2009年12月英语四级听力真题及答案
Short conversation11.M: Excuse me, do you have change for a ten-dollar note? I need to pay the parking meter.W: I’m sorry, but I think you can get it through the money changer in the shopping center across the street.Q: What is the man trying to do?12.M: Can you recommend something that a school boy of 7 or 8 will really like?W: I’d suggest this toy train, sir. It’s an excellent br and, very popular all over the world these days.Q: What is the man doing?13.W: Do you let people know when you’re taking pictures of them?M: I try not to. You know any picture of a person who poses for the camera would look dull and unnatural.Q: What are the speakers talking about?14.W: I need to talk to someone who knows Baltimore well. I’m told you lived the re.M: Oh, but I was really young at the time.Q: What does the man mean?15.W: Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t get the promotion?M: Maybe a little, but I know I need more experience before I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.Q: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?16.W: I’ve been working out the gym since January. I was a bit out of shape.M: You look terrific. It seems that your effort has paid off.Q: What does the man imply about the woman?17.W: Professor Clark suggested I get a tutor for advanced physics.M: Well, that might help. Advanced physics is a pretty difficult course.Q: What does the man mean?18.W: Bill, have you heard the latest news? It appears we two won’t be laid off after all.M: Oh, I’m somewhat tired of working here. I’ve been wondering whether I should resign. Anyway, the news seems to be good for you.Q: How does the man feel about the news?Long Conversation 1W: Hello,k Parkson College. May I help you?M: Yes, I’m looking for information on courses in computer programming. I would need it for the forth semester.W: Do you want a day or evening course?M: Well, it would have to be an evening course, since I work during the day.W: Aha, have you taken any courses in data processing?M: No.W: Oh, well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it’s not on Thursdays.W: Well, there’s a class that meets on Monday evenings at seven.M: Just once a week?W: Yes, but that’s almost 3 hours from 7 to 9:45.M: Oh, well, that’s alright. I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?W: En…Let me see. 12 weeks. You start the first week in September, and finish…oh, just before Chirstmas, December 21.M: And how much is the course?W: That’s 300 dollars including the necessary computer time.M: Aha, ok, en…where do I go to register?W: Registration is on the second and third of September, between 6 and 9 in Frost Hall.M: Is that the round builing behind the parking lot?W: Yes. That’s the one.M: Oh, I know how to get here. Is there anything that I should bring with me?W: No, just your check book.M: Well, thank you so much.W: You’re very welcome. Bye.M: Bye.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversa tion you’ve just heard.19. Why does the man choose to take an evening course?20. What does the man have to do before taking the course of computer programming?21. What do we learn about the schedule of the evening course?22. What does the man want to know at the end of the conversation? Long Conversation 2:W: So why exactly does your job have a reputation for being stressful?M: Stress is generally driven by the feeling of being out of control of a situation, and a feeling of a situation controlling you. Trading in financial markets combines both.W: How do you relax in the evening?M: I very rarely do anything work-related. So it’s easy to escape the markets. I generally go to the gym or go for a run, especially if I’ve had a bad day. I always cook a meal, rather than have a take-away., to do something my brain would regard as creative.W: Do you think what you do to relax is an effective way to beat stress?M: I don’t think there’s a specific rule about how to beat stress. I generally find that what I do is effective for me.W: Would you consider changing your job because of the high-stress factor?W: I have considered leaving my job due to stress-related factors. However, I do think that an element of stress is a good thing, and if use the right way, can actually be a positive thing.W: What do you enjoy about the stressful aspects of your job?M: Having said all that, I do actually enjoy and element of uncertainty. I enjoy a mental challenge. Trading generates a wide range of emotions second by second. How you deal with and manage those emotions dictates short, medium, and long term trading performance and success.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you’ve just herad.23. What is the man’s job?24. Why does the man prefer to cook a meal rather than have a take-away?25. What does the man say about an element of stress in his job?Passage 1Since early times, people have been fascinated with the idea of life existing somewhere else besides earth. Until recently, scientists believe that life on other planets was just a hopeful dream. But now they are beginning to locate places where life could form. In 1997, they saw evidence of planets near other stars like the sun. But scientists now think that life could be even nearer in our own solar system. One place scientists are studying very closely is Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Space probes have provided evidence that Europa has a large ocean under its surface. The probes have also made scientists think that under its surface Europa has a rocky core giving off volcanic heat. Water and heat from volcanic activity are two basic conditions needed for life to form. A third is certain basic chemicals such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Scientists believe there might be such chemicals lying at the botto m of Europa’s ocean. They may have already created life or may be about to. You may wonder if light is also needed for life to form. Until recently, scientists thought that light was essential. But now, places have been found on earth that are in total blackness such as caves several miles beneath the surface. And bacteria, primitive forms of life, have been seen there. So the lack of light in Europa’s sub-surface ocean doesn’t automatically rule out life forming.Questions26 to 2826. What did scientists once believe according to the passage?27. What have scientists found about Europa, a moon of Jupiter?28. What have scientists come to know recently about formation of life? Passage 2In her early days as an emergency room physician, Doctor Joanna Myer treated a child who had suffered a second degree burn. After the child had been treated and was being prepared for discharge, Doctor Myer talked to the parents about how they should care for the child at home.Also listening to her were a half a dozen other family members. A few hours later, when she came to say goodbye, the family asked her to settle an argument they’d been having over exactly what advice she had given. “As I talked to them, I was amazed.” she said, ”All of them had heard the simple instructions I have given just a few hours before, but they have three or four different versions. The most basic details were unclear and confusing. I was surprised, because these were intelligent people.” This episode gave Doctor Myer her first clue to somethin g every doctor learns sooner or later- most people just don’t listen very well. Nowadays, she says she repeats her instructions, and even conducts a reality check with some patients. She asks them to tell her what they think they are supposed to do. She also provides take-home sheets which are computer printouts tailored to the patients’ situation. Doc. Myer’s listeners are not unusual. When new or difficult material is presented, almost all listeners are faced with the challenge because human speech lacks the stability and permanence of the printed word. Oral communication is fast-moving and impermanent.Question 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard：29. What did the child’s family members argue about in the hospital?30. What did Doc. Myer do to insure her patients understand her instructions?31. What does the speaker say about human speech?Passage 3It’s logical to suppose that things like good labor relations, good working conditions, good wages and benefits and job security motivate workers, but one expert, Fredrick Herzberg argued that such conditions do not motivate workers. They are merely satisfiers. Motivators, in contrast, include things such as having a challenging and interesting job, recognition and responsibility. However, even with the development of computers and robotics, there’re always plenty of boring, repetitive and mechanical jobs and lots of unskilled people who have to do them. So how do mangers motivate people in such jobs? One solution is to give them some responsibilities, not as individuals, but as a part of a team. For example, some supermarkets can buy office stuff to people who fill the shelves, and the people who work at the check out into a team, and let them decide what product lines to stock, how to display them and so on. Many people now talk about the importance of a company’s shared values or culture wi th which all the staff can identify, for example, being the best hotel chain, or making the best, the most user-friendly or the most reliable products in a particular field. Such values are more likely to motivate workers than financial targets which autom atically only concern a few people. Unfortunately, there’s only a limited number of such goals to go around and by definition, not all the competing companies in that industry can seriously plan to be the best.Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.Q32: What can actually motivate workers according to Fredrick Herzberg?Q33: What does the speaker say about jobs in the computer era?Q34: What do some supermarkets do to motivate their employees?Q35: Why does the speaker say financial targets are less likely to motivate workers? Compound DictationIn the humanities, authors write to inform you in many ways. These methods can be classified into three types of informational writing: factual, descriptive,and process. Factual writing provides background information on an author, composer or artist, or on a type of music, literature, or art. Examples of factual writing include notes on a book jacket or album cover, and longer pieces such as an article describing a style of music, which you might read in a music appreciation course. This kind of writing provides a context for your study of the humanities. As its name implies, descriptive writing simply describes, or provides an image of a piece of music, art or literature. For example, descriptive writing might list the colors an artist used in a painting or the instruments a composer included in a musical composition. So estimate pictures or sounds in a reader’s mind by calling up specific details of the work. Descriptive writing in the h umanities, particularly in literature, is often mixed with critical writing. Process writing explains a series of actions that bring about a result. It tells the reader how to do something. For example, explaining the technique to shoot a film. This kind of writing is often found in art, where understanding how an artist created a certain effect is important. Authors may actually use more than one type of technique in a given piece of informational writing.答案：11. A Get some small change12. B Buying a gift for a child.13. A Taking photographs.14. B He can provide little useful information.15. D He knows his own limitations.16. C Her gym exercise yield good results.17. D The professor’s suggestion is constru ctive.18. A Indifferent.19. C He has to work during the day.20. B Learn data processing.21. C Every Monday, lasting for 12 weeks.22. A What to bring for registration.23. D A financial trader.24. B He considers cooking creative.25. D It can be a good thing.26. C Life was not possible in outer space.27. C It has a large ocean under its surface.28. A Light is not an essential element to it.29. B What Dr. Meyer’s instructions ex actly were.30. D She asks them to repeat what they are supposed to do.31. A It lacks the stability of the printed word.32. C Challenging work.33. A Many tedious jobs continue to be done manually.34. D Give them responsibilities as a part of a team.35. B They concern a small number of people only.36. classified37. background38. album39. appreciation40. context41. implies42. image43. instrument44. Descriptive writing in the humanities, particularly in literature, is often mixed with critical writing.45. It tells the reader how to do something. For example, explaining the technique used to shoot a film.46. Authors may actually use more than one type of technique in a given piece of informational writing.。
2009年英语专业四级听力及其答案
2009年英语专业四级考试全真试卷及其参考答案SECTION A CONVERSATIONSIn this section you will hear several conversations. Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow.Questions 1 to 3 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation.1. Mark is unhappy because ofA. his Chemistry homework.B. a girl in his class.C. Linda's words.D. Friday night's party.2. Which of the following is CORRECT?A. Linda is Jane's friend.B. Mark is Jane's boyfriend.C. John is Jane's boyfriend.D. Mark and John are good friends.3. Did Mark eventually take Linda's advice?A. No.B. Partly.C. Completely.D. Not mentioned.Questions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation.4. About the scratch on the product, the shop assistant thinks thatA. the customer made it himself.B. there was definitely not one then.C. the customer should have checked.D. the customer was making trouble.5. The customer was ______ when told he might not have worn the headphones properly.A. annoyedB. surprisedC. indifferentD. worried6. How many complaints did the customer make about the product altogether?A. Five.B. Four.C. Three.D. Two.7. The shop could exchange the product if the customerA. makes no more complaints.B. can produce the receipt.C. is still unhappy with it.D. brings it back within a week.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation.8. Joe Smith telephoned Victoria forA. the menu.B. the place.C. the reception.D. the campaign.9. When will the lunch be held?A. Friday next week.B. Thursday next week.C. April 30th.D. This week.10. All the following information is new to Victoria EXCEPTA. how many people to attend it.B. why to hold it.C. where to hold it.D. what to cook.SECTION B PASSAGESIn this section, you will hear several passages. Listen to the passages carefully and thenanswer the questions that follow.Questions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage. ,4t the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the passage.11. People choose London for post-Christmas shopping becauseA. shops open early in the morning.B. shops stay open for longer hours.C. they can buy really cheap things.D. they can shop with their friends.12. We learn from the passage thatA. people are very keen on sales.B. post-Christmas sales start at 3:30am.C. post-Christmas sales last for a day.D. sales include only a few items.13. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?A. Some people buy Christmas presents in the sales.B. Some people shop online during the sales.C. Some people buy presents for next Christmas.D. Online retailers offer better post-Christmas sales.Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the passage.14. Ballroom dancing used to be associated withA. TV shows.B. old people.C. celebrities.D. professional dancers.15. According to the passage, recent popularity of ballroom dancing is the result ofA. the participation of celebrities.B. the designing of colourful costumes.C. the benefits it brings.D. a TV programme.16. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about the TV show?A. Performers have to be formally dressed on the show.B. Each professional dancer dances with a celebrity.C. People on the show perform a different dance every week.D. The show runs for about four months.17. According to the passage, the TV show has the greatest impact onA. old people.B. middle-aged people.C. kids and young people.D. all of the above.Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the passage.18. According to New Zealand's rules about naming children, which of the following names is NOT acceptable?A. Spiderman.B. Gandalf.C. 2win.D. Arsenal.19. According to the passage, unusual names come fromA. popular culture.B. parents' invention.C. sports.D. all of the above.20. All of the following countries have strict rules about naming children EXCEPTA. Algeria.B. Germany.C. Japan.D. Argentina.SECTION C NEWS BROADCASTIn this section, you will hear several news items. Listen to them carefully and then answer the questions that followQuestions 21 to 23 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now. listen to the news.21. Why were the fishing crew stranded on Oct. 10th?A. They went to a remote area.B. Their fishing boats collided.C. They tried to repair their boats.D. They decided to stay in the boats.22. How did they survive during those three months?A. On supplies they brought with them.B. On supplies sent to them by rescue teams.C. On supplies left at the military base.D. Not mentioned in the passage.23. How were the crew rescued eventually?A. By helicopter.B. By boat.C. By radio contact.D. By a search team.Questions 24 and 25 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the news.24. Juan Carlos has been King of SpainA. since 1981.B. for 32 years.C. for 70 years.D. for 17 years.25. What is the news item mainly about?A. The King's birthday.B. The stability of the monarchy.C. Criticism from both the left and the right.D. The King's public defence of his reign.Questions 26 and27 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the news.26. The three suicide bombings occurred inA. November and December.B. October and November.C. November.D. December.27. Did people die in the bombings?A. No one died in the bombings.B. Yes. In one of the bombings.C. Yes. In two of the bombings.D. Yes. In all the bombings.Questions 28 to 30 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the news.28. What is the purpose of the national survey?A. To collect data on sources of pollution.B. To identify pollution in rivers and lakes.C. To help control environmental pollution.D. To help control industrial wastes.29. According to the news item, efforts of environmental protection are especially affected byA. lack of technology.B. rapid economic growth.C. unknown pollution sources.D. shortage of manpower.30. Which of the following details is CORRECT according to the news item?A. Census offices are set up by government departments.B. A main centre receives reports from provinces.C. A database is set up for each province.D. Data will be reviewed and analyzed in mid-2009.1. B2.C3.A4.C5. A6. D7.B8.C9. A 10.D11. C 12.A 13.D 14. B 15. D 16. A. 17.C 18.C 19.D 20.A 21. B 22.C 23.A 24.B 25.C 26. A 27.B 28.C 29.A 30.B。
2009年12月英语四级真题精讲：听力理解05
洛基英语，中国在线英语教育领导品牌30. A) She encourages them to ask questions when in doubt.A) 她鼓励他们拿不准时就提问题。
B) She makes them write down all her instructions.B) 她让他们记下她的医嘱。
C) She has them act out what they are to do at home.C) 她让他们把将在家里做的事情表演出来。
D) She asks them to repeat what are supposed to do.D) 她让他们复述要做的事。
【听音指导】由第一题的选项可很有把握地推测she指代的是Doctor Myer，而与医生相对的多半为病人。
注意关键词ask question，write down，act out和repeat。
【正确项分析】玛雅医生如何确定病人完全明白了自己的建议呢？原文为She asks them to tell her what they think they are supposed to do，原文的tell her与选项D中的关键词repeat一致，选项D为正确答案，31. A) It lacks the stability of the printed word.A) 它缺乏印刷体的稳定性。
B) It contains many grammatical errors.B) 它包含许多语法错误。
C) It is heavily dependent on the context.C) 它十分依赖上下文语境。
D) It facilitates interpersonal communication.D) 它有助于人际交往。
【听音指导】本题为短文最后一题，应在文章最后出现。
需要注意关键字stability，errors，context和communication。
2009年12月英语四级真题精讲：听力理解02
洛基英语，中国在线英语教育领导品牌【原文及译文】W: Bill, have you heard the latest news? It appears we two won't be laid off after all.M: Oh, I'm somewhat tired of working here. I've been wondering whether I should resign.Anyway, the news seems to be good for you.Q: How does the man feel about the news?女士：比尔，知道最新消息吗？好像我俩都没有被炒鱿鱼。
男士：哦，我在这儿工作有些厌烦了，我一直在考虑我是否应该辞职。
无论如何，这个消息对你来说是个好事。
问题：男士对新闻是怎么看的？【词汇点拨】indifferent a. 漠不关心的；doubtful a. 持怀疑态度的；lay off 解雇；resign v.辞职；be tired of ... 对......厌倦Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) He prefers the smaller evening classes. A) 他更喜欢晚上的小班课程。
B) He has signed up for a day course. B) 他已经报名参加白天课程。
C) He has to work during the day. C) 他白天上班。
D) He finds the evening course cheaper. D) 他发现晚上课程更便宜。
【听音指导】预览选项，选项A、D讨论evening class，选项B讲述day course，立刻可推测此长对话与课程有关，且该课程有day class和evening class之分。
2009年12月 英语 四级 听力(原文+原题+答案)
2009121. A) Get some small change. B) Find a shopping center.C) Cash a check at a bank. D) Find a parking meter.2. A) Shopping with his son. B) Buying a gift for a child.C) Promoting a new product. D) Bargaining with a salesgirl.3. A) Taking photographs. B) Enhancing images.C) Mending cameras. D) Painting pictures.4. A) He moved to Baltimore when he was young.B) He can provide little useful information.C) He will show the woman around Baltimore.D) He will ask someone else to help the woman.5. A) He is rather disappointed. B) He is highly ambitious.C) He can't face up to the situation D) He knows his own limitation.6. A) She must have paid a lot for gym.B) She is known to have a terrific figure.C) Her gym exercise has yielded good results.D) Her effort to keep fit is really praiseworthy.7. A) Female students are unfit for studying physics.B) He can serve as the woman's tutor.C) Physics is an important course at school.D) The professor's suggestion is constructive.8. A) Indifferent. B) Doubtful. C) Pleased. D) Surprised.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.9. A) He prefers the smaller evening classes. B) He has signed up for a day course.C) He has to work during the day. D) He finds the evening course cheaper.10. A) Learn a computer language. B) Learn data processing.C) Buy some computer software. D) Buy a few coursebooks.11. A) Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 9:45. B) From September 1 to New Year's eve.C) Every Monday, lasting for 12 weeks. D) Three hours a week, 45 hours in total.12. A) What to bring for registration. B) Where to attend the class.C) How he can get to Frost Hall. D) Whether he can use a check.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.13. A) A training coach. B) A trading adviser.C) A professional manager. D) A financial trader.14. A) He can save on living expenses. B) He considers cooking creative.C) He can enjoy healthier food. D) He thinks take-away is tasteless.15. A) It is something inevitable.B) It is frustrating sometimes.C) It takes patience to manage. D) It can be a good thing.Section BPassage OneQuestions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.16. A) There were no planets without moons. B) There was no air or water on Jupiter.C) Life was not possible in outer space. D) The mystery of life could not be resolved.17. A) It has a number of active volcanoes. B) It has an atmosphere like the earth's.C) It has a large ocean under its surface. D) It has deep caves several miles long.18. A) Light is not an essential element to it. B) Life can form in very hot temperatures.C) Every form of life undergoes evolution. D) Oxygen is not needed for some life forms.Passage TwoQuestions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.19. A) Whether they should take the child home.B) What Dr. Mayer's instructions exactly were.C) Who should take care of the child at home.D) When the child would completely recover.20. A) She encourages them to ask questions when in doubt.B) She makes them write down all her instructions.C) She has them act out what they are to do at home.D) She asks them to repeat what they are supposed to do.21. A) It lacks the stability of the printed word. B) It contains many grammatical errors.C) It is heavily dependent on the context. D) It facilitates interpersonal communication.Passage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.22. A) Job security. B) Good labour relations.C) Challenging work. D) Attractive wages and benefits.23. A) Many tedious jobs continue to be done manually.B) More and more unskilled workers will lose jobs.C) Computers will change the nature of many jobs.D) Boring jobs will gradually be made enjoyable.24. A) Offer them chances of promotion.B) Improve their working conditions.C) Encourage them to compete with each other.D) Give them responsibilities as part of a team.25. A) They will not bring real benefits to the staff.B) They concern a small number of people only.C) They are arbitrarily set by the administrators.D) They are beyond the control of ordinary workers.11.M: Excuse me. do you have change for a ten-dollar note? I need lo pay the parking meter.W: I’m sorry, but I think you can get it through the money changer in the shopping center across the street.Q: What is the man trying to do?12.M: Can you recommend something that a school boy of 7 or 8 will really like?W; I’d suggest this toy train, sir. It’s an excellent brand. Very popular all over the world these days.Q: What is the man doing?13.W: Do you let people know when you’re taking pictures of them?M: 1 try not to. You know any picture of a person who poses look dull and unnatural.Q: What are the speakers talking about?14.W; I need to talk lo someone who knows Baltimore well. I’m told you lived the re.M: Oh, but I was really young at the limeQ: What docs the man mean?15.W: Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t get the promotion?M: Maybe a little, but 1 know I need I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.Q: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?16.W: I’ve been working out the gym since January. I was a bit out of shape.M: You look terrific. It seems that your effort has paid off.Q: What does the man imply about the woman?17.W: Professor Clark suggested I get a tutor for advanced physics.M: Well, that might help. Advanced physics is a pretty difficult course.Q: What docs the man mean?18.W: Bill, have you heard the latest news? won’t be laid off after all.M: Oh, I’m somewhat tired of working here. I’ve been wondering whether I should resign. Anyway, the news seems to be good for you.Q: How docs the man feel about the news?Conversation 1W: Hello, Carlson College, may I help you?M: Yes. I’m looking for information on courses in com puter programming. I would need it for the fall semester.W: Do you want a day or evening course?M: Well, it would have to be an evening course since I work during the day.W: Aha. Have you taken any courses in data processing?M: No.W: Oh! Well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it is not on Thursdays.W: Well ,there’s a class that meets on Monday evenings at 7.M: Just once a week?W: Yes. But tha t’s almost 3 hours from 7 to 9:45.M: Oh! Well, that’s all right, I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?W: Mm, let me see. 12 weeks. You start the first and finish... Oh., just before Christmas, December 21st.M: And how much is the course?W: That’s 300 dollars including the necessary computer time.M: Ah-hum. Okay, Eh, where do 1 go to register?W: Registration is on the second and third of September between 6 and 9 in Frost Hall.M: Is that the round building behind the parking lot?W: Yes. that’s the one.M: Oh, I know how to get there. Is there bring with me?W; No, just your check book.M: Well, thank you so much.W: You’re very welcome. Bye!M: Bye!Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.Q19: Why does the man choose to take an evening course?Q20: What does the man have to do before taking the course of computer programming?Q21: What do we learn about the course?Q22: What does the man want to know at the end of the conversation? Conversion 2W: So, why exactly does your job have reputation for being stressful?M: Stress is generally driven by the feeling of being out of control of a situation and the feeling of a situation controlling you. Trading in financial markets combines both. W: How do you relax in the evening?M: I very rarely do anything work-related so it’s easy to escape the markets. I generally go to the gym or go for a run, especially if I had a bad day. I always than have a take-away. To do will regard as creative.W: Do you think what you do to relax is an effective way to beat stress?M: I don’t think there is a specific rule about how to beat stress. I generally find out what I do is effective for me.W: Would you consider changing your job because of the high stress factor?M: I have considered leaving my job due to stress-related factors However, I do think that an element of stress is a good thing. And if used the right way can actually be a positive thing.W: What do you enjoy about the stressful aspects of your job?M: Having said all that, I do of uncertainty. I enjoy mental challenge. Trading generates a wide range of emotions second by second. How you deal with and manage those emotions dictates short medium and long term trading performance and success.Q23-25Q23. What is the man’s job?Q24. Why does the man prefer to than have a take-away?Q25. What does the man say about an element of stress in his job?Passage1Since early times, people have been fascinated with the idea of life existing somewhere else besides earth. Until recently, scientists believe that life on other planets was just a hopeful dream. But now they are beginning to locate places where life could form. In 1997, they saw evidence of planets near other stars like the sun. But scientists life could be even nearer in our own solar system. One place scientists are studying very closely is Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Space probes have provided evidence that Europa has a large ocean under its surface. The probes have also made scientists think that under its surface Europa has a rocky core giving off volcanic heal. Water volcanic activity arc two basic conditions needed for life to form. A third is certain basic chemicals such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Scientists believe there might be such chemicals King at the bottom of Europa ’s ocean. They may have already created life or may be about to. You may wonder if light is also needed for life to form. Until recently, scientists thought essential. But now, places have been found on earth that are in total blackness such as caves several miles beneath the surface. And bacteria, primitive forms of life. have been seen there. So the lack of light in Europa ’s sub-surface ocean doesn’t automatically rule out life forming.Qucstions26 to 28:26. What did scientists once believe according to the passage?27. What have scientists found about Europa, a moon of Jupiter?28. What have scientists come to know recently about formation of life?passage2In her early days as an emergency room physician. Doctor Joanna Myer treated a child who had suffered a second degree burn. After the child had been treated and was being prepared for discharge. Doctor Myer parents about how they should care for the child at home. Also listening to her were a half a dozen other family members. A few hours later, when she came to say goodbye. Ihe family asked her to settle an argument they* d been having over exaclly what advice she had given. "As I m. I was amazed." she said. All of them had heard the simple instructions I have given just a few hours before, but they have three or four different versions. The most basic details were unclear and confusing. I was surprised, were intelligent people." This episode gave Doctor Myer her first clue to something every doctor learns sooner or later- most people just don’ tlisten very well. Nowadays, she her instructions, and even conducts a reality check with some patients. She asks them to tell her what they think they are supposed to do. She also provides take-home sheets which are computer printouts tailored to the patients’ situation. Doc. Myer’ s listeners are not unusual. When new or difficult material is presented, almost all listeners are faced with the challenge because human speech lacks the stability and permanence of the printed word. Oral communication is fast-moving and impermanent.Question 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard:29. What did the child’ s family members argue about in the hospital?30. What did Doc. Myer do to insure her patients understand her instructions?31. What does the speaker say about human speech?Passage 3It’s logical to suppose that things like good labor relations, good working conditions, good wages and benefits and job security motivate workers, but one expert, Fredrick Herzberg argued that such conditions do workers. They are merely satisfiers. Motivators, in contrast, include things such as having a challenging and interesting job, recognition and responsibility. However, even with the development of computers and robotics, there’re always plenty of boring, repetitive and mechanical unskilled people who have to do them. So how do mangers motivate people in such jobs? One solution is to give them some responsibilities, not as individuals, but team. For example, some supermarkets can buy office stuff to people who fill the shelves, and the people who work at the check out into a team, and let them decide what product lines to stock, how to display them and so on.Many peopl e now talk about the importance of a company’s shared values or culture with which all the staff can identify, for example, being the best hotel chain, or making the best, the most user-friendly or the most reliable products in a particular field. Such values are more likely to motivate workers than financial targets which automatically only concern a few people. Unfortunately, there’s only a limited number of such goals to go around and by definition, not all the competing companies in that industry can seriously plan to be the best.Questions 32 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.Q32: What can actually motivate workers according to Fredrick Herzberg?Q33: What does the speaker say about jobs in the computer era?Q34: What do some supermarkets do to motivate their employees?Q35: Why does the speaker say financial targets are less likely to motivate workers?11.A, get some small change12.B, buying a gift for a child13.A, taking photographs14.B, he can provide little used information15.D, he knows his own imitations16.C, her gym exercise has yielded good results。
2009年12月大学英语四级听力真题MP3下载教程
2009年12月大学英语四级听力真题MP3下载(含文本Section A11.Man: Excuse me, do you have change for a ten-dollar note? I need to pay the parking meter. Woman: I’m sorry. But I think you can get it through the money changer, in the shopping center across the street.Question: What is the man trying to do?12.Man: Can you recommend something that a school boy of seven or eight will really like? Woman: I suggest this toy train, sir. It’s an excellent brand, very popular, all over the world these days.Question: What is the man doing?13.Woman: Do you let people know when you are taking pictures of them?Man: I try not to. You know, any picture of a person who poses for the camera would look dull and unnatural.Question: What are the speakers talking about?14.Wom an: I need to talk to someone who knows Baltimore well. I’m told you lived there.Man: Oh, but I was really young at the time.Question: What does the man mean?15.Woman: Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t get the promotion?Man: Maybe a little. But I know I need more experience before I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.Question: What do we learn about the man from this conversation?16.Woman: I’ve been working out the gym since January. I was a bit out of shape.Man: You look terrific! It seems that your effort has paid off.Question: What does the man imply about the woman?17.Woman: Prof. Clark suggested that I get a tutor for advanced physics.Man: Well, that might help. Advanced physics is a pretty difficult course.Question: What does the man mean?18.Woman: Bill, have you heard the latest news? It appears we two won’t be laid off after all. Man: Oh, I’m somewhat tired of working here. I’ve been wondering whether I should resign. Anyway, the news seems to be good for you.Question: How does the man feel about the news?Conversation OneWoman: Hello, Parkson college. May I help you?Man: Yes. I’m looking for information on courses in computer programming. I would need it for the fall semester.W: Do you want a day or evening course?M: Well, it would have to be an evening course since I work during the day.W: Aha. Have you taken any courses in data processing?M: No.W: Oh. Well, data processing is a course you have to take before you can take computer programming.M: Oh, I see. Well, when is it given? I hope it’s not on Thursdays.W: Well, there’s a class that meets on Monday evenings at seven.M: Just once a week?W: Yes. But that’s all most three hours from seven to nine forty-five.M: Oh. Well, that’s all right. I could manage that. How many weeks does the course last?W: Mmmm, let me see. Twelve weeks. You start the first week in September, and finish, oh, Just before Christmas. December 21st.M: And how much is the course?W: That’s three hundred dollars incl uding the necessary computer time.M: Aha. Okay. Ah, where do I go to register?W: Registration is on the second and third of September, between 6 and 9 in Frost Hall.M: Is that the round building behind the parking lot?W: Yes. That’s the one.M: Oh, I know how to get there. Is there anything that I should bring with me?W: No, just your check book.M: Well, thank you very much.W: You are very welcome. Bye!M: Bye!19. Why does the man choose to take an evening course?20. What does the man have to do before taking the course of computer programming?21. What do we learn about the schedule of the evening course?22. What does the man want to know at the end of the conversation?Conversation TwoW: So, why exactly does your job have a reputation for being stressful?M: Stress is generally driven by the feeling of being out of control of a situation, and the feeling of a situation controlling you. Trading in financial markets combines both.W: How do you relax in the evening?M: I very rarely do anyth ing work related. So it’s easy to escape the markets. I generally go to the gym or go for a run, especially If I’ve had a bad day. I always cook a meal rather than have a takeaway. To do something my brain would regard as creative.W: Do you think what you do to relax is an effective way to beat stress?M: I don’t think there’s a specific rule about how to beat stress. I generally find that what I do is effective for me.W: Would you consider changing your job because of the high stress factor?M: I have considered leaving my job due to stress related factors. However, I do think that an element of stress is a good thing, and if used the right way, can actually be a positive thing.W: What do you enjoy about the stressful aspects of your job?M: Having said all that, I do actually enjoy an element of uncertainty. I enjoy a mental challenge. Trading generates a wide range of emotions second by second. How you deal with and manage those emotions dictates short, medium and long term trading performance and success.23. What is the man’s job?24. Why does the man prefer to cook a meal rather than have a takeaway?25. What does the man say about an element of stress in his job?Section BPassage OneSince early times, people have been fascinated with the idea of life existing somewhere else besides earth. Until recently, scientists believed that life on other planetwas just a hopeful dream. But now they are beginning to locate places where life could form. In 1997, they saw evidence of planets near other stars like the sun. But scientists now think that life could be even nearer in our own solar system. One place scientists are studying very closely is Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Space probes have provided evidence that Europa has a large ocean under its surface. The probes have also made the scientists think that under its surface Europa has a rocky core giving off volcanic heat. Water and heat from volcanic activity are two basic conditions needed for life to form. A third is certain basic chemicals such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Scientists believe there might be such chemicals lying at the bottom of Europa’s ocean. They may have already created life, or maybe about to. You may wonder if light is also need for life to form. Until recently, scientists thought that light was essential. But now, places have been found on earth that are in total in blackness, such as caves several miles beneath the ocean. And bacteria, primitive forms of life have been seen there. So the lack of light in Europa’s subsurface ocean doesn’t automatically rule out life forming.26. What did scientists once believe according to the passage?27. What have scientists found about Europa, a moon of Jupiter?28. What have scientists come to know recently about the formation of life?Passage TwoIn her early days as an emergency room physician, Dr. Joanna Meyer treated a child who had suffered a second degree burn. After the child had been treated, and was being prepared for discharge, Dr. Meyer talked to the parents about how they should care for the child at home, also listening to her were half a dozen family members. A few hours later, when she came to say goodbye, the family asked her to settle an argument they’ve been having over exactly what advice she had given. “As I talked to them, I was amazed.” she said, “All of them had heard the simple instructions I had given just a few hours before. But they had three or four different versions. The most basic details wereunclear and confusing. I was surprised, because these were intelligent people.”This episode gave Dr. Meyer her first clue to something every doctor learns sooner or later –most people just don’t listen very well.Nowadays, she says, she repeats her instructions, and even conducts a reality check with some patients. Sh e asks them to tell her what they think they’re supposed to do. She also provides take-home sheets, which are computer printouts, tailored to the patients’ situation.Dr. Meyer’s listeners are not unusual. When new or difficult material is presented, alm ost all listeners are faced with a challenge, because hum an’s speech lacks the stability and permanence of the printed word. Oral communication is fast-moving and impermanent.Question 29-31Q29. What did the child’s family members argue about in the ho spital?Q30. What does Dr. Meyer do to ensure her patients understand her instructions?Q31. What does the speaker say about human speech?Passage 3It is logical to suppose that things like good labor relations, good working conditions, good wages and benefits, and job security motivate workers. But one expert, Frederick Herzberg argued that such conditions do not motivate workers, they are merely satisfiers.Motivators, in contrast, include things such as having a challenging and interesting job, recognition and responsibility. However, even with the development of computers and robotics, there are always plenty of boring, repetitive and mechanical jobs, and lotsof unskilled people who have to do them. So how do managers motivate people in such jobs?One solution is to give them some responsibilities, not as individuals, but as a team. For example, some supermarkets combine office staff, the people who fill the shelves, and the people who workat the checkout into a team. And let them decide what product lines to stock, how to display them, and so on.Many people now talk about the importance of a company shared values or culture, with which all the staff can identify. For example, being the best hotel chain, or making the best, the most user friendly, or the most reliable products in a particular field. Such values are more likely to motivate workers than financial targets, which ultimately only concern a few people. Unfortunately, there is only a limited number of such goals to go around. And by definition, not all the competing companies in an industry can seriously play in to be the best.Question 32-35Q32. What can actually motivate workers according to Frederick Herzberg?Q33. What does the speaker say about jobs in the computer era?Q34. What do some supermarkets do to motivate employees?Q35. Why does the speaker say financial targets are less likely to motivate workers?Section CIn the humanities, authors write to inform you in many ways. These methods can be classified into three types of informational writing: factual, descriptive and process.Factual writing provides background information on an author, composer or artist, or on a type of music, literature or art. Examples of factual writing include notes on a book jacket, or album cover and longer pieces, such as an article describing a style ofmusic, which you might read in a music appreciation course. This kind of writing provides a context for your study of the humanities.As its name implies, descriptive writing simply describes, or provides an image of a piece of music, art or literature. For example, descriptive writing might list the colors an artists used in the painting, or the instrument a composer included in a musical composition, so as to make pictures or sound in the readers’ mind, by calling up specific details of the work. Descriptive writing in the humanities, particularly in literature, is often mixed with critical writing.Process writing explains a series of actions that bring about result. It tells the reader how to do something. For example, explaining the technique used to shoot a film. This kind of writing is often found in art, where understanding how an art has created a certain effect is important. Authors may actually use more than one type of technique in a given piece of informational writing.。
2009年英语专四听力原文和答案
2009年专四听力答案PART I DICTATIONNew Y ear's EveFor many people in the west, New Y ear's Eve is the biggest party of the year. /lt's the time to get together with friends or family/and welcome in the coming year. / New Y ear's parties can take place in different places. /Some people hold a house party; others attend street parties;/ while some just go for a few drinks with their friends. /Big cities have large and spectacular fireworks displays. / There is one thing that all New Y ear's Eve parties have in common,/ the countdown to midnight./ When the clock strikes 12, people give a loud cheer and sing songs./ It's also popular to make a promise in the New Y ear. /This is called a New Y ear's resolution. / Typical resolutions include giving up smoking and keeping fit. /However, the promise is often broken quite quickly /and people are back into their bad habits within weeks or days.PART ⅡLISTENING COMPREHENSIONSECTION A CONVERSATIONSQuestions I to 3 are based on the following conversation.W: Hi, Mark. How are you?M: (2) Actually, I'm really fed up, Linda. It's Jean.W: (2) Jean? Who is Jean?M: Oh, nobody really. (1) Just a most stunningly attractive girl in my year school.W: Oh, is that all? (1) So what's the problem?M: (1) Well, the thing is I just don't know how to make her notice me, or...W: Wait a minute. I've got a brilliant idea I (3) Why don't you try talking to her?M: (3)But I wouldn't know what to say. 1...W: Look, she's in your chemistry class, isn't she? Y ou're good at chemistry. (3) Y ou could offer to help her with her chemistry homework. How about that?M: Not bad. Just one problem.W: What?M: (3) She's better than me at chemistry.W: OK, then? (3) Well, there is that party at John's on Friday night. Y ou could invite her.M: ( 2/3 ) Just another small problem. John's her boyfriend.Key:1.B 2.C 3.AQuestions 4 to 7 are based on the following conversation.W: Y es, can I help you?M: Y es, you see I bought this personal stereo at your shop three days ago. And I'm afraid that it hasn't really matched up to what I was told about it.W: I see. What exactly is the matter?M: (4/6) Well, first of all, there's this large scratch across the front of it.W: But you should have noticed that when you bought it.M: But it was in the box and all sealed up.W: (4) Well, I am sorry, but it really is your responsibility to check the goods when you buy them. How were were to know that it wasn't you who made the scratch?M: That's ridiculous. (6) But, anyway, it's not the most important thing. I really am not happy about this other thing.W:And what is that?M: Look, it says here that the noise from it should be undetectable by other people, W: Y es, that's right.M: But people can hear it and it's really embarrassing on the bus and the underground. W: Well, I am sorry. (5)But it must be the way you are wearing the headphones.M: (5) Look, I know how to put earphones in my ears. Thank you very much. But what I want to know is what you are going to do about it all.W: (7) Well, I suppose we could exchange it for another model if you really aren't happy with it.M: No, I certainly am not.W: (7) Well, if I just could have the receipt.M: Y es, well there is a slight problem about this receipt.Key: 4.C 5.A 6D 7.B.Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation.W: Hello, Happy Time Catering Services Victoria speaking. How can I help you?M: Hello, Victoria. This is Joe Smith from Country Holidays. (8/9) I wonder if you could do some catering for us next week. (10) We're having a small reception. It's to launch our summer holiday advertising campaign. Would you be free?W: When exactly is it, Mr. Smith?M: April 21st, that's Thursday. Oh, sorry, no. (9)lt should be Friday.W: Oh, Y es, I can do that. ( 10) Where will you be holding at?M: We thought we would have had it at head office and use the conference room because there is enough room for everyone there.W: OK, what aort of things would you like?M: Just a light lunch I think. So that People can eat while they move around and talk to each other. ( 10)Y ou did something similar for us last year. We will be happy to have the same menu again.W: Right, I will look at my dairy and see what you had last time. Oh, I nearly forgot to ask you, (10) how many should I cater for?M: Well, I think most people will be able to come, perhaps around 30. No, let's say 35, to be sure.W: Right, thank you for getting in touch Mr. Smith. I will send confirmation of the arrangements by the end of this week.M: OK.Key: 8.C 9.A 10.DSECTION B PASSAGESQuestions 11 to 13 are based on the following passage.For shopaholics, the post-Christmas period means only one thing—sales! (12) Across the country, prices are slashed on clothing, electronics, home furnishings and more, (11) but London is the place for serious shopping and you can certainly pick up some amazing bargains. (12) The sales start on Boxing Day—26th, December and continue for the month of January, but the keenest bargain hunters get there early to be first through the doors, (12) In Oxford Street queues formed outside shops ahead of pre-dawn openings for the start of their sales. At Brent Cross, in north London, more than 1 ,000 people were queuing at 3:30a. m. for the ' Next' clothing store's sale which began at 4 a. m. Some people even camped outside the shops to be the first in the line.(13) Some people are taking their friends shopping with them and buying their Christmas presents in the sales. A practical but unromantic way of making sure you get the gift you really want. For a less exciting but less stressful shopping experience, online retailers are also getting in on the act with January sales of their own. (13) The most organized of all are those who are already doing their present shopping for next Christmas in the Jyuary" sales.Key:11.C 12.A 13.DQuestions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage.(14)Ballroom dancing used to be seen as something rather unfashionable that old people might do. (15) For the past five years though, the popularity of ballroom dancing has soared thanks to a reality TV show. Strictly Come Dancing is one of the big TV shows. ( 16) Millions of people tune in every Saturday night to watch the show which airs from September right up to Christmas. (16) In the show a number of professional ballroom dancers each dance with a celebrity. Every week they have to learn a different ballroom dance and perform it live on TV on Saturday night. The show demonstrates how glamorous ballroom dancing is. The celebrities get to wear colorful dresses and suits to dance in, and it looks like a lot of fun. The TV programme also shows what good exercise it can be to ballroom dance and what hard work is involved in learning the dances and performing them properly. Dance schools aroundthe country have seen a boost in the number of people wanting to learn how to dance.(17) And it's not only old people who are interested. Lots of children and young people in their 20s are keen to learn.Key: 14.B 15.D 16.A 17.CQuestions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.(18) Recently, a couple in New Zealand were forbidden from naming their baby son 4Real. Even though New Zealand has quite liberal rules about naming children, names beginning with a number are not allowed. They decided to call him Superman instead. In many countries around the world, unusual names for children are becoming more popular, especially since the increasing trend for celebrities to give their children unusual names. (19) Some parents choose names which come from popular culture. For example, there have been six boys named Gandalf after the character in the Lord of the Rings novels and films. Equally names related to sport are fairly common —since 1984, 36 children have been called Arsenal after the football team. Other parents like to make up names, or combine names to make their own unique version, a method demonstrated by Jordan, the British model, who recently invented the name Tidarnii for her daughter by combining the names Thea and Amy (the two grandmothers) - She was quoted as saying that the accent and double letters were added tomake the name 'more exotic'. (20) Other countries have much stricter rules when it comes to naming children. Countries including Japan, Denmark, Spain, Germany and Argentina have an approved list of names from which parents must choose.Key: 18.C 19.D 20.ASECTION C NEWS BROADCASTNews Item IEleven fishing boat crew who had been stranded since October in a remote part of Russia's Far East have been rescued after sheltering nearly three months at an abandoned military base. (21 )The eight men and three women took refuge at the base after their small boat collided on October 10th. Their attempts to fix one of the boats did not succeed, (22) and they had to remain at the abandoned base where there were only flour and -cooking fat. Other supplies at the base, which was abandoned in 2003 including Christmas ornaments, and the crew members put them up on a small tree inside their quarters, but supplies began running low and early this week, five set off on foot across snow fields. On Friday, after fours days of trudging, they reached a working military radio station, (23) the center called rescuers and helicopters were sent to take the eleven to the regional capital.Key:21.B 22.C 23.ANews Item 2(24) Spain's King Juan Carlos with 32 years on the throne turns 70 Saturday, but after years of undeniable adulation among Spaniards for putting down an attempted coup in 1981 , (25) he's recently faced more difficult times. Small groups of leftistshave burned his photo, and fiery criticism has also come from the right with one leading conservative radio host calling for him to step down. Juan Carlos fired back with a rare public defense of his reign in a recent speech. "It's been the longest period of stability and prosperity in Spain ever in a parliamentary monarchy " , the King said.Key:24.B25.DNews Item 3It goes against religious taboos in Iraq to involve women in fighting, but three recent suicide bombings carried out by women could indicate insurgents are growing increasingly desperate. (26) In November 4th, a woman detonated an explosive vest next to a U.S. patrol in Diyala's regional capital, Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Bagdad (27) wounding seven U. S. troops and five Iraqis. (26) On December 7th, a woman attacked the offices of a Diyala-based Sunni group, fighting al-Qaida in Iraq, (27) killing 15 people and wounding 35 , (26) then on December 31st, a bomber in Baqouba, detonated her suicide vest close to a police patrol (27) wounding five policemen and four civilians.Key:26.A 27.BNews Item 4(28) Chinese government is poised to conduct its first national survey of pollution sources in February to help control environmental deterioration in the country. The study will identify and collect data on the sources of industrial, agricultural and residential pollution for two months. Last year, China's environment was facing a grave situation with several major rivers and lakes clogged by industrial waste. (29) China's environmental cleanup is compromised by more than two decades of rapid economic growth and a lack of technology especially. (30) Every province, autonomous region and municipality has set up a census office and will report to a main center staffed by officials from sovemment departments. Data will be reviewed multiple times before being put into a database and will be analyzed in the second half of 2008. Findings will be examined and approved by mid-2009.。
2009年12月英语四级考试真题及答案
2009年12月英语四级考试真题及答案2009年12月大学英语四级考试真题及答案Part ⅠWriting (30 minutes)注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上。
Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic of Creating a Green Campus. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below:1. 建设绿色校园很重要2. 绿色校园不仅指绿色的环境……3. 为了建设绿色校园，我们应该……Creating a Green CampusPart ⅡReading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes)Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For question 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.Colleges taking another look at value ofmerit-based aidGood grades and high tests scores still matter—a lot—to many colleges as they award financial aid.But with low-income students projected to make up an ever-larger share of the college-bound population in coming years, some schools are re-examining whether that aid, typically known as “merit aid”, is the most effective use of precious institutional dollars.George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for example, said last week that it would cut the value of its average merit scholarships by about one-third and reduce the number of recipients(接受者), pouring the savings, about $2.5 million, into need-based aid. Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., made a similar decision three years ago.Now, Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., says it will phase out merit scholarships altogether. No current merit-aid recipients will lose their scholarships, but need-based aid alonewill be awarded beginning with students entering in fall 2008.Not all colleges offer merit aid; generally, the more selective a school, the less likely it is to do so. Harvard and Princeton, for example, offer generous need-based packages, but many families who don’t meet need eligibility(资格)have been willing to pay whatever they must for a big-name school.For small regional colleges that struggle just to fill seats, merit aid can be an important revenue-builder because many recipients still pay enough tuition dollars over and above the scholarship amount to keep the institution running.But for rankings-conscious schools in between, merit aid has served primarily as a tool to recruit top students and to improve their academic profits. “They’re trying to buy students,”says Skidmore College economist Sandy Baum.Studies show merit aid also tends to benefitdisproportionately students who could afford to enroll without it.“As we look to the future, we see a more pressing need to invest in need-based aid,”says Monica Inzer, dean of admission and financial aid at Hamilton, which has offered merit scholarships for 10 years. During that time, it rose in US News & World Repor t’s ranking of the best liberal arts colleges, from 25 to 17.Merit aid, which benefited about 75 students a year, or about 4% of its student body, at a cost of about $ 1 million a year, “served us well,”Inzer says, but “to be discounting the price for families that don’t need financial aid doesn’t feel right any more.”Need-based aid remains by far the largest share of all student aid, which includes state, federal and institutional grants. But merit aid, offered primarily by schools and states, is growing faster, both overall and at the institutional level.Between 1995-96 and 2003-04, institutionalmerit aid alone increased 212%, compared with 47% for need-based grants. At least 15 states also offer merit aid, typically in a bid to enroll top students in the state’s public institutions.But in recent years, a growing chorus(异口同声)of critics has begun pressuring schools to drop the practice. Recent decisions by Hamilton and others may be “a sign that people are starting to realize that there’s this destructive competition going on,”says Baum, co-author of a recent College Report that raises concerns about the role of institutional aid not based on need.David Laird, president of the Minnesota Private College Council, says many of his schools would like to reduce their merit aid but fear that in doing so, they would lose top students to their competitors.“No one can take one-sided action,”says Laird, who is exploring whether to seek an exemption(豁免)from federal anti-trust laws so member colleges can discuss how they couldjointly reduce merit aid, “This is a merry-go-round that’s going very fast, and none of the institutions believe they can sustain the risks of trying to break a way by themselves.”A complicating factor is that merit aid has become so popular with middle-income families, who don’t qualify for need-based aid, that many have come to depend on it. And, as tuitions continue to increase, the line between merit and need blurs.That’s one reason Allegheny College doesn’t plan to drop merit aid entirely.“We still believe in rewarding superior achievements and know that these top students truly value the scholarship,”says Scott Friedhoff, Allegheny’s vice president for enrollment.Emory University in Atlanta, which boasts a $4.7 billion endowment(捐赠), meanwhile, is taking another approach. This year, it announced it would eliminate loans for needy students and cap them for middle-incomefamilies. At the same time, it would expand its 28-year-old merit program.“Yeah, we’re playing the merit game,”acknowledges Tom Lancaster, associate dean for undergraduate education. But it has its strong point, too, he says. “The fact of the matter is, it’s not just about the lowest-income people. It’s the average American middle-class family who’s being priced out of the market.”*A few words about merit-based aid:Merit-based aid is aid offered to students who achieve excellence in a given area, and is generally known as academic, athletic and artistic merit scholarships.Academic merit scholarships are based on students’grades, GPA and overall academic performance during high school. They are typically meant for students going straight to college right after high school. However, there are scholarships for current college students with exceptional grades as well. These merit scholarships usually help students pay tuitionbills, and they can be renewed each year as long as the recipients continue to qualify. In some cases, students may need to be recommended by their school or a teacher as part of the qualification process.Athletic merit scholarships are meant for students that excel(突出)in sports of any kind, from football to track and field events. Recommendation for these scholarships is required, since exceptional athletic performance has to be recognized by a coach or a referee(裁判). Applicants need to send in a tape containing their best performance.Artistic merit scholarships require that applicants excel in a given artistic area. This generally includes any creative field such as art, design, fashion, music, dance or writing. Applying for artistic merit scholarships usually requires that students submit a portfolio(选辑)of some sort, whether that includes a collection of artwork, a recording of a musical performance or a video of them dancing.1. With more and more low-income students pursuing higher education, a number of colleges are ________.A) offering students more merit-based aidB) revising their financial aid policiesC) increasing the amount of financial aid D) changing their admission processes2. What did Allegheny College in Meadville do three years ago?A) It tried to implement a novel financial aid program.B) It added $ 2.5 million to its need-based aid program.C) It phased out its merit-based scholarships altogether.D) It cuts its merit-based aid to help the needy students.3. The chief purpose of rankings-conscious colleges in offering merit aid is to ______.A) improve teaching quality B) boost their enrollmentsC) attract good students D) increase theirrevenues4. Monica Inzer, dean of admission and financial aid at Hamilton, believes ______.A) it doesn’t pay to spend $ 1 million a year to raise its rankingB) it gives students motivation to award academic achievementsC) it’s illogical to use so much money on only 4% of its studentsD) it’s not right to give aid to those who can afford the tuition5. In recent years, merit-based aid has increased much faster than need-based aid due to ______.A) more government funding to colleges B) fierce competition among institutionsC) the increasing number of top students D) schools’improved financial situations6. What is the attitude of many private colleges toward merit aid, according to David Laird?A) They would like to see it reduced.B) They regard it as a necessary evil.C) They think it does more harm than good.D) They consider it unfair to middle-class families.7. Why doesn’t Allegheny College plan to drop merit aid entirely?A) Raising tuitions have made college unaffordable for middle-class families.B) With rising incomes, fewer students are applying for need-based aid.C) Many students from middle-income families have come to rely on it.D) Rising incomes have disqualified many students for need-based aid.8. Annual renewal of academic merit scholarships depends on whether the recipients remain ______.9. Applicants for athletic merit scholarships need a recommendation from a coach or a referee who ______ their exceptional athletic performance.10. Applicants for artistic merit scholarships must produce evidence to show their ______ in a particular artistic fieldPart ⅢListening Comprehension (35 minutes) Section ADirections: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which the best answer is. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Questions 11 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard.11. A) Get some small change. B) Find a shopping center.C) Cash a check at a bank. D) Find a parking meter.12. A) Shopping with his son. B) Buying a gift for a child.C) Promoting a new product. D) Bargaining with a salesgirl.13. A) Taking photographs. B) Enhancing images.C) Mending cameras. D) Painting pictures.14. A) He moved to Baltimore when he was young.B) He can provide little useful information.C) He will show the woman around Baltimore.D) He will ask someone else to help the woman.15. A) He is rather disappointed. B) He is highly ambitious.C) He can’t face up to the situation D) He knows his own limitation.16. A) She must have paid a lot B) She is known to have a terrific figure.C) Her gym exercise has yielded good results.D) Her effort to keep fit is really praiseworthy.17. A) Female students are unfit for studying physics.B) He can serve as the woman’s tutor.C) Physics is an important course at school.D) The professor’s suggestion is constructive.18. A) Indifferent. B) Doubtful. C) Pleased.D) Surprised.Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.19. A) He prefers the smaller evening classes. B) He has signed up for a day course.C) He has to work during the day. D) He finds the evening course cheaper.20. A) Learn a computer language. B) Learn data processing.C) Buy some computer software. D) Buy a few coursebooks.21. A) Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 9:45.B) From September 1 to New Year’s eve.C) Every Monday, lasting for 12 weeks. D) Three hours a week, 45 hours in total.22. A) What to bring for registration. B) Where to attend the class.C) How he can get to Frost Hall. D) Whether he can use a check.Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.23. A) A training coach. B) A trading adviser.C) A professional manager. D) A financial trader.24. A) He can save on living expenses. B) He considers cooking creative.C) He can enjoy healthier food. D) He thinks take-away is tasteless.25. A) It is something inevitable.B) It is frustrating sometimes.C) It takes patience to manage. D) It can be a good thing.Section BDirections: In this section, you will hear 3short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.Passage OneQuestions 26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.26. A) There were no planets without moons.B) There was no air or water on Jupiter.C) Life was not possible in outer space. D) The mystery of life could not be resolved.27. A) It has a number of active volcanoes.B) It has an atmosphere like the earth’s.C) It has a large ocean under its surface. D) It has deep caves several miles long.28. A) Light is not an essential element to it.B) Life can form in very hot temperatures.C) Every form of life undergoes evolution.D) Oxygen is not needed for some life forms. Passage TwoQuestions 29 to 31 are based on the passage you have just heard.29. A) Whether they should take the child home.B) What Dr. Mayer’s instructions exactly were.C) Who should take care of the child at home.D) When the child would completely recover.30. A) She encourages them to ask questions when in doubt.B) She makes them write down all her instructions.C) She has them act out what they are to do at home.D) She asks them to repeat what they are supposed to do.31. A) It lacks the stability of the printed word. B) It contains many grammatical errors.C) It is heavily dependent on the context. D) It facilitates interpePassage ThreeQuestions 33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.32. A) Job security. B) Good labour relations.C) Challenging work. D) Attractive wages and benefits.33. A) Many tedious jobs continue to be done manually.B) More and more unskilled workers will lose jobs.C) Computers will change the nature of many jobs.D) Boring jobs will gradually be made enjoyable.34. A) Offer them chances of promotion.B) Improve their working conditions.C) Encourage them to compete with each other.D) Give them responsibilities as part of ateam.35. A) They will not bring real benefits to the staff.B) They concern a small number of people only.C) They are arbitrarily set by the administrators.D) They are beyond the control of ordinary workers.Section CDirections: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in your own words. Finally, when the passage is read forthe third time, you should check what you have written.注意：此部分试题在答题卡2上。
北京新东方：2009年12月四级真题参考答案A卷 - 历年真题 - 英语四级
9. recognizes
10. excellence
听力小对话答案
11.A, get some small change
12.B, buying a gift for a child
13.A, taking photographs
14.B, he can provide little used information
65. A she was known to be good at raising money
59. D What Michelle should do as wife and mother in the White House
60. C However hard she tries, she can’t expect to please everybody
61. A Help change the prevailing view about black women
explains a series of actions that bring about a result. (45).It tells the reader
how to do something, for example, explaining the technique used to shoot a film.
15.D, he knows his own imitations
16.C, her gym exercise has yielded good results.
17.D, The professor’s suggestion is constructive
18.A，Indifferent.
2008年12月至2009年12月英语四级听力试题及答案
CET4 2008.1211.A) Only true friendship can last long.B) Letter writing is going out of style.C) She keeps in regular touch with her classmates.D) She has lost contact with most of her old friends.12. A) A painter. C) A porter.B) A mechanic. D) A carpenter.13. A) Look for a place near her office. C) Make inquiries elsewhere.B) Find a new job down the street. D) Rent the $600 apartment.14.A) He prefers to wear jeans with a larger waist.B) He has been extremely busy recently.C) He has gained some weight lately.D) He enjoyed going shopping with Jane yesterday.15.A)The woman possesses a natural for art.B) Women have a better artistic taste than men.C) He isn’t good at abstract thinking.D) He doesn’t like abstract paintings.16.A) She couldn’t have left her notebook in the library.B) she may have put her notebook amid the journals.C) she should have made careful notes while doing reading.D) she shouldn’t have read his notes without his knowing it.17. A)she wants to get some sleep C) she has a literature class to attendB) she needs time to write a paper D)she is troubled by her sleep problem18.A)He is confident he will get the job.B)His chance of getting the job is slim.C)It isn’t easy to find a qualified sales manager.D)The interview didn’t go as well as he expected.19.A) He can manage his time more flexibly.B) He can renew contact with his old friends.C) He can concentrate on his own projects.D) He can learn to do administrative work.20.A) Reading its ads in the newspapers.B) Calling its personnel department.C) Contacting its manager.D) Searching its website.21.A) To cut down its production expenses.B) To solve the problem of staff shortage.C) To improve its administrative efficiency.D) To utilize its retired employees’ resources.22.A) Buy a tractor. B) Fix a house.C) See a piece of property. D) Sing a business contract.23.A) It is only forty miles form where they live.B) It is a small one with a two-bedroom house.C) It was a large garden with fresh vegetables.D) It has a large garden with fresh vegetables.24. A)Growing potatoes will involve less labor.B) Its soil may not be very suitable for corn.C) It may not be big enough for raising corn.D) Raising potatoes will be more profitable.25.A) Finances B) EquipmentC) Labor D) Profits26.A) To introduce the chief of the city’s police forceB) To comment on a talk by a distinguished guestC) To address the issue of community securityD) To explain the functions of the city council27 A) He has distinguished himself in city managementB) He is head of the International Police ForceC) He completed his higher education abroadD) He holds a master’s degree in criminology28 A) To coordinate work among police departmentsB) To get police officers closer to the local peopleC) To help the residents in times of emergencyD) To enable the police to take prompt action29 A) Popular B) discouragingC) effective D) controversialPassage Two30 A) people differ greatly in their ability to communicateB) there are numerous languages in existenceC) Most public languages are inherently vagueD) Big gaps exist between private and public languages31 A) it is a sign of human intelligenceB) in improves with constant practiceC) it is something we are born withD) it varies from person to person32 A) how private languages are developedB) how different languages are relatedC) how people create their languagesD) how children learn to use language33 A) she was a tailor B) she was an engineerC) she was an educator D) she was a public speaker34. A) Basing them on science-fiction movies.B) Including interesting examples in themC) Adjusting them to different audiencesD) Focusing on the latest progress in space science35.A) Whether spacemen carry weaponsB) How spacesuits protect spacemenC) How NASA trains its spacemenD) What spacemen cat and drink11-15DACCD 16-20BBBAD 21-25DCBCA 26-30ADBCB 31-35CDBCA36 trend37 phenomenon38 scene39 offences40 murder41 particularly42 explosion43 associated44 changing national borders, greater economic growth and the lack of accepted social ideas of right and wrong.45 are now facing the sort of cultural variety that has been common in America for most of its history.46 failure to recognize and plan for such diversity can lead to serious crime problems.CET4 2000.0611. A) She expected more people at her party.B) She enjoys entertaining small children.C) She threw a surprise party for her friendD) She has always enjoyed great popularity.12. A) They are not used to living in a cold place.B) They feel lucky to live in Florida.C) They are going to have a holiday.D) They have not booked their air tickets yet.13. A) He was pleased to get the medal. C) He used to be a firefighter.B) He was very courageous. D) He was accused of causing a fire.14. A) Make a profitable investment. C) Get parts for the machine from Japan.B) Buy a new washing machine D) Have the old washing machine fixed.15. A) He is pleased with his exciting new job.B) He finds the huge workload unbearable.C) He finds his office much too big for him.D) He is not so excited about his new position.16. A) The woman is going to hold a big party tomorrow.B) The man has no idea what the right thing to do is.C) The woman doesn’t know how to get to the party.D) The man offers to drive the woman to the party.17. A) Drawing up a business plan. C) Finalizing a contract.B) Discussing a term paper. D) Reviewing a co-authored article.18. A) She ordered some paper. C) She chatted online with a friendB) She had the printer repaired. D) She filled in an application form19. A) His health is getting worse. C) His past life upsets hima good deal.B) He can no longer work at sea. D) He has not got the expected pension.20. A) She passed away years ago. C) She has been working at a clinic.B) She used to work as a model. D) She has been seriously ill for years.21. A) She has made lots of money as a doctor.B) She is going to take care of her old dad.C) She has never got on with her father.D) She is kind and generous by nature.22. A) He dines out with his wife every weekend.B) He is excellent but looks had-tempered.C) He does not care about his appearance.D) He is not quite popular with his patients.23. A) The man has sent the order to the woman by mistakeB) Some of the telephone systems don’t work properlyC) Some of the packs do not contain any manuals.D) The quality of the goods is not up to the standard.24. A) Send a service engineer to do the repairs.B) Consult her boss about the best solution.C) Pass the man’s order to the right person.D) The quality of the goods is not up to the standard.25. A) Ideal. C) PartialB) Temporary D) Creative26. A) It is entertaining. C) It takes lots of time.B) It is a costly hobby. D) It requires training.27. A) They can harm nearby plants. C) They fight each other for food.B) They may catch some disease. D) They may pollute the environment.28. A) Place the food on warmer spots. C) Avoid using any contaminated food.B) Use prepared feed mixtures only. D) Continue the feeding till it gets warm.29. A) He will betray even his best friends.B) He is able to make up good excuses.C) He will lie whenever he wants.D) He tries to achieve his goal at any cost30. A) She made him apologize C) She broke up with him.B) She readily forgave him D) She refused to answer his calls.31. A) Buy her a new set of tires. C) Lend her his batteries.B) Help clean her apartment. D) Move furniture for her.32. A) The atmosphere they live in is rather unreal.B) Their parents put too much pressure on them.C) It’s hard for them to get along with other kids.D) They have to live in the shadow of their parents.33. A) He always boasts about his rich father.B) He will grow up to be good for nothing.C) He has too much to know the value of things.D) He is too young to manage his inherited property.34. A) She wants Amanda to get professional care.B) She has no experience in raising children.C) She wants to show off her wealth.D) She has no time to do it herself.35. A) The lifestyle depicted in Hollywood movies.B) The worship of money, beauty and pleasure.C) The attention the media focuses on them.D) The pursuing of perfection in performance.Around 120 years ago, Ebbinghaus began his study of memory. He(36).on studying how quickly the human mind can remember (37). One result of his research is known as the total time hypothesis(假设), which simply means the amount you learn (38)on the time you spend trying to learn it . This can be taken as our first rule of learning.Although it is usually true that studying for four hours is better than studying for one, there is still the question of how we should use the four hours. For example, is it better to study for four hours (39)or to study for one hour a day for four days in a (40)?. The answer, as you may have (41) , is that it is better to spread out the study times. This (42) , through which we can learn more (43).by dividing our practice time, is known as the distribution of practice effect. Thus, (44) . But we’re not finished yet. We haven’t considered how we should study over very short periods of time. (45) .Should you look at the same word in rapid succession, or look at the word and then have some delay before you look at it again ?(46) .11. She has always enjoyed great popularity 12. They are going to have a holiday13. He was very courageous 14. Buy a new washing machine15. He is not excited about his new position 16. The man offers to drive the women to the party17. Finalizing a contract 18. She ordered some paper19 He can no longer work at sea 20 She passed away years ago21 She has never got on with her father 22 He is excellent but looks bad-tempered23 Some of the packs do not contain manuals 24 solve the problem at her company’s cost25 Ideal 26 C it’s entertaining 27C they may catch some disease28D continue the feeding till it get warm 29C he will lie whenever he wants30A she made him apologize 31D move furniture for her32A the atmosphere they live in is rather unreal 33D he has too much to know the value of things34D she has no time to do it herself 35D the lifestyle depicted in Hollywood movies36 concentrated 40 row37 information 41 suspected38 depends 42 phenomenon (现象)39 straight 43 efficiently44 our second rule of learning is this: it is better to study fairly briefly but often。
2009英语专四听力真题及答案
2009英语专四听力真题及答案PART II LISTENING COMPREHENSIONIn Sections A, B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow.SECTION A CONVERSATIONSIn this section you will hear several conversations. Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions 1 to 3 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the conversation.1. Mark is unhappy because of _______.A. his Chemistry homeworkB. a girl in his classC. Linda’s wordsD. Friday night's party参考答案：BTIP：对话中Mark提到I am already fed up, Linda. It's Jane. 可见他是为了一个女孩子而烦恼。
下文Well, the thing is that I just don't know how to make her notice me. 提示他的问题在于不知如何吸引那个女孩的注意力，故选B。
2. Which of the following is CORRECT?A. Linda is Jane’s friend.B. Mark is Jane’s boyfriend.C. John is Jane's boyfriend.D. Mark and John are good friends.参考答案：CTIP：根据对话结尾处Just another small problem. John's her boyfriend. 可知正确答案是C。