are fully global,‖Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book. The New Digital Age. Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide w ho currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions li ke the news media. But if the book has one major shortcoming, it’s that authors don’t sp end enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these weepin g changes.In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes —and more importantly predicts —how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming de cades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and g overnments must deal with two realities, one physical, and one virtual.At the core of the book is the idea that ―technology is neutral, but people aren’t.‖By u sing this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar op timist vs. pessimist dichotomy(对立观点)that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an intervie w with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they’re also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to perso nal privacy and state surveillance(监视).56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph?A.It transforms human history.B.It facilitates daily communication.C.It is adopted by all humanity.D.It revolutionizes people's thinking.57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet?A.They are immeasurable.B.They are worldwide.C.They are unpredictable.D.They are contaminating.58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate?A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology.B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet.C.It lacks an objective evaluation of the role of Internet businesses.D.It does not address the technical aspects of Internet communication.59、What will the future be like when everybody gets online?A.People will be living in two different realities.B.People will have equal access to information.C.People don’t have to travel to see the world.D.People don’t have to communicate face to face.60、What does the passage say about the authors of The New Digital Age?A.They leave many questions unanswered concerning the Internet.B.They are optimistic about the future of the Internet revolution.C.They have explored the unknown territories of the virtual world.D.They don’t take sides in analyzing the effects of the Internet.In 1950, a young man would have found it much easier than it is today to get and kee p a job in the auto industry. And in that year the average autoworker could meet monthl y mortgage(抵押贷款)payments on an average home with just 13.4 percent of his take-ho me pay. Today a similar mortgage would claim more than twice that share of his monthl y eamings.Other members of the autoworker’s family, however might be less inclined to tried the p resent for the past. His retired parents would certainly have had less economic security ba ck then. Through-out much of the 1960s,more than a quarter of men and women and women age 65 and older lived below the poverty level, compared to less than 10 percent in 2010.In most stales, his wife could not have taken out a loan or a card in her own name. In42 states, a homemaker had no legal claim on the earnings of her husband. And nowhere did a wife have legal protection against family violence.Most black workers would not want to return to a time when, on average they earned 4 0 percent less than their white counterparts(职位相当的人),white racially restrictive agreem ents largely prevented them from buying into the suburban neighborhoods being built for white working –class families.Today, new problems have emerged in the process of resolving old ones, but the solution is not to go back to the past. Some people may long for an era when divorce was still hard to come by. The spread of no -fault divorce has reduced the bargaining power of w hichever spouse is more interested in continuing the relationship. And the breakup of such marriages has caused pain for many families.The growing diversity of family life comes with new possibilities as well as new challen ges. According to a recent poll, more than 80 percent of Americans believe that their curr ent family is as close as the one in which they grew up, or closer. Finding ways to imag inary golden age.61、What do we learn about American autoworkers in 1950?A.They had less job security than they do today.B.It was not too difficult for them to buy a house.C.Their earnings were worth twice as much as today.D.They were better off than workers in other industries.62、What does the author about retired people today?A.They invariably long to return to the golden past.B.They do not depend so much on social welfare.C.They feel more secure economically than in the past.D.They are usually unwilling to live with their children.63、Why couldn’t black workers buy a house in a whitc suburban neighborhood ?A.They lacked the means of transportation.B.They were subjected to racial inequality.C.They were afraid to break the law.D.They were too poor to afford it.64、What is the result of no-fault divorce ?A.Divorce is easier to obtain.B.Domestic violence is lessened.C.It causes little pain to either side.D.It contributes to social unrest.65 、What does the author suggest society do?A.Get prepared to face any new challenges.B.Try to better the current social security.C.Narrow the gap between blacks and whites.D.Improve the lives of families with problemsPart IV TranslationDirections: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.翻译题一：大熊猫是一种温顺的动物，长着独特的黑白皮毛。

2014年12月四级真题(第2套)Part IWriting(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to write a short essay about a course thathas impressed you most in college.You should state the reasons and write at least120words but no more than180words.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

Part IIListening Comprehension(30minutes)Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear8short conversations and2long 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 Sheet1with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

1.A．She used to be in poor health.B．She was popular among boys.C．She was somewhat overweight.D．She didn't do well at high school.2.A．At the airport.B．In a restaurant.C．In a booking office.D．At the hotel reception.3.A．Teaching her son by herself.B．In a restaurant.C．Asking the teacher for extra help.D．Telling her son not to worry.4.A．Have a short break.B．Take two weeks off.C．Continue her work outdoors.D．Go on vacation with the man.5.A．He is taking care of his twin brother.B．Take two weeks off.C．He is worried about Rod's health.D．He has been in perfect condition.6.A．She sold all her furniture before she moved house.B．She still keeps some old furniture in her new house.C．She plans to put all her old furniture in the basement.D．She bought a new set of furniture from Italy last month.7.A．The woman wondered why the man didn't return the book.B．The woman doesn't seem to know what the book is about.C．The woman doesn't find the book useful any more.D．The woman forgot lending the book to the man.8.A．Most of the man's friends are athletes.B．Few people share the woman's opinion.C．The man doesn't look like a sportsman.D．The woman doubts the man's athletic ability.Questions9to12are based on the conversation you have just heard.9.A．She has packed it in one of her bags.B．She is going to get it at the airport.C．She has probably left it in a taxi.D．She is afraid that she has lost it.10.A．It ends in winter.B．It will cost her a lot.C．It will last one week.D．It depends on the weather.11.A．The plane is taking off soon.B．The taxi is waiting for them.C．There might be a traffic jam.D．There is a lot of stuff to pack.12.A．At home.B．At the airport.C．In the man's car.D．By the side of a taxi.Questions13to15are based on the conversation you have just heard.13.A．She is thirsty for promotion.B．She wants a much higher salary.C．She is tired of her present work.D．She wants to save travel expenses.14.A．Translator.C．Language instructor.B．Travel agent.D．Environmental engineer.15.A．Lively personality and inquiring mind.B．Communication skills and team spirit.C．Devotion and work efficiency.D．Education and experience.Section BDirections:In this section,you will hear3short 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 Sheet1with a single line through the centre.注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

2023年12月大学英语四级考试真题第2套(含答案)Part I Writing (30 minutes).Directions:Suppose the university newspaper is inviting submissions from the students for its coming edition on the recent development in their hometown. You are now to write an essay for submission. You will have 30 minutes to write the essay. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes).Section A.Directions:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) He noticed the driver was too young to drive.B) He found there was no one sitting at the wheel.C) He thought something must be wrong with the driver.D) He saw the driver changing lanes much too frequently.2. A) Buy a sports car.B) Drive across town.C) Leave California.D) Visit his sister.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) How they change the way we shop.B) How they alter human skeletons.C) How they cause increased headaches.D) How they affect our communication.4. A) It loosens.B) It brightens.C) It hardens.D) It softens.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Create Internet pages for him.B) Ask a local pet shop to adopt him.C) Name an orange tree after him.D) Hold a birthday party for him.6. A) He is a bold and aggressive pet.B) He pays regular visits to village shops.C) He once bit a doctor's receptionist.D) He likes to sit on the hairdresser's chair.7. A) He is fond of luxury cat food.B) He likes to stay in villagers5 6h 7ouses.C) He knows everybody in the village.D) He often seeks food around her pub.Section B.Directions:In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Who to order the food.B) Whether to have sandwiches.C) When to go for their meal.D) Where to have their lunch.9. A) In the shopping center nearby.B) In the expensive Italian style diner.C) At the Sandwich Place on Camden Street.D) At the American restaurant they frequent.10. A) There is to be a conference call.B) She has to meet with her boss then.C) There will be crowds of people waiting for her.D) She will have a photo taken with Brigette Clark.11. A) She doesn't deem homemade soup tasty.B) She doesn't think his wife cooks well.C) She feels Jeremy would rather dine out.D) She has found the soup smells terrible.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) A landlady.B) A waitress.C) A receptionist.D) A saleswoman.13. A) He was involved in a terrible car accident last April.B) He has much difficulty getting up and down stairs.C) He is expected to undergo a knee operation.D) He prefers to stay next door to the children.14. A) To please his parents-in-law.B) To find the best trip for his kids.C) To satisfy his curiosity.D) To compare prices.15. A) Visit a local art gallery.B) Go on a boat trip.C) Take some photos of the islands.D) Try her hand-made clothing.Section C.Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) They are more intelligent than many of us.B) They have already become our new friends.C) They have begun to affect our social behavior.D) They play increasingly more important roles.17. A) Whether it might have any effect on the way we negotiate.B) Whether it might actually outperform human negotiators.C) Whether it can facilitate business transactions.D) Whether it can speed up legal procedures.18. A) Choose to be tough.B) Sympathize with their opponent.C) Use deceptive strategies.D) Appear to be pleasant.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They were perceived differently by some academics.B) They still existed six months after the course ended.C) They varied greatly among the course participants.D) They were only measurable within seven weeks.20. A) They can be easily seen among participants in a healthy weight range.B) They should be attributed to participants5 change in diet behaviors.C) They are linked to cooking confidence and cooking satisfaction.D) They actually result from eating more fruits and vegetables.21. A) Gender.B) Confidence.C) Health.D) Practice.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) It keeps others away.B) It causes discomfort.C) It remains visible.D) It varies in size.23. A) It makes us feel uncomfortable.B) It renders the acquaintance a stranger.C) It brings the acquaintance closer to us.D) It causes the bubble around us to vanish.24. A) In personal space.B) In social space.C) Within a distance of 18 inches.D) Over 2 feet away from one another.25. A) When we begin to feel fear.B) When we develop a sense of space.C) When we are 3 or 4 years old.D) When we enter our teens.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes).Section A.Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank fallowing the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.A number of studies have looked at how family life can affect productivity and satisfaction in the workplace. However, there has been____26____ little research on the influence of leisure activities. So Ciara Kelly and colleagues recruited 129 hobbyists to look at how the time spent on their hobbies____27____their work life.The researchers found that when participants spent longerthan____28____on their leisure activity, their belief in their ability to perform their job was strengthened. But this was only the____29____when they had a serious hobby that was dissimilar to their job, or when their hobby was similar to their work but they only did it____30____ . When their hobby was both serious and similar to their job, then spending more time on it actually decreased their work____31____.Why might that be? To maintain a serious hobby, people need to invest significant psychological resources, say the authors- so if the activity has the same kinds of demands as their work, they may be left____32____ and unable to perform well at their job. But if their hobby is quitedifferent from their career, it may not____33____in the same way but instead help them develop other knowledge and skills thatcan____34____their confidence at work. "Consider a scientist who is a keen rock clim ber,says Kelly. "Since climbing is so far ____35____ from their day-to-day work activities, they can still recover from the demands of their job with plenty of resources.".A) boostB) caseC) casuallyD) efficiencyE) estateF) exhaustedG) facultyH) interfereI) normalJ) prevalentK) relativeL) removedM) scratchN) shapedO) surprisinglySection B.Directions: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one o f the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.More fathers are taking paternity leave, but mothers are still doing all the work.A) Attitudes towards paternity leave (陪产假)have drastically changed in America in the last five years as more fathers feel comfortable taking extended time off, but gender bias persists when it comes to career prospects and the home, according to a new study of working parents.B) Research by the Boston College Center for Work & Family, which surveyed new parents at four large US companies who were qualified for taking at least six weeks paid parental leave, found that 81% of the 1,240 employees surveyed said the notion of fathers taking leave has become more acceptable.C) Of those surveyed, 62% of fathers took the maximum amount of time off compared to 93% of mothers, and around three-quarters of workers said their employer was equally supportive of mothers and fathers taking parental leave and over half said leave policies had made workplaceculture better.D) The US is one of only three countries in the world not to offer statutory (法定的)paid leave, but increasingly states and companies are starting to take up the issue. So far, eight states and the District of Columbia have their own paid family leave laws.E) Brad Harrington, executive director of the center and lead author of the study, estimates only 20% to 30% of companies in the US offer paid parental leave. He feels the research findings reflect an obvious change in corporate attitudes to new fathers taking time off.F) "We did a study on paternity leave five years ago. Compared with those findings, these numbers were shocking to me. I did not expect 80% of people to say the organisation finds dads taking this leave acceptable and three-quarters to say it's equally supportive of women and men taking leave," Harrington said.G) The previous study found that nearly three-quarters of fathers saw two to four weeks as an appropriate duration for paternity leave and 76% said they would prefer not to take all their time off at once.H) Since then, there have been a number of legal cases against companies involving paternity leave- including cases against JPMorgan Chase and Estee Lauder- which have helped put pressure on companies to make their parental leave policies gender neutral.I) However, the study also shows how traditional gender roles endure both at work, where more women than men reported changes in their perceived career potential, and at home~~even among workers who claim to have a strong desire for equality.J) The vast majority of men, 97%, said one of the top reasons to take leave was to share caregiving with their partner. But when they were asked about how caregiving and household tasks were divided, their answers painted a different picture. While about 75% of employees said both genders should give the same amount of care, the majority of men and nearly half of women admitted that in reality the female actually did most of it. A tiny fraction, 2%, of men said they did more of the childcare.K) Men and women's experiences of the return to work following parental leave were also considerably different. Of the women surveyed, 32% reported a downturn in their job satisfaction, while 14% said it increased. In comparison, 17% of men said their job satisfaction went down and 20% said it went up. Meanwhile, more women reported an increase in their responsibilities and manager expectations after childbirth. Half of the women said they used flexible work arrangements after becoming a parent, while just 27% of men did. Similar percentages of men and women said they enjoyed their careers and that it gave them a sense of achievement, while around half of women and 44% of men said it was a key part of their identity.L) On the subject of career advancement, 59% of women and 49% of mensaid leave could be limiting and both genders said they feared it would have an impact on their progress long-term. But on opportunity for promotion, more than double the number of women, 30% compared with 15% of men, believed their chances to be lower after becoming a parent. Despite progress, the struggle for women to reach the highest positions of power is demonstrated in this year's Fortune 500 list, which featured a record____33____female CEOs, but this still represents a tiny fraction of the total.M) Harrington said culture change depends on companies putting more focus on men and their responsibilities. "By that I mean companies need to give men paternity leave and encourage men to take time off to be with their kids early on in the kids' lift. They also need to recognise that men have to make significant adjustments when they become parents. Companies cannot do all these things to enhance women's advancement and then turn around and say,4Oh, but we don't expect the men to take over for the women at home.".N) In May, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Outten & Golden LLP announced a historic class­ action $5m settlement with JPMorgan Chase on behalf of male employees who claim they were illegally denied access to paid parental leave. Derek Rotondo, 35, filed the discrimination charge against his company after he was allegedly told by his HR department that mothers were considered primary caregivers. Thus, they were allowed to take 16 weeks of paid parental leave. Fathers, however, could take just two weeks.O) The father of two from Columbus, Ohio, who still works at the company as an associate and investigator, said he has witnessed a "domino effect (多米诺效应)" across companies since the settlement, but that there is still substantial progress to be made towards changing attitudes towards paternity leave.P) "I do think there's still some way to go...there's still going to be sort of the unstated expectation for new dads to essentially come right back to work, but I think the research is showing That's starting to change." He said equal parental leave is an essential component to creating gender equality in the workplace. "The old standard of women staying home, having babies and cooking doesn't apply and hasn't applied for a long time.".36. In the absence of Federal legislation, some states in the US have passed laws concerning paid family leave.37. Most fathers admitted that even during their paternity leave they actually did much less childcare than the mother.38. According to one father, equal parental leave is indispensable to achieving gender equality in the workplace.39. One survey indicated there is now less objection to paternity leave.40. Compared to five years ago, according to one researcher, many more people said their organisation gave the same support to men and women taking parental leave.41. One study finds that even workers who claim to desire gender equality stick to traditional gender roles both at work and at home.42. The majority of workers surveyed said parental leave policies had improved workplace culture.43. In spite of progress, the number of women in top positions of big companies remains extremely small.44. According to one estimate, less than one third of companies in the US provide paid parental leave.45. A number of lawsuits have pressured companies to formulate gender neutral policies on parental leave.Section C.Directions:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage One.Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Having a rival can keep you committed to achieving your goals and enhance your overall performance. But before you go out and find an entrepreneur to outcompete, it's important to understand and avoid the traps that often come with rivalry. After all, competitive rivalry can also hinder effective decision-making and increase your willingness to take risks, behaviors that can ultimately hurt your venture's success.Finding someone you're committed to outcompeting can be a great way to stay focused on your goals and push your venture to the next level. But when you're intently focused on outperforming your rivals, you may begin to develop a "win-at・all・costs" mentality that causes you to ignore how you achieve success. One group of researchers, for example, examined the link between rivalry and unethical behavior. They found that when people compete against their rivals, they are more willing to behave unethically to win. But such behavior may stain your reputation and strain relationships important to your success. One way to avoid this trap is to stop and reflect on what's important. While outperforming your rivals may provide short-term benefits, the loss of your integrity will have long-term consequences.One reason having a rival can enhance your venture's performance is that it creates a level of excitement that drives you to work harder. But this eagerness to win may also hurt your venture's success, particularlywhen it causes you to make impulsive, insensible decisions. But it's possible to avoid such costly mistakes by making a habit of engaging in critical thinking, such as considering opposing viewpoints and conducting cost-benefit analyses, especially for those decisions that are complex and can determine the future of your venture.The sense of eagerness that comes with having a rival can not only cause you to make poorer decisions, but it can also lead you to take greater risks that put your venture in peril. One way you can overcome the risk ­inducing effects of rivalry that stand to endanger your venture's success is to remain attentive to your emotional state and actively monitor how such feelings are affecting your decision-making.46. How can competitive rivalry benefit entrepreneurs according to the passage?A) By enabling them to outcompete other entrepreneurs.B) By enabling them to make their venture a success.C) By helping them to reach long-term goals.D) By helping them to stay goal-oriented.47. What is one of the traps entrepreneurs may often fall into when competing with rivals?A) They may adopt strategies that are bound to ruin their venture.B) They may resort to unethical means to outperform their rivals.C) They may be too eager to succeed while ignoring the huge labor cost.D) They may be intently focused on winning at the current market level.48. What are entrepreneurs advised to do to avoid traps that often accompany rivalry?A) Deliberate on what really matters.B) Prioritize reaping immediate benefits.C) Estimate the long-term consequences.D) Reflect on what successes are achievable.49. How can entrepreneurs avoid making impulsive and insensible decisions?A) By engaging themselves in critical reasoning.B) By developing a habit of keeping their integrity.C) By criticizing themselves for previous poor performances.D) By refraining from being too excited about their successes.50. How can entrepreneurs overcome the risk-inducing effects of rivalry?A) By paying close attention to their current performance.B) By taking steps that stand to endanger their rivals5 success.C) By monitoring how their decision-making impacts their mentality.D) By keeping their emotions in check to avoid making poor decisions.Passage Two.Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.A multitasker is one who can perform two or more tasks effectively at the same time, which- apart from the obvious differences- is similar to what a computer does. The concept does indeed come from the realms of technology, where it is used to refer to an operating system that can execute multiple tasks at the same time.However, the question is: can a person really be a multitasker?For most scientists, the answer is no. So much so that, according to experts in neuroscience (神经系统科学), our brains do not handle multitasking situations well. As soon as two tasks require our attention, productivity suffers. What we call muKitasking, therefore, is in reality the ability to move more or less quickly from one task to another. This requires two essential conditions: that one of the tasks needs to be automatic, like walking or eating, and that they both need different mental processes. Answering the phone and writing at the same time, for example.However, on the other side of the coin there are people who maintain that it is possible to be, or at least seem to be, multitasking. A recent study concluded that regardless of whether people are actually handling several tasks or not, the mere fact that they perceive this activity as multitasking has a positive effect on their performance.The business perspective offers a different view: multitasking is understood as the ability to adapt to all types of environment within a company and effectively undertake different activities within a set time frame.Indeed, many companies look for people who are skilled in multitasking to improve their productivity. From this different perspective, you can not only be multitasking but this ability can also be taught: something that is easier in fluid organisations, which favour flexibility in their working practices.The benefits of multitasking are clear. Being quicker and more efficient increases our performance and the number of tasks completed. But having to pay attention to several things at once means that the powers of concentration are reduced and that can lead to more mistakes.51. What does a "multitasker" originally refer to?A) An operating system capable of doing several tasks at once.B) A skilled worker executing more than one task at the same time.C) A sophisticated technology doing several tasks effectively at once.D) An efficient person able to perform multiple tasks at the same time.52. Why can't people really be multitaskers according to neuroscientists?A) They are not sufficiently exposed to multitasking situations.B) They are not comparable to mechanical operating systems.C) Their brains do not allow them to multitask.D) Their attention span cannot be expanded.53. What do we learn from the conclusion of a recent study on multitasking?A) People make greater achievements by maintaining whatever they are doing is multitasking.B) People's performance benefits from the perception of what they are doing as multitasking.C) People's active mental processes exert a positive effect on their multitasking.D) People can improve their capabilities by handling multitasking situations.54. How does the business world view multitasking?A) It is a rare skill often found in fluid organisations.B) It is an adaptable capability required of all workers.C) It is an essential quality many employees lack.D) It is a desirable ability that can be developed.55. What does the author imply we should do if we have to focus on some task and do it well?A) Work in a flexible way.B) Learn from mistakes.C) Avoid multitasking.D) Increase efficiency.Part IV Translation (30 minutes).Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.改革开放以来，中国人的饮食（diet）发生了显著变化。

2014年12月四级真题答案详解(第1套)Part IWritingThe Most Beneficial Campus Activity写作指南本年度的作文文体比较自由，不再局限于议论文。

题目要求考生介绍让自己“收获最大的校园活动”，并阐述原因。

根据题目要求，文章的结构可安排如下：第一段：引出话题，指出校园活动虽多，但个人觉得收获最大的活动是为农民工义教。

第二段：简要描述该义教活动的一些基本情况，如义教的目的、过程以及效果等。

第三段：简明扼要地阐述收获最大的原因，如让自己明白到大学生也可以为社会作出大改变。

范文与译文范文译文Students in the university are no strangers to awealth of activities，such as English speech contests，calligraphy exhibitions and sports meets．I myself havebeen involved in many campns activities，among whichI find volunteering to teach migrant workers the mostbeneficial．The activity was launched to offer free eveningcourses to migrant workers who want to acquire moreemployableskills．I was in charge of teaching **puter skills．Inclass I demonstrated how **puter skill would increasetheir efficiency in their career．When the course wasover．one of the students told me that he got promoted，because he was now able to use the Excel to manage theinventory．I was so happy to hear that!I value this experience the most，because it makes merealize that universities could contribute a lot to **omunity．With small gestures，even coHege students areable to make a big difference for the disadvantaged．大学生对学校丰富多彩的活动并不会感到陌生，比如：英语演讲比赛、书法展览和校园运动会。

2014年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第2套）Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay about a course that has impressed you most in college. You should state the reasons and write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension (30 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 conversationand the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During thepause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the bestanswer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through thecentre.1. A) The man is not good at balancing his budget.B) She will go purchase the gift herself.C) The gift should not be too expensive.D) They are going to Jane's house-warming party.2. A) He is quite willing to give the woman a hand.B) It takes patience to go through the statistics.C) He has prepared the statistics for the woman.D) The woman should take a course in statistics.3. A) Page 55 is missing from the woman's scripts.B) They cannot begin their recording right away.C) The woman does not take the recording seriously.D) The man wants to make some changes in the scripts.4. A) The date of Carl's wedding.B) The birthday of Carl's bride.C) A significant event in July.D) Preparations for a wedding.5. A) The woman forgot to tell the man in advance.B) The man was absent from the weekly meeting.C) The woman was annoyed at the man's excuse.D) The man was in charge of scheduling meetings.6. A) The woman is a marvelous cook.B) The woman has just bought an ovenC) The man has to leave in half an hour.D) The man cannot wait for his meal.7. A) How she can best help the man.B) Where the man got the bad news.C) What items sell well in the store.D) Whether the man can keep his job .8. A) The woman can sign up for a swimming class.B) He works in the physical education department.C) The woman has the potential to swim like a fish.D) He would like to teach the woman how to swim.Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) He teaches in a law school.B) He loves classical music.C) He is a diplomat.D) He is a wonderful lecturer.10. A) Went to see a play.B) Watched a soccer gameC) Took some photos.D) Attended a dance.11. A) She decided to get married in three years.B) Her mother objected to Eric's flying lessons.C) She insisted that Eric pursue graduate studies.D) Her father said she could marry Eric right away.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Editor.B) Teacher .C) Journalist.D) Typist.13. A) The beautiful Amazon rainforests.B) A new railway under construction.C) Big changes in the Amazon valley.D) Some newly discovered scenic spot.14. A) In news weeklies. .B) In newspapers' Sunday editionsC) In a local evening paper.D) In overseas editions of U. S. magazines.15. A) To be employed by a newspaper. .B) To become a professional writer.C) To sell her articles to a news serviceD) To get her life story published soon.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 aquestion, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre. Passage OneQuestions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Nodding one's head.B) Waving one's hand.C) Holding up the forefinger.D) Turning the right thumb down.17. A) Looking away from them.B) Forming a circle with fingers.C) Bowing one's head to them.D) Waving or pointing to them.18. A) Looking one's superior in the eye.B) Keeping one's arms folded while talking.C) Showing the sole of one's foot to a guest.D) Using a lot of gestures during a conversation.Passage TwoQuestions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) They had to beg for food after the harvest. .B) They grew wheat and corn on a small farm.C) They shared a small flat with their relativesD) The children walked to school on dirt roads.20. A) Tour Ecuador's Andes Mountains.B) Earn an annual income of $2,800.C) Purchase a plot to build a home on.D) Send their children to school.21. A) The achievements of the Trickle Up Program.B) A new worldwide economic revolution.C) Different forms of assistance to the needy.D) The life of poor people in developing countries.Passage ThreeQuestions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) They are highly sensitive to cold.B) They are vitally important to our life.C) They are a living part of our body.D) They are a chief source of our pain.23. A) It has to be removed in time by a dentist.B) It is a rare oral disease among old people.C) It contains many nerves and blood vessels.D) It is a sticky and colorless film on the teeth.24. A) It can change into acids causing damage to their outer covering.B) It greatly reduces their resistance to the attacks of bacteria.C) It makes their nerves and blood vessels more sensitive to acid food.D) It combines with food particles to form a film on their surface.25. A) Food particles.B) Gum disease.C) Unhealthy living habits.D) Chemical erosion.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 with the exact words you have just heard. Finally, when thepassage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.Stunt people (替身演员) are not movie stars, but they are the hidden heroes of many movies. They were around long before films. Even Shakespeare may have used them in fight scenes. To be good, a fight scene has to look real. Punches must 26 enemies' jaws. Sword fights must be fought with 27 swords. Several actors are usually in a fight scene. Their moves must be set up so that no one gets hurt. It is almost like planning a dance performance.If a movie scene is dangerous, stunt people usually 28 the stars. You may think you see Tom Cruise running along the top of a train. But it is 29 his stunt double. Stunt people must 30 the stars they stand in for. Their height and build should be about the same. But when close-ups are needed, the film 31 the star.Some stunt people 32 in certain kinds of scenes. For instance, a stunt woman named Jan Davis does all kinds of jumps. She has leapt from planes and even off the top of a waterfall. Each jump required careful planning and expert 33 .Yakima Canutt was a famous cowboy stunt man. Among other stunts, he could jump from a second story window onto a horse's back. He 34 the famous trick of sliding under a moving stagecoach. Canutt also 35 a new way to make a punch look real. He was the only stunt man ever to get an Oscar.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passagethrough carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line throughthe centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.As an Alaskan fisherman, Timothy June, 54, used to think that he was safe from industrial pollutants (污染物) at his home in Haines—a town with a population of 2, 400 people and 4, 000 eagles, with 8 million acres of protected wild land nearby. But in early 2007, June agreed to take part in a 36 of 35 Americans from seven states. It was a biomonitoring project, in which people's blood and urine (尿) were tested for 37 of chemicals—in this case, three potentially dangerous classes of compounds found in common household 38 like face cream, tin cans, and shower curtains. The results— 39 in November in a report called "Is It in Us?" by an environmental group—were rather worrying. Every one of the participants, 40 from an Illinois state senator to a Massachusetts minister, tested positive for all three classes of pollutants. And while the 41 presence of these chemicals does not 42 indicate a health risk, the fact that typical Americans carry these chemicals at all 43 June and his fellow participants.Clearly, there are chemicals in our bodies that don't 44 there. A large, ongoing study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found 148 chemicals in Americans of all ages. And in 2005,the Environmental Working Group found an 45 of 200 chemicals in the blood of 10 new-borns. "Our babies are being born pre-polluted," says Sharyle Patton of Commonweal, which cosponsored "Is It in Us?"Directions: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which theinformation is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is markedwith a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.In Hard Economy for All Ages, Older Isn't Better... It's BrutalA) Young graduates are in debt, out of work and on their parents’ couches. People in their 30s and 40s can'tafford to buy homes or have children. Retirees are earning near-zero interest on their savings.B) In the current listless (缺乏活力的) economy, every generation has a claim to having been most injured.But the Labor Department's latest jobs reports and other recent data present a strong case for crowning baby boomers (二战后生育高峰期出生的人) as the greatest victims of the recession and its dreadful consequences.C) These Americans in their 50s and early 60s—those near retirement age who do not yet have access toMedicare and Social Security—have lost the most earnings power of any age group, with their household incomes 10 percent below what they made when the recovery began three years ago, according to Sentier Research, a data analysis company. Their retirement savings and home values fell sharply at the worst possible time: just before they needed to cash out. They are supporting both aged parents andunemployed young-adult children, earning them the unlucky nickname "Generation Squeeze."D) New research suggests that they may die sooner, because their health, income security and mentalwell-being were battered (重创) by recession at a crucial time in their lives. A recent study by economists at Wellesley College found that people who lost their jobs in the few years before becoming qualified for Social Security lost up to three years from their life expectancy (预期寿命), largely because they no longer had access to affordable health care.E) Unemployment rates for Americans nearing retirement are far lower than those for young people, who arerecently out of school, with fewer skills and a shorter work history. But once out of a job, older workers have a much harder time finding another one. Over the last year, the average duration of unemployment for older people was 53 weeks, compared with 19 weeks for teenagers, according to the LaborDepartment's jobs report released on Friday.F) The lengthy process is partly because older workers are more likely to have been laid off from industriesthat are downsizing, like manufacturing. Compared with the rest of the population, older people are also more likely to own their own homes and be less mobile than renters, who can move to new job markets.G) Older workers are more likely to have a disability of some sort, perhaps limiting the range of jobs thatoffer realistic choices. They may also be less inclined, at least initially, to take jobs that pay far less than their old positions.H) Displaced boomers also believe they are victims of age discrimination, because employers can easily finda young, energetic worker who will accept lower pay and who can potentially stick around for decadesrather than a few years.I) In a survey of older workers who were laid off during the recession, just one in six had found another job, and half of that group had accepted pay cuts. 14% of the re-employed said the pay in their new job was less than half what they earned in their previous job. "I just say to myself: 'Why me? What have I done to deserve this?'" said John Agati, 56, whose last full-time job, as a product developer, ended four years ago when his employer went out of business. That position paid $90,000, and his resume lists jobs at companies like American Express, Disney and USA Networks. Since being laid off, though, he has worked a series of part-time, low-wage, temporary positions, including selling shoes at Lord & Taylor and making sales calls for a car company.J) The last few years have taken a toll not only on his family's finances, but also on his feelings of self- worth. "You just get sad," Mr. Agati said. "I see people getting up in the morning, going out to their careers and going home. I just wish I was doing that. Some people don't like their jobs, or they have problems withtheir jobs, but at least they're working, I just wish I was in their shoes." He said he cannot afford to go back to school, as many younger people without jobs have done. Even if he could afford it, economists say it is unclear whether older workers like him benefit much from more education.K) "It just doesn't make sense to offer retraining for people 55 and older," said Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor. "Discrimination by age, long-term unemployment, and the fact that they're now at the end of the hiring queue just don't make it sensible to invest in them."L) Many displaced older workers are taking this message to heart and leaving the labor force entirely. The share of older people applying for Social Security early rose quickly during the recession as people sought whatever income they could find. The penalty they will pay is permanent, as retirees who take benefits at age 62 will receive as much as 30% less in each month's check for the rest of their lives than they would if they had waited until full retirement age (66 for those born after 1942).M) Those not yet qualified for Social Security are increasingly applying for another, comparable kind of income support that often goes to people who expect never to work again: disability benefits. More than one in eight people in their late 50s is now on some form of federal disability insurance program, according to Professor Mark Duggan at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.N) The very oldest Americans, of course, were battered by some of the same ill winds that tormented (折磨) those now nearing retirement, but at least the most senior were cushioned by a more readily available social safety net. More important, in a statistical twist, they may have actually benefited from the financial crisis in the most fundamental way: longer lives. O) Death rates for people over 65 have historically fallen during recessions, according to a November 2011 study by economists at theUniversity of California, Davis. Why? The researchers argue that weak job markets push more workers into accepting relatively undesirable work at nursing homes, leading to better care for residents.46. Greater mobility puts younger people at an advantage in seeking new jobs.47. Many of the older workers laid off during the recession had to accept lower pay in their new jobs.48. Those who lose their jobs shortly before retirement age live a shorter-than-average life.49. Seniors at nursing homes could benefit from the weak job market.50. Age discrimination in employment makes it pointless retraining older workers.51. According to recent reports and data analyses, boomers suffer most from the weak economy.52. Unemployed boomers are at a disadvantage in job-hunting because employers tend to hire younger workers.53. People in their fifties and early sixties bear the heaviest family burdens.54. People who take benefits from Social Security before official retirement age will get much less for the rest of their lives.55. Older workers' choice of jobs can be limited because of disability.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You shoulddecide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a singleline through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.Children are a delight. They are our future. But sadly, hiring someone to take care of them while you go to work is getting more expensive by the year.Earlier this month, it was reported that the cost of enrolling an infant or small kid at a childcare center rose 3% in 2012, faster than the overall cost of living. There are now large strips of the country where daycare for an infant costs more than a tenth of the average married couple's income.This is not necessarily a new trend, but it is a somewhat puzzling one. The price of professional childcare has been rising since the 1980s. Yet during that time, pay for professional childcare workers has stood still. Actually caregivers make less today, in real terms, than they did in 1990. Considering that labor costs are responsible for up to 80% of a daycare center's expenses, one would expect flat wages to have meant flat prices.So who's to blame for higher childcare costs?Childcare is a carefully regulated industry. States lay down rules about how many children each employee is allowed to watch over, the space care centers need per child, and other minute details. And the stricter the regulations, the higher the costs. If it has to hire a caregiver for every two children, it can't really achieve any economies of scale on labor to save money when other expenses go up. In Massachusetts, wherechildcare centers must hire one teacher for every three infants, the price of care averaged more than $ 16,000 per year. In Mississippi, where centers must hire one teacher for every five infants, the price of care averaged less than $5,000.Unfortunately, I don't have all the daycare-center regulations handy. But I wouldn't be surprised if as the rules have become more elaborate, prices have risen. The tradeoff (交换) might be worth it in some cases; after all, the health and safety of children should probably come before cheap service. But certainly, it doesn't seem to be an accident that some of the cheapest daycare available is in the least regulated South.56. What problem do parents of small kids have to face?A) The ever-rising childcare prices.B) The budgeting of family expenses.C) The balance between work and family.D) The selection of a good daycare center.57. What does the author feel puzzled about?A) Why the prices of childcare vary greatly from state to state.B) Why increased childcare prices have not led to better service.C) Why childcare workers' pay has not increased with the rising childcare costs.D) Why there is a severe shortage of childcare professionals in a number of states.58. What prevents childcare centers from saving money?A) Steady increase in labor costs.B) Strict government regulations.C) Lack of support from the state.D) High administrative expenses.59. Why is the average cost of childcare in Mississippi much lower than in Massachusetts?A) The overall quality of service is not as good.B) Payments for caregivers there are not as high.C) Living expenses there are comparatively low.D) Each teacher is allowed to care for more kids.60. What is the author's view on daycare service?A) Caregivers should receive regular professional training.B) Less elaborate rules about childcare might lower costs.C) It is crucial to strike a balance between quality and costs.D) It is better for different states to learn from each other.Passage TwoQuestions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.Alex Pang's amusing new book The Distraction Addiction addresses those of us who feel panic without a cellphone or computer. And that, he claims, is pretty much all of us. When we're not online, where we spend four months annually, we're engaged in the stressful work of trying to get online.The Distraction Addiction is not framed as a self-help book. It's a thoughtful examination of the dangers of our computing overdose and a historical overview of how technological advances change consciousness.A "professional futurist", Pang urges an approach which he calls "contemplative (沉思的) computing." He asks that you pay full attention to "how your mind and body interact with computers and how your attention and creativity are influenced by technology."Pang's first job is to free you from the common misconception that doing two things at once allows you to get more done. What is commonly called multitasking is, in fact, switch-tasking, and its harmful effects on productivity are well documented. Pang doesn't advocate returning to a pre-Internet world. Instead, he asks you to "take a more ecological (生态的) view of your relationships with technologies and look for ways devices or media may be making specific tasks easier or faster but at the same time making your work and life harder."The Distraction Addiction is particularly fascinating on how technologies have changed certain fields of labor—often for the worse. For architects, computer-aided design has become essential but in some ways has cheapened the design process. As one architect puts it, "Architecture is first and foremost about thinking... and drawing is a more productive way of thinking" than computer-aided design. Somewhat less amusing are Pang's solutions for kicking the Internet habit. He recommends the usual behavior-modification approaches, familiar to anyone who has completed a quit-smoking program. Keep logs to study your online profile and decide what you can knock out, download a program like Freedom that locks you out of yourbrowser, or take a "digital Sabbath (安息日)". "Unless you're a reporter or emergency-department doctor, you'll discover that your world doesn't fall apart when you go offline."61. Alex Pang's new book is aimed for readers who __________ .A) find their work online too stressfulB) go online mainly for entertainmentC) are fearful about using the cellphone or computerD) can hardly tear themselves away from the Internet62. What does Alex Pang try to do in his new book?A) Offer advice on how to use the Internet effectively.B) Warn people of the possible dangers of Internet use.C) Predict the trend of future technological development.D) Examine the influence of technology on the human mind.63. What is the common view on multitasking?A) It enables people to work more efficiently.B) It is in a way quite similar to switch-tasking.C) It makes people's work and life even harder.D) It distracts people's attention from useful work.64. What does the author think of computer-aided design?A) It considerably cuts down the cost of building design.B) It somewhat restrains architects' productive thinking.C) It is indispensable in architects’ work process.D) It can free architects from laborious drawing.65. What is Alex Pang's recommendation for Internet users?A) They use the Internet as little as possible.B) They keep a record of their computer use time.C) They exercise self-control over their time online.D) They entertain themselves online on off-days only.Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes, to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国的互联网社区是全世界发展最快的。

2024年6月大学英语四级考试真题（第1 1 套）Part I Writing(30minutes) Directions:Suppose your university is seeking students’opinions on whether university libraries should be open to the public.You are now to write an essay to express your view.You will have30minutes for the task.You should write at least120words but no more than180words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,you will hear three news reports.At the end of each news report,you will hear two or three questions.Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with a single line through the centre.Questions1and2are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A.Its crew members went on strike.B.It hit a bird shortly after takeoff.C.Its captain got slightly injured during the forced landing.D.It narrowly escaped a plane crash when turning around.2. A.Panic. C.Contented.D.B.Nervous. Relieved.Questions3and4are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A.He is now kept in a secure area.B.He finally disappeared six days ago.4. A.Squeezed. C.He has escaped the zoo once again.D.He has been caught a second time.C.Disappointed.D.B.Frustrated. Threatened. Questions5to7are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A.It is giving rise to safety concerns.B.It is enriching the city’s night life.6. A.Avoid entering one-way streets.B.Ensure the safety of pedestrians.7. A.To bring new life into the city. C.It is condemned as a crazy idea.D.It is questioned by local residents.C.Give way to automobiles at all times.D.Follow all the traffic rules drivers do.C.To add a new means of transport.D.To reduce the city’s airB.To ease the city’s busy traffic. pollution.Section BDirections:In this section,you will hear two long conversations.At the end of each conversation,you will hear four questions.Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with a single line through the centre.Questions8to11are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A.Make it sound scary.B.Talk about it openly.C.Take it seriously.D.Discuss it regularly.9. A.By visiting discount 2 stores. C.By citing concrete examples.D.By shopping around for the best deals.B.By making abstract sums relevant.10.A.Giving kids pocket money according to their needs.B.Urging kids to deposit some of their gift money.C.Setting kids a good example by sharing chores.D.Paying their kids to help with housework.11.A.The necessity of saving into a pension.B.The delight in seeing their savings grow.C.The importance of cutting down family expenses.D.The need to learn important lessons from her elders.Questions12to15are based on the conversation you have just heard.12.A.He is a successful businessman. C.He reviews books on political affairs.D.He has worked in several banks.B.He has published a new bestseller.13.A.The man’s academic background.B.The man’s ideas about education.C.The man’s attempts at drawing public attention.D.The man’s proposals to solve economic problems.14.A.To provide remedies for students’poor performance.B.To give students incentive to excel in economics.C.To motivate all students to be successful.D.To reduce students’financial burden.15.A.Raising taxes. C.Increasing tuition fees.D.Improving schoolB.Seeking donations. budgeting.Section CDirections:In this section,you will hear three passages.At the end of each passage,you will hear three or four questions.Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B),C)and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet1with a single line through the centre.Questions16to18are based on the passage you have just heard.16.A.To help busy people to sort out their priorities.B.To call on busy people to take care of themselves.C.To prevent people from complaining about being“busy”.D.To show his sympathy towards people always being busy.17.A.Respond as most busy people do. C.Describe our schedule in detail.D.Avoid saying we are busy.B.Reflect on their true purpose.18.A.To tell others a complete lie about their inability.B.To cover up their failure to achieve some purpose.C.To prove they stand out as accomplished professionals.D.To show their achievements resulted from great efforts.Questions 19to 21are based on the passage you have just 3heard.19.A.They should cover so many different types.C.They should become so popular.D.They will help one reduce fear.C.To break one’s ultimate limits.D.To stop being extremely B.They will be less challenging after a time.20.A.To avoid dangerous mistakes.afraid.B.To enjoy the sports to the full.21.A.By enabling us to get an all-over workout.B.By burning as many as 300calories per hour.C.By stopping us hurting the same muscles repeatedly.D.By allowing our motivation to be at an all-time high.Questions 22to 25are based on the passage you have just heard.22.A.It is vital.B.It is instrumental.23.A.To guard against being perceived negatively.B.To maintain workplace harmony.24.A.It helps to enhance team spirit.B.It helps to resolve problems.25.A.An innovative mind.C.It is natural.D.It is personal.C.To conceal personality preferences.D.To prevent themselves from being isolated.C.It stimulates innovative ideas.D.It facilitates policy-making.C.Corporate culture.D.Mutual B.A healthy mentality.trust.Reading ComprehensionPart III Section (40minutes) ADirections:In this section,there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blankfrom a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.A team of researchers led by Priyanka Joshi examined the degree to which men and women relied on“communicative abstraction”to verbally convey their ideas and municative abstraction,according to the researchers,reflects the tendency of people to use “abstract speech that focuses on thebroader picture and 26 purpose of action rather than concrete speech focusing on details and the meansof 27 action.”Interestingly,they found that men were far more likely to speak in the abstract than werewomen.To arrive at this 28 ,the researchers examined the linguistic (语言的)patterns of men and women inover 600,000blog posts written on websites.To do this,the researchers computed abstractness ratings for 29 40,000commonly used words in the English language.Words considered to be concrete could be easilyvisualized,such as “table”or “chair”.Words that were more 30 to visualize,for example,“justice”or“morality”were considered to be more abstract.They found that men used 31 more abstract language intheir blog posts.What is the 432 of this effect?The researchers suggest that power differences between the genders—that is,men having more power in society —might be a key determinant (决定因素).For instance,in a follow-up study conducted with a sample of 300students,the researchers 33 power dynamics in an interpersonal setting to see if this would influence communicative abstraction.They found that participants in a high-power interviewer role were more likely to give abstract descriptions of behaviors than were participants in a low-power interviewee role.This suggests that communicating more abstractly does not reflect a 34 tendency of men or women but rather 35 within specific contexts.Section BDirections:In this section,you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it.Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.How to better work towards long-term goalsA.Hal Hershfield,a psychologist at the UCLA Anderson School of Management,wanted to know whypeople weren’t saving for retirement.Across the board,people are living longer.Logically,they’ll needmore money to live comfortably in their post-work years.And yet,savings rates in the U.S.have gone down in recent decades,not up.B.To help explain this seemingly irrational behavior,Hershfield and his team scanned the brains of studyparticipants while asking them to what degree various traits (特征)—like “honorable”or “funny”—applied to their current self,their future self,a current other,or a future other.As participants answered,Hershfield’s team recorded which parts of their brains lit up.Unsurprisingly,people’s brains were mostactive when thinking about their current selves and least active when thinking about a current other.But the team found that participants’brain activity while considering their future selves more closelyresembled their brain activity while thinking about a current other rather than the current self.C.Put in practical terms,when thinking of yourself in a month or a year or a decade,your brain registers thatperson in ways similar to how it would register Taylor Swift or the mailman.Understood in that way,saving for retirement is the equivalent of giving money away to someone else entirely.D.In light of Hershfield’s study,one simple question arises:Is it possible to make our present selves give adamn about our future selves?The answers are anything but simple.E.Seen through the lens of the present self versus the future self,our self-defeating actions —like choosingto watch television rather than go to the gym —suddenly make perfect sense.We get to enjoy the very concrete,immediate benefits of our actions while someone else (namely,our future selves)suffers thehypothetical (假设的),far-off consequences.As a result,the decisions we make for our present selves often look very different from our decisions for our future selves.We believe that tomorrow will bedifferent.We believe that we will be different tomorrow;but in doing so,we prioritize our current moodover the consequences of our inaction for the future self.F.Understanding our procrastination(拖延)through the lens of the present and future selves,we’re left 5 withthree possible solutions:The first is to force your future self to do whatever your present self doesn’t want to do.The second is to convince your present self that your future self is,in fact,still you.If the central problem is that we think of our future selves as other people,it follows that trying to identify more closely with our future selves will encourage us to make better long-term decisions.G.In a follow-up study,Hershfield wanted to explore ways to bridge the disconnect between the present andfuture selves and encourage people to save more for retirement.He and his team took photos of study participants,and then used image processing to visually age their faces.Participants were then placed in a virtual reality setting where they could look into a mirror and see their aged selves looking back at them.Participants who saw their aged selves said they would save30%more of their salary for retirement than the control group.H.Whatever your long-term goals may be—getting in better shape,launching your own business,writing abook—thinking about your deadline in terms of days rather than months or years can help you wrap your mind around how close the future really is.I.The third solution is to forget about your future self and use your present self’s love of instant gratification(满足感)to your advantage.While the two tactics(手段)above can be effective in making better long-term choices,in the end,you’re still struggling against human nature.Our brains are hard-wired for instant gratification.Instead of fighting your present self’s need for immediate rewards,why not use it to your advantage?When most of us set goals,we focus on long-term results we want to see—e.g.,losing weight, getting a promotion,retiring in comfort,etc.While those visions of our future selves can be inspiring, when it comes to actually doing the day-to-day work,it may be more effective to reframe activities in terms of their immediate,or at least very near-term,rewards.J.Take writing this article,for instance.It’s easy for me to imagine how amazing it will feel at the end of the workday to have this article done.This isn’t just my opinion.Research partners Kaitlin Woolley of Cornell University and Ayelet Fishbach of the University of Chicago have made a career out of studying the differences between the goals that people achieve and the ones that fall by the wayside.K.“In one study,we asked people online about the goals they set at the beginning of the year.Most people set goals to achieve delayed,long-term benefits,such as career advancement,debt repayment,or improved health.We asked these individuals how enjoyable it was to pursue their goal,as well as how important their goal was.We also asked whether they were still working on their goals two months after setting them.We found that enjoyment predicted people’s goal persistence two months after setting the goal far more than how important they rated their goal to be,”Woolley said.L.This pattern held true across a wide variety of goals from exercising to studying to eating healthier foods.For example,people ate50%more of a healthy food when directed to focus on the good taste rather than the long-term health benefits.Other studies have shown a greater uptake of exercise in people who were told to think of the enjoyment of doing the exercise now rather than future health gains.M.These findings suggest that when it comes to achieving your goals,enjoying the process itself is more important than wanting the long-term benefits.In other words,present self trumps(战胜)future self.Who says instant gratification has to be a bad thing?By all means,set ambitious long-term goals for your future self,but when it comes to actually following through day-to-day,make sure your present self knows what’s in it for her too.36.Our brains are genetically determined to satisfy immediate desires.37.Taken in a practical way,saving for post-work years is like giving money away to others.38.Research found that,as regards achievement of one’s goals,it is important to focus more on enjoying 6 theprocess than the long-term benefits.39.Regarding our future selves as still being ourselves will help us make better long-term decisions.40.Savings rates in America have dropped in recent decades even though people’s life expectancy hasincreased.41.Researchers found that enjoyment rather than importance enabled people to persist in their goals.42.When making decisions,we give priority to our current frame of mind without thinking much of theconsequences.43.People ate more of a healthy food when they focused on its good taste instead of its long-term benefits.44.As was expected,when people thought of their present selves,their brains were observed to become moreactive.45.Researchers found that participants who saw the images of their aged selves would save more for theirlater years than those who didn’t.Section CDirections:There are2passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A),B),C)and D).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions46to50are based on the following passage.People often wonder why some entrepreneurs have greater success than others.Is it habits,connections, luck,work ethic or any other behavior?I believe the key to success is willpower.Willpower is the ability to control yourself.It is a strong determination that allows you to do something difficult.It is a behavior we are born with more than one we learn;however,it is possible to not only learn it,but also strengthen it with constant exercise.Willpower is just like a muscle;to keep it strong you need to constantly exercise it.People with a great amount of willpower have the discipline to develop positive,successful habits.Even with an incredible amount of talent,without the discipline and motivation to create positive habits,it can be difficult to achieve success.Willpower and habits go hand in hand.It is critical to create good habits and take the actions necessary to stick to those habits day in and day out for greater success.Almost half of our daily actions are part of our habits and not decisions,so once the correct habits are in place,you will automatically perform those tasks on a day-to-day basis.The best way to create and stick to a habit is to have strong motivation.It’s easier to change your habits to lose weight if you have a health issue and you want to be around longer for your kids,or if your business is something you’re passionate about.Having a valuable outcome associated with a habit will help you stick to that habit permanently.The art of self-control is one that most successful individuals have mastered.Self-control enables you to avoid behaviors that don’t contribute to your success and adopt those that do.。