英语专业四级六级复习-2012年英语专八听力真题及听力原文
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2012年英语专业四级考试真题PART I DICTATION [15 MIN]Listen to the following passage.Altogether the passage will be read to you four times.During the first reading, which will be done at normal speed, listen and try to understand the meaning.For the second and third readings,the passage will be read sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase,with intervals of 15 seconds.The last reading will be done at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work.You will then be given 2 minutes to check through your work once more.Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE.PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSION [20 MIN]In Sections A,B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Mark the best answer to each question on Answer Sheet Two.SECTION A CONVERSATIONSIn this section you will hear several conversations.Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions l to 3 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the conversation.l.The Ethical Consumer Research Association will provide information to shoppers onA.product price.B.product quality.C.manufacturers.D.production methods.2.According to the conversation,an ethical shopper shouldA.ask for others’advice before buying things.B.consider the worth of something to be bought.C.postpone buying things whenever possible.D.search for things that are less costly.3.According to the conversation,ethical shoppers can be best described asA.shrewd.B.thrifty.C.extravagant.D.cautious.Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation.4.Which of the following statements is CORRECT about Mary?A.She is enjoying her language study.B.She is enjoying her management study.C.She is not feeling very well at the moment.D.She is not happy about her study pressure.5.What does Mary think of the course initially?A.It is useful.B.It is difficult.C.It is challenging.D.It is interesting.6.What is Mary’s problem of living in a family house?A.She dislikes the food she eats.B.She is unable to sleep well.C.She has no chance to make friends.D.She finds the rent high.7.Which of the following is Mr.Davies’advice?A.To tryto make more friends.B.To try to change accommodation.C.To spend more time on English.D.To stop attending language classes.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation.8.According to the conversation,the day is special becauseA.many people are surfing the net on that day.B.it is an anniversary of the internet.C.the net brought about no changes until that day.D.big changes will take place on that day.9.We learn from the conversation that peopleA.cannot Jive without the internet.B.cannot work without the internet.C.all use the internet to keep in touch.D.have varied opinions about internet use.10.At the end of the conversation.the speakers talk aboutA.the future of the internet.B.the type of office furniture.C.when changes will come.D.how people will use the internet.SECTION B PASSAGESIn this section,you will hear several passages.Listen to the passages carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.11.In order to open a bank account,you need to produce____in addition to your passport.A.a library card B.a registration formC.a telephone bill D.a receipt12.Which of the following might NOT be included in the‘utility bill’?A.Rent.B.Gas.C.Water.D.Telephone.13.According to the passage,what can one do in the post office?A.Getting contact details.B.Obtaining tax forms.C.Paying housing rents.D.Applying for loans.Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.14.According to the passage,‘scheduling’means that youA.need to be efficient in work.B.plan your work properly.C.try to finish work ahead of time.D.know how to work in teams.15.According to the passage, one of the activities to relax could beA.protecting wild animals.B.spending time with your family.C.learning how to read efficiently.D.learning how to do gardening.16.One of the ways to reduce stress is toA.do better than anyone else.B.fulfill high ambitions in one's work.C.work and have reasonable aims.D.start with a relatively low aim.17.According to the passage,to reduce stress has something to do with the following EXCEPTA.one's position.B.one's interest.C.one's health.D.one's mood.Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.18.According to the passage,new words tend to come fromA.world politics.B.advances in science.C.areas of life.D.all the above.19.The passage explains the larger and richer vocabulary of English mainly from a viewpoint.A.historical B.culturalC.commercial D.colonial20.According to the passage,which of the following statements best describes the English language?A.It is outdated in grammar.B.It accepts new words from science.C.It has begun taking in new words.D.It tends to embrace new words.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTIn this section,you will hear several news items.Listen to them carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions 21 and 22 are based OH the following news.At the end of the news item,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now listen to the news.21.Where was the marble statue found?A.Out in the sea.B.Inside a bath house.C.On a cliff along the coast.D.On the coast outside Jerusalem.22.Which of the following best describes the condition of the statue?A.It was incomplete.B.It was recent artwork.C.It was fairly tall.D.It was in pieces.Questions 23 and 24 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item.you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.23.The rescue efforts concentrated mainly onA.the U.S.-Canada border B.snow-stricken regions.C.highways.D.city streets.24.According to the news,the last group of people might have been stranded in their vehiclesfor more than ____ hours before being rescued.A.24 B.25 C.40 D.48Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.25.According to the 2006 anti-smoking restrictions,smoking was NOT allowed inA.offices.B.restaurants.C.bars.D.school playgrounds.26.According to the news,which of the following groups reacts negatively to the new law?A.Television producers.B.Hotel owners.C.Medical workers.D.Hospital management.Questions 27 and 28 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.27.According to the news,who first discovered the fraud?A.A client.B.A bank manager.C.The police.D.Bank headquarters.28.When did the bank employee hand himself in?A.A month before the fraud was discovered.B.A day before the fraud was discovered.C.A day after the police launched investigation.D.A month after he transferred the money.Question 29 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news.29.What is this news item mainly about?A.How to open Hotmail accounts.B.How to retrieve missing e-mails.C.New e-mail service by Microsoft.D.Problems and complaints about e-mails.Question30 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news.30.Compared with 2009,which of the following figures remained about the same in 2010?A.Number of tickets sold.B.Box office revenues.C.Attendance rate.D Number of cinemasPART III CLOZE 【15 MIN】Decide which of the choices given below would best complete the passage if inserted in the corresponding blanks.Mark the best choice for each blank on Answer Sheet Two.The earthquake of 26th December 2004 resulted in one of the worst natural disasters in living memory.It was a (31) _____ underwater quake and occurred in the Indian Ocean.It (32) ____ coastlines,communities and brought death to many people.Why do earthquakes happen?The surface of the earth has not always looked as it does today;it is moving(33)____ (although very slowly)and has done so for billions of years.This is one(34)____ of earthquakes,when one section of the earth (tectonic plate)(35)____ another.Scientists can predict where but not(36)____ this might happen and the area between plates is called a fault line.On one fault line in Kobe,Japan in 1923 over 200,000 people were killed.(37)____,earthquakes do not alwayshappen on fault lines,(38)____ is why they are so dangerous and (39)____.Where do volcanoes happen?Volcanoes happen where the earth's(40)____ is thin:lava,dust and gases(41)____ from beneath the earth.They can rise into a huge cone shape like a mountain and erupt,(42)____ they can be so violent(43)____ they just explode directly from the earth with no warning.There are 1511(44)'____' volcanoes in the world.This means that they may(45)____ be dangerous.In 1985 the Colombian volcano Nevado del Ruiz erupted.The lava melted a glacier and sent tones ofmud(46)____ the town below.Twenty thousand people died.Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions are often unpredictable.We regularly do not know when they(47)____ pen,or (48)____ where they will happen.In the future,scientists may be able to watch and predict(49)____ before they happen.This could(50)____ many lives.31.A.massive B.significant C.great D.grand32.A.changed B.converted C.destroyed D.transformed33.A.frequently B.continuously C.regularly D.periodically34.A.source B.reason C.movement D.cause35.A.collides with B.confronts with C.meets with D.faces with36.A.how B.why C.when D.what37.A.Generally B.However C.Similarly D.Anyway38.A.that B.it C.this D.which39.A.unpredictable B.unaccountable C.inevitable D.irresistible40.A.surface B.appearance C.crust D.cover41.A.flowed out B.burst out C.1eaked out D.trickled out42.A.or B.and C.nor D.but43.A.like B.for C.as D.that44.A.living B.active C.alive D.live45.A.relatively B.hardly C.still D.gradually46.A.down B.on C.across D.beyond47.A.are to B.should C.must D.might48.A.else B.even C.though D.whether49.A.accidents B.incidents C.occasions D.events50.A.rescue B.save C.preserve D.shelterPART IV GRAMMAR &VOCABULARY 【15 MIN】There are thirty sentences in this section.Beneath each sentence there are four words, phrases or statements marked A,B, C and D.Choose one word, phrase or statement that best completes the sentence.Mark your answers on Answer Sheet Two.51.Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT?A.Twenty miles seems like a long walk to him.B.No one except his supporters agree with him.C.Neither Julia nor I were going to the party.D.Few students in my class are really lazy.52.Which of the following determiners(限定词)can be placed before both singular count nouns and plural count nouns?A.many a B.few C.such D.the next53.Which of the following reflexive pronouns(反身代词)is used as an appositive(同位语)?A,He promised himself rapid progress.B.The manager herself will interview Mary.C.I have nothing to say for myself.D.They quarreled themselves red in the face.54.My boss ordered that the legal documents ____ to him before lunch.A.be sent B.were sent C.were to be sent D.must be sent55.Which of the following sentences expresses WILLINGNESS?A.By now she will be eating dinner.B.I shall never do that again.C.My brother will help you with the luggage.D.You shall get a promotion.56.Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT? A.How strange feelings they are!B.How dare you speak to me like that!C.What noise they are making!D. What a mess we are in!57.which of the italicized parts functions as a subject? A.We never doubt that her brother is honest.B.The problem is not who will go but who will stay.C.You must give it back to whoever it belongs to。
2012年专业英语八级真题试卷(题后含答案及解析)题型有: 1. LISTENING COMPREHENSION 2. READING COMPREHENSION 3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 4. PROOFREADING & ERROR CORRECTION 5. TRANSLATION 6. WRITINGPART I LISTENING COMPREHENSION (35 MIN)SECTION A MINI-LECTUREDirections: In this section you sill hear a mini-lecture. You will hear the lecture ONCE ONLY. While listening, take notes on the important points. Your notes will not be marked, but you will need them to complete a gap-filling task after the mini-lecture. When the lecture is over, you will be given two minutes to check your notes, and another ten minutes to complete the gap-filling task on ANSWER SHEET ONE. Use the blank sheet for note-taking.听力原文:Observing Behavior Good morning, everyone! Today we’ll look at how to observe behavior in research. Perhaps you would say it’s easy in that there’s nothing extraordinary. Yes, you may be right. All of us observe behavior every day. For example, when traveling in another country, we can avoid embarrassment by observing how people behave in that culture. And failing to be observant while walking or driving can be life-threatening. We learn by observing people’s behavior. Researchers, too, rely on their observations to learn about behavior, but there are differences. For instance, when we observe casually, we may not be aware of factors that bias our observations. And, and when we rarely keep formal records of our observations, instead, we rely on our memory of events. Observations in research, on the other hand, are made under precisely defined conditions, that is, in a systematic and objective manner, and with careful record-keeping. Then how are we going to conduct observations in our research studies and what do we need to do in order to make a scientific and objective observation? Now as you remember, the primary goal of observation is to describe behavior. But it is, in reality, impossible to observe and describe all of a person’s behavior. So we have to rely on observing samples of people’s behavior. In doing so, we must decide whether the samples represent people’s usual behavior. Thus, we’ll first take a brief look at how researchers select samples of behavior. Before conducting an observation or study, researchers must make a number of important decisions. That’s about when and where observations will be made. As I’ve said before, the researcher cannot observe all behavior. Only certain behaviors occurring at particular times in specific settings can be observed. In other words, behavior must be sampled. In this lecture, I’ll briefly introduce two kinds of sampling, that is, time sampling and situation sampling. Now first, time sampling. Time sampling means that researchers choose various time intervals for their observation. Intervals may be selected systematically or randomly. Suppose we want to observe students’ classroom behavior. Then in systematic time sampling, our observations might be made during five twenty-minute periods beginning every hour.The first observation period could begin at 9 a.m., the second at 10 a.m. and so forth. However, in random sampling, these five twenty-minute periods may be distributed randomly over the course of the day; that is to say, intervals between observation periods could vary, some longer, others shorter. One point I’d like to make is, systematic and random time sampling are not always used in isolation. They are often combined in studies. For example, while observation intervals are scheduled systematically, observations within an interval are made at random times. That means the researcher might decide to observe only during fifteen-second intervals, but randomly distributed within each twenty-minute period. Now let’s come to situation sampling. Then what is situation sampling? It involves studying behavior in different locations and under different circumstances and conditions. By sampling as many different situations as possible, researchers can reduce the chance that their observation results will be particular to a certain set of circumstances and conditions. Why? Because people, or for that manner animals, do not behave in exactly the same way across all situations. For example, children do not always behave the same way with one parent as they do with the other parent, and animals do not behave the same way in zoos as they do in the wild. So by sampling different situations, a researcher can make more objective observations than he would in only a specific situation. Having discussed ways to sample behavior in research, we are now moving on to another issue, that is, what researcher should do to record behavior as it occurs, that is, whether researchers are active or passive in recording behavior. This refers to the methods of observation. Observational methods can be classified as observation with intervention, or observation without intervention. Observation with intervention can be made in at least two ways —participant observation and field experiment. In participant observation observers, that is researchers, play a dual role. They observe people’s behavior and they participate actively in the situation they are observing. If individuals who are being observed know that the observer is present to collect information about their behavior, this is undisguised participant observation. But in disguised participant observation, those who are being observed do not know that they are being observed. Another method of observation with intervention is field experiment. What is a field experiment? When an observer controls one or more conditions in a natural setting, in order to determine they’ve effect on behavior, this procedure is called field experiment. The field experiment represents the most extreme form of intervention in observational methods. The essential difference between field experiments and other observational methods is that researchers have more control in field experiments. Now let’s take a look at observation without intervention. Observation without intervention is also called naturalistic observation, because its main purpose’s to describe behavior as it normally occurs, that is, in a natural setting, without any attempt by the observer to intervene. An observer using this method of observation acts as a passive recorder of what occurs. The events occur naturally and are not controlled by the observer. OK, in today’s lecture we have focused on how to make decisions of sampling before beginning our observation, and what we can do during observation. I hope what we’ve discussed will help you in your future research design.Observing Behavior People do observation in daily life context for safety or for proper behavior. However, there are differences in daily-life observation and research observation.A. Differences —daily life observation -casual -(1)______ (1)______ -dependence on memory —research observation -(2)______ (2)______ -careful record keepingB. Ways to select samples in research —time sampling -systematic: e.g. fixed intervals every hour -random: fixed intervals but (3)______ (3)______Systematic sampling and random sampling are often used in combination. —(4)______ (4)______ -definition: selection of different locations -reason: humans’or animals’behaviour (5)______across circumstances (5)______ -(6)______: more objective observations (6)______C. Ways to record behavior (7)______ (7) ______ —observation with intervention -participant observation: researcher as observer and participant -field experiment: researcher (8)______over conditions (8)______ —observation without intervention -purpose; describing behaviour (9)______ (9)______ _(10)_____: no intervention (10)______ -researcher: a passive recorder1.正确答案:rare formal records/rare record keeping解析:本题涉及daily life observation的特点。
TEM8-2012TEST FOR ENGLISH MAJORS (2012)-GRADE EIGHT- TIME LIMIT: 195 MINPART I LISTENING COMPREttENSION (35 MIN)SECTION A MINI-LECTUREIn this section you will hear a mini-lecture. Y ou will hear the lecture ONCE ONLY While listening, take notes on the important points. Y our notes will not be marked, but you will need them to complete a gap-filling task after the mini-lecture. When the lecture is over, you will be given two minutes to check your notes, and another ten minutes to complete the gap-filling task on ANSWER SHEET ONE, using no more than three words in each gap. Make sure the word(s) you fill in is (are) both grammatically and semantically acceptable. Y ou may refer to your notes while completing the task. Use the blank sheet for note-taking. Now, listen to the mini-lecture. Observation BehaviourPeople do observation in daily life context for safety or for proper behaviour. However, there are differences in daily life observation and research observation.A. Differences---- daily life observation--casual--(1) ________--defendence on memory---- research observation-- (2) _________-- careful record keepingB. Ways to select samples in research---- time sampling-- systematic: e.g. fixed intervals every hour-- random: fixed intervals but (3) _______Systematic sampling and random sampling are often used in combination.---- (4) _______-- definition: selection of different locations-- reason: humans’ or animals’ behaviou r (5) ______ across circumstances-- (6) ______: more objective observationsC. Ways to record behaviour (7) _______---- observation with intervention-- participant observation: researcher as observer and participant-- field experiment: research (8) ______ over conditions---- observation without intervention-- purpose: describing behaviour (9) ______-- (10) ______ : no intervention-- researcher: a passive recorderSECTION B INTERVIEWIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the best answer to each question on ANSWER SHEET TWO.Questions 1 to 5 are based on an interview. At the end of the interview you will be given 10 seconds to answer each of the foliowing five questions. Now listen to the interview.1. Which of the following statements about creativity is INCORRECT?A. Creativity stems from human beings novel thinking.B. The duration of the creative process varies from person to person.C. Creative people focus on novel thinking rather than on solutions.D. The outcome of human creativity comes in varied forms.2. The interviewee cites the Bach family to show that creativityA. appears to be the result of the environment.B. seems to be attributable to genetic makeup.C. appears to be more associated with great people.D. comes from both environment and genetic makeup.3. How many types of the creative process does the interviewee describe?A. One.B. Two.C. Three.D. Four.4. Which of the following features of a creative personality is NOT mentioned in the interview?A. Unconventional.B. Original.C. Resolute.D. Critical.5. The interviewees suggestion for a creativity workout supports the view thatA. brain exercising will not make people creative.B. most people have diversified interests and hobbies.C. the environment is significant in the creative process.D. creativity can only be found in great people.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the best answer to each question on ANSWER SHEET TWO.Question 6 is based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the question. Now listen to the news.6. What is the news item mainly about?A. U.S. astronauts made three space walks.B. An international space station was set up.C. A problem in the cooling system was solved.D. A 350-kilogram ammonia pump was removed.Questions 7 and 8 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.7. In which country would parents often threaten to punish children by leaving them outside?A. India.B. The Philippines.C. Egypt.D. Not mentioned.8. What is the main purpose of the study?A. To reveal cultural differences and similarities.B. To expose cases of child abuse and punishment.C. To analyze child behaviour across countries.D. To investigate ways of physical punishment.Questions 9 and 10 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.9. According to the news item, Japans economic growth in the second quarter was ____ less than the first quarter.A. 0.6 percentB. 3.4 percentC. 4 percentD. 3 percent10. How many reasons does the news item cite for Japans slow economic growth?A. 2.B. 3.C. 4.D. 5.PART II READING COMPREHENSION (30 MIN)In this section there are four reading passages followed by a total of 20 multiple-choice questions. Read the passages and then mark the best answer to each question on ANSWER SHEET TWO.TEXT AI used to look at my closet and see clothes. These days, whenever I cast my eyes upon the stacks of shoes and hangers of shirts, sweaters and jackets, I see water.It takes 569 gallons to manufacture a T-shirt, from its start in the cotton fields to its appearance on store shelves. A pair of running shoes? 1,247 gallons.Until last fall, Id been oblivious to my "water footprint", which is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce goods and services, according to the Water Footprint Network. The Dutch nonprofit has been working to raise awareness of freshwater scarcity since 2008, but it was through the "Green Blue Book" by Thomas M. Kostigen that I was able to see how my own actions factored in.Ive installed gray-water systems to reuse the wastewater from my laundry, machine and bathtub and reroute it to my landscape - systems that save, on average, 50 gallons of water per day. Ive set up rain barrels and infiltration pits to collect thousands of gallons of storm water cascading from my roof. Ive even entered the last bastion of greendom -installing a composting toilet.Suffice to say, Ive been feeling pretty satisfied with myself for all the drinking water Ive saved with these big-ticket projects.Now I realize that my daily consumption choices could have an even larger effect –not only on the local water supply but also globally: 1.1 billion people have no access to freshwater, and, in the future, those who do have access will have less of it.To see how much virtual water 1 was using, I logged on to the "Green Blue Book" website and used its water footprint calculator, entering my daily consumption habits. Tallying up the water footprint of my breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as my daily dose of over-the-counter uppers and downers - coffee, wine and beer- Im using 512 gallons of virtual water each day just to feed myself.In a word: alarming.Even more alarming was how much hidden water I was using to get dressed. Im hardly a clotheshorse, but the few new items I buy once again trumped the amount of water flowing from my faucets each day. If Im serious about saving water, I realized I could make some simple lifestyle shifts. Looking more closely at the areas in my life that use the most virtual water, it was food and clothes, specifically meat, coffee and, oddly, blue jeans and leather jackets.Being a motorcyclist, I own an unusually large amount of leather - boots and jackets in particular. All of it is enormously water intensive. It takes 7,996 gallons to make a leather.jacket, leather being a byproduct of beef. It takes 2,866 gallons of water to make a single pair of blue jeans, because theyre made from water-hogging cotton.Crunching the numbers for the amount of clothes I buy every year, it looks a lot like myfriends swimming pool. My entire closet is borderline Olympic.Gulp.My late resolution is to buy some items used. Underwear and socks are, of course, exempt from this strategy, but 1 have no problem shopping less and also shopping at Goodwill. In fact, Id been doing that for the past year to save money. My clothes outrageous water footprint just reintbrced it for me.More conscious living and substitution, rather than sacrifice, are the prevailing ideas with the water footprint. Its one Im trying, and thats had an unusual upside. I had a hamburger recently, and I enjoyed it a lot more since it is now an occasional treat rather than a weekly habit.(One gallon =3.8 litres)11. According to the passage, the Water Footprint NetworkA. made the author aware of freshwater shortage.B. helped the author get to know the Green Blue Book.C. worked for freshwater conservation for nonprofit purposes.D. collaborated with the Green Blue Book in freshwater conservation.12. Which of the following reasons can best explain the authors feeling of self-satisfaction?A. He made contribution to drinking water conservation in his own way.B. Money spent on upgrading his household facilities was worthwhile.C. His house was equipped with advanced water-saving facilities.D. He could have made even greater contribution by changing his lifestyle.13. According to the context, "...how mv own actions factored in" meansA. how I could contribute to water conservation.B. what efforts I should make to save fresh water.C. what behaviour could be counted as freshwater-saving.D. how much of what I did contributed to freshwater shortage.14. According to the passage, the author was more alarmed by the fact thatA. he was having more meat and coffee.B. his clothes used even more virtual water.C. globally there will be less fresh water.D. his lifestyle was too extravagant.15. "My entire closet is borderline Olympic" is an example ofA. exaggeration.B. analogy.C. understatement.D. euphemism.16. What is the tone of the author in the last paragraph?A. Sarcastic.B. Ironic.C. Critical.D. Humorous.TEXT BIn her novel of "Reunion, American Style", Rona Jaffe suggests that a class reunion "is more than a sentimental journey. It is also a way of answering the question that lies at the back of nearly all our minds. Did they do better than I?"Jaffes observation may be misplaced but not completely lost. According to a study conducted by social psychologist Jack Sparacino, the overwhelming majority w ho attend reunions arent there invidiously to compare their recent accomplishments with those of their former classmates. Instead, they hope, primarily, to relive their earlier successes.Certainly, a few return to show their former classmates how well they have done; othersenjoy observing the changes that have occurred in their classmates (not always in themselves, of course). But the majority who attend their class reunions do so to relive the good times they remember having when they were younger. In his study, Sparacino found that, as high school students, attendees had been more popular, more often regarded as attractive, and more involved in extracurricular activities than those classmates who chose not to attend. For those who turned up at their reunions, then, the old times were also the good times!It would appear that Americans have a special fondness for reunions, judging by their prevalence. Major league baseball players, fraternity members, veterans groups, high school and college graduates, and former Boy Scouts all hold reunions on a regular basis. In addition, family reunions frequently attract blood relatives from faraway places who spend considerable money and time to reunite.Actually, in their affection for reuniting with friends, family or colleagues, Americans are probably no different from any other people, except that Americans have created a mind-boggling number and variety of institutionalized forms of gatherings to facilitate the satisfaction of this desire. Indeed, reunions have increasingly become formal events that are organized on a regular basis and, in the process, they have also become big business.Shell Norris of Class Reunion, Inc., says that Chicago alone has 1,500 high school reunions each year. A conservative estimate on the national level would be 10,000 annually. At one time, all high school reunions were organized by volunteers, usually female homemakers. In the last few years, however, as more and more women have entered the labour force, alumni reunions are increasingly being planned by specialized companies rather than by part-time volunteers.The first college reunion was held by the alumni of Y ale University in 1792. Graduates of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Stanford, and Brown followed suit. And by the end of the 19th century, most 4-year institutions were holding alumni reunions.The variety of college reunions is impressive. At Princeton, alumni parade through the town wearing their class uniforms and singing their alma mater. At Marietta College, they gather for a dinner-dance on a steamship cruising the Ohio River.Clearly, the thought of cruising on a steamship or marching through the streets is usually not, by itself, sufficient reason for large numbers of alumni to return to campus. Alumni who decide to attend their reunions share a common identity based on the years they spent together as undergraduates. For this reason, universities that somehow establish a common bond –for example, because they are relatively small or especially prestigious - tend to draw substantial numbers of their alumni to reunions. In an effort to enhance this common identity, larger colleges and universities frequently build their class reunions on participation in smaller units, such as departments or schools. Or they encourage "affinity reunions" for groups of former cheerleaders, editors, fraternity members, musicians, members of military organizations on campus, and the like.Of course, not every alumnus is fond of his or her alma mater. Students who graduated during the late 1960s may be especially reluctant to get involved in alumni events. They were part of the generation that conducted sit-ins and teach-ins directed at university administrators, protested military recruitment on campus and marched against "establishment politics."If this generation has a common identity, it may fall outside of their university ties - or even be hostile to them. Even as they enter their middle years, alumni who continue to hold unpleasant memories of college during this period may not wish to attend class reunions.17. According to the passage, Sparacinos studyA. provided strong evidence for Jaffes statement.B. showed that attendees tended to excel in high school study.C. found that interest in reunions was linked with school experience.D. found evidence for attendees intense desire for showing off success.18. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a distinct feature of U.S. class reunions?A. U.S. class reunions are usually occasions to show off ones recent success.B. Reunions are regular and formal events organized by professional agencies.C. Class reunions have become a profitable business.D. Class reunions have brought about a variety of activities.19. What mainly attracts many people to return to campus for reunion?A. The variety of activities for class reunion.B. The special status their university enjoys.C. Shared experience beyond the campus.D. Shared undergraduate experience on campus.20. The rhetorical function of the first paragraph is toA. introduce Rona Jeffes novel.B. present the authors counterargument.C. serve as prelude to the authors argument.D. bring into focus contrasting opinions.21. What is the passage mainly about?A. Reasons for popularity and (non)attendance for alumni reunions.B. A historical perspective for alumni reunions in the United States.C. Alumni reunions and American university traditions.D. Alumni reunion and its social and economic implications.TEXT COne time while on his walk George met Mr. Cattanzara coming home very late from work. He wondered if he was drunk but then could tell he wasnt. Mr. Cattanzara, a stocky, bald-headed man who worked in a change booth on an IRT station, lived on the next block after Georges, above a shoe repair store. Nights, during the hot weather, he sat on his stoop in an undershirt, reading the New Y ork Times in the light of the shoemakers window. He read it from the first page to the last, then went up to sleep. And all the time he was reading the paper, his wife, a fat woman with a white face, leaned out of the window, gazing into the street, her thick white arms folded under her loose breast, on the window ledge.Once in a while Mr. Cattanzara came home drunk, but it was a quiet drunk. He never made any trouble, only walked stiffly up the street and slowly climbed the stairs into the hall. Though drunk he looked the same as always, except for his tight walk, the quietness, and that his eyes were wet. George liked Mr. Cattanzara because he remembered him giving him nickels to buy lemon ice with when he was a squirt. Mr. Cattanzara was a different type than those in the neighbourhood. He asked different questions than the others when he met you, and he seemed to know what went on in all the newspapers. He read them, as his fat sick wife watched from the window."What are you doing with yourself this summer, George?" Mr. Cattanzara asked. "l see you walkin around at night."George felt embarrassed. "I like to walk.""What are you doin in the day now?""Nothing much just now. Im waiting for a job." Since it shamed him to admit that he wasnt working, George said, "Im reading a lot to pick up my education.""What are you readin?"George hesitated, then said, "I got a list of books in the library once and now Im gonna read them this summer." He felt strange and a little unhappy saying this, but he wanted Mr. Cattanzara to respect him."How many books are there on it?""I never counted them. Maybe around a hundred."Mr. Cattanzara whistled through his teeth."I figure if l did that," George went on earnestly, "it would help me in my education. 1 dont mean the kind they give you in high school. I want to know different things than they learn there, if you know what I mean."The change maker nodded. "Still and all, one hundred books is a pretty big load for onesummer.""It might take longer.""After youre finished with some, maybe you and I can shoot the breeze about them?" said Mr. Cattanzara."When Im finished," George answered.Mr. Cattanzara went home and George continued on his walk. After that, though he had the urge to, George did nothing different from usual. He still took his walks at night, ending up in the little park. But one evening the shoemaker on the next block stopped George to say he was a good boy, and George figured that Mr. Cattanzara had told him all about the books he was reading. From the shoemaker it must have gone down the street, because George saw a couple of people smiling kindly at him, though nobody spoke to him personally. He felt a little better around the neighbourhood and liked it more, though not so much he would want to live in it forever. He had never exactly disliked the people in it, yet he had never liked them very much either. It was the fault of the neighbourhood. To his surprise, George found out that his father and his sister Sophie knew about his reading too. His father was too shy to say anything about it - he was never much of a talker in his whole life -- but Sophie was softer to George, and she showed him in other ways she was proud of him.22. In the excerpt, Mr. Cattanzara was described as a man whoA. was fond of drinking.B. showed a wide interest.C. often worked overtime.D. liked to gossip after work.23. It can be inferred from the passage thatA. Mr. Cattanzara was surprised at Georges reading plan.B. Mr. Cannazara was doubtful about George throughout.C. George was forced to tell a lie and then regretted.D. George lied at the beginning and then became serious.24. After the street conversation with Mr. Cattanzara, GeorgeA. remained the same as usual.B. became more friendly with Mr. Cattanzara.C. began to like his neighbours more than ever.D. continued to read the books from the list.25. We can tell from the excerpt that GeorgeA. had a neither close nor distant relationship with his father.B. was dissatisfied with his life and surroundings.C. found that his sister remained skeptical about him.D. found his neighbours liked to poke their nose into him.TEXT DAbraham Lincoln turns 200 this year, and hes beginning to show his age. When his birthday arrives, on February 12, Congress will hold a special joint session in the Capitols National Statuary Hall, a wreath will be laid at the great memorial in Washington, and a webcast will link school classrooms for a "teach-in" honouring his memory.Admirable as they are, though, the events will strike many of us Lincoln fans as inadequate, even halfhearted -- and another sign that our appreciation for the 16th president and his towering achievements is slipping away. And you dont have to be a Lincoln enthusiast to believe that this is something we cant afford to lose.Compare this years celebration with the Lincoln centennial, in 1909. That year, Lincolns likeness made its debut on the penny, thanks to approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Communities and civic associations in every comer of the country erupted in parades, concerts, balls, lectures, and military displays. We still feel the effects today: The momentum unloosed in 1909 led to the Lincoln Memorial, opened in 1922, and the Lincoln Highway, the first paved transcontinental thoroughfare.The celebrants in 1909 had a few inspirations we lack today. Lincolns presidency was still a living memory for countless Americans. In 2009 we are farther in time from the end of the Second World War than they were from the Civil War; families still felt the loss of loved ones from that awful national trauma.But Americans in 1909 had something more: an unembarrassed appreciation for heroes and an acute sense of the way that even long-dead historical figures press in on the present and make us who we are.One story will illustrate what lm talking about.In 2003 a group of local citizens arranged to place a statue of Lincoln in Richmond, Virginia, former capital of the Confederacy. The idea touched off a firestorm of controversy. The Sons of Confederate V eterans held a public conference of carefully selected scholars to "reassess" the legacy of Lincoln. The verdict - no surprise - was negative: Lincoln was labeled everything from a racist totalitarian to a teller of dirty jokes.I covered the conference as a reporter, but what really unnerved me was a counter-conference of scholars to refute the earlier one. These scholars drew a picture of Lincoln that only our touchy-feely age could conjure up. The man who oversaw the most savage war in our history was described - by his admirers, remember - as "nonjudgmental," "unmoralistic," "comfortable with ambiguity."I felt the way a friend of mine felt as we later watched the unveiling of the Richmond statue in a subdued ceremony: "But hes so small!"The statue in Richmond was indeed small; like nearly every Lincoln statue put up in the past half century, it was life-size and was placed at ground level, a conscious rejection of the heroic - approachable and human, yes, but not something to look up to.The Richmond episode taught me that Americans have lost the language to explain Lincolns greatness even to ourselves. Earlier generations said they wanted their children to be like Lincoln: principled, kind, compassionate, resolute. Today we want Lincoln to be like us.This helps to explain the long string of recent books in which writers have presented a Lincoln made after their own image. Weve had Lincoln as humorist and Lincoln as manic-depressive, Lincoln the business sage, the conservative Lincoln and the liberal Lincoln, the emancipator and the racist, the stoic philosopher, the Christian, the atheist - Lincoln over easy and Lincoln scrambled.Whats often missing,, though, i, s the timeless Lincoln, the Lincoln whom all generations, our own no less than that of 1909, can lay claim to. Lucky for us, those memorializers from a century ago - and, through them, Lincoln himself- have left us a hin, t of where to find him. The Lincoln Memorial is the mos, , t visited of our presidential monuments. Here is where we find the Lincoln who endures: in the words he left us, defining the country weve inherited. Here is the Lincoln who can be endlessly renewed and who, 200 years after his birth, retains the power to renew us.26. The author thinks that this years celebration is inadequate and even halfhearted becauseA. no Lincoln statue will be unveiled.B. no memorial coins will be issued.C. no similar appreciation of Lincoln will be seen.D. no activities can be compared to those in 1909.27. According to the passage, what really makes the 1909 celebrations different from this years?A. Respect for great people and their influence.B. V ariety and magnitude of celebration activities.C. Structures constructed in memory of Lincoln.D. Temporal proximity to Lincolns presidency.28. In the authors opinion, the counter-conferenceA. rectified the judgment by those carefully selected scholars.B. offered a brand new reassessment perspective.C. came up with somewhat favourable conclusions.D. resulted in similar disparaging remarks on Lincoln.29. According to the author, the image of Lincoln conceived by contemporary peopleA. conforms to traditional images.B. reflects the present-day tendency of worship.C. shows the present-day desire to emulate Lincoln.D. reveals the variety of current opinions on heroes.30. Which of the following best explains the implication of the last paragraph?A. Lincolns greatness remains despite the passage of time.B. The memorial is symbolic of the great mans achievements.C. Each generation has it own interpretation of Lincoln.D. People get to know Lincoln through memorializers.PART III GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (10 MIN)There are ten multiple-choice questions in this section. Mark the best answer to each questionon ANSWER SHEET TWO.31. The Maori people are natives ofA. Australia.B. Canada.C. Ireland.D. New Zealand.32. The British monarch is the Head ofA. Parliament.B. State.C. Government.D. Cabinet.33. Americans celebrate Independence Day onA. July 4th.B. October 11th.C. May 31st.D. September 6th.34. Canada is bounded on the north byA. the Pacific Ocean.B. the Atlantic Ocean.C. the Arctic Ocean.D. the Great Lakes.35. Who is the author of The Waste Lana?A. George Bernard Shaw.B. W.B. Y eats.C. Dylan Thomas.D. T.S. Eliot.36. Which of the following novelists wrote The Sound and the Fury?A. William Faulkner.B. Ernest Hemingway.C. Scott Fitzgerald.D. John Steinbeck.37. "The lettuce was lonely without tomatoes and cucumbers for company" is an example ofA. exaggeration.B. understatement.C. personification.D. synecdoche.38. In English ifa word begins with a [l] or a [r], then the next sound must be a vowel. This is a (n)A. assimilation rule.B. sequential rule.C.deletion rule.D. grammar rule.39. Which of the following is an example of clipping?A.APEC.B.Motel.C.Xerox.D.Disco.40. The type of language which is selected as appropriate to a particular type of" situation is calledA. register.B. dialect.C. slang.D. varietyPART IV PROOFREADING & ERROR CORRECTION (15 MIN)The passage contains TEN errors. Each indicated line contains a maximum of ONE error. In each case, only ONE word is involved. Y ou should proof-read the passage and correct it in the following way:For a wrong word, underline the wrong word and write the correct one in the blankprovided at the end of the line.For a missing word, mark the position of the missing word with a "L" sign and w rite theword you believe to be missing in the blank provided at the end of theline.For an unnecessary word, cross the unnecessary word with a slash "/" and put the word in theblank provided at the end of the line.EXAMPLEWhen A art museum wants a new exhibit, (1) an。
Teiseiの外国語試験資料整合ーセット20012年英语专业四级考试真题及答案(详细解析)TEST FOR ENGLISH MAJORS(2012)GRADE FOURTIME LIMIT:135 MlNPART I DICTA TION [15 MIN]Listen to the following passage.Altogether the passage will be read to you four times.During the first reading, which will be done at normal speed, listen and try to understand the meaning.For the second and third readings,the passage will be read sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase,with intervals of 15 seconds.The last reading will be done at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work.Y ou will then be given 2 minutes to check through your work once more.Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE.PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSION [20 MIN]In Sections A,B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Mark the best answer to each question on Answer Sheet Two.SECTION A CONVERSA TIONSIn this section you will hear several conversations.Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions l to 3 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the conversation.l.The Ethical Consumer Research Association will provide information to shoppers on A.product price.B.product quality.C.manufacturers.D.production methods.2.According to the conversation,an ethical shopper shouldA.ask for others’advice before buying things.B.consider the worth of something to be bought.C.postpone buying things whenever possible.D.search for things that are less costly.3.According to the conversation,ethical shoppers can be best described as A.shrewd.B.thrifty.C.extravagant.D.cautious.Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation.4.Which of the following statements is CORRECT about Mary?A.She is enjoying her language study.B.She is enjoying her management study.C.She is not feeling very well at the moment.D.She is not happy about her study pressure.5.What does Mary think of the course initially?A.It is useful.B.It is difficult.C.It is challenging.D.It is interesting.6.What is Mary’s problem of living in a family house?A.She dislikes the food she eats.B.She is unable to sleep well.C.She has no chance to make friends.D.She finds the rent high.7.Which of the following is Mr.Davies’advice?A.To tryto make more friends.B.To try to change accommodation.C.To spend more time on English.D.To stop attending language classes.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,youwill be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation.8.According to the conversation,the day is special becauseA.many people are surfing the net on that day.B.it is an anniversary of the internet.C.the net brought about no changes until that day.D.big changes will take place on that day.9.We learn from the conversation that peopleA.cannot Jive without the internet.B.cannot work without the internet.C.all use the internet to keep in touch.D.have varied opinions about internet use.10.At the end of the conversation.the speakers talk aboutA.the future of the internet.B.the type of office furniture.C.when changes will come.D.how people will use the internet.SECTION B PASSAGESIn this section,you will hear several passages.Listen to the passages carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.11.In order to open a bank account,you need to produce____in addition to your passport.A.a library card B.a registration formC.a telephone bill D.a receipt12.Which of the following might NOT be included in the‘utility bill’? A.Rent.B.Gas.C.Water.D.Telephone.13.According to the passage,what can one do in the post office?A.Getting contact details.B.Obtaining tax forms.C.Paying housing rents.D.Applying for loans.Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.14.According to the passage,‘scheduling’means that youA.need to be efficient in work.B.plan your work properly.C.try to finish work ahead of time.D.know how to work in teams.15.According to the passage, one of the activities to relax could beA.protecting wild animals.B.spending time with your family.C.learning how to read efficiently.D.learning how to do gardening.16.One of the ways to reduce stress is toA.do better than anyone else.B.fulfill high ambitions in one's work.C.work and have reasonable aims.D.start with a relatively low aim.17.According to the passage,to reduce stress has something to do with the following EXCEPT A.one's position.B.one's interest.C.one's health.D.one's mood.Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage.18.According to the passage,new words tend to come fromA.world politics.B.advances in science.C.areas of life.D.all the above.19.The passage explains the larger and richer vocabulary of English mainly from a viewpoint.A.historical B.culturalC.commercial D.colonial20.According to the passage,which of the following statements best describes the English language?A.It is outdated in grammar.B.It accepts new words from science.C.It has begun taking in new words.D.It tends to embrace new words.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTIn this section,you will hear several news items.Listen to them carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions 21 and 22 are based OH the following news.At the end of the news item,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now listen to the news.21.Where was the marble statue found?A.Out in the sea.B.Inside a bath house.C.On a cliff along the coast.D.On the coast outside Jerusalem.22.Which of the following best describes the condition of the statue?A.It was incomplete.B.It was recent artwork.C.It was fairly tall.D.It was in pieces.Questions 23 and 24 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item.you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.23.The rescue efforts concentrated mainly onA.the U.S.-Canada border B.snow-stricken regions.C.highways.D.city streets.24.According to the news,the last group of people might have been stranded in their vehicles for more than ____ hours before being rescued.A.24 B.25 C.40 D.48Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.25.According to the 2006 anti-smoking restrictions,smoking was NOT allowed in A.offices.B.restaurants.C.bars.D.school playgrounds.26.According to the news,which of the following groups reacts negatively to the new law? A.Television producers.B.Hotel owners.C.Medical workers.D.Hospital management.Questions 27 and 28 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.27.According to the news,who first discovered the fraud?A.A client.B.A bank manager.C.The police.D.Bank headquarters.28.When did the bank employee hand himself in?A.A month before the fraud was discovered.B.A day before the fraud was discovered.C.A day after the police launched investigation.D.A month after he transferred the money.Question 29 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news.29.What is this news item mainly about?A.How to open Hotmail accounts.B.How to retrieve missing e-mails.C.New e-mail service by Microsoft.D.Problems and complaints about e-mails.Question30 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news.30.Compared with 2009,which of the following figures remained about the same in 2010? A.Number of tickets sold.B.Box office revenues.C.Attendance rate. D Number of cinemas.PART III CLOZE 【15 MIN】Decide which of the choices given below would best complete the passage if inserted in the corresponding blanks.Mark the best choice for each blank on Answer Sheet Two.The earthquake of 26th December 2004 resulted in one of the worst natural disasters in living memory.It was a (31) _____ underwater quake and occurred in the Indian Ocean.It (32) ____ coastlines,communities and brought death to many people.Why do earthquakes happen?The surface of the earth has not always looked as it does today;it is moving(33)____ (although very slowly)and has done so for billions of years.This is one(34)____ of earthquakes,when one section of the earth (tectonic plate)(35)____ another.Scientists can predict where butnot(36)____ this might happen and the area between plates is called a fault line.On one fault line in Kobe,Japan in 1923 over 200,000 people were killed.(37)____,earthquakes do not always happen on fault lines,(38)____ is why they are so dangerous and (39)____.Where do volcanoes happen?V olcanoes happen where the earth's(40)____ is thin:lava,dust and gases(41)____ from beneath the earth.They can rise into a huge cone shape like a mountain and erupt,(42)____ they can be so violent(43)____ they just explode directly from the earth with no warning.There are 1511(44)'____' volcanoes in the world.This means that they may(45)____ be dangerous.In 1985 the Colombian volcano Nevado del Ruiz erupted.The lava melted a glacier and sent tones of mud(46)____ the town below.Twenty thousand people died.Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions are often unpredictable.We regularly do not know when they(47)____ pen,or (48)____ where they will happen.In the future,scientists may be able to watch and predict(49)____ before they happen.This could(50)____ many lives.31.A.massive B.significant C.great D.grand32.A.changed B.converted C.destroyed D.transformed 33.A.frequently B.continuously C.regularly D.periodically 34.A.source B.reason C.movement D.cause35.A.collides with B.confronts with C.meets with D.faces with 36.A.how B.why C.when D.what37.A.Generally B.However C.Similarly D.Anyway38.A.that B.it C.this D.which39.A.unpredictable B.unaccountable C.inevitable D.irresistible 40.A.surface B.appearance C.crust D.cover41.A.flowed out B.burst out C.1eaked out D.trickled out42.A.or B.and C.nor D.but43.A.like B.for C.as D.that44.A.living B.active C.alive D.live45.A.relatively B.hardly C.still D.gradually46.A.down B.on C.across D.beyond47.A.are to B.should C.must D.might48.A.else B.even C.though D.whether49.A.accidents B.incidents C.occasions D.events50.A.rescue B.save C.preserve D.shelterPART IV GRAMMAR &VOCABULARY【15 MIN】There are thirty sentences in this section.Beneath each sentence there are four words, phrases or statements marked A,B, C and D.Choose one word, phrase or statement that best completes the sentence.Mark your answers on Answer Sheet Two.51.Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT?A.Twenty miles seems like a long walk to him.B.No one except his supporters agree with him.C.Neither Julia nor I were going to the party.D.Few students in my class are really lazy.52.Which of the following determiners(限定词)can be placed before both singular count nouns and plural count nouns?A.many a B.few C.such D.the next53.Which of the following reflexive pronouns(反身代词)is used as an appositive(同位语)?A,He promised himself rapid progress.B.The manager herself will interview Mary.C.I have nothing to say for myself.D.They quarreled themselves red in the face.54.My boss ordered that the legal documents ____ to him before lunch.A.be sent B.were sent C.were to be sent D.must be sent 55.Which of the following sentences expresses WILLINGNESS?A.By now she will be eating dinner.B.I shall never do that again.C.My brother will help you with the luggage.D.Y ou shall get a promotion.56.Which of the following sentences is INCORRECT?A.How strange feelings they are!B.How dare you speak to me like that!C.What noise they are making!D. What a mess we are in!57.which of the italicized parts functions as a subject?A.We never doubt that her brother is honest.B.The problem is not who will go but who will stay.C.Y ou must give it back to whoever it belongs to。
2012年英语专业八级考试真题全文共3篇示例,供读者参考篇12012年英语专业八级考试真题Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part ,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic Internet and Social Networking .You should write at least 100 words, and base your composition on the outline (given in Chinese) below:1. 网络给我们的生活带来了很多便利2. 社交网络成为一种流行的交友方式3. 你喜欢通过社交网络结识新朋友吗Internet and Social NetworkingWith the rapid development of information technology, the Internet has become an indispensable part of our daily life. It brings us great convenience in many aspects, such as shopping, communication, and entertainment. Social networking, as a popular way to make friends, has also gained momentum in recent years.As a social platform, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow people to connect with others, share information, and stay in touch with friends and family. It has become a new way of communication in the digital age. However, some people may argue that social networking lacks the face-to-face interaction and personal touch that traditional friendships provide.Personally, I enjoy using social networking to meet new people and expand my social circle. It allows me to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and learn about different cultures. However, I also value the importance of offline interactions and believe that a healthy balance between online and offline relationships is crucial.In conclusion, the Internet and social networking have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with others. While it offers convenience and new opportunities for socialization, it is essential to use it wisely and maintain a balance between virtual and real-life connections.篇22012年英语专业八级考试真题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points)When I was a child, my world was filled with 1. ______. I was surrounded by books and movies that romanticized the idea of love. It was not until many years later that I realized that love was not always about grand gestures and 2. ______ declarations. Love is often silent and 3. ______, found in the small moments that make up a life. I learned this lesson from my grandparents.My grandparents were married for over 60 years, and although they were not ones to show 4. ______ affection, their love for each other was evident in the way they 5. ______ their lives together. It was in the gentle touch of my grandfather's hand on my grandmother's back as they walked down the street, or in the way my grandmother would pack my grandfather's lunch every morning before he left for work. It was in the simple act of 6. ______ hands as they sat on the couch watching TV, or in the way they would share a knowing smile across the dinner table.I remember one particular evening when my grandparents were hosting a dinner party for their friends. I sat at the kitchentable, watching as my grandmother bustled about, setting the table and preparing the food. My grandfather sat quietly at the head of the table, a small smile playing on his lips as he 7. ______ the room. Every now and then, he would reach out and touch my grandmother's hand, a quick, almost 8. ______ gesture that spoke volumes about their love for each other.As I sat there, taking in the scene before me, I realized that love was not about grand gestures or 9. ______ declarations. It was about the small, everyday moments that made up a life. It was about the way my grandparents looked at each other across the room, the way they held hands as they walked down the street, and the way they shared a simple meal together.From that day on, I vowed to 10. ______ the lessons of love that my grandparents had taught me. I learned that love is not always loud or flashy, but often quiet and subtle, found in the small moments that make up a life.1. A. fantasies B. realities C. dreams D. desires2. A. bold B. loud C. grand D. striking3. A. elusive B. evident C. explicit D. obscure4. A. external B. emotional C. physical D. public5. A. spent B. valued C. shared D. planned6. A. shaking B. holding C. clapping D. raising7. A. surveyed B. ignored C. observed D. spotted8. A. invisible B. imperceptible C. irrelevant D. insensible9. A. exaggerated B. boastful C. explicit D. discreet10. A. reflect B. cherish C. neglect D. abandonSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET 1. (40 points)Text 1Many people believe that air travel is a comfortable and convenient way to travel, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that this is not always the case. Recent surveys have indicated that a growing number of passengers are dissatisfied with the service they receive on airlines, and the problem is only getting worse.One of the main complaints from passengers is the lack of space on planes. With airlines packing more seats into each plane in order to maximize profits, passengers often find themselves crammed into tiny seats with little legroom. This can be uncomfortable for even the shortest flight, but on long-haul flights, it can be downright unbearable. Airlines argue that the increased number of seats allows them to keep ticket prices low, but passengers are increasingly willing to pay more for a comfortable seat and a better flying experience.Another common complaint is the lack of customer service on airlines. With cutbacks in staff and an increased focus on efficiency, airlines are often unable to provide the level of service that passengers expect. Flight attendants are overworked and underpaid, which can lead to a lack of attention to passengers' needs and concerns. This lack of personal service can make flying a frustrating experience for many passengers.In addition to these issues, passengers are also unhappy with the quality of food and beverages served on airlines. With airlines trying to cut costs wherever possible, the quality ofin-flight meals has declined in recent years. Many passengers report being served unappetizing and unhealthy meals, or being charged exorbitant prices for snacks and beverages. This canleave passengers feeling like they are being taken advantage of by the airlines they are paying to fly with.Overall, it is clear that there are many areas in which airlines can improve in order to provide a better flying experience for their passengers. From increasing seat sizes and improving customer service to providing better quality and more affordable food and beverages, there are many changes that could be made to make air travel a more pleasant experience for all.11. According to recent surveys, what are passengers increasingly dissatisfied with?A. The lack of space on planesB. The lack of customer service on airlinesC. The quality of food and beverages served on airlinesD. All of the above12. Why do airlines pack more seats into each plane?A. To maximize profitsB. To provide more comfort for passengersC. To increase the quality of in-flight mealsD. To reduce ticket prices13. What is one of the main complaints about customer service on airlines?A. Flight attendants are overworked and underpaidB. Airlines provide too much attention to passengers' needsC. Airlines focus too much on efficiencyD. Airlines have too many staff members14. What has happened to the quality of in-flight meals in recent years?A. It has increasedB. It has remained the sameC. It has declinedD. It has become more affordable15. What does the author suggest airlines should do to improve the flying experience for passengers?A. Increase seat sizesB. Improve customer serviceC. Provide better quality and more affordable food and beveragesD. All of the aboveText 2As the world becomes increasingly digital, the role of libraries in society is changing. Once seen as quiet places for reading and research, libraries are now transforming into community hubs that offer a wide range of services to their patrons.One of the main changes in libraries in recent years is the introduction of digital resources. Many libraries now offere-books and audiobooks that patrons can borrow online. This allows people to access books and other materials without having to physically visit the library. In addition, many libraries offer digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, as well as access to online databases and learning resources. These resources can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for people to access information and educational materials.In addition to digital resources, libraries are also becoming more community-focused. Many libraries now offer programs and events that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. From children's storytime sessions to adult education classes, libraries are working to engage with their communities andprovide valuable services beyond just lending books. This shift towards a more community-focused approach has proven successful in attracting new patrons and increasing the relevance of libraries in today's digital age.Overall, the changing role of libraries in society is a positive development that has allowed libraries to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. By adapting to meet the changing needs of their patrons and offering a wider range of services, libraries are able to continue to serve as vital community resources in the 21st century.16. What is one of the main changes in libraries in recent years?A. The introduction of digital resourcesB. The closure of libraries in many communitiesC. The focus on quiet reading and researchD. The decrease in the number of patrons17. How do digital resources in libraries benefit patrons?A. They allow patrons to access books and materials onlineB. They require patrons to physically visit the libraryC. They are not available to patrons with an internet connectionD. They are limited to certain age groups18. What other services besides books and other materials do libraries now offer?A. Subscriptions to newspapers and magazinesB. Access to online databases and learning resourcesC. Programs and events catering to a wide range of interestsD. All of the above19. Why has the shift towards a more community-focused approach been successful for libraries?A. It allows them to engage with their communitiesB. It has increased funding for librariesC. It decreases patronageD. It limits the relevance of libraries in the digital age20. What does the author suggest has allowed libraries to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world?A. Adapting to meet the changing needs of their patronsB. Offering a wider range of servicesC. Both A and BD. Neither A nor BText 3The use of social media in the workplace is a controversial topic that has sparked much debate in recent years. While some argue that social media can be a valuable tool for communication and collaboration, others believe that it can be a distraction and a threat to productivity.One of the main arguments in favor of social media in the workplace is that it allows for increased communication and collaboration among employees. With platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, employees can easily connect with colleagues, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. This can lead to increased creativity and innovation in the workplace, as well as improved teamwork and communication. In addition, social media can be a valuable tool for networking and building relationships with clients and customers, which can help businesses grow and succeed.However, critics of social media in the workplace argue that it can be a major distraction that can decrease productivity andfocus. With the constant stream of updates, notifications, and messages, employees can easily become overwhelmed and lose focus on their work. In addition, the use of social media can lead to security risks for businesses, as employees may inadvertently share sensitive information or fall victim to phishing attacks. This can have serious consequences for businesses, including loss of revenue and damage to their reputation.Overall, the use of social media in the workplace is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and management. While it can be a valuable tool for communication and collaboration, it can also be a distraction and a threat to productivity. By setting clear guidelines and expectations for social media use, businesses can harness the benefits of social media while minimizing the risks.21. What are some of the benefits of social media in the workplace?A. Increased communication and collaboration among employeesB. Improved creativity and innovationC. Networking and building relationships with clients and customersD. All of the above22. How can social media be a distraction in the workplace?A. By allowing employees to easily connect with colleaguesB. By providing a constant stream of updates, notifications, and messagesC. By improving teamwork and communicationD. By fostering creativity and innovation23. What potential security risks do critics of social media in the workplace point out?A. Loss of revenue and damage to reputationB. Sharing sensitive informationC. Falling victim to phishing attacksD. All of the above24. How can businesses harness the benefits of social media while minimizing the risks?A. By banning the use of social media in the workplaceB. By setting clear guidelines and expectations for social media useC. By increasing the use of social mediaD. By limiting communication and collaboration among employees25. What is the main point of the text?A. Social media in the workplace is a valuable tool for communication and collaborationB. Social media in the workplace is a major distraction and a threat to productivityC. Social media in the workplace has sparked much debate in recent yearsD. Social media in the workplace requires careful consideration and managementText 4The education system in many countries is facing significant challenges in the 21st century. With rapid advances in technology and changes in the job market, schools are struggling to keep up with the evolving needs of students and societies.One of the main challenges facing the education system is the need to prepare students for an increasingly digital world.With computers and the internet playing a central role in virtually every aspect of modern life, students need to develop digital literacy skills in order to succeed in the workforce. This has led to calls for schools to introduce more technology-based learning tools and resources, as well as to teach students how to use technology in a responsible and ethical manner.In addition to the need for digital literacy skills, schools are also facing challenges in preparing students for a rapidly changing job market. Many traditional jobs are being automated or outsourced, while new jobs in fields such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy are emerging. This has led to calls for schools to focus more on teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, rather than just rote memorization and test-taking skills. By developing these skills, students will be better prepared to adapt to the changing job market and succeed in a wide range of careers.Overall, the challenges facing the education system are significant, but by adapting to meet the evolving needs of students and societies, schools can continue to provide a valuable and relevant education to future generations. By focusing on digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving,and creativity, schools can prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.26. What are some of the challenges facing the education system in the 21st century?A. Preparing students for an increasingly digital worldB. Educating students in a rapidly changing job marketC. Developing digital literacy skillsD. All of the above27. Why do students need to develop digital literacy skills?A. To succeed in the workforceB. To improve their test-taking skillsC. To decrease their creativityD. To memorize more information28. What skills are schools being called to focus on in preparing students for a rapidly changing job market?A. Critical thinkingB. Problem-solvingC. CreativityD. All of the above29. How can schools continue to provide a valuable and relevant education to future generations?A. By offering more traditional jobsB. By focusing on digital literacy, critical thinking,problem-solving, and creativityC. By decreasing the use of technology-based learning tools and resourcesD. By improving students' rote memorization skills30. What is the main point of the text?A. Schools are struggling to keep up with the evolving needs of students and societiesB. Students need to develop digital literacy skills in order to succeed in the workforceC. Schools are facing challenges in preparing students for a rapidly changing job marketD. By focusing on digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, schools can prepare students for success in a rapidly changing worldPart 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 1. (10 points)The Universe is incredibly vast and mysterious, filled with billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars. Our own Solar System is just a tiny speck in this vast expanse of space, yet it is the only place we know of that contains life. But how did it all come to be? How did the Universe go from being a hot, dense soup of particles to the complex and diverse cosmos we see today?The prevailing theory of the origin of the Universe is the Big Bang theory. According to this theory, the Universe began as a small, hot, dense point around 13.8 billion years ago. This point, known as a singularity, contained all the matter and energy that would go on to form the galaxies, stars, and planets we see today.The Universe has been expanding ever since, with galaxies moving away from each other as space itself expands.One of the pieces of evidence for the Big Bang theory is the cosmic microwave background radiation. This faint glow of radiation fills the Universe and is thought to be the leftover heat from the Big Bang. Another important piece of evidence is the abundance of light elements such as hydrogen and helium. These elements are thought to have been formed in the first few minutes after the Big Bang, when the Universe was hot and dense enough to allow nuclear reactions to occur.Despite the success of the Big Bang theory in explaining the large-scale structure of the Universe, there are still many unanswered questions about the nature of the Universe. For example, scientists are still unsure about what dark matter and dark energy, which are thought to make up the majority of the Universe, are made of. They are also unsure about the ultimate fate of the Universe, and whether it will continue to expand forever or eventually collapse back in on itself.A. The Universe is incredibly vast and mysterious, filled with billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars.B. Our own Solar System is just a tiny speck in this vast expanse of space, yet it is the only place we know of that contains life.C. According to this theory, the Universe began as a small, hot, dense point around 13.8 billion years ago.D. This faint glow of radiation fills the Universe and is thought to be the leftover heat from the Big Bang.E. These elements are thought to have been formed in the first few minutes after the Big Bang, when the Universe was hot and dense enough to allow nuclear reactions to occur.F. Despite the success of the Big Bang theory in explaining the large-scale structure of the Universe, there are still many unanswered questions about the nature of the Universe.G. For example, scientists are still unsure about what dark matter and dark energy, which are thought to make up the majority of the Universe, are made of.H. They are also unsure about the ultimate fate of the Universe, and whether it will continue to expand forever or eventually collapse back in on itself.Text 5It is generally believed that smoking causes harm to human health, with smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease being major causes of death worldwide. However, a recent study has shed new light on the relationship between smoking and health, suggesting that the risks may not be as clear-cut as previously thought.The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed data from over 45,000 men and women over a period of 30 years. The researchers found that while smoking was indeed associated with an increased risk of developing smoking-related diseases, the risks varied depending on the amount and duration of smoking. For example, heavy smokers were found to be at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer than light smokers, while former smokers had a lower risk than current smokers.One of the surprising findings of the study was that light smokers, defined as those who smoked less than five cigarettes per day, did not have a significantly increased risk of dying from smoking-related diseases. This suggests that the risks of smoking may be dose-dependent, with heavier smokers facing a much higher risk than lighter smokers. The study also found that quitting smoking at any age was associated with a reduced riskof developing smoking-related diseases, highlighting the benefits of quitting smoking at any stage in life.Overall, the study has raised questions about the traditional view of smoking as a one-size-fits-all risk factor for disease. While smoking is still associated with an篇32012年英语专业八级考试真题Part I: Listening Comprehension (20 minutes)Section A:Directions: In this section, you will hear 10 short conversations. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the question will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.1. A) She's from Canada.B) She's from Europe.C) She's from Asia.D) She's from America.2. A) She’s going to visit her cousin.B) She’s going to visit her friends.C) She’s going to visit her grandparents.D) She’s going to visit her uncle.3. A) The man is late for a meeting.B) The man needs a pencil.C) The man needs to buy more books.D) The man needs to make a telephone call.Section B:Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 11 to 13 are based on the passage you have just heard.11. A) Speeches made by business leaders.B) Speeches made by diplomats.C) Special features about the UN headquarters.D) An office building where various events are held.12. A) The way people dress.B) The way people speak.C) The way people behave.D) The way people express themselves.13. A) The Capital of the United States.B) The United Nations headquarters.C) The Washington Hotel.D) The Pentagon Building.Passage TwoQuestions 14 to 16 are based on the passage you have just heard.14. A) It has been sold to an American businessman.B) It will be used as a private residence.C) It was designed by a famous musician.D) It will be used as a museum.15. A) Sitting on a couch.B) Walking on a treadmill.C) Jogging on a runner.D) Lying in bed.16. A) He thinks people in Paris are not friendly.B) He thinks the service in Paris is bad.C) He thinks the hotels in Paris are dirty.D) He thinks people in Paris are not trustworthy.Passage ThreeQuestions 17 to 20 are based on the passage you have just heard.17. A) 12 hours per week.B) 16 hours per week.C) 20 hours per week.D) 24 hours per week.18. A) He prefers playing sports to watching TV.B) He enjoys watching TV with his parents.C) He prefers watching news programs.D) He enjoys watching cartoon programs.19. A) Near the school.B) Next to the shopping center.C) Opposite the theater.D) Beside the library.20. A) It's only 20 minutes away by car.B) It's half an hour away by bus.C) It's not far from his home.D) It's an hour’s walk.Part II: Reading Comprehension (15 minutes)Directions: There are four reading passages in this part. 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 thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 21 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.21. A) The characters on "The Bill" are professionals.B) "The Bill" is well known all over the UK.C) "The Bill" is popular in the U.S.D) "The Bill" focuses on such issues as drugs and racism.22. A) A police station.B) The personal lives of policemen.C) Methods of dealing with crime.D) The home of a senior policeman.23. A) Solving crimes.B) Organizing the police force.C) Patrolling the streets.D) Training new policemen.24. A) The police force was undergoing changes nationally.B) The police force had too many officers.C) The police force was unpopular.D) The police force was losing funding.25. A) The characters speak in a rough British dialect.B) The show has a popular weekly competition.C) The characters are often involved in dramas.D) The show has been cancelled.Passage TwoQuestions 26 to 30 are based on the passage you have just heard26. A) They can be told whether pressured or not.B) They can influence the way we act.C) They can reveal our true feelings.D) They can show we are friendly.27. A) They are always sincere.B) They are only relevant in some jobs.C) They can never deceive anyone.D) They may not represent the true feelings of those who use them.28. A) The smile on Angela’s face revealed her anxiety.B) George's smile indicated he was confident in his final exam.C) Her colleagues interpreted her smile of approval.D) The factory workers’ manners revealed their hostility.29. A) Somebody is speaking angrily.B) Somebody is giving a polite request.C) Somebody is expressing agreement.D) Somebody is showing unwillingness.30. A) She felt someone had given her some advice.B) She was not satisfied with the way she had been treated.C) She realized somebody had been annoyed by her behavior.D) She gave approval to something said during the conversation.Passage Three。
2012年6月大学英语四级真题Part ⅠWriting (30minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Excessive Packaging following the outline given below. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.1.目前许多商品存在过度包装的现象.2.出现这一现象的原因.3.我对这一现象的看法和建议.On Excessive PackagingPart Ⅱ Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)(15minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer sheet 1. For questions 1-7,choose the best answer from the fourchoices marked A),B),C)and D). For questions 8-10,complete the sentences with theinformation given in the passage.Small Schools RisingThis year's list of the top 100 high schools shows that today, those with fewer students are flourishing.Fifty years ago, they were the latest thing in educational reform: big, modern, suburban high schools with students counted in the thousands. As baby boomers(二战后婴儿潮时期出生的人) came of high-school age, big schools promised economic efficiency. A greater choice of courses, and, of course, better football teams. Only years later did we understand the trade-offs this involved: the creation of excessive bureaucracies(官僚机构),the difficulty of forging personal connections between teachers and students.SAT scores began dropping in 1963;today,on average,30% of students do not complete high school in four years, a figure that rises to 50% in poor urban neighborhoods. While the emphasis on teaching to higher, test-driven standards as set in No Child Left Behind resulted in significantly better performance in elementary(and some middle)schools, high schools for a variety of reasons seemed to have made little progress.Size isn't everything, but it does matter, and the past decade has seen a noticeable countertrend toward smaller schools. This has been due ,in part ,to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested $1.8 billion in American high schools, helping to open about 1,000 small schools-most of them with about 400 kids each with an average enrollment of only 150 per grade, About 500 more are on the drawing board. Districts all over the country are taking notice, along with mayors in cities like New York, Chicago and San Diego. The movement includes independent public charter schools, such as No.1 BASIS in Tucson, with only 120 high-schoolers and 18 graduates this year. It embraces district-sanctioned magnet schools, such as the Talented and Gifted School, with 198 students, and the Science and Engineering Magnet,with383,which share a building in Dallas, as well as the City Honors School in Buffalo, N.Y., which grew out of volunteer evening seminars for students. And it includes alternative schools with students selected by lottery(抽签),such as H-B Woodlawn in Arlington, Va. And most noticeable of all, there is the phenomenon of large urban and suburban high schools that have split up into smaller units of a few hundred, generally housed in the same grounds that once boasted thousands of students all marching to the same band.Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, Calif, is one of those, ranking No.423-among the top 2% in the country-on Newsweek's annual ranking of America's top high schools. The success of small schoolsis apparent in the listings. Ten years ago, when the first Newsweek list based on college-level test participation was published, only three of the top 100 schools had graduating Classes smaller than 100 students. This year there are 22. Nearly 250 schools on the full ,Newsweek list of the top 5% of schools nationally had fewer than 200 graduates in 2007.Although many of Hillsdale's students came from wealthy households, by the late 1990 average test scores were sliding and it had earned the unaffectionate nickname (绰号) "Hillsjail. " Jeff Gilbert. A Hillsdale teacher who became principal last year, remembers sitting with other teachers watching students file out of a graduation ceremony and asking one another in astonishment, "How did that student graduate?"So in 2003 Hillsdale remade itself into three "houses," romantically named Florence, Marrakech and Kyoto. Each of the 300 arriving ninth graders are randomly(随机地) assigned to one of the houses. Where they will keep the same four core subject teachers for two years, before moving on to another for 11th and 12th grades. The closeness this system cultivates is reinforced by the institution of "advisory" classes Teachers meet with students in groups of 25, five mornings a week, for open-ended discussions of everything from homework problems to bad Saturday-night dates. The advisers also meet with students privately and stay in touch with parents, so they are deeply invested in the students' success."We're constantly talking about one another's advisers," says English teacher Chris Crockett. "If you hear that yours isn't doing well in math, or see them sitting outside the dean's office, it's like a personal failure." Along with the new structure came a more demanding academic program, the percentage of freshmen taking biology jumped from 17 to 95."It was rough for some. But by senior year, two-thirds have moved up to physics," says Gilbert "Our kids are coming to school in part because they know there are adults here who know them and care for them."But not all schools show advances after downsizing, and it remains to be seen whether smaller schools will be a cure-all solution.The Newsweek list of top U.S. high schools was made this year, as in years past, according to a single metric, the proportion of students taking college-level exams. Over the years this system has come in for its share of criticism for its simplicity. But that is also its strength: it's easy for readers to understand, and to do the arithmetic for their own schools if they'd like.Ranking schools is always controversial, and this year a group of 38 superintendents(地区教育主管)from five states wrote to ask that their schools be excluded from the calculation."It is impossible to know which high schools are 'the best' in the nation, "their letter read. in part. "Determining whether different schools do or don't offer a high quality of education requires a look at man different measures, including students' overall academic accomplishments and their subsequent performance in college. And taking into consideration the unique needs of their communities."In the end, the superintendents agreed to provide the data we sought, which is, after all, public information. There is, in our view, no real dispute here, we are all seeking the same thing, which is schools that better serve our children and our nation by encouraging students to tackle tough subjects under the guidance of gifted teachers. And if we keep working toward that goal, someday, perhaps a list won't be necessary.注意:此部分试题请在答卡1上作答.1.Fifty years ago. big. Modern. Suburban high schools were established in the hope of .A) ensuring no child is left behind.B) increasing economic efficiency.C) improving students' performance on SA T.D)providing good education for baby boomers.2. What happened as a result of setting up big schools?A)Teachers' workload increased.B)Students' performance declined.C)Administration became centralized.D)Students focused more on test scores.3. What is said about the schools forded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation?A)They are usually magnet schools.B)They are often located in poor neighborhoods.C)They are popular with high-achieving students.D)They are mostly small in size.4. What is most noticeable about the current trend in high school education?A)Some large schools have split up into smaller ones.B)A great variety of schools have sprung up in urban and suburban areas.C)Many schools compete for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funds.D)Students have to meet higher academic standards.5. Newsweek ranked high schools according to .A)their students' academic achievement.B)the number of their students admitted to college.C)the size and number of their graduating classes.D)their college-level test participation.6. What can we learn about Hillsdale's students in the late 1990s?A)They were made to study hard like prisoners.B)They called each other by unaffectionate nicknames.C)Most of them did not have any sense of discipline,D)Their school performance was getting worse.7. According to Jeff Gilbert, the "advisory" classes at Hillsdale were set up so that students could .A)tell their teachers what they did on weekends.B)experience a great deal of pleasure in learning.C)maintain closer relationships with their teachers.D)tackle the demanding biology and physics courses.8. is still considered a strength of Newsweek's school ranking system in spite of the criticism it receives.9.According to the 38 superintendents, to rank schools scientifically, it is necessary to use .10.To better serve the children and our nation, schools students to take .Part ⅢListening Comprehension (35minutes)Section ADirections:in this section you will hear 8 short conversations, 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 choicesmarked A)、B)、C)and D)、and decide which is the best answer. Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.注意:此部分试题请在答案卡2上作案。
2012年专业英语八级真题及答案解析(1~10/共10题)PART I LISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A MINI-LECTUREIn this section you will hear a mini-lecture. You will hear the lecture ONCE ONLY. while listening, take notes on the important points. Your notes will not be marked, but yon will need them to complete a gap-filling task after the mini-lecture. when the lecture is over, yon will be given two minutes to check your notes, and another ten minutes to complete the gap-filling task on ANSWER SHEET ONE. Use the blank sheet for note-taking.Play00:0008:57VolumeObserving BehaviourPeople do observation in daily life context for safety or f or proper behaviour. However, there are differences in daily-life observation and research observation.A. Differences—daily life observation-casual-__1__-dependence on memory—research observation-__2__-careful record keepingB. Ways to select samples in research—time sampling-systematic:e.g. fixed intervals every hour-random: fixed intervals but __3__Systematic sampling and random sampling are often used in combination.—__4__-definition: selection of different locations-reason: humans´ or animals´ behaviour__5__acrosscircumstances-__6__: more objective observationsC. Ways to record behaviour __7__—observation with intervention-participant observation: researcher as observer and participant-field experiment: research __8__over conditions—observation without intervention-purpose: describing behaviour __9__-__10__: no intervention-researcher: a passive recorder第1题第2题第3题第4题第5题第6题第7题第8题第9题第10题下一题(11~15/共5题)SECTION BIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your ANSWER SHEET.Play00:0006:55Volume第11题Which of the following statements about creativity is INCORRECT?A.Creativity stems from human beings´ novel thinking.B.The duration of the creative process varies from person to person.C.Creative people focus on novel thinking rather than on solutions.D.The outcome of human creativity comes in varied forms.第12题The interviewee cites the Bach family to show that creativityA.seems to be attributable to genetic makeup.B.appears to be the result of the environment.C.appears to be more associated with great people.es from both environment and genetic makeup.第13题How many types of the creative process does the interviewee describe?A.One.B.Two.C.Three.D.Four.第14题Which of the following features of a creative personality is NOT mentioned in the interview?A.Unconventional.B.Critical.C.Resolute.D.Original.第15题The interviewee´s suggestion for a creativity workout supports the view thatA.brain exercising will not make people creative.B.most people have diversified interests and hobbies.C.creativity can only be found in great people.D.the environment is significant in the creative process.上一题下一题(1/5)SECTION CIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your ANSWER SHEET.Play00:0001:27Volume第16题What is the news item mainly about?A.A problem in the cooling system was solved.B.A 350-kilogram ammonia pump was removed.C.U.S. astronauts made three space walks.D.An international space station was set up.上一题下一题(17~18/共5题)SECTION CIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your ANSWER SHEET.Play00:0001:39Volume第17题In which country would parents often threaten to punish children by leaving them outside?A.India.B.Egypt.C.The Philippines.D.Not mentioned.第18题What is the main purpose of the study?A.To reveal cultural differences and similarities.B.To investigate ways of physical punishment.C.To analyze child behaviour across countries.D.To expose cases of child abuse and punishment.上一题下一题(19~20/共5题)SECTION CIn this section you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your ANSWER SHEET.Play00:0001:15Volume第19题According to the news item, Japan´s economic growth in the second quarter was ______ less than the first quarter.A.4 percentB.3 percentC.0.6 percentD.3.4 percent第20题How many reasons does the news item cite for Japan´s slow economic growth?A.2.B.3.C.4.D.5上一题下一题(21~26/共20题)PART II READING COMPREHENSION (30 MIN)Directions: In this section there are four reading passages followed by a total of 20 multiple-choice questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice.I used to look at my closet and see clothes. These days, whenever I cast´my eyes upon the stacks of shoes and hangers of shirts, sweaters and jackets, I see water.It takes 569 gallons to manufacture a T-shirt, from its start in the cotton fields to its appearance on store shelves. A pair of running shoes? 1,247 gallons.Until last fall, I´d been oblivious to my "water footprint", which is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce goods and services, according to the Water Footprint Network. The Dutch nonprofit has been working to raise awareness of freshwater scarcity since 2008, but it was through the "Green Blue Book" by Thomas M. Kostigen that I was able to see how my own actions factored in.I´ve installed gray-water systems to reuse the wastewater from my laundry machine and bathtub and reroute it to my landscape-systems that save, on average, 50 gallons of water per day. I´ve set up rain barrels and infiltration pits to collect thousands of gallons of storm water cascading from my roof. I´ve even entered the last bastion of greendom-installing a composting toilet.Suffice to say, I´ve been feeling pretty satisfied with myself for all the drinking water I´ve saved with these big-ticket projects.Now I realize that my daily consumption choices could have an even larger effect-not only on the local water supply but also globally: 1.1 billion people have no access to freshwater, and, in the future, those who do have access will have less of it.To see how much virtual water 1 was using, I logged on to the "Green Blue Book" website and used its water footprint calculator, entering my daily consumption habits. Tallying up the water footprint of my breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as my daily dose of over-the-counter uppers and downers- coffee, wine and beer- I´m using 512 gallons of virtual water each day just to feed myself.In a word: alarming.Even more alarming was how much hidden water I was using to get dressed. I´m hardly a clotheshorse, but the few new items I buy once again trumped the amount of water flowing from my faucets each day. If I´m serious about saving water, I realized I could make some simple lifestyle shifts. Looking more closely at the areas in my life that use the most virtual water, it was food and clothes, specifically meat, coffee and, oddly, blue jeans and leather jackets.Being a motorcyclist, I own an unusually large amount of leather-boots and jackets in particular. All of it is enormously water intensive. It takes 7,996 gallons to make a leather jacket, leather being a byproduct of beef. It takes 2,866 gallons of water to make a single pair of blue jeans, because they´ re made from water-hogging cotton.Crunching the numbers for the amount of clothes I buy every year, it looks a lot like my friend´s swimming pool. My entire closet is borderline Olympic.Gulp.My late resolution is to buy some items used. Underwear and socks are, of course, exempt fromthis strategy, but I have no problem shopping less and also shopping at Goodwill. In fact, I´d been doing that for the past year to save money My clothes´ outrageous water footprint just reinforced it for me.More conscious living and substitution, rather than sacrifice, are the prevailing ideas with the water footprint. It´s one I´m trying, and that´s had an unusual upside. I had a hamburger recently; and I enjoyed it a lot more since it is now an occasional treat rather than a weekly habit.(One gallon =3.8 litres)第21题According to the passage, the Water Footprint NetworkA.worked for freshwater conservation for nonprofit purposes.B.collaborated with the Green Blue Book in freshwater conservation.C.made the author aware of freshwater shortage.D.helped the author get to know the Green Blue Book.第22题Which of the following reasons can best explain the author´s feeling of self-satisfaction?A.His house was equipped with advanced water-saving facilities.B.Money spent on upgrading his household facilities was worthwhile.C.He made contribution to drinking water conservation in his own way.D.He could have made even greater contribution by changing his lifestyle.第23题According to the context, "...how my own actions factored in" meansA.how I could contribute to water conservation.B.how much of what I did contributed to freshwater shortage.C.what behaviour could be counted as freshwater-saving.D.what efforts I should make to save fresh water第24题According to the passage, the author was more alarmed by the fact thatA.he was having more meat and coffee.B.his lifestyle was too extravagant.C.globally there will be less fresh water.D.his clothes used even more virtual water.第25题"My entire closet is borderline Olympic" is an example ofA.analogy.B.exaggeration.C.understatement.D.euphemism.第26题What is the tone of the author in the last paragraph?A.Sarcastic.B.Ironic.C.Critical.D.Humorous.上一题下一题(27~31/共20题)PART II READING COMPREHENSION (30 MIN)Directions: In this section there are four reading passages followed by a total of 20 multiple-choice questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice.In her novel of "Reunion, American Style", Rona Jaffe suggests that a class reunion "is more than a sentimental journey. It is also a way of answering the question that lies at the back of nearly all our minds. Did they do better than I?"Jaffe´s observation may be misplaced but not completely lost. According to a study conducted by social psychologist Jack Sparacino, the overwhelming majority who attend reunions aren´t there invidiously to compare their recent accomplishments with those of their former classmates. Instead, they hope, primarily, to relive their earlier successes.Certainly, a few return to show their former classmates how well they have done; others enjoy observing the changes that have occurred in their classmates (not always in themselves, of course). But the majority who attend their class reunions do so to relive the good times they remember having when they were younger. In his study, Sparacino found that, as high school students, attendees had been more popular, more often regarded as attractive, and more involved in extracurricular activities than those dassmates who chose not to attend. For those who turned up at their reunions, then, the old times were also the good times!It would appear that Americans have a special fondness for reunions, judging by their prevalence. Major league baseball players, fraternity members, veterans groups, high school and college graduates, and former Boy Scouts all hold reunions on a regular basis. In addition, family reunions frequently attract blood relatives from faraway places who spend considerable money and time to reunite.Actually, in their affection for reuniting with friends, family or colleagues, Americans are probably no different from any other people, except that Americans have created a mind-boggling number and variety of institutionalized forms of gatherings to facilitate the satisfaction of this desire. Indeed, reunions have increasingly become formal events that are organized on a regular basis and, in the process, they have also become big business.Shell Norris of Class Reunion, Inc., says that Chicago alone has 1,500 high school reunions each year. A conservative estimate on the national level would be 10,000 annually. At one time, all high school reunions were organized by volunteers, usually female homemakers. In the last few years, however, as more and more women have entered the labour force, alumni reunions are increasingly being planned by specialized companies rather than by part-time volunteers.The first college reunion was held by the alumni of Yale University in 1792. Graduates of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Stanford, and Brown followed suit. And by the end of the 19th century, most 4-year institutions were holding alumni reunions.The variety of college reunions is impressive. At Princeton, alumni parade through the town wearing their class uniforms and singing their alma mater. At Marietta College, they gather for a dinner-dance on a steamship cruising the Ohio River.Clearly, the thought of cruising on a steamship or marching through the streets is usually not, by itself, sufficient reason for large numbers of alumni to return to campus. Alumni who decide to attend their reunions share a common identity based on the years they spent together as undergraduates. For this reason, universities that somehow establish a common bond - for example, because they are relatively small or especially prestigious - tend to draw substantialnumbers of their alumni to reunions. In an effort to enhance this common identity, larger colleges and universities frequently build their dass reunions on participation in smaller units, such as departments or schools. Or they encourage "affinity reunions" for groups of former cheerleaders, editors, hatemity members, musicians, members of military organizations on campus, and the like.Of course, not every alumnus is fond of his or her alma mater. Students who graduated during the late 1960s may be especially reluctant to get involved in alumni events. They were part of the generation that conducted sit-ins and teach-ins directed at university administrators, protested military recruitment on campus and marched against "establishment politics." If this generation has a common identity, it may fall outside of their university ties - or even be hostile to them. Even as they enter their middle years, alumni who continue to hold unpleasant memories of college during this period may not wish to attend class reunions.第27题According to the passage, Sparacino´s studyA.found that interest in reunions was linked with school experience.B.found evidence for attendees´ intense desire for showing off success.C.showed that attendees tended to excel in high school study.D.provided strong evidence for Jaffe´s statement.第28题Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a distinct feature of U.S. class reunions?A.Class reunions have become a profitable business.B.Class reunions have brought about a variety of activities.C.Reunions are regular and formal events organized by professional agencies.D.U.S. class reunions are usually occasions to show off one´s recent success.第29题What mainly attracts many people to return to campus for reunion?A.Shared experience beyond the eampus.B.Shared undergraduate experience on campus.C.The special status their university enjoys.D.The variety of activities for class reunion.第30题The rhetorical function of the first paragraph is toA.serve as prelude to the author´s argument.B.present the author´s counterargument.C.introduce Rona Jeffe´s novel.D.bring into foeus contrasting opinions.第31题What is the passage mainly about?A.Alumni reunions and American university traditions.B.Alumni reunion and its soeial and eeonomie implieations.C.Reasons for popularity and (non)attendance for alumni reunions.D.A historical perspective for alumni reunions in the United States.上一题下一题(32~35/共20题)PART II READING COMPREHENSION (30 MIN)Directions: In this section there are four reading passages followed by a total of 20 multiple-choice questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice.One time while on his walk George met Mr. Cattanzara coming home very late from work. He wondered if he was drunk but then could tell he wasn´t. Mr. Cattanzara, a stocky, bald-headed man who worked in a change booth on an IRT station, lived on the next block after George´s, above a shoe repair store. Nights, during the hot weather, he sat on his stoop in an undershirt, reading the New York Times in the fight of the shoemaker´s window. He read it from the first page to the last, then went up to sleep. And all the time he was reading the paper, his wife, a fat woman with a white face, leaned out of the window, gazing into the street, her thick white arms folded under her loose breast, on the window ledge.Once in a while Mr. Cattanzara came home drunk, but it was a quiet drunk. He never made any trouble, only walked stiffly up the street and slowly climbed the stairs into the hall. Though drunk he looked the same as always, except for his tight walk, the quietness, and that his eyes were wet. George liked Mr. Cattanzara because he remembered him giving him nickels to buy lemon ice with when he was a squirt. Mr. Cattanzara was a different type than those in the neighbourhood. He asked different questions than the others when he met you, and he seemed to know what went on in all the newspapers. He read them, as his fat sick wife watched from the window. "What are you doing with yourself this summer, George?" Mr. Cattanzara asked. "I see you walkin´ around at night."George felt embarrassed. "I like to walk.""What are you doin´ in the day now?""Nothing much just now. I´m waiting for a job." Since it shamed him to admit that he wasn´t working, George said, "I´m reading a lot to pick up my education.""What are you readin´?"George hesitated, then said, "I got a fist of books in the library once and now I´m gonna read them this summer." He felt strange and a little unhappy saying this, but he wanted Mr. Cattanzara to respect him."How many books are there on it?""I never counted them. Maybe around a hundred."Mr. Cattanzara whistled through his teeth."I figure if 1 did that," George went on earnestly, "it would help me in my education. 1 don´t mean the kind they give you in high school. I want to know different things than they learn there, if you know what I mean."The change maker nodded. "Still and all, one hundred books is a pretty big load for one summer.""It might take longer."´After you´re finished with some, maybe you and I can shoot the breeze about them?" said Mr Cattanzara."When I´m finished," George answered.Mr. Cattanzara went home and George continued on his walk. After that, though he had the urge to, George did nothing different from usual. He still took his walks at night, ending up in the little park. But one evening the shoemaker on the next block stopped George to say he was a good boy, and George figured that Mr. Cattanzara had told him all about the books he wasreading. From the shoemaker it must have gone down the street, because George saw a couple of people smiling kindly at him, though nobody spoke to him personally. He felt a little better around the neighbourhood and liked it more, though not so much he would want to live in it forever. He had never exactly disliked the people in it, yet he had never liked them very much either. It was the fault of the neighbourhood. To his surprise, George found out that his father and his sister Sophie knew about his reading too. His father was too shy to say anything about it - he was never much of a talker in his whole life -but Sophie was softer to George, and she showed him in other ways she was proud of him.第32题In the excerpt, Mr. Cattanzara was described as a man whoA.showed a wide interest.B.was fond of drinking.C.often worked overtime.D.liked to gossip after work.第33题It can be inferred from the passage thatA.George lied at the beginning and then became serious.B.George was forced to tell a lie and then regretted.C.Mr. Cattanzara was doubtful about George throughout.D.Mr. Cattanzara was surprised at George´s reading plan.第34题After the street conversation with Mr. Cattanzara, GeorgeA.remained the same as usual.B.became more friendly with Mr. Cattanzara.C.began to like his neighbours more than ever.D.continued to read the books from the list.第35题We can tell from the excerpt that GeorgeA.found his neighbours liked to poke their nose into him.B.found that his sister remained skeptical about him.C.was dissatisfied with his life and surroundings.D.had a neither close nor distant relationship with his father.上一题下一题(36~40/共20题)PART II READING COMPREHENSION (30 MIN)Directions: In this section there are four reading passages followed by a total of 20 multiple-choice questions. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice.Abraham Lincoln turns 200 this year, and he´s beginning to show his age. When his birthday arrives, on February 12, Congress will hold a special joint session in the Capitol´s National Statuary Hall, a wreath will be laid at the great memorial in Washington, and a webcast will link school classrooms for a "teach-in" honouring his memoryAdmirable as they are, though, the events will strike many of us Lincoln fans as inadequate, even halfhearted - and another sign that our appreciation for the 16th president and his towering achievements is slipping away And you don´t have to be a Lincoln enthusiast to believe that this issomething we can´t afford to lose.Compare this year´s celebration with the Lincoln centennial, in 1909. That year, Lincoln´s likeness made its debut on the penny, thanks to approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Communities and civic associations in every comer of the country erupted in parades, concerts, balls, lectures, and military displays. We still feel the effects today: The momentum unloosed in 1909 led to the Lincoln Memorial, opened in 1922, and the Lincoln Highway, the first paved transcontinental thoroughfare.The celebrants in 1909 had a few inspirations we lack today. Lincoln´s presidency was still a living memory for coundess Americans. In 2009 we are farther in time from the end of the Second World War than they were from the Civil War; families still felt the loss of loved ones from that awful national trauma.But Americans in 1909 had something more: an unembarrassed appreciation for heroes and an acute sense of the way that even long-dead historical figures press in on the present and make us who we are.One story will illustrate what I´m talking about.In 2003 a group of local citizens arranged to place a statue of Lincoln in Richmond, Virginia, former capital of the Confederacy. The idea touched off a firestorm of controversy. The Sons of Confederate Veterans held a public conference of carefully selected scholars to "reassess" the legacy of Lincoln. The verdict - no surprise - was negative: Lincoln was labeled everything from a racist totalitarian to a teller of dirty jokes.I covered the conference as a reporter, but what really unnerved me was a counter-conference of scholars to refute the earlier one. These scholars drew a picture of Lincoln that only our touchy- feely age could conjure up. The man who oversaw the most savage war in our history was described - by his admirers, remember-as "nonjudgmental," "unmoralistic," "comfortable with ambiguity."I felt the way a friend of mine felt as we later watched the unveiling of the Richmond statue in a subdued ceremony: "But he´s so small!"The statue in Richmond was indeed small; like nearly every Lincoln statue put up in the past half century, it was life-size and was placed at ground level, a conscious rejection of the heroic - approachable and human, yes, but not something to look up to.The Richmond episode taught me that Americans have lost the language to explain Lincoln´s greatness even to ourselves. Earlier generations said they wanted their children to be like Lincoln: principled, kind, compassionate, resolute. Today we want Lincoln to be like us.This helps to explain the long string of recent books in which writers have presented a Lincoln made after their own image. We´ve had Lincoln as humorist and Lincoln as manic-depressive, Lincoln the business sage, the conservative Lincoln and the liberal Lincoln, the emancipator and the racist, the stoic philosopher, the Christian, the atheist - Lincoln over easy and Lincoln scrambled.What´s often missing, though, is the timeless Lincoln, the Lincoln whom all generations, our own no less than that of 1909, can lay claim to. Lucky for us, those memorializers from a century ago - and, through them, Lincoln himself- have left us a hint of where to find him. The Lincoln Memorial is the most visited of our presidential monuments. Here is where we find the Lincoln who endures: in the words he left us, defining the country we´ve inherited. Here is the Lincoln who can be endlessly renewed and who, 200 years after his birth, retains the power to renew us.The author thinks that this year´s celebration is inadequate and even halfhearted becauseA.no similar appreciation of Lincoln will be seen.B.no activities can be compared to those in 1909.C.no Lincoln statue will be unveiled.D.no memorial coins will be issued.第37题According to the passage, what really makes the 1909 celebrations different from this year´s?A.Structures constructed in memory of Lincoln.B.Variety and magnitude of celebration activities.C.Respect for great people and their influence.D.Temporal proximity to Lincoln´s presidency.第38题In the author´s opinion, the counter-conferenceA.rectified the judgment by those carefully selected scholars.B.resulted in similar disparaging remarks on Lincoln.C.came up with somewhat favourable conclusions.D.offered a brand new reassessment perspective.第39题According to the author, the image of Lincoln conceived by contemporary peopleA.reveals the variety of current opinions on heroes.B.shows the present-day desire to emulate Lincoln.C.reflects the present-day tendency of worship.D.conforms to traditional images.第40题Which of the following best explains the implication of the last paragraph?A.The memorial is symbolic of the great man´s achievements.B.Lincoln´s greatness remains despite the passage of time.C.Each generation has it own interpretation of Lincoln.D.People get to know Lincoln through memorializers.上一题下一题(1/10)PART III GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (10 MIN)Directions: There are ten multiple-choice questions in this section. Choose the best answer to each question.第41题The Maori people are natives ofA.Australia.B.Canada.C.Ireland.D.New Zealand.上一题下一题(2/10)PART III GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (10 MIN)Directions: There are ten multiple-choice questions in this section. Choose the best answer to each question.。
以下是⽆忧考为⼤家整理的关于专业英语四级⼋级考试的⽂章,供⼤家学习参考! TIME LIMIT: 135 MIN PART I DICTATION [15 MIN]Listen to the following passage.Altogether the passage will be read to you four times.During the first reading, which will be done at normal speed, listen and try to understand the meaning.For the second and third readings,the passage will be read sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase,with intervals of 15 seconds.The last reading will be done at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work.You will then be given 2 minutes to check through your work once more.Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE.PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSION [20 MIN]In Sections A,B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Mark the best answer to each question on Answer Sheet Two.SECTION A CONVERSATIONSIn this section you will hear several conversations.Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions l to 3 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the conversation. l.The Ethical Consumer Research Association will provide information to shoppers on A.product price. B.product quality. C.manufacturers. D.production methods.2.According to the conversation,an ethical shopper should A.ask for others’advice before buying things. B.consider the worth of something to be bought. C.postpone buying things whenever possible. D.search for things that are less costly. 3.According to the conversation,ethical shoppers can be best described as A.shrewd. B.thrifty.C.extravagant. D.cautious. Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation. 4.Which of the following statements is CORRECT about Mary? A.She is enjoying her language study. B.She is enjoying her management study. C.She is not feeling very well at the moment. D.She is not happy about her study pressure.5.What does Mary think of the course initially? A.It is useful. B.It is difficult. C.It is challenging. D.It is interesting. 6.What is Mary’s problem of living in a family house? A.She dislikes the food she eats. B.She is unable to sleep well. C.She has no chance to make friends. D.She finds the rent high. 7.Which of the following is Mr.Davies’advice? A.To tryto make more friends. B.To try to change accommodation. C.To spend more time on English. D.To stop attending language classes. Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.At the end of the conversation,you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now,listen to the conversation. 8.According to the conversation,the day is special because A.many people are surfing the net on that day. B.it is an anniversary of the internet. C.the net brought about no changes until that day. D.big changes will take place on that day. 9.We learn from the conversation that people A.cannot Jive without the internet. B.cannot work without the internet. C.all use the internet to keep in touch. D.have varied opinions about internet use. 10.At the end of the conversation.the speakers talk about A.the future of the internet. B.the type of office furniture. C.when changes will come. D.how people will use the internet.SECTION B PASSAGESIn this section,you will hear several passages.Listen to the passages carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage. 11.In order to open a bank account,you need to produce____in addition to your passport. A.a library card B.a registration form C.a telephone bill D.a receipt 12.Which of the following might NOT be included in the‘utility bill’? A.Rent. B.Gas. C.Water. D.Telephone. 13.According to the passage,what can one do in the post office? A.Getting contact details. B.Obtaining tax forms. C.Paying housing rents. D.Applying for loans. Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage. 14.According to thepassage,‘scheduling’means that you A.need to be efficient in work. B.plan your work properly. C.try to finish work ahead of time. D.know how to work in teams. 15.According to the passage, one of the activities to relax could be A.protecting wild animals. B.spending time with your family. C.learning how to read efficiently. D.learning how to do gardening. 16.One of the ways to reduce stress is to A.do better than anyone else. B.fulfill high ambitions in one's work. C.work and have reasonable aims. D.start with a relatively low aim. 17.According to the passage,to reduce stress has something to do with the following EXCEPT A.one's position. B.one's interest. C.one's health. D.one's mood. Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the passage. 18.According to the passage,new words tend to come from A.world politics. B.advances in science. C.areas of life. D.all the above. 19.The passage explains the larger and richer vocabulary of English mainly from a viewpoint. A.historical B.cultural C.commercial D.colonial 20.According to the passage,which of the following statements best describes the English language? A.It is outdated in grammar. B.It accepts new words from science. C.It has begun taking in new words. D.It tends to embrace new words.SECTION C NEWS BROADCAST In this section,you will hear several news items.Listen to them carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions 21 and 22 are based OH the following news.At the end of the newsitem,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now listen to the news. 21.Where was the marble statue found? A.Out in the sea. B.Inside a bath house. C.On a cliff along the coast. D.On the coast outside Jerusalem.22.Which of the following best describes the condition of the statue? A.It was incomplete. B.It was recent artwork.C.It was fairly tall. D.It was in pieces. Questions 23 and 24 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item.you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news. 23.The rescue efforts concentrated mainly on A.the U.S.-Canada border B.snow-stricken regions. C.highways. D.city streets. 24.According to the news,the last group of people might have been stranded in their vehicles for more than ____ hours before being rescued. A.24 B.25 C.40 D.48 Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news. 25.According to the 2006 anti-smoking restrictions,smoking was NOT allowed in A.offices. B.restaurants. C.bars. D.school playgrounds.26.According to the news,which of the following groups reacts negatively to the new law? A.Television producers.B.Hotel owners. C.Medical workers. D.Hospital management. Questions 27 and 28 are based on the following news.At the end of the news item,you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions.Now, listen to the news.27.According to the news,who first discovered the fraud? A.A client. B.A bank manager. C.The police. D.Bank headquarters. 28.When did the bank employee hand himself in? A.A month before the fraud was discovered. B.A day before the fraud was discovered. C.A day after the police launched investigation. D.A month after he transferred the money. Question 29 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news. 29.What is this news item mainly about? A.How to open Hotmail accounts. B.How to retrieve missing e-mails. C.New e-mail service by Microsoft. D.Problems and complaints about e-mails. Question30 is based on the following news.At the end of the news item, you will be given 5 seconds to answer the question.Now, listen to the news. 30.Compared with 2009,which of the following figures remained about the same in 2010? A.Number of tickets sold. B.Box office revenues. C.Attendance rate. D Number of cinemas. PART III CLOZE 【15 MIN】。
2012年英语专业八级真题及详解TEST FOR ENGLISH MAJORS(2012)-GRADE EIGHT-TIME LIMIT:150MIN PART I LISTENING COMPREHENSION(25MIN)SECTION A MINI-LECTUREIn this section you will hear a mini-lecture.You will hear the mini-lecture ONCE ONLY.While listening to the mini-lecture,please complete the gap-filling task on ANSWER SHEET ONE and write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap. Make sure the word(s)you fill in is(are)both grammatically and semantically acceptable.You may use the blank sheet for note-taking.You have THIRTY seconds to preview the gap-filling task.Now,listen to the mini-lecture.When it is over,you will be given THREE minutes to check you work.Observation BehaviourPeople do observation in daily life context for safety or for proper behaviour. However,there are differences in daily life observation and research observation.【答案与解析】(1)rare(no)formal records细节题。
Eco-tourismNowadays, many of us try to live in a way/that would damage theenvironment as little as possible. / We recycle/we take public transport to get to /and we try to buy locally produced fruit and vegetables. / And we want to take these attitudes on holiday with us. / This is why alternative forms of tourism are becoming popular in the world. / There are lots of names for these new forms of/ responsible tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism,educational tourism and more. / Although everyone may have a different definition, / most people agree that these new forms of tourism should do/ first, they should conserve the wildlife and culture of the/ third, they shouldmake a profit without destroying natural /and finally they should provide an experience that tourists want to pay for. /PART ⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A CONVERSATIONSM: Ruth, do you know something about the Ethical Consumer ResearchAssociation?W: Yes. So far as I know, it’s an organization that provides informationfor shoppers.M: Oh, what kind of information?W: Well, like letting shoppers know what the companies are doing behind the products that they see on the store shelves.And, and these shoppers are concerned with some ethical issues.M: For example?W: Well, they may want to know that the product they a re buying hasn’t been made at the expense of the people who are producing it, whether it’s in this country or abroad. They might also be concerned with other kinds of issues, for example, whether the company is involved in selling arms.M: But, how can one become an ethical shopper when buying things? W: One way of thinking about ethical shopping is thinking about buying less.M: Oh, how?W: Well, you see sometimes we buy a lot more than we need. We buy more items of clothing than we need. So being an ethical shopper really means ]thinking a bit before you go and spend your money in the shops. M: Could you give me some advice?W: You see, some things may cost a bit more in the short run,but be worth it in the long run. So if you are paying for quality, something will last you longer and then save your money.M: Hmm.W: And sometimes you can buy things second-hand and the quality in most second-hand shops is really very good these days.So it’s about thinking before you shop.M: Ruth, thanks for your advice.M: Pleasure.Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.W: Thanks, Mr. Davies.M: Now which course are you doing?W: I’m doing management studies with English and German.M: Huh, how is it all going?W: Well, it’s not going too well.I’m not really enjoying the course and, well, I’m not very happy.M: All right. Let’s take things slowly.Tell me something about the course.W: Well, there is so much work. I thought that to do two languages with management studies would be very useful.But I find the management course very difficult sometimes and in the study of English and German, too.It means I’m working all the time and I never have time to relax.M: What about your accommodation? Are you happy with that?W: Not really. I mean the other students on my course are living in a student dormitory. So they see each other all the time. I’m living in arented room in a family house. I eat breakfast and dinner with the family, but I get lonely in the evenings and at weekends.M: So making friends is a problem, too.W: Yes.M: OK, I’m going to make two suggestions.W: All right?M: First, which of the two languages do you enjoy most?W: English. I find it easier, too.M: So I’d like you to go and see your German tutor, and say that you are going to stop attending German classes for the moment.W: OK.M: Next, I think you should go to each of the five student dormitories. Choose the one you like best and ask if you could move in there. Students are always moving in and out, so there shouldn’t be a pro blem.W: Thanks a lot for your advice.M: Not at all.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.M: Hello, Evan.W: Hello, Bob.M: You know today is a very special day. That is the 20th anniversary of the World Wide Web.W: Ah, the World Wide Web. It’s really changed our lives, and, and in such a short space of time.M: Hmm, definitely. Now do you know on average how long does someone spend surfing the net each day?W: Umm, honestly I don’t know. But I guess people must spend a lot of time on things like Facebook.M: Hmm, that’s true.W: And I’m sure almost everyone uses the Internet now.But I wonder how we cope without it.M: Well it might be a bit difficult without it.W: I guess so. For instance, some people need it for social relationships. M: Yes, especially those who are far away.Keeping in contact with friends and family would be impossible without the Internet.W: But are there people who would cope without Internet?M: Yes, there are. These people have some alternatives.W: What kind?M: For example, we could write to each other like we used to before we have the Internet. It would be lovely to get more hand-written letters from friends and family rather than just e-mails, I think.W: That’s what we call “snail mail”.But of course, lots more paper would mean that we need bigger file cabinets.M: Yes, well, it’s still incredible how the World Wide Web has expandedin 20 years and how much we now rely on it.I wonder what it would be like after another 20 years.W: Well, for better or worse, the Web will have a greater impact on our life and society.SECTION B PASSAGESQuestions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.If you are a resident, you’ll find it useful to open a bank account. All the large banks have a network of branches across the country and all offer similar services. A visit to any one of them will be a friendly experience. However, to open an account, you have to be prepared to prove your identity in a number of ways. You’ll find your passport useful,but the bank will also want to see some form of proof that you are living where you say you are. This can be proved by a housing rent book, a tax form, water or electricity bill for the property, as long as it’s in your name. In a bank and elsewhere, you may hear the term “utility bill”—this simply refers to bills relating to the provision of services to your home, such as electricity, gas, water and telephone. There are other local facilities, such as post offices, where you can save your money and have access to affordable low cost loans.Where they exist in your local area, contact details can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau.[23:58.57]Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.Life is very stressful nowadays, so it is useful for us to talk about how to cope with stress. If you want to reduce some stress, you can reduce this by the word S-T-R-E-S-S, that’s stress. Let’s begin with the “S”.“S” is that you can have the “scheduling”,for example, you don’t have to schedule too many things in your day and if you feel you are too busy, you can cut out an activity or two.And “T” is “treat your body well”, because experts say that exercise c an reduce stress and also if you eat healthy food, then your brain and your body get the nourishment they need. The next letter is “R”. “R” means “relax”. You can do an activity you enjoy or that relaxes you, maybe you can read a book or learn a new hobby and even spend time with your pet and that could make a difference. And the next letter is “E”.“E” is about expectations. This means “be realistic about yourself and others”. So you can just do your best and don’t try to be perfect and don’t expect others to be, too. That will release and reduce a lot of stress for you and the people around you. And the next le tter is “S”. “S” stands for “sleep”.If you get a good night’s sleep, ]then it will keep your mind and your body in shape. And the last letter is “S” again, which means “smile”. If you smile and have confidence, you’ll think in a more positive way and then you’ll feel more comfortable when you are coping with the stress.Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.New words enter the English language all the time. In fact, English has always been in a state of evolution.And in recent years, more and more words and phrases have entered the language. But where do all these new words come from? Words come out of the culture that they represent and they describe. So if you’ve got a new development in medicine,for example bird flu, then you’ll get a new word coming out of that. If there’s a military conflict that may well bring all sorts of new words to the fore. Going back in time,the First and Second World Wars were times of great creativity of language because people from different countries met each other and exchanged their words and words developed from there.So words come from the playground. They come from politics. They come from any area of life because every area of life is changing from day to day. And does English have more words than any other language? It certainly has more than other European languages and probably more than any other language in the world. English is put together from so many different bits. Originally it was a Germanic language and then after the Norman Conquest in 1066there was an enormous influx of French words. And it comes from a country, the United Kingdom, which was quite an expansive, trading, colonial power in the past and all these have brought all sorts of other new words into the language.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTQuestions 21 and 22 are based on the following news.A huge storm that collapsed part of a cliff on Israel’s central coast led to the discovery of a statue dating back to the Roman period, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Tuesday. The white marble statue of a woman ]is estimated to be 2,000 years old.It stands 1.2 meters tall, weighs about 200 kilograms and was found with no head or arms, according to a news release by the authority. A person walking on the shore at Ashkelon on the west coast of Jerusalem made the discovery, the authority said. The statue fell into the sea when the cliff collapsed as a result of the storm. The collapse also ruined a bath house and mosaics that had been in the cliff for many hundreds of years. The storm, one of the strongest Israel has experienced in recent years, brought winds of more than 100 kilometer per hour that sent 10-meter waves crashing into Israel’s coast.Questions 23 and 24 are based on the following news.Canadian police and military teams were working Tuesday afternoon to rescue about 300 people stranded after what a local official termed the most brutal storm to hit the Ontario region in 25 years. Some people had been stuck in their vehicles for more than 24 hours following blinding snow that piled up so high it made it almost impossible to open vehicledoors. Ontario Provincial Police initially reported about 360 vehicles and about 300 people had been stranded near Sarnia, Ontario, on Highway 402—a major thoroughfare linking the U.S.-Canada border to London, Ontario. Some of those people have since been rescued, but Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said it could be another 24 hours before everyone is taken to safety.Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news.A tough anti-smoking law has taken effect in Spain. The ban—one of the strictest in Europe—outlaws smoking in all bars and restaurants. Smokers will also be prohibited on television broadcasts, near hospitals or in school playgrounds. The law tightens anti-smoking restrictions introduced in 2006. The anti-smoking rules introduced in 2006 outlawed smoking only in the workplace, but let bar and restaurant owners choose whether or not to allow it. Most chose not to impose any ban. Only large restaurants and bars were obliged to provide a smoke-free area. Now, hotel, restaurant and bar owners have said they could face a 10% drop in trade with the new rules.The industry has already seen a sharp fall in sales due to Spain’s economic problems.But doctors argue the new legislation will help smokers give up.Questions 27 and 28 are based on the following news.Police in India have arrested a Citibank employee accused of cheating clients out of millions of dollars. Shivraj Puri, 32, who is expected to appear in court later, told an Indian newspaper he was innocent. The alleged fraud was discovered earlier this month in a branch of the global bank in Gurgaon, a wealthy suburb of Delhi. The bank has said investors were promised quick, high returns from a bogus financial scheme. It is alleged that Mr. Puri transferred the money into accounts controlled by three relatives. Mr. Puri reportedly handed himself in on Thursday, a day after police said he was wanted for questioning. The alleged fraud came to light earlier this month when a client mentioned the scheme to a senior bank manager.Question 29 is based on the following news.Some Hotmail users are reporting that their e-mails are missing from their accounts. A number of people with Hotmail accounts have posted complaints on Microsoft forums complaining that their e-mails have been deleted. Users around the world said e-mails were missing from their inbox and other folders within their Hotmail accounts. A spokeswoman for Microsoft said that the issue of missing e-mails was not a widespread problem. By Sunday evening the issue was “fully resolved”, she said. The company apologized for any inconvenience.Question 30 is based on the following news.The number of North Americans who went to the cinema in 2010 was around 5% down on the 2009 total, figures show. Box office analysts forecast 1.35bn tickets will be sold by the end of the year, down on 1.42bn sold in 2009. It is the biggest year-on-year drop since 2005, making 2010 the second-lowest attended year of the decade.Yet box office revenues remained about the same at $10.6bn,due to increased ticket prices. Animated movie Toy Story 3 was the highest-grossing film of the year at the U.S. box office, earning nearly $415m. The Pixar sequel, like second highest-grossing title Alice in Wonderland, was one of several hit movies released in 3D. It is thought attendance figures in the U.S. and Canada will rise next year, when sequels to hit comedy The Hangover and Pirates of the Caribbean are released.。
英语专业 四级/六级真题解析2012年英语专八真题听力原文听力原文Part 1, Listening ComprehensionSECTION A MINI-LECTUREObserving BehaviourGood morning, everyone. Today we will look at how to observe behaviour in research.Perhaps you would say it is easy and there is nothing extraordinary. Yes, you may be right. Allof us observe behaviour every day. For example, when traveling in another country, we canavoid embarrassment by observing how people behave in that culture. And failing to beobserving while walking or driving can be life-threatening.We learn by observing people's behaviour. Researchers too rely on their observations tolearn about behaviour,but there are differences. For instance, when we observe casually, wemay not be aware of factors that bias our observations, and, [1] and when we rarely keepformal records of our observations. Instead, we rely on our memory of events. [2]Observationsin research on the other hand are made under precisely defined conditions, that is, in asystematic and objective manner, and with careful record keeping.Then how are we going to conduct observations in our research studies, and what do weneed to do in order to make a scientific and objective observation? Now, as you remember,the primary goal of observation is to describe behaviour, but it is in reality impossible toobserve and describe all of a person's behaviour. So we have to rely on observing samples ofpeople's behaviour. Doing so, we must decide whether the samples represent people's usualbehaviour. Thus, we will first take a brief look at how researchers select samples of behaviour.Before conducting an observational study, researchers must make a number of importantdecisions, that's about when and where observations will be made. As I've said before, theresearcher cannot observe all behaviour. Only certain behaviours occurring at particulartimes, in specific settings can be observed. In other words, behaviour must be sampled. In thislecture, I will briefly introduce two kinds of sampling, that is, time sampling and situationsampling.Now first, time sampling. Time sampling means that researcherschoose various timeintervals for their observation. Intervals may be selected systematically or randomly. Supposewe want to observe students'classroom behaviour. Then in systematic time sampling, ourobservations might be made during five 20-minute periods, beginning every hour. The firstobservation period could begin at 9 am, the second at 10 am and so forth.[3]However, inrandom sampling, these five 20-minute periods may be distributed randomly over the courseof the day. That is to say, intervals between observation periods could vary—some longerothers shorter. Onepoint I'd like to make is systematic and random time sampling are notalways used in isolation. They are often combined in studies. For example, while observationintervals are scheduled systematically, observations within an interval are made at randomtimes. That means the researcher might decide to observe only during 15-second intervals thatare randomly distributed within each 20-minute period.[4]Now let's come to situation sampling. Then, what is situation sampling? It involvesstudying behaviour in different locations and under different circumstances and conditions. Bysampling as many different situations as possible researchers can reduce the chance that theirobservation results will be peculiar to a certain set of circumstances and conditions. [5]Why?Because people or for that manner animals do not behave in exactly the same way across allsituations. For example, children do not always behave the same way with one parent as theydo with the other parent, and animals do not behave the same way in zoos as they do in thewild. [6]So, by sampling different situations, a researcher can make more objectiveobservations than he would in only a specific situation.[7]Having discussed ways to sample behaviour in research, we are now moving ontoanother issue, that is, what researchers should do to record behaviour as it occurs, that iswhether researchers are active or passive in recording behaviour. This refers to the methodsof observation. Observational methods can be classified as “observation with intervention”or “observation without intervention”. Observation with intervention can be made in at leasttwo ways, participant observation and field experiment. In participant observation,observers, that is researchers, play a dual role: They observe people's behaviour and theyparticipate actively in the situation they are observing. If individuals who are being observedknow that the observer is present to collect information about their behaviour, this isundisguised participant observation. But in disguised participant observation, those whoare being observed do not know that they are being observed.[8]Another method of observation with intervention is field experiment. What is a fieldexperiment? When an observer controls one or more conditions in a natural setting in order todetermine the effect on behaviour, this procedure is called field experiment. The fieldexperiment represents the most extreme form of intervention in observational methods. Theessential difference between field experiments and other observational methods is thatresearchers have more control in field experiments.Now let's take a look at observation without intervention. [9]Observation withoutintervention is also called naturalistic observation because its main purpose is to describebehaviour as it normally occurs, that is, in a natural setting, [10] without any attempt by theobserver to intervene. An observer using this method of observation acts as a passiverecorder of what occurs. The events occur naturally and are not controlled by the observer.OK, in today's lecture, we have focused on how to make decisions of sampling beforebeginning our observation, and what we can do during observation. I hope what we'vediscussed will help you in your future research design.SECTION B INTERVIEWM: People often wonder how the human brain creates, for example, a beautiful painting, asculpture or even a delicious dinner. Today we are honoured to have Dr. Nancy Andreasen, aneuroscientist at the University of Iowa on our talk show. Dr. Andreasen has recently written abook called The Creating Brain: The Neuroscience of Genius. In her book, she tackles thequestionand tries to look into the brain behind creativity.M: Dr. Andreasen, thanks for coming on our show.W: Pleasure.M: Now, Dr. Andreasen can we start with the question “What is creativity?”W: Well, creativity can be saying as a process. This process starts with a person, for examplean artist, musician, inventor or even someone who's trying to figure out a better way of doinga task at work or at home. [1]That person must think about the problem or, or their project ina novel way and then come up with a solution.M: Hmm, I see. But how long will it take for the person to find a solution as it were?W: Well, it depends. [12]The creative process can go by in a flash or it can take years. But theend result is invariably the production of something new and useful, such as the automobile,or something beautiful and artistic, such as a painting by Vincent van Gogh.M: Hmm, Dr. Andreasen, then do you think the ability to be creative is inborn or not?W: Well,no one knows yet if the ability to be creative, for example the ability to produce a hauntingsymphony is the result of the environment or a genetic makeup that allows people to becreative more easily.[2]However, creativity does seem to run in certain families.M: Is that so?W: Yes. You see, [2] Johann Sebastian Bach was the most famous member of the Bach family,but there were 20 other eminent musicians who came from the same family.M: That's very interesting. Now Dr. Andreasen,we've so far been talking about those famouscreative people like van Gogh or Bach who have produced great pieces of work. Does thatmean that creativity only resides in great people?W: No, certainly not. Creativity is not limited, I mean, to the masterpiece work of artbut can also be found in everyday tasks such as cooking or gardening.M: Oh, really?W: For example, a cook changes a recipe or even makes one up using ingredients he or shehas on hand to produce a new one. He is in fact using the creative process to create noveltaste sensations.M: So can we say both famous and ordinary people can be creative?W: Yes.M: Now Dr. Andreasen, can you describe to us what the actualcreative process is?W: OK. Uh, [3] artists, musicians and writers often describe periods during which they'rerelying on ordinary creativity. For example, you know writers can spend hours at the keyboardputting thoughts together – this process is similar to the way people put together novel ideaswhen talking. And and many great artists also describe a dream-like state during which asymphony, a poem or the idea for the ending of a play comes to them in a flash.M: So what's going on in the brain during a flash of inspiration?W: Well, for the moment no one knows for sure, but but researchers suggest that creativepeople often slip into a zone in which ideas, uh, and thoughts come up freely in a sort ofdisorganized way. During that state a part of the brain becomes very active. And that brainregion is known to be able to link up ideas or or thoughts in potentially novel ways.M: I see. Another question, do you think there is a creative personality?W: Well, perhaps we can put it this way. Gifted people in the artsor science tend to enjoyadventure. They often like to explore new places or ideas. Uh, [4] they don't like beinghemmed in by rules or convention and,and they often look at problems from a different angle.Another point is,is they often have to move doggedly ahead on a project -- even when theoutside world rejects their art or new ideas.M: Dr. Andreasen, what about the role of the environment in the creative process?W: Environment does play a role. You see there have been hotbeds of creativity throughouthistory. For example, the city of Florence during the Renaissance period was home to bothLeonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Both men in fact came from families that didn't especiallyvalue creativity,yet someone noticed a spark of talent in them and both got the training andfinancial backing to produce extraordinary pieces of art.M: Uh,[5] since the environment helps in the creative process, are there ways for people tobuild a better, more creative brain?W: Well, [5] I suggest that you spend 30 minutes a day on a creativity workout.M: Oh, could you say a bit more about that?W: Yes, you do three things. First, explore an unfamiliar area of knowledge. For example,people who use a lot of math on the job should sign up for a painting class.M: And the second?W: The second is, spend time each day thinking. This means that you don't censor yourthoughts, but allow your mind to go freely to a problem and see what kind of solutions or ideascome up.M: Next thing?W: That is, practice the art of paying attention. Look for andreally observe a person,an objector something in your daily commute that you hadn't noticed before. Try describing or drawingthat object in a journal or sketchbook.M: I hope that your advice will help people to train their brain to be creative. OK, thank youvery much Dr. Andreasen for talking on the show.W: Not at all.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTNews 1:NASA astronauts successfully installed a new ammonia pump on the International SpaceStation Monday during their third spacewalk to make the emergency repairs. The astronauts donot yet know whether their efforts were enough to restore the space station's cooling systemto full capacity. It took three spacewalks totaling more than 22 hours, but astronauts DougWheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson managed to move the 350-kilogram replacement pumpinto position. They tightened bolts and made connections so ammonia could flow into themodule. NASA called the success “a big step in the right direction.”[6] The space station'scooling system has been running at half capacity for more than two weeks. On July 31, anammonia pump failed. Another module continued to pump coolant through a separate loop,but astronauts had to power down non-essential equipment to prevent overheating. Thespace station's deputy program manager, Kirk Shireman, said [6] the team did anoutstanding job coping with what he called “a major malfunction.”News 2:[8] Pediatricians from the U.S. University have taken a look at one measure of children's wellbeing in Egypt, the Philippines and India --- the extent to which children are subject to corporalpunishment and abuse. The data reveal interesting cultural differences about what seems tobe acceptable when it comes to physically disciplining children.” Among the things we learnedfor instance was that in India, slapping a child in the face or head is more common thanspanking them,” the researchers say. “And in Egypt, 25 percent of the mothers said that theyhad beaten their child up, which wasdefined as hitting them over and over again with a closedfist.”[7] “And then the other interesting things were, like the Philippines, the rate of tellingpeople that evil spirits was going to get them, the kind of emotional, kind of threatening tolock them out of the home, was very high.”[8] However, despite the differences in punishmentmethods, some notable similarities have been found. For example, the education level ofmothers impacted how often they resorted to physical discipline. The more years of education,the lower the rate of harsh physical punishment in kids.News 3:Officials say Japan lost its place as the world's No. 2 Economy to China in the second quarter,as the island nation's economic growth slowed to a crawl.[9] Japan's Cabinet Office saidMonday that gross domestic product rose an annualized 0.4 percent in the three monthsended June 3, compared with a revised 4.4 percent expansion in the first quarter. [10]Monday's report said export growth slowed and consumer spending stalled. The expansionwas weaker than economists estimated, with their predictions ranging from 0.6 percent to 3.4percent. Analysts say China's economy will almost certainly be bigger than Japan's at the end ofthe year, because of the big difference in each country's growth rates. China is growing atabout 10 percent per year, while Japan's economy is forecast to grow three percent this year.。