2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版(第3套)

2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版（第3套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the challenges of studying abroad. You should write at least 120 words but no more than180 words.

PartⅡ Listening Comprehension (25 minutes)

Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.

Have you ever used email to apologize to a colleague? Delivered a 26 to a subordinate (下属) with a voice-mail message? Flown by plane across the country just to deliver important news in person? The various communication options at our fingertips today can be good for 27 and productivity---and at the same time very troublesome. With so many ways to communicate, how should a manager choose the one that’s best --- 28 when the message to be delivered is bad or unwelcome news for the recipient? We’ve 29 business communication consultants and etiquette (礼仪) experts to come up with the following guidelines for 30 using the alterative ways of delivering difficult messages.First of all, choose how personal you want to be. A face-to-face communication is the most 31 .Other choices, in descending order of personalization, are: a real-time phone call, a voice-mail message, a handwritten note, a typewritten letter, and the most 32 is email. Some of these may change order according to the 33 situation or your own preferences; for example, a handwritten note might seem more personal than voice mail. How do you decide on the best choice for the difficult message you’ve got to deliver? “My 34 concern is: How can I soften or civilize this message?” says etiquette expert Dana Casperson. “So when I apologize, I usually choose in-person first, or a phone conversation as my top alternative, and maybe a handwritten note next. Apologizing by email is something I now totally 35 .”A) avoid E) intimate I) reward M) unfriendlyB) convenience F) particularly J) silent N) warningC) effectively G) primary K) specific O) witnessedD) escape H) prompt L) surveyed

Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.

How a Poor, Abandoned Parisian Boy Became a Top Chef?[A] The busy streets in Paris were uneven and caked in thick mud, but there was always a breathtaking sight to see in the shop windows of Patisserie de la Rue de la Paix. By 1814, people crowded outside the bakery, straining for a glimpse of the latest sweet food created by the young chef who worked inside.[B] His name was Marie-Antoine Careme, and he had appeared, one day, almost out of nowhere. But in his short lifetime, which ended exactly 181 years ago today, he would forever revolutionize French gourmet food (美食 ) write best-selling cook books and think up magical dishes for royals and other important people.[C] Careme’s childhood was one part tragedy, equal part mystery. Born the 16th child to poor parents in Paris in either 1783 or 1784, a young Careme was suddenly abandoned at the height of the French Revolution. At 8 years old, he worked as a kitchen boy for a restaurant in Paris in exchange for room and board. By age 15, he had become an apprentice (学徒) to Sylvain Bailly, a well-known dessert chef with a successful bakery in one of Paris’s most fashionable neighborhoods.[D] Careme was quick at learning in the kitchen. Bailly encouraged his young apprentice to learn to read and write. Careme would often spend his free afternoons at the nearby National Library reading books on art and architecture. In the back room of the little bakery, his interest in design and his baking talent combined to work wonders he shaped delicious masterpieces out of flour, butter and sugar.[E] In his teenage years, Careme fashioned eatable copies of the late 18th century’s most famous buildings---cookies in the shape of ruins of ancient Athens and pies in the shape of ancient Chinese palaces and temples. Sylvain Bailly, his master, displayed

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2018年12月英语四级真题答案解析

2018年12月英语四级真题答案解析（第1套）来源：文都教育Part I Writing【创业——参考范文】The Challenges of Starting a Career after GraduationFacing the rising employment pressure, a host of college graduates choose to start a career instead of looking for a regular job in a company. As we all know that, starting a career is beneficial to realize one’s own dreams and value. However, it is also widely acknowledged that stating a career will be inevitably confronted with numerous challenges.When it comes to the challenges that we may meet in the process of starting a career, the main ones can be listed as follows. First of all, as freshmen who have just entered into the society, it is obvious that college graduates lack related experience, which will increase the rate of failure they may encounter during starting a career. Being short of entrepreneurial experience is one of difficulties that college graduates need to overcome. In addition, the collection of money is another problem they should solve urgently. Otherwise, there is no possibility of starting a career.Although starting a career after graduation has so many challenges to be solved, college graduates still need take a positive attitude towards it. Moreover, prudent consideration and entrepreneurial spirit are also necessary for graduates to start a career.Part IIListening Comprehension【四级听力参考答案】C) Set up a mobile phone network on the moon.A) It is stable.B) No injuries were yet reported.B) Pull down the deserted shopping mall.A) Shrinking potato farming.C) It is afraid of the spread of disease.A) Global warming.C) Dull.D)she take notes.A) It keeps her mind active.B) It helps her better remember what she learns. A)To spend her honeymoon.A) In memory of a princess.D) It has walls decorated with jewels.B)They are mostly crowded.C)They provide residents with the resources needed.B)By inspiring their creativity.D)Their number increased modestly.C)It is an unusual cross breed.A)They are as loyal as doges.C)They shower with them.D) Excited but somewhat sad.A) It starts the moment they are born.D) Set a good example for them to follow.B) Their home life.Part III Reading comprehensionSectionAF) damageB) associatedM) sourcesD) constantG) describedE) controlH) equalsK) regularlyI)exclusivelyO) vehiclesSection B[D] Nadeau says sugar and...[B] Scott is delighted to get...[G] In Southern California...39. [A] Several times a month, you can...40. [I] Many people don’t know how to cook...41.[F] In the big picture, says Dr. Richard...42.[C] Nadeau notices the pre-made...43. [J] Studies have explored evidence that...44. [E] Nadeau is part of a small revolution...45. [G] In Southern California...Section CPassage oneB)By drawing water from the depths of the earth。

2021年12月英语四级真题试卷第3套(含答案解析)

大学英语四级考试2021年12月真题（第三套）Part I Writing(30 minutes) Directions:Suppose you have just participated in a school project of collecting used books on campus. You are now to write a report about the project, which may include its aim, organizers, participants and activities. You will have 30 minutes to write the report. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Part II Listening Comprehension(25 minutes)特别说明：由于多题多卷，官方第三套真题的听力试题与第二套真题的一致，只是选项顺序不同，因此，本套试卷不再提供听力部分。

Part III Reading Comprehension(40 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identiﬁ ed by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.The sheets are damp with sweat. You’re cold, but your heart is racing as if a killer just chased you down a dark street. It was just a nightmare, you tell yourself; there’s nothing to be afraid of. But you’re still ﬁ lled with 26 .Given how unsettling and haunting nightmares can be, is there a way for dreamers to 27 , or even turn oﬀ , these bad dreams as they happen?Research is 28 , but some studies suggest that people who can master lucid dreaming—that is, the ability to be 29 that a nightmare is happening and possibly even control it without waking up—may hold the 30 .Nightmares are part of the human experience, especially for kids. Doctors 31 don’t consider occasional nightmares a problem. They can just be symptoms of a sleep disorder that can 32 from an unpleasant experience, stress, or certain drugs.To treat the disorder, there are a number of medicines and therapies that are backed by 33 research, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which analyzed the available research on the treatment of nightmare disorder in a recent 34 published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.However, nightmares are complicated, and researchers are still struggling to understand them, said Dr. Rachel Salas, an expert on sleep disorders and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. What we do know is that people 35 to have diﬀ erent kinds of nightmares at diﬀ erent points during the sleep cycle.A)amount I)mechanicalB)answer J)resultC)avoid K)reviewD)aware L)rigorousE)depart M)tendF)drastically N)timidityG)fear O)typicallyH)limitedSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Why it matters that teens are reading lessA)Most of us spend much more time with digital media than we did a decade ago. But today’s teens have grownup with smartphones. Compared with teens a couple of decades ago, the way they interact with traditional media like books and movies is fundamentally diﬀ erent.B) Analysis of surveys of over one million teens in the United States collected since 1976 reveals a major shift inhow teens are spending their leisure time. Paper books are being ignored, in favor of screens. Digital devices are changing other behaviors, too. More and more, young people choose spending time on their electronic devices over engaging in other activities, regardless of the type. Indeed, by 2016, the average American high school senior said they spent six hours a day writing text messages, on social media, and online during their free time. And that covers just three activities, and if other digital media activities were included, that estimate would no doubt rise.C)Teens did not always spend that much time with digital media. Online time has doubled since 2006, andsocial media use has moved from a periodic activity to a daily one in the same period. By 2016, nearly nine out of ten young women in the 12th grade said they visited social media sites every day. Meanwhile, time spent playing video games rose from under an hour a day to an hour and a half on average. One out of ten American 8th grade students in 2016 spent 40 hours a week or more playing video games. Let me emphasize that this is equal to the time most adults spend per week at work.D)If teens are spending so much time using electronic devices, does that mean they have to give up some otheractivities? Maybe not. Over the years, many scholars have insisted that time online does not necessarily take away time spent engaging with traditional media or on other activities. Some people, they argue, are just more interested in certain kinds of media and entertainment. Thus, using more of one type of media does not necessarily mean less of the other.E)That may be true, but that still does not tell us much about what happens across a whole generation of peoplewhen time spent on digital media grows. Large surveys conducted over the course of many years tells us that American youth are not going to the cinema nearly as often as they did in the past. While 70 percent of 8th and 10th grade students used to go to the movies once a month or more, now only about half do this.More and more, watching a movie is something teens choose to do on their electronic devices. Why is thisa problem? One reason is that going to the cinema is generally a social activity. Now, watching movies issomething that most teens do alone. This fits a larger pattern. In another analysis, researchers found that today’s teens go out with their friends much less often than previous generations did.F)But the trends related to movies are less disturbing compared with the change in how teens spend their time.Research has revealed an enormous decline in reading. In 1980, about 60 percent of senior high school students said they read a book, newspaper or magazine every day that was not assigned for school. By 2016, only 16 percent did. This is a huge drop and it is important to note that this was not merely a decline in reading paper books, newspapers or magazines. The survey allowed for reading materials on a digital device.G)Indeed, the number of senior high school students who said they had not read any books for pleasure in thelast year was one out of three by 2016. That is triple the number from two decades ago. For today’s youth, books, newspapers and magazines have less and less of a presence in their daily lives. Of course, teens are still reading. But they are generally reading short texts. Most of them are not reading long articles or books that explore deep themes and require critical thinking and reﬂ ection. Perhaps not accidentally, in 2016 reading scores were the lowest they have ever been since 1972.H)This might present problems for young people later on. When high school students go on to college, theirpast and current reading habits will inﬂ uence their academic performance. Imagine going from reading texts as short as one or two sentences to trying to read entire books written in complex language and containing sophisticated ideas. Reading and comprehending longer books and chapters takes practice, and American teens are no longer getting that practice.I)So how can this problem be solved? Should parents and teachers take away teens’ smartphones and replacethem with paper books? Probably not. Research has shown that smartphones are currently American teens’ main form of social communication. This means that, without a smartphone, teens are likely to feel isolated from their peers. However, that does not mean teens need to use electronic devices as often as they do now.Data connecting excessive digital media time to mental health issues suggests a limit of two hours a day of free time spent with screens, a restriction that will also allow time for other activities—like going to the movies with friends or reading longer, more complicated texts.J)The latter is especially important. I would argue that of all the changes brought about by the widespread use of digital devices, the huge decline in reading is likely to have the biggest negative impact on today’s teens because reading books and longer articles is one of the best ways to learn critical thinking. It helps people to understand complex issues and to separate fact from ﬁ ction. Thus, deep reading is crucial for being a good citizen, a successful college student and a productive employee. If serious reading dies, a lot will go with it.36. Many years’ surveys reveal that young people in America are going to the cinema much less often than theyused to.37. Survey analysis shows American teens now spend their leisure time on digital devices rather than readingprinted books.38. The number of senior high schoolers not reading books for pleasure in a year increased three times over 20years.39. Many scholars claim that spending time on electronic devices doesn’t necessarily mean a decrease of time forother activities.40. Most people spend much more time interacting with digital media than they did ten years ago.41. The author claims that it will be a great loss if we no longer read books and longer articles.42. Over a decade or so, American teens’ social media use shifted from an occasional activity to a routine one.43. A more disturbing trend in America today is that teens are spending far less time reading than around fourdecades ago.44. Some ﬁ ve years ago, high school seniors in America generally spent more than six hours a day on electronicdevices.45. It was found that American youngsters today don’t socialize nearly as much as the earlier generations.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.Have you ever wondered how acceptable it is to hug or touch someone? While it may sound safe to avoid all physical contact so as not to oﬀ end anyone, the lack of touching might imply cold attitudes or indiﬀ erence in interpersonal relationships.So, what should we do? The simple answer is to thoroughly learn unique cultural norms for physical contact. In nonverbal communication terminology (术语)，physical contact and the study of touching are generally referred to as haptics.Haptics in communication often suggest the level of intimacy. They are usually classiﬁ ed into two groups: high-contact and low-contact.Asia and quite surprisingly the United States, Canada and Britain belong to low-contact cultures. People from the rest of the world, such as Latin America, are considered to be in high-contact cultures, where they tend to expect touching in social interactions and feel more comfortable with physical closeness. Despite the classiﬁ cation, there are more complex factors such as relational closeness, gender, age, and context that can aﬀ ect how someone views physical contact.One common French custom of greetings is cheek-kissing, but it is mostly restricted to friends, close acquaintances and family members. While cheek-kissing for Latin Americans is also a universal greeting form, it does not require such a high degree of relational closeness. However, gender matters more for them because cheek-kissing often only happens between women or a man and a woman but not two men.In contrast, in certain Arabian, African, and Asian countries, men can publicly hold hands or show physical affection as signs of brotherhood or friendship while these behaviors may suggest a romantic relationship in other parts of the world. Although men’s touching is more normal in these cultures, physical contact between persons of opposite sexes who are not family members is negatively perceived in Arabian countries.These factors could definitely affect the degree to which someone is comfortable with tactile(触觉的) communication and physical intimacy. Therefore, if you are someone who loves to show physical aﬀ ection, you should not be afraid to show it or drastically change your behaviors—just ask for consent beforehand!46. What does the author say in the ﬁ rst paragraph about physical contact?A)Its role in interpersonal relationships is getting increasingly important.B)It is becoming more acceptable to many who used to think it oﬀ ensive.C)Its absence might suggest a lack of warmth in interpersonal relationships.D)It might prompt diﬀ erent responses from people of diﬀ erent social backgrounds.47. What does physical contact in communication suggest?A)What social class people belong to.C)What family background people come from.B)How civilized the communicators are.D)How close the communicators’ relationships are.48. What do we learn about p eople in high-contact cultures?A)They are sensitive to the way people express their emotions.B)They take touching as a cultural norm in social interactions.C)They attach great importance to close ties among people.D)They tend to be more open in interpersonal relationships.49. What do we learn about social customs in Arabian countries?A)Men can show friendship in public through physical aﬀ ection.B)Non-traditional romantic relationships are simply unacceptable.C)Physical contact between unfamiliar people is negatively perceived.D)People of diﬀ erent ages and genders show aﬀ ection in diﬀ erent ways.50. What does the author tell us to do concerning tactile communication?A)Lay emphasis on nonverbal communication.C)Pay attention to the diﬀ erences between genders.B)Learn to use appropriate body language ﬁ rst.D)Take other people’s preference into consideration. Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.From climate change to the ongoing pandemic (大流行病) and beyond, the issues facing today’s world are increasingly complex and dynamic. Yet solving problems like these requires new approaches that extend beyond traditional ways of thinking. A study led by Yale Professor of Psychology, Paul O’Keefe, found that having a growth mindset (思维倾向) of interest may spark this type of innovation.Professor O’Keefe established in earlier studies that people hold diﬀ erent beliefs about the nature of interest. Those with a growth mindset of interest tend to believe that interests can be developed and cultivated, while those with a ﬁ xed mindset of interest tend to believe that interests are inherent (与生俱有的) and simply need to be ‘found.’ Building on these ﬁ ndings, the latest research examined how a growth mindset of interest can boost integrative thinking across the traditional disciplinary boundaries of arts and sciences.For example, in one task, research participants were instructed to create new college majors by combining two or more existing academic Arts or Science programs at their university. After coding and analyzing the ideas they generated, the team found that people with a growth mindset of interest were more likely to bridge programs across the arts and sciences to create new majors like computational economics rather than creating majors that drew from only one of those areas, like computational chemistry.As Professor O’Keefe pointed out, “This research provides a useful direction for organizations whose products and services call for integrated and creative solutions. Take smartphones for example. You need not only computer science and engineering knowledge, but also an understanding of psychology and visual design to create a better product. Employees with a growth mindset may be more likely to devise innovative ideas that bridge multiple areas of knowledge to achieve better solutions. ”The beneﬁ ts of a growth mindset of interest may also extend to those seeking employment. This is a pressing issue because many people are becoming unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a growth mindset of interest can help job seekers expand their interests and become more adaptable to diﬀ erent ﬁ elds, and take the initiative to learn new skills.51. What does the author say about the world today?A)It faces problems that are getting more varied and complicated.B)It has done away with many of the traditional ways of thinking.C)It is undergoing radical and profound changes.D)It is witnessing various types of innovations.52. What did Professor O’Keefe ﬁ nd in his earlier studies?A)People’s interests tend to change with age.C)People are divided about the nature of interest.B)People’s interests determine their mindsets.D)People of diﬀ erent ages have diﬀ erent mindsets.53. What is the focus of Professor O’Keefe’s recent research?A)How boundaries can be removed between arts and science disciplines.B)How feasible it is to create new disciplines like computational economics.C)How students in arts and sciences view the two types of mindset of interest.D)How a growth mindset of interest can contribute to cross-disciplinary thinking.54. What does the author want to illustrate with the example of smartphones?A)Hi-tech products are needed in interdisciplinary research.B)Improved technology gives birth to highly popular products.C)Making innovative products needs multidisciplinary knowledge.D)Hi-tech products can boost people’s integrative thinking.55. What is the author’s suggestion to those who are seeking employment?A)Learning practical skills.C)Staying safe in the pandemic.B)Broadening their interests.D)Knowing their pressing issues.Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.坎儿井（Karez）是新疆干旱地区的一种水利系统，由地下渠道将水井连接而成。

2022年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第3套)含答案

2022年12月大学英语四级考试真题（第3套）Part I Writing(30minutes) Directions:In this task,you are to write an essay on the role of physical exercise in achieving success at college.You will have30minutes for the task.You should write at least 120words but no more than180words.PartⅡListening Comprehension(25minutes)特殊说明：由于多题多卷，官方第三套真题的听力试题与第二套真题的一致，只是选项顺序不同，因此，本套试卷不再提供听力部分。

Part III Reading Comprehension(40minutes) Section ADirections:In this section,there is a passage with ten blanks.You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage.Read the passage through carefully before making your choices.Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter.Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with a single line through the centre.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．Parenting brings fathers more joy than it does mothers,according to a new study.The research examined three studies26more than18,000participants.Across all three, parenthood was27with more positive wellbeing outcomes for dads than for mums.So why are fathers happier than mothers?“Fathers may fare better than mothers in part due to how they spend time with their children,”said lead author Katherine Nelson-Coffey.In one study,the authors28that dads were more likely to take“playing”as an29 activity both when caring for their kids and spending time with their kids.“Playing with their children likely offers parents opportunities to experience positive feelings and30 closeness with their children,”they say.Fathers also did better than men without kids,reporting greater happiness,life satisfaction,and fewer31symptoms.They also reported greater connectedness and autonomy(自主).For mums,32,compared to women without children,the results weren’t quite as positive.Mums reported greater autonomy,but also“greater trouble”and fewer positive33.Mums reported happier moods while interacting with their kids,compared to other experiences,but not while engaging34in childcare.“This difference suggests that how mothers and fathers spend time with their children might have important35for their wellbeing,”the authors write.They suspect that mums may be less happy than dads because they’re more likely to have higher expectations about parenthood.As such,they’re more likely to be“let down”by the experience.A)additional F)directly K)involvingB)associated G)emotions L)noteC)composing H)however M)preciselyD)cultivate I)implications N)superficialE)depressive J)interfered O)thereforeSection BDirections:In this section,you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs.Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived.You may choose a paragraph more than once.Each paragraph is marked with a letter.Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2.Learning to say noA)Not doing something will always be faster than doing it.This philosophy applies in manyareas of life.For example,there is no meeting that goes faster than not having a meeting at all.This is not to say you should never attend another meeting,but the truth is that we say“yes”to too many things we don’t actually want to do.B)How often do people ask you to do something and you just reply,“Sure.”Three days later,you’re overwhelmed by how much is on your to-do list.We become frustrated by our obligations even though we were the ones who said“yes”to them in the first place.Even worse,people will occasionally fight to do things that waste time.You don’t have to do something just because it exists.It’s worth asking if things are necessary.Many of them are not,and a simple“no”will be more productive than whatever work the most efficient person can cope with.But if the benefits of saying“no”are so obvious,then why do we say“yes”so often?C)We say“yes”to many requests not because we want to do them,but because we don’twant to be seen as rude or unhelpful.Often,we have to consider saying“no”to someone we will interact with again in the future—our co-worker,our spouse,our family and friends.Saying“no”to our superiors at work can be particularly difficult.In these situations,I like the approach recommended in Essentialism by Greg McKeown.He writes,“Remind your superiors what you would be neglecting if you said‘yes’and force them to deal with the trade-off.For example,if your manager comes to you and asks you to do X,you can respond with‘Yes,I’m happy to make this the priority.Which of these other projects should I deprioritize to pay attention to this new project?’”D)Collaborating with others is an important element of life.The thought of straining therelationship outweighs the commitment of our time and energy.For this reason,it can be helpful to be gracious in your response.Do whatever favors you can,and be warm-hearted and direct when you have to say no.But even after we have accounted for these social considerations,many of us still seem to do a poor job of managing the trade-off between yes and no.We find ourselves over-committed to things that don’tmeaningfully improve or support those around us,and certainly don’t improve our own lives.E)Perhaps one issue is how we think about the meaning of yes and no.The words“yes”and“no”get so often used in comparison with each other that it feels like they carry equal weight in conversation.In reality,they’re not just opposite in meaning,but of entirely different magnitudes in commitment.When you say“no”,you’re only saying“no”to one option.When you say“yes”,you’re saying“no”to every other option.I like how economist Tim Harford put it,“Every time we say‘yes’to a request,we’re also saying ‘no’to anything else we might accomplish with the time.”Once you’re committed to something,you’ve already decided how that future block of time will be spent.In other words,saying“no”saves you time in the future.Saying“yes”costs you time in the future.“No”is a form of time credit.You retain the ability to spend your future time however you want.“Yes”is a form of time debt.You have to pay back your commitment at some point.F)“No”is a decision.“Yes”is a responsibility.Saying“no”is sometimes seen as a luxurythat only those in power can afford.And it’s true:turning down opportunities is easier when you can fall back on the safety net provided by power,money,and authority.But it’s also true that saying“no”is not merely a privilege reserved for the successful.It’s alsoa strategy that can help you become successful.Saying“no”is an important skill todevelop at any stage of your career because it retains the most important asset in life:your time.As investor Pedro Sorrentino put it,“If you don’t guard your time,people will steal it from you.”You need to say“no”to whatever isn’t leading you toward your goals. G)Nobody embodied this idea better than Steve Jobs,who said,“People think focus meanssaying‘yes’to the thing you’ve got to focus on.But that’s not what it means at all.It means saying‘no’to the hundred other good ideas that there are.You have to pick carefully.”Jobs had another great quote about saying“no”:“I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done.Innovation is saying‘no’to1,000 things.”H)Over time,as you continue to improve and succeed,your strategy needs to change.Theopportunity cost of your time increases as you become more successful.At first,you just eliminate the obvious distractions and explore the rest.As your skills improve and you learn to separate what works from what doesn’t,you have to continually increase your threshold for saying“yes”.You still need to say“no”to distractions,but you also need to learn to say“no”to opportunities that were previously good uses of time,so you can make space for better uses of time.It’s a good problem to have,but it can be a tough skill to master.I)What is true about health is also true about productivity:an ounce of prevention is worth apound of cure.More effort is wasted doing things that don’t matter than is wasted doing things inefficiently.And if that is the case,elimination is a more useful skill than optimization.I’m reminded of the famous Peter Drucker quote,“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”36.People often grant a request just because they want to appear polite and helpful.37.It’s no easy job learning to say“no”to opportunities that were once considered worth grasping.38.When you decline a request,you are saving your future time.39.People sometimes struggle to do things that are simply a waste of time.40.Doing efficiently what is not worth doing is the most useless effort.41.It is especially difficult for people to decline to do what their superiors ask them to do.42.People agree to do too many things they are in fact unwilling to do.43.According to one famous entrepreneur,innovation means refusal to do an enormous number of things.44.It is an essential aspect of life to cooperate with other people.45.Refusing a request is sometimes seen as a privilege not enjoyed by ordinary people. Section CDirections:There are2passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A),B),C)and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions46to50are based on the following passage.We’re eating more fish than ever these days.At around20kilograms per person global fish consumption is now more than twice what it was in the1960s.What’s really remarkable, though,is where that fish comes from.For the first time in human history,most of our aquatic(水产的)food now comes from farming rather than fishing.People ate around73million tonnes of farmed fish—just more than half of the volume of fish that humans consumed—in2014.That’s out of a total fish supply of167million tonnes; the remaining20million or so tonnes go into things like animal feed and medical products.To keep eating fish at the current rate,we’re definitely going to need to keep aquaculture(水产养殖)developing.That’s because the volume of fish caught in the wild has leveled off since the1990s.Back in1974,only10%of marine fish stocks had been overfished.Now,more than three-tenths are.Only a tenth of our oceans’fish stocks could sustain heavier fishing than current levels.But while catchings at sea have suffered,fish-farming has been growing at a fast rate.A lot of that is coming from China,which produces60%of the world’s farmed fish.In fact, some35countries,including China,now produce more farmed than wild-caught fish.This shift toward aquaculture isn’t just good for ensuring salmon(三文鱼)on your plate; it’s also crucial to ensuring food security and sustainability.By2050,the world will need to feed an estimated9.7billion people.They’ll have to get their protein somewhere.However, raising cattle,pigs,and other land-based animals requires vast sums of grain and water.For example,pound for pound,beef requires15times more feed to raise than carp,a freshwaterfish farmed all over Asia.That grain—and the water needed to grow it—could be consumed by people instead.However,aquaculture is no silver bullet.In some southeast Asian countries,shrimp farming does disastrous damage to marine ecosystems.Despite these problems,however, shrimp continues to be among the most popular seafoods worldwide.46.What does the author say is remarkable about the fish we eat?A)They reproduce quickly.B)They are mostly farmed.C)They have become as important as grain.D)They have a longer history than humans.47.What do we need to do if we keep consuming fish at the current rate?A)Increase the fishing volume considerably.B)Develop more advanced fishing technology.C)Enlarge the marine fish stocks effectively.D)Expand the scale of fish-farming continuously.48.What does the author say about China in terms of aquatic food?A)It places increasing emphasis on fishing now.B)It boasts of the world’s largest fishing stocks.C)It raises more fish than caught from the wild.D)It supplies60%of the world’s fish products.49.Why does the author say aquaculture is so important these days?A)It is a must for feeding the world’s fast-growing population.B)It proves a reliable source of protein for humans and animals.C)It is essential to maintaining both mental and physical health.D)It ensures a balanced healthy diet for people the world over.50.What does the author imply by saying aquaculture is no silver bullet?A)Shrimp-farming is a risky business.B)Fish-farming will not be sustainable.C)Fish-farming may cause serious problems too.D)Shrimp-farming can become quite expensive.Passage TwoQuestions51to55are based on the following passage.In2020,the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the World Food Programme(WFP).Why a Nobel Prize for the WFP,and why now?In2019,the WFP assisted nearly100 million people in88countries.It is the safety net for those who fall off the edge of existence. It is a response to solving the problem of food instability.Its Nobel Prize reminds us all of the moral hazard in imagining that the poor and vulnerable are somebody else’s problem.The WFP has been around since1961and has been the global coordinator of nationally based efforts to avoid disasters with food aid.Despite decades of effort to eliminate hunger, the latest estimate is that about11%of people on the planet(about820million people)aresuffering daily undernourishment.Progress at reducing undernourishment has stopped despite gains through the1990s and2000s.Developed countries sometimes offer food and aid to developing ones,but at a price. One American philosopher stated that addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable is about more than money—it is mostly about creating conditions under which prosperity and opportunity can thrive.When aid is offered with heavy conditions attached,like loan repayment or food for resources,it often widens the gap between rich and poor and sustains the old world order.This is why the work of the WFP is so vital.The scientific community,however,can provide a helping hand to the WFP.By sharing knowledge of agriculture and climate with peers in countries most vulnerable to poverty and hunger,scientists can help reduce these problems.By making its voice heard,science can lead by example.The ability to overcome food shortages that must be built into some of the poorest countries will not come from loans from wealthy countries,which may have food problems of their own,or world economic institutions.This ability will be built upon self-confident people using open and shared scientific knowledge to pull themselves out of their misery.51.What does the WFP’s winning of the Nobel Peace Prize make us realize?A)More and more people in the world are suffering from starvation.B)All of us can be affected by food instability one way or another.C)It is hazardous to leave millions of people poor and vulnerable.D)It is morally wrong to think helping the poor is not our business.52.What do we learn about the WFP’s effort to eliminate hunger?A)It has ensured a sufficient food supply to millions.B)It is still far from its goal despite the progress made.C)It has done a good job in combating natural disasters.D)It is preventing starvation occurring on a global scale.53.What will happen when food aid is offered at a price?A)The rich will become richer and the poor poorer.B)More people will be willing to join in the effort.C)More food will be made available to the needy.D)The relief effort will be rendered less sustainable.54.How can scientists help cope with poverty and hunger?A)By collaborating closely with world economic institutions.B)By sharing expertise with peers in poverty-stricken nations.C)By setting up more food research programs in developing countries.D)By building self-respect in people suffering from undernutrition.55.What message does the author try to convey at the end of the passage?A)Wealthy nations should solve their own food problems first.B)Rich countries should be more generous in providing food aid.C)Poor nations should enhance their own ability to solve their food shortages.D)World economic institutions should play a bigger role in fighting hunger.PartⅣTranslation(30minutes)Directions:For this part,you are allowed30minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet2.冬至（Winter Solstice）是全年白昼最短、黑夜最长的一天，标志着一年中最寒冷时节的开始。

2022年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案(第3套)

Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay that begins with the sentence “ With the application of information technology in education, college students can now learn in more diverse and e f icient ways.” You can make statements, give reasons, or cite examples to develop your essay. You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 wordsPart Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)特殊说明：由于多题多卷，官方第三套真题的听力试题与第二套真题的一致，只是选项顺序不同，因此，本套试卷不再提供听力部分。

Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word f or each blank f rom a list of choices given in a word bank f ollowing the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.American colleges and universities are using 64 percent less coal than they did a decade ago, burning 700,000 tons last year, down from 2 million tons in 2008, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report 26 yesterday.All 57 schools that were burning coal in 2008 are using less now, and 20 have 27 coal completely, EIA found.Most universities have turned to natural gas as a 28 , with state funding backing the fuel switch.While academic institutions use less than 0. 1 percent of U.S. coal burned for power, campus coal use has a history dating back to the 1800s when 29 to power was scarce.Many universities still operate their own power plants. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 encouraged more electricity generation by allowing institutions to sell 30 power to utilities.But EIA noted many coal-fired universities have signed onto the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which was launched in 2007.About 665 schools are part of the program, which aims to 31 greenhouse gas emissions. Thirty percent of the participants have pledged to be carbon 32 within 20years.The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, which also leads campaigns for universities to withdraw their 33 in coal and other fossil fuels, lists 22 schools that have pledged to move “beyond coal,” includi ngClemson University, Indiana University, Ohio University, Penn State University, the University of Louisville and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.The largest coal use 34 at colleges were in Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee and Indiana. Indiana’s universities alone cut coal 35 by 81 percent between 2008 and 2015.During the same period, Michigan made an 80 percent cut and Tennessee cut back by 94 percent at state institutions.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Classical music aims to evolve, build audiences without alienating old guardA) In 1913, classical music sparked a riot in Paris. Igor Stravinsky was introducing hisrevolutionary “Rite of Spring” ballet to the world, with its discordant melodies and unorthodox choreography (编舞), and the purists in the crowd expressed their disapproval loud and clear. It might have been classical music’s version of the time Bob Dylan went electric at the Newport Folk Festival. “The noise, fighting, and shouting in the audience got so loud,” NPR’s music reporter Miles Hoffff man said of the Stravinsky debut, “that the choreographer had to shout out the numbers to the dancers so that they knew what they were supposed to do.”B) It’s difficult to imagine a similar disturbance occurring today within America’s sacredsymphony halls. In fact, it’s hard to picture any kind of disruptive activity at all (unless someone’s cell phone happens to go off and then you’d better watch your back). A mannerly aura (氛围) hangs over most classical proceedings, and many of the genre’s biggest supporters would have it no other way.C) Today, Western audiences for classical music and opera and ballet are almost always welldressed, older, respectful, achingly silent and often very wealthy (one has to be able to afford most tickets). But as many of America’s most storied “highbrow” ( 高雅的)institutions struggle financially—the Philadelphia Orchestra’s much-publicized rebound from bankruptcy is just one recent example—classical music fans and theorists are wondering how the medium can weave itself into the 21st century’s cultural fabric without sacrificing its integrity.D) For example, should we feel OK “clapping” during classical music events, even if nobodyelse is? Why shouldn’t we cheer for something great, like we do at a rock concert? The Hu f ington Post recently ran a Great Debate on this issue and many commenters came out on the side of silence. “There is no more rewarding experience in life than being part of an audience where everybody is leaning forward in silence, thoroughly carried away by a great performance of a masterpiece,”one commenter wrote. “Why is it so difficult for folks to develop an appreciation and understanding for the mannerisms and traditions of classical music?” asked another.E) The truth is that classical music audiences weren’t always so polite. Robert Greenberg, anaward-winning composer, said that when Beethoven first performed his 7th Symphony, audiences forced the orchestra to perform encores ( 重演) of certain movements immediately, applauding wildly. And in the last few decades, he said, many audiences at opera performances have abandoned pretenses, yelling “Bravo” when they feel lik e it.F) “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with an audience showing their enthusiasm for aproper moment by applauding, showing their joy,” Greenberg said, noting that the stuffiness in concert halls is “one aspect of contemporary concert etiquette”he doesn’t understand. “Instead of waiting half an hour to show enthusiasm, why not show it every eight or nine minutes?”G) Until the rules about behavior and clothing change, it’s hard to imagine multitudes ofyoung people filling concert halls on their own accord. They’re probably more likely to head to Central Park to watch a free performance with a bottle of wine and their friends.“I think anyone should be able to come into a performance dressed any way they like, and be comfortable any way they like, sitting in that seat ready to enjoy themselves,”Greenberg said. “Because it’s enjoyable.”H) Greenberg stressed that he doesn’t want people to start respecting the music less, and he’snot suggesting that we “dumb down” the experience. Rather, it’s about opening up “access.” When operas first instituted subtitles (字幕) during shows, he said, many purists didn’t like the idea, believing that the audience should instead study the works before attending. But now it’s commonplace to find titles on the seatback in front of you—choose a language, sit back, and understand what’s going on.I) Allison Vulgamore, president of the Philadelphia Orchestra, is certainly looking to thefuture. She says certain “classics concerts” dedicated to the old masters will always exist, but not every program has to feature Beethoven and Brahms—or even a stage and seats.“We’re trying to introduce different kinds of concerts in different ways,”she said. “We are an interactive society now, where people like to learn.”J) As the Philadelphia Orchestra rebounds from its financial straits, it is also aiming to experiment, without alienating the loyalists. Vulgamore pointed to Cirque de la Symphonie, a recent offering in which jugglers (玩杂耍的人) and acrobats (杂技演员) interacted with musicians. An upcoming collaboration with New York City’s RidgeTheatre, meanwhile, will feature a “suspended dance installation”and other theatrical elements occurring in conjunction with an orchestral piece.K) The orchestra also continues to offer $25 annual memberships to Philadelphia students, who can buy rush tickets to every concert on the schedule. “Students line up for the concerts they want, and we get roughly 300 or 350 kids a night coming to these. They take any of the open seats available, 5 minutes before the concert starts,” Vulgamore said. “It’s like the running of the bulls, that energy when the doors open.”L) Greenberg thinks that youthful energy needs to be harvested. Conductors don’t have to be arrogant and untouchable—they can be accessible. Perhaps there could even be a “bit of humor”about them, he suggested, and an abandoning of pretension within the high-art institutions themselves. “On one hand, these organizations are all saying the same thing: we want more general audiences, to break down cultural barriers,” he said. “But then they come up with some very snooty (目中无人的) thing that makes you crazy.”M) John Terauds, a critic who has covered Toronto’s classical music scene extensively, also wants to do away with the stuffiness. He suggested that the warmer an audience is, the better the musicians themselves will respond. “But the producer or organizer has to let everyone know it’s OK,” he said. “It’s OK to enjoy y ourself.” At the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, for example, conductor Peter Oundjian often stops between pieces, taking a moment to talk about the composer or the music in a very amiable way. And some nights, Terauds said, “at least a third”of the audience consists of students who have purchased cheaper tickets. On these nights, the energy of the room drastically shifts. It becomes a less intimidating place.N) Back in February, Terauds wrote on his blog about how going to classical performances can be intimidating. Certain people “think they have to dress up,” he wrote. “They think they have to know something about the music before they go. And, I’m sure, sitting in a seat, trembling in fear that this might be the wrong time to applaud, is also one of the factors.”O) Everyone in the classical world agrees on the need for increased “accessibility,”but achieving it is often easier said than done. Nowadays, there are unknown, unorthodox opera singers wowing (博得……的喝彩) viewers on TV programs like “America’s Got Talent”and “The Voice”. What can higher institutions do with any of that? And if they appeal to these outlets, do they risk compromising the integrity or the intelligence of the music?P) Vulgamore seems to understand this. She thinks an organization can have it both ways, claiming the new while keeping the old. And as she reorganizes the Philadelphia Orchestra, she will attempt to do just that. “The world’s most respected musicians brought together as an orchestra will always exist,” she said. “Bu t it’s essential that we be willing to experiment and fail.”36. It was not a rare occurrence that audiences behaved wildly while listening to classical music.37. Some high-art institutions don’t actually mean it when they say they want more general audiences.38. The theatre was in chaos when an unconventional ballet was first put on stage in the capital of France.39. According to one critic, the audience’s warm response would encourage the musicians to do a better job.40. Many commenters argued for the audience enjoying classical music quietly.41. What appears on the seatback screen makes it unnecessary for the audience to study the works beforehand.42. It is generally accepted that there should be no disturbance from the audience during classical music performance.43. Higher institutions will be concerned about compromising the integrity of classical music if they have to resort to the television medium.44. Heavily discounted rush tickets help attract many young students to attend classical concerts.45. The formalities of high-art theatres can intimidate some people attending a performance.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.How can one person enjoy good health, while another person looks old before her time? Humans have been asking this question for thousands of years, and recently, it’s becoming clearer and clearer to scientists that the differences between people’s rates of aging lie in the complex interactions among genes, social relationships, environments and lifestyles. Even though you were born with a particular set of genes, the way you live can influence how they express themselves. Some lifestyle factors may even turn genes on or shut them off.Deep within the genetic heart of all our cells are telomeres, or repeating segments of noncoding DNA that live at the ends of the chromosomes ( 染色体). They form caps at the ends of the chromosomes and keep the genetic material together. Shortening with each cell division, they help determine how fast a cell ages. When they become too short, the cell stops dividing altogether. This isn’t the only reason a cell can age—there are other stresses on cells we don’t yet understand very well—but short telomeres are one of the major reasons human cells grow old. We’ve devoted most of our careers to studying telomeres, and one extraordinary discovery from our labs is that telomeres can actually lengthen.Scientists have learned that several thought patterns appear to be unhealthy for telomeres, and one of them is cynical hostility. Cynical hostility is defined by high anger and frequent thoughts that other people cannot be trusted. Someone with hostility doesn’t just think, “I hate to stand in long lines” ; they think, “Others deliberately sped up and beat me to my rightful position in the line!”—and then get violently agitated. People who score high on measures of cynical hostility tend to get more heart disease, metabolic disease and often die at younger ages. They also have shorter telomeres. In a study of British civil servants, men who scoredhigh on measures of cynical hostility had shorter telomeres than men whose hostility scores were low. The most hostile men were 30% more likely to have short telomeres.What this means: aging is a dynamic process that could possibly be accelerated or slowed—and, in some aspects, even reversed. To an extent, it has surprised us and the rest of the scientific community that telomeres do not simply carry out the commands issued by your genetic code. Your telomeres are listening to you. The foods you eat, your response to challenges, the amount of exercise you get, and many other factors appear to influence your telomeres and can prevent premature aging at the cellular level. One of the keys to enjoying good health is simply doing your part to foster healthy cell renewal.46. What have scientists come to know better today?A) Why people age at different rates.B) How genes influence the aging process.C) How various genes express themselves in aging.D) Why people have long been concerned about aging.47. Why are some lifestyle factors considered extremely important?A) They may shorten the process of cell division.B) They may determine how genes function.C) They may affect the lifespan of telomeres.D) They may account for the stresses on cells.48. What have the author and his colleagues discovered about telomeres?A) Their number affects the growth of cells.B) Their length determines the quality of life.C) Their shortening process can be reversed.D) Their health impacts the division of cells.49. What have scientists learned about cynical hostility?A) It may lead to confrontational thought patterns.B) It may produce an adverse effect on telomeres.C) It may cause people to lose their temper frequently.D) It may stir up agitation among those in long lines.50. What do we learn from the last paragraph about the process of aging?A) It may vary from individual to individual.B) It challenges scientists to explore further.C) It depends on one’s genetic code.D) It may be controlled to a degree.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Scientists have created by accident an enzyme ( 酶) that breaks down plastic drinks bottles. The breakthrough could help solve the global plastic pollution crisis by enabling for the first time the full recycling of bottles.。

2018年度12月四级英语听力真命题(共两套,含答案解析及原文)

2018年12月四级英语听力真题第一套Part II Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)Section A News ReportDirections： In this section， you will hear threenews reports。

At the e nd of each news report， you will hear two or three questions。

Both th enews report and the questions will be spoken only once。

After you he ar a question， you mustchoose the best answer from the four choices marked A）， B）， C） and D）。

Then mark thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre。

Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A) Land a space vehicle on the moon in 2019.B) Design a new generation of mobile phones.C) Set up a mobile phone network on the moon.D) Gather data from the moon with a tiny device.2. A) It is stable.B) It is durable.C) It is inexpensive.D) It is sophisticated.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) It lasted more than six hours.B) No injuries were yet reported.C) Nobody was in the building when it broke out.D) It had burned for 45 minutes by the time firefighters arrived.4. A) Recruit and train more firefighters.B) Pull down the deserted shopping mall.C) Turn the shopping mall into an amusement park.D) Find money to renovate the local neighborhood.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) Shrinking potato farming.B) Heavy reliance on import.C) Widespread plant disease.D) Insufficient potato supply.6. A) It intends to keep its traditional diet.B) It wants to expand its own farming.C) It is afraid of the spread of disease.D) It is worried about unfair competition.7. A) Global warming.B) Ever-rising prices.C) Government regulation.D) Diminishing investment.Section B ConversationDirections: In this section,you will hear two long conversation.At the end of each conversations you will hear four questions. Both the conversati ons and the question-s will be spoken only once.After you hear a question.You must choose t he best answer from the four choices marked A,B, C, D.Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the center.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) Informative.B) Inspiring.C) Dull.D) Shallow.9. A) She types on a keyboard.B) She does recording.C) She takes photos.D) She takes notes.10. A) It keeps her mind active.B) It makes her stay awake.C) It enables her to think hard.D) It helps her kill time.11. A) It enables her to improve her pronunciation.B) It helps her better remember what she learns.C) It turns out to be an enjoyable way of learning.D) It proves to be far more effective than writing.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) To spend her honeymoon.B) To try authentic Indian food.C) To take photos of the Taj Mahal.D) To trace the origin of a love story.13. A) In memory of a princess.B) In honor of a great emperor.C) To mark the death of an emperor of the 1600s.D) To celebrate the birth of a princess's 14th child.14. A) It looks older than expected.B) It is built of wood and bricks.C) It stores lots of priceless antiques.D) It has walls decorated with jewels.15. A) Their streets are narrow.B) They are mostly crowded.C) Each one has a unique character.D) Life can be tedious in some places.Section C PassageDirections： In this section,you will hear three passages.At the end of ea ch passage,you will hear three or four questions。

2018年12月大学英语四级真题试卷(CET4)及答案(第二套)

2018年12月大学英语四级真题试卷(CET4)及答案(第二套)Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an a short easy on the challenges of studying abroad.You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and questions will be spoken only once. After you hear questions, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 to 2 are based on the new report you have just heard.Questions 1 to 2 are based on the new report you have just heard.1. A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the ground.C) A rescue worker got trapped in the basement.D) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire.2. A) He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.B) He once served in a fire department.C) He was collecting building materials.D) He moved into his neighbor's old house.Questions 3 to 4 are based on the new report you have just heard。

2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版(第2套)课件.doc

2018 年12 月大学英语四级真题完整版（第 1 套）Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions: For this part ，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on thechallengesof starting a career after graduation. You should write at least 120 words but no more than180 words.PartⅡListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and then 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 1with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the groundC) A rescue worker got trapped in the basementD) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire2. A)He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.B) He once served in a fire department.C) He was collecting building materials.D) He moved into his neighbor's old house.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.B) Change British people’s negative view of mathsC) Help British people understand their paychecks.D) Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.4. A) Children take maths courses at an earlier age.B) The public sees the value of maths in their life.C) British people know how to do elementary calculationsD) Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.Questions 5 and 6 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He owns a fleet of aircraft.B) He is learning to be a pilot.C) He regards his royal duties as a burden.D) He held a part-time job for over 20 years6. A) He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.B) He can change his focus of attention and relax.C) He can show his difference from other royalty.D) He can come into closer contact with his people.7. A) They enjoyed his companyB) They liked him in his uniform.C) They rarely recognised himD) They were surprised to see him.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A），B），C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) They were skilled carpenters themselves.B) It didn't need much capital to start withC) Wood supply was plentiful in Romania.D) They saw a business opportunity there.9. A) Provide quality furniture at affordable pricesB) Attract foreign investment to expand businessC) Enlarge their company by hiring more workersD) Open some more branch companies in Germany.10. A) They are from her hometown.B) They are imported from Germany.C) They all come from Romania.D) They come from all over the continent.11. A) All across Europe.B) Throughout the world.C) Mostly in BucharestD) In Romania onlyQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Go to a concert with him and his girlfriend.B) Try out a new restaurant together in townC) Go with him to choose a pearl for SusanD) Attend the opening of a local restaurant13. A) It is sponsored by local restaurantsB) It specializes in food advertisingC) It is especially popular with the youngD) It provides information on local events14. A) They design a special set of menus for themselves.B) They treat themselves to various entertainmentsC) They go to eat at different stylish restaurantsD) They participate in a variety of social event15. A) More restaurants will join Restaurant Week.B) This year’s Restaurant Week will start soon.C) Bigger discounts will be offered this Restaurant Week.D) More types of food will be served this Restaurant Week.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passageand the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Rewarding them for eating vegetablesB) Exposing them to vegetables repeatedlyC) Improving the taste of vegetable dishes for theD) Explaining the benefits of eating vegetables to them.17. A) They were disliked most by children.B) They were considered most nutritious.C) They were least used in Belgian cookingD) They were essential to children’s health.18. A) Vegetables differ in their nutritional value.B) Children’s eating habits can be changedC) Parents watch closely what children eat.D) Children’s choices of food vary greatly.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Space exploration has serious consequencesB) India has many space exploration programs.C) There is quite a lot to learn about the moon.D) A lot of garbage has been left on the moon.20. A) It is costly to bring back.B) It is risky to destroyC) It is of no use on Earth.D) It is damaged by radiation.21. A) Record details of space exploration.B) Monitor the change of lunar weather.C) Study the effect of radiation and vacuum on its materialsD) Explore the possibility of human settlement on the moon.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard. 22.A) It is likely to remain a means of business communication.B) It is likely to be a competitor of various messaging appsC) It will gradually be replaced by social media.D) It will have to be governed by specific rules23. A) Save the message in their file.B) Make a timely response.C) Examine the information carefully.D) See if any action needs to be taken.24. A) It is to be passed onC) It requires no reply.B) It is mostly junkD) It causes no concern.25. A) Make it as short as possibleC) Adopt an informal style of writingB) Use simple and clear languageD) Avoid using capitals for emphasis.Part ⅢReading Comprehension ( 40 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank followingthe passage.Read the passagethrough carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than onc．eQuestions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.A few months ago, I was down with a terrible cold which ended with a persistent bad cough. No matter how many different 26 I tried, I still couldn ’t get rid of the cough. Not only did it 27 my teaching but also my life as a whole. Then one day after class, a student came up to me and 28 traditional Chinese medicine. From her description, Chinese medicine sounded as if it had magic power that worked wonders; I was 29 about it because I knew so little about it and have never tried it before. Eventually, my cough got so much 30 that I couldn’t sleep at night, so I decided to give it a try. The Chinese doctor took my pulse and asked to see my tongue, both of which were new 31 to me because they are both non-existent in Western medicine. Then the doctor gave me a scrapping (刮) treatment known as ‘G ua Sha’.I was a little 32 at first becausehe used a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin on my neck and shoulders. A few minutes later, the 33 strokes started to produce a relieving effect and my body and mind began to 34 deeper into relaxation.I didn’t feel any improvement in my condition in the first couple of days, but after afew more regular visits to the doctor, my cough started to 35 . then, within a matter of weeks, it was completely gone!A) deepen E) lessen I) remedies M) temporaryB) experiences F) licenses J) scared N) trembleC) hesitant G) pressured K) sensitive O) worseD) inconvenience H) recommended L) sinkSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Is it really OK to eat food that’s fallen on the floor?[A] When you drop a piece of food on the floor, is it really OK to eat you pick it upwithin five seconds?An urban food myth contends that if food spends just a few seconds on the floor, dirt and germs won’t have much of a chance to contaminate it. Research in my lab has focused on how food becomes contaminated, and w’v e e done some work on this particular piece of wisdom.[B] While the “-f i s v e e c o n d rule ”might not seem like the most pressing i s s u f e o o f o d r scientists to get to the bottom of, it’s still worth investigating food myths like this one because they shape our beliefs about when food is safe to eat.[C] So is five seconds on the floor the critical threshold（门槛）that separates a piece of eatable food from a case of food poisoning? I’t s a bit more complicated than that. It depends on just how many bacteria can make it from floor to food in a few seconds and just how dirty the floor is.[D] Wondering if food is still OK to eat after it ’s dropped on the floor is a pretty common experience. And it’s probably not a new one either. A well-known, but inaccurate, story about Julia Child may have contributed to this food myth. Some viewers of her cooking show, The French Chef, insist they saw Child drop lamb on the floor and pick it up, with the advice that if they were along in the kitchen, their guests would never know.[E] In fact it was a potato pancake, and it fell on the stovetop, not on the floor. Child put it back in the pain, saying. “But you can always pickyiot u’p r e a n a d l o i n f e in the kitchen, who’s going to see it? ”But the m i s r e m s e t o m r b y e p r e r d s i s t s.It’s harder to pin down the origins of the oft-quoted five-second rule, but a 2003 study reported that 70% of women and 56% of men surveyed were familiar with the five-second rule and that women were more likely than men to eat food that had dropped on the floor.[F] So what does science tell us about what a few moments on the floor means for the safety of your food? The earliest research report on the five-second rule is attributed to Jillian Clarke, a high school student participating in are search apprenticeship at the University of Illinois. Clarke and her colleaguesinoculated floor tiles with bacteria then placed food on the tiles for varying times. They reported bacteria were transferred from the tile to gummy bears and cookies within five seconds, but didn ’t report the specific amount of bacteria that made it from the tile to the food.[G] But how much bacteria actually transfer in five seconds?In 2007, my lab at Clemson University published a study –the only peer-reviewed journal paper on this topic–in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. We wanted to know if the length of time food is in contact with a contaminated surface affected the rate of transfer of bacteria to the food. To find out, we inoculated squares of tile, carpet or wood with Salmonella. Five minutes after that, we placed either bologna or bread on the surface for 5, 30 or 60 seconds, and then measured the amount of bacteria transferred to the food. We repeated this exact protocol after the bacteria had been on the surface for two, four, eight and 24 hours.[H] We found that the number of bacteria transferred to either kind of food didn’t depend much on how long the food was in contact with the contaminated surface—whether for a few secondsor for a whole minute. The overall amount of bacteria on the surface mattered more, and this decreased over time after the initial inoculation. It looks like what ’s at issue is less how long your food stays on the floorand much more how contaminated with bacteria that patch of floor happens to be.[I] We also found that the kind of surface made a difference as well. Carpets, for instance, seem to be slightly better places to drop your food than wood or tile. Whencarpet was inoculated with Salmonella, less than 1% of the bacteria were transferred.But when the food was in contact with tile or wood, 48%-70%of bacteria transferred.[J] Last year, a study from Aston University in the UK used nearly identical parameter（s 参数）to our study and found similar results testing contact times of threeand 30 seconds on similar surfaces. They also reported that 87% of people askedeither would eat or have eaten food dropped on the floor.[K] Should you eat food fallen on the floor then? From a food safety standpoint, youhave millions or more bacteria on a surface, 0.1% is still enough to make you sick.Also, certain types of bacteria are extremely harmful and it takes only a small numberto make you sick. For example, 10 bacteria or less of an especially deadly strain ofbacteria can cause severe illness and death in people with compromised immune systems. But the chance of these bacteria being on most surfaces is very low.[L] And it’s not just dropping food on the floor that can lead to bacterial contamination. Bacteria are carried by various “media, ”w h i c h f o c o a d n,include raw moist surfaces where bacteria has been left, our hands or skin and from coughing or sneezing. Hands, foods and utensils can carry individual bacterial cells, colonies ofcells or cells living in communities contained within a protective film that provide protection. These microscopic layers of deposits containing bacteria are known as biofilms and they are found on most surfaces and objects. Biofilm communities canharbor bacteria longer and are very difficult to clean. Bacteria in these communitiesalso have an enhancedresistanceto sanitizers and antibiotics compared to bacterialiving on their own.[M] So the next time you consider eating dropped food, the odds are in your favorthat you can eat that morsel and not get sick. But in the rare chance that here is a microorganism that can make you sick on the exact spot where the food dropped, youcan be fairly sure the bug is on the food you are about to put in your mouth.[N] Research or common sense tells us that the best thing to do is to keep your handsand other surfaces clean.36. A research project found bacteria made their way to the food on the floor in five seconds.37. Whether food is contaminated depends much on the number of bacteria that getonto it.38. Food contamination may result from various factors other than food dropping onthe floor.39. Males are less likely than females to eat food that may have been contaminated.40. The author’s research center around how food gets contaminated.41. Keeping everything clean is the best way to stay healthy.42. Chances are you will not fall sick because of eating food picked up from the floor.43. For a long time people have had the experience of deciding whether or not to eatfood picked up from the floor.44. Some strains of bacteria are so harmful that a tiny few can have deadlyconsequences.45. Researcher found how many bacteria get onto the food did not have much to do with how long the food stayed on a contaminated floor.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The latest in cat researchreveals that the lovely animal seemsto have a basic grasp on both the laws of physics and the ins and outs of cause and effect.According to a newly published study, cats seem to be able to predict the location of hiding prey（借物）using both their ears and an inborn（天生的）understanding of how the physical world worksIn a recent experiment, Japanese researchers taped 30 domestic cats reacting to a container that a team member shook. Some containers ratt（l ed发出响声）, others did not. When the container was tipped over, sometimes an object fell out and sometimesit didn’t.It turns out that the cats were remarkably smart about what would happen when a container was tipped over. When an object did not drop out of the bottom of a rattling container, they looked at it for a longer time than they did when the container behaved as expected.“Cats use a causal-logical understanding of nose or sounds to predict the appearance of invisible objects,”lead researcher Saho Takagi says in a press release. The researchers conclude that cats hunting style may have developed based on their common-sense abilities to infer where prey is, using their hearing.Scientists have explored this idea with other endearing creatures: babies. Like cats, babies appear to engage in wha’ts called “preferential looking”--looking longerat things that are interesting or unusual than things they perceive as normal.When babies’expectations are violated in experiments like the ones performed with the cats, they react much like their animal friends. Psychologists have shown that babies apparently expect their world to comply with the laws of physics and cause and effect as early as two months of age.Does the study mean that cats will soon grasp the ins and outs of cause and effect? Maybe. Okay, so cats may not be the next physics faculty members at Americ’s a most important researchuniversities. But by demonstrating their common sense, they’ve shown that the divide between cats and humans may not be that great after all.Even though pumping from these depths is expensive, it is still cheaper thandesalinating（脱盐）the ocean water in the largely coastal state. Some desalination plants exist where feasible, but they are costly to run and can need constant repairs. Wells are much more reliable sources of freshwater, and California is hoping that these deep wells may be the answer to their severe water shortage.One problem with these sources is that the deep water also has a higher level of salt than shallower aquifers. This means that some wells may even need to undergo desalination after extraction, thus increasing the cost. Researchfrom the exhaustive study of groundwater from over 950 drilling logs has just been published. New estimates of the water reserves now go up to 2,700 billion cubic meters of freshwater.46. What do we learn from a newly published study about cats?A) They can be trained to understand the physical world.B) They know what kind of prey might be easier to hunt.C) They have a natural ability to locate animals they hunt.D) They are capable of telling which way their prey flees.47. What may account for the cat's response to the noise from the containers?A) Their inborn sensitivity to noise. B) Their unusual sense of direction.C) Their special ability to perceive.D) Their mastery of cause and effect.48. What is characteristic of the way cats hunt, according to the Japanese researchers?A) They depend on their instincts. C) They wait some time before attack.B) They rely mainly on their hearing. D) They use both their ears and eyes.49. In what way do babies behave like cats?A) They focus on what appears odd.B) They view the world as normal.C) They do what some time they prefer to do.D) They are curious about everything.50. What can we conclude about cats from the passage?A) They have higher intelligence than many other animals.B) They interact with the physical world much like humans.C) They display extraordinary high intelligence in hunting.D) They can aid physics professors in their research work. .Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Imagine you enter a car with no steering wheel, no brake or accelerator pedals. Under a voice-activated command, you say an address. "The fastest route will take us15. 3 minutes. Should I take it?" You say yes and you are on your way. The car responds and starts moving all by itself. All you have to do is sit back and relax.How weird would it be if, one day in the future, everyone had such a car? No crazy driving, no insults, no cutting in; traffic laws would be respected and driving much safer. On the other hand, imagine the cost savings for local police enforcement and town budgets without all those speeding and parking tickets.A new technology has the potential to change modern society in radical ways. There’s no question that self-driving vehicles could be an enormous benefit. The potential for safer cars means accident statistics would drop: some 94% of road accidents in the U. S. involve human error. Older drivers and visually- or physically-impaired people would gain a new level of freedom. Maintaining safe speedsand being eletric, self-driving cars would drastically reduce pollution levels and dependency on non- renewable fuels. Roads would be quieter, people safer.But we must also consider the impact of the new technology on those who now depend on driving for their livelihoods. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, in May 2015 there were 505,560 registered school bus drivers. The American Trucking Association lists approximately 3. 5 million professional truck drivers in the U. S.The companies developing self-driving vehicles should be partnering with state and federal authorities to offer retraining for this massive workforce, many of whom will be displaced by the new techn ology. This is similar to what s happe’n ing in the coal and oil industries, a situation that fuels much of the current political discontent in this country.New technologies will, and should, be developed. This is how society moves forward. However, progress can’t be one-sided. It is necessary for the companies and state agencies involved to consider the ethical consequences of these potential changes to build a better future for all.51. What would be the impact of the extensive use of driverless cars?A) People would be driving in a more civilized wayB) It would save local governments a lot of money.C) More policemen would be patrolling the streets.D) Traffic regulations would be a thing of the past.52. How would the elderly and the disabled benefit from driverless cars?A) They could enjoy greater mobilityB) They would suffer no road accidents.C) They would have no trouble driving.D) They could go anywhere they want.53. What would be the negative impact of driverless cars?A) The conflict between labor and management would intensify.B) The gap between various sectors of society would be widened.C) Professional drivers would have a hard time adapting to new road conditions..D) Numerous professional drivers would have to find new ways of earning a living.54. What is the result of the introduction of new technologies in energy industries? 答：B,A) Political dissatisfaction.B) Retaining of employees.C) Fossil fuel conservation.D) Business restructuring.55. What does the author suggest businesses and the government do?A) Keep pace with technological developments.B) Make new technologies affordable to everyone.C) Enable everyone to benefit from new technologies.D) Popularize the use of new technologies and devices.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passagefrom Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.过去几年里，移动支付市场在中国蓬勃发展。

2023年12月英语四级真题及答案(共三套)

2023年12月大学英语四级考试真题(第1套)Part I Writing (30 minutes) Directions:Suppose the university newspaper is inviting submissions from the students for its coming edition on a campus event that has impressed them most. You are now to write an essay forsubmission. You will have 30 minutes to write the essay. You should write at least 120 wordsbut no more than 180 words._____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Part II Listening Comprehension (25 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report，you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1. A. Their brains work in harmony. B. They are generally the same age.C. Their interests are quite similar.D. They have the same ethnic background.2. A. It can be touching. B. It is hard to predict.C. It can work both ways.D. It resembles family ties.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A. Search for their half-brothers. B. Identify their biological fathers.C. Find out more about their ancestry.D. See whether they are actually related.4. A. They were both given up for adoption. B. They were born to the same mother.C. They flew 737 airplanes as pilots.D. They were both 60 years of age.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A. One of his friends was caught littering.B. Other tourists refused to join in the cleanup.C. The beautiful beach was spoiled with lots of trash.D. The kilometer-long beach was practically deserted.6. A. A passerby. B. A local woman.C. The beach authorities.D. One of the five tourists.7. A. The tourists’ good deed was not noticed by the locals.B. Some natives were selling poor-quality food to tourists.C. The number of tourists to the beach is on a steady decline.D. It was tourists not natives who were cleaning up the beach.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A),B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1with a single linethrough the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A. He has to play football with workmates. B. He has got some books to read.C. He is going to visit a friend.D. He is physically unfit for it.9. A. To teach kids about animal protection. B. To learn how popular zoos could be.C. To see some rare animals in cages.D. To give her little nephew a treat.10. A. He enjoys excellent health. B. He is keen on extreme sports.C. He coaches tennis players every week.D. He spends most of his time in the gym.11. A. Tending to his swollen ankle. B. Concentrating on reading.C. Writing three book reports.D. Planning Christmas celebrations.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A. It is being debated by hundreds of retirees. B. It is attracting many people’s attention.C. It partly records his own experience.D. It argues for postponing retirement.13. A. One should foresee a financial crisis. B. One should trust financial planners’ figures.C. One should have one million dollars to retire.D. One should start saving as early as possible.14. A. It doesn’t need to be permanent. B. It shouldn’t be considered risky.C. It helps to reduce travel expenses.D. It is the way to quit a job one hates.15. A. By keeping close contact with one’s employers.B. By retiring when one reaches sixty years old.C. By investing half of one’s monthly income.D. By following the counsel of financial planners.Section CDirections:In this section，you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After youhear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through thecentre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A. They tended to be easily anticipated by those belonging to their own race.B. They tended to be arbitrarily judged by individuals of opposing groups.C. They were readily shared among members of the same social or racial group.D. They were influenced by the presence of someone from an outsider group.17. A. When they tried to make a positive impression on the researchers.B. When an unknown student from another university was present.C. When an experimenter from the research team took notice.D. When they were offered both candy and fruit as a snack.18. A. By advertising its social benefits. B. By teaching consumers diet strategies.C. By supporting struggling consumers.D. By maintaining its positive image. Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A. The academic and learning issues struggling students encounter.B. The risk students face due to a history of mental health problems.C. The effect of interacting with therapy dogs on students under pressure.D. The work universities are doing to help students succeed academically.20. A. Their communicative skills. B. Their executive functioning.C. Their academic networking.D. Their leadership capacities.21. A. Rid students of their anxiety. B. Add to some students’ stress.C. Contribute little to typical students’ success.D. Help students with mental issues pull through. Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A. Work hard and plan carefully. B. Attempt to succeed at any cost.C. Aim high and expect great results.D. Remain optimistic even in difficult.23. A. Regarding failure as something inevitable. B. Trying out innovative marketing strategies.C. Venturing into sectors never explored before.D. Being willing to experiment with novel ideas.24. A. Expect future success so as to move forward. B. Learn from our failure and forge ahead.C. Distinguish between good and bad risks.D. Examine our strategies and find out weaknesses.25. A. Fresher offers. B. Safer operation.C. More challenges.D. Less competition.Part III Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read thepassage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identifiedby a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2with asingle line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once. Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.Exercising for just 10 minutes a week is linked to a longer life, according to a new study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine.Several recent studies have found that even low-intensity exercise, done for a short amount of time, can have a meaningful 26 on health. Still, the idea that exercising for just 10 minutes a week may be enough to increase your lifespan is novel. It’s also somewhat 27 , since the federal physical activity guidelines recommend getting at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of 28 exercise each week.The study was based on data from more than 88,000 U.S. adults who 29 in the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2008.Contrary to some research that has found an 30 limit to the amount of exercise that is healthy, the researchers found that there was 31 no limit to the longevity (长寿) benefits of exercise. Even the small group of people who got 10 times the amount of exercise recommended by the federal government had a 46% lower 32 of death than the least active group.Still, observational studies like this one cannot prove cause and effect; they can only find 33 . The researchers also were not able to 34 for certain lifestyle factors that could affect lifespan, including dietary habits and changes in physical activity over time. Despite these 35 , the study’s results are yet another indication of the power of physical activity, even in small amounts.Section BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Eachstatement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph fromwhich the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Eachparagraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letteron Answer Sheet 2.How Climate Change Will Affect What You EatA) Earlier this year, scientists warmed that one in six animal species could go extinct (灭绝的) due toclimate change. Could the same thing happen to our crops and other foodstuffs too?B) It’s clear that farmers in many parts of the world are going to find things harder in the comingdecades. Last week, BBC Future explored one scientist’s efforts to help crops cope with the increased probability of droughts. By using the genes from resurrection (复活) plants, Jill Farrant of the University of Cape Town is exploring whether she can design crops to survive for much longer periods without water.C) But if we can’t find ways to protect other foods, will they survive climate change? Fortunately, thereis some good news on this front. Despite alarmist headlines about “foods that are going extinct,” there is no evidence that major food types like beans, chocolate, wine, corn or wheat will cease to exist.D) But that doesn’t mean it’s all good news for future food. We will probably have to change where wegrow certain crops, as some regions get too hot. The disadvantage, obviously, is that local farmers will suffer under this situation. And some people may struggle to get the same access to certain foods. “Even if overall food production may be unaffected, food security can still be impacted,” says Margaret Walsh, a scientist at the US Department of Agriculture’s Climate Change Program Office. In other words, even if a certain food is still grown on some corner of the Earth, it doesn’t mean that everyone will continue to have the same degree of access as today.E) Overall, the yields of many foods, from staples to life-enhancing extras such as coffee and chocolate,will likely be impacted by climate change too. How those decreases will be felt will depend on the degree of warming and the crop in question, but in general, “anything over about 30°C is very bad for crops,” says Wolfram Schlenker, an associate professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. For example, statistical studies that he and a colleague built of corn and soybean (大豆) production in the US show a steep decline after crossing the 30°C temperature threshold (临界点).F) In the US —the world’s largest producer of corn and soybeans—farms can move north to somedegree, Schlenker says. But eventually, yields will likely suffer because the soil north ofIowadeclines in quality-a legacy of glacial (冰川的) expansion. Other studies, including studies of wheat in India and corm in Africa, also found that there is a threshold above which yields sharply decline: crops can adapt and move, but only to a point. “What’s common to all studies is the finding that extreme heat is damaging to crop growth, although exact cutoffs vary by crop,” Schlenker says. “If predictions for the end of the century are true, though, I think a lot of agricultural areas in the US will see significant hits.”G) Under current conditions, about 4% of the world’s croplands experience drought in any given year,but by the end of the century those conditions are forecasted to jump to about 18% per year. Some studies indicate that horticulture crops—generally, everything besides staples—may be impacted most severely, largely because they tend to be confined to a smaller geographic area. Researcher Andrew Jarvis and his colleagues found that 80% of coffee-growing zones in Central America and Brazil could become unsuitable by 2050, for example, while climate change will likely have “great impacts” on cocoa (可可粉) production in West Africa. “High quality chocolate will be less available in the future, and if you want it, you’ll have to pay a lot more for it,” Jarvis says.H) This means that for those who can afford it, some foods will simply cost them more in the future. Butfor poorer people, those same price jumps will likely cause certain foods to go extinct from their diets.“The more you reduce, the shorter the supply, and the higher the price will jump,” Schlenker says.I) Another potential climate change induced problem is our dependence on commodity crops—wheat,soybeans, corn and rice—which currently provide humanity with 75% of its calories, either directly or indirectly through the animals we raise on those crops. Jarvis and his colleagues also found that, over the past five decades, the world has seen an increasing standardisation of diets; the foods we eat globally today are 36% more similar than they were in 1961. While this can be good news for the world’s poorest people who now consume more calories, protein and fat than in the past, homogeneity (同一性) and over-dependence on a handful of staples leaves us vulnerable to threats such as drought, disease and pests- all of which are predicted to worsen in many parts of the world asa result of climate change.J) There are ways we could soften the coming blow to the global food supply, however. Like Farrant’s work with resurrection crops, a number of companies, organisations and researchers are aiming to create drought-and temperature-resistant crops through genetic engineering and conventional breeding. For now, the jury is still out as to how successful those endeavours will be. “The people at Monsanto who I’ve talked to are much more optimistic that they’ll be able to engineer heat-tolerant crops,” Schlenker says. “On the other hand, scientists at the USDA who I’ve spoken with are much more cautious.”K) Until genetic engineering comes to fruition, other strategies might also help in some places, including applying more fertiliser, implementing better irrigation, using machinery that gets crops out of the field faster or installing storage facilities to delay spoilage. “Many places could benefit a great deal just by using technologies that already exist,” Walsh says. “General farm management can go a long way toward easing changes.”L) Finally, diversifying our diet away from heat-sensitive wheat, corn, rice and other crops could also help. “We’ve seen profound changes in the last decades in what we eat largely as a result of international trade, and I think that trend toward more diversification will continue,” Jarvis says.“Depending on a greater number of plant species creates a more vigorous and less risky food system—and one that provides a broader range of nutritional requirements.”36. O ne consequence of climate change is that some people may not have adequate access to certainfoods.37. P eople around the world are eating foods more similar than what they used to eat.38. A recent news report talked about scientific efforts to help crops survive droughts through geneticengineering.39. I t is predicted that climate change will affect the availability and price of quality chocolate.40. P eople wonder if certain crops and foodstuffs could disappear like some animal species due toclimate change.41. A lthough farms in the US can move a bit northward, crop yields may decrease.42. O ne possible solution to the food security problem is diversification of diet.43. I t remains unsettled whether the global food supply problem can be solved by creating heat-tolerantcrops through genetic engineering.44. P oor people may have to give up eating certain foods because of their high prices.45. A number of existing farming technologies could be used to reduce the negative effect of climatechange on food production.Section CDirections:There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Youshould decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 witha single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.One of my bad habits is saying “busy” when people ask me how I’m doing. Sometimes it’s because I actually am busy, but other times it’s because that’s what I think I’m supposed to say. That’s what important people say. That’s what people who get promoted say. But working long hours doesn’t drive better results. Never taking a vacation won’t lead to a promotion. So why are we so proud to talk about how busy we are all the time?In 2016, researchers from Columbia, Harvard, and Georgetown conducted a study to figure it out. They found busy people are perceived to be of high status, and interestingly, these status attributions are heavily influenced by our own beliefs about social mobility. In other words, the more we believe that one has the opportunity for success based on hard work, the more we tend to think that people who skip leisure and work all the time are of higher standing.That’s why we feel like we have to appear busy, and there’s a real perception that if someone is knee-deep in meetings, emails, and stress, then they’re probably a big deal. This culture of busyness is making it hard for employees to find work-life balance. According to a recent study, one in five highly engaged employees is at risk of burnout (精疲力竭).Personally, I’m going to stop saying “busy” when people ask me how 1 am. It sounds self-righteous (自以为是的) and sets the wrong tone. Phrases like “I have limited access to email” and “I’ll respond as soon as I get back” sound like you’re being held against your will from working as opposed to making the most of your time off.That’s why we recently launched the Out of Office Email Generator, a free tool you can use before your next long weekend or trip. You can share loud and proud that you won’t be checking email until you’re back. Managers need to think twice about emailing their teams on the weekend and talking abouthow busy they are. Leaders should take time off themselves and encourage employees to do the same.46. What is a reason for the author to be in the habit of saying “busy” when asked how he is doing?A. He just follows successful people’s example.B. He is actually proud to be fully occupied.C. He thinks everyone should be devoted to work.D. He believes busyness ensures accomplishments.47. Why do we tend to think that busy people are of high status?A. Our status can be attributed to our social mobility.B. We hold the belief that hard work leads to success.C. Our own opportunity for success never comes easily.D. We find few people of high status have time for leisure.48. What do we learn about the culture of busyness from a recent study?A. It places employees in endless meetings, emails and stress.B. It compels some 20% of employees to appear always busy.C. It distorts many employees’ belief of what a satisfying life is.D. It does much harm to many busy employees’ well-being.49. What do such utterances as “I have limited access to email” sound like according to the author?A. One is too busy to check all emails in time.B. One is opposed to the prevailing work culture.C. One is forced by circumstances to stop working.D. One is simply enjoying their time off work.50. Why did the author and his colleagues launch the Out of office Email Generator?A. To enable busy employees to spend less time checking emails.B. To ensure employees as well as employers truly have time off.C. To stop managers from talking about how busy their teams usually are.D. To encourage both employers and employees to answer emails promptly.Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Female employees consistently pay lower airfares than men do for the same flights because they tend to book earlier.We compared the airfare paid by employees in the same position within a company for the same class of travel and used a common statistical technique to account for other factors that might affect differences in airfares. We found that women paid on average $18 less per ticket than their male colleagues. Further investigation allowed us to conclude that this gap is largely explained by the fact that women tended to book earlier than men, 1.8 days on average.We wanted to determine what was causing these gender differences in booking business trips so we tested a variety of possible explanations, such as women choosing to plan ahead or male frequent travelers being inclined to book late. None of these explained away the gender gap, so we applied data collected from surveys that express consumer preferences that play a central role in economic decisions, such as patience and risk avoidance.We found that only the concept of “negative reciprocity”—in which an employee who feels unfairly treated engages in negative behaviors, such as spending their company’s money less carefully—explains these differences. The surveys showed men tend to exhibit more of these negative behaviors than women. This isn’t to say that all men engage in these behaviors—or that booking relatively late is a sign of abnormal behavior. It only means that the gender gap disappears when we plug in the negative reciprocityvariable.Prior research on negative reciprocity among workers found that it can result in lower employee motivation, business performance and workplace morale (士气) and culture.Our results show another way these negative behaviors can manifest themselves, like in airline bookings, and add to evidence that women are less likely to engage in them.Companies spend significant sums of money on business travel. While that $18 difference per ticket may seem small, it adds up. Our analysis suggests early booking by women can translate into savings of $1 million a year for a large multinational company with 20,000 regular travelers.51. What did the author’s team conclude about the gender difference in airfares from their furtherinvestigation?A. It is largely attributed to women booking earlier than men.B. It is largely explained by women’s choosing cheaper fights.C. It is mainly accounted for by male employees’ readiness to pay more.D. It is due to the fact that women care more about their company’s money.52. What did the researchers want to determine by testing a variety of possible explanations?A. What made male frequent travelers book air tickets late.B. What caused women to plan ahead in booking business trips.C. What motivated women to book cheaper flights.D. What accounted for the gender gap in airfares.53. What happened when the negative reciprocity variable was taken into account?A. Both men and women were found to engage in negative behaviors.B. Neither men nor women viewed booking late as a bad behavior.C. The gender difference in airfare expenses no longer existed.D. The gender gap tended to narrow to a significant degree.54. What did prior research on negative reciprocity among workers find?A. It can do more harm to the workplace than to employees.B. It contributes to the male-female divide in the workplace.C. It proves to be counterproductive in a number of ways.D. It can result in increasing labor-management conflicts.55. What does the author emphasize about their analysis in the last paragraph?A. It can help companies increase their savings significantly.B. It can duly contribute to companies’ business performance.C. It can translate women’s booking practice into men’s behavior.D. It can enhance large multinational companies’ competitiveness.Part IV Translation (30 minutes) Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English.You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国政府十分重视人民的健康饮食(diet)。

2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版(第2套)

2018年12月大学英语四级真题完整版（第1套）Part I Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part，you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the challenges of starting a career after graduation. You should write at least 120 words but no more than180 words.PartⅡListening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and then 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 1with a single line through the centre.Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.A) A man was pulled to safety after a building collapse.B) A beam about ten feet long collapsed to the groundC) A rescue worker got trapped in the basementD) A deserted 100-year-old building caught fire2. A)He suffered a fatal injury in an accident.B) He once served in a fire department.C) He was collecting building materials.D) He moved into his neighbor's old house.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) Improve the maths skills of high school teachers.B) Change British people’s negative view of mathsC) Help British people understand their paychecks.D) Launch a campaign to promote maths teaching.4. A) Children take maths courses at an earlier age.B) The public sees the value of maths in their life.C) British people know how to do elementary calculationsD) Primary school teachers understand basic maths concepts.Questions 5 and 6 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) He owns a fleet of aircraft.B) He is learning to be a pilot.C) He regards his royal duties as a burden.D) He held a part-time job for over 20 years6. A) He can demonstrate his superior piloting skills.B) He can change his focus of attention and relax.C) He can show his difference from other royalty.D) He can come into closer contact with his people.7. A) They enjoyed his companyB) They liked him in his uniform.C) They rarely recognised himD) They were surprised to see him.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A），B），C)and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) They were skilled carpenters themselves.B) It didn't need much capital to start withC) Wood supply was plentiful in Romania.D) They saw a business opportunity there.9. A) Provide quality furniture at affordable pricesB) Attract foreign investment to expand businessC) Enlarge their company by hiring more workersD) Open some more branch companies in Germany.10. A) They are from her hometown.B) They are imported from Germany.C) They all come from Romania.D) They come from all over the continent.11. A) All across Europe.B) Throughout the world.C) Mostly in BucharestD) In Romania onlyQuestions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) Go to a concert with him and his girlfriend.B) Try out a new restaurant together in townC) Go with him to choose a pearl for SusanD) Attend the opening of a local restaurant13. A) It is sponsored by local restaurantsB) It specializes in food advertisingC) It is especially popular with the youngD) It provides information on local events14. A) They design a special set of menus for themselves.B) They treat themselves to various entertainmentsC) They go to eat at different stylish restaurantsD) They participate in a variety of social event15. A) More restaurants will join Restaurant Week.B) This year’s Restaurant Week will start soon.C) Bigger discounts will be offered this Restaurant Week.D) More types of food will be served this Restaurant Week.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Rewarding them for eating vegetablesB) Exposing them to vegetables repeatedlyC) Improving the taste of vegetable dishes for theD) Explaining the benefits of eating vegetables to them.17. A) They were disliked most by children.B) They were considered most nutritious.C) They were least used in Belgian cookingD) They were essential to children’s health.18. A) Vegetables differ in their nutritional value.B) Children’s eating habits can be changedC) Parents watch closely what children eat.D) Children’s choices of food vary greatly.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Space exploration has serious consequencesB) India has many space exploration programs.C) There is quite a lot to learn about the moon.D) A lot of garbage has been left on the moon.20. A) It is costly to bring back.B) It is risky to destroyC) It is of no use on Earth.D) It is damaged by radiation.21. A) Record details of space exploration.B) Monitor the change of lunar weather.C) Study the effect of radiation and vacuum on its materialsD) Explore the possibility of human settlement on the moon.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) It is likely to remain a means of business communication.B) It is likely to be a competitor of various messaging appsC) It will gradually be replaced by social media.D) It will have to be governed by specific rules23. A) Save the message in their file.B) Make a timely response.C) Examine the information carefully.D) See if any action needs to be taken.24. A) It is to be passed onC) It requires no reply.B) It is mostly junkD) It causes no concern.25. A) Make it as short as possibleC) Adopt an informal style of writingB) Use simple and clear languageD) Avoid using capitals for emphasis.Part ⅢReading Comprehension ( 40 minutes)Section ADirections:In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank followingthe passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once．Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.A few months ago, I was down with a terrible cold which ended with a persistent bad cough. No matter how many different 26I tried, I still couldn’t get rid of the cough. Not only did it 27my teaching but also my life as a whole. Then one day after class, a student came up to me and 28traditional Chinese medicine. From her description, Chinese medicine sounded as if it had magic power that worked wonders; I was 29about it because I knew so little about it and have never tried it before. Eventually, my cough got so much 30that I couldn’t sleep at night, so I decided to give it a try. The Chinese doctor took my pulse and asked to see my tongue, both of which were new 31to me because they are both non-existent in Western medicine. Then the doctor gave me a scrapping (刮) treatment known as ‘Gua Sha’. I was a little 32at first because he used a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin on my neck and shoulders. A few minutes later, the 33 strokes started to produce a relieving effect and my body and mind began to 34deeper into relaxation.I didn’t feel any improvement in my condition in the first couple of days, but after a few more regular visits to the doctor, my cough started to 35. then, within a matter of weeks, it was completely gone!A) deepen E) lessen I) remedies M) temporaryB) experiences F) licenses J) scared N) trembleC) hesitant G) pressured K) sensitive O) worseD) inconvenience H) recommended L) sinkSection BDirections: In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.Is it really OK to eat food that’s fallen on the floor?[A] When you drop a piece of food on the floor, is it really OK to eat you pick it up within five seconds? An urban food myth contends that if food spends just a fewseconds on the floor, dirt and germs won’t have much of a chance to contaminate it. Research in my lab has focused on how food becomes contaminated, and we’ve done some work on this particular piece of wisdom.[B] While the “five-second rule” might not seem like the most pressing issue for food scientists to get to the bottom of, it’s still worth investigating food myths like this one because they shape our beliefs about when food is safe to eat.[C] So is five seconds on the floor the critical threshold（门槛）that separates a piece of eatable food from a case of food poisoning? It’s a bit more complicated than that. It depends on just how many bacteria can make it from floor to food in a few seconds and just how dirty the floor is.[D] Wondering if food is still OK to eat after it’s dropped on the floor is a pretty common experience. And it’s probably not a new one either. A well-known, but inaccurate, story about Julia Child may have contributed to this food myth. Some viewers of her cooking show, The French Chef, insist they saw Child drop lamb on the floor and pick it up, with the advice that if they were along in the kitchen, their guests would never know.[E] In fact it was a potato pancake, and it fell on the stovetop, not on the floor. Child put it back in the pain, saying. “But you can always pick it up and if you’re alone in the kitchen, who’s going to see it?” But the misremembered story persists. It’s harder to pin down the origins of the oft-quoted five-second rule, but a 2003 study reported that 70% of women and 56% of men surveyed were familiar with the five-second rule and that women were more likely than men to eat food that had dropped on the floor.[F] So what does science tell us about what a few moments on the floor means for the safety of your food? The earliest research report on the five-second rule is attributed to Jillian Clarke, a high school student participating in are search apprenticeship at the University of Illinois. Clarke and her colleagues inoculated floor tiles with bacteria then placed food on the tiles for varying times. They reported bacteria were transferred from the tile to gummy bears and cookies within five seconds, but didn’t report the specific amount of bacteria that made it from the tile to the food.[G] But how much bacteria actually transfer in five seconds? In 2007, my lab at Clemson University published a study–the only peer-reviewed journal paper on this topic–in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. We wanted to know if the length of time food is in contact with a contaminated surface affected the rate of transfer of bacteria to the food. To find out, we inoculated squares of tile, carpet or wood with Salmonella. Five minutes after that, we placed either bologna or bread on the surface for 5, 30 or 60 seconds, and then measured the amount of bacteria transferred to the food. We repeated this exact protocol after the bacteria had been on the surface for two, four, eight and 24 hours.[H] We found that the number of bacteria transferred to either kind of food didn’t depend much on how long the food was in contact with the contaminated surface—whether for a few seconds or for a whole minute. The overall amount of bacteria on the surface mattered more, and this decreased over time after the initial inoculation. It looks like what’s at issue is less how long your food stays on the floor and much more how contaminated with bacteria that patch of floor happens to be.[I] We also found that the kind of surface made a difference as well. Carpets, for instance, seem to be slightly better places to drop your food than wood or tile. When carpet was inoculated with Salmonella, less than 1% of the bacteria were transferred. But when the food was in contact with tile or wood, 48%-70%of bacteria transferred. [J] Last year, a study from Aston University in the UK used nearly identical parameters （参数）to our study and found similar results testing contact times of three and 30 seconds on similar surfaces. They also reported that 87% of people asked either would eat or have eaten food dropped on the floor.[K] Should you eat food fallen on the floor then? From a food safety standpoint, you have millions or more bacteria on a surface, 0.1% is still enough to make you sick. Also, certain types of bacteria are extremely harmful and it takes only a small number to make you sick. For example, 10 bacteria or less of an especially deadly strain of bacteria can cause severe illness and death in people with compromised immune systems. But the chance of these bacteria being on most surfaces is very low.[L] And it’s not just dropping food on the floor that can lead to bacterial contamination. Bacteria are carried by various “media,” which can include raw food, moist surfaces where bacteria has been left, our hands or skin and from coughing or sneezing. Hands, foods and utensils can carry individual bacterial cells, colonies of cells or cells living in communities contained within a protective film that provide protection. These microscopic layers of deposits containing bacteria are known as biofilms and they are found on most surfaces and objects. Biofilm communities can harbor bacteria longer and are very difficult to clean. Bacteria in these communities also have an enhanced resistance to sanitizers and antibiotics compared to bacteria living on their own. [M] So the next time you consider eating dropped food, the odds are in your favor that you can eat that morsel and not get sick. But in the rare chance that here is a microorganism that can make you sick on the exact spot where the food dropped, you can be fairly sure the bug is on the food you are about to put in your mouth.[N] Research or common sense tells us that the best thing to do is to keep your hands and other surfaces clean.36. A research project found bacteria made their way to the food on the floor in five seconds.37. Whether food is contaminated depends much on the number of bacteria that get onto it.38. Food contamination may result from various factors other than food dropping on the floor.39. Males are less likely than females to eat food that may have been contaminated.40. The author’s research center around how food gets contaminated.41. Keeping everything clean is the best way to stay healthy.42. Chances are you will not fall sick because of eating food picked up from the floor.43. For a long time people have had the experience of deciding whether or not to eat food picked up from the floor.44. Some strains of bacteria are so harmful that a tiny few can have deadly consequences.45. Researcher found how many bacteria get onto the food did not have much to dowith how long the food stayed on a contaminated floor.Section CDirections: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D). You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.The latest in cat research reveals that the lovely animal seems to have a basic grasp on both the laws of physics and the ins and outs of cause and effect.According to a newly published study, cats seem to be able to predict the location of hiding prey（借物）using both their ears and an inborn（天生的）understanding of how the physical world worksIn a recent experiment, Japanese researchers taped 30 domestic cats reacting to a container that a team member shook. Some containers rattled（发出响声）, others did not. When the container was tipped over, sometimes an object fell out and sometimes it didn’t.It turns out that the cats were remarkably smart about what would happen when a container was tipped over. When an object did not drop out of the bottom of a rattling container, they looked at it for a longer time than they did when the container behaved as expected.“Cats use a causal-logical understanding of nose or sounds to predict the appearance of invisible objects,” lead researcher Saho Takagi says in a press release. The researchers conclude that cats hunting style may have developed based on their common-sense abilities to infer where prey is, using their hearing.Scientists have explored this idea with other endearing creatures: babies. Like cats, babies appear to engage in what’s called “preferential looking”--looking longer at things that are interesting or unusual than things they perceive as normal.When babies’ expectations are violated in experiments like the ones performed with the cats, they react much like their animal friends. Psychologists have shown that babies apparently expect their world to comply with the laws of physics and cause and effect as early as two months of age.Does the study mean that cats will soon grasp the ins and outs of cause and effect? Maybe. Okay, so cats may not be the next physics faculty members at America’s most important research universities. But by demonstrating their common sense, they’ve shown that the divide between cats and humans may not be that great after all.Even though pumping from these depths is expensive, it is still cheaper than desalinating（脱盐）the ocean water in the largely coastal state. Some desalination plants exist where feasible, but they are costly to run and can need constant repairs.Wells are much more reliable sources of freshwater, and California is hoping that these deep wells may be the answer to their severe water shortage.One problem with these sources is that the deep water also has a higher level of salt than shallower aquifers. This means that some wells may even need to undergo desalination after extraction, thus increasing the cost. Research from the exhaustive study of groundwater from over 950 drilling logs has just been published. New estimates of the water reserves now go up to 2,700 billion cubic meters of freshwater.46. What do we learn from a newly published study about cats?A) They can be trained to understand the physical world.B) They know what kind of prey might be easier to hunt.C) They have a natural ability to locate animals they hunt.D) They are capable of telling which way their prey flees.47. What may account for the cat's response to the noise from the containers?A) Their inborn sensitivity to noise.B) Their unusual sense of direction.C) Their special ability to perceive.D) Their mastery of cause and effect.48. What is characteristic of the way cats hunt, according to the Japanese researchers?A) They depend on their instincts. C) They wait some time before attack.B) They rely mainly on their hearing. D) They use both their ears and eyes.49. In what way do babies behave like cats?A) They focus on what appears odd.B) They view the world as normal.C) They do what some time they prefer to do.D) They are curious about everything.50. What can we conclude about cats from the passage?A) They have higher intelligence than many other animals.B) They interact with the physical world much like humans.C) They display extraordinary high intelligence in hunting.D) They can aid physics professors in their research work. .Passage TwoQuestions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.Imagine you enter a car with no steering wheel, no brake or accelerator pedals. Under a voice-activated command, you say an address. "The fastest route will take us 15. 3 minutes. Should I take it?" You say yes and you are on your way. The car responds and starts moving all by itself. All you have to do is sit back and relax.How weird would it be if, one day in the future, everyone had such a car? No crazy driving, no insults, no cutting in; traffic laws would be respected and driving much safer. On the other hand, imagine the cost savings for local police enforcement and town budgets without all those speeding and parking tickets.A new technology has the potential to change modern society in radical ways. There’s no question that self-driving vehicles could be an enormous benefit. The potential for safer cars means accident statistics would drop: some 94% of road accidents in the U. S. involve human error. Older drivers and visually- or physically-impaired people would gain a new level of freedom. Maintaining safe speeds and being eletric, self-driving cars would drastically reduce pollution levels and dependency on non- renewable fuels. Roads would be quieter, people safer.But we must also consider the impact of the new technology on those who now depend on driving for their livelihoods. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, in May 2015 there were 505,560 registered school bus drivers. The American Trucking Association lists approximately 3. 5 million professional truck drivers in the U. S.The companies developing self-driving vehicles should be partnering with state and federal authorities to offer retraining for this massive workforce, many of whom will be displaced by the new technology. This is similar to what’s happening in the coal and oil industries, a situation that fuels much of the current political discontent in this country.New technologies will, and should, be developed. This is how society moves forward. However, progress can’t be one-sided. It is necessary for the companies and state agencies involved to consider the ethical consequences of these potential changes to build a better future for all.51. What would be the impact of the extensive use of driverless cars?A) People would be driving in a more civilized wayB) It would save local governments a lot of money.C) More policemen would be patrolling the streets.D) Traffic regulations would be a thing of the past.52. How would the elderly and the disabled benefit from driverless cars?A) They could enjoy greater mobilityB) They would suffer no road accidents.C) They would have no trouble driving.D) They could go anywhere they want.53. What would be the negative impact of driverless cars?A) The conflict between labor and management would intensify.B) The gap between various sectors of society would be widened.C) Professional drivers would have a hard time adapting to new road conditions.D) Numerous professional drivers would have to find new ways of earning a living.54. What is the result of the introduction of new technologies in energy industries?答：B,A) Political dissatisfaction.B) Retaining of employees.C) Fossil fuel conservation.D) Business restructuring.55. What does the author suggest businesses and the government do?A) Keep pace with technological developments.B) Make new technologies affordable to everyone.C) Enable everyone to benefit from new technologies.D) Popularize the use of new technologies and devices.Part ⅣTranslation (30 minutes) Directions:For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.过去几年里，移动支付市场在中国蓬勃发展。

2019年12月英语四级考试真题试卷(完整版第3套)

2019年12月大学英语四级考试真题完整版（第三套）Part Ⅰ Writing (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a letter to a foreign friend who wants to learn Chinese. Please recommend a city to him. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension (25 minutes)Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear three news reports. At the end of each news report, you will hear two or three questions. Both the news report and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions l and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.1.A) The number of male nurses has gone down.B) There is discrimination against male nurses.C) There is a growing shortage of medical personnel.D) The number of nurses has dropped to a record low.2. A) Working conditions.B) Educational system.C) Inadequate pay.D) Cultural bias.Questions 3 and 4 are based on the news report you have just heard.3. A) He fell out of a lifeboat.B) He was almost drowned.C) He lost his way on a beach.D) He enjoyed swimming in the sea.4. A) The lifeboats patrol the area round the clock.B) The beach is a good place to watch the tide.C) The emergency services are efficient.D) The beach is a popular tourist resort.Questions 5 to 7 are based on the news report you have just heard.5. A) It climbed 25 storeys at one go.B) It broke into an office room.C) It escaped from a local zoo.D) It became an online star.6. A) Release it into the wild.B) Return it to its owner.C) Send it back to the zoo.D) Give it a physical checkup.7. A) A racoon can perform acts no human can.B) A racoon can climb much higher than a cat.C) The racoon did something no politician could.D) The raccoon became as famous as some politicians.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear two long conversations. At the end of each conversation, you will hear four questions. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 8 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.8. A) She received a bonus unexpectedly.B) She got a well-paying job in a bank.C She received her first monthly salary.D) She got a pay raise for her performance.9. A) Two decades ago.B) Several years ago.C) Just last month.D) Right after graduation.10. A) He sent a small check to his parents.B) He treated his parents to a nice meal.C) He took a few of his friends to a gym.D) He immediately deposited it in a bank.11. A) Join her colleagues for gym exercise.B) Visit her former university campus.C) Buy some professional clothes.D) Budget her salary carefully.Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.12. A) He has just too many things to attend to.B) He has been overworked recently.C) He has a difficult decision to make.D) He has just quarreled with his girlfriend.13. A) Turn to his girlfriend for assistance.B) Give priority to things more urgent.C) Think twice before making the decision.D) Seek advice from his family and advisor.14. A) His girlfriend does not support his decision.B) He is not particularly keen on the job offered.C) He lacks the money for his doctoral program.D) His parents and advisor have different opinions.15. A)They need time to make preparations.B) They haven’ t started their careers yet.C) They need to save enough money for it.D) They haven’t won their parents’ approval.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) Expressing ideas and opinions freely.B) Enriching social and intellectual lives.C) Acquiring information and professional knowledge.D) Using information to understand and solve problems.17. A) Traveling to different places in the world.B) Playing games that challenge one’s mind.C) Improving mind-reading strategies.D) Reading classic scientific literature.18. A) Participate in debates or discussions.B) Expose themselves to different cultures.C) Discard personal biases and prejudices.D) Give others freedom to express themselves.Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Why dogs can be faithful friends of humans.B) The nature of relationships between dogs.C) The reason a great many people love dogs.D) How dogs feel about their bonds with humans.20. A) They behave like other animals in many ways.B) They have an unusual sense of responsibility.C) They can respond to humans’ questions.D) They can fall in love just like humans.21. A) They stay with one partner for life.B) They have their own joys and sorrows.C) They experience true romantic love.D) They help humans in various ways.Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) A rare animal.B) A historical site.C) A cow bone.D) A precious stone.23. A) Dating it.B) Preserving it.C) Measuring it.D) Identifying it.24. A) The channel needs to interview the boy.B) The boy should have called an expert.C) The boy's family had acted correctly.D) The site should have been protected.25. A) Conduct a more detailed search.B) Ask the university to reward Jude.C) Search for similar fossils elsewhere.D) Seek additional funds for the search.Part III. Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)Section AFinally, some good news about airplane traverl. If you are on a plane with a sick passenger, you are unlikely to get sick. That is the 26 of a new study that looked at how respiratory(呼吸道)viruses 27 on airplanes. Researchers found that only people who were seated in individual – had a high risk of catching the illness. All other passengers had only a very 28 chance of getting sick ,according to the findings. Media reports have not necessarily presented 29 information about the risk of getting infected on an airplane in the past. Therefore , these new findings should help airplane passengers to feel less 30 to catching respiratory infections while traveling by air.Prior to the new study, litter was known about the risks of getting 31 infected by common respiratory viruses, such as the flu or common cold, on an airplane, the researchers said. So, to 32 the risks of infection, the study team flew on 10 different 33 in the U.S. 34 side of a person infected with flu, as well as those sitting one roe in front of or behind this individual, had about an 80 person chance of getting sick. But other passengers were 35 safe from infection. They had a less than 3 percent chance of catching the flu.A) accurateB) conclusionC) directlyD) eitherE) evaluateF) explorationsG) flightsH) largelyI) nearbyJ) respondK) slimL) spreadM) summitN) vividlyO) vulnerableSection B暂无真题Section C暂无真题Part Ⅳ Translation (30 minutes)Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to translate a passage from Chinese into English. You should write your answer on Answer Sheet 2.中国汉族人的全名由姓和名组成。

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