四级模拟题参简要(2014.09)

长篇阅读理解·翻译·写作样题·模拟题·真题

（供2013级使用）

【答案】2014年9月

【长篇阅读理解】

Exercise – 1

【参】 1-5： C A E G A 6-10: H J B I F

Exercise – 2

【参】 1-5：B H E F A 6-10: C I D G H

Exercise – 3

【参】 1-5：F C K H D 6-10: E J B G I

Exercise – 4

【参】 1-5：B E F C G 6-10: E J H I D

Exercise – 5

【参】 1-5：D G J E F 6-10: H B A C K

1. 【D】本题的题干关键词是Saudi Arabia. Women’s equality和more

slowly，由此定位到原文第一个小标题下D段第二句：For example, in Saudi Arabia, modern change is coming more slowly. Women still are denied the right to vote or drive a car.在沙特阿拉伯女性还没有权利选举和驾车，因此说男女平等的进程进展缓慢。

2. 【G】本题的题干关键词是India和killing girl babies，由此定位到原

文第二个小标题下G段第一句：Parents who cannot pay for ultrasound tests sometimes kill girl babies right after they are born.由此可知，杀死女婴是造成印度男女比例失衡的原因之一。

3. 【J】本题的题干关键词是southern Africa, girls, stay at home和

education，由此可定位到原文第三个小标题J段前两句。由此可知，在南非三干八百万儿童中，超过一半的女孩没有在学校，她们留在家里照顾家人。

4. 【E】本题的题干关键词是India, girl, get married和pay a lot of

money，由此可定位到原文第二个小标题第一段后半部分：Girls may cause financial problems when they marry. Their families must traditionally pay huge amounts of money to their daughter’s future husband.题干句与该两句表意相同。

5. 【F】本题的题干关键词是fetus，由此定位到原文第二个小标题F段

中间部分：Using ultrasound tests to find out the sex of the fetus is illegal in India.该句与题干句都表达“印度禁止只是用于分辨胎儿性别的超声波检查”这个意思。

6. 【H】本题的题干关键词是United Nations, set a goal和education，由

此定位到原文第三个小标题第一段第一句：Several years ago, the United Nations set its Millennium Development Goals (in 2000).

Education for all children by the year 2015 was one of the goals…。题干句是该句的同义转述。

7. 【B】本题的题干关键词是Islamic world, essential, women’s

progress，由此可定位到原文第一个小标题R段第四句：Ms al-Moumin says economic and social power are important to women’s progress in the Islamic world.由该句可知，经济和社会权力是世界女性发展的重要因素。

8. 【A】由该题可知，“三八妇女节”是为庆祝妇女在经济、政治和社

会等领域做出的重要贡献和取得的巨大成就而设立的节日。首段总结了国际妇女节的意义，因此该题出自于首段。

9. 【C】本题的题干关键词是illiterate, education和the younger

generation，由此可定位到原文第一个小标题C段最后两句。该两句说明了没有文化的母亲很难担负教育好下一代的责任。

10. 【K】本题的题干关键词是East Africa和arranged and early

marriages，由此可定位到最后一段的第二句：Traditional values force many girls to accept arranged marriages when they are very young.题干句是该句的同义转述。

Exercise – 6

【参】 1-5：A D G K H 6-10: I F G B E

Exercise – 7

【参】 1-5：F H J B C 6-10: E N M L A

Exercise – 8

【参】 1-5：D A K H F 6-10: I B J C E

Exercise – 9

【参】 1-5：C A E B D 6-10: F J L K H

Exercise – 10

【参】 1-5：K B J L E 6-10: M H N D E【翻译】

Exercise – 1

Urbanization refers to the process of rural people migrating into cities. A key index of a nation’s urbanization level is the distribution of its population in rural and urban areas. In the last year, the urbanization rate of China was over 50%, which marks that China has stepped into a new “city-based society”. Urbanization has become an important part of China’s social and economic development. By offering better education and more job opportunities to urban residents, it not only improves their living standards, but also enriches their cultural experiences.

Exercise – 2

The imperial examination system is the one that the imperial government adopted to select officials in ancient China. In was first put into practice in the Sui Dynasty and lasted more than 1,300 years until the Qing Dynasty, enjoying a long and dominant position in the history of ancient Chinese education. In the ancient society, because of the strong class consciousness, few people from lower classes had the chance to get any position in the government. The “keju” evaluation system offered opportunities to children from poor families to attend the government exams and bring honor to their families. This system proved to be fairer and more far-reaching than anyother examination system existing before it.

Exercise – 3

The Tomb Sweeping Day is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It started from the Zhou Dynasty with a history of more than 2,500 years. The Tomb Sweeping Day is an important occasion for people to sweep the tombs and offer sacrifices to their ancestors. When visiting tombs, people carry wine, food, fruits and paper money. They put the food in front of the tombs, add some fresh soil to the tombs, burn paper money, kneel down in prayer and worship their ancestors, and finally eat up the food and drink the wine before going back home. Apart from sweeping the tombs, people also take part in a variety of activities, such as playing on a swing, flying kites, etc.

Exercise – 4

It is a wonder that doctors of traditional Chinese medicine could cure patients without any assistant equipment. The four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine consist of observing, listening and smelling, inquiring and pulse taking. Observing indicates that doctors directly watch the outward appearance to find out a patient’s condition. Listening and smelling refers to listening to the sound and smelling the odor of the patient, which is helpful for doctors to collect messages to diagnose. Inquiring suggests that doctors question the patient so as to know the symptoms and previous treatments. Pulse taking refers that doctors measure the pulse condition of patients to know their internal change.

Exercise – 5

The Summer Palace was constructed as an imperial garden, which was seriously destroyed in the late Qing Dynasty. Later, the Qing rulers reconstructed the garden with the money intended for building up the army. Now the Summer Palace, one of the largest and the best-preserved royal gardens in the world, has absorbed the architectural features from all parts of China. In recent years, the Chinese government has repaired and reconstructed the buildings in the garden several times. This old imperial garden now has taken on a completely new look, making it one of the most favorite parks.

Exercise – 6

Xu Xiake was born in a prosperous family. Influenced by his father, he loved to read books about geography, adventure, traveling and so on. These books developed his early love of the motherland’s magnificent scenery, andmade him determined to travel over mountains and rivers. At the age of 22, Xu Xiake began his journey. In his lifetime, he traveled throughout China for more than 30 years, documenting his tours extensively. In order to carry out thorough investigations, he seldom traveled by carriage or boat. Instead, he took long trips on foot almost all the time, climbing mountains and hills. The records of his travels were gathered by others after his death into the book The Travel Diaries Xu Xiake.

Exercise – 7

The facial makeup of Beijing Opera is a unique makeup method with Chinese national characteristics. It has the best feature of showing the characters with various colorful facial paintings. The audience knows the good or evil character of a role directly based on the color of the face. Usually, red represents loyalty; black integrity; purple justice, and yellow brutality. In addition, the facial makeup often comes with designs to tell some story. For instance, Hou Yi has nine suns painted on his face, indicating that he has ever shot nine suns from the sky.

Exercise – 8

Samsung Electronics issued an apology to Chinese consumers on 23rd October, offering to provide free repairs and extended maintenances on seven models. With the apology, Samsung hopes to maintain its leading position in China’s smart phone market. The company sold 30 million devices in China for a 17.7 percent market share last year. Samsung is not the first company that issued an apology and promised to improved services. Apple did the same thing before and thus opened up a vast number of new customers.

Exercise – 9

Thanks to the power of the Internet, Chinese Wuxia series are becoming increasingly popular in the West. Wuxia is a genre of Chinese fiction related to martial artists. It appears in various forms of media, from video games to movies. Many westerners cannot understand Chinese at all, but they don’t mind reading the translated English words on the screen. The lack of promotion and basic knowledge of Wuxia are among the reasons why the genre previously spread slowly in the West.

Exercise – 10

China’s first online literature university was established on Oct.30, 2013. The Nobel Literature Prize Laureate Mo Yan is acting as honorary principal. It was built jointly by many online literature websites. Writers and editors

from major literature websites were invited to be teachers for the university. The university aims to offer free training for literature lovers and help them start their career as soon as possible. Learners can receive literature training online without stepping out of their houses. About 100 thousand learners are expected to benefit from the training every year.

Exercise – 11

The past decade has witnessed a high-speed development in China’s real estate. But it is quite difficult for many people to buy a house. The high housing price even makes some young couples postpone their plan for marriage. In view of the situation, the government has adopted a series of measures in recent years to prevent the housing price from rising too fast, including regulating and standardizing the real estate market, raising mortgage rates, and introducing property tax. At present, preliminary effects have been achieved in some cities.

Exercise – 12

China will develop its economy further and open itself wider to the outside world, which offers more business opportunities to overseas enterprises.

Since China’s reform and opening up, Chinese enterprises have been cooperating with overseas enterprises in terms of economy and technology, and have scored great/ tremendous achievement. Overseas enterprises have not only helped Chinese enterprises with their growth, but also benefited from the cooperation. Chinese government will continue to offer favorable policies and conditions to promote the further cooperation between Chinese and overseas enterprises.

Exercise – 13

The phenomenon of holiday economy shows that Chinese people’s consumption concept is undertaking great changes. According to statistics, the demands of Chinese consumers are shifting from the basic necessities of life to leisure, comfort and personal development. (Chinese consumers’demand for basic necessities of life has given way to leisure, comfort and development.) Therefore, the structure of products should be adjusted accordingly to adapt to social development. On the other hand, services should be improved to satisfy people’s demand for an improved quality of life.

Exercise – 14

On June 20, 2013, an estimated 600 thousand school children and their teachers across China watched a science lesson taught from 300km above theEarth by astronaut Wang Yaping. Wang is aboard the Tiangong-1 laboratory module with two crewmates, for a two-week mission. Her lessons were a series of physics demonstrations in the space. In some demonstrations, she compared with the same experiment under the one-gravity environment on Earth. The lesson has not only offered children a physics lesson with knowledge and interest, but also shows the advance in communication technology of China.

Exercise – 15

Culture festival is the best medium for people of different countries to understand each other. Through culture festivals, many cities in China have become known overseas. Wonderful folk singing and dancing and delicious local food are the most popular/appealing parts to people. It has been proved that this is one of the most effective ways to promote the communication between Chinese people and people from other parts of the world. This kind of communication is not only confined to culture, but extends to economy and other fields.

Exercise – 16

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival after the Spring Festival to Chinese people. Every year, when the festival comes, people go home from every corner of the country and the world to meet their family, admire the full moon and eat moon cakes. Nowadays, there is a large variety of moon cakes on scale a month before the arrival of the festival. Chinese people believe a full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity and family reunion. The moon on Mid-Autumn Festival night is believed to be the brightest and fullest. That is why the festival is also known/called as the “Day of Reunion” and “Moon Festival”.

Exercise – 17

Dali is one of the most popular spots for independent China travelers and hugely popular with those working, teaching and studying in China. 50 minutes by plane or three to four hours by bus from Kunming, Dali is the perfect place to relax. It consists of Dali New City and Dali Old Town. Travelers visit Dali Old Town for its traditional architecture, minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and simply to relax. The Old Town has a population of 40,000 and the entire Dali Prefecture around three million people and an area of over 10,000 sq km.

Exercise – 18

As a major developing country with a long coastline, China attaches greatimportance to marine development and protection, and takes it as the state’s development strategy. It is constantly strengthening comprehensive marine management, steadily improving its marine laws, and actively developing science, technology and education pertaining to the oceans. China has made positive contributions to international ocean development and protection by participating positively in UN marine affairs, promoting country-to-country and regional cooperation and conscientiously carrying out its obligations in this field.

Exercise – 19

The main characteristics of Chinese cuisine are: First, it employs a wide selection of ingredients; second, importance is placed on good knife handling skills, and the correct matching of ingredients and tastes; third, there is an abundant variety of different ways to cook; and finally, it has a repertoire and blends color, smell, taste and appearance. Chinese cookery has been shaped by the very character of China itself. In a land chronically overpopulated and fuel-poor, a people concerned with good eating had to use ingredients and develop techniques unknown or ignored elsewhere.

Exercise – 20

China time-honored brands refer to the Chinese companies which have a long history as well as a good reputation. With distinct characteristics of traditional Chinese culture, they get extensive public recognition by offering good-quality products, techniques or services. Both Tongrentang and Quanude are the time-honored brands in Beijing. Tongrentang was founded in 1669, and its medical products have enjoyed a good reputation both at home and abroad for excellent traditional manufacturing techniques and good effects. Founded in 18 and well-known for its Beijing roast ducks, Quanjude is a famous restaurant in China.【写作】

Exercise – 1

Talent Show

Nowadays, talent shows have occupied a good proportion of screen time. Participants compete in various fields, such as singing, acting and cat walking, etc. The winners not only get grand prix but also gain promising career prospects in the entertainment industry. People hold diversified opinion about talent shows. According to a survey conducted in X city, 59% of the interviewees believed that they did more good than harm, whereas 41% opposed it.

The people in favor of the shows believe that they have given participants an equal chance to bring forth their talents. Talent shows in general provide a platform for people who want to stand in the spotlight. Besides, such programs are usually interactive with audience who vote out the winners. Despite the economic gains, many people dislike such contests, holding that the vulgar competition encourages an unhealthy thinking among the young people of becoming famous overnight.

In my opinion, talent shows are no doubt a commercial success and an entertainment feast. And it is all too easy to label them as “vulgar” or “biased”. Though I do have some reservation towards them, I believe that the programs themselves are not harmful, as long as run properly and viewed with a light heart enjoyment.

Exercise – 2

Looking Up Health Information on the Internet As we can see from the chart above, in the United States in 2009, a little less than a half of men looked up health information on the Internet, while more than half of women did the same, especially women aged between 25 and 34. However, a majority of adults over 65 would not like to do so.

Two conclusions can be drawn from the survey. One is that adults below 65 concern more about their health than aged adults. It’s not difficult tospeculate the reason: middle aged adults have to stay healthy to support the family, so they care very much about their own health condition. The other conclusion is that women care more about health than men do. The reason might be something like this: women are more sensitive and more vulnerable to diseases.

The way I see it, it’s necessary for adults to care about their health conditions, but looking up information on the Internet is not a smart choice. It’s better go to see a real doctor when you feel uncomfortable.

Exercise – 3

Obesity Among Children and Adolescents

As we can see from the chart above, among children 2-19, there are more fat boys than fat girls at the same age. Besides, obesity is even more common among children above 6 than below.

Two reasons may be responsible for the phenomenon. For one thing, generally speaking, boys eat relatively more than girls of the same age do. Therefore, boys are more likely to get fat compared with girls. For another, children meet a time of rapid body development at the age of 6, at which time they tend to eat more to get enough nutrition from the food. As a result, we find more children with obesity at the age of 6-19.

In my opinion, we should pay more attention to the obesity among children and encourage them to do as much exercise as possible. After all, obesity brings children no good but inconvenience and a higher rate of falling ill.

Exercise – 4

Ideal Jobs for College Graduates

From the above chart, we can see that there are significant differences between boys’ and girls’ choices of ideal jobs. The most striking contrast is in the occupation of teaching, which is the priority of many girls while only 8% of the boys want to be. And boys who want to be civil servants account for the largest proportion with a percentage of 45%, and 32% of girls also take civil servants as their ideal jobs.

Many reasons account for this distribution. First of all, female students are more identical with the teacher occupation because their tenderness and patience fit them well for the job. Girls are good at communicating with students which is important for a teacher. Furthermore, students want to be civil servants because they could guarantee a stable and decent life. As a result, the national civil service receives so many applications these years.

As far as I am concerned, different genders have their own gifts for doing different jobs and working successfully in their respective fields. For onething, we should explore our own intelligence and choose the jobs we are adept at. For another, one of the things we must consider is our interests. In brief, we should make a conscious decision in choosing a job.

Exercise – 5

The Difference in Income Sources Between American and Chinese

Students

From the above table, we can see that the income sources of American and Chinese students are quite different. The American students’ half income comes from their parents; 35% comes from part-time jobs, and the rest from the scholarships. However, 90% of Chinese students’ income is from their parents; scholarships and part-time jobs contribute to only 10% of the income.

Many reasons account for this distribution. Firstly, American students have been taught to be independent since childhood. Many of them began earning their pocket money through their labor at an early age. Secondly, compared with their American counterparts, Chinese students have fewer opportunities to find part-time jobs. Thirdly, the college scholarships in China are not enough to meet most Chinese students’ needs.

As far as I am concerned, Chinese students should try to seek some kind of part-time jobs to foster their independency. For one thing, they can acquire some social skills and accumulate experience to prepare for their future life. To conclude, Chinese students’ income sources should be diversified.

Exercise – 6

What Do Students Need English for

Today, it seems that everyone is studying English, especially students. But what do students study English for? A survey made by a teacher at a university gives us some hints.

The results of the survey suggest that students need English for different purposes. Most students learn English because they need to read English textbooks or journals or attend English lectures, while only a few students use it to talk to English-speaking visitors, attend seminars, and write letters, etc. There are also some differences between economics students and engineering students. Compared with engineering students, economics students need to read English business textbooks and write reports in English.

From the results of the survey, we can see that the purpose students learn English for vary with the academic field students study in. Whatever the purposes are, one thing is certain: Students need English, and English teaching should be strengthened in universities.

Exercise – 7

Finding a Job Becomes Harder for Women

As we can see from the picture, young women aged 16-19 have experienced a higher rate of unemployment than adult women. Besides, the unemployment rate for women has kept increasing from 2007 to 2011.

This phenomenon can be explained from two aspects. On the one hand, comparatively, young women have less working experience than adult women, so they are more likely to be laid off when the economy is down. On the other hand, with the financial crisis and economic downturn, employment situation for women in the job market has become worse and worse. Therefore, more and more women are unemployed since January 2007.

As far as I can see, the trend will go on during the next few years. Women have to shoulder more responsibilities and work harder if they want to land a post in the job market.

Exercise – 8

Moviegoers vs. Internet-users

From the graph, we can see that during the two decades from 1990 to 2010, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Internet-users. The number in 2010 is nearly seven times as much as that of 1990. In contrast, the figure of the moviegoers dropped almost in half during the same period.

Many reasons account for these changes. Firstly, thanks to the popularity of the computer and Internet, an increasing number of people would rather stay at home surfing the Internet than go to the cinema. There are various resources on the Internet and people can enjoy almost every movie they like without stepping out of their rooms. Secondly, the price of the movie tickets have risen so much. Thirdly, people in the modern society must keep busy earning their livings, thus they seldom have leisure time to go to see movies.

As far as I am concerned, the Internet-users should go to movies now and then. For one thing, high-tech films can give you a visual treat. For another, going to movies can avoid you from indulge in Internet all day. In brief, going to movies is a tentative entertainment for Internet-users.

Exercise – 9

Teacher-Student Relationship

As we can see, in the picture a boy offers to buy his teacher a drink as a way to thank her for her extra help on the multiplication table. The picture shows us a successful way to build a nice teacher-student relationship.

In spite of the common phrase that teachers and students are natural enemies, there are many ways to help teachers develop a good relation withtheir students. For one thing, a good teacher should encourage his/her students more often than punish them. For another, sometimes a teacher can go out of his/her way to help the slow students on his/her class, so that students will be moved by the teacher’s deed and feel grateful to the teacher.

In my opinion, if teachers treat their students as patiently as they treat their own children, no student will cause trouble and the teacher-student relation will surely be very nice.

Exercise – 10

The Importance of Studying Maths

In the picture, a woman is watching an opinion poll concerning the necessity for citizens to be better in maths on television. The reporter says that 50% of respondents say yes, 40% say no, and 35% are undecided. Apparently, the reporter has done a bad job in maths and made a mistake himself.

Maths is everywhere in our daily life. No one can live a day without dealing with mathematical problems. For example, when you bargain in the grocery with the shopkeeper, you have to do the maths problem in your mind in advance. Moreover, maths trains people to be precise and logical, so that we can fix complicated problems step by step.

As far as I can see, it’s necessary for us to learn maths and get better at it. Not only because of its practical use in everyday life, but also because it lays the foundation for the exploration of our future.

Exercise – 11

Digital Textbooks

In the picture, a boy who is carrying a heavy schoolbag is completely exhausted, and the man nearby tells him that a digital book is his prescription. The picture shows us that people tend to use digital books instead of printed books.

With the development of the high-technology, people want to lead a more comfortable life. Therefore, digital books come into being, taking the place of printed books. On the one hand, people can go everywhere with a digital textbook, which is extremely convenient with its high capacity. On the other hand, however, digital textbooks are too costly for some students to get widely used.

From my point of view, I prefer printed books to digital ones, because printed books are good for our eyes. More importantly, reading printed textbooks is different from reading digital ones in respect of the feeling of reading.Exercise – 12

Whether Homework Is Necessary?

In the picture above, the little boy tells his mother that he wants to get a dog that would eat his homework sometimes. The words from the boy make his mother surprised. This picture alerts us that nowadays many students have great pressure in doing their homework.

Homework is the assignment from the teacher, which is designed to check and consolidate what the students have learned in their class. On the one hand, homework can help the teacher gain feedback from the students. On the other hand, with more and more homework to be done every day, students are getting much more pressure than before. Doing homework repeatedly occupies most of their spare time, which is supposed to be used for rest and having fun.

For my point of view, homework is necessary for both students and teachers because it is just like a bridge linking teaching and learning. However, the teachers should always assure that quality is more important than quantity.

Exercise – 13

Whether Mobile Devices Should Be Used in the Classroom?

In the picture, a teacher is having a conversation with a couple. The teacher tells them that their child doesn’t interact well with mobile devices. The picture implies that nowadays mobile devices are widely used in the classroom.

Although mobile devices can bring students some convenience, there are many disadvantages when students are allowed to use them in the classroom. For one thing, students may get distracted from what the teacher is saying and focus on texting short messages to their friends. For another, some students may cheat in the exam through those mobile devices. After all, it’s not rare that students pass answers to their friends by texting them.

Personally, I think mobile devices should be forbidden in the classroom. Only in this way can students pay full attention to the class, rather than the jokes or games on their mobile devices.

Exercise – 14

The Importance of Being Practical and Realistic In the picture, a boy is asked by his teacher to give a presentation on how he spent his summer vacation. In his speech, the boy mentions that he looked over the fiscal cliff, which apparently is impractical because it’s beyond his ability.

It’s good for children to have imagination and dream a lot. But at thesame time, they have to be aware of the importance of being practical and realistic. On the one hand, being realistic means you have a clear picture of yourself and know what you are able to do, so that you won’t waste too much of your time on fantasies. On the other hand, being practical is helpful for people to develop a humble personality, which is extremely important for a learner who in fact doesn’t have much ability.

As far as I am concerned, we should always stay practical and realistic. Because only when you know well who you are and where you are can you make your next step towards the right direction.

Exercise – 15

The Rapid Technological Development

In the picture, a teacher makes an announcement to her students that due to recent technological advances, everything she taught them about computers is no longer valid. Form the picture, we can see how rapid technological development is.

As we all know, 21 century is considered as a digital age. The rapid development of high technology will inevitably lead to significant change in every aspect of our life. For one thing, it has a huge impact on our lifestyle. For example, years ago girls liked going shopping on foot and looking for beautiful clothes from door to door. But nowadays, few of them go out for shopping because they can buy almost everything online. For another, the rapid technological development has resulted in the change of our thinking. The idea that we can rely on what we have learnt for the rest of our lives is totally outdated.

Personally, I think we should never overlook the importance of learning. Only through constant learning can we keep up with this rapid developing era.

Exercise – 16

Too Much Pressure from Academic Studies Does No Good For years many people consider that pressure can turn into power, driving people to work towards their goals. Therefore, both parents and teachers exert a lot of pressure on students so as to make them more competitive. However, some experts say too much pressure from academic studies do not necessarily lead to the results that the parents have expected. The following reasons can support the argument.

Undoubtedly, students under too much pressure from academic studies generally spend little time on other things. Thus, few of them have the opportunity to learn about the society. Moreover, too much pressure can lead to mental problems. For example, recently, there has been an increase instress-related diseases among college and high-school students. In addition, students under too much pressure usually don’t perform as well as they can.

All mentioned above tell us that too much pressure from academic studies does more harm than good to students. College students should balance themselves between pressure and relaxation. Therefore, we should hold the pressure within a proper degree to make it function well towards our expectations.

Exercise – 17

Information Security

In recent years, information security has aroused widespread concern. As we step into information society, computer crime rate keeps rising and information security incidents occur frequently. Moreover, hackers, fraudsters and various white-collar criminals emerge on the Internet in an endless stream.

As everyone sees, information security incidents are bringing great harm to the victims, including government departments, organizations, institutions and individuals. Firstly, the government may suffer from national security threats. With the help of computers and the Internet, spies and some weak-minded officials can disclose state secrets via more advanced skills. Secondly, companies may lose important trade secrets. Thirdly, the public’s confidence will be damaged.

Therefore, we should pay more attention to information security. For one thing, since no system can ever be absolutely safe, both prevention and detection techniques are necessary to information security management. For another, organizations and companies should promote the awareness on information security to its staff. To conclude, only in this way can information security be guaranteed.

Exercise – 18

The Popularity of Microblog

In recent years, microblog has become very popular. More and more people have created their own microblogs. They use microblogs to reveal their inner voice, or collect and share thoughts and things they find interesting. In brief, microblog is an online instant notepad or a frequently updated personal page.

Why does microblog become so popular in such a short time? To begin with, it is the widespread of the Internet that provides a platform for the appearance and popularity of microblog. What’s more, microblog has no fixed rules and need no professional knowledge and skills, which enables millions of people to create their own microblogs as their wishes and have avoice and connect with others. Finally, microblog covers all kinds of topics from daily life to political forums, from individual thoughts to world events. Among million s of microblogs, you can always find something you are interested in.

However, microblog has some problems. On the one hand, plagiarism in microblog is not unusual. The protection of microblog copyright cannot be guaranteed. On the other hand, many microblog contents are in a mess, and some even include unhealthy things. Therefore, microblog still has a long way to go before it becomes mature.

Exercise – 19

Should Self-study Be Urged in This Way?

In recent years, some universities cut off the power in dormitories in the evening to urge students to go to the study hall to do self-study. Some people believe this measure will urge students to go to study more. However, others maintain that it is not a good method.

Those who hold the first opinion believe students with less self-discipline can be driven out of their dormitories to study. They point out that without the force, some students may never overcome their laziness. However, others do not agree with this. In their opinion, college students have the right to choose what to do and where to stay after class. Besides, they argue that if some emergency happens, it will be very inconvenient without electricity.

Weighing up these two arguments, I am inclined to the later one. For one thing, a number of college students have the initiative to study in the dormitory. For another, some assignments have to be finished by using personal computer. Considering these, I think the universities shouldn’t cut off the power in the dormitories in the evening.

Exercise – 20

Craze for Civil Service Examinations

In recent years, more and more people would like to participate in the test for national civil servants. Many graduates or employees consider the occupation of civil servant as their most ideal choice. They craze for the civil servant test and some of them even put all of their eggs in one basket. This phenomenon has attracted widespread attention.

In fact, it’s not difficult to explain such a craze. Above all, nowadays college students face great employment pressure. Civil servant, as one of the most stable professions in China, becomes their preferable selection. Moreover, the welfare and salary of civil servants have been improved greatly, which become a significant advantage enjoyed by many people. Besides, the high social position of civil servants is an important factor

drawing many people to compete for this profession.

In my opinion, this craze in civil servant test will continue in the following years because the highly competitive situation for employment is uneasy to change. However, with the perfection of employment system and more choices for career, people tend to have an overall understanding on employment.

Exercise – 21

TV Dating

Recently, TV dating shows produced by some of China’s provincial satellite TV stations have become very popular. With the success of Jiangsu Satellite TV’s “If You Are the One”, some other TV stations have been making their own dating programs. These programs have generated debate among the viewers.

Some audiences think that these programs may have a bad effect on young people. They are worried about the money worship showed by a few female participants. Watched by millions, one female participant from Beijing once rejected a suitor by saying that she would rather cry in a BMW than smile on a bicycle. Some other audiences support these programs. They hold that no TV shows can fully reflect social reality and that the money worship of a few participants does not represent mainstream Chinese society. People daring to express their love values in public should be considered a social progress.

In my opinion, the popularity of the TV dating programs can be employed as an opportunity to advocate positive values of love and marriage. After all, most people disapprove of the idea of money worship.

Exercise – 22

Should China Loosen Its One-child Policy?

Nowadays, whether China should loosen its one-child policy has aroused a heated debate. Some people are in favor of the new policy that if both of the couple are the only child in the family, they can give birth to a second child. However, others take an opposite view.

People who take the former opinion point out that the problems of aging population and the decline of working force will become more serious if China sticks to the one-child policy. They argue that loosening the one-child policy can help promote rational growth of population. Yet, people who are for the latter opinion firmly believe that the huge population of China will cause the shortage of natural resources and the excessive pollution.

In my opinion, it is advisable for China to loosen its one-child policy, because it makes the policy more humane. All in all, the government shouldhandle this problem flexibly.

Exercise – 23

Waste on the Tip of the Tongue

We are familiar with this kind of very funny scene: after dinner in a restaurant, many eaters refuse to pack the food that is hardly touched. This reflects a serious problem in China: waste on the tip of the tongue.

Luxurious odds and ends after dinner is a common phenomenon seen in daily life. The reasons causing it are very complicated. One possible is to show off, just as many peacockish persons like to do. Since our country adopted reform and opening policy, people’s behaviors to compare wealth had come in vogue with their purses thickening. Another is that officers with diminished political consciousness use public funds to make a pig of themselves without adequate supervision. Corruption fuels waste on the tip of the tongue.

Some effective measures should be taken to prevent epidemic of wasting behaviors. All media should be mobilized to popularize methods to save and preserve resources and call on people to take action. What’s more, we should cultivate thrifty habits while reminding those around us to refrain from luxury.

Exercise – 24

A Letter to the Local Government

May 2, 2013 Dear Sir or Madam,

I am a college student in this city. I am writing to you to complain about the ever-deteriorating pollution around our campus. Because of the poor environment, many students have fallen ill. Many more lose interest in their study and extra-curriculum activities.

Several factors contribute to the serious situation. Firstly, the pharmaceutical plant next to our campus emits disgusting smell, which makes many students feel nausea. To make matters worse, the food stands outside the campus produces mach pollution, coupled with the unhealthy food they provide.

I do believe it is high time that our local government took some prompt and effective measures to stop the pollution. Technical innovation should be introduced to the pharmaceutical plant to clean its air emission. As to the food stands, they should be banned from processing and selling food in the open air.

Thanks for your time and efforts for a cleaner environment for us.

Yours truly,Jia Ping

Exercise – 25

Food Security

Nowadays, people are getting increasingly concerned with food security because of the disclosure of several serious food insecurity cases and group poisoning. Food security has become an urgent problem that no one can afford to ignore.

There are several reasons accounting for this problem. First of all, a lack of responsibility and a thirst for illegal gains drive many food manufacturers to disregard the quality of food. Secondly, food administration agencies are not effective in their monitoring of food industry. Still worse, the awareness of food security is badly in need of being enhanced.

As far as I’m concerned, I suggest prompt and effective measures be taken to tackle this problem. For one thing, our government should spare no efforts in the administration of food industry, as well as educating the public the awareness of food security. For another, stricter laws should be enforced to guarantee food quality. Only in this way can consumers feel at ease when purchasing food.

Exercise – 26

Are Showy Gates Important?

Liaocheng University in Shangdong province was reported to have built a tremendous gate with a total of 80 million yuan. And the journalists revealed that this university was just one case in the building of showy gates. Several other universities spent over 10 million yuan for their gates.

Ever since the news was spread, people couched their opinions. Those who think we shouldn’t make a fuss over it hold that universities put up grand gates to give themselves a good image, and they want to attract more brilliant students. People who are firmly against such investment argue that the money could be used either to recruit better professors or to help students from poverty-stricken areas.

So long as I am concerned, universities shouldn’t spend the limited funds on their gates. On one hand, universities’ prestige lies not in their buildings but in the quality of the students, so what universities should go after is the strong cultural and academic atmosphere. Still more, the emphasis on universities’ image will result in a waste of the resources which could be used on the needy students, thus such showy gates will bring about the negative effect on our government. Form the above discussion, I strongly disapprove of the showy gates and our government should take prompt action to stop any more showy gates.Exercise – 27

How to Live a Low-carbon Life

An increasing number of people are making a strong appeal for a low-carbon lifestyle. They long for a cleaner and more environment-friendly world.

However, the excessive carbon dioxide emitted into the air has seriously damaged our living environment. The tsunami, flood and severe drought caused by the global warming are the biggest threat to people all over the world. The earth seems to be furious with human beings. The only effective way to solve this problem is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged into the atmosphere.

Many measures can be taken to achieve the goal. Firstly, cut down on driving and try walking or bicycling to work a few times a week. Secondly, stop using plastic package. The production of plastic packages consumes a lot of natural resources and produces tons of carbon dioxide each year. Most important of all, people all over the world should be imbued with an awareness of environment protection. Only with the joint efforts of everyone living on the earth can we make the long-desired low-carbon life come true.

Exercise – 28

Utilitarian Courses or Elementary Courses

The phenomenon of tight labor market has given rise to a heated discussion: whether our universities should focus more on practical courses? I’m of the opinion that our education should equip students with more utilitarian courses.

It is true that a university should establish the structure of the students’knowledge. And basic courses will help the students to develop such abilities as logic thinking and judgment. However, it is more essential to be armed with advanced science and technology, as is conveyed in the famous saying “The survival of the fittest”. Only in this way could we survive the cruel competition. What’s equally important, acquiring more advance utilitarian knowledge, we could keep up with the pace of the information era.

All in all, I strongly recommend that the courses should be practical so as to adjust the students to the needs of the job market.

Exercise – 29

Students’ Rating of Their Teachers

As education involves two sides: students and teachers, some universities and colleges have employed students’ rating of their teachers with the intention of improving the quality of education. In some universities andcolleges, students’ raring is the most important criterion in assessing teachers’ performance.

Ever since students begin to evaluate teachers’ work, there has been a wide-ranging discussion about the validity. Those who support the practice think students have the right to carry out the assessment because they are the customers of education, and only when they feel satisfied can we say the teaching is fruitful and successful. While those who hold a negative attitude feel that it is beyond students’ ability to evaluate teachers’ work, because they have very limited knowledge, and they attach too much importance to whether the class is interesting, not to how much knowledge teachers have imparted.

Students’ rating, in my opinion, is necessary and should be conducted in such a way as to shed meaningful light on teachers’ performance. And universities and college should enable the rating to develop it in the proper direction so as to realize the expected result.

Exercise – 30

On College Students’ Establishing Their Own Business Recently the government has issued some preferential policies to encourage college students to establish their own business. One main part of the reason is that the current economical crisis breaks the normal economical activities. The other main reason is that the job supply can not meet the need of more and more students.

Due to these reasons, the government encourages students to establish their own business. On the one hand, it can alleviate the employment pressure. On the other hand, it can shape students’ capability of independence and creativity. However, it also brings about problems. For one thing, the students are lack of life experience, not to mention the working experience. Thus, the success rate is very low. For another, few of the students can establish their own business because of various internal and external conditions.

As far as I am concerned, the aim of the government is good, but the realistic conditions should be taken into consideration. Apart from the preferential policies, the government should take action to help the students establish their own business.大学英语四级考试样卷

Part I Writing

The Importance of Learning Basic Skills

It is apparently depicted in the cartoon given above that while a teacher is teaching the multiplication table, one of the students just interrupts the teacher and says “No offense, but by the time we’re in the job market, won’t that stuff be outdated?” What can we learn from this painting?

Undoubtedly, the cartoon mirrors one of the problems in our lives that quite a few students underestimate the importance of learning basic skills

these days. In fact, we have no any reason to undervalue the importance of learning basic skills. Firstly, basic skills are equivalent to the first of thousand miles towards the success begins with the first step.” Secondly, it is difficult to understand how the world works if they refuse to attend elementary courses such as math, which is essential for obtaining a reasonable career. Thirdly, it enables us to lay a solid foundation for further leaning and exploration. In other words, those who have mastered basic skills well are more likely to acquire other skills and knowledge with ease.

All the factors stated above lead us to the conclusion that basic skills are crucial for youngster’s future. It is high time to inspire students to lay the solid foundation for future development. Only in this way, each of them can embrace a much brighter future.

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: D C D C B 6-10: C A D B C 11-15: A B C A A 16-20: D B C A B 21-25: C A B D B

26. curious 27. figuring things out 28. independent 29. interacting with 30. abstract

31. mystery 32. appropriately 33. trying it out 34. refining

35. concepts

Part III Reading Comprehension

Section A

36. 【E】

37. 【C】

38. 【O】

39. 【H】

40. 【M】

41. 【N】。

42. 【J】

43. 【K】

44. 【I】

45. 【F】

Section B

46. 【D】

47. 【C】

48. 【I】

49. 【E】

50. 【C】

51. 【H】52. 【G】

53. 【F】

54. 【A】

55. 【I】

Section C

56. 【A】

57. 【D】

58. 【C】

59. 【D】

60. 【B】

61. 【D】

62. 【B】

63. 【C】

. 【A】

65. 【B】

Part IV Translation

Paper cutting is one of China’s most popular traditional folk arts. Chinese paper cutting has a history of more than 1,500 years. It was widespread particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. People often beautify their homes with paper cuttings. During the Spring Festival and wedding celebrations, in particular, paper cuttings are used to decorate doors, windows and rooms in order to enhance the joyous atmosphere. The color most frequently used in paper cutting is red, which symbolizes health and prosperity. Chinese paper cutting is very popular around the world and it is often given as a present to foreign friends.

Model Test 1Part I Writing

In the picture presented to us, an oil lamp gives out bright flame against the dark background. Above the picture, there are some words, saying, “Love is a lamp. The darker the background is, the brighter it looks.” Obviously, what the picture symbolically illustrates is that light looks brighter in the darkness, while love feels warmer when badly in need.

In fact, love is indispensable to everyone, especially when people are weak and in badly need for help and care. First of all, no one can live a happy life without love. Love can close distance and eliminate barriers between people. Moreover, love and care for others encourages people. Love makes all the difficulties surmountable.

In my opinion, we should learn how to show our love to others in the best way. For one thing, we must keep a ready heart to help others. For another, it is demanding for us to give priority to the disabled. Only in this way, can love lead us to a better future.

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: C A B A B 6-10: D C D A B 11-15: C B D A D 16-20: B C A D C 21-25: D C A A B

26. locked away 27. forgotten 28. Responsible for 29. collected 30. individuals

31. institutions 32. agencies 33. steadily 34. invaded 35. alarmed citizens

Part III Reading Comprehension

【答案】 36-40: H J D IA 41-45: G B K L C

46-50: J M F H I 51-55: B N B I O

56-60: A D D A B 61-65: B C B D C

Part IV Translation:

Suzhou Street originally called Merchants Street, it was built in the style of South China towns during Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1736-1795). It was a street where emperors and empresses could pretend to go shopping as ordinary people and it was burned to the ground by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860 and restored in 1990. The 300-meter street is built over water with shops and stands on the bank. More than 60 businesses, including a teahouse, a restaurant, a pharmacy, a bank, a hat store, a jewelry store and a grocery store, operate on the bank, presenting a concentrated illustration of the commercialism in South China towns in the 18th century.

Model Test 2

Part I Writing

The Twitters

From the above chart, we can see that un upward trend of browsing during the period from June, 2012 to March, 2013. Twitter browsing had been increasing monthly, from June 2012 to January 2013. However, the number dropped abruptly in February, and rose again in March.

Many reasons account for these changes. Firstly, with the rise and prompt popularization of , more people take it as a good access to information. More and more companies and celebrities release exclusive news in their s which wins a lot of clicks. Secondly, in February, most Chinese people are busy celebrating the most important festival — the Spring Festival and therefore have no time surfing online. As a result, people spend more and more time in browsing s except February.

As far as I am concerned, we should rationally view the information from s. For one thing, some information from the s isn’t reliable at all. For another, is a good platform for communication. In brief, we should make full use of s.

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: D B A B C 6-10: C D A B D 11-15: A C A D B 16-20: B D C A D 21-25: B A C B D

26. selection 27. knowledge 28. vegetables 29. purchase 30. determines

31. responsible for 32. preparing 33. a consequence of 34. sales statistics 35. used to be

Part III Reading Comprehension

【答案】 36-40: M IF E H 41-45: D B J C A

46-50: B H A F C 51-55: G I J A D

56-60: C B D C A 61-65: A B D A C

Part IV Translation:

Since initiating market reforms in 1978, China has shifted from a centrally planned to a market based economy. More than 600 million citizens have been lifted out of poverty, but over 170 million people still live below the $1.25-a-day international poverty line. In 2012, China’s GDP per capitawas $12,405.67. This is 37 times higher than what it was just 30 years ago. By 2018, China’s GDP per capita will climb from the 90th to 75th highest in the world. This however will still be below the forecasted world average.

Model Test 3

Part I Writing

In recent years, information security has aroused widespread concern. As we step into information society, computer crime rate keeps rising and information security incidents occur frequently. Moreover, hackers, fraudsters and various white-collar criminals emerge on the Internet in an endless stream.

As everyone sees, information security incidents are bringing great harm to the victims, including government departments, organizations, institutions and individuals. Firstly, the government may suffer from national security threats. With the help of computers and the Internet, spies and some weak-minded officials can disclose state secrets via more advanced skills. Secondly, companies may lose important trade secrets. Thirdly, the public’s confidence will be damaged.

Therefore, we should pay more attention to information security. For one thing, since no system can ever be absolutely safe, both prevention and detection techniques are necessary to information security management. For another, organizations and companies should promote the awareness on information security to its staff. To conclude, only in this way can information security be guaranteed.

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: D A C C D 6-10: B A B A D 11-15: D C B C A

16-20: A D B C B 21-25: C D B C A

26. classified 27. background 28. appreciation 29. implies 30. image

31. instruments 32. mixed up 33. bring

about 34. shoot 35. technique

Part III Reading Comprehension:

【答案】 36-40: L G I D O 41-45: F B M J C

46-50: F E D H G 51-55: I H K J G

56-60: D B C B A 61-65: B A C D C

Part IV Translation:

China’s statistics are expected to show its first deficit in tourism, due to a week global economy and a strong travel incentive at home, a senior researcher said. China Tourism academy, said that mainland tourists spent some $62 billion in overseas destinations. At the same time, overseas tourists spent only $38 billion on the mainland, down by 7 percent year-on-year. Though official statistics for this year are yet to be released, the academy estimated that the tourism deficit will stand at $4 billion in this year — the first ever tourism deficit in China.

2014年6月大学英语四级考试真题（多题多卷标准卷）

Part I Writing

【写作题一】

The First Place I Will Show in My Hometown—the Central Avenue

My hometown is Harbin. The most interesting place which I would like to take my foreign friends to is the Central Avenue, if they come to my hometown. The reasons for this can be illustrated as below.

To begin with, as the symbol of Harbin, the Central Avenue not only has a long history, but also a famous food palace. There are a variety of deliciousfoods for you to choose. Just take the ice-cream brick of Ma Dieer as an example. Many of tourists to the Central Avenue sing their praises for the ice-cream brick of Ma Dieer. In addition, the brilliant historic culture of the Central Avenue can widen people’s vision and enhance their knowledge, which lays a solid foundation for the understanding of this fabulous city—Harbin.

I believe my foreign friends will enjoy themselves in the Central Avenue. Not only can they appreciate the wonderful landscape of Harbin but also taste authentic northeast food. No better place can be chosen than the Central Avenue!

【写作题二】

【范文1】

If a foreign friend is coming to visit our campus, I would show him or her our school library and the dining hall. There are several reasons to account for my recommendations. First of all, our university is famous for its unique library, which looks like a beautiful flower (lotus) . It is designed by Bei Lvming, a famous designer in the world, as a result of which there are a host of tourists who would like to take a photo in front of it almost every day. In addition, it also possesses a large number of books, with many students reading in it every day, thus in which I'm convinced that you can find the book you like too. Secondly, the dining hall in our school is a wonderful place too. Many delicious Chinese cuisines can be found there, such as noodles, dumplings. You can try cuisines from different places of China in the same dining hall! Based on the reasons above, I am sure that my foreign friend will enjoy his or her stay here, with me acting as his or her guider.【范文2】

Student Pavilion

Were I supposed to introduce one place in my campus for my foreign friend, the first place come up to our mind automatically is the student pavilion.

The reason why I am in favor of it is that student pavilion plays a positive role in improving students’ studies. Due to their heavy schedules, students are often busy with textbooks and seldom expose themselves to a colorful life. But the place which holds a variety of activities from time to time range from academic to recreational, such as academic reports, speech contests, painting’s clubs, etc. All these activities provide opportunities for students to enrich their knowledge and relax themselves. All in all, student pavilion opens the door for students to develop and enjoy themselves. I am sure if you come to the student pavilion, you’ll be bound to love it.

【写作题三】

As one of the most bewitching and international cities in China, Istrongly recommend you, my dearest friends, to pay a visit to my hometown-Beijing. It is the capital of China for several dynasties over a long period. In the meantime, it has now evolved into the political, cultural and educational center. There are many places of interests here in Beijing, among which the Summer Palace is the most interesting attraction. The Summer Palace is situated in the western outskirts of Beijing, and it is one of the most classical gardens in China, which enjoys a worldwide reputation. The most alluring scenery is Kunming Lake, with an exquisite building in the middle, and it involves three parts which are mainly used as the ancient empress’s living quarter. I’m sure you can definitely experience the characteristic and traditional culture of China. Hope you could enjoy your trip!

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: B D D C D 6-10: A D B A C 11-15: A C B C A

16-20: D A B D C 21-25: B C D A B

26. identical 27. approach 28. back and forth 29. opposite 30. indicates

31. referring to 32. parallel to 33. reserved 34. at the right angle 35. embarrassing

Section A

1. W: I can’t seem to reach the tea at the back of the cupboard.

M: Oh. Why don’t you use the ladder? You might strain your shoulder.

Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?

2. W: Since it’s raining so hard, let’s go and see the new exhibits.

M: That’s a good idea. Mary Johnson is one of my favorite painters.

Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?

3. M: I hear the students gave the new teacher an unfair evaluation.

W: It depends on which student you are talking about.

Q: What does the woman imply?

4. W: It must have taken you a long time to fix up all these bookshelves.

M: It wasn’t too bad. I got Doris to do some of them.

Q: What does the man mean?

5. W: Rod, I hear you’ll be leaving at the end of this month. Is it true?

M: Yeah. I’ve been offered a much better position with another firm. I’d be a fool to turn it down.

Q: Why is the man quitting his job?

6. W: I honestly don’t want to continue the gardening tomorrow, Tony?

M: Neither do I. But I think we should get it over with this weekend.

Q: What does the man mean?

7. W: You’ve already furnished your apartment?

M: I found some used furniture that was dirt cheap.Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

8. W: Has the mechanic called the bus repairers?

M: Not yet .I’ll let you know when he calls.

Q: What do we learn from the conversation?

Conversation One

M: Hello. Matt Ellis speaking.

W: Hello, Dr. Ellis, my name’s Pan Johnson. My roommate, Janet Holmes, wanted me to call you.

M: Janet Holmes? Oh, that’s right. She’s in my Shakespearean English class. Has anything happened to her?

W: Nothing, it’s just that she submitted a job application yesterday and the company asked her in for an interview today. She’s afraid she won’t be able to attend your class this afternoon though. I’m calling to see whether it would be OK if I gave you her essay. Janet said it’s due today.

M: Certainly, that would be fine. Uh, you can either drop it off at my class or bring it to my office.

W: Would it be all right to come by your office around 4:00? I’m afraid I can’t come any earlier because I have three classes this afternoon.

M: Uh, I won’t be here when you come. I’m supposed to be at a meeting from 3:00 to 6:00, but how about leaving it with my secretary? She usually stays until 5:00.

W: Fine, please tell her I’ll be there at 4:00. And Dr. Ellis, one more thing, could you tell me where your office is? Janet told me where your class is, but she didn’t give me directions to your office.

M: Well, I’m in Room 302 of the Gregory Building. I’ll tell my secretary to put the paper in my mail box, and I’ll get it when I return.

W: I sure appreciate it. Goodbye, Dr. Ellis.

M: Goodbye, Ms. Johnson.

Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

9. Why couldn’t the woman’s roommate attend the Shakespearean English class that afternoon?

10. What favor is the woman going to do for her roommate?

11. What does the woman want to know at the end of the conversation? Conversation Two

W: How are things going, Ronald?

M: Not bad, Jane. I’m involved in several projects and it’s a long working day. But I’m used to that so it doesn’t bother me too much.

W: I heard you have moved to a new house in the suburb. How do you like commuting to London every day? Don’t you find it a string?M: It was terrible at first, especially getting up before dawn to catch that 6:30 train. But it’s bearable now that I’m used to it.

W: Don’t you think it’s an awful waste of time? I couldn’t bear to spend three hours sitting in a train every day.

M: I used to feel the same as you. But now I quite enjoy it.

W: How do you pass the time? Do you bring some work with you to do on the train?

M: Ah, that’s a good question. In the morning, I just sit in comfort and read the papers to catch up with the news. On the way home at night, I relax with a good book or chat with friends or even have a game of bridge.

W: I suppose you know lots of people on the train now.

M: Yes, I bumped into someone I know on the platform every day. Last week I came across a couple of old school friends and we spend the entire journey in the bar.

W: It sounds like a good club. You never know. I may join it too. Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

12. What does the man say about his job?

13. Which train does the man take to work every day?

14. How does the man feel about commuting to work every day now?

15. How does the man spend his time on the morning train?

Section B

Passage One

Most American college students need to be efficient readers. This is necessary because full-time students probably have to read several hundred pages every week. They don’t have time to read a chapter three or four times. They need to extract as much information as possible from the first or second reading.

An extraordinarily important study skill is knowing how to mark a book. Students mark the main ideas and important details with a pen or pencil, yellow or blue or orange. Some students mark new vocabulary in a different color. Most students write questions or short notes in the margins. Marking a book is a useful skill, but it’s important to do it right. First, read a chapter with one pen in your hand and others next to you on the desk. Second, read a whole paragraph before you mark anything. Don’t mark too much. Usually you will mark about 10% of a passage. Third, decide on your own system for marking. For example, maybe you will mark main ideas in yellow, important details in blue and new words in orange. Maybe you will put question marks in the margin when you don’t understand something and before an exam. Instead, you just need to review your marks and you can save a lot of time.Questions 16 to 18 are based on the conversation you have just heard. 16. What should American college students do to cope with their heavy reading assignments?

17. What suggestion does the speaker give about marking a textbook?

18. How should students prepare for an exam according to the speaker? Passage Two

The thought of having no sleep for 24 hours or more isn’t a pleasant one for most people. The amount of sleep that each person needs varies. In general, each of us needs about 8 hours of sleep each day to keep us healthy and happy. Some people, however, can get by with just a few hours of sleep at night.

It doesn’t matter when or how much a person sleeps. But everyone needs some rest to stay alive. Few doctors would have thought that there might be an exception to this. Sleep is, after all, a very basic need. But a man named Al Herpin turned out to be a real exception, for supposedly, he never slept!

Al Herpin was 90 years old when doctors came to his home in New Jersy. They hoped to challenge the claim that he never slept. But they were surprised. Though they watched him every hour of the day, they never saw Herpin sleeping. He did not even own a bed. He never needed one.

The closest that Herpin came to resting was to sit in a rocking chair and read a half dozen newspapers. His doctors were puzzled by the strange case of permanent sleeplessness. Herpin offered the only clue to his condition. He remembered some talk about his mother having been injured several days before he had been born. Herpin died at the age of 94, never, it seems, having slept at all.

Questions 19 to 21 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

19. What is taken for granted by most people?

20. What do doctors think of Al Herpin’s case?

21. What could have accounted for Al Herpin’s sleeplessness?

Passage Three

Hetty Green was a very spoiled, only child. She was born in Massachusetts USA in 1835. Her father was a millionaire businessman. Her mother was often ill, and so from the age of two her father took her with him to work and taught her about stocks and shares. At the age of six she started reading the daily financial newspapers and opened her own bank account. Her father died when she was 21 and she inherited 7.5 million dollars. She went to New York and invested on Wall Street. Hetty saved every penny, eating in the cheapest restaurants for 15 cents. She became one of the richest

and most hated women in the world. At 33 she married Edward Green, a multi-millionaire, and had two children, Ned and Sylvia.

　　Hetty’s meanness was well-known. She always argued about prices in shops. She walked to the local grocery store to buy broken biscuits which were much cheaper, and to get a free bone for her much loved dog. Once she lost a two-cent stamp and spent the night looking for it. She never bought clothes and always wore the same long, ragged black skirt. Worst of all, when her son, Ned, fell and injured his knee, she refused to pay for a doctor and spent hours looking for free medical help. In the end Ned lost his leg. When she died in 1916 she left her children 100 million dollars. Her daughter built a hospital with her money.

Questions 22 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

22. What do we learn about Hetty Green as a child?

23. How did Hetty Green become rich overnight?

24. Why was Hetty Green much hated?

25. What do we learn about Hetty’s daughter?

Section C

Among the kinds of social gestures most significant for second-language teachers are those which are (26) identical in form but different in meaning in the two cultures. For example, a Colombian who wants someone to (27) approach him often signals with a hand movement in which all the fingers of one hand, cupped, point downward as they move rapidly (28) back and forth. Speakers or English have a similar gesture through the hand may not be cupped and the fingers may be held more loosely, but for them the gesture means goodbye or go away, quite the (29) opposite of the Colombian gesture. Again, in Colombian, a speaker of English would have to know that when he (30) indicate height he most choose between different gestures depending on whether he is (31) referring to a human being or an animal. If he keeps the palm of the hand (32) parallel to the floor, as he would in his own culture when making known the height of a child, for example, he will very likely be greeted by laughter, in Colombia this gesture is (33) reserved for the description of animals. In order to describe human beings he should keep the palm of his hand (34) at the right angle to the floor. Substitutions of one gesture for the other often create not only humorous but also (35) embarrassing moment. In both of the examples above, speakers from two different cultures have the same gesture, physically, but its meaning differs sharply.

Part III Reading Comprehension

【答案】 36-40: I G C K D 41-45: F A B H L46-50: D N J H A 51-55: L B F C M

56-60: B D A D C 61-65: A D C B A

Part IV Translation

【译文一】

To improve fairness of education, China has invested over 36 billion CNY for the betterment of education facilities in rural areas and the promotion of compulsory education in the rural areas of central and western regions. These funds have been used to improve education facilities and purchase books, bringing benefits to over 160 thousand pupils and high school students. The funds have also been used to purchase musical and painting instruments. Now the students in rural areas can have music and painting classes like those children in costal cities. Some students who have been transferred to schools in cities to receive better education have also come back to local rural schools.

【译文二】

China should further develop nuclear energy because nuclear power accounts for only 2% of its total generating capacity currently. Such proportion ranks the thirtieth in all the countries possessing nuclear power, which is almost the last. After Japan’s nuclear power accident in March 2011, nuclear power development in China was suspended, so was the approval of new nuclear power plants. Also, the national safety check for the nuclear power was carried out. IT was not until October 2012 that the approval was prudently resumed. With the improvement of technology and safety measures, there is little possibility for nuclear accidents to happen. In other words, there won’t be any trouble to develop and exploit the nuclear power.【译文三】

　　Chinese education workers realized the significance of reading for a nation long time ago. In 2003，some workers suggested that we have a national reading day. They emphasized that people ought to read good books especially the classic ones. Through reading, people can learn better how to be grateful, responsible and cooperative, and the goal of education is to cultivate these basic personalities. Reading is especially important for middle and primary school students; Therefore, if they don't nurture the interest of reading at that key period, it will be harder for them to develop a habit to read in the future.2013年12月大学英语四级考试真题（多题多卷标准卷）Part I Writing

【写作题一】

The Impact of the Internet on the Way People Communicate It is vividly depicted in the cartoon given above that there are a couple in front of a computer looking at the screen. With his wife standing behind, the man is writing an E-mail to tell their son how they miss him.

The cartoon mirrors that the Internet has exerted a great influence on theway of people’s communication. People used to communicate face to face or write letters. Currently, those who tend to pay more attention to electronic communication than to face-to-face contact often argue that these ways of communication are more convenient and can save them time. However, when we chat with others online, we cannot convey our feelings fully. In addition, communicating through electronic tools tend to weaken the affection between people. And it will be likely to make people solitary or depressed.

In the age of information, more and more people will inevitably communicate with each other via the Internet. However, as a family, we should learn to communicate face to face happily and frequently, because we will sooner or later face the fact that the electronic communication can’t replace face-to-face contact.

【写作题二】

The Impact of the Internet on Learning

It is apparently depicted in the cartoon given above that while a teacher wants to give a quiz to a little boy who is holding a cell phone in his hand and says: “Once I learn how to use Google, isn’t that all the education I really need?” The teacher seems to be quite embarrassed and shocked after hearing her student’s naïve question.

The cartoon vividly mirrors one of the problems in our lives that the Internet has exerted a great influence on people’s learning. We can acquire relevant knowledge and information rapidly and precisely via search engines, professional websites and online education. However, education does not simply mean learning to obtain information. Leaning basic hands-on skills, traveling with classmates, participating in social activities and fulfilling a project with our teamwork can also be effective and indispensable forms. All of these maybe can not be achieved by obtaining information from Internet alone.

Therefore, we should not ignore those traditional, essential and prevailing forms of education when we surf the web and speak highly of convenience of the Internet education in the age of information.

Part II Listening Comprehension

【答案】 1-5: C A C B A 6-10: B D A C A 11-15: B D A D C 16-20: A B D B C 21-25: A C D B A

26. In addition 27. software 28. available 29. individuals 30. technological

31. manufacture 32. In short 33. By contrast 34. scientific 35. quantity

Section A

1. W: I’d like to take a trip to Florida for my spring break, can you giveme any idea where to go?

M: I could tell you about the places I visited, but I think you’d better look up a travel agency to help with the arrangements.

Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?

2. M: I’m really tired of driving at night. Even though the traffic seems fine.

W: I see. Let’s stop for some food and then find a motel nearby, so we can start early tomorrow.

Q: What do we learn about the speaker?

3. M: Jeff’s got a lot of good ideas. Do you think he is willing to come to the meeting?

W: Oh I think he’d be glad to come, but what’s difficult is getting the guy to speak before a large crowd.

Q: What does the woman imply about Jeff?

4. W: I hear you are leaving the company and going back to school this year.

M: Yes, I’m enrolled in a graduate program in public administration.

Q: What is the man going to do?

5. W: Have you applied for the Art director position?

M: No, I’d like to. But the job starts on the first of May and I wouldn’t be available until Jane.

Q: What does the man mean?

6. W: Will my car be ready by the end of the day?

M: It should be. I’ll call if there are any problems. We are open until 6.

Q: What is probably the man’s job?

7. W: I have a big paper due Monday, but I promise Laura we’d be clean the apartment this weekend. What

am I going to do?

M: Why don’t you just see if Laura can wait for a week or two?

Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?

8. W: Construction on the bridge has really slowed the traffic.

M: I know. Since they started working the time it takes me get to work has doubled.

Q: What are the speakers talking about?

Conversation One

W: Sales department, Can I help you?

M: Oh, yes, I hope so. My name is Kings Bruce of GPF Ltd. We need some supplies for our design office.

W: I see. What sort of things are you looking for, Mr. Kings Bruce?

M: Well, first of all, we need one complete new drawing board.

W: Well, in the standard range, we have the D044, and the D045 models.M: Oh, what’s the difference between them?

W: Well, the D045 has its own mending system and it does cost slightly more as a result.

M: S0o what is the total price?

W: For the D045 it is 387 ponds 50 cents.

M: And did that include the value added tax?

W: Oh, yes!

M: Can you tell me how long does it take to deliver?

W: I can’t give a definite date now, I am afraid, because it depends on the other orders we have to get out. But it will certainly be within 3 weeks. M: OI, now we also want some drawing paints, ink and correction fluid and some drawing paper.

W: Ah, now the lady who deals with drawing office supplies isn’t here this morning I am afraid. But I could ask her to give you a ring this afternoon if you like.

M: Oh, yes, thank you.

W: What is your telephone number?

M: It is writing. That is code 0734, 21653-51.

W: Ok. I’ll get Miss Thomson to ring you this afternoon. Now would you like me to place your order for one D045 drawing board?

M: Yes, please. You’ve been most helpful. Good bye.

W: Good bye!

Questions 9 to 11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

8. What’s the man’s purpose in making the telephone call?

9. What can’t the man order the other drawing office supplies right

now?

10. What’s the man’s telephone number?

Conversation Two

W: Daves, ever since he moved into his own apartment, he’s been losing weight. He really doesn’t look well at all, probably not eating enough. W: Well, anyway how is Tim these days?

M: Tim? Oh, Tim has me worried too. He is really getting much too fat. He needs to lose about 75 pounds now.

W: That’s a lot of weight to lose. What does Tim eat?

M: I really don’t know. But I am sure he is eating too much cake and candy.

W: Well, did tell you Mark doesn’t eat any meat now? He only eats vegetables and fruit.

M: That’s probably why he is so thin. Does he smoke?

W: About two packs of cigarettes a day. That’s my son, a smoking vegetarian.

M: En, if he stops smoking, he will win weight. I know he would. Tim put on a lot of weight, when he stops smoking.

W: Does Tim play any sports?

M: Play sports?! Oh, mine! I keep telling him “Tim dear, you really need to get some exercise.” And do you know what he does? He just gets angry. W: I know Mark doesn’t take exercise, either.

M: Did you tell him?

W: Of course, but you know what it is like being a mother of a 30-year-old boy. They just don’t think they need your advice any more. I wish Mark could find a nice girl friend to relax and have fun with. I heard Tim has a girl friend at last. That’s wonderful.

Questions 12 to 15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

11. When did Mark start losing weight according to the woman?

12. Why is the man worried about Tim?

13. What do Tim and Mark have in common?

14. What is the woman’s wish for Mark?

Section B

Passage One

Donna Fredrick’s served with the Peace Corps for two years in Brazil. She joined the Peace Corps after she graduated from the college because she wanted to do something to help other people. She had been brought up on a farm, so the Peace Corps assigned her to an agricultural project. Before she went to Brazil, she studied Portuguese for three months. She also learnt a great deal about its history and culture. During her two years with the Peace Corps, Donna lived in a village in northeastern Brazil. That part of Brazil is very dry and farming is often difficult there. Donna helped the people of the village to organize an irrigation project, and she also advised them on planting crops that didn’t require much water. When Donna returned to the States, she couldn’t settle down. She tried several jobs, but they seemed very boring to her. She couldn’t get Brazil out of her mind. Finally, one day she got on a plane and went back to Brazil. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do. She just wanted to be there. After a few weeks, Donna found a job as an English teacher, teaching five classes a day. Like most of the teachers, she doesn’t make much money. She shares a small apartment with another teacher. And she makes a little extra money by sending stories to newspapers in the States. Eventually she wants to quit teaching and work as a fulltime journalist.

Questions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.

15. Why did Donna join the Peace Corps after she graduated from

college?16. What was Donna assigned to do in Brazil?

17. Why did Donna go back to Brazil once again?

18. How did Donna make extra money to support herself?

Passage Two

Results of a recent Harry’s poll on free time showed that the average work week for many Americans is 50 hours. With the time spent eating, sleeping and taking care of household duties, there’s little time left for leisure activities for many Americans. However, having free time to relax and pursue hobbies is important. People need time away from the pressure of study or work to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. In different countries free time is spent in different ways. The results of the Harry’s poll showed that reading was the most popular spare time activity in the US. This was followed by watching TV. In a UK survey on leisure time activities, watching TV and videos was the most popular. Listening to the radio came second. In a similar survey conducted in Japan, the most popular free time activity was eating out. The second most popular activity was driving. There were also differences in the most popular outdoor pursuits between the three countries. The most popular outdoor activity for Americans was gardening. In the UK, it was going to the pub. In Japan, going to bars ranked eighth in popularity and gardening ranked ninth. Although people around the world may enjoy doing similar things in their free time, there’s evidence to suggest that these interests are changing. In the US, for example, the popularity of computer activities is increasing. Many more people in the States are spending their free time surfing the web, emailing friends or playing games online. Questions 20 to 22 are based on the passage you have just heard.

19. What is the recent Harry’s poll mainly about?

20. What was the most popular leisure activity in the US?

21. What was the most popular outdoor pursuit in the UK?

Passage Three

On March 13th, while on duty Charles McLaughlin, a very careless driver employed by the company Lummis was involved in another accident. The accident occurred in Riverside California. Not paying attention to his driving, McLaughlin turned right on main street and 33rd street and hit Volkswagen Rabbit. This caused minor damage to his truck and serious damage to the car. On the basis of the police report, the Lummis accident committee correctly determined that McLaughlin had been quite careless. As a result of the committee’s conclusion, the branch manager Mr. David Rossi reported that the had talked with McLaughlin about his extremely poor driving record.Further evidence of McLaughlin’s irresponsibility occurred on May 6th when he was returning from his shift. That day he ran into a roll-up door at the Lummis facility in Valero, causing significant damage to the door. Damage to the truck, however, was minor. Finally, on June 7th, McLaughlin once again demonstrated his carelessness by knocking down several mail boxes near the edge of the company’s parking lot. There was damage to the mailboxes and minor damage to the truck. Mr. David Rossi stated that he had spoken with McLaughlin on several occasions about his driving record. He added that he had warned McLaughlin that three preventable accidents in one year could lead to his discharge, as indeed it should.

Questions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.

22. What did the Lummis accident committee find out about the accident

that occurred on March 13th?

23. What did McLaughlin do on June 7th near the edge of the company’s

parking lot?

24. What is most probably going to happen to McLaughlin?

Section C

Many college students today won personal computers that cost anywhere from $1,000 to perhaps $5,000 or more. (26) In addition, it is not uncommon for them to purchase (27) software costing another several hundred dollars. Twenty years ago, computers were (28) available, but they were very large and extremely expensive. Few, if any, (29) individuals purchased computers for home use. Over the years, the price of the “guts” of a computer — its memory — has declined to less than a thousandth of the price per unit of memory that prevailed twenty years ago. This is the main reason why computers cost so much less today than they used to. Moreover, (30) technological improvements have made it possible to (31) manufacture memory circuitry that is small enough to fit into the portable personal computers that many of us own and use. (32) In short, as the price of computation has declined the average consumer and business have spent more on purchasing computers.

(33) By contrast, improved agricultural technology, hybrid seeds, (34) scientific animal breeding, and so on have vastly increased the amount of output a typical farmer can produce. The prices of goods such as meats and grains have fallen sharply relative to the prices of most other goods and services. As agricultural prices have fallen, many households have decreased their total expenses on food. Even though the (35) quantity of a product purchased generally increases when its price falls, total expenses on it may decline.Part III Reading Comprehension

【答案】 36-40: N L I O F 41-45: D C J M H

46-50: K C E B H 51-55: D J C L F

56-60: C A D C D 61-65: A B D B C

Part IV Translation

【译文一】

“Excuse me, tea or coffee?” It is a question frequently asked for dinning people in the restaurant. Most of westerners would choose coffee, while, tea would be the first preference for Chinese people. It is said that tea was discovered and used to cure diseases by a Chinese emperor more than five thousand years ago. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, tea houses were widespread all over China. However, tea drinking is exported into Japan in the 6th century and came to Europe and America until 17th and 18th centuries. Currently, tea has become one of the most popular beverages in the world. Being the national beverage, tea is one of the key components of Chinese tradition and culture.

【译文二】

The Chinese knot is originally invented by the handicraftsman. After several hundred years’ innovation, it has evolved into an elegant and colorful art and craft. In ancient times, it was used for recording events, while now it is mainly a decorative handicraft art. In Chinese, “Knot” means love, marriage and reunion. The Chinese knot is often used as a gift to express good wishes or talisman to ward off evil spirits. The handcraft has passed on for generations and become more and more popular in China and around the world.

【译文三】

With the rapid development of information technology, Chinese citizens are attaching more and more importance to it. Information Technology has become a compulsory subject in some colleges and universities, which is embracing different opinions. Some people argue that it is unnecessary to make IT courses required, and students are supposed to take traditional courses. While some others hold the opposite view, they believe that China should keep pace with the times. No matter how, it is a good thing that information technology has attracted people’s attention.

【译文四】

Many people are fond of Chinese cuisine. In China, cooking is considered as not only a skill but also an art. An exquisitely prepared Chinese cuisine is both delicious and good-looking. The culinary skill and dishingredients vary in different regions of China, but it is common for good cuisine to take color, flavor, taste and nutrition into account. As food is vital for one’s health, a good chef is insistently trying to seek balance between cereal, meat and vegetable, and accordingly Chinese food is delicious as well as healthy.