“VVHL”通过精心收集，向本站投稿了5篇英语四级历年真题参考，下面是小编为大家带来的英语四级历年真题参考，希望大家能够喜欢!
篇1：英语四级历年真题参考
Passage Two
Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.
Popping food into the microwave for a couple of minutes may seem utterly harmless, and Europe's stock of these quick-cooking ovens emit as much carbon as nearly 7million cars, a new study has found, and the problem is growing. With costs falling and kitchen appliances becoming “status” users, owners are throwing many microwave after an average of eight years. This is pushing sales of new microwave which are expected to reach 135 million annually in the EU by the end of the decade.
A study by the University of Manchester worked out the emissions of carbon dioxide -- the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change -- at every stage of microwaves, from manufacture to waste disposal. “It is electricity consumption by microwaves that has the biggest impact on the environment,” say the authors, who also calculate that the emissions from using 19 microwaves over a year are the same as those from a car. According to the same study, efforts to reduce consumption should focus on improving consumer awareness and behaviour to use appliances more efficiently. For example, electricity consumption by microwaves can be reduced by adjusting the time of cooking to the type of food.“
However, David Reay, professor of carbon management argues that, although microwaves use a great deal of enery, their emissions are minor compared to those from cars. In the UK alone and these emit way more than all the emissions from microwaves in the EU. Backing this up, recent data show that passenger cars in the UK emitted 69m tonnes of CO2 in . This is 10 times the amount this new microwave oven study estimates for annual emissions for all the microwave ovens in the whole of the EU.” further, the energy used by microwaves is lower than any other form of cooking. Among common kitchen appliances used for cooking, microwaves are the most energy efficient, followed by a stove and finally a standard oven. Thus, rising microwave sales could be seen as a positive thing.
51. What is the finding of the new study?
A) Quick-cooking microwave ovens have become more popular.
B) The frequent use of microwaves may do harm to our health.
C) CO2 emissions constitute a major threat to the environment.
D) The use of microwaves emits more CO2 than people think.
52. Why are the sales of microwaves expected to rise?
A) They are becoming more afrdabla.
B) They have a shorter life cycle than other appliances.
C) They are gtting much easier to operate.
D) They take less tine to cook than other ppliaces.
53. What recommendation does the study by the University of Manchester make?
A) Cooking food of dfferent varieties.
B) Improving microwave users' habits.
C) Eating less to cut energy consumption.
D) Using microwave ovens less frequently.
54. What does Professor David Reay try to argue?
A) There are far more emissions from cars than from microwaves.
B) People should be persuaded into using passenger cars less often.
C) The UK produces less CO2 than many other countries in the EU.
D) More data are needed to show whether microwaves are harmful.
55. What does Professor David Reay think of the use of microwaves?
A) It will become less popular in the coming decades.
B) It makes everyday cooking much more convenient.
C) It plays a positive role in envronmental protection.
D) It consumes more power than conventional cooking.
Passage one
46.B
47.C
48.D
49.B
50.A
Passage two
51.D
52.A
53.B
54.A
55.C
篇2：英语四级历年真题参考
Passage One
Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.
For thousands of years, people have known that the best way to understand a concept is to explain it to someone else. “While we teach, we learn,” said Roman philosopher Seneca. Now scientists are bringing this ancient wisdom up-to-date. They're documenting why teaching is such a fruitful way to learn, and designing innovative ways for young people to engage in instruction.
Researchers have found that students who sign up to tutor others work harder to understand the material, recall it more accurately and apply it more effectively. Student teachers score higher on tests than pupils who're learning only for their own sake. But how can children, still learning themselves, teach others? One answer: They can tutor younger kids. Some studies have found that first-born children are more intelligent than their later-born siblings (兄弟姐妹). This suggests their higher IQs result from the time they spend teaching their siblings. Now educators are experimenting with ways to apply this model to academic subjects. They engage college undergraduates to teach computer science to high school students, who in turn instruct middle school students on the topic.
But the most cutting-edge tool under development is the “teachable agent”—a computerized character who learns, tries, makes mistakes and asks questions just like a real-world pupil. Computer scientists have created an animated (动画的) figure called Betty's Brain, who has been “taught” about environmental science by hundreds of middle school students. Student teachers are motivated to help Betty master certain materials. While preparing to teach, they organize their knowledge and improve their own understanding. And as they explain the information to it, they identify problems in their own thinking.
Feedback from the teachable agents further enhances the tutors' learning. The agents' questions compel student tutors to think and explain the materials in different ways, and watching the agent solve problems allows them to see their knowledge put into action.
Above all, it's the emotions one experiences in teaching that facilitate learning. Student tutors feel upset when their teachable agents fail, but happy when these virtual pupils succeed as they derive pride and satisfaction from someone else's accomplishment.
46. What are researchers rediscovering through their studies?
A.Seneca's thinking is still applicable today.
B.Better learners will become better teachers.
C.Human intelligence tends to grow with age.
D.Philosophical thinking improves instruction.
47. What do we learn about Betty's Brain?
A.It is a character in a popular animation.
B.It is a teaching tool under development.
C.It is a cutting-edge app in digital games.
D.It is a tutor for computer science students.
48. How does teaching others benefit student tutors?
A.It makes them aware of what they are strong at.
B.It motivates them to try novel ways of teaching.
C.It helps them learn their academic subjects better.
D.It enables them to better understand their teachers.
49. What do students do to teach their teachable agents?
A.They motivate them to think independently.
B.They ask them to design their own questions.
C.They encourage them to give prompt feedback.
D.They use various ways to explain the materials.
50. What is the key factor that eases student tutors' learning?
A.Their sense of responsibility.
B.Their emotional involvement.
C.The learning strategy acquired.
D.The teaching experience gained.
Passage Two
Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.
A new batch of young women—members of the so-called Millennial (千禧的) generation—has been entering the workforce for the past decade. At the starting line of their careers, they are better educated than their mothers and grandmothers had been—or than their young male counterparts are now. But when they look ahead, they see roadblocks to their success. They believe that women are paid less than men for doing the same job. They think it's easier for men to get top executive jobs than it is for them. And they assume that if and when they have children, it will be even harder for them to advance in their careers.
While the public sees greater workplace equality between men and women now than it did 20-30 years ago, most believe more change is needed. Among Millennial women, 75% say this country needs to continue making changes to achieve gender equality in the workplace, compared with 57% of Millennial men. Even so, relatively few young women (15%) say they have been discriminated against at work because of their gender.
As Millennial women come of age they share many of the same views and values about work as their male counterparts. They want jobs that provide security and flexibility, and they place relatively little importance on high pay. At the same time, however, young working women are less likely than men to aim at top management jobs: 34% say they're not interested in becoming a boss or top manager; only 24% of young men say the same. The gender gap on this question is even wider among working adults in their 30s and 40s, when many women face the trade-offs that go with work and motherhood.
These findings are based on a new Pew Research Center survey of 2,002 adults, including 810 Millennials (ages 18-32), conducted Oct. 7-27, . The survey finds that, in spite of the dramatic gains women have made in educational attainment and labor force participation in recent decades, young women view this as a man's world—just as middle-aged and older women do.
51.What do we learn from the first paragraph about Millennial women starting their careers?
A.They can get ahead only by striving harder.
B.They expect to succeed just like Millennial men.
C.They are generally quite optimistic about their future.
D.They are better educated than their male counterparts.
52.How do most Millennial women feel about their treatment in the workplace?
A.They are the target of discrimination.
B.They find it satisfactory on the whole.
C.They think it needs further improving.
D.They find their complaints ignored.
53.What do Millennial women value most when coming of age?
A.A sense of accomplishment.
B.Job stability and flexibility.
C.Rewards and promotions.
D.Joy derived from work.
54.What are women in their 30s and 40s concerned about?
A.The welfare of their children.
B.The narrowing of the gender gap.
C.The fulfillment of their dreams in life.
D.The balance between work and family.
55.What conclusion can be drawn about Millennial women from the 2013 survey?
A.They still view this world as one dominated by males.
B.They account for half the workforce in the job market.
C.They see the world differently from older generations.
D.They do better in work than their male counterparts.
Passage one
46.A
47.B
48.C
49.D
50.B
Passage two
51.D
52.C
53.B
54.D
55.A
篇3：英语四级历年真题参考
Passage One
Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.
According to the majority of Americans, women are every bit as capable of being good political leaders as men. The same can be said of their ability to dominate the corporate boardroom. And according to a new Pew Research Center survey on women and leadership, most Americans find women indistinguishable from men on key leadership traits such as intelligence and capacity for innovation, with many saying they're stronger than men in terms of being passionate and organized leaders.
So why, then, are women in short supply at the top of government and business in the United States? According to the public, at least, it's not that they lack toughness, management talent or proper skill sets.
It’s also not all about work-life balance. Although economic research and previous survey findings have shown that career interruptions related to motherhood may make it harder for women to advance in their careers and compete for top executive jobs, relatively few adults in the recent survey point to this as a key barrier for women seeking leadership roles. Only about one-in-five say women's family responsibilities are a major reason why there aren't more females in top leadership positions in business and politics.
Instead, topping the list of reasons, about four-in-ten Americans point to a double standard for women seeking to climb to the highest levels of either politics or business, where they have to do more than their male counterparts to prove themselves. Similar shares say the electorate （选民）and corporate America are just not ready to put more women in top leadership positions.
As a result, the public is divided about whether the imbalance in corporate America will change in the foreseeable future, even though women have made major advances in the workplace. While 53% believe men will continue to hold more top executive positions in business in the future, 44% say it's only a matter of time before as many women are in top executive positions as men. Americans are less doubtful when it comes to politics: 73% expect to see a female president in their lifetime.
46.What do most Americans think of women leaders according to a new Pew Research Center survey?
A) They have to do more to distinguish themselves.
B) They have to strive harder to win their positions.
C) They are stronger than men in terms of willpower.
D) They are just as intelligent and innovative as men.
47.What do we learn from previous survey findings about women seeking leadership roles?
A) They have unconquerable difficulties on their way to success.
B) They are lacking in confidence when competing with men.
C) Their failures may have something to do with family duties.
D) Relatively few are hindered in their career advancement.
48.What is the primary factor keeping women from taking top leadership positions according to the recent survey?
A) Personality traits.
B) Gender bias.
C) Family responsibilities.
D) Lack of vacancies.
49.What does the passage say about corporate America in the near future?
A) More and more women will sit in the boardroom.
B) Gender imbalance in leadership is likely to change.
C) The public is undecided about whether women will make good leaders.
D) People have opposing opinions as to whether it will have more women leaders.
50.What do most Americans expect to see soon on America's political stage?
A) A woman in the highest position of government.
B) More and more women actively engaged in politics.
C) A majority of women voting for a female president.
D) As many women in top government positions as men.
Passage Two
Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.
People have grown taller over the last century, with South Korean women shooting up by more than 20cm on average, and Iranian men gaining 16.5cm. A global study looked at the average height of 18-year-olds in 200 countries between 1914 and .
The results reveal that while Swedes were the tallest people in the world in 1914, Dutch men have risen from 12th place to claim top spot with an average height of 182.5cm. Latvian women, meanwhile, rose from 28th place in 1914 to become the tallest in the world a century later, with an average height of 169.8cm.
James Bentham, a co-author of the research from Imperial College, London, says the global trend is likely to be due primarily to improvements in nutrition and healthcare. “An individual's genetics has a big influence on their height, but once you average over whole populations, genetics plays e less key role,” he added.
A little extra height brings a number of advantages, says Elio Riboli of Imperial College. “Being taller is associated with longer life expectancy,” he said. “This is largely due to a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular (心血管的）disease among taller people.”
But while height has increased around the world, the trend in many countries of north and sub-Saharan Africa causes concern, says Riboli. While height increased in Uganda and Niger during the early 20th century, the trend has reversed in recent years, with height decreasing among 18-year-olds.
“One reason for these decreases in height is the economic situation in the 1980s,” said Alexander Moradi of the University of Sussex. The nutritional and health crises that followed the policy of structural adjustment, he says, led to many children and teenagers failing to reach their full potential in terms of height.
Bentham believes the global trend of increasing height has important implications. “How tall we are now is strongly influenced by the environment we grew up in,” he said. “If we give children the best possible start in life now, they will be healthier and more productive for decades to come.”
51.What does the global study tell us about people's height in the last hundred years?
A) There is a remarkable difference across continents.
B) There has been a marked increase in most countries.
C) The increase in people's height has been quickening.
D) The increase in women's height is bigger than in men's.
52.What does James Bentham say about genetics in the increase of people's height?
A) It counts less than generally thought.
B) It outweighs nutrition and healthcare.
C) It impacts more on an individual than on a population.
D) It plays a more significant role in females than in males.
53.What does Elio Riboli say about taller people?
A) They tend to live longer.
B) They enjoy an easier life.
C) They generally risk fewer fatal diseases.
D) They have greater expectations in life.
54.What do we learn about 18-year-olds in Uganda and Niger?
A) They grow up slower than their peers in other countries.
B) They are actually shorter than their earlier generations.
C) They find it hard to bring their potential into full play.
D) They have experienced many changes of government.
55.What does James Bentham suggest we do?
A) Watch closely the global trend in children's development.
B) Make sure that our children grow up to their full height.
C) Try every means possible to improve our environment.
D) Ensure our children grow up in an ideal environment.
Passage one
46.D
47.C
48.B
49.D
50.A
Passage two
51.B
52.C
53.A
54.B
55.D
篇4：英语四级历年真题试卷
12月大学英语四级真题试卷一阅读答案及解析
Part III Reading Comprehension
Section A
26. [C] essential
27. [M] suspicion
28. [G] miserable
29. [A] constantly
30. [O] watching
31. [J] records
32. [K] removed
33. [F] load
34. [I] properly
35. [H] pressure
解析：
26题根据上下文得知，此处应该是说人与人之间信任的重要性。很明显答案C. essential符合条件，B选项有可信的意思，看到此选项可能下意识地会选这个答案，但翻译成“信任是可信的”，和主旨无关，此处还是讨论信任的重要性。
29题容易选一个名词比如records和”mistakes”并列，但是后面的选项并没有双引号，后面是一个动词reminding，可以推测前面需要填入副词来修饰reminding，根据语义“要求你做这做那”，可以推出是不断要求，而不是properly恰当地，排除完可以得出constantly.
31题，此处判断应填名词，有同学可能会和pressure弄混淆，但此处并不能得出公司要施加压力。公司出于自我保护和信任问题，对于任何交易记录都会留有根据和存根，这些都是记录，所以答案应该是records,
Section B
36. [G] The Chetty data shows that neighborhoods and places mattered for children born in the San Jose area of the 1980s.
37. [D] The reasons kids in San Jose performed so well might seem obvious.
38. [K] The idea that those at the bottom can rise to the top is central to America's ideas about itself.
39. [B] Indeed, data suggests that this is one of the best places to grow up poor in America.
40. [J] But in today's America-a land of rising inequality
41. [I] Leaders in San Jose are determined to make sure that the city regains its status as a place where even poor kids can access the resources to succeed.
42. [E] Indeed, the streets of San Jose seem, in some ways, to embody the best of America.
43. [C] By contrast, just 4.4 percent of poor kids in Charlotte moved up to the top
44. [H] Some San Jose residents say that as inequality has grown in recent years
45. [F] But researchers aren 't sure exactly why poor kids in San Jose did so well.
解析：
38题干主旨表达的是如果该市的问题不解决将会动摇美国的根本信仰，对应K项中的America's ideas about itself.和foundational belief.可以进行匹配。
41题干第一句该市的官员，可以定位到[I]选项第一句Leaders in San Jose, 且 该句直接表明了目的，就是为了提升贫困孩子触达成功的机会。
42题中的manifest词汇较为生僻，但后面的some of the best features可以理解说的是关于美国最好的几点特质，对应到[E]选项to embody the best of America.
44 题干关键信息是 increases in housing prices，快速浏览后可以定位到[H]项多次提到如Rent，homelessness problem, housing prices等与住房相关的信息
Section C
Passage One
46. [D] They lack the necessary resources to address pupils’ mental problems.
47. [A] They have deteriorated due to budget cuts.
48. [B] At school.
49. [C] Students are more comfortable seeking counselling in school.
50. [D] A change in the conception of what schools are.
解析：
46题A和B选项属于无中生有，C选项说的是学校在实施干预方面举措不利，但是根据原文第二段第二句，how ill-equipped they feel 可以看出主体是老师自己而不是学校，此处是一个偷换概念的陷阱，还是要基于文章的意思判断。
47题的C选项与原文第三段最后一句意义相反;B和D选项也是无中生有，A选项中出现了一个生词，但最后出现的budgets cuts还是可以帮助我们定位到第三段第二句。
49. A和B均属无中生有，D选项则偷换了概念，原文是指学生们更愿意在校内进行心理辅导而不是外面的心理咨询，D选项则替换成了校外活动。
Passage Two
51. [A] To illustrate people’s peculiar shopping behavior.
52. [D] To make customers believe they are getting a bargain.
53. [B] The E conomist’s promotional strategy works.
54. [C] To trap customers into buying the more pricey item.
55. [B] By comparing it with other choices.
解析：
51题的BD选项都属于捏造的信息，C选项具有一定迷惑性，但描述的是表面的信息，并不是作者举例的真实目的，此处挑选饮料本质是想要阐述一种特定购物行为。
52题讨论的是中罐苏打水定价的理由，A选项吸引更多人去买很明显不对，因为中罐苏打水重量减半价格却很贵，同理B项也不符合，C项本文并未提及，属于生造的信息。所以中罐苏打是为了让顾客以同样价格买到更大罐的饮料从而觉得占到便宜。
53 题A选项看似符合常理，但并不是Dan的研究成果内容，属于张冠李戴;C项文中并没有提及是卖的最好的; 最后的D项也偷换了概念，很有迷惑性，研究结果的意思是如果没有纸质加电子版这个选项的话，大部分人还是会选择更便宜的电子版，但和纸质版对比，同样的价格还可以获得电子版，所以人们会更倾向选择print plus digital，而不是digital
篇5：历年英语四级真题练习
Part I Writing(minutes)
Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay based on the picture below.You should start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then comment on the kid's understanding of going to school.You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.
Part II Listening Comprehension(30 minutes)
Section A
Directions : In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations.At the end ofeach conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said.Both theconversation and the questions will be spoken only once.After each question there will bea pause.During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A., B), C.and D),and decide which is the best answer.Then mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 1 with a single line through the centre.
1.A.He will give the woman some tips on the game.
B.The woman has good reason to quit the game.
C.He is willing to play chess with the woman.
D.The woman should go on playing chess.
2.A.The man can forward the mail to Mary.
B.She can call Mary to take care of the mail.
C.Mary probably knows Sally's new address.
D.She would like to resume contact with Sally.
3.A.His handwriting has a unique style.
B.His notes are not easy to read.
C.He did not attend today's class.
D.He is very pleased to be able to help.
4.A.The man had better choose another restaurant.
B.The new restaurant is a perfect place for dating.
C.The new restaurant caught her fancy immediately.
D.The man has good taste in choosing the restaurant.
5.A.He has been looking forward to spring.
B.He has been waiting for the winter sale.
C.He will clean the woman's boots for spring.
D.He will help the woman put things away.
6.A.The woman is rather forgetful.
B.The man appreciates the woman's help.
C.The man often lends books to the woman.
D.The woman often works overtime at weekends.
7.A.Go to work on foot.
B.Take a sightseeing trip.
C.Start work earlier than usual.
D.Take a walk when the weather is nice.
8.A.The plane is going to land at another airport.
B.All flights have been delayed due to bad weather.
C.Temporary closing has disturbed the airport's operation.
D.The airport's management is in real need of improvement.
Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
9.A.It specializes in safety from leaks.
B.It is headquartered in London.
C.It has a partnership with LCP.
D.It has a chemical processing plant.
10.A.He is Mr.Grand's friend.
B.He is a safety inspector.
C.He is a salesman.
D.He is a chemist.
11.A.Director of the safety department.
B.Mr.Grand's personal assistant.
C.Head of the personnel department.
D.The public relations officer.
12. A.Walt for Mr.Grand to call back.
B.Leave a message for Mr.Grand.
C.Provide details of their products and services.
D.Send a comprehensive description of their work.
Questions 13 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
13.A.She learned playing the violin from a famous French musician.
B.She dreamed of working and living in a European country.
C.She read a lot about European musicians and their music.
D.She listened to recordings of many European orchestras.
14.A.She began taking violin lessons as a small child.
B.She was a pupil of a famous European violinist.
C.She gave her first performance with her father.
D.She became a professional violinist at fifteen.
15.A.It gave her a chance to explore the city.
B.It was the chance of a lifetime.
C.It was a great challenge to her.
D.It helped her learn classical French music.
Section B
Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages.At the end of each passage, you will hearsome 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 linethrough the centre.
Passage One
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
16.A.There are mysterious stories behind his works.
B.There are many misunderstandings about him.
C.His works have no match worldwide.
D.His personal history is little known.
17.A.He moved to Stratford-on-Avon in his childhood.
B.He failed to go beyond grammar school.
C.He was a member of the town council.
D.He once worked in a well-known acting company.
18. A.Writers of his time had no means to protect their works.
B.Possible sources of clues about him were lost in a fire.
C.His works were adapted beyond recognition.
D.People of his time had little interest in him.
Passage Two
Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.
19. A.Theft.
B.Cheating.
C.Air crash.
D.Road accidents.
20. A.Learn the local customs.
B.Make hotel reservations.
C.Book tickets well in advance.
D.Have the right documents.
21.A.Contact your agent.
B.Get a lift if possible.
C.Use official transport.
D.Have a friend meet you.
Passage Three
Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
22.A.Cut down production cost.
B.Sell inexpensive products.
C.Specialise in gold ornaments.
D.Refine the taste of his goods.
23.A.At a national press conference.
B.During a live television interview.
C.During a local sales promotion campaign.
D.At a meeting of top British businesspeople.
24.A.Insulted.
B.Puzzled.
C.Distressed.
D.Discouraged.
25.A.The words of some businesspeople are just rubbish.
B.He who never learns from the past is bound to fail.
C.There should be a limit to one's sense of humour.
D.He is not laughed at, that laughs at himself first.
Section C
Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times.When the passage is read for the firsttime, you should listen carefully for its general idea.When the passage is read for thesecond time, you are required to fill in the blanks with the exact words you have justheard.Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what youhave written.
Looking at the basic biological systems, the world is not doing very well.Yet economic indicators show the world is 26 Despite a slow start at the beginning of the eighties, global economic output increased by more than a fifth during the 27 The economy grew, trade increased, and millions of new jobs were created.How can biological indicators show the 28 of economic indicators?
The answer is that the economic indicators have a basic fault: they show no difference between resource uses that 29 progress and those uses that will hurt it.The main measure of economic progress is the gross national product (GNP). 30 , this totals the value of all goods and services produced and subtracts loss in value of factories and equipment.Developed a half-century ago, GNP helped 31 a common way among countries of measuring change in economic output.For some time, this seemed to work 32 well, but serious weaknesses are now appearing.As indicated earlier, GNP includes loss in value of factories and equipment, but it does not 33 the loss of natural resources, including nonrenewable resources such as oil or renewable resources such as forests.
This basic fault can produce a 34 sense of national economic health.According to GNP, for example, countries that overcut forests actually do better than those that preserve their forests.The trees cut down are counted as income but no subtraction is made for 35 the forests.
Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension ( 40 minutes) Section A
Directions: 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 Sheet2 with a single line through the centre.You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.
Questions 36 to 45 are based on the following passage.
The U.S.Department of Education is making efforts to ensure that all students have equal access to a quality education.Today it is 36 the launch of the Excellent Educators for All Initiative.The initiative will help states and school districts support great educators for the students who need them most.
“All children are 37 to a high-quality education regardless of their race, zip code or family income.It is 38 important that we provide teachers and principals the support they need to help students reach their full 39 ,” U.S.Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said.“ Despite the excellent work and deep 40 of our nation's teachers and principals, students in high-poverty, high- minority schools are unfairly treated across our country.We have to do better.Local leaders and educators will 41 their own creative solutions, but we must work together to 42 our focus on how to better recruit, support and 43 effective teachers and principals for all students, especially the kids who need them most.”
Today's announcement is another important step forward in improving access to a quality education, a 44 of President Obama's year of action.Later today, Secretary Duncan will lead a roundtable discussion with principals and school teachers from across the country about the 45 of working in high-need schools and how to adopt promising practices for supporting great educators in these schools.
A.Announcing
B.beneficial
C.challenges
D.commitment
E.component
F.contests
G.critically
H.develop
I.distributing
J.enhance
K.entitled
L.potential
M.properly
N.qualified
O.retain
Section B
Directions: 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 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 thecorresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.
The Changes Facing Fast Food
A.Fast-food firms have to be a thick-skinned bunch.Health experts regularly criticise them severelyfor selling food that makes people fat.Critics even complain that McDonald's, whose logosymbolises calorie excess, should not have been allowed to sponsor the World Cup.These arethings fast-food firms have learnt to cope with.But not perhaps for much longer.The burgerbusiness faces more pressure from regulators at a time when it is already adapting strategies inresponse to shifts in the global economy.
B)Fast food was once thought to be recession-proof.When consumers need to cut spending, the logicgoes, cheap meals like Big Macs and Whoppers become even more attractive.Such “trading down”proved true for much of the latest recession, when fast-food companies picked up customers who could no longer afford to eat at casual restaurants.Traffic was boosted in America, the home of fast food, with discounts and promotions, such as $1 menus and cheap combination meals.
C)As a result, fast-food chains have weathered the recession better than their more expensive competitors.In 2009 sales at full-service restaurants in America fell by more than 6% , but total sales remained about the same at fast-food chains.In some markets, such as Japan, France and Britain, total spending on fast food increased.Same-store sales in America at McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food company, did not decline throughout the downturn.Panera Bread, an American fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients, performed well, too, because it offers higher-quality food at lower prices than restaurants.
D)But not all fast-food companies have been as fortunate.Many, such as Burger King, have seen sales fall.In a severe recession, while some people trade down to fast food, many others eat at home more frequently to save money.David Palmer, an analyst at UBS, a bank, says smaller fast- food chains in America, such as Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr., have been hit particularly hard in this downturn because they are competing with the global giant McDonald's, which increased spending on advertising by more than 7% last year as others cut back.
E.Some fast-food companies also sacrificed their own profits by trying to give customers better value.During the recession companies set prices low, hoping that once they had tempted customers through the door they would be persuaded to order more expensive items.But in many cases that strategy did not work.Last year Burger King franchisees (特许经营人)sued (起诉)the company over its double-cheeseburger promotion, claiming it was unfair for them to be repuired to sell these for $1 when they cost$1.10 to make.In May a judge ruled in favour of Burger King.Nevertheless, the company may still be cursing its decision to promote cheap choices over more expensive ones because items on its “value menu” now account for around 20% of all sales, upfrom 12% last October.
F.Analysts expect the fast-food industry to grow modestly this year.But the downturn is makingcompanies rethink their strategies.Many are now introducing higher-priced items to entice (引诱)consumers away from $1 specials.KFC, a division of Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Belland Pizza Hut, has launched a chicken sandwich that costs around $5.And in May Burger Kingintroduced barbecue (烧烤)pork ribs at $7 for eight.
G.Companies are also trying to get customers to buy new and more items, including drinks.McDonald's started selling better coffee as a challenge to Starbucks.Its “ McCafe” line nowaccounts for an estimated 6% of sales in America.Starbucks has sold rights to its Seattle's Bestcoffee brand to Burger King, which will start selling it later this year.
H.As fast-food companies shift from “super size” to “more buys”, they need to keep customer traffichigh throughout the day.Many see breakfast as a big opporttmity, and not just for fatty food.McDonald's will start selling porridge (粥)in America next year.Breakfast has the potential to bevery profitable, says Sara Senatore of Bernstein, a research firm, because the margins can be high.Fast-food companies are also adding midday and late-night snacks, such as blended drinks andwraps.The idea is that by having agreater range of things on the menu, “we can sell to consumersproducts they want all day,” says Rick Carucci., the .chief financial officer of Yum ! Brands.
I.But what about those growing waistlines? So far, fast-food firms have cleverly avoided governmentregulation.By providing healthy options, like salads and low-calorie sandwiches, they have at leastgiven the impression of doing something about helping to fight obesity (肥胖症).These offeringsare not necessarily loss-leaders, as they broaden the appeal of outlets to groups of diners thatinclude some people who don't want to eat a burger.But customers cannot be forced to ordersalads instead of fries.
J.In the future, simply offering a healthy option may not be good enough.“Every packaged-food and restaurant company I know is concerned about regulation right now,” says Mr.Palmer of UBS.America's health-reform bill, which Congress passed this year, requires restaurant chains with 20 ormore outlets to put the calorie-content of items they serve on the menu.A study by the NationalBureau of Economic Research, which tracked the effects on Starbucks of a similar calorie-postinglaw in New York City in 2007, found that the average calorie-count per transaction fell 6% andrevenue increased 3% at Starbucks stores where a Dunldn Donuts outlet was nearby--a sign, it issaid, that menu-labelling could favour chains that have more healthy offerings.
K.In order to avoid other legislation in America and elsewhere, fast-food companies will have tocontinue innovating (创新).Walt Riker of McDonald's claims the change it has made in its menumeans it offers more healthy items than it did a few years ago.“We probably sell more vegetables,more milk, more salads, more apples than any restaurant business in the world,” he says.But therecent proposal by a county in California to ban McDonald's from including toys in its high-calorie“Happy Meals”, because legislators believe it attracts children to unhealthy food, suggests there isa lot more left to do.
46.Some people propose laws be made to stop McDonald's from attaching toys to its food specials for children.
47.Fast-food finns may not be able to cope with pressures from food regulation in the near future.
48.Burger King will start to sell Seattle's Best coffee to increase sales.
49.Some fast-food firms provide healthy food to give the impression they are helping to tackle the obesity problem.
50.During the recession, many customers turned to fast food to save money.
51.Many people eat out less often to save money in times of recession.
52.During the recession, Burger King's promotional strategy of offering low-priced items often proved ineffective.
53.Fast-food restaurants can make a lot of money by selling breakfast.
54.Many fast-food companies now expect to increase their revenue by introducing higher-priced items.
55.A newly-passed law asks big fast-food chains to specify the calorie count of what they serve on the menu.
Section C
Directions: There are 2 passages in this section.Each passage is followed by some questions orunfinished statements.For each of them there are four choices marked A., B), C.andD ).You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on AnswerSheet 2 with a single line through the centre.
Passage One
Questions 56 to 60 are based on the following passage.
If you think a high-factor sunscreen (防晒霜)keeps you safe from harmful rays, you may be wrong.Research in this week's Nature shows that while factor 50 reduces the number of melanomas(黑瘤)and delays their occurrence, it can't prevent them.Melanomas are the most aggressive skin cancers.You have a higher risk if you have red or blond hair, fair skin, blue or green eyes, or sunburn easily, or if a close relative has had one.Melanomas are more common if you have periodic intense exposure to the sun.Other skin cancers are increasingly likely with long-term exposure.
There is continuing debate as to how effective sunscreen is in reducing melanomas the evidence is weaker than it is for preventing other types of skin cancer.A 2011 Australian study of 1,621 people found that people randomly selected to apply sunscreen daily had half the rate of melanomas of people who used cream as needed.A second study, comparing 1,167 people with melanomas to 1,101 who didn't have the cancer, found that using sunscreen routinely, alongside other protection such as hats,long sleeves or staying in the shade, did give some protection.This study said other forms of sun protection not sunscreen seemed most beneficial.The study relied on people remembering what they had done over each decade of their lives, so it's not entirely reliable.But it seems reasonable to think sunscreen gives people a false sense of security in the sun.
Many people also don't use sunscreen properly applying insufficient amounts, failing to reapply after a couple of hours and staying in the sun too long.It is sunburn that is most worrying recent research shows five episodes of sunburn in the teenage years increases the risk of all skin cancers.
The good news is that a combination of sunscreen and covering up can reduce melanoma rates, as shown by Australian figures from their slip-slop-slap campaign.So if there is a heat wave this summer, it would be best for us, too, to slip on a shirt, slop on (抹上)sunscreen and slap on a hat.
56.What is people's common expectation of a high-factor sunscreen?
A.It will delay the occurrence of skin cancer.
B.It will protect them from sunburn.
C.It will keep their skin smooth and fair.
D.It will work for people of any skin color.
57.What does the research in Nature say about a high-factor sunscreen?
A.It is ineffective in preventing melanomas.
B.It is ineffective in case of intense sunlight.
C.It is ineffective with long-term exposure.
D.It is ineffective for people with fair skin.
58.What do we learn from the 2011 Australian study of 1,621 people?
A.Sunscreen should be applied alongside other protection measures.
B.High-risk people benefit the most from the application of sunscreen.
C.Irregular application of sunscreen does women more harm than good.
D.Daily application of sunscreen helps reduce the incidence of melanomas.
59.What does the author say about the second Australian study?
A.It misleads people to rely on sunscreen for protection.
B.It helps people to select the most effective sunscreen.
C.It is not based on direct observation of the subjects.
D.It confirms the results of the first Australian study.
60.What does the author suggest to reduce melanoma rates?
A.Using both covering up and sunscreen.
B.Staying in the shade whenever possible.
C.Using covering up instead of sunscreen.
D.Applying the right amount of sunscreen.
Passage Two
Questions 61 to 65 are based on the following passage.
Across the rich world, well-educated people increasingly work longer than the less-skilled.Some65% of American men aged 62 -74 with a professional degree are in the workforce, compared with32% of men with only a high-school certificate.This gap is part of a deepening divide between the well-educated well-off and the unskilled poor.Rapid technological advance has raised the incomes of the highly skilled while squeezing those of the unskilled.The consequences, for individuals and society, are profound.
The world is facing an astonishing rise in the number of old people, and they will live longer than ever before.Over the next 20 years the global population of those aged 65 or more will almost double, from 600 million to 1.1 billion.The experience of the 20th century, when greater longevity (长寿)translated into more years in retirement rather than more years at work, has persuaded many observers that this shift will lead to slower economic growth, while the swelling ranks of pensioners will create government budget problems.
But the notion of a sharp division between the working young and the idle old misses a new trend, the growing gap between the skilled and the unskilled.Employment rates are falling among younger unskilled people, whereas older skilled folk are working longer.The divide is most extreme in America, where well-educated baby-boomers (二战后生育高峰期出生的美国人)are putting off retirement while many less-skilled younger people have dropped out of the workforce.
Policy is partly responsible.Many European governments have abandoned policies that used to encourage people to retire early.Rising life expectancy (预期寿命), combined with the replacement of generous defmed-benefit pension plans with less generous defined-contribution ones, means that even the better-off must work longer to have a comfortable retirement.But the changing nature of work also plays a big role.Pay has risen sharply for the highly educated, and those people continue to reap rich rewards into old age because these days the educated elderly are more productive than the preceding generation.Technological change may well reinforce that shift: the skills that complement computers, from management knowhow to creativity, do not necessarily decline with age.
61.What is happening in the workforce in rich countries?
A.Younger people are replacing the elderly.
B.Well-educated people tend to work longer.
C.Unemployment rates are rising year after year.
D.People with no college degree do not easily find work.
62.What has helped deepen the divide between the well-off and the poor?
A.Longer life expectancies.
B.A rapid technological advance.
C.Profound changes in the workforce.
D.A growing number of the well-educated.
63.What do many observers predict in view of the experience of the 20th century?
A.Economic growth will slow down.
B.Government budgets will increase.
C.More people will try to pursue higher education.
D.There will be more competition in the job market.
64.What is the result of policy changes in European countries?
A.Unskilled workers may choose to retire early.
B.More people have to receive in-service training.
C.Even wealthy people must work longer to live comfortably in retirement.
D.People may be able to enjoy generous defined-benefits from pension plans.
65.What is characteristic of work in the 21st century?
A.Computers will do more complicated work.
B.More will be taken by the educated young.
C.Most jobs to be done will be the creative ones.
D.Skills are highly valued regardless of age.
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.
中国是世界上最古老的文明之一。构成现代世界基础的许多元素都起源于中国。中国现在拥有世界上发展最快的经济，并正经历着一次新的工业革命。中国还启动了雄心勃勃的太空探索计划，其中包括到2020年建成一个太空站。目前，中国是世界最大的出口国之一，并正在吸引大量外国投资。同时，它也在海外投资数十亿美元。2011年，中国超越日本成为世界第二大经济体。
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