2009年12月英语四级真题精讲：听力理解06
洛基英语，中国在线英语教育领导品牌
Section C
原文重现
In the humanities, authors write to inform you in many ways. These methods can be (36) classified into three types of informational writing: factual, descriptive, and process. Factual writing provides (37) background information on an author, composer or artist or on a type of music, literature, or art. Examples of factual writing include notes on a book jacket or (38) album cover and longer pieces, such as an article describing a style of music which you might read in a music (39) appreciation course. This kind of writing provides a (40) context for your study of the humanities.
As its name (41) implies, descriptive writing simply describes or provides an (42) image of, a piece of music, art or literature. For example, descriptive writing might list the colors an artist used in a painting or the (43) instruments a composer included in a musical composition, so as to make pictures of sounds in the readers' mind by calling up specific details of the work. (44) Descriptive writing in humanity, particularly in literature is often mixed with critical writing.
Process writing explains a series of actions that bring about a result. (45) It tells the reader how to do something, for example, explaining the technique used to show a film. This kind of writing is often found in art, where understanding how an art has created a certain effect is important. (46)Authors may actually use more than one type of techniques in the given piece of informational writing.
篇章结构
此次复合式听写的话题比较专业，介绍了三类写作题材，即事实性的，描述性的和解说性的。
短文结构，先总后分。
原文中充斥了许多长难词，致使考生预读时就一头雾水。
尤其是全文的首句：In the humanities, authors write to inform you in many ways. 关键是要正确理解humanities（人文学科）一词。
词汇点拨
humanities n. 人文学科；context n. 环境，语境，上下文；technique n. 技巧
话题词汇
composer n. 作曲家
book jacket 护封
instrument n. 乐器
background information 背景知识
music appreciation 音乐鉴赏
musical composition 乐曲
试题详解
36.【听音指导】根据空前后内容，可推测此空意为"归类成......"，轻易可以联想到常考词classified，构成be classified into结构。
37.【听音指导】事实性写作方式会提供什么样的信息，在预读时，很容易将其推测为形容词，但background是常见词，而background information作为背景知识，在日常生活中常常用到。
38.【听音指导】此空中的内容与book，long piece并列，可知此空填写的词为名词，且与book等为一类。
album发音特殊，一般不会与其他词相混，应注意拼写。
39.【听音指导】由题意很容易判断此部分应为音乐鉴赏课，此空的难点在于appreciation ("鉴赏")这个词的拼写。
appreciate作动词，意为鉴赏，此空需要其名词形式。
40.【听音指导】为研究人文学科提供环境，其中context是高频词，几乎在每次考试中都能考到，此题不易失分。
41.【听音指导】此句话应理解为"正如名字所显示的那样"，立刻可以联系到show等词，而原文中的imply在以往四级考试中也反复出现。
42.【听音指导】描述性的写作能提供什么？立刻就想到形象、印象。
image 这个词很容易填出。
43.【听音指导】作曲家所用的音乐器具，自然为musical instrument。
然而此空需要注意的是它的复数形式。
44.【听音指导】此段讲述的是descriptive writing，此句位于本段的最后一句，应为总结性话语。
答案为Descriptive writing in the humanities, particularly in literature is often mixed with critical writing。
particularly可替换为especially，be mixed with意为"与......混合"。
也可写为Descriptive writing is mixed with critical writing，那么既保留了句子的大意，而且也能规避如particularly这样的长难词。
采分点为descriptive writing和critical writing。
45.【听音指导】此段讲述的是processing writing，按照惯例此句为对其的总结性解释。
shoot a film，意为拍电影。
采分点为how to do something和technique。
46.【听音指导】整篇文章为总分式，先总述了三种写作题材，然后分别讲述每种写作题材的适用范围。
此空独立成句，很可能论述三部分适用范围的交集。
采分点为more than one type of technique is used in writing。
全文精译
在人文学科中，作者可以通过多种写作方式告知读者信息。
这些方法可分为三类信息写作题材：事实性的，描述性的和解说性的。
事实性写作提供了一位作家、作曲家或艺术家或者是一种音乐、文学或艺术的背景信息。
事实性写作包括封面上的说明和专辑封面，较长的作品如音乐鉴赏课中可能读到的描述一种音乐风格的文章。
这种写作题材为人文学科研究提供了依据。
正如它的名字所暗示的，描写性写作指简单的描述或为一段音乐、一种艺术和文学树立一种形象。
例如，描写性写作可能介绍一位艺术家在画中用过的色彩，或一位乐器作曲家在音乐作品中所用的乐器。
通过具体描述，在读者的脑海里留下声音的图画。
人文学科中的描写性写作，特别在文学中，经常与评论式写作共同使用。
解说性写作是解释会带来某种结果的一系列的行动。
它告诉读者如何做某事，例如，拍电影的技术。
这种写作往往用于艺术中，因为理解艺术家如何创造了一种特定效果是很重要的。
在一篇指定的信息写作中，作者可以运用多种写作技巧。
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09年12月四级听力试题及详解
Section A11.Man: Excuse me, do you have change for a ten-dollar note? I need to pay the parking meter. Woman: I’m sorry. But I think you can get it through the money changer, in the shopping center across the street.Question: What is the man trying to do?12.Man: Can you recommend something that a school boy of seven or eight will really like? Woman: I suggest this toy train, sir. It’s an excellent brand, very popular, all over the world these days.Question: What is the man doing?13.Woman: Do you let people know when you are taking pictures of them?Man: I try not to. You know, any picture of a person who poses for the camera would look dull and unnatural.Question: What are the speakers talking about?14.Woman: I need to talk to someone who knows Baltimore well. I’m told you lived there.Man: Oh, but I was really young at the time.Question: What does the man mean?15.Woman: Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t get the promotion?Man: Maybe a little. But I know I need more experi ence before I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.Question: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?16.Woman: I’ve been working out the gym since January. I was a bit out of shape.Man: You look terrific! It seems that your effort has paid off.Question: What does the man imply about the woman?17.Woman: Prof. Clark suggested that I get a tutor for advanced physics.Man: Well, that might help. Advanced physics is a pretty difficult course.Question: What does the man mean?18.Woman: Bill, have you heard the latest news? It appears we two won’t be laid off after all. Man: Oh, I’m somewhat tired of working here. I’ve been wondering whether I should resign. Anyway, the news seems to be good for you.Question: How does the man feel about the news?From: /englishlistening/cet4/zhenti/2009-12-20/97263.htmlConversation OneWoman: Hello, Parkson college. May I help you?Man: Yes. I’m looking for information on courses in computer programming. I would ne ed it for the fall semester.W: Do you want a day or evening course?M: Well, it would have to be an evening course since I work during the day.W: Aha. Have you taken any courses in data processing?M: No.W: Oh. Well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it’s not on Thursdays.W: Well, there’s a class that meets on Monday evenings at seven.M: Just once a week?W: Yes. But that’s all most three hours from seven to nine forty-five.M: Oh. Well, that’s all right. I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?W: Mmmm, let me see. Twelve weeks. You start the first week in September, and finish, oh, Just before Christmas. December 21st.M: And how much is the course?W: That’s three hundred dollars including the necessary computer time.M: Aha. Okay. Ah, where do I go to register?W: Registration is on the second and third of September, between 6 and 9 in Frost Hall.M: Is that the round building behind the parking lot?W: Yes. That’s the one.M: Oh, I know how to get there. Is there anything that I should bring with me?W: No, just your check book.M: Well, thank you very much.W: You are very welcome. Bye!M: Bye!19. Why does the man choose to take an evening course?20. What does the man have to do before taking the course of computer programming?21. What do we learn about the schedule of the evening course?22. What does the man want to know at the end of the conversation?Conversation TwoW: So, why exactly does your job have a reputation for being stressful?M: Stress is generally driven by the feeling of being out of control of a situation, and the feeling of a situation controlling you. Trading in financial markets combines both.W: How do you relax in the evening?M: I very rarely do anything work related. So it’s easy to escape the markets. I generally go to the gym or go for a run, especially If I’ve had a bad day. I always cook a meal rather than have a takeaway. To do something my brain would regard as creative.W: Do you think what you do to relax is an effective way to beat stress?M: I don’t think there’s a specific rule about how to beat stress. I generally find that what I do is effective for me.W: Would you consider changing your job because of the high stress factor?M: I have considered leaving my job due to stress related factors. However, I do think that an element of stress is a good thing, and if used the right way, can actually be a positive thing.W: What do you enjoy about the stressful aspects of your job?M: Having said all that, I do actually enjoy an element of uncertainty. I enjoy a mental challenge. Trading generates a wide range of emotions second by second. How you deal with and manage those emotions dictates short, medium and long term trading performance and success.23. What is the man’s job?24. Why does the man prefer to cook a meal rather than have a takeaway?25. What does the man say about an element of stress in his job?From: /englishlistening/cet4/zhenti/2009-12-20/97263_2.htmlSection BPassage OneSince early times, people have been fascinated with the idea of life existing somewhere else besides earth. Until recently, scientists believed that life on other planet was just a hopeful dream. But now they are beginning to locate places where life could form. In 1997, they saw evidence of planets near other stars like the sun. But scientists now think that life could be even nearer in our own solar system. One place scientists are studying very closely is Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Space probes have provided evidence that Europa has a large ocean under its surface. The probes have also made the scientists think that under its surface Europa has a rocky core giving off volcanic heat. Water and heat from volcanic activity are two basic conditions needed for life to form. A third is certain basic chemicals such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Scientists believe there might be such chemicals lying at the bottom of Europa’s ocean. They may hav e already created life, or maybe about to. You may wonder if light is also need for life to form. Until recently, scientists thought that light was essential. But now, places have been found on earth that are in total in blackness, such as caves several miles beneath the ocean. And bacteria, primitiveforms of life have been seen there. So the lack of light in Europa’s subsurface ocean doesn’t automatically rule out life forming.26. What did scientists once believe according to the passage?27. What have scientists found about Europa, a moon of Jupiter?28. What have scientists come to know recently about the formation of life?Passage TwoIn her early days as an emergency room physician, Dr. Joanna Meyer treated a child who had suffered a second degree burn. After the child had been treated, and was being prepared for discharge, Dr. Meyer talked to the parents about how they should care for the child at home, also listening to her were half a dozen family members. A few hours later, when she came to say goodbye, the family asked her to settle an argument they’ve been having over exactly what advice she had given. “As I talked to them, I was amazed.” she said, “All of them had heard the simple instructions I had given just a few hours before. But they had three or four different versions. The most basic details were unclear and confusing. I was surprised, because these were intelligent people.”This episode gave Dr. Meyer her first clue to something every doctor learns sooner or later – most people just do n’t listen very well.Nowadays, she says, she repeats her instructions, and even conducts a reality check with some patients. She asks them to tell her what they think they’re supposed to do. She also provides take-home sheets, which are computer printou ts, tailored to the patients’ situation.Dr. Meyer’s listeners are not unusual. When new or difficult material is presented, almost all listeners are faced with a challenge, because human’s speech lacks the stability and permanence of the printed word. Oral communication is fast-moving and impermanent.Question 29-31Q29. What did the child’s family members argue about in the hospital?Q30. What does Dr. Meyer do to ensure her patients understand her instructions?Q31. What does the speaker say about human speech?Passage 3It is logical to suppose that things like good labor relations, good working conditions, good wages and benefits, and job security motivate workers. But one expert, Frederick Herzberg argued that such conditions do not motivate workers, they are merely satisfiers.Motivators, in contrast, include things such as having a challenging and interesting job, recognition and responsibility. However, even with the development of computers and robotics, there are always plenty of boring, repetitive and mechanical jobs, and lots of unskilled people who have to do them. So how do managers motivate people in such jobs?One solution is to give them some responsibilities, not as individuals, but as a team. For example, some supermarkets combine office staff, the people who fill the shelves, and the people who work at the checkout into a team. And let them decide what product lines to stock, how to display them, and so on.Many people now talk about the importance of a company shared values or culture, with which all the staff can identify. For example, being the best hotel chain, or making the best, the most user friendly, or the most reliable products in a particular field. Such values are more likely to motivate workers than financial targets, which ultimately only concern a few people. Unfortunately, there is only a limited number of such goals to go around. And by definition, not all the competing companies in an industry can seriously play in to be the best.Question 32-35Q32. What can actually motivate workers according to Frederick Herzberg?Q33. What does the speaker say about jobs in the computer era?Q34. What do some supermarkets do to motivate employees?Q35. Why does the speaker say financial targets are less likely to motivate workers?From: /englishlistening/cet4/zhenti/200Section CIn the humanities, authors write to inform you in many ways. These methods can be classified into three types of informational writing: factual, descriptive and process.Factual writing provides background information on an author, composer or artist, or on a type of music, literature or art. Examples of factual writing include notes on a book jacket, or album cover and longer pieces, such as an article describing a style of music, which you might read in a music appreciation course. This kind of writing provides a context for your study of the humanities.As its name implies, descriptive writing simply describes, or provides an image of a piece of music, art or literature. For example, descriptive writing might list the colors an artists used in the painting, or the instrument a composer included in a musical composition, so as to make pictures or sound in the readers’ mind, by calling up specific details of the work. Descri ptive writing in the humanities, particularly in literature, is often mixed with critical writing.Process writing explains a series of actions that bring about result. It tells the reader how to do something. For example, explaining the technique used to shoot a film. This kind of writing is often found in art, where understanding how an art has created a certain effect is important. Authors may actually use more than one type of technique in a given piece of informational writing.From:/englishlistening/cet4/zhenti/2009-12-20/97263_4.html9-12-20/97263_3.htm。
四级真题2009年12月
M: Well, it would have to be an evening course since I work during the day.
W: Aha. Have you taken any courses in data processing?
M: No.
W: Oh. Well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.
M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it’s not on Thursdays.
Question: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?
16.
Woman: I’ve been working out the gym sincehape.
Man: You look terrific! It seems that your effort has paid off.
M: Oh. Well, that’s all right. I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?
W: Mmmm, let me see. Twelve weeks. You start the first week in September, and finish, oh, Just before Christmas. December 21st.
11.
2009年12月英语四级听力短文理解应急高招
2009年12月英语四级听力短文理解应急高招D四个选项中，如果有两个选项意思明显相近，那么这两个选项往往均不是答案。
第四招：包含其他选项的选项不是答案有的选项的含义明显包含另一个选项的含义，那么该选项往往不是答案。
第五招：不符常理的选项不要选有的选项明显不符合该对话情景下的常识或常理，那么该选项往往不是答案。
【例1】(06-6 Passage One)【预览选项】11. [A] Social work.[B] Medical care.[C] Applied physics.[D] Special education.12. [A]The timely advice from her friends and relatives.[B] The two-year professional training she received.[C] Her determination to fulfill herdream.[D] Her parents’ consistent moral support.13. [A] To get the funding for the hospitals.[B] To help the disabled children there.[C] To train therapists for the children there.[D] To set up an institution for the handicapped.【听前预测】预览三道题各选项，由medical care（医疗护理）, hospitals, 以及therapists（治疗专家）可推测本文可能与医疗工作有关；而由special education（特殊教育），disabled （残疾的）和handicapped（残疾的）可推测本文还可能与残疾人特殊教育有关，但12、13题各选项并没有涉及到任何有关教育的问题。
2009年12月英语四级真题精讲-深度阅读
1. candidate n. 候选人，申请求职者【文中实例】Throughout this long, tense election, everyone has focused on the presidential candidates and how they'll change America. 在这个持久而紧张的选举中，每个候选人都成为了众人的焦点，人们关注着他们如何来改变整个美国。
【实例拓展】He is running as a candidate for Liberal party。
他作为民主党候选人参选。
【举一反三】同义词applicant，seeker，nominee n. 申请者，候选人2. fascinate v. 使着迷，使极感兴趣【文中实例】I'm more fascinated by Michelle Obama and what she might be able to do, ....我更期待米歇尔·奥巴马，不止期待着她能够为这个国家做些什么，......。
【实例拓展】Her beauty fascinated every boy. 她的美貌使所有的男孩子都着了迷。
【举一反三】派生词 fascinated a. 着迷的；fascinating a. 令人着迷的；fascination n. 魅力3. prevailing a. 普遍的，盛行的，流行的【文中实例】The prevailing theory seems to be that we're all hot-tempered single mothers who can't keep a man. 时下流行的看法是大多黑人女性都是脾气暴躁的单身妈妈，吸引不住男人。
【实例拓展】a prevailing set of cultural values 一套盛行的文化价值观【举一反三】派生词prevail (over) v. 胜过，压倒，占优势4. stereotype n. 陈规，固定的看法【文中实例】Even in the world of make-believe, black women still can't escape the stereotype of being eye-rolling, oversexed females raised by our never-married, alcoholic (酗酒的) mothers. 在人们的想象中，黑人女性给人留下的刻板印象往往是：受人歧视，性交过度，通常被未婚的酒鬼老妈养大。
2009年12月大学英语四级真题及答案解析
2009年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案Part ⅠWriting (30 minutes)注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上。
Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic of Creating a Green Campus. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below:1. 建设绿色校园很重要2. 绿色校园不仅指绿色的环境……3. 为了建设绿色校园，我们应该……Creating a Green CampusPart ⅡReading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For question 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.Colleges taking another look at value of merit-based aidGood grades and high tests scores still matter—a lot—to many colleges as they award financial aid.But with low-income students projected to make up an ever-larger share of the college-bound population in coming years, some schools are re-examining whether that aid, typically known as “merit aid”, is the most effective use of precious institutional dollars.George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for example, said last week that it would cut the value of its average merit scholarships by about one-third and reduce the number of recipients(接受者), pouring the savings, about $2.5 million, into need-based aid. Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., made a similar decision three years ago.Now, Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., says it will phase out merit scholarships altogether. No current merit-aid recipients will lose their scholarships, but need-based aid alone will be awarded beginning with students entering in fall 2008.Not all colleges offer merit aid; generally, the more selective a school, the less likely it is to do so. Harvard and Princeton, for example, offer generous need-based packages, but many families who don’t meet need eligibility(资格)have been willing to pay whatever they must for a big-name school.For small regional colleges that struggle just to fill seats, merit aid can be an important revenue-builder because many recipients still pay enough tuition dollars over and above the scholarship amount to keep the institution running.But for rankings-conscious schools in between, merit aid has served primarily as a tool to recruit top students and to improve their academic profits. “They’re trying to buy students,”says Skidmore College economist Sandy Baum.Studies show merit aid also tends to benefit disproportionately students who could afford to enroll without it.“As we look to the future, we see a more pressing need to invest in need-based aid,”says Monica Inzer, dean of admission and financial aid at Hamilton, which has offered merit scholarships for 10 years. During that time, it rose in US News & World Repor t’s ranking of the best liberal arts colleges, from 25 to 17.Merit aid, which benefited about 75 students a year, or about 4% of its student body, at a cost of about $ 1 million a year, “served us well,”Inzer says, but “to be discounting the price for families that don’t need financial aid doesn’t feel right any more.”Need-based aid remains by far the largest share of all student aid, which includes state, federal and institutional grants. But merit aid, offered primarily by schools and states, is growing faster, both overall and at the institutional level.Between 1995-96 and 2003-04, institutional merit aid alone increased 212%, compared with 47% for need-based grants. At least 15 states also offer merit aid, typically in a bid to enroll top students in the state’s public institutions.But in recent years, a growing chorus(异口同声)of critics has begun pressuring schools to drop the practice. Recent decisions by Hamilton and others may be “a sign that people are starting to realize that there’s this destructive competition going on,”says Baum, co-author of a recent College Report that raises concerns about the role of institutional aid not based on need.David Laird, president of the Minnesota Private College Council, says many of his schools would like to reduce their merit aid but fear that in doing so, they would lose top students to their competitors.“No one can take one-sided action,”says Laird, who is exploring whether to seek an exemption(豁免)from federal anti-trust laws so member colleges can discuss how they could jointly reduce merit aid, “This is a merry-go-round that’s going very fast, and none of the institutions believe they can sustain the risks of trying to break away by themselves.”A complicating factor is that merit aid has become so popular with middle-income families, who don’t qualify for need-based aid, that many have come to depend on it. And, as tuitions continue to increase, the line between merit and need blurs.That’s one reason Allegheny College doesn’t plan to drop merit aid entirely.“We still believe in rewarding superior achievements and know that these top students truly value the scholarship,”says Scott Friedhoff, Allegheny’s vice president for enrollment.Emory University in Atlanta, which boasts a $4.7 billion endowment(捐赠), meanwhile, is taking another approach. This year, it announced it would eliminate loans for needy students and cap them for middle-income families. At the same time, it would expand its 28-year-old merit program.“Yeah, we’re playing the merit game,”acknowledges Tom Lancaster, associate dean for undergraduate education. But it has its strong point, too, he says. “The fact of the matter is, it’s not just about the lowest-income people. It’s the average American middle-class family who’s being priced out of the market.”*A few words about merit-based aid:Merit-based aid is aid offered to students who achieve excellence in a given area, and is generally known as academic, athletic and artistic merit scholarships.Academic merit scholarships are based on students’grades, GPA and overall academic performance during high school. They are typically meant for students going straight to college right after high school. However, there are scholarships for current college students with exceptional grades as well. These merit scholarships usually help students pay tuition bills, and they can be renewed each year as long as the recipients continue to qualify. In some cases, students may need to be recommended by their school or a teacher as part of the qualification process.Athletic merit scholarships are meant for students that excel(突出)in sports of any kind, from football to track and field events. Recommendation for these scholarships is required, since exceptional athletic performance has to be recognized by a coach or a referee(裁判). Applicants need to send in a tapecontaining their best performance.Artistic merit scholarships require that applicants excel in a given artistic area. This generally includes any creative field such as art, design, fashion, music, dance or writing. Applying for artistic merit scholarships usually requires that students submit a portfolio(选辑)of some sort, whether that includes a collection of artwork, a recording of a musical performance or a video of them dancing.1. With more and more low-income students pursuing higher education, a number of colleges are ________.A) offering students more merit-based aid B) revising their financial aid policiesC) increasing the amount of financial aid D) changing their admission processes2. What did Allegheny College in Meadville do three years ago?A) It tried to implement a novel financial aid program.B) It added $ 2.5 million to its need-based aid program.C) It phased out its merit-based scholarships altogether.D) It cuts its merit-based aid to help the needy students.3. The chief purpose of rankings-conscious colleges in offering merit aid is to ______.A) improve teaching quality B) boost their enrollmentsC) attract good students D) increase their revenues4. Monica Inzer, dean of admission and financial aid at Hamilton, believes ______.A) it doesn’t pay to spend $ 1 million a year to raise its rankingB) it gives students motivation to award academic achievementsC) it’s illogical to use so much money on only 4% of its studentsD) it’s not right to give aid to those who can afford the tuition5. In recent years, merit-based aid has increased much faster than need-based aid due to ______.A) more government funding to colleges B) fierce competition among institutionsC) the increasing number of top students D) schools’improved financial situations6. What is the attitude of many private colleges toward merit aid, according to David Laird?A) They would like to see it reduced.B) They regard it as a necessary evil.C) They think it does more harm than good.D) They consider it unfair to middle-class families.7. Why doesn’t Allegheny College plan to drop merit aid entirely?A) Raising tuitions have made college unaffordable for middle-class families.B) With rising incomes, fewer students are applying for need-based aid.C) Many students from middle-income families have come to rely on it.D) Rising incomes have disqualified many students for need-based aid.8. Annual renewal of academic merit scholarships depends on whether the recipients remain ______.9. Applicants for athletic merit scholarships need a recommendation from a coach or a referee who ______ their exceptional athletic performance.10. Applicants for artistic merit scholarships must produce evidence to show their ______ in a particular artistic fieldPart ⅢListening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both theconversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which the best answer is. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Questions 11 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.11. A) Get some small change. B) Find a shopping center.C) Cash a check at a bank. D) Find a parking meter.12. A) Shopping with his son. B) Buying a gift for a child.C) Promoting a new product. D) Bargaining with a salesgirl.13. A) Taking photographs. B) Enhancing images.C) Mending cameras. D) Painting pictures.14. A) He moved to Baltimore when he was young.B) He can provide little useful information.C) He will show the woman around Baltimore.D) He will ask someone else to help the woman.15. A) He is rather disappointed. B) He is highly ambitious.C) He can’t face up to the situation D) He knows his own limitation.16. A) She must have paid a lot B) She is known to have a terrific figure.C) Her gym exercise has yielded good results.D) Her effort to keep fit is really praiseworthy.17. A) Female students are unfit for studying physics.B) He can serve as the woman’s tutor.C) Physics is an important course at school.D) The professor’s suggestion is constructive.18. A) Indifferent. B) Doubtful. C) Pleased. D) Surprised.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) He prefers the smaller evening classes. B) He has signed up for a day course.C) He has to work during the day. D) He finds the evening course cheaper.20. A) Learn a computer language. B) Learn data processing.C) Buy some computer software. D) Buy a few coursebooks.21. A) Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 9:45. B) From September 1 to New Year’s eve.C) Every Monday, lasting for 12 weeks. D) Three hours a week, 45 hours in total.22. A) What to bring for registration. B) Where to attend the class.C) How he can get to Frost Hall. D) Whether he can use a check.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. A) A training coach. B) A trading adviser.C) A professional manager. D) A financial trader.24. A) He can save on living expenses. B) He considers cooking creative.C) He can enjoy healthier food. D) He thinks take-away is tasteless.25. A) It is something inevitable.B) It is frustrating sometimes.C) It takes patience to manage. D) It can be a good thing.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear aquestion, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.26. A) There were no planets without moons. B) There was no air or water on Jupiter.C) Life was not possible in outer space. D) The mystery of life could not be resolved.27. A) It has a number of active volcanoes. B) It has an atmosphere like the earth’s.C) It has a large ocean under its surface. D) It has deep caves several miles long.28. A) Light is not an essential element to it. B) Life can form in very hot temperatures.C) Every form of life undergoes evolution. D) Oxygen is not needed for some life forms.Passage TwoQuestions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.29. A) Whether they should take the child home.B) What Dr. Mayer’s instructions exactly were.C) Who should take care of the child at home.D) When the child would completely recover.30. A) She encourages them to ask questions when in doubt.B) She makes them write down all her instructions.C) She has them act out what they are to do at home.D) She asks them to repeat what they are supposed to do.31. A) It lacks the stability of the printed word. B) It contains many grammatical errors.C) It is heavily dependent on the context. D) It facilitates interpePassage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.32. A) Job security. B) Good labour relations.C) Challenging work. D) Attractive wages and benefits.33. A) Many tedious jobs continue to be done manually.B) More and more unskilled workers will lose jobs.C) Computers will change the nature of many jobs.D) Boring jobs will gradually be made enjoyable.34. A) Offer them chances of promotion.B) Improve their working conditions.C) Encourage them to compete with each other.D) Give them responsibilities as part of a team.35. A) They will not bring real benefits to the staff.B) They concern a small number of people only.C) They are arbitrarily set by the administrators.D) They are beyond the control of ordinary workers.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the mainpoints in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.注意：此部分试题在答题卡2上。
2009年12月英语四级真题精讲：听力理解
洛基英语，中国在线英语教育领导品牌ⅢListening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which the best answer is. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Questions 11 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.1. A) Get some small change. B) Find a shopping center.C) Cash a check at a bank. D) Find a parking meter.2. A) Shopping with his son. B) Buying a gift for a child.C) Promoting a new product. D) Bargaining with a salesgirl.3. A) Taking photographs. B) Enhancing images.C) Mending cameras. D) Painting pictures.4. A) He moved to Baltimore when he was young.B) He can provide little useful information.C) He will show the woman around Baltimore.D) He will ask someone else to help the woman.5. A) He is rather disappointed. B) He is highly ambitious.C) He can't face up to the situation D) He knows his own limitation.6. A) She must have paid a lot for gym.B) She is known to have a terrific figure.C) Her gym exercise has yielded good results.D) Her effort to keep fit is really praiseworthy.7. A) Female students are unfit for studying physics.B) He can serve as the woman's tutor.C) Physics is an important course at school.D) The professor's suggestion is constructive.8. A) Indifferent. B) Doubtful. C) Pleased. D) Surprised.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) He prefers the smaller evening classes. B) He has signed up for a day course.C) He has to work during the day. D) He finds the evening course cheaper.10. A) Learn a computer language. B) Learn data processing.C) Buy some computer software. D) Buy a few coursebooks.11. A) Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 9:45. B) From September 1 to New Year's eve.C) Every Monday, lasting for 12 weeks. D) Three hours a week, 45 hours in total.12. A) What to bring for registration. B) Where to attend the class.C) How he can get to Frost Hall. D) Whether he can use a check.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13. A) A training coach. B) A trading adviser.C) A professional manager. D) A financial trader.14. A) He can save on living expenses. B) He considers cooking creative.C) He can enjoy healthier food. D) He thinks take-away is tasteless.15. A) It is something inevitable.B) It is frustrating sometimes.C) It takes patience to manage. D) It can be a good thing.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) There were no planets without moons. B) There was no air or water on Jupiter.C) Life was not possible in outer space. D) The mystery of life could not be resolved.17. A) It has a number of active volcanoes. B) It has an atmosphere like the earth's.C) It has a large ocean under its surface. D) It has deep caves several miles long.18. A) Light is not an essential element to it. B) Life can form in very hot temperatures.C) Every form of life undergoes evolution. D) Oxygen is not needed for some life forms.Passage TwoQuestions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Whether they should take the child home.B) What Dr. Mayer's instructions exactly were.C) Who should take care of the child at home.D) When the child would completely recover.20. A) She encourages them to ask questions when in doubt.B) She makes them write down all her instructions.C) She has them act out what they are to do at home.D) She asks them to repeat what they are supposed to do.21. A) It lacks the stability of the printed word. B) It contains many grammatical errors.C) It is heavily dependent on the context. D) It facilitates interpersonal communication.Passage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Job security. B) Good labour relations.C) Challenging work. D) Attractive wages and benefits.23. A) Many tedious jobs continue to be done manually.B) More and more unskilled workers will lose jobs.C) Computers will change the nature of many jobs.D) Boring jobs will gradually be made enjoyable.24. A) Offer them chances of promotion.B) Improve their working conditions.C) Encourage them to compete with each other.D) Give them responsibilities as part of a team.25. A) They will not bring real benefits to the staff.B) They concern a small number of people only.C) They are arbitrarily set by the administrators.D) They are beyond the control of ordinary workers.“成千上万人疯狂下载。
2009年12月大学英语六级考试真题+听力原文+答案详解
2009年12月大学英语六级考试真题及答案Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Should Parents Send Their Kids to Art Classes? You should write at least 150 words following the outline given below.1. 现在有不少家长送孩子参加各种艺术班现在有不少家长送孩子参加各种艺术班2. 对这种做法有人表示支持，也有人并不赞成3. 我认为……我认为……Should Parents Send Their Kids to Art Classes? Part ⅡReading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer thequestions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices markedA), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in thepassage.Bosses Say “Yes Yes”” to Home Work Rising costs of office space, time lost to stressful commuting, and a slow recognition that workers have lives beyond the office —all are strong arguments for letting staff work from home. For the small business, there are additional benefits too —staff are more productive, and happier, enabling firms to keep their headcounts (员工数) and their recruitment costs to a minimum. It can also provide provide competitive competitive competitive advantage, advantage, advantage, especially especially especially when when when small small small businesses businesses businesses want want want to to to attract attract attract new new new staff staff staff but but but don don don’’t have the budget to offer huge salaries. While company managers have known about the benefits for a long time, many have done little about about it, it, it, sceptical sceptical sceptical of of of whether whether whether they they they could could could trust trust trust their their their employees employees employees to to to work work work to to to full full full capacity capacity capacity without without supervision, or concerned about the additional expenses teleworking policies might incur as staff start charging their home phone bills to the business. Yet this is now changing. When communications provider Inter-Tel researched the use of remote working solutions among small-and-medium-sized UK businesses in April this year, it found that 28% more companies claimed to have introduced flexible working practices than a year ago. The The UK UK UK network network network of of of Business Business Business Links Links Links confirms confirms confirms that that that it it it too too too has has has seen seen seen a a a growing growing growing interest interest interest in in in remote remote working solutions from small businesses seeking its advice, and claims that as many as 60-70% of the businesses businesses that that that come come come through through through its its its doors doors doors now now now offer offer offer some some some form form form of of of remote remote remote working working working support support support to to to their their workforces. Technology advances, including the widespread availability of broadband, are making the introduction of remote working a piece of cake. “If systems are set up properly, staff can have access to all the resources they have in the office wherever they have an internet connection,” says Andy Poulton, e-business advisor at Business Link for Berkshire and Wiltshire. “There are some very exciting developments which have enabled this.”One is the availability of broadband everywhere, which now covers almost all of the country (BT claims that, by July, 99.8% of its exchanges will be broadband enabled, with alternative plans in place for even the most remote exchanges). “This is the enabler,” Poulton says. Yet while broadband has come down in price too, those service providers targeting the business market warn against consumer services masquerading (伪装) as business-friendly broadband. “Broadband is available for as little as ￡15 a month, but many businesses fail to appreciate the hidden costs of such a service,” says Neil Stephenson, sales and marketing director at Onyx Internet, an internet internet service service service provider provider provider based based based in in in the the the north-east north-east north-east of of of England. England. England. ““Providers Providers offering offering offering broadband broadband broadband for for rock-bottom prices are notorious for poor service, with regular breakdowns and heavily congested (拥堵的) ) networks. networks. networks. It It It is is is always always always advisable advisable advisable for for for businesses businesses businesses to to to look look look beyond beyond beyond the the the price price price tag tag tag and and and look look look for for for a a business-only provider that can offer more reliability, with good support.” Such services don ’t cost too much —quality services can be found for upwards of ￡30 a month. The benefits of broadband to the occasional home worker are that they can access email in real time, and take full advantage of services such as internet-based backup or even internet-based phone services. Internet-based telecoms, or V oIP (V oice over IP) to give it its technical title, is an interesting tool to any business supporting remote working. Not necessarily because of the promise of free or reduced price phone calls (which experts point out is misleading for the average business), but because of the sophisticated voice services that can be exploited by the remote worker —facilities such as voicemail and and call call call forwarding, forwarding, forwarding, which which which provide provide provide a a a continuity continuity continuity of of of the the the company company company image image image for for for customers customers customers and and and business business partners. By law, companies must “consider seriously ” requests to work flexibly made by a parent with a child under the age of six, or a disabled child under 18. It was the need to accommodate employees with with young young young children children children that that that motivated motivated motivated accountancy accountancy accountancy firm firm firm Wright Wright Wright Vigar Vigar Vigar to to to begin begin begin promoting promoting promoting teleworking teleworking recently. The company, which needed to to upgrade upgrade its IT infrastructure (基础设施) ) to to to provide provide connectivity with a new, second office, decided to introduce support for remote working at the same time. Marketing Marketing director director director Jack Jack Jack O O ’Hern Hern explains explains explains that that that the the the company company company has has has a a a relatively relatively relatively young young young workforce, workforce, many many of of of whom whom whom are are are parents: parents: parents: ““One One of of of the the the triggers triggers triggers was was was when when when one one one of of of our our our tax tax tax managers managers managers returned returned returned from from maternity leave. She was intending to work part time, but could only manage one day a week in the office office due due due to to to childcare. childcare. childcare. By By By offering offering offering her her her the the the ability ability ability to to to work work work from from from home, home, home, we we we have have have doubled doubled doubled her her capacity capacity——now she works a day a week from home, and a day in the office. This is great for her, and fo us as we retain someone highly qualified.”For Wright Vigar, which has now equipped all of its fee-earners to be able to work at maximum productivity when away from the offices (whether that ’s from home, or while on the road), this strategy is not just about saving on commute time or cutting them loose from the office, but enabling them to work more flexible hours that fit around their home life. O ’Hern says: “Although most of our work is client-based and must fit around this, we can ’t see any reason why a parent can ’t be on hand to deal with something important at home, if they have the ability to complete a project later in the day.”Supporting this new way of working came with a price, though. Although the firm was updating its systems anyway, the company spent 10-15% more per user to equip them with a laptop rather than a PC, and about the same to upgrade to a server that would enable remote staff to connect to the company networks and access all their usual resources. Although Although Wright Wright Wright Vigar Vigar Vigar hasn hasn hasn’’t t yet yet yet quantified quantified quantified the the the business business business benefits, benefits, benefits, it it it claims claims claims that, that, that, in in in addition addition addition to to being able to retain key staff with young families, it is able to save fee-earners a substantial amount of “dead dead”” time in their working days. That That staff staff staff can can can do do do this this this without without without needing needing needing a a a fixed fixed fixed telephone telephone telephone line line line provides provides provides even even even more more more efficiency efficiency savings. “With Wi-Fi (fast, wireless internet connections) popping up all over the place, even on trains, our fee-earners can be productive as they travel, and between meetings, instead of having to kill time at the shops,” he adds. The company will also be able to avoid the expense of having to relocate staff to temporary offices for several weeks when it begins disruptive office renovations soon. Financial recruitment specialist Lynne Hargreaves knows exactly how much her firm has saved by adopting a teleworking strategy, which has involved handing her company ’s data management over to a remote remote hosting hosting hosting company, company, company, Datanet, Datanet, Datanet, so so so it it it can can can be be be accessible accessible accessible by by by all all all the the the company company company’’s s consultants consultants consultants over over broadband internet connections. It It has has has enabled enabled enabled the the the company company company to to to dispense dispense dispense with with with its its its business business business premises premises premises altogether, altogether, altogether, following following following the the realisation that it just didn ’t need them any more. “The main motivation behind adopting home working was to increase my own productivity, as a single mum to an 11-year-old,” says Hargreaves. “But I soon realised that, as most of our business is done on the phone, email and at off-site meetings, we didn ’t need need our our our offices offices offices at at at all. all. all. W W e ’re re now now now saving saving ￡16,000 16,000 a a a year year year on on on rent, rent, rent, plus plus plus the the the cost cost cost of of of utilities, utilities, utilities, not not not to to mention what would have been spent on commuting.”1. What is the main topic of this passage? A) How business managers view hi-tech. B) Relations between employers and employees. C) How to cut down the costs of small businesses. D) Benefits of the practice of teleworking. 2. From the research conducted by the communications provider Inter-Tel, we learn that . A) more employees work to full capacity at home B) employees show a growing interest in small businesses C) more businesses have adopted remote working solutions D) attitudes toward IT technology have changed 3. What development has made flexible working practices possible according to Andy Poulton? A) Reduced cost of telecommunications. B) Improved reliability of internet service. C) Availability of the V oIP service. D) Access to broadband everywhere. 4. What is Neil Stephenson ’s advice to firms contracting internet services? A) They look for reliable business-only providers. B) They contact providers located nearest to them. C) They carefully examine the contract. D) They contract the cheapest provider. 5. Internet-based telecoms facilitates remote working by __________. A) offering sophisticated voice services B) giving access to emailing in real time C) helping clients discuss business at home D) providing calls completely free of charge 6. The accountancy firm Wright Vigar promoted teleworking initially in order to __________. A) present a positive image to prospective customers B) support its employees with children to take care of C) attract young people with IT expertise to work for it D) reduce operational expenses of a second office 7. According to marketing director Jack O ’Hern, teleworking enabled the company to __________. A) enhance its market image B) reduce recruitment costs C) keep highly qualified staff D) minimise its office space 8. Wright Vigar ’s s practice practice practice of of of allowing allowing allowing for for for more more more flexible flexible flexible working working working hours hours hours not not not only only only benefits benefits benefits the the company but helps improve employees ’ . 9. With fast, wireless internet connections, employees can still be __________ while traveling. 10. Single mother Lynne Hargreaves decided to work at home mainly to __________. Part Ⅲ Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.11. A) They would rather travel around than stay at home. B) They prefer to carry cash when traveling abroad. C) They usually carry many things around with them. D) They don’t like to spend much money on traveling. 12. A) The selection process was a little unfair. B) He had long dreamed of the dean’s position. C) Rod was eliminated in the selection process. D) Rod was in charge of the admissions office. 13. A) Applause encourages the singer. B) She regrets paying for the concert. C) Almost everyone loves pop music. D) The concert is very impressive. 14. A) They have known each other since their schooldays. ’ Union. B) They were both chairpersons of the StudentsC) They have been in close touch by email. D) They are going to hold a reunion party. 15. A) Cook their dinner. B) Rest for a while. C) Get their car fixed. D) Stop for the night. 16. A) Newly-launched products. B) Consumer preferences. C) Survey results. D) Survey methods. ’t buy the blouse. 17. A) He would rather the woman didnB) The woman needs blouses in the colors of a rainbow. C) The information in the catalog is not always reliable. D) He thinks the blue blouse is better than the red one. 18. A) The course is open to all next semester. B) The notice may not be reliable. C) The woman has not told the truth. D) He will drop his course in marketing. Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) A director of a sales department. B) A manager at a computer store. C) A sales clerk at a shopping center. D) An accountant of a computer firm. 20. A) Handling customer complaints. B) Recruiting and training new staff. C) Dispatching ordered goods on time. D) Developing computer programs. 21. A) She likes something more challenging. B) She likes to be nearer to her parents. C) She wants to have a better-paid job. D) She wants to be with her husband. 22. A) Right away. B) In two months. C) Early next month. D) In a couple of days. Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. A) It will face challenges unprecedented in its history. B) It is a resolute advocate of the anti-global movement. C) It is bound to regain its full glory of a hundred years ago. D) It will be a major economic power by the mid-21st century. 24. A) The lack of overall urban planning. B) The huge gap between the haves and have-nots. C) The inadequate supply of water and electricity. D) The shortage of hi-tech personnel. 25. A) They attach great importance to education. B) They are able to grasp growth opportunities. C) They are good at learning from other nations. D) They have made use of advanced technologies. Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard.26. A) She taught chemistry and microbiology courses in a college. B) She gave lectures on how to become a public speaker. C) She helped families move away from industrial polluters. D) She engaged in field research on environmental pollution. 27. A) The job restricted her from revealing her findings. B) The job posed a potential threat to her health. C) She found the working conditions frustrating. D) She was offered a better job in a minority community. 28. A) Some giant industrial polluters have gone out of business. B) More environmental organizations have appeared. C) Many toxic sites in America have been cleaned up. D) More branches of her company have been set up. 29. A) Her widespread influence among members of Congress. B) Her ability to communicate through public speaking. C) Her rigorous training in delivering eloquent speeches. D) Her lifelong commitment to domestic and global issues. Passage TwoQuestions 30 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard.30. A) The fierce competition in the market. B) The growing necessity of staff training. C) The accelerated pace of globalisation. D) The urgent need of a diverse workforce. 31. A) Gain a deep understanding of their own culture. B) Take courses of foreign languages and cultures. C) Share the experiences of people from other cultures. The ancient Greeks developed basic memory systems called mnemonics. The name is 大36家The Greeks discovered that human memory is 大40家大家Austria, Canada, Belgium, or Germany? Probably not. What about Italy, though? 大46家can be seen from outside the car. Persuading people to switch their phones off altogether when they get behind the wheel might be the only answer. Who knows, they might even come to enjoy not having to take calls. 47. Carrying on a mobile phone conversation while one is driving is considered dangerous because it seriously distracts . 48. In the experiments, the two groups of volunteers were asked to handle a series of moving tasks which were considered . 49. Results of the experiments show that those who were making the equivalent of a hands-free call took to react than those who were not. 50. Further experiments reveal that participants tend to respond with extra delay if they are required to do . 51. The The author author author believes believes believes persuasion, persuasion, persuasion, rather rather rather than than than , , , might might might be be be the the the only only only way way way to to to stop stop stop people people people from from from using using mobile phones while driving. Section BDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions orunfinished 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 linethrough the centre.Passage OneQuestions 52 to 56 are based on the following passage.There There is is is nothing nothing nothing like like like the the the suggestion suggestion suggestion of of of a a a cancer cancer cancer risk risk risk to to to scare scare scare a a a parent, parent, parent, especially especially especially one one one of of of the the over-educated, over-educated, eco-conscious eco-conscious eco-conscious type. type. type. So So So you you you can can can imagine imagine imagine the the the reaction reaction reaction when when when a a a recent recent recent USA USA USA Today Today investigation of air quality around the nation ’s schools singled out those in the smugly （自鸣得意的）green village of Berkeley, Calif., as being among the worst in the country. The city ’s public high school, as well as a number of daycare centers, preschools, elementary and middle schools, fell in the lowest 10%. Industrial pollution in our town had supposedly turned students into living science experiments breathing in a laboratory ’s worth of heavy metals like manganese, chromium and nickel each day. This in a city that requires school cafeterias to serve organic meals. Great, Great, I thought, organic lunch, toxic I thought, organic lunch, toxic campus. Since December, when the report came out, the mayor, neighborhood activists （活跃分子）and various parent-teacher associations have engaged in a fierce battle over its validity: over the guilt of the steel-casting factory on the western edge of town, over union jobs jobs versus versus versus children children children’’s health and over what, if anything, ought to be done. With all sides presenting their own experts armed with conflicting scientific studies, whom should parents believe? Is there truly a threat here, we asked one another as we dropped off our kids, and if so, how great is it? And how does it compare with the other, seemingly perpetual health scares we confront, like panic over lead in synthetic athletic fields? Rather than just another weird episode in the town that brought you protesting environmentalists, this latest drama is a trial for how today ’s parents perceive risk, how we try to keep our kids safe —whether it’s possible to keep them safe —in what feels like an increasingly threatening world. It raises the question of what, in our time, “safe safe”” could even mean. “There There’’s s no no no way way way around around around the the the uncertainty,uncertainty,uncertainty,”” says says Kimberly Kimberly Kimberly Thompson, Thompson, Thompson, president president president of of of Kid Kid Kid Risk, Risk, Risk, a a nonprofit group that studies children ’s health. “That means your choices can matter, but it also means you aren ’t t going to know if they do.going to know if they do.” A 2004 report in the journal Pediatrics explained that nervous parents have more to fear from fire, car accidents and drowning than from toxic chemical exposure. To which I say: Well, obviously. But such concrete hazards are beside the point. It ’s the dangers parents can can’’t —and and may may may never never —quantify quantify that that that occur occur occur all all all of of of sudden. sudden. sudden. That That That’’s s why why why I I ’ve ve rid rid rid my my my cupboard cupboard cupboard of of microwave microwave food food food packed packed packed in in in bags bags bags coated coated coated with with with a a a potential potential potential cancer-causing cancer-causing cancer-causing substance, substance, substance, but but but although although although I I ’ve lived lived blocks blocks blocks from from from a a a major major major fault fault fault line(line(地质断层) ) for for for more more more than than than 12 12 12 years, years, years, I I I still still still haven haven haven’’t t bolted bolted bolted our our bookcases to the living room wall. 52. What does a recent investigation by USA Today reveal? A) Heavy metals in lab tests threaten children ’s health in Berkeley. B) Berkeley residents are quite contented with their surroundings. C) The air quality around Berkeley ’s school campuses is poor. D) Parents in Berkeley are over-sensitive to cancer risks their kids face. 53. What response did USA Today ’s report draw? A) A heated debate. B) Popular support. C) Widespread panic. D) Strong criticism. 54. How did parents feel in the face of the experts ’ studies? A) They felt very much relieved. B) They were frightened by the evidence. C) They didn ’t know who to believe. D) They weren ’t convinced of the results. 55. What is the view of the 2004 report in the journal Pediatrics? A) It is important to quantify various concrete hazards. B) Daily accidents pose a more serious threat to children. C) Parents should be aware of children ’s health hazards. D) Attention should be paid to toxic chemical exposure. 56. Of the dangers in everyday life, the author thinks that people have most to fear from __________. A) the uncertain B) the quantifiable C) an earthquake D) unhealthy food Passage TwoQuestions 57 to 61 are based on the following passage.Crippling Crippling health health health care care care bills, bills, bills, long long long emergency-room emergency-room emergency-room waits waits waits and and and the the the inability inability inability to to to find find find a a a primary primary primary care care physician just scratch the surface of the problems that patients face daily. Primary Primary care care care should should should be be be the the the backbone backbone backbone of of of any any any health health health care care care system. system. system. Countries Countries Countries with with with appropriate appropriate primary primary care care care resources resources resources score score score highly highly highly when when when it it it comes comes comes to to to health health health outcomes outcomes outcomes and and and cost. cost. cost. The The The U.S. U.S. U.S. takes takes takes the the opposite approach by emphasizing the specialist rather than the primary care physician. A recent study analyzed the providers who treat Medicare beneficiaries （老年医保受惠人）. The startling finding was that the average Medicare patient saw a total of seven doctors —two primary care physicians and five specialists —in a given year. Contrary to popular belief, the more physicians taking care care of of of you you you don don don’’t t guarantee guarantee guarantee better better better care. care. care. Actually, Actually, increasing increasing fragmentation fragmentation fragmentation of of of care care care results results results in in in a a corresponding rise in cost and medical errors. How did we let primary care slip so far? The key is how doctors are paid. Most physicians are paid paid whenever whenever whenever they they they perform perform perform a a a medical medical medical service. service. service. The The The more more more a a a physician physician physician does, does, does, regardless regardless regardless of of of quality quality quality or or outcome, outcome, the the the better better better he he he’’s s reimbursed reimbursed reimbursed ((返还费用). ). Moreover, Moreover, Moreover, the the the amount amount amount a a a physician physician physician receives receives receives leans leans heavily toward medical or surgical procedures. A specialist who performs a procedure in a 30-minute visit can be paid three times more than a primary care physician using that same 30 minutes to discuss a patient patient’’s disease. Combine this fact with annual government threats to indiscriminately cut reimbursements, physicians are faced with no choice but to increase quantity to boost income. Primary care physicians who refuse to compromise quality are either driven out of business or to cash-only practices, further contributing to the decline of primary care. Medical students are not blind to this scenario. They see how heavily the reimbursement deck is stacked against primary care. The recent numbers show that since 1997, newly graduated U.S. medical students who choose primary care as a career have declined by 50%. This trend results in emergency rooms being overwhelmed with patients without regular doctors. How do we fix this problem? It It starts starts starts with with with reforming reforming reforming the the the physician physician physician reimbursement reimbursement reimbursement system. system. system. Remove Remove Remove the the the pressure pressure pressure for for for primary primary care care physicians physicians physicians to to to squeeze squeeze squeeze in in in more more more patients patients patients per per per hour, hour, hour, and and and reward reward reward them them them for for for optimally optimally optimally ((最佳地) managing their diseases and practicing evidence-based medicine. Make primary care more attractive to medical medical students students students by by by forgiving forgiving forgiving student student student loans loans loans for for for those those those who who who choose choose choose primary primary primary care care care as as as a a a career career career and and reconciling the marked difference between specialist and primary care physician salaries. e W e’’re at a point where primary care is needed more than ever. Within a few years, the first wave of the 76 million Baby Boomers will become eligible for Medicare. Patients older than 85, who need chronic care most, will rise by 50% this decade. Who will be there to treat them? 57. The author ’s chief concern about the current U.S. health care system is __________. 。
2009年英语专四听力原文和答案
2009年专四听力答案PART I DICTATIONNew Y ear's EveFor many people in the west, New Y ear's Eve is the biggest party of the year. /lt's the time to get together with friends or family/and welcome in the coming year. / New Y ear's parties can take place in different places. /Some people hold a house party; others attend street parties;/ while some just go for a few drinks with their friends. /Big cities have large and spectacular fireworks displays. / There is one thing that all New Y ear's Eve parties have in common,/ the countdown to midnight./ When the clock strikes 12, people give a loud cheer and sing songs./ It's also popular to make a promise in the New Y ear. /This is called a New Y ear's resolution. / Typical resolutions include giving up smoking and keeping fit. /However, the promise is often broken quite quickly /and people are back into their bad habits within weeks or days.PART ⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A CONVERSATIONSQuestions I to 3 are based on the following conversation.W: Hi, Mark. How are you?M: (2) Actually, I'm really fed up, Linda. It's Jean.W: (2) Jean? Who is Jean?M: Oh, nobody really. (1) Just a most stunningly attractive girl in my year school.W: Oh, is that all? (1) So what's the problem?M: (1) Well, the thing is I just don't know how to make her notice me, or...W: Wait a minute. I've got a brilliant idea I (3) Why don't you try talking to her?M: (3)But I wouldn't know what to say. 1...W: Look, she's in your chemistry class, isn't she? Y ou're good at chemistry. (3) Y ou could offer to help her with her chemistry homework. How about that?M: Not bad. Just one problem.W: What?M: (3) She's better than me at chemistry.W: OK, then? (3) Well, there is that party at John's on Friday night. Y ou could invite her.M: ( 2/3 ) Just another small problem. John's her boyfriend.Key:1.B 2.C 3.AQuestions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.W: Y es, can I help you?M: Y es, you see I bought this personal stereo at your shop three days ago. And I'm afraid that it hasn't really matched up to what I was told about it.W: I see. What exactly is the matter?M: (4/6) Well, first of all, there's this large scratch across the front of it.W: But you should have noticed that when you bought it.M: But it was in the box and all sealed up.W: (4) Well, I am sorry, but it really is your responsibility to check the goods when you buy them. How were were to know that it wasn't you who made the scratch?M: That's ridiculous. (6) But, anyway, it's not the most important thing. I really am not happy about this other thing.W:And what is that?M: Look, it says here that the noise from it should be undetectable by other people, W: Y es, that's right.M: But people can hear it and it's really embarrassing on the bus and the underground. W: Well, I am sorry. (5)But it must be the way you are wearing the headphones.M: (5) Look, I know how to put earphones in my ears. Thank you very much. But what I want to know is what you are going to do about it all.W: (7) Well, I suppose we could exchange it for another model if you really aren't happy with it.M: No, I certainly am not.W: (7) Well, if I just could have the receipt.M: Y es, well there is a slight problem about this receipt.Key: 4.C 5.A 6D 7.B.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.W: Hello, Happy Time Catering Services Victoria speaking. How can I help you?M: Hello, Victoria. This is Joe Smith from Country Holidays. (8/9) I wonder if you could do some catering for us next week. (10) We're having a small reception. It's to launch our summer holiday advertising campaign. Would you be free?W: When exactly is it, Mr. Smith?M: April 21st, that's Thursday. Oh, sorry, no. (9)lt should be Friday.W: Oh, Y es, I can do that. ( 10) Where will you be holding at?M: We thought we would have had it at head office and use the conference room because there is enough room for everyone there.W: OK, what aort of things would you like?M: Just a light lunch I think. So that People can eat while they move around and talk to each other. ( 10)Y ou did something similar for us last year. We will be happy to have the same menu again.W: Right, I will look at my dairy and see what you had last time. Oh, I nearly forgot to ask you, (10) how many should I cater for?M: Well, I think most people will be able to come, perhaps around 30. No, let's say 35, to be sure.W: Right, thank you for getting in touch Mr. Smith. I will send confirmation of the arrangements by the end of this week.M: OK.Key: 8.C 9.A 10.DSECTION B PASSAGESQuestions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.For shopaholics, the post-Christmas period means only one thing—sales! (12) Across the country, prices are slashed on clothing, electronics, home furnishings and more, (11) but London is the place for serious shopping and you can certainly pick up some amazing bargains. (12) The sales start on Boxing Day—26th, December and continue for the month of January, but the keenest bargain hunters get there early to be first through the doors, (12) In Oxford Street queues formed outside shops ahead of pre-dawn openings for the start of their sales. At Brent Cross, in north London, more than 1 ,000 people were queuing at 3:30a. m. for the ' Next' clothing store's sale which began at 4 a. m. Some people even camped outside the shops to be the first in the line.(13) Some people are taking their friends shopping with them and buying their Christmas presents in the sales. A practical but unromantic way of making sure you get the gift you really want. For a less exciting but less stressful shopping experience, online retailers are also getting in on the act with January sales of their own. (13) The most organized of all are those who are already doing their present shopping for next Christmas in the Jyuary" sales.Key:11.C 12.A 13.DQuestions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.(14)Ballroom dancing used to be seen as something rather unfashionable that old people might do. (15) For the past five years though, the popularity of ballroom dancing has soared thanks to a reality TV show. Strictly Come Dancing is one of the big TV shows. ( 16) Millions of people tune in every Saturday night to watch the show which airs from September right up to Christmas. (16) In the show a number of professional ballroom dancers each dance with a celebrity. Every week they have to learn a different ballroom dance and perform it live on TV on Saturday night. The show demonstrates how glamorous ballroom dancing is. The celebrities get to wear colorful dresses and suits to dance in, and it looks like a lot of fun. The TV programme also shows what good exercise it can be to ballroom dance and what hard work is involved in learning the dances and performing them properly. Dance schools aroundthe country have seen a boost in the number of people wanting to learn how to dance.(17) And it's not only old people who are interested. Lots of children and young people in their 20s are keen to learn.Key: 14.B 15.D 16.A 17.CQuestions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.(18) Recently, a couple in New Zealand were forbidden from naming their baby son 4Real. Even though New Zealand has quite liberal rules about naming children, names beginning with a number are not allowed. They decided to call him Superman instead. In many countries around the world, unusual names for children are becoming more popular, especially since the increasing trend for celebrities to give their children unusual names. (19) Some parents choose names which come from popular culture. For example, there have been six boys named Gandalf after the character in the Lord of the Rings novels and films. Equally names related to sport are fairly common —since 1984, 36 children have been called Arsenal after the football team. Other parents like to make up names, or combine names to make their own unique version, a method demonstrated by Jordan, the British model, who recently invented the name Tidarnii for her daughter by combining the names Thea and Amy (the two grandmothers) - She was quoted as saying that the accent and double letters were added tomake the name 'more exotic'. (20) Other countries have much stricter rules when it comes to naming children. Countries including Japan, Denmark, Spain, Germany and Argentina have an approved list of names from which parents must choose.Key: 18.C 19.D 20.ASECTION C NEWS BROADCASTNews Item IEleven fishing boat crew who had been stranded since October in a remote part of Russia's Far East have been rescued after sheltering nearly three months at an abandoned military base. (21 )The eight men and three women took refuge at the base after their small boat collided on October 10th. Their attempts to fix one of the boats did not succeed, (22) and they had to remain at the abandoned base where there were only flour and -cooking fat. Other supplies at the base, which was abandoned in 2003 including Christmas ornaments, and the crew members put them up on a small tree inside their quarters, but supplies began running low and early this week, five set off on foot across snow fields. On Friday, after fours days of trudging, they reached a working military radio station, (23) the center called rescuers and helicopters were sent to take the eleven to the regional capital.Key:21.B 22.C 23.ANews Item 2(24) Spain's King Juan Carlos with 32 years on the throne turns 70 Saturday, but after years of undeniable adulation among Spaniards for putting down an attempted coup in 1981 , (25) he's recently faced more difficult times. Small groups of leftistshave burned his photo, and fiery criticism has also come from the right with one leading conservative radio host calling for him to step down. Juan Carlos fired back with a rare public defense of his reign in a recent speech. "It's been the longest period of stability and prosperity in Spain ever in a parliamentary monarchy " , the King said.Key:24.B25.DNews Item 3It goes against religious taboos in Iraq to involve women in fighting, but three recent suicide bombings carried out by women could indicate insurgents are growing increasingly desperate. (26) In November 4th, a woman detonated an explosive vest next to a U.S. patrol in Diyala's regional capital, Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Bagdad (27) wounding seven U. S. troops and five Iraqis. (26) On December 7th, a woman attacked the offices of a Diyala-based Sunni group, fighting al-Qaida in Iraq, (27) killing 15 people and wounding 35 , (26) then on December 31st, a bomber in Baqouba, detonated her suicide vest close to a police patrol (27) wounding five policemen and four civilians.Key:26.A 27.BNews Item 4(28) Chinese government is poised to conduct its first national survey of pollution sources in February to help control environmental deterioration in the country. The study will identify and collect data on the sources of industrial, agricultural and residential pollution for two months. Last year, China's environment was facing a grave situation with several major rivers and lakes clogged by industrial waste. (29) China's environmental cleanup is compromised by more than two decades of rapid economic growth and a lack of technology especially. (30) Every province, autonomous region and municipality has set up a census office and will report to a main center staffed by officials from sovemment departments. Data will be reviewed multiple times before being put into a database and will be analyzed in the second half of 2008. Findings will be examined and approved by mid-2009.。
大学英语四级真题讲解09年12月真题考试试卷评讲
90.Production has to be increased considerably to keep pace with the constantly increasing demands of consumers. 与……保持同步：keep pace with…… 消费者： consumers 不断增长的： constantly increasing continually：屡屡地，再三地，不断 continuously：连续不断地，不停歇地 需求： demands；needs
qualification
n.
1.合格证书 1.合格证书 Jack has obtained a medical qualification.杰克取得了行医 资格证书。 2.资格 资格, 2.资格, 条件 You have all qualifications to do the job.你有资格做这份工 作。 3.限制 限制, 3.限制, 限定性条件 The contract has several qualifications for both parties. 该合同对双方都提出了几个限制性条件。 4.学历 资历；获得资格，合格， 学历； 4.学历；资历；获得资格，合格，达到标准
91.The more exercise you take, the less likely you are to catch a cold. The+比较级，the+比较级 “越……，越……” 不大可能做某事：be less likely to do sth 得感冒： catch a cold
作文写作中出现的问题
?since常常用在书面语中表示多为对方已知的或稍加分析便可得知的原因有时可译作既然分析便可得知的原因有时可译作既然
09年12月听力真题和答案
09年12月英语六级听力真题和答案 Section A Conversations Short Conversations 11. W: Did you use credit cards on your vacation last month in Europe? M: Sure did. They certainly beat going around with a wallet full of big bills. But carrying lots of cash is still very common among some older people travelling abroad。
Q: What does the man say about some elderly people? 12. W: Rod must be in a bad mood today. What’s wrong with him? M: He was passed over in the selection process for the dean of the Administration’s Office. He’d been hoping for the position for a long time。
Q: What does the man mean? 13. M: What a great singer Justin is. His concert is just awesome and you’ll never regret the money you paid for the ticket。
W: Yeah, judging by the amount of applause, everyone was enjoying it。
Q: What does the woman mean? 14. W: I received an email yesterday from Henry. Do you remember he was one of the chairpersons of our Students’ Union? M: Yes, but I haven’t heard from him for ages. Actually, I have been out of touch with him since our first reunion after graduation。