考研英语真题阅读理解试题及名师解析(十八)
It is said that in England death is pressing, in Canada inevitableand in California optional .Small wonder. Americans’ life expectancyhas nearly doubled over the past century. Failing hips ...It is said that in England death is pressing, in Canada inevitableand in California optional .Small wonder. Americans’ life expectancyhas nearly doubled over the past century. Failing hips can bereplaced, clinical depression controlled, cataracts removed in a 30-minute surgical procedure. Such advances offer the aging population aquality of life that was unimaginable when I entered medicine 50years ago. But not even a great health-care system can cure death—and our failure to confront that reality now threatens this greatnessof ours。
Death is normal; we are genetically programmed to disintegrate andperish, even under ideal conditions. We all understand that at somelevel, yet as medical consumers we treat death as a problem to besolved. Shielded by third-party payers from the cost of our care, wedemand everything that can possibly be done for us, even if it'suseless. The most obvious example is late-stage cancer care. Physicians—frustrated by their inability to cure the disease andfearing loss of hope in the patient—too often offer aggressivetreatment far beyond what is scientifically justified。
In 1950, the U.S. spent 12.7 billion on health care. In 2002, thecost will be 1540 billion. Anyone can see this trend isunsustainable. Yet few seem willing to try to reverse it. Somescholars conclude that a government with finite resources shouldsimply stop paying for medical care that sustains life beyond acertain age—say 83 or so. Former Colorado governor Richard Lamm hasbeen quoted as saying that the old and infirm “have a duty to dieand get out of the way ” so that younger, healthier people canrealize their potential。
I would not go that far. Energetic people now routinely workthrough their 60s and beyond, and remain dazzlingly productive. At 78,Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone jokingly claims to be 53. SupremeCourt Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is in her 70s, and former surgeongeneral C. Everett Koop chairs an Internet start-up in his 80s.Theseleaders are living proof that prevention works and that we can managethe health problems that come naturally with age. As a mere 68-year-old, I wish to age as productively as they have。
Yet there are limits to what a society can spend in this pursuit.Ask a physician, I know the most costly and dramatic measures may beineffective and painful. I also know that people in Japan and Sweden, countries that spend far less on medical care, have achieved longer,healthier lives than we have. As a nation, we may be overfunding thequest for unlikely cures while underfunding research on humblertherapies that could improve people's lives。
36. What is implied in the first sentence?[A] Americans are better prepared for death than other people。
[B] Americans enjoy a higher life quality than ever before。
[C] Americans are over-confident of their medical technology。
[D] Americans take a vain pride in their long life expectancy。
37. The author uses the example of cancer patients to show that[A] medical resources are often wasted。
[B] doctors are helpless against fatal diseases。
[C] some treatments are too aggressive。
[D] medical costs are becoming unaffordable。
38. The author's attitude to ward Richard Lamm's remark is one of[A] strong disapproval。
[B] reserved consent。
[C] slight contempt。
[D] enthusiastic support。
39. In contras to the U.S. ,Japan and Sweden are funding theirmedical care[A] more flexibly。
[B] more extravagantly。
[C] more cautiously。
[D] more reasonably。
40. The text intends to express the idea that[A] medicine will further prolong people's lives。
[B] life beyond a certain limit is not worth living。
[C] death should be accepted as a fact of life。
[D] excessive demands increase the cost of health care。
名师解析36. What is implied in the first sentence? 第一句话暗示什么[A] Americans are better prepared for death than other people。
美国人对于死亡的准备超过其他人。
[B] Americans enjoy a higher life quality than ever before。
美国人比先前享受更高的生活质量。
[C] Americans are over-confident of their medical technology。
美国人对他们的医学技术过于自信。
[D] Americans take a vain pride in their long life expectancy。
美国人对于他们的长寿有一种虚荣的自豪感。
【答案】 C【考点】推断题。
【分析】该题问的是篇首第一句的含义。
这句话说的是“据说在英国死亡是迫在眉睫的在加拿大死亡是不可避免的在加利福尼亚死亡是可以选择的。
”从这句话中我们可以看出美国人自认为美国拥有先进医疗技术死亡是可以控制的。
所以[C]项是正确的。
[A]项毫无道理因为从文章中可以看出美国人还是害怕死亡的。
2018年考研英语真题及答案解析
2018年考研英语真题及答案解析考研英语最重要的就是做好真题的题海战，只有将真题啃透，才能在实战中得到更高分。
下面是小编分享的考研英语真题及答案解析，一起来看看吧。
考研英语真题及答案解析一Directions: Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark [A], [B], [C] or [D] on ANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points)In Cambodia, the choice of a spouse is a complex one for the young male. It may involve not only his parents and his friends, __1__those of the young woman, but also a matchmaker. A young man can __2__ a likely spouse on his own and then ask his parents to __3__the marriage negotiations, or the young man’s parents may take the choice of a spouse, giving the child little to say in the selection. __4__, a girl may veto the spouse her parents have chosen. __5__ a spouse has been selected, each family investigates the other to make sure its child is marrying __6__ a good family.The traditional wedding is a long and colorful affair. Formerly it lasted three days, __7__1980s it more commonly lasted a day and a half. Buddhist priests offer a short sermon and __8__ prayers of blessing. Par--ts of the ceremony involve ritual hair cutting,__9__cotton threads soaked in holy water around the bride's and groom's wrists, and __10__a candle around a circle of happily married and respected couples to bless the __11__. Newlyweds traditionally move in with the wife's parents and may__12__ with them up to a year, __13__they can build a new house nearby.Divorce is legal and easy to __14__, but not common.Divorced persons are __15__ with some disapproval. Each spouse retains ___16___ property he or she __17__ into the marriage, and jointly-acquired property is __18__ equally. Divorced persons may remarry, but a gender prejudice __19__up. The divorced male doesn't have a waiting period before he can remarry __20__the woman must wait ten months.1. A. by way of B. with regard to C. on behalf of D. as well as2. A. decide on B. provide for C. compete with D. adapt to3. A. close B. arrange C. renew D. postpone4. A. In theory B. Above all C. In time D. For example5. A. Unless B. Less C. After D. Although6. A. into B. within C. from D. through7. A. or B. since C. but D. so8. A. test B. copy C. recite D. create9. A. folding B. piling C. wrapping D. tying10. A. passing B. lighting C. hiding D. serving11. A. association B. meeting C. collection D. union12. A. deal B. part C. grow D. live13. A. whereas B. until C. for D. if14. A. avoid B. follow C. challenge D. obtain15. A. isolated B. persuaded C. viewed D. exposed16. A. wherever B. whatever C. whenever D. however17. A. changed B. brought C. shaped D. pushed18. A. invested B. divided C. donated D. withdrawn19. A. warms B. clears C. shows D. breaks20. A. while B. so that C. once D. in that1.[标准答案] [D]as well as[考点分析] 本题考察逻辑关系[选项分析] 因为考察逻辑关系，所以需要我们先对填空前后的原文信息做定位分析：文章身处大环境not only…..but also之中，这是一个明显的并列关系，表示“不仅……而且……”该空与前一句“his parents and his friends”也是并列关系，表示“与他本人以及伴侣的父母朋友相关” 所以答案只能是D. as well as.A. by way of通过B. with regard to 关于C. on behalf of 代表2.[标准答案] [A] decide on[考点分析] 上下文语义[选项分析] 根据该句的主语a young man与宾语a likely spouse 的关系，答案只能是A. decide on 决定。
考研英语阅读理解真题及解析
考研英语阅读理解真题及解析Title: Analysis of Real Exam Questions and Solutions in GRE English Reading ComprehensionIntroduction:In the competitive landscape of graduate school entrance exams, the English Reading Comprehension section plays a significant role. This article aims to provide an insightful analysis of authentic GRE (Graduate Record Examination) English Reading Comprehension questions. Additionally, it will present effective strategies for tackling these questions, assisting candidates in honing their skills for success.1. Overview of GRE English Reading Comprehension:The GRE English Reading Comprehension section assesses a candidate's ability to grasp and analyze written material. It evaluates skills such as understanding the main idea, identifying supporting details, making inferences, and recognizing the author's tone and purpose.2. Strategies for Approaching GRE English Reading Comprehension:2.1 Skimming and Scanning:Before diving into the passage, candidates should skim through it to get an overall understanding of the topic. Scanning allows for quick identification of keywords or phrases to anticipate the focus of questions.2.2 Active Reading:While reading the passage, candidates should underline or highlight key points and take concise notes. This helps maintain focus and facilitates a quicker revisit to relevant sections when answering questions.2.3 Analyzing Question Types:GRE English Reading Comprehension questions are categorized into several types, including main idea, supporting detail, inference, vocabulary in context, and tone. Familiarizing oneself with these question types enables candidates to approach each question strategically.3. Analysis of Real GRE English Reading Comprehension Questions:3.1 Passage 1: Sustainable AgricultureThis passage highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the potential consequences of unsustainable farming methods. Questions focus on understanding the main idea, supporting details, and author's purpose.3.2 Passage 2: Effects of Climate Change on EcosystemsThis passage explores the impact of climate change on ecosystems worldwide. Questions require identifying cause and effect relationships, making inferences, and recognizing the author's tone.3.3 Passage 3: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in HealthcareThis passage discusses the role of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing healthcare. Questions assess the understanding of technical information, identifying vocabulary in context, and evaluating the author's argument.4. Detailed Solutions and Explanations:For each passage, this section provides detailed solutions, explanations, and key insights into the correct answer choices. Emphasis is placed on understanding the reasoning behind the solutions, helping candidates develop critical thinking skills.5. Additional Strategies for Success:5.1 Time Management:Candidates should allocate a specific amount of time to each passage and associated questions. This helps prevent spending too much time on a single question and ensures completion of the entire section within the allotted time.5.2 Reviewing Practice Tests:Taking and reviewing practice tests is essential to assess progress, identify weaknesses, and refine strategies. It is recommended to simulate exam conditions and analyze performance objectively.6. Conclusion:This article aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of authentic GRE English Reading Comprehension questions. By understanding question types, adopting effective strategies, and practicing diligently, candidates can enhance their performance in this vital section. With perseverance and dedication, success in the GRE exam is within reach.。
考研英语(阅读)模拟试卷18(题后含答案及解析)
考研英语（阅读）模拟试卷18(题后含答案及解析)全部题型 2. Reading ComprehensionSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections: Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. (40 points)Immigrant Students in Their Studies on Made and Female Differences When it comes to schooling, the Herrera boys are no match for the Herrera girls. Last week, four years after she arrived from Honduras, Martha, 20, graduated from Fairfax High school in Los Angeles. She managed decent grades while working 36 hours a week at a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Her sister, Marlin, 22, attends a local community college and will soon be a certified nurse assistant. The brothers are a different story. Oscar, 17, was expelled two years ago from Fairfax for carrying a knife and later dropped out of a different school. The youngest, Jonathan, 15, is now in a juvenile boot camp after running into trouble with the law. “The boys get sidetracked more,”says the kids’ mother, Suyapa Landaverde. “The girls are more confident.”This is no aberration. Immigrant girls consistently outperform boys, according to the preliminary findings of a just completed, five-year study of immigrant children—the largest of its kind, including Latino, Chinese and Haitian kids—by Marcelo and Carola Suarez Orozco of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Though that trend holds for U. S.-born kids as well, the reasons for the discrepancy among immigrants are different. The study found that immigrant girls are more adept at straddling cultures than boys. “The girls are able to retain some of the protective features of (their native) culture”because they’re kept closer to the hearth, says Marcelo Suarez Orozco, “while they maximize their acquisition of skills in the new culture “by helping their parents navigate it. Consider the kids’experiences in school. The study found that boys face more peer pressure to adopt American youth culture—the dress, the slang, the disdain for education. They’re disciplined more often and, as a result, develop more adversarial relationships with teachers—and the wider society. They may also face more debilitating prejudices. One teacher interviewed for the study said that the “ cultural awareness training” she received as part of her continuing education included depictions of Latino boys as “aggressive”and “really macho”and of the girls as “pure sweetness”. Gender shapes immigrant kids’experiences outside school as well. Often hailing from traditional cultures, the girls face greater domestic obligations. They also frequently act as “ cultural ambassadors”, translating for parents and mediating between them and the outside world, says Carola Suarez Orozco. An unintended consequence: “The girls get foisted into a responsible role more than the boys do.” Take Christina Im, 18, a juniorat Fairfax who arrived from South Korea four years ago. She ranks ninth in a class of 400 students and still finds time to fix dinner for the family and work on Saturdays at her mother’s clothing shop. Her brother? “He plays computer games,”says Im. The Harvard study bears a cautionary note: If large numbers of immigrant boys continue to be alienated academically—and to be clear, plenty perform phenomenally —they risk sinking irretrievably into an economic underclass. Oscar Herrera, Martha’s dropout brother, may be realizing that. “I’m thinking of returning ot school,”he recently told his mother. He ought to look to his sisters for guidance.1．In the opening paragraph, the author introduces his topic by______.A．posing a contrastB．justifying an assumptionC．making a comparisonD．explaining a phenomenon正确答案：C解析：论证方式题。
18考研英语一真题阅读理解红绿蓝答案解析
18考研英语一真题阅读理解红绿蓝答案解析Among the annoying challenges facing the middleclass is one that will probably go unmentioned in the next presidentialcampaign: What happens when the robots come for their jobs?Don’t dismiss that possibility entirely. Abouthalf of U.S. jobs are at highrisk of being automated,according to a University of Oxford study, with the middle class disproportionately squeezed. Lower-incomejobs like gardening or day care don’t appeal to robots. But many middle-classoccupations—trucking, financial advice, software engineering—have aroused theirinterest, or soon will. The rich own the robots, so they will be fine.21. Who will be most threatened by automation?[A] Leading politicians.[B] Low-wage laborers.（与下划线句矛盾）[C] Robot owners.（与加粗矛盾）[D] Middle-class workers.This isn’t to be alarmist. Optimists point outthat technological upheaval has benefited workers in the past. The IndustrialRevolution didn’t go so well for Luddites whose jobs were displaced bymechanized looms, but it eventually raised living standards and created morejobs than it destroyed. Likewise, automation should eventually boostproductivity, stimulate demand by driving down prices, and free workers fromhard, boring work. But in themedium term, middle-class workers may need a lot of help adjusting.22 . Which of the following best represents theauthor’sview?[A] Worries about automation are in factgroundless.[B] Optimists’ opinions on new tech find littlesuppo rt.[C] Issues arising from automation need to be tackled.[D] Negative consequences of new tech can beavoided.The first step, as Erik Brynjolfsson and AndrewMcAfee argue in The Second Machine Age, should be rethinking education and jobtraining. Curriculums—fromgrammar school to college—shouldevolve to focus less onmemorizing facts and more on creativity and complexcommunication. Vocational schools should do a better job of fosteringproblem-solving skills and helping students work alongside robots. Onlineeducation can supplement the traditional kind. It could make extra training andinstruction affordable. Professionals trying to acquire new skills will be ableto do so without going into debt.23. Education in the age of automation should put more emphasis on _____.[A] creative potential[B] job-hunting skills[C] individual needs[D] cooperative spiritThe challenge of coping with automationunderlines the need for the U.S. to revive its fading business dynamism:Starting new companies must be made easier. In previous eras of drastictechnological change, entrepreneurs smoothed the transition by dreaming up waysto combine labor and machines. The best uses of 3D printers and virtual realityhaven’t been invented yet. The U.S. needs the new companies that will inventthem.Finally, because automation threatens to widenthe gap between capital income and labor income, taxes and the safety net willhave to be rethought. Taxeson low-wage labor need tobe cut, and wage subsidies such as the earned income tax credit should beexpanded: This would boost incomes, encourage work, reward companies for jobcreation, and reduceinequality.24. The author suggests that tax policies be aimed at _____.[A] encouraging the development of automation[B] increasing the return on capital investment[C] easing the hostility between rich and poor[D] preventing the income gap from wideningTechnology will improve society in ways big andsmall over the next few years, yet this will be little comfort to those who findtheir lives and careers upended by automation.Destroying the machines that are coming for ourjobs would be nuts. But policies to help workers adapt will be indispensable.The first step…The challenge of coping with automationunder…Finally, because automation threat…25. In this text, the author presents a problemwith _____.[A] opposing views on it[B] possible solutions to it[C] its alarming impacts[D] its major variationsText 2A new survey by Harvard University finds morethan two-thirds of young Americans disapprove of President Trump’s use ofTwitter. The implication is that Millennials prefer news from the White Houseto be filtered through other source, not a president’s social media platform.Most Americans rely on social media to checkdaily headlines. Yet as distrusthas risen toward all media, people may be starting to beef up their medialiteracy skills. Such a trend is badly needed. During the 2016 presidentialcampaign, nearly a quarter of web content shared by Twitter users in thepolitically critical state of Michigan was fake news, according to the University of Oxford.And a survey conducted by BuzzFeed News found 44 percent of Facebook users rarely or never trust newsfrom the media giant.26. According to the Paragraphs 1 and 2, many young Americans cast doubtson _____.[A] the justification of the news-filteringpractice[B] people’s preference for social mediaplatforms[C] the administrations’ ability to handleinformation[D] social media was a reliable source of newsMost Americans rely on social media to checkdaily headlines. Yet as distrust has risen toward all media, people may be starting to beef up their media literacyskills. Such a trend is badly needed. During the 2016 presidential campaign,nearly a quarter of web content shared by Twitter users in the politicallycritical state of Michigan was fake news, according to the University ofOxford. And a survey conducted by BuzzFeed News found 44 percent ofFacebookusers rarely or never trust news from the media giant.27. The phrase “beef up” (Line 2, Para. 2) i s closest in meaning to_____.[A] sharpen[B] define[C] boast[D] shareYoung people who are digital natives are indeedbecoming more skillful at separating fact from fiction in cyberspace. A Knight Foundation focus-group surveyof young people between age s 14 and 24 found they use “distributed trust” toverify stories. They cross-checksources and prefer news from different perspectives—especially those that are open about anybias. “Many young people assume a great deal of personal responsibility foreducating themselves and actively seeking out opposing viewpoints,” the surveyconcluded.28. According to the Knight Foundation survey, young people _____.[A] tend to voice their opinions in cyberspace[B] verify news by referring to diverse resources[C] have a strong sense of responsibility[D] like to exchange views on “distributedtrust”Such active research can have another effect. A2014 survey conducted in Australia, Britain, and the United States by theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison found that young people’s reliance on socialmedia led to greater political engagement.Social media allows users to experience newsevents moreintimately and immediately while also permitting them to re-sharenews as a projection of their values and interests. This forces users to bemore conscious of their role in passing along information. A survey by Barna researchgroup found the top reasongiven by Americans for thefake news phenomenon is “readererror,” more so than made-up stories or factual mistakes in reporting.About a third say the problem of fake news lies in “misinterpretation or exaggeration of actualnews” via social media. In other words, the choice to share news on socialmedia may be the heart of the issue. “This indicates there is a real personalresponsibility in count eracting this problem,” says Roxanne Stone, editor inchief at Barna Group.29. The Barna survey found that a main cause for the fake news problem is _____.[A] readers’ outdated values[B] journalists’ biased reporting[C] readers’ misinterpretation[D] jo urnalists’ made-up storiesSo when young people are critical of anover-tweeting president, they reveal a mental discipline in thinking skills—andin their choices on when to share on social media.30. Which of the following would be the besttitle for the text?[A] A Risein Critical Skills for Sharing News Online[B] A Counteraction Against the Over-tweetingTrend[C] The Accumulation of Mutual Trust on SocialMedia[D] The Platforms for Projection of PersonalInterestsText 3Any fair-minded assessment of the dangers ofthe dealbetween Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) and DeepMind muststart by acknowledging that both sides mean well. DeepMind is one of theleading artificial intelligence (AI) companies in the world. The potential ofthis work applied to healthcare is very great, but it could also lead tofurther concentration of power in the tech giants. It is against thatbackground that the information commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, has issued herdamning verdict against the Royal Free hospital trust under the NHS, whichhanded over to DeepMind the records of 1.6 million patients in 2015 on thebasis of a vague agreementwhich took far too littleaccount of the patients’ rights and their expectations of privacy.31.What is true of the agreement between the NHS and DeepMind ?[A] It caused conflicts among tech giants.[B] It failed to pay due attention to patient’s rights.[C] It fell short of the latter’s expectations.[D] It put both sides into a dangeroussituation.DeepMind has almost apologized. The NHS trust has mended its ways. Further arrangements—andthere may be many—between the NHS and DeepMind will be carefully scrutinised to ensure that allnecessary permissions have been asked of patients and all unnecessary data hasbeen cleaned. There are lessons about informed patient consent to learn. Butprivacy is not the only angle in this case and not even the most important. MsDenham chose to concentrate the blame on the NHS trust, since under existinglaw it “controlled” the data and DeepMind merely “processed” i t. But thisdistinction misses the point that it is processing and aggregation, notthemere possession of bits, that gives the data value.32. The NHS trust responded to Denham’s verdict with _____.[A] empty promises[B] tough resistance[C] necessary adjustments[D] sincere apologiesDeepMind has almost apologized. The NHS trusthas mended its ways. Further arrangements—and there may be many—between the NHSand DeepMind will be carefully scrutinised to ensure that all necessarypermissions have been asked of patients and all unnecessary data has beencleaned. There are lessons about informed patient consent to learn. But privacyis not the only angle in this case and not even the most important. Ms Denhamchose to concentrate the blame on the NHS trust, since un der existing law it“controlled” the data and DeepMind merely “processed” it. But this distinctionmisses the point that it isprocessing and aggregation, not the mere possession of bits, that gives the data value.33.The author argues in Paragraph 2 that_____.[A] privacy protection must be secured at allcosts（无中生有）[B] leaking patients’ data is worse thanselling it（无中生有）[C] making profits from patients’ data isillegal（曲解原文）[D] the value of data comes from the processing of itThe great question is who should benefit fromthe analysis of all the data that our lives now generate. Privacy law builds onthe concept of damage to an individual from identifiable knowledge about them.That misses the way the surveillance economy works. The data of an individualthere gains its value only when it iscompared with the data of countlessmillions more.The use of privacy law to curb the tech giantsin this instance feels slightly maladapted. This practice does not address thereal worry. It is not enough to say that the algorithms DeepMind develops willbenefit patients and save lives. What matters is that they will belong to a private monopoly which developed them usingpublic resources. If software promises to save lives on the scale that drugsnow can, big data may be expected to behave as a big pharm has done. We arestill at the beginning of this revolution and small choices now may turn out tohave gigantic consequences later. A long struggle will be needed to avoid afuture of digital feudalism. Ms Denham’s report is a welcome start.34.According to the last paragraph, the real worry arising from this deal is_____.[A] the vicious rivalry among big pharmas[B] the ineffective enforcement of privacy law[C] the uncontrolled use of new software[D] the monopoly of big data by tech giantsThe use of privacy law to curb the tech giantsin this instance feels slightly maladapted. This practice does not address thereal worry. It is not enough to say that the algorithms DeepMind develops willbenefit patients and save lives. What matters is that they will belong to a privatemonopoly which developed them using public resources. If software promises tosave lives on the scale that drugs now can, big data may be expected to behaveas a big pharm has done. We are still at the beginning of this revolution andsmall choices now may turn out to have gigantic consequences later. A long struggle will be needed toavoid afuture of digital feudalism. Ms Denham’s report is a welcomestart.35.The author’s attitude toward the applicationof AI to healthcare is _____.[A] ambiguous[B] cautious[C] appreciative[D] contemptuousText 4The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) continues to bleed red ink. It reported a net loss of $5.6 billion for fiscal2016, the 10th straight year its expenses have exceeded revenue. Meanwhile, it has more than $120 billion in unfunded liabilities,mostly for employee health and retirement costs. There are many bankruptcies.Fundamentally, the USPS is in a historic squeeze between technological changethat has permanently decreased demand for its bread-and-butter product,first-class mail, and a regulatory structure that denies management the flexibility to adjust itsoperations to the new reality.36. The financial problem with the USPS is caused partly by _____.[A] its unbalanced budget[B] its rigid management[C] the cost for technical upgrading[D] the withdrawal of bank supportAnd interestgroups ranging from postal unionsto greeting-card makers exertself-interested pressureon the USPS’s ultimate overseer—Congress—insisting that whatever elsehappens to the Postal Service, aspects of the status quo theydepend on getprotected. This is why repeated attempts at reformlegislation have failed in recent years, leaving the Postal Serviceunable to pay its bills except by deferring vital modernization.37. According to Paragraph 2, the USPS fails to modernize itself due to _____.[A] the interference from interest groups[B] the inadequate funding from Congress[C] the shrinking demand for postal service[D] the incompetence of postal unionsNow comes word that everyoneinvolved—Democrats, Republicans, the Postal Service, the unions and the system’sheaviest users—has finally agreed on a plan to fix the system. Legislation ismoving through the House that would save USPS an estimated $28.6 billion overfive years, which could help pay for new vehicles, among other survivalmeasures. Most of the moneywould come from a penny-per-letter permanent rate increase and from shiftingpostal retirees into Medicare. The latter step would largely offset thefinancial burden of annually pre-funding retiree health care, thus addressing a long-standing complaint by the USPSand its union.38. The long-standing complaint by the USPS and its unions can be addressed by _____.[A] removing its burden of retiree health care.[B] making more investment in new vehicles.[C] adopting a new rate-increase mechanism.[D] attracting more first-class mail users.If it clears the House, this measure wouldstill have to getthrough the Senate—where someone is bound to point out thatit amounts to the bare, bare minimum necessary to keep the Postal Serviceafloat, not comprehensive reform. There’s no change to collective bargaining atthe USPS, a major omission considering that personnel accounts for 80 percentof the agency’s costs. Also missing is any discussion of eliminating Saturdayletter delivery. That common-sense change enjoys wide public support and wouldsave the USPS $2 billion per year. But postal special-interest groups seem tohave killed it, at least in the House. The emerging consensus around the billis a sign that legislatorsare getting frightenedabout a politically embarrassing short-term collapse at the USPS. It is not,however, a sign that they’re getting serious about transforming the postalsystem for the 21st century.39. In the last paragraph, the author seems toview legislators with_____.[A] respect[B] tolerance[C] discontent[D] gratitude40. Which of the following would be the besttitle for the text?[A] The USPS Starts to Miss Its Good Old Days[B] The Postal Service: Keep Away from MyCheese[C] The USPS: Chronic Illness Requires a QuickCure[D] The Postal Service Needs More than a Band-Aid。
考研英语真题阅读理解试题及答案分析
考研英语真题阅读理解试题及答案分析考研英语真题阅读理解试题及答案分析Being a man hasalways been dangerous. There are about 105 males born for every 100 females,but this ratio drops to near balance at the age of maturity, and among70-year-olds there are twice as many women as men. But the great universal ofmale mortality is being changed. Now, boy babies survive almost as well as girlsdo. This means that, for the first time, there will be an excess of boys inthose crucial years when they are searching for a mate. More important, anotherchance for natural selection has been removed. Fifty years ago, the chance of ababy surviving depended on its weight. A kilogram toolight or too heavy meant almost certain death. Today it makes almost nodifference. Since much of the variation is due to genes, one more agent ofevolution has gone。
There is another way to commit evolutionary : stay alive,but have fewer children. Few people are as fertile as in the past. Except insome religious communities, very few women have 15 children. Nowadays thenumber of births, like the age of death, has become average. Most of us haveroughly the same number of offspring. Again, differences between people and theopportunity for natural selection to take advantage of it have diminished.India shows what is happening. The country offers wealth for a few in the greatcities and poverty for the remaining tribal peoples. The grand mediocrity oftoday―everyone being the same in survival and number of offspring meansthat natural selection has lost 80% of its power in upper-middle-class Indiacompared to the tribes。
考研英语试题精解及答案
考研英语试题精解及答案一、阅读理解（共40分）1. 根据文章内容，以下哪个选项是正确的？A. 作者支持全球化。
B. 作者认为全球化对环境有害。
C. 作者认为全球化对经济有益。
D. 作者反对全球化。
答案：C2. 文章中提到的“可持续发展”是指什么？A. 经济增长不牺牲环境。
B. 经济增长以牺牲环境为代价。
C. 只关注经济增长，不考虑其他因素。
D. 只关注环境保护，不考虑经济增长。
答案：A3. 根据文章，以下哪个选项是错误的？A. 发展中国家需要全球化来促进经济增长。
B. 发达国家在全球化中扮演着重要角色。
C. 作者认为全球化是不可逆的趋势。
D. 作者认为全球化是有害的。
答案：D4. 文章中提到的“绿色经济”是什么意思？A. 一种以牺牲环境为代价的经济模式。
B. 一种注重环境保护的经济模式。
C. 一种只关注经济发展的经济模式。
D. 一种不关心经济和环境的经济模式。
答案：B5. 文章中提到的“碳足迹”是指什么？A. 个人或组织对环境的污染程度。
B. 个人或组织对经济的贡献。
C. 个人或组织的社会影响力。
D. 个人或组织的政治影响力。
答案：A二、完形填空（共20分）阅读下面短文，从A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
In recent years, the concept of a "smart city" has become increasingly popular. A smart city is one that uses technology to improve the quality of life for its residents. For example, a smart city might use sensors to monitortraffic flow and __6__ congestion.6. A. reduceB. increaseC. avoidD. ignore答案：A7. These sensors can also be used to monitor air quality and__7__ any potential health hazards.7. A. identifyB. createC. ignoreD. exaggerate答案：A8. In addition to improving transportation and environmental conditions, smart cities can also __8__ energy use.8. A. increaseB. decreaseC. stabilizeD. fluctuate答案：B9. By using smart grids and energy-efficient buildings, a smart city can __9__ a significant amount of energy.9. A. consumeB. conserveC. wasteD. transfer答案：B10. The ultimate goal of a smart city is to create a more__10__ and sustainable living environment for its citizens.10. A. comfortableB. expensiveC. inconvenientD. unsustainable答案：A三、翻译（共20分）将下列句子从英文翻译成中文。
2023年考研英语历年阅读理解真题精析
考研英语历年阅读理解真题精析--Part OneIn spite of “endless talk of difference,” American society is an amazing machine for homogenizing people. This is “the democratizing uniformity of dress and discourse, and the casualness and absence of consumption “launched by t he 19th –century department stores that offered ‘vast arrays of goods in an elegant atmosphere. Instead of intimate shops catering to a knowledgeable elite.” these were stores “anyone could enter, regardless of class or background. This turned shopping int o a public and democratic act.” The mass media, advertising and sports are other forces for homogenization.Immigrants are quickly fitting into this common culture, which may not be altogether elevating but is hardly poisonous. Writing for the National I mmigration Forum, Gregory Rodriguez reports that today’s immigration is neither at unprecedented level nor resistant to assimilation. In 1998 immigrants were 9.8 percent of population; in 1900, 13.6 percent. In the 10 years prior to 1990, 3.1 immigrants arrived for every 1,000 residents; in the 10 years prior to 1890, 9.2 for every 1,000. Now, consider three indices of assimilation------language, home ownership and intermarriage.The 1990 Census revealed that “a majority of immigrants from each of the fif teen most common countries of origin spoke English “well” or “very well” after ten years of residence.” The children of immigrantstend to be bilingual and proficient in English. “By the third generation, the original language is lost in the majority of im migrant families.” Hence the description of America as a graveyard” for language. By 1996 foreign-born immigrants who had arrive before 1970 had a home ownership rate of 75.6 percent, higher than the 69.8 percent rate among native-born Americans.Foreign-born Asians and Hispanics “have higher rates of intermarriage than do U.S-born whites and blacks.” By the third generation, one third of Hispanic women are married to non-Hispanics, and 41 percent of Asian-American women are married to non-Asians.Rodriguez not that children in remote villages around world are fans of superstars like Amold Schwarzenegger and Garth Brooks, yet “some Americans fear that immigrant living within the United States remain somehow immune to the nation’s assimilative power.”Are there divisive issues and pockets of seething in America? Indeed. It is big enough to have a bit of everything. But particularly when viewed against America’s turbulent past, today’s social induces suggest a dark and deteriorating social environment.1. The word “homogenizing” （Line 2, Paragraph 1）most probably means___A. identifyingB. associatingC. assimilatingD. monopolizing2. According to the author, the department stores of the 19th century___A. played a role in the spread of popular culture.B. became intimate shops for common consumers.C. satisfied the needs of a knowledgeable elite.D. owed its emergence to the culture of consumption.3. The text suggests that immigrants now in the U.S.___A. are resistant to homogenization.B. exert a great influence on American culture.C. are hardly a threat to the common culture.D.constitute the majority of the population.4. Why are Amold Schwarzenegger and Garth Brooks mentioned in Paragraph 5?A. To prove their popularity around the world.B. To reveal the public’s fear of immigrants.C. To give examples of successful immigrants.D. To show the powerful influence of American culture.5. In the author’s opinion, the absorption of immigrants into American society isA. rewardingB. SuccessfulC. fruitlessD. harmfulUnit 13（）Part 1重点词汇：1. uniformity n. 同样，一致；统一性；（有关词）uniform a.相似旳，统一原则旳；be uniform with与……同一形式或外貌2. casualness n. 偶尔，意外；草率行事；漫不经心；平心静气3. array ① n. 排列；一批，大量；显眼旳一系列② vt. 排列，制定（计划等）：array oneself 装扮，打扮自己、搭配vast arrays of 大批旳，大量旳4. knowledgeable a. 有知识旳，学识渊博旳，有见识旳5. amaze v. 使（某人）惊异或惊奇6. intimate a. 亲密旳，亲密旳7. cater v. = provide food and service 提供饮食及服务; 搭配cater for（或to）提供饮食及服务，迎合（某人）8. elite n. 精英，尖子9. elevate vt. 提高，抬起，振作精神；使（人）欢欣鼓舞；提高（思想、道德品质、文化素质等）。
考研英语(一)答案及解析 (18)
2010年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark [A], [B], [C] or [D] on ANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points)In 1924 America's National Research Council sent two engineers to supervise a series of industrial experiments at a large telephone-parts factory called the Hawthorne Plant near Chicago. It hoped they would learn how stop-floor lighting 1workers' productivity. Instead, the studiesended 2giving their name to the "Hawthorne effect", the extremely influential idea that the very 3to being experimented upon changed subjects' behavior.The idea arose because of the 4behavior of the women in the Hawthorne plant. According to 5of the experiments, their hourly output rose when lighting was increased, but also when it was dimmed. It did not 6what was done in the experiment; 7something was changed, productivity rose. A(n) 8that they were being experimented upon seemed to be 9to alter workers' behavior 10itself.After several decades, the same data were 11to econometric the analysis. Hawthorne experiments has another surprise store 12the descriptions on record, no systematic 13 was found that levels of productivity were related to changes in lighting.It turns out that peculiar way of conducting the experiments may be have let to 14 interpretation of what happened. 15, lighting was always changed on a Sunday. When work started again on Monday, output 16rose compared with the previous Saturday and 17to rise for the next couple of days. 18, a comparison with data for weeks when there was no experimentation showed that output always went up on Monday, workers 19to be diligent for the first few days of the week in any case, before 20 a plateau and then slackening off.This suggests that the alleged "Hawthorne effect" is hard to pin down.1. [A] affected [B] achieved [C] extracted [D] restored2. [A] at [B] up [C] with [D] off3. [A] truth [B] sight [C] act [D] proof4. [A] controversial [B] perplexing [C] mischievous [D] ambiguous5. [A] requirements [B] explanation [C] accounts [D] assessments6. [A] conclude [B] matter [C] indicate [D] work7. [A] as far as [B] for fear that [C] in case that [D] so long as8. [A] awareness [B] expectation [C] sentiment [D] illusion9. [A] suitable [B] excessive [C] enough [D] abundant10. [A] about [B] for [C] on [D] by11. [A] compared [B] shown [C] subjected [D] conveyed12. [A] contrary to [B] consistent with [C] parallel with [D] peculiar to13. [A] evidence [B] guidance [C] implication [D] source14. [A] disputable [B] enlightening [C] reliable [D] misleading15. [A] In contrast [B] For example [C] In consequence [D] As usual16. [A] duly [B] accidentally [C] unpredictably [D] suddenly17. [A] failed [B] ceased [C] started [D] continued18. [A]Therefore [B]Furthermore [C]However [D]Meanwhile19. [A]Attempted [B]tended [C]chose [D]intended20. [A] breaking [B] climbing [C] surpassing [D] hittingSection II Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing [A], [B], [C] or [D]. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET 1. (40 points)Text 1Of all the changes that have taken place in English-language newspapers during the past quarter-century, perhaps the most far-reaching has been the inexorable decline in the scope and seriousness of their arts coverage.It is difficult to the point of impossibility for the average reader under the age of forty to imagine a time when high-quality arts criticism could be found in most big-city newspapers. Yet a considerable number of the most significant collections of criticism published in the 20th century consisted in large part of newspaper reviews. To read such books today is to marvel at the fact that their learned contents were once deemed suitable for publication in general-circulation dailies.We are even farther removed from the unfocused newspaper reviews published in England between the turn of the 20th century and the eve of World War II, at a time when newsprint was dirt-cheap and stylish arts criticism was considered an ornament to the publications in which it appeared. In those far-off days, it was taken for granted that the critics of major papers would write in detail and at length about the events they covered. Theirs was a serious business, and even those reviewers who wore their learning lightly, like George Bernard Shaw and Ernest Newman, could be trusted to know what they were about. These men believed in journalism as a calling, and were proud to be published in the daily press. “So few authors have brains enough or literary gift enough to keep their own end up in journalism,” Newman wrote, “that I am tempted to define ‘journalism’ as ‘a term of contempt applied by writers who are not read to writers who are.’”Unfortunately, these critics are virtually forgotten. Neville Cardus, who wrote for the Manchester Guardian from 1917 until shortly before his death in 1975, is now known solely as a writer of essays on the game of cricket. During his lifetime, though, he was also one of England’s foremost classical-music critics, a stylist so widely admired that his Autobiography (1947) became a best-seller. He was knighted in 1967, the first music critic to be so honored. Yet only one of his books is now in print, and his vast body of writings on music is unknown save to specialists.Is there any chance that Cardus’s criticism will enjoy a revival? The prospect seems remote. Journalistic tastes had changed long before his death, and postmodern readers have little use for the richly upholstered Vicwardian prose in which he specialized. Moreover, the amateur tradition in music criticism has been in headlong retreat.21. It is indicated in Paragraphs 1 and 2 that[A] arts criticism has disappeared from big-city newspapers.[B] English-language newspapers used to carry more arts reviews.[C] high-quality newspapers retain a large body of readers.[D] young readers doubt the suitability of criticism on dailies.22. Newspaper reviews in England before World War II were characterized by[A] free themes.[B] casual style.[C] elaborate layout.[D] radical viewpoints.23. Which of the following would Shaw and Newman most probably agree on?[A] It is writers' duty to fulfill journalistic goals.[B] It is contemptible for writers to be journalists.[C] Writers are likely to be tempted into journalism.[D] Not all writers are capable of journalistic writing.24. What can be learned about Cardus according to the last two paragraphs?[A] His music criticism may not appeal to readers today.[B] His reputation as a music critic has long been in dispute.[C] His style caters largely to modern specialists.[D] His writings fail to follow the amateur tradition.25. What would be the best title for the text?[A] Newspapers of the Good Old Days[B] The Lost Horizon in Newspapers[C] Mournful Decline of Journalism[D] Prominent Critics in MemoryText 2Over the past decade, thousands of patents have been granted for what are called business methods. received one for its "one-click" online payment system. Merrill Lynch got legal protection for an asset allocation strategy. One inventor patented a technique for lifting a box.Now the nation's top patent court appears completely ready to scale back on business-method patents, which have been controversial ever since they were first authorized 10 years ago. In a move that has intellectual-property lawyers abuzz the U.S. court of Appeals for the federal circuit said it would use a particular case to conduct a broad review of business-method patents. In re Bilski, as the case is known , is "a very big deal", says Dennis D. Crouch of the University of Missouri School of law. It "has the potential to eliminate an entire class of patents."Curbs on business-method claims would be a dramatic about-face, because it was the federal circuit itself that introduced such patents with is 1998 decision in the so-called state Street Bank case, approving a patent on a way of pooling mutual-fund assets. That ruling produced an explosion in business-method patent filings, initially by emerging internet companies trying to stake out exclusive rights to specific types of online transactions. Later, move established companies raced to add such patents to their files, if only as a defensive move against rivals that might beat them to the punch. In 2005, IBM noted in a court filing that it had been issued more than 300 business-method patents despite the fact that it questioned the legal basis for granting them. Similarly, some Wall Street investment films armed themselves with patents for financial products, even as they took positions in court cases opposing the practice.The Bilski case involves a claimed patent on a method for hedging risk in the energy market. The Federal circuit issued an unusual order stating that the case would be heard by all 12 of the court's judges, rather than a typical panel of three, and that one issue it wants to evaluate is whether it should "reconsider" its state street Bank ruling.The Federal Circuit's action comes in the wake of a series of recent decisions by the supreme Court that has narrowed the scope of protections for patent holders. Last April, for example the justices signaled that too many patents were being upheld for "inventions" that are obvious. The judges on the Federal circuit are "reacting to the anti-patent trend at the Supreme Court", says HaroldC. Wegner, a patent attorney and professor at George Washington University Law School.26. Business-method patents have recently aroused concern because of[A] their limited value to business[B] their connection with asset allocation[C] the possible restriction on their granting[D] the controversy over authorization27. Which of the following is true of the Bilski case?[A] Its ruling complies with the court decisions[B] It involves a very big business transaction[C] It has been dismissed by the Federal Circuit[D] It may change the legal practices in the U.S.28. The word "about-face" (Line 1, Para 3) most probably means[A] loss of good will[B] increase of hostility[C] change of attitude[D] enhancement of dignity29. We learn from the last two paragraphs that business-method patents[A] are immune to legal challenges[B] are often unnecessarily issued[C] lower the esteem for patent holders[D] increase the incidence of risks30. Which of the following would be the subject of the text?[A] A looming threat to business-method patents[B] Protection for business-method patent holders[C] A legal case regarding business-method patents[D] A prevailing trend against business-method patentsText 3In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell argues that social epidemics are driven in large part by the acting of a tiny minority of special individuals, often called influentials, who are unusually informed, persuasive, or well-connected. The idea is intuitively compelling, but it doesn't explain how ideas actually spread.The supposed importance of influentials derives from a plausible sounding but largely untested theory called the "two step flow of communication": Information flows from the media to the influentials and from them to everyone else. Marketers have embraced the two-step flow because it suggests that if they can just find and influence the influentials, those selected people will do most of the work for them. The theory also seems to explain the sudden and unexpected popularity of certain looks, brands, or neighborhoods. In many such cases, a cursory search for causes finds that some small group of people was wearing, promoting, or developing whatever it is before anyone else paid attention. Anecdotal evidence of this kind fits nicely with the idea that only certain special people can drive trendsIn their recent work, however, some researchers have come up with the finding that influentials have far less impact on social epidemics than is generally supposed. In fact, they don't seem to be required of all.The researchers' argument stems from a simple observing about social influence, with the exception of a few celebrities like Oprah Winfrey—whose outsize presence is primarily a function of media, not interpersonal, influence—even the most influential members of a population simply don't interact with that many others. Yet it is precisely these non-celebrity influentials who, according to the two-step-flow theory, are supposed to drive social epidemics by influencing their friends and colleagues directly. For a social epidemic to occur, however, each person so affected, must then influence his or her own acquaintances, who must in turn influence theirs, and so on; and just how many others pay attention to each of these people has little to do with the initial influential. If people in the network just two degrees removed from the initial influential prove resistant, for example from the initial influential prove resistant, for example the cascade of change won't propagate very far or affect many people.Building on the basic truth about interpersonal influence, the researchers studied the dynamics of populations manipulating a number of variables relating of populations, manipulating a number of variables relating to people's ability to influence others and their tendency to be influenced. Ourwork shows that the principal requirement for what we call "global cascades"–the widespread propagation of influence through networks – is the presence not of a few influentials but, rather, of a critical mass of easily influenced people, each of whom adopts, say, a look or a brand after being exposed to a single adopting neighbor. Regardless of how influential an individual is locally, he or she can exert global influence only if this critical mass is available to propagate a chain reaction.31. By citing the book The Tipping Point, the author intends to[A] analyze the consequences of social epidemics[B] discuss influentials' function in spreading ideas[C] exemplify people's intuitive response to social epidemics[D] describe the essential characteristics of influentials.32. The author suggests that the "two-step-flow theory"[A] serves as a solution to marketing problems[B] has helped explain certain prevalent trends[C] has won support from influentials[D] requires solid evidence for its validity33. What the researchers have observed recently shows that[A] the power of influence goes with social interactions[B] interpersonal links can be enhanced through the media[C] influentials have more channels to reach the public[D] most celebrities enjoy wide media attention34. The underlined phrase "these people" in paragraph 4 refers to the ones who[A] stay outside the network of social influence[B] have little contact with the source of influence[C] are influenced and then influence others[D] are influenced by the initial influential35. what is the essential element in the dynamics of social influence?[A] The eagerness to be accepted[B] The impulse to influence others[C] The readiness to be influenced[D] The inclination to rely on othersText 4Bankers have been blaming themselves for their troubles in public. Behind the scenes, they havebeen taking aim at someone else: the accounting standard-setters. Their rules, moan the banks, have forced them to report enormous losses, and it's just not fair. These rules say they must value some assets at the price a third party would pay, not the price managers and regulators would like them to fetch.Unfortunately, banks' lobbying now seems to be working. The details may be unknowable, but the independence of standard-setters, essential to the proper functioning of capital markets, is being compromised. And, unless banks carry toxic assets at prices that attract buyers, reviving the banking system will be difficult.After a bruising encounter with Congress, America's Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rushed through rule changes. These gave banks more freedom to use models to value illiquid assets and more flexibility in recognizing losses on long-term assets in their income statement. Bob Herz, the FASB's chairman, cried out against those who "question our motives." Yet bank shares rose and the changes enhance what one lobby group politely calls "the use of judgment by management."European ministers instantly demanded that the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) do likewise. The IASB says it does not want to act without overall planning, but the pressure to fold when it completes it reconstruction of rules later this year is strong. Charlie McCreevy, a European commissioner, warned the IASB that it did "not live in a political vacuum" but "in the real word" and that Europe could yet develop different rules.It was banks that were on the wrong planet, with accounts that vastly overvalued assets. Today they argue that market prices overstate losses, because they largely reflect the temporary illiquidity of markets, not the likely extent of bad debts. The truth will not be known for years. But bank's shares trade below their book value, suggesting that investors are skeptical. And dead markets partly reflect the paralysis of banks which will not sell assets for fear of booking losses, yet are reluctant to buy all those supposed bargains.To get the system working again, losses must be recognized and dealt with. America's new plan to buy up toxic assets will not work unless banks mark assets to levels which buyers find attractive. Successful markets require independent and even combative standard-setters. The FASB and IASB have been exactly that, cleaning up rules on stock options and pensions, for example, against hostility from special interests. But by giving in to critics now they are inviting pressure to make more concessions.36. Bankers complained that they were forced to[A] follow unfavorable asset evaluation rules[B] collect payments from third parties[C] cooperate with the price managers[D] reevaluate some of their assets.37. According to the author , the rule changes of the FASB may result in[A] the diminishing role of management[B] the revival of the banking system[C] the banks' long-term asset losses[D] the weakening of its independence38. According to Paragraph 4, McCreevy objects to the IASB's attempt to[A] keep away from political influences.[B] evade the pressure from their peers.[C] act on their own in rule-setting.[D] take gradual measures in reform.39. The author thinks the banks were "on the wrong planet" in that they[A] misinterpreted market price indicators[B] exaggerated the real value of their assets[C] neglected the likely existence of bad debts.[D] denied booking losses in their sale of assets.40. The author's attitude towards standard-setters is one of[A] satisfaction.[B] skepticism.[C] objectiveness[D] sympathyPart BDirections:For Questions 41-45, choose the most suitable paragraphs from the list A-G and fill them into the numbered boxes to form a coherent text. Paragraph E has been correctly placed. There is one paragraph which does not fit in with the text. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET1. (10 points)[A] The first and more important is the consumer's growing preference for eating out; the consumption of food and drink in places other than homes has risen from about 32 percent of total consumption in 1995 to 35 percent in 2000 and is expected to approach 38 percent by 2005. This development is boosting wholesale demand from the food service segment by 4 to 5 percent a year across Europe, compared with growth in retail demand of 1 to 2 percent. Meanwhile, as the recession is looming large, people are getting anxious. They tend to keep a tighter hold on their purse and consider eating at home a realistic alternative.[B] Retail sales of food and drink in Europe's largest markets are at a standstill, leaving European grocery retailers hungry for opportunities to grow. Most leading retailers have already tried e-commerce, with limited success, and expansion abroad. But almost all have ignored the big, profitable opportunity in their own backyard: the wholesale food and drink trade, which appears to be just the kind of market retailers need.[C] Will such variations bring about a change in the overall structure of the food and drinkmarket? Definitely not. The functioning of the market is based on flexible trends dominated by potential buyers. In other words, it is up to the buyer, rather than the seller, to decide what to buy .At any rate, this change will ultimately be acclaimed by an ever-growing number of both domestic and international consumers, regardless of how long the current consumer pattern will take hold.[D] All in all, this clearly seems to be a market in which big retailers could profitably apply their scale, existing infrastructure and proven skills in the management of product ranges, logistics, and marketing intelligence. Retailers that master the intricacies of wholesaling in Europe may well expect to rake in substantial profits thereby. At least, that is how it looks as a whole. Closer inspection reveals important differences among the biggest national markets, especially in their customer segments and wholesale structures, as well as the competitive dynamics of individual food and drink categories. Big retailers must understand these differences before they can identify the segments of European wholesaling in which their particular abilities might unseat smaller but entrenched competitors. New skills and unfamiliar business models are needed too.[E] Despite variations in detail, wholesale markets in the countries that have been closely examined—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—are made out of the same building blocks. Demand comes mainly from two sources: independent mom-and-pop grocery stores which, unlike large retail chains, are two small to buy straight from producers, and food service operators that cater to consumers when they don't eat at home. Such food service operators range from snack machines to large institutional catering ventures, but most of these businesses are known in the trade as "horeca": hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Overall, Europe's wholesale market for food and drink is growing at the same sluggish pace as the retail market, but the figures, when added together, mask two opposing trends.[F] For example, wholesale food and drink sales come to $268 billion in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom in 2000—more than 40 percent of retail sales. Moreover, average overall margins are higher in wholesale than in retail; wholesale demand from the food service sector is growing quickly as more Europeans eat out more often; and changes in the competitive dynamics of this fragmented industry are at last making it feasible for wholesalers to consolidate.[G] However, none of these requirements should deter large retailers (and even some large good producers and existing wholesalers) from trying their hand, for those that master the intricacies of wholesaling in Europe stand to reap considerable gains.EPart CDirections:Read the following text carefully and then translate the underlined segments into Chinese. Your translation should be written carefully on ANSWER SHEET 2. (10 points)One basic weakness in a conservation system based wholly on economic motives is that most members of the land community have no economic value. Yet these creatures are members of the biotic community and, if its stability depends on its integrity, they are entitled to continuance.When one of these noneconomic categories is threatened and, if we happen to love it .We invert excuses to give it economic importance. At the beginning of century songbirds were supposed to bedisappearing. (46) Scientists jumped to the rescue with some distinctly shaky evidence to the effect that insects would eat us up if birds failed to control them. the evidence had to be economic in order to be valid.It is painful to read these round about accounts today. We have no land ethic yet, (47) but we have at least drawn near the point of admitting that birds should continue as a matter of intrinsic right, regardless of the presence or absence of economic advantage to us.A parallel situation exists in respect of predatory mammals and fish-eating birds. (48) Time was when biologists somewhat over worded the evidence that these creatures preserve the health of game by killing the physically weak, or that they prey only on "worthless" species.Some species of tree have been read out of the party by economics-minded foresters because they grow too slowly, or have too low a sale vale to pay as timber crops. (49) In Europe, where forestry is ecologically more advanced, the non-commercial tree species are recognized as members of native forest community, to be preserved as such, within reason.To sum up: a system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is hopelessly lopsided. (50) It tends to ignore, and thus eventually to eliminate, many elements in the land community that lack commercial value, but that are essential to its healthy functioning. It assumes, falsely, I think, that the economic parts of the biotic clock will function without the uneconomic parts.Section ⅢWritingPart A51. Directions:You are supposed to write for the postgraduate association a notice to recruit volunteers for an international conference on globalization, you should conclude the basic qualification of applicant and the other information you think relative.You should write about 100 words. Do not sign your own name at the end of the letter. Use "postgraduate association" instead.Part B52. Directions:Write an essay of 160-200 words based on the following drawing. In your essay, you should1) describe the drawing briefly,2) explain its intended meaning, and then3) give your comments.You should write neatly on ANSHWER SHEET 2. (20 points)2009年考研英语真题答案Section I Use of English1．A 2．B 3．C 4．B 5．C 6．B 7．D 8．A 9．C 10．D11．C 12．A 13．A 14．D 15．B 16．A 17．D 18．C 19．B 20．DSection II Reading ComprehensionPart A21.B 22.A 23.C 24. A 25. B 26.C 27.D 28.C 29. B 30. D31.B 32.D 33.A 34. C 35.C 36.A 37.A 38.C 39.C 40. DPart B41. B 42. F 43. D 44. G 45. APart C Translation46.科学家们赶紧拿出某些明显站不住脚的证据前来救驾，大致说的是如果鸟儿不能控制害虫的话，害虫就会把我们吃掉。
考研英语试题及答案解析
考研英语试题及答案解析一、阅读理解（共20分）1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a reason for the decline in the number of bees?A. The use of pesticides.B. The loss of habitat.C. The spread of disease.D. The increase in urbanization.答案：D解析：文章中提到了农药的使用、栖息地的丧失和疾病的传播是导致蜜蜂数量下降的原因，但并未提及城市化增加是导致蜜蜂数量下降的原因。
2. What is the main purpose of the article?A. To discuss the importance of bees in the ecosystem.B. To argue for the protection of bees.C. To describe the life cycle of bees.D. To explain the economic impact of bees.答案：B解析：文章主要讨论了蜜蜂数量下降的原因，并强调了保护蜜蜂的重要性，因此选项B是正确的。
3. What does the author suggest as a solution to the problem of declining bee populations?A. Stricter regulations on pesticide use.B. The creation of more bee-friendly habitats.C. Increased public awareness of the issue.D. All of the above.答案：D解析：文章中提到了多种解决方案，包括更严格的农药使用规定、创造更多蜜蜂友好的栖息地和提高公众对这一问题的认识，因此选项D是正确的。
考研英语阅读理解真题及解析
考研英语阅读理解真题及解析考研英语阅读理解作为考试中的重头戏，一直以来都是考生头痛的一道难题。
本文将为大家提供几道考研英语阅读理解的真题，并配合题目的解析，希望能对大家有所帮助。
真题1It’s often been claimed that there are benefits to bilingualism that go beyond the ability to speak two languages. But over the past decade, research has suggested that mastering two languages can actively change the way we see the world and the people in it.The first hint that bilingualism might impart cognitive advantages came in the 1960s, when it was found that bilingual children were better than monolinguals at a number of cognitive tasks, such as mental flexibility and problem-solving. But the idea languished for decades, partly because of inconsistent findings.Then in the late 1990s, psychologist Ellen Bialystok, currently at York University in Toronto, began to uncover evidence that bilingualism affects cognitive performance at both ends of life, shielding us from cognitive decline in our old age and helping children develop language and literacy skills.。