1星火英语四级美文听力第1篇Happiness

2024年6月英语四级听力原文(第1套)News Report One.Six people had to move away from their home to another place after a fire broke out in a building on Main Street Saturday, officials said. Firefighters responded to the three-story building shortly after 1 p.m. for a reported structure fire, according to Norwalk Deputy Fire Chief Adam Markowitz.Markowitz said crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the second floor when they arrived.A team of about 25 firefighters then spent about 25 minutes extinguishing the flames.Officials described the structure as a mixed-use building that features commercial businesses on the first floor and residential on the second and third floors.Town records list four apartments in the building.Due to smoke and heat damage, the four apartments were declared uninhabitable, and the six residents had to move to another place, officials said.No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.The Norwalk Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 1:Why did the six residents have to find another place to stay? Question 2: What does the news report say the Norwalk Fire Marshal is doing?News Report Two.A new study has cast doubt on historic research suggesting that the season or month of someone's birth is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health conditions.The study looks at symptoms of anxiety and depression among more than 70,000 older adults in Europe.A number of past studies have found the link between season of birth and mental health diagnoses.Researchers have suggested that such links could arise from various things.These include nutrient intake, sun exposure, climate, and disease exposure varying across the course of the year.However, evidence has been mixed.More recent studies have suggested that factors such as social class or economic background have more to do with these diagnoses than month of birth.Overall, the new study found no significant relationship between participants' month of birth and symptoms of depression or anxiety.There was some variability in some countries.In Poland, depressive symptoms fluctuated a little depending on birth month.In the Czech Republic, the same was true of anxiety symptoms.But on the whole, there was no systematic pattern.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 3:What have a number of past studies found about season of birth? Question 4: What did the new study find about the relationship between participants' month of birth and symptoms of depression?News Report Three.Genetic researchers in China have made a clone of a star police dog. The clone was born in a laboratory in Beijing in December.Tests show that the clone and her mother are almost identical genetically. The mother dog helped solve multiple murders and many other crimes. The clone has already performed better than traditionally bred dogs on several tests.If the clone continues to perform as well as expected, it could mean a huge reduction in the training time for police dogs, which usually takes about five years.The ultimate goal of scientists is to produce clones of talented police dogs that can be trained in months instead of years.However, this goal is not yet possible due to the current costs of the technology.This is not the first time a clone has been made of a star police dog. In South Korea, six clones began working with the police in 2008. Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 5: What do the researchers' tests show about the cloned dog? Question 6: What is the scientists' purpose in cloning police dogs? Question 7: Why does the news report say the scientists' goal is not yet possible?Conversation One.Tom, did you see the article online about the new TV series based on the book The Three Body Problem?A colleague mentioned the book, but I've been so busy writing my thesis that 1 haven't been able to read for pleasure in months.Well, sounds like if you're going to read anything for fun, this is the book.It's written by a Chinese science fiction writer.I can't remember his name, but he's written three books in all, and The Three Body Problem is the first in the series.I don't want to say too much and spoil it for you, but it's definitely got some amazing technological and sociological concepts in it.It does sound like it would suit my taste, but if they are making a TV series based on it now, I don't know if I should read the book or watch the show first.I think it's better to read the book first.It's rare for the show or movie to be better than the book.And then, you just end up ruining the book for yourself, if the show isn't very good.When is the show supposed to start?I'm a bit overwhelmed with the amount of data I still need to collect to finish my thesis.But I still need to relax sometimes.I can't remember exactly.It's pretty soon, and it's going to be quite long.There are 24 episodes.Well, maybe you could download an electronic copy of the book and try to read it before the show starts.That's a good idea.And then, maybe we can watch the series together.Thanks for the tip, Alice.W: No problem.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 8: How did the man get to know about the book The Three Body Problem?Question 9: What does the woman say she can't remember about the book's author?Question 10: What does the man have to do to finish his thesis? Question 11: What will the man most probably do first after the conversation?Conversation Two.Hello, good afternoon.I have an inquiry to make.It's about the vegetarian food festival you are holding on the 19th of August at the Newcastle City Hall.Yes, of course. My name's Philip How can I help you?It says on your website that you are still looking for vendors, and I grow organic vegetables on my farm, as well as doing my own home baking. Would I be able to sell both the vegetables and items baked from them at the festival?That's exactly the type of thing we are looking for.We're getting close to the deadline, however.Do you prefer to fill out an application on the web, or to print it out and fill it in by hand and then post it back to us?Remember that you will have to have all your certificates to hand whenyou are filling out the forms, as the standards are high and they'll be carefully checked before anyone will be able to sell their produce at the event.I should be fine with doing it on your website, and I already have all my certificates, as we run a small farm shop too.But can you give me your details anyway?Sure. Please address it to the Organic Organization, Vendor Applications, 112 Queens Road, Newcastle, Northumbria.The postcode is NU 29 3LJ.Remember that the closing date is next Tuesday, the 28th of June. That's absolutely wonderful.Thank you so much for your help. Goodbye.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12:Why does the woman call the man?Question 13: What is the man still looking for?Question 14: What does the man say they are getting close to? Question 15: What does the man finally ask the woman to remember?Passage One.Supporters call it "wild camping"; opponents call it "illegal camping". What both sides accept is that there has been a boom in the past few months, with increasing numbers of visitors pitching their tents on any bit of land they fancy in the UK.In part, this reflects the fact that official campsites have been wholly or partially closed, or are overflowing in a summer when fewer people are going abroad.It is also cheap, at a time when many are worried about what the economic future holds.But it may also be an expression of a desire for going outdoors- a response to the months of lockdown.Most of the coverage of the boom in wild camping has been negative. Camping in public parks has now been banned for August and the early part of September because campers dump litter, human waste, and even their tents on the grassland.Similar action has been taken even in Scotland, where camping is usually permitted on most of its open land.Clearly there have to be rules.It would make sense that wild campers need to ask for permission to camp from landowners, especially outside Scotland, where the law is far more restrictive.It would be common sense for people to use small tents and leave no trace of their visit.They have been attracted by a patch of land this close to wilderness, and it is their responsibility to keep it that way.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16: Why has wild camping become popular in the UK?Question 17:Why is camping banned for part of the summer in public parks? Question 18: What does the speaker suggest campers do?Passage Two.Imagine boating down the Amazon River, minding your own business calmly keeping an eye out for alarmingly large snakes- and a curious pink dolphin appears to swim alongside.While this may seem like a mythical creature, pink dolphins do exist in the Amazon region.The Amazon river dolphin is a giant among its species.It can measure up to 2 meters long and weigh around 204 kilograms. Size isn't the only thing that sets the Amazon river dolphin apart. Thriving in South American rivers and temporary lakes caused by seasonal flooding, this freshwater dolphin is sometimes shockingly pink. Although born gray, males of the species are easily identified as they enter adulthood by a decisive pink shade.Their unusual coloring is believed to be the result of scar tissue from dolphin fights-- whether play-fighting or a serious bid for a mate. The deeper the pink, the more attractive the males are believed to be, and the older the male, the more pink it will have.There's also a theory that this color helps the dolphins more readily blend in with their surroundings.During heavy rains, rivers along the Amazon rainforest turn a pink shade, and with it male dolphins are harder to detect.The Amazon wetland system, fed by the Amazon River, is a crucial place for pink dolphins to breed, and since 2018 has been granted internationally protected status.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19: What does the passage say about pink dolphins?Question 20: What is the unusual coloring of pink dolphins believed to originate in?Question 21: What has become of the Amazon wetland system since 2018?Passage Three.In a new Merrill Lynch/Age Wave survey, a full 70% of the early adults said they received financial support from their parents in the past year and 58% said they couldn't afford their current lifestyles without it. The most common types of financial support include cell phone plans, food, school costs and car expenses.Parental financial support of early adults, said Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave, is "the new normal".But 64% of the young adults surveyed said parents' financial support tochildren age 25 to 34 is "a bad thing", because it makes those kids dependent.By contrast, only 29% thought supporting men and women age 18 to 24 is bad; the remaining 71% thought that assistance "helps the adult children get ahead".Dychtwald believes the young women and men surveyed were saying that by 25 younger adults ought to be financially independent.In fact, the respondents said, financial independence defines adulthood. "Financial independence is something they were struggling with and challenged by. And it scared them a bit," Dychtwald said.One big reason they're struggling is attributed to college loans, of which the average amounts to $37,000.Many of the parents have taken on college loans for the kids, too, sometimes at the expense of their own finances.In the survey, 60% of early adults define financial success as being debt-fee.Whether that's likely, or even possible, anytime soon, is anyone's guess. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22:What do we learn from a new survey by Merrill Lynch/Age Wave? Question 23:Why did most young adults in the survey say financial support to children aged 25 to 34 is a bad thing?Question 24: What did the respondents in the survey say regarding financial independence?Question 25: What is one big reason young adults are struggling?。

星火英语四级听力答案星火英语四级听力答案星火英语四级听力答案一Section A1. C) It links the science of climate change to economicand policy issues.2. B) It would be more costly to deal with itsconsequences than to avoid it.3. A) The transition to low-carbon energy systems.4. C) Plan well in advance.5. B) What determines success.6. D) It means being good at seizing opportunities.7. D) Practice is essential to becoming good at something.8. C) Being passionate about work can make one wealthy.Section B9. A) The stump of a giant tree.10. B) Wind and water.11. D) It was created by supernatural powers.12. C) By lifting them well above the ground.13. A) They will buy something from the convenience stores.14. A) They can bring only temporary pleasures.15. D) Small daily savings can make a big difference in one’s life.Section C16. B) They are necessary in our lives.17. B) They feel too overwhelmed to deal with life’s problems.18. A) They expand our mind.19. B) It came from a 3D printer.20. C) When she was studying at a fashion design school.21. C) It was hard and breakable.22. D) It marks a breakthrough in printing material.23. A) They arise from the advances in technology.24. D) It is intensely competitive.25. D) Sharing of costs with each other.星火英语四级听力答案二Section A1. A) They were all good at cooking.2. D) His parents’ friends.3. C) No one of the group ate it.4. D) It was rather disappointing.5. B) The business success of the woman’s shop.6. C) Keep down its expenses.7. A) They are sold at lower prices than in other shops.8. D) To maintain friendly relationships with other shops.Section B9. B) They deliver pollutants from the ocean to their nesting sites.10. C) They travel as far as 400 kilometers in search of food.11. A) They were carried by the wind.12. C) The harm Arctic seabirds may cause to humans.13. A) It has decreased.14. B) It is now the second leading cause of death for centenarians.15. C) Their minds fail before their bodies do.Section C16. A) They are focused more on attraction than love.17. C) It is not love if you don’t wish to maintain the relationship.18. D) How the relationship is to be defined if any one is missing.19. A) Social work as a profession.20. B) They help enhance the well-being of the underprivileged.21. B) They all have an academic degree in social work.22. D) Social workers’ job options and responsibilities.23. A) To fight childhood obesity.24. D) They impress kids more than they do adults.25. C) Message positive behaviors at alltimes.。

2023年6月大学英语四级考试听力原文(第1套)News Report One.A woman was charged with allegedly violating a Rhode Island city law against feeding wild animals.The 55-year-old woman's neighbors blame her for making the area's rat problem worse.Newly installed cameras captured several rats active in the middle of the day.Neighbors say that it's even worse during the night.The woman and her parents who own the home told reporters that she's being charged for feeding birds."Who would have known just loving animals gets you that much trouble," she said.It is prohibited to feed any wild animals, including birds in Rhode Island city.Nevertheless, while the woman's intention was to feed birds, it is clear that rats were also benefiting.Anthony Maretti, director of the City Administration, said he saw more than 20 rats near the woman's home.He said it will take months to get the problem under control. Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 1:What do we learn from the report about the 55-year-old woman? Question 2: What did the director of the City Administration say at the end of the news report?News Report Two.To prepare for eventually sending astronauts to Mars, NASA began taking applications Friday for four people to live for a year in Mars Dune Alpha. That's a 1,700-square-foot Martian habitat inside a building in Houston. The paid volunteers will work in environment similar to Mars.They will have limited communications with family, restricted food and resources.NASA is planning three experiments with the first one starting in the fall next year.Food will all be ready-to-eat space food.Some plants will be grown, but not potatoes like in the movie "The Martian"."We want to understand how humans perform in them," said lead scientist Grace Douglas. "We're looking at Mars realistic situations."The application process opened Friday and they're not seeking just anybody.The requirements are strict, including a master's degree in a science, engineering or math field or pilot experience.Only American citizens or permanent U.S. residents are acceptable. Applicants must be between 30 and 55 and in good physical health. "Attitude is key," said former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.He said the participants need to be super competent, resourceful, and not rely on other people to feel comfortable.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 3: What does NASA require the paid volunteers to do? Question 4: What will the participants in the project eat?News Report Three.A Japanese mayor apologize Thursday for biting the Olympic gold medal of a softball player.Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura had praised athlete Neo Goto during a public media event.He asked her to put the medal around his neck. Kawamura then bit into it. Biting a medal in front of journalists and photographers has become a common pose for Olympic medalists.However, it is only for the winners themselves, not others."I'm really sorry that I hurt the treasure of the gold medalist," Kawamura told reporters Thursday.The mayor said the medal was undamaged, though he offered to pay for the cost of a new one.Goto, however, has accepted the international Olympic committee's offer of a replacement, according to Japanese media reports.The scene broadcast on television prompted thousands of complaints to city hall.Some Olympians said they treat their medals as treasures and that it was disrespectful and unacceptable for Kawamura to bite one.“I would cry if that happened to me,” said another athlete.Now he said to Goto, I handle my own gold medal so gently that I would not scratch it.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard. Question 5:What does the news report say about the Japanese Mayor Tekashi Kawamura?Question 6: What did Mayor Takashi Kawamura offer to do?Question 7:What did some Olympians say they would do with their medals?Conversation One.What's that orange thing on your computer screen?It's something I bought yesterday. It's plastic sheet that blocks blue light. I have one that I use to cover my phone screen too.What do you mean by blue light?Blue light includes natural light, but it also includes light that isn't natural, for example, from computers, phones, televisions, and otherelectronic devices.So blue light is harmful, and that's why you want to block it?It isn't that simple. Blue light isn't necessarily bad for us.In fact, we need blue light during the day to be healthy, but too much blue light, especially from electronic devices, can harm our health by weakening our vision and making it harder for us to fall asleep.And poor sleep can cause all sorts of health problems.I'm not so sure that sleep is nearly as important as people always say it is.I haven't slept enough in months because I have too much work to do. And I feel fine. It's the same for most of my friends.Poor sleep might be a problem for older people, but surely young people can handle late nights.Well, the research I've read shows that sleep is probably even more important than we thought.And that not having enough sleep can contribute to serious health problems like obesity and heart disease.And all the artificial blue light from electronic devices means we have to try harder to sleep well.Maybe you're right. I'm on my computer very late most nights and that's probably why I don't sleep enough.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 8: What did the woman do to her computer?Question 9: What does the woman say about the blue light?Question 10: Why does the man say he hasn't slept enough for months? Question 11: What has the woman learned from the research she has read?Conversation Two.As a kid, did you know what job you wanted to do when you grew up? No, I didn't. And I got sick every time adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.It's the same with me. And I'm tired of people asking that question of my 10-year-old daughter.My daughter's stock answers are basketball player, pop singer, mechanical engineer.Adults love that last one. As it's the perfect mix of the sensible and the ambitious.When she was much younger, my daughter used to say she wanted to be queen of the clouds which I loved.That's the kind of goal-setting I like to see in children springing from their boundless imaginations.Yes, we grown-ups can be tedious and limiting in our need for reality. We teach a very gloomy image of adulthood that whatever our children's future holds, it must be seen within the context of a job.How utterly overwhelming and dull.When people ask my son what he wants to be when he grows up, I have to swallow the urge to say: "Hey, back off my kids dreams".We can't dismiss the idea that teenagers have to plan to do something after they finish school.And parents are entitled to hope it's more than simply spending 10 hours a day playing computer games.But asking "what do you want to be?" isn't going to lead a child to fulfilled life, rather at least false expectations and a high chance of disappointment.Exactly. We should be helping our kids understand who they are, even if that means letting go of who we think they should be.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard. Question 12:What question were both speakers fed up with when they were kids?Question 13:What occupation do adults see as both sensible and ambitious according to the woman?Question 14: What kind of goal-setting does the woman like to see in children?Question 15: What does the woman suggest adults should do?Passage One.Greater internet access correlate directly with improved health care, education and economic development.People living in rural areas, however, lag behind in online use, which limits their access to government services, banking and job opportunities.Nowhere is this challenge clearer than in Africa.Most Africans live in rural areas that are tough to wire for Internet access.Now some phone companies are trying to introduce Intemet ready phones into African markets.Certain companies have started selling simple smartphones for only $20. Previously, the lowest price had been around $40. Well out of reach for many people.These devices are powered by software from the Giant Electronics company, KaiOS technologies limited.Most companies are trying to make phones ever more powerful and capable, but KaiOS went the other way.It made every effort to keep the essential capabilities of smartphones, but strip out costs and preserve battery life for people who likely have inadequate access to electricity.The KaiOS devices offer an alternative to the more expensive models that remain out of reach of many Africans and contribute to the digital divide.The body of KaiOS phones is as basic as it gets. Instead of a touchscreen, they're controlled wit an old school keypad.They're designed for 3G networks because 4G coverage doesn't reach two thirds of Africa's customers.In total, KaiOS phones are made from about $15 worth of parts while Apple's top of the line iPhone has $390 worth of stuff.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 16:What are a number of phone companies trying to do in Africa? Question 17: How do KaiOS smartphones differ from smartphones of most other companies?Question 18: What are KaiOS smartphones equipped with?Passage Two.For years, using recycled plastic to make plastic products was cheap. By contrast, fossil fuel plastic was more expensive.Thus, the sustainable option was an economic option, too.But now it is cheaper for major manufacturers to use new plastic. According to one recent business report, recycled plastic now costs an extra $72 a ton compared with newly made plastic.This may be because of consumer demands.They are pushing for more recycled plastics in new products. Meanwhile, new plastic is becoming cheaper.This is because of a boom in petroleum chemical production from the U.S.. The price increase of recycled plastic could cost sustainable manufacturers an extra $250 million a year.Smaller manufacturers may also be forced to use new plastic to reduce costs.Makers of clear plastic bottles may also opt for new fossil-fuel based plastic to save money.Plastic packaging makers are being pressured to use more recycled plastic. This is done in hopes of reducing the enormous amount of plastic pollution in the oceans.The UK government plans to tax companies which don't use at least 30 % recycled plastic in their products.Additionally, the government is planning to increase the quantity of recycled plastic in the market.This could mean incentives for new recycling plants.Additionally, recycling facilities may be improved at a local council level, and recycled plastic could be imported.This would help increase the amount of recycled plastic in circulation. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 19: What is said about using recycled plastic to make plastic products in the past?Question 20: What has led to a more competitive price for new plastic?Question 21: What does the UK government plan to do about plastic?Passage Three.At the Dreamory, a business in Manhattan, naps are for sale.A 45-minutes session in a darkened enclosure with peace and quiet costs $25.To be clear, this institution is no hotel. This is a nap joint.It sells the idea of the nap as much as the nap itself.Is a nap worth $25? The answer is obviously yes.Here at this point in the argument.It's traditional for me to bring up all the studies that show the benefits of napping.But do you really need experts to tell you that?Just look at the world around you at 2:30 in the afternoon.I've been working from home for more than 10 years now, and the quality and quantity of work I can do emerges directly from my ability to concentrate.I don't understand how people have creative careers without napping. Every day at about 1 pm, everyone faces the same choice: sleep until 2 pm and then work until 5 pm, or daydream and drift around social media and attend pointless meetings until 7 pm.The friends I have who still work in offices inform me their bosses insist that they take the second option, and that napping is associated with laziness.I genuinely find it odd for if you nap properly, it's like waking up froma full night sleep, you can double your day's worth of concentration. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. Question 22:What do we learn about the Dreamory, a business in Manhattan? Question 23: Why does the speaker ask us to look at the world around us at 2:30 in the afternoon?Question 24: What do we learn about the quantity and quality of the speaker's work?Question 25: What does the speaker say he finds odd?。

2023年12月英语四级听力（第1套）听力翻译News Report1新闻报道1Have you noticed how similar you are to your friends?你有没有注意到你和你的朋友有多相似？It may be because your brains operate in harmony with each other.这可能是因为你们的大脑相互协调地运作。

We know that friends are more likely to be the same age,gender and ethnic background as each other.我们知道，朋友之间更可能有相同的年龄、性别和种族背景。

Now it seems their brains are alike,too.现在看来，大脑也很相似。

Researchers at the University of California scanned the brains of42classmates while they watched videos intended to provoke varying responses.加州大学的研究人员扫描了42位同学的大脑，同时让他们观看旨在引起不同反应的视频。

Some people might find a romantic scene touching,for instance,while others would feel it was embarrassing.例如，有些人可能会觉得浪漫的场景很感人，而另一些人则会觉得尴尬。

The activity of friends'brains was more similar than that of people who didn't know each other, particularly in regions involved in attention,emotion and language.朋友之间的大脑活动比不认识的人更相似，尤其是在涉及注意力、情感和语言的区域。

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

【星火英语版】2016年6月大学英语四级真题参考答案Part ⅡListening Comprehension（听力部分共有两套）四级第一套Section A1. C) Rising unemployment worldwide.2. A) Many countries have not taken measures to create enough jobs.3. B) Put calorie information on the menu.4. A) They will be fined.5. D) Failure to integrate innovation into their business.6. B) It is the creation of something new.7. C) Its innovation culture.Section B8. D) He does not talk long on the phone.9. B) Talk at length.10. A) He thought it was cool.11. C) It is childish and unprofessional.12. B) He is unhappy with his department manager.13. A) His workload was much too heavy.14. C) His boss has a lot of trust in him.15. D) Talk to his boss in person first.Section C16. A) The importance of sleep to a healthy life.17. C) They get less and less sleep.18. D) Their blood pressure will rise.19. B) What course you are going to choose.20. D) The personal statement.21. C) Indicate they have reflected and thought about the subject.22. B) It was built in the late 19th century.23. D) They often broke down.24. A) They were produced on the assembly line.25. C) It marked a new era in motor travel.四级第二套Section A1. C) Why sufficient sleep is important for college students.2. C) Making last-minute preparations for tests may be less effective than sleeping.3. B) Whether the British irports Authority should sell off some of its assets.4. D) Lack of runway and terminal capacity.5. D) Report the nicotine content of their cigarettes.6. A) The biggest increase in nicotine content tended to be in brands young smokers like.7. B) They were not prepared to comment on the cigarette study.Section B8. A) Holland.9. D) Learning a language where it is not spoken.10. C) Trying to speak it as much as one can.11. A) It provides opportunities for language practice.12. B) Rules and regulations for driving.13.C) Make cars that are less powerful.14. D) They tend to drive responsibly.15. C) It is not useful.Section C16. D) The card reader failed to do the scanning.17. B) By covering the credit card with a layer of plastic.18. A) Produce many low-tech fixes for high-tech failures.19. A) They vary among different departments.20.D) By contacting the deparmental office.21. B) They specify the number of credits students must earn.22. C) Students in health classes.23. A) Its overemphasis on thinness.24. B) To explain how computer images can be misleading.25. C) To promote her own concept of beauty.Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension四级第一套Section A26.O) tend27.M) review28.L) performance29.K) particularly30.N) survive31.E) dropping32.J) mutually33.H) flow34.F) essential35.I) moodSection B36.E）“We thought we would see differences based on thehousing types,” said the lead author of the study, Julie Robison, an associate professor of medicine at the university. ......37.L）Of course, sons and daughters want to visit the facilities, talk to the administrators and residents and other families, and do everything possible to fulfill their duties. ......38.B）Does assisted living really mark a great improvement over a nursing home, or has the industry simply hired better interior designers? ......39.H）An elderly person who describes herself as in poor health, therefore, might be no less depressed in assisted living (even if her children preferred it) than in a nursing home. ......40.N）The daughter feared her mother would be ignored there, and so she decided to move her into a more welcoming facility. Based on what is emerging from some of this research, that might have been as rational a way as any to reach a decision.41.J）As I was considering all this, a press release from a respected research firm crossed my desk， announcing that the five-star rating system that Medicare developed in 2008 to help families......42.F）In the initial results, assisted living residents did paint the most positive picture. They were less likely to report symptoms of depression than those in the other facilities, for instance, and less likely to be bored or lonely. They scored higher on social interaction.43.C）I am about to make things more complicated by suggesting that what kind of facility an older person lives in may matter less than we have assumed. ......44.I）Such findings, which run counter to common sense, have surfaced before. In a multi-state study of assisted living, for instance, University of North Carolina researchers found that a host of variables—the facility's type, size or age; ......45.G）But when the researchers plugged in a number of other variables, such differences disappeared. It is not the housing type, they found, that creates differences in residents' responses. ......Section C46. C) It can be avoided if human values are translated into their language.47.D) They are ill-bred.48. C) By picking up patterns from massive data on human behavior.49. B) Stop to seek advice from a human being.50. A) Determine what is moral and ethical.51. A) to see whether people's personality affects their life span52. D) They are more likely to get over hardship.53. C) Such personality characteristics as self-discipline have no effect on longevity.54. D) Mothers' negative personality characteristics may affect their children's life span.55. B) Longevity results from a combination of mental and physical health.四级第二套Section A26.G) growing27.A) dependent28.C) fast29.F) give30.H) launch31.N) successful32.I) policyl33.B) designed34.O) treatments35.E) gainedSection B36.D)As we begin to examine our life, Soupios says, we come to Rule No. 2: Worry only about things that you can control. ......37.B)The wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers is timeless, says Soupios. The philosophy professor says it is as relevant today as when it was first written many centuries ago. ......38.F)To have a meaningful, happy life we need friends. But according to Aristotle—a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great—most relationships don't qualify as true friendships. ......39.A) Is it possible to enjoy a peaceful life in a world that isincreasingly challenged by threats and uncertainties from wars, terrorism, ......40.L)“This is Aesop, the fabulist (寓言家), the man of these charming little tales, often told in terms of animals and animal re lationships,” he says. ......41.H)“This was the highest and most desirable form of pleasure and happiness for the ancient Epicureans,” Soupios says. “This is something that is very much well worth considering here ......42.C)Soupios, along with his co-author Panos Mourdoukoutas, developed their 10 golden rules by turning to the men behind that philosophy—Aristotle, Socrates, Epictetus and Pythagoras, ......43.K)Instead, Soupios says, ancient wisdom urges us to do good. Golden Rule No. 10 for a good life is that kindness toward others tends to be rewarded.44.B)The wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers is timeless, says Soupios. The philosophy professor says it is as relevant today as when it was first written many centuries ago. ......45.J)“This is Hesiod, of course, a younger contemporary poet, we believe, with Homer,” Soupios says. “Hesiod offers an idea—which you very often find in some of the world's great religions,......Section C46. D) It usually draws different reactions from different age groups.47. A) It does not seem to create a generational divide.48. B) It helps with their mobility.49. A) The location of their residence.50. C) The wealthy.51. C) Their daily routine followed the rhythm of the natural cycle.52. B) It brought family members closer to each other.53. D) Pace of life.54. B) It is varied, abundant and nutritious.55. A) They enjoyed cooking as well as eating.四级第三套Section A26.M) provide27.A) abandoned28.I) frequent29.L) merely30.C) biased31.G) dependent32.F) dampens33.E) commitment34.N) understandably35.D) chancesSection B36.［F］In contrast, the recent surge in world grain prices is trend-driven, making it unlikely to reverse without a reversal inthe trends themselves.......37.［K］In response to those restrictions, grain-importing countries are trying to nail down long-term trade agreements that would lock up future grain supplies. ......38.［C］As demand for food rises faster than supplies are growing, the resulting food-price inflation puts severe stress on the governments of many countries. ......39.［L］Since the current world food shortage is trend-driven, the environmental trends that cause it must be reversed. We must cut carbon emissions by 80% from their 2006 levels by 2020, ......40.［B］I can no longer ignore that risk. Our continuing failure to deal with the environmental declines that are undermining the world food economy forces me to conclude that such a collapse is possible.41.［H］What about supply? The three environmental trends—the shortage of fresh water, the loss of topsoil and the rising temperatures—are making it increasingly hard to expand the world's grain supply fast enough to keep up with demand. ......42.［M］For many in the development community, the four objectives were seen as positive, promoting development as long as they did not cost too much. Others saw them as politically correct and morally appropriate. ......43.［J］As the world's food security falls to pieces, individual countries acting in their own self-interest are actually worsening the troubles of many. The trend began in 2007, when leading wheat-exporting countries such as Russia and Argentina limited or banned their exports, ......44.［L］Since the current world food shortage is trend-driven, the environmental trends that cause it must be reversed. We must cut carbon emissions by 80% from their 2006 levels by 2020, ......45.［G］As incomes rise among low-income consumers, the potential for further grain consumption is huge. But that potential pales beside the never-ending demand for crop-based fuels. A fourth of this year's U.S. grain harvest will go to fuel cars.Section C46. B) It weakens in one's later years.47. D) Some of them begin to decline when people are still young.48. C) They function quite well even in old age.49. D) can put what they have learnt into more effective use50. A) find ways to slow down our mental decline51. C) Scholars and policymakers have different opinions about it.52. A) Pre-K achievements usually do not last long.53. B) When it is made part of kids' education.54. D) She is a firm supporter of pre-K.55. C) Early intervention.Part Ⅳ Translation四级第一套功夫(Kung Fu)是中国武术（martial arts）的俗称。

2023年12月大学英语四级考试真题第1套(含答案)Part I Writing (30 minutes).Directions:Suppose the university newspaper is inviting submissions from the students far its coming edition on a campus event that has impressed them most. You are now to write an essay for submission. You will have 30 minutes to write the essay. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes).Section A.Directions:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B),C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Their brains work in harmony.B) They are generally the same age.C) Their interests are quite similar.D) They have the same ethnic background.2. A) It can be touching.B) It is hard to predict.C) It can work both ways.D) It resembles family ties.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Search for their half-brothers.B) Identify their biological fathers.C) Find out more about their ancestry.D) See whether they are actually related.4. A) They were both given up for adoption.B) They were born to the same mother.C) They flew 737 airplanes as pilots.D) They were both 60 years of age.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) One of his friends was caught littering.B) Other tourists refused to join in the cleanup.C) The beautiful beach was spoiled with lots of trash.D) The kilometer-long beach was practically deserted.6. A) A passerby.B) A local woman.C) The beach authorities.D) One of the five tourists.7. A) The tourists9 good deed was not noticed by the locals.B) Some natives were selling poor-quality food to tourists.C) The number of tourists to the beach is on a steady decline.D) It was tourists not natives who were cleaning up the beach.Section B.Directions:In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B),C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) He has to play football with workmates.B) He has got some books to read.C) He is going to visit a friend.D) He is physically unfit for it.9. A) To teach kids about animal protection.B) To learn how popular zoos could be.C) To see some rare animals in cages.D) To give her little nephew a treat.10. A) He enjoys excellent health.B) He is keen on extreme sports.C) He coaches tennis players every week.D) He spends most of his time in the gym.11. A) Tending to his swollen ankle.B) Concentrating on reading.C) Writing three book reports.D) Planning Christmas celebrations.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) It is being debated by hundreds of retirees.B) It is attracting many people's attention.C) It partly records his own experience.D) It argues for postponing retirement.13. A) One should foresee a financial crisis.B) One should trust financial planners, figures.C) One should have one million dollars to retire.D) One should start saving as early as possible.14. A) It doesn't need to be permanent.B) It shouldn't be considered risky.C) It helps to reduce travel expenses.D) It is the way to quit a job one hates.15. A) By keeping close contact with one's employers.B) By retiring when one reaches sixty years old.C) By investing half of one's monthly income.D) By following the counsel of financial planners.Section C.Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) They tended to be easily anticipated by those belonging to their own race.B) They tended to be arbitrarily judged by individuals of opposing groups.C) They were readily shared among members of the same social or racial group.D) They were influenced by the presence of someone from an outsider group.17. A) When they tried to make a positive impression on the researchers.B) When an unknown student from another university was present.C) When an experimenter from the research team took notice.D) When they were offered both candy and fruit as a snack.18. A) By advertising its social benefits.B) By teaching consumers diet strategies.C) By supporting struggling consumers.D) By maintaining its positive image.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) The academic and learning issues struggling students encounter.B) The risk students face due to a history of mental health problems.C) The effect of interacting with therapy dogs on students under pressure.D) The work universities are doing to help students succeed academically.20. A) Their communicative skills.B) Their executive functioning.C) Their academic networking.D) Their leadership capacities.21. A) Rid students of their anxiety.B) Add to some students' stress.C) Contribute little to typical students5 success.D) Help students with mental issues pull through.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Work hard and plan carefully.B) Attempt to succeed at any cost.C) Aim high and expect great results.D) Remain optimistic even in difficulty.23. A) Regarding failure as something inevitable.B) Trying out innovative marketing strategies.C) Venturing into sectors never explored before.D) Being willing to experiment with novel ideas.24. A) Expect future success so as to move forward.B) Learn from our failure and forge ahead.C) Distinguish between good and bad risks.D) Examine our strategies and find out weaknesses.25. A) Fresher offers.B) Safer operation.C) More challenges.D) Less competition.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes).Section A.Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list o f choices given in a word bank fallowing the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre. You may not use any o f the words in the bank more than once.Exercising for just 10 minutes a week is linked to a longer life, according to a new study published in The British Journal o f Sports Medicine.Several recent studies have found that even low-intensity exercise, done for a short amount of time, can have a meaningful____26____ on health. Still, the idea that exercising for just 10 minutes a week may be enough to increase your lifespan is novel. Ifs also somewhat____27____. since the federal physical activity guidelines recommend getting at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of____28____exercise each week.The study was based on data from more than 88,000 U.S. adults who____29____ in the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2008.Contrary to some research that has found an____30____limit to the amount of exercise that is healthy, the researchers found that therewas____31____no limit to the longevity (长寿)benefits of exercise. Even the small group of people who got 10 times the amount of exercise recommended by the federal government had a 46% lower ____32____ of death than the least active group.Still, observational studies like this one cannot prove cause and effect; they can only find____33____. The researchers also were not able to____34____for certain lifestyle factors that could affect lifespan, including dietary habits and changes in physical activity over time. Despite these____35____. the study,s results are yet another indication of the power of physical activity, even in small amounts.A) adjustB) alterC) approximatelyD) controversialE) coordinatesF) impactG) limitationsH) moderateI) participatedJ) patternsK) populatedL) riskM) seeminglyN) typeO) upperSection B.Directions: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one o f the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.How Climate Change Will Affect What You EatA) Earlier this year, scientists warned that one in six animal species could go extinct (灭绝的)due to climate change. Could the same thing happen to our crops and other foodstuffs too?B) It's clear that farmers in many parts of the world are going to find things harder in the coming decades. Last week, BBC Future explored one scientist's efforts to help crops cope with the increased probability of droughts. By using the genes from resurrection (复活)plants, Jill Farrant of the University of Cape Town is exploring whether she can design crops to survive for much longer periods without water.C) But if we can't find ways to protect other foods, will they surviveclimate change? Fortunately, there is some good news on this front. Despite alarmist headlines about "foods that are going extinct,"there is no evidence that major food types like beans, chocolate, wine, com or wheat will cease to exist.D) But that doesn't mean it's all good news for future food. We will probably have to change where we grow certain crops, as some regions get too hot. The disadvantage, obviously, is that local farmers will suffer under this situation. And some people may struggle to get the same access to certain foods. "Even if overall food production may be unaffected, food security can still be impacted," says Margaret Walsh, a scientist at the US Department of Agriculture's Climate Change Program Office. In other words, even if a certain food is still grown on some comer of the Earth, it doesn't mean that everyone will continue to have the same degree of access as today.E) Overall, the yields of many foods, from staples to life-enhancing extras such as coffee and chocolate, will likely be impacted by climate change too. How those decreases will be felt will depend on the degree of .warming and the crop in question, but in general, "anything over about 30℃ is very bad for crops," says Wolfram Schlenker, an associate professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. For example, statistical studies that he and a colleague built of com and soybean （大豆）production in the US show a steep decline after crossing the 30℃ temperature threshold （临界点）.F) In the US—the world's largest producer of com and soybeans- farms can move north to some degree, Schlenker says. But eventually, yields will likely suffer because the soil north of Iowa declines in quality— a legacy of glacial （冰川的）expansion. Other studies, including studies of wheat in India and com in Africa, also found that there is a threshold above which yields sharply decline: crops can adapt and move, but only to a point. "What's common to all studies is the finding that extreme heat is damaging to crop growth, although exact cutoffs vary by crop," Schlenker says. "If predictions for the end of the century are true, though, I think a lot of agricultural areas in the US will see significant hits.".G) Under current conditions, about 4% of the world's croplands experience drought in any given year, but by the end of the century those conditions are forecasted to jump to about 18% per year. Some studies indicate that horticulture crops- generally, everything besides staples- may be impacted most severely, largely because they tend to be confined to a smaller geographic area. Researcher Andrew Jarvis and his colleagues found that 80% of coffee-growing zones in Central America and Brazil could become unsuitable by 2050, for example, while climate change will likely have "great impacts" on cocoa （可可粉）production in West Africa. "High quality chocolate will be less available in the future, and if you want it, you'll have to pay a lot more for it," Jarvis says.H) This means that, for those who can afford it, some foods will simply cost them more in the future. But for poorer people, those same price jumps will likely cause certain foods to go extinct from their diets. "The more you reduce, the shorter the supply, and the higher the price will jump," Schlenker says.I) Another potential climate change-induced problem is our dependence on commodity crops——wheat, soybeans, com and rice——which currently provide humanity with 75% of its calories, either directly or indirectly through the animals we raise on those crops. Jarvis and his colleagues also found that, over the past five decades, the world has seen an increasing standardisation of diets; the foods we eat globally today are 36% more similar than they were in 1961. While this can be good news for the world's poorest people who now consume more calories, protein and fat than in the past, homogeneity （同一性）and over-dependence on a handful of staples leaves us vulnerable to threats such as drought, disease and pests- all of which are predicted to worsen in many parts of the world as a result of climate change.J) There are ways we could soften the coming blow to the global food supply, however. Like Farrant's work with resurrection crops, a number of companies, organisations and researchers are aiming to create drought- and temperature-resistant crops through genetic engineering and conventional breeding. For now, the jury is still out as to how successful those endeavours will be. "The people at Monsanto who I've talked to are much more optimistic that they'll be able to engineer heat-tolerant crops,Schlenker says. "On the other hand, scientists at the USDA who I've spoken with are much more cautious.".K) Until genetic engineering comes to fruition, other strategies might also help in some places, including applying more fertiliser, implementing better irrigation, using machinery that gets crops out of the field faster or installing storage facilities to delay spoilage. "Many places could benefit a great deal just by using technologies that already exist," Walsh says. "General farm management can go a long way toward easing changes.".L) Finally, diversifying our diet away from heat-sensitive wheat, com, rice and other crops could also help."We've seen profound changes in the last decades in what we eat largely as a result of international trade, and I think that trend toward more diversification will continue,M Jarvis says. "Depending on a greater number of plant species creates a more vigorous and less risky food system- and one that provides a broader range of nutritional requirements.".36. One consequence of climate change is that some people may not have adequate access to certain foods.37. People around the world are eating foods more similar than what theyused to eat.38. A recent news report talked about scientific efforts to help crops survive droughts through genetic engineering.39. It is predicted that climate change will affect the availability and price of quality chocolate.40. People wonder if certain crops and foodstuffs could disappear like some animal species due to climate change.41. Although farms in the US can move a bit northward, crop yields may decrease.42. One possible solution to the food security problem is diversification of diet.43. It remains unsettled whether the global food supply problem can be solved by creating heat-tolerant crops through genetic engineering. 44. Poor people may have to give up eating certain foods because of their high prices.45. A number of existing farming technologies could be used to reduce the negative effect of climate change on food production.Section C.Directions:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage One.Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.One of my bad habits is saying "busy" when people ask me how Fm doing. Sometimes ifs because I actually am busy, but other times it's because that's what I think I'm supposed to say. That's what important people say. That's what people who get promoted say. But working long hours doesn't drive better results.Never taking a vacation won't lead to a promotion. So why are we so proud to talk about how busy we are all the time?In 2016, researchers from Columbia, Harvard, and Georgetown conducted a study to figure it out. They found busy people are perceived to be of high status, and interestingly, these status attributions are heavily influenced by our own beliefs about social mobility. In other words, the more we believe that one has the opportunity for success based on hard work, the more we tend to think that people who skip leisure and work all the time are of higher standing.That's why we feel like we have to appear busy, and there's a real perception that if someone is knee-deep in meetings, emails, and stress, then they're probably a big deal. This culture of busyness is making ithard for employees to find work-life balance. According to a recent study, one in five highly engaged employees is at risk of burnout (精疲力竭).Personally, Tm going to stop saying "busy" when people ask me how I am. It sounds self-righteous (自以为是的) and sets the wrong tone. Phrases like "I have limited access to email" and 'TH respond as soon as I get back" sound like you're being held against your will from working as opposed to making the most of your time off.That's why we recently launched the Out of Office Email Generator, a free tool you can use before your next long weekend or trip. You can share loud and proud that you won't be checking email until you're back.Managers need to think twice about emailing their teams on the weekend and talking about how busy they are.Leaders should take time off themselves and encourage employees to do the same.46. What is a reason for the author to be in the habit of saying "busy" when asked how he is doing?A) He just follows successful people's example.B) He is actually proud to be fully occupied.C) He thinks everyone should be devoted to work.D) He believes busyness ensures accomplishments.47. Why do we tend to think that busy people are of high status?A) Our status can be attributed to our social mobility.B) We hold the belief that hard work leads to success.C) Our own opportunity for success never comes easily.D) We find few people of high status have time for leisure.48. What do we learn about the culture of busyness from a recent study?A) It places employees in endless meetings, emails and stress.B) It compels some 20% of employees to appear always busy.C) It distorts many employees? belief of what a satisfying life is.D) It does much harm to many busy employees' well-being.49. What do such utterances as "I have limited access to email" sound like according to the author?A) One is too busy to check all emails in time.B) One is opposed to the prevailing work culture.C) One is forced by circumstances to stop working.D) One is simply enjoying their time off work.50. Why did the author and his colleagues launch the Out of Office Email Generator?A) To enable busy employees to spend less time checking emails.B) To ensure employees as well as employers truly have time off.C) To stop managers from talking about how busy their teams usually are.D) To encourage both employers and employees to answer emails promptly.Passage Two.Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Female employees consistently pay lower airfares than men do for the same flights because they tend to book earlier.We compared the airfare paid by employees in the same position within a company for the same class of travel and used a common statistical technique to account for other factors that might affect differences in airfares. We found that women paid on average $18 less per ticket than their male colleagues. Further investigation allowed us to conclude that this gap is largely explained by the fact that women tended to book earlier than men, 1.8 days on average.We wanted to determine what was causing these gender differences in booking business trips so we tested a variety of possible explanations, such as women choosing to plan ahead or male frequent travelers being inclined to book late. None of these explained away the gender gap, so we applied data collected from surveys that express consumer preferences that play a central role in economic decisions, such as patience and risk avoidance.We found that only the concept of "negative reciprocity"—in which an employee who feels unfairly treated engages in negative behaviors, such as spending their company's money less carefully- explains these differences. The surveys showed men tend to exhibit more of these negative behaviors than women. This isn't to say that all men engage in these behaviors- or that booking relatively late is a sign of abnormal behavior. It only means that the gender gap disappears when we plug in the negative reciprocity variable.Prior research on negative reciprocity among workers found that it can result in lower employee motivation, business performance and workplace morale (士气)and culture.Our results show another way these negative behaviors can manifest themselves, like in airline bookings, and add to evidence that women are less likely to engage in them.Companies spend significant sums of money on business travel. While that $18 difference per ticket may seem small, it adds up. Our analysis suggests early booking by women can translate into savings of $1 million a year for a large multinational company with 20,000 regular travelers.51. What did the author's team conclude about the gender difference in airfares from their further investigation?A) It is largely attributed to women booking earlier than men.B) It is largely explained by women's choosing cheaper flights.C) It is mainly accounted for by male employees, readiness to pay more.D) It is due to the fact that women care more about their company's money.52. What did the researchers want to determine by testing a variety ofpossible explanations?A) What made male frequent travelers book air tickets late.B) What caused women to plan ahead in booking business trips.C) What motivated women to book cheaper flights.D) What accounted for the gender gap in airfares.53. What happened when the negative reciprocity variable was taken into account?A) Both men and women were found to engage in negative behaviors.B) Neither men nor women viewed booking late as a bad behavior.C) The gender difference in airfare expenses no longer existed.D) The gender gap tended to narrow to a significant degree.54. What did prior research on negative reciprocity among workers find?A) It can do more harm to the workplace than to employees.B) It contributes to the male-female divide in the workplace.C) It proves to be counterproductive in a number of ways.D) It can result in increasing labor-management conflicts.55. What does the author emphasize about their analysis in the last paragraph?A) It can help companies increase their savings significantly.B) It can duly contribute to companies? business performance.C) It can translate women's booking practice into men's behavior.D) It can enhance large multinational companies competitiveness.Part IV Translation (30 minutes).Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国政府十分重视人民的健康饮食（diet）。

Learning SympathyA big part of being human is feeling sympathy, / but how early on in our lives do we learn this? / Scientists find that babies respond to other people / by crying when other babies cry. / However, babies can’t distinguish between themselves and others / until they’re eighteen to twenty months old. / Toddlers start to show concern for others around this time. / Kids also begin to do things like comforting other people. / And by the time they’re three, / most children will try to protect a victim in a fight.SECTION A TALK1. a physical classroom2. a coherent concept3. personalized curriculum4. (more) meaningful practice5.feedback6.collaborating7. question and answer8. fundamental human right9. lifelong learning10. innovationSECTION B CONVERSATIONS1.What’s wrong with the man’s computer?答案：A. It has wiped the data from the flash drive.2.How will the man be compensated if the computer can’t be fixed?答案：C. Get a new computer.3.How did the man feel about the woman’s offer of compensation?答案：D. Dissatisfied.4.When will the service engineer come to fix the computer?答案：B. After 8:30 tomorrow morning.5.What is the man’s phone number?答案：A. 6574-3205.6.What should we do if our neighbors didn’t reach out?答案：B. Introduce ourselves first.7.Which is the best way to handle a noisy neighbor?答案：C. Give him a reason to stop.8.What should we do if we have a nosy neighbor?答案：D. Don’t answer their questions.9.How long do we expect our neighbors to stay?答案：B. Five to ten minutes.10.Where can we get more information on this topic?答案：D. CBS news website.11. B. Whatever12. A. on which13. C. women drivers14. B. present event for tentativeness15. D. make a suggestion16. B. disappointment17. D. would later make18. C. to have been created19. A. would have been...had been20. C. that21. B. characters22. D. ensure23. B. relieve24. A. releases25. C. indicative26. B. eye27. A. critically28. C. on29. D. bound30. A. invariably31.［F］implications32.［N］single33.［B］barely34.［L］online35.［C］demise36.［M］rising37.［I］naturally38.［G］leaf39.［H］lost40.［J］objectSECTION A MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONSPASSAGE ONE41. In Para. 4, the phrase “hit the jackpot” means according to the context.答案：B. found the treasure42. It can be concluded from Paras. 5 and 6 that .答案：D. people hold entirely different views on the issue43. How did the author feel about the treasure from the Atocha (Para. 7)?答案：A. She was glad that people can have a chance to see the treasure.PASSAGE TWO44. It can be learned from the beginning that Miriam’s attitude towards love between her and Paul is .答案：C. pessimistic45. The narration in Para.3 tells us that Miriam had all the following feelings EXCEPT .答案：A. delight46. Which of the following statements is CORRECT about the family’s response to Paul’s mockery?答案：B. Every member except Miriam was amused.PASSAGE THREE47. Why does the author give two examples in Para. 2?答案：A. To show that literacy is interpreted in different ways.48. According to the author, the following are some of the defining features of literacy EXCEPT .答案：D. independent49. Which of the following statements about reading and writing is CORRECT?答案：C. Reading often requires more immediate interaction than writing.50.What do the last two paragraphs mainly focus on (Paras. 10 and 11)?答案：B. Effects of illiteracy and associated problems.SECTION B SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS说明：简答题答案不唯一，意思对即可。

星火英语美文听力4篇摘抄篇一：10星火英语四级美文听力第10篇strugglinginAmerica strugglinginAmericaTheunitedstatesofAmericaisoftenseenasanationinwhi chthepursuitofhappinessisnotadreambutareality.Thesadtruthisthatalthough portrayedasanunusuallyeasylife,lifeinAmericaisasmuchofastruggleasinan yothernation.Forexample,higherleveleducationforAmericansdoes failstomeetthecriteriaheisleftwithonlypersonalresourcestodrawfrom. scheduleandfamilylife. TheseareoftenthedifficultiesthatarenotportrayedthroughtheTVandmovies. Thesearemoremoney,justasmuchisspentinsurviving. ThirdlyisthebeliefthatintheAmericanwayoflifeeveryonehasagoodjob.withtheincreasingadvancementsintechnology,awell-payingjo bforthosecurrentlyintheworkisrequiringatleastatwo-yeardegreefromcolleg e,inordertomakeenoughtolivecomfortably.eventhenwell-paidjobsarenoteasytofind,asitissometimesbelievedavailable[?'vei l?bl]adj.有效的，可得的；可利用的；空闲的1.Ifsettoanemptystring,thefunctionenumeratesonefontineachavailabletype facename.如果设置一个空字符串，函数在每个可用的字体名称中枚举一种字体。

Unit1HappinessPart 1Teacher: Hi, good morning. Did you hear about the lottery winner last night? The man won…what? … Two million dollars…?Student: No, three.Teacher: Three million dollars? Three million. That's a lot of money isn't it? Do you think that three million dollars would make you happy? … I'm asking you this because when you ask people what they need to be happy, many people will answer" more money!" We assume that money will make us happier. But is this true? Will winning the lottery help you achieve happiness?Today we're going to look at the idea of happiness, at the psychology of happiness--what makes some people happier than others. We'll look at three personality factors that we find in happy people. To find out about these personality factors, psychologists talked to hundreds of people. Now, first, they asked the people how happy they felt--you know, from "very happy" to "not happy at all." Then they asked some more questions, They wanted to find out about people's personalities, such as their attitudes about life, and so on. They looked at the differences between happy people and unhappy people. They found three factors that are very important for achieving happiness. So…let's look at those factor s now.The first personality factor is that happy people are…satisfied with themselves. This means that they like themselves as they are, and they’re happy with what they have. Happy people may not like everything about their lives-they may be a little bit overweight, or may not have the best job, or may not live in a big, fancy house, but they don't need to change those things to be happy. They think more about the things they are satisfied with, not the changes they want to make. This feeling of happiness comes from the inside, not from something outside.Part 2Teacher: So…happy people feel satisfied with themselves. On the other hand, unhappy people are often dissatisfied with themselves. They...uh...feel that something must change so they can be happy. They think if they lose some weight orget a better job or a nicer house they will be happy. They are always looking for something outside themselves to make them happy.But the problem is-they never find it! No matter what they get, they're still dissatisfied and unhappy.The second personality factor is that happy people are optimistic-they look at the positive side of life, not the negative. Now, we all have problems, whether we're happy or not. But when happy people have problems, they assume that things will improve. They don’t worry a lot and think about all the bad things that can happen. Instead, they have a positive attitude. However, unhappy people are the opposite. They are not optimistic and don't have a positive attitude. When they have a problem, they think about how bad everything is and assume that it'll get worse. So they make themselves even more unhappy when they think about all the bad things that might happen.Finally, the third personality factor is that happy people have good relationships with other people. They try to have close, loving relationships with friends and family. Studies show that close, loving relationships are one of the most important factors in achieving happiness. So happy people don't spend all their time building their careers or trying to make money. They also spend time building relationships with friends and family. Now, on the other hand, unhappy people don't have as many close relationships. They may have trouble making friends. Or they may spend all their time working and then find that they're very lonely and unhappy. But for whatever reason, they don't have close relationships and this makes them unhappy. So…what does this tell us? Well, if you want to be happier, don't assume that winning the lottery will help. There are other, more important factors for achieving happiness. Now, let's take a break, and when we come back we'll talk more about the factors that make a person happy…1.What did psychologists want to find out ?a.Which people are happyb.What makes people happyc.How people define happiness2.How do happy people feel about their lives?a.They like everything.b.They want to change.c.They are satisfied.3.Why are happy people optimistic?a.They have few problems.b.They don’t worry much.c.They have negative attitudes.4.What factor is most important for happiness?a.Good relationshipsb.A successful careerc.A lot of money5.Describe how psychologists learned what makes people happy.Psychologists asked hundreds of people how happy they are.Then they asked questi ons to find out about their personalities.They looked at the differences between hap py people and unhappy people.6.What three personality factors do happy people have?Happy people are satisfied with themselves.They are also optimistic about their prob lems.In addition,they have good relationships with their friends and family.。