外交学院法语硕士考研2011真题—《二外英语》(代码248)

《二外英语》（代码248）

Part I. Multiple Choices (20%, 1 point each)

Section A

Directions: In this section, there are 10 incomplete sentences. For each sentence there are four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D]. Choose the ONE answer that best completes the sentence.

1 Our plan for a picnic was ruined by the unexpected rain; we _____ stay on campus.

[A] couldn’t help[B] couldn’t help but to

[C] would prefer [D] might as well

2 Had Paul received six more votes in the last elections, he _____ our chairman now.

[A] must have been [B] would have been

[C] were [D] would be

3 _____ the great inventions, he remained very modest and gave all the credit to his colleagues and played down his own part in it.

[A] To speak of [B] Speaking of

[C] Spoken of [D] Having spoken of

4 As long as we are alive, we are learning and, in fact, some of our most important learning takes place outside of school _____ in school.

[A] other than [B] more than

[C] rather than [D] better than

5 The manager of the opera house has directed that late arrivals _____ at the door until the intermission.

[A] be made to wait [B] were made waiting

[C] are made to wait [D] should be made waiting

6 Cultural values can be defined as assumptions _____ is right or wrong shared by the members of a society.

[A] about whichever [B] concerning whatever

[C] on which [D] as to what

7 What do we live for _____ life less difficult for each other?

[A] if not to make [B] unless making

[C] as long as to make [D] even if making

8 Once acquired, a habit becomes nearly automatic. _____ our capacity to acquire automatic responses, humans would be unable to compete successfully in the struggle for existence.

[A] Was it not with [B] Were it not for

[C] If it were for [D] If it were not with

9 Some scientists think that trial-and-error methods help to show how intelligent _____.

[A] is an animal [B] will an animal be

[C] an animal is [D] an animal will be

10 _____, women are better able to handle stress than men.

[A] Strange as it may seem [B] As strange it may seem

[C] It may seem as strange [D] May it seem as strange

Section B

Directions: In this section, you are required to select the one word or phrase that would best match the meaning of the underlined part in the original sentence.

11 Before the advent of synthetic fibers, people had to rely entirely on natural products for making fabrics.

[A] modern [B] flexible

[C] colored [D] artificial

12 High in the sky a number of birds was flying southward.

[A] pack [B] crowd

[C] flock [D] herd

13 Calipers are instruments that can be used to gauge the distance between two surfaces.

[A] create [B] measure

[C] fill [D] enclose

14 Most doctors were dubious about the effectiveness of the new medicine.

[A] anxious [B] pessimistic

[C] doubtful [D] ignorant

15 We can rely on William to carry out this mission, for his judgment is always sound.

[A] unmistakable [B] unreasonable

[C] unquestionable [D] healthy

16 Louis looked solemnly at the people around him.

[A] slowly [B] weakly

[C] happily [D] seriously

17 Despite dangers and difficulties, the soldiers were resolute.

[A] uncomplaining [B] untiring

[C] well-disciplined [D] determined

18 The professor tried to stimulate interest in archaeology by taking his students on expeditions.

[A] simulate [B] fake

[C] encourage [D] diminish

19 It provides an objective, unbiased, factual and accurate service.

[A] prompt [B] impeccable

[C] impartial [D] efficient

20 The Civil War in 1863 cut the United States into two nations – a southern Confederacy and a northern Union.

[A] severed [B] acknowledged

[C] integrated [D] alienated

Part II. Cloze (15%, 1 point each)

Directions: There are 15 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D] below the paper. You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage.

In 1915 Einstein made a trip to Gattingen to give some lectures at the invitation of the mathematical physicist David Hilbert. He was particularly eager—too eager, it would turn (21) ________to explain all the intricacies of relativity to him. The visit was a triumph, and he said to a friend excitedly. “I was able to (22) ________ Hilbert of the general theory of relativity.”(23) ________ all of Einstein’s personal turmoil at the time, a new scientific anxiety was about to (24) ________. He was struggling to find the right equations that would (25) ________ his new concept of gravity, ones that would define how objects move (26) ________ space and how space is curved by objects. By the end of the summer, he realized the mathematical approach he had been pursuing for almost three years was flawed. And now there was a (27) ________ pressure. Einstein discovered to his (28) ________ that Hilbert had taken what he had lectured and was racing to come up (29) ________ the correct equations first.

It was an enormously complex task. Although Einstein was the better physicist, Hilbert was the better mathematician. So in October 1915, Einstein (30) ________ himself into a month-long-frantic endeavor in (31) ________ he returned to an earlier mathematical strategy and wrestled with equations, proofs, corrections and updates that he rushed to give as lectures to Berlin’s Prussian Academy of Science s on four (32) ________ Thursdays.

His first lecture was delivered on Nov.4.1915, and it explained his new approach. To his (33) ________ he admitted he did not yet have the precise mathematical formulation of it. Einstein also

took time off from (34) ________ revising his equations to engage in an awkward fandango with his competitor Hilbert. Worried about being scooped, he sent Hilbert a copy of his Nov.4 lecture. “I am (35) ________ to know whether you will take kindly to this new solution,” Einstein not ed with a touch of defensiveness.

21 [A] up [B] over [C] out [D] off

22 [A] convince [B] on counsel [C] persuade [D] preach

23 [A] Above [B] Around [C] Amid [D] Along

24 [A] emit [B] emerge [C] submit [D] submerge

25 [A] imitate [B] ignite [C] describe [D] ascribe

26 [A] into [B] beyond [C] among [D] through

27 [A] complex [B] compatible [C] comparative [D] competitive

28 [A] humor [B] horror [C] excitement [D] extinction

29 [A] to [B] for [C] with [D] against

30 [A] threw [B] thrust [C] huddled [D] hopped

31 [A] how [B] that [C] what [D] which

32 [A] successive [B] progressive [C] extensive [D]repetitive

33 [A] subordinates [B] coordinates [C] followers [D] clients

34 [A] casually [B] coarsely [C]violently [D]furiously

35 [A] curious [B] conscious [C] ambitious [D] ambiguous Part III. Reading Comprehension (30%)

Section A

Directions: There are 5 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. (20%, 1 point each)

Passage One

FAO’s favorite myth used to be that the (fictitious虚构的) protein gap was being rapidly closed by the new fisheries. While fish production has indeed tripled since 1945, an appalling 45 percent of the current catch goes to the rich nations as oil or meal for industry or farm animals. Of the world fishery catch which is eaten, only a quarter goes to the developing nations.

Today the oceans are up for grabs and as more nations invest in distant-water fleets, the depressing history of stocks fished out of existence seems likely to be repeated many times. While a world catch of double the present level would probably be sustainable (mainly by exploiting squid and fish not eaten at present) the likelihood is that catches will in fact triple over the next decade, and fall disastrously after that. The world community’s failure t o regulate whaling, in spite of the 1972

Stockholm environment conference’s call for a ten-year moratorium, is a depressing omen.

36 In 1945, the world production of fish ____.

[A] was 45% of what it is today

[B] was half its present level

[C] went mostly as oil or meal for industry or farm animals

[D] was only one-third of the present level

37 The international fishery situation today is that ____.

[A] there is a keen struggle to exploit the riches of the oceans

[B] squid and some other species of fish have become extinct

[C] many fish not previously eaten are now being caught

[D] whaling is irregular

38 At the 1972 Stockholm conference ____.

[A] nations were called upon to stop catching whales for ten years, but this call was

disregarded

[B] the decision to protect whales was put off for ten years

[C] a plan was put forward to help increase the catch of whales

[D] solutions were found for the depressing problems of the whaling industry

39 The author gives the impression that he is ____.

[A] indifferent

[B] optimistic

[C] subjective

[D] concerned

40 Which of the following titles best sums up the idea of the passage?

[A] The Fish Myth.

[B] The Fish Crisis.

[C] Wasting Protein on Animals.

[D] Fishing on the High Seas.

Passage Two

From the top of the famous Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, you will see a dramatic view of this beautiful city—toward south, the South Expressway leading to Hartsfield—Atlanta International Airport, the second busiest airport in the country; in the foreground, Peachtree Street, a canyon of modern skyscrapers glass and steel. The tallest building in the skyline, the First National Bank Building is surrounded by other giants—the New Trust Company Building, the Equitable Life

Building, and the Peachtree Center, a complex that contains the largest merchandise mart in the South.

Just beyond the business district, you will see the shining dome of the State Capitol Building, made of twenty-four-karat gold. To the right of the Capitol are rows of whit marble office buildings; further south is the Atlanta Stadium; and not quite out of sight is the Farmer’s Market, the largest wholesale fresh fruit and vegetable center in the South.

41 The dome of the State Capitol is made of ____.

[A] glass

[B] steel

[C] gold

[D] marble

42 Which building is the tallest? ____.

[A] The Hyatt Regency Hotel

[B] The First National Bank Building

[C] The Peachtree Center

[D] The State Capitol

43 Where is the largest merchandise mart in the South? ____.

[A] At the International Airport

[B] At the Farmer’s Market

[C] At the Peachtree Center

[D] At the Hyatt Regency Hotel

Passage Three

The word horsepower was first used two hundred years ago. James Watt had made the wor ld’s first widely used steam engine. He had no way of telling people exactly how powerful it was, for at that time there were no units for measuring power.

Watt decided to find out how much work one strong horse could do in one minute. He called that unit one horsepower. With this unit he could measure the work his steam engine could do.

He discovered that a horse could lift a 3300-pound weight 10 feet into the air in one minute. His engine could lift a 3300-pound weight 100 feet in one minute.

Because his engine did ten times as much work as the horse, Watt called it a ten horsepower engine.

44 The selection says that Watt made the first____.

[A] engine

[B] steam engine

[C] widely used steam engine

[D] useful engine

45 Watt wanted to find a way to ____.

[A] measure the work his engine could do

[B] tell people how powerful his engine was

[C] lift a 3300-pound weight

[D] Both A and B

46 He made up a unit of measurement based on the strength of ____.

[A] a man

[B] ten horses

[C] his engine

[D] a horse

47 The best title for this selection is ____.

[A] Watt’s Engine

[B] The Origin of the Term Horsepower

[C] Units of Measurement

[D] It happened 200 years ago

Passage Four

The modern sailing ship was developed by a man who never went to sea. He was Prince Henry of Portugal, the younger son of the Portuguese king and an English princess.

Prince Henry lived in the 15th century. As a boy he became devoted to the sea, and he dedicated himself to improving the design of ships and the methods of sailing them. In 1416, when he was 22, Henry founded a school for mariners, to which he invited everyone who could help him – Jewish astronomers, Italian and Spanish sailors, and Arab mathematicians and map makers who knew how to use the crude compass of the day and could improve it.

Henry’s goal was to design and equip vessels that would be capable of making long ocean voyages without having to keep close to the shore. The caravel, which he helped design, carried more sails and was longer and slimmer than any ship them made, yet was tough enough to stand up against gales at sea. He also developed the carrack, which was a slower ship, but one that was capable of carrying more cargo.

The world owes credit to Prince Henry for the development of craft that made oceanic exploration possible. He lives in history as Henry the Navigator.

48 Prince Henry started his school for the purpose of ____.

[A] helping mariners

[B] improving ship design and sailing methods

[C] studying astronomy and mathematics

[D] improving his own skill as a sailor

49 The teachers in Prince Henry’s school seem to have been ____.

[A] members of the royal family

[B] astronomers, sailors and map makers

[C] shipbuilders

[D] All of the above

50 Prince Henry’s principal achievement was that of ____.

[A] making oceanic exploration possible

[B] improving the compass

[C] founding a school for mariners

[D] building ocean-going vessels

51 Compared with his caravel, Henry’s carrack was ____.

[A] longer and slimmer

[B] able to carry more sails

[C] able to carry more cargo

[D] shorter

Passage Five

A Career in Banking?

Salary $2,400 rising to $ 4,8000 after 7 years. In service training. Special 1 month course in New York after 1 year’s service. Low interest loans for house purchasers with no minimum service requirement. Satisfactory experience in all departments leads to automatic consideration for deputy manager’s post. Free medical insurance after 3 months’ service.

52 According to this advertisement, the average pay raised each year will be about ____.

[A] $310

[B] $320

[C] $330

[D] $340

53 If the applicant is accepted, he will have the opportunity to___.

[A] attend a full-time course in New York first

[B] study while working

[C] apply to the deputy manager for in-service training

[D] take a special one-month course after 3 months’ service

54 Which of the following statements is true? ____.

[A] From the first day one works for the bank, one is entitled to enjoy a free medical

insurance

[B] The medical treatment provided by the bank is generally satisfactory

[C] One would have to pay for one’s medical treatment until one has worked in the bank

for three months.

[D] The new employee will be granted for free medical insurance from the very beginning

of his employment

55 If a new employee of the bank wants to apply for low interest loans for their house

purchase, he or she ____.

[A] has to work for the bank at least for 3 months

[B] has to pass the in-service training

[C] has to get the post of deputy manager

[D] can have it without special requirement

Section B

Directions: Complete the summary of the following passage. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from this passage for each answer.(10%, 1 point each)

Unusual incidents are being reported across the Arctic. Inuit(因纽特人)families going off on snowmobiles to prepare their summer hunting camps have found themselves cut off from home by a sea of mud, following early thaws(融雪) .There are also reports of igloos (冰屋)losing their insulating properties as the snow drips and refreezes, of lakes draining into the sea as permafrost （冻土）melts, and sea ice breaking up earlier than usual, carrying seals beyond the reach of hunters. Climate change may still be a rather abstract idea to most of us, but in the Arctic it is already having dramatic effects–if summertime ice continues to shrink at its present rate, the Arctic Ocean could soon become virtually ice-free in summer. The knock–on effects are likely to include more warming, cloudier skies, and higher sea levels. Scientists are increasingly eager to find out what’s going on because they consider the Arctic the ‘canary in the mine’ for global warming—a warning of what’s in store for the rest of the world.

For the Inuit the problem is urgent. They live in precarious balance with one of the toughest environments on earth. Climate change, whatever its causes, is a direct threat to their way of life. Nobody knows the Arctic as well as the locals, which is why they are not content simply to stand back and let outsider experts tell them what’s happening. In Canada, where the Inuit people are trying hard to guard their hard-won autonomy in the country’s newest territory, Nunavut, they believe their best hope of survival in this changing environment lies in combining their ancestral knowledge with the best of modern science. This is challenge in itself.

The Canadian Arctic is a vast, treeless polar desert that’s covered with snow for most of the year. Venture into this area and you get some idea of the hardships facing anyone who calls this home. Farming is out of the question and nature offers few pickings. Humans first settled in the Arctic a mere 4,500 years ago, surviving by exploiting sea mammals and fish. The environment tested them to the limits: sometimes the colonists were successful, sometimes they failed and vanished. But around a thousand years ago, one group emerged that was uniquely well adapted to deal with the Arctic environment. These Thule people moved in from Alaska, bringing kayaks, sleds, dogs, pottery and iron tools. They are the ancestors of today’s Inuit people.

Life for the descendants of the Thule people is still harsh. Nunavut is 1.9 million square kilometers of rock and ice, and a handful of islands around the North Pole. It’s currently home to 2.500 people, all but a handful of them indigenous Inuit. Over the past 40 years, most have abandoned their nomadic(游牧的) ways and settled in the territory’s 28 isolated communities, but they still rely heavily on nature to provide food and clothing. Provisions available in local shops have to be flown into Nunavut on one of the most costly air networks in the world, or brought by supply ship during the few ice-free weeks of summer. It would cost a family around bang￡7,000 a year to replace meat they obtained themselves through hunting with imported meat. Economic opportunities are scarce, and for many people state benefits are their only income.

The following is the summary that You need complete:

The threat posed by climate change in the Arctic is being reported as it has (56) _________ in the life of the Inuit. If you visit the Canadian Arctic, you immediately appreciate the problem faced by people for whom this is home, and know that it is rather (57) _________. It would clearly be impossible for the people to engage in (58) _________ as a means of supporting themselves. For thousands of years they have had to rely on catching (59) _________ and (60) _________ as a means of sustenance. The harsh surroundings saw many who tried to settle there pushed to their limits, although some were successful. The (61) ________ people were an example of the latter and for them the environment did not prove unmanageable. For the present inhabitants, life continues to be a struggle. The territory of Nunavut consists of little more than ice, rock and a few (62) ________. In recent years, many of them have been obliged to give up their (63) _________ lifestyle, but they continue to depend mainly on (64) _________ for their food and clothes. (65) ________ produce is particularly expensive.

Part V. Translation (35%)

Section A (15%)

Directions: Translate the following passage into Chinese.

It’s nicer when you actually earn it. Lottery winners, trust-fund babies and others who get their money without working for it do not get as much satisfaction from their cash as those who earn it, a study of the pleasure center in people’s brains suggests.

Emory University researchers measured brain activity in the striatum--- the part of the brain associated with reward processing and pleasure--- in two groups of volunteers. One group had to work to receive money by playing a simple computer game; the other group was rewarded without having to earn it.

The results showed the brains of those who had to work for their money were more stimulated. “When you have to do things for your reward, it’s clearly more important to the brain,” said Gregory Berns, associ ate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science. “The subjects were more aroused when they had to do something to get the money relative to when they passively received the money.”

Section B (20%)

Directions: Put the underlined parts in the following passage into English.

经贸关系是中美两国关系的经济基础。（1）互利共赢的中美经贸关系，不仅给两国人民带来了实实在在的经济利益，而且成为中美关系发展的重要基础和强大动力。至于中美经贸合作的迅速发展，对于周边地区经济繁荣乃至世界经济增长所起的促进作用，更是有目共睹。

（2）中美贸易之所以能迅速发展，根本原因在于两国经济具有极大的互补性。这种互补性，很大程度上来自两国经济资源条件、经济结构以及消费水平存在着很大的差异。中国是最大的发展中国家，市场广阔，发展迅速，劳动力成本低，但资金短缺、科技和管理相对落后。美国是最大的发达国家，经济总量大，资本充足，科技发达，但劳动力成本高。（3）这种差异性和互补性，将在今后长期存在，在经济全球化的大背景下显得更加突出。

回顾中美经贸关系发展25年的历史，我们应当从中汲取一些重要的经验和教训。我愿意，就发展中美公平贸易和经济合作提出五条原则，与各位商榷。这五条原则是：

第一、互利共赢。从大处着眼，既要考虑自己利益，又要考虑对方利益。

（4）第二、把发展放在首位。通过扩大经贸合作来化解分歧。

第三、发挥双边经贸协调机制作用。及时沟通和磋商，避免矛盾激化。

第四、平等协商。求大同存小异，不动辄设限和制裁。

第五、不把经贸问题政治化。

（5）这五条原则，是建立在世贸组织框架和国际贸易基本准则基础上的，也是正确认识和妥善处理今后一个时期中美贸易可能出现的分歧和摩擦所需要的。这五条原则的核心和精髓是六个字：发展，平等，互利。发展是动力，平等是前提，互利是目的。这完全符合我们两国之间发展建设性合作关系的要求。