英语四级

2024-08-17 来源：小侦探旅游网

1990年6月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

You are a German living in Berlin. One day you’re walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly a stranger approached with a smile on his face. After stopping you, he holds a small electronic device close to his face and speaks slowly into it, saying, in English: “Can you tell me where I can buy some sauerkraut?” What should you do? (a) Run away; (b) Call the police; or, (c) Listen closely for the device to say, in German, “Konnen Sie mir bitte sager, which Sauerkraut Kaufen Kann?”

The most appropriate response would be (c) because the person in front of you is only a tourist trying to enjoy himself. The device is said to he the world’s first portable transistor—a hand-held microcomputer that—at the same time converts one spoken language into another.

The four-pound battery-operated product is called the Voice, and it is the creation of Advanced Products and Technologies an American electronics company. When the Voice is introduced in the United States in late April—at a price of $1,500—it will be capable of converting spoken English into Italian, German, French and Spanish. The product comes with separate cartridges (盒式储存器) for each of the four languages, which can be changed when the user travels from one country to another. The item will be sold in Europe soon after the U.S. Introduction, with cartridges that covert Italian, German, French and Spanish into English.

The Voice uses a microchip (微型集成块) and artificial Intelligence to translate Languages. It is started by voice command and produces voice output through a built-in speaker. Then the user makes a statement or asks a question, the Voice immediately repeats what has been said in another Language.

21. The stranger holding the Voice seems to be ________.

A) asking for some information B) greeting the German

C)amusing himselfwwwxamda.CoM D) practising his German（C）考试就到考试

大 22. The German sentence “Konnen Sie Kann?” means ________. A) “Why don’t you ask the policeman.”

B) “Would you listen closely for the device to say?” C) “Can you say it again, please?”

D) “Can you tell me where I can buy some sauerkraut?”（D） 23. The word “speaker” in the last paragraph refers to ________.

A) the person who speaks to the device B) a component part of the Voice

C) the person who speaks German D) the speech produced by the Voice（B） 24. Which of the following is NOT TRUE?

A) The voice is an invention of an electronics company. B) The voice is a hand-held translator. C) The voice is new product in wide use.

D) The voice is mainly a microcomputer.（C） 25. The Voice can translate ________.

A) from German into any of the other four languages mentioned B) from and into English by using the same cartridges C) between any two of the above-mentioned languages

D) from English into any of the other four languages or the other way round（D） Passage Two

Computers may one day turn night into day—with good old, natural sunlight.

Colossal computer-controlled mirrors, thousands of feet across, may one day orbit the earth, reflecting sunlight onto a darkened United States.

Some Scientists say that 16 of these mirrors, each about a half mile across, could aim their reflected light at one area on the earth that was about 200 miles by 300 miles. That much light would equal about 56 moons.

The mirrors would be so high that they could catch the sun’s light as it was shining on the other side of the earth. The mirrors could orbit—thousands of miles high—at the same speed as the earth turns on its axis (轴). That way, the mirrors would always be over the same spot.

The aluminum-coated (涂铝的), plastic mirrors could be folded up and packed into a spaceship, according to the scientists. Once released a few hundred miles in space, the mirrors, powered by a solar-powered engine, could mark the rest of the trip into space on their own.

The scientists say that the computer-controlled mirrors could also be made to tilt (倾斜) slowly, so the reflected sunlight would sweep slowly along the surface of the earth. For example, as night fell, the mirrors could be tilted to light up Boston. Later on, as darkness spread slowly westward. Chicago, for example, then San Francisco could be lit up. The reflected sunlight would allow these cities to save up electricity. And in emergencies, such as power-failures, the mirrors could light up the affected area.

What no one knows yet is what effect this artificial daytime would have on plants, animals, and humans. Would it confuse some animals and harm plants that are used to regular day-night cycles? The scientists recommend that studies be done to find out what had effects there might be. 26. The word “colossal” in Line 3 most likely means ________. A) nuclear-powered B) orbiting

C) giant D) spinning（D） 27. Which of the following is NOT TRUE of the mirrors?

A) They would be made of plastic and coated with aluminum. B) They could be launched directly into space.

C) They would stay in the same position over the earth.

D) They could reflect sunlight to a large area on the earth.（B）

28. The reflected light should sweep slowly along the surface of the earth because the mirrors ________.

A) would be operated by solar-powered engines

B) would orbit thousands of miles high to catch the sun’s light

C) could move around the earth at the same speed as the earth turns on its axis D) could be made to adjust their angles（D）

29. The purpose for turning night into day is to ________.

A) confuse animals and plants B) light up more cities

C) save energy and deal with emergencies D) enable people to work longer hours（C）

30. The writer of this passage ________.

A) gives an objective account of the mirrors

B) seems to be much worried about the effect of the mirrors C) is in favour of the wide use of the mirrors

D) suggests that artificial daylight is harmful to living being（A） Passage Three

As supplier of most of the food we eat and of raw materials for many industrial processes, agriculture is clearly an important area of the economy. But the industrial performance of agriculture is even more important than this. For in nations where the productivity of farmers is low, most of the working population is needed to raise food and few people are available for production of investment goods or for other activities required for economic growth. Indeed, one of the factors related most closely to the per capital income (人均收入) of a nation is the fraction of its population engaged in farming. In the poorest nations of the world more than half of the population lives on farms. This compares sharply with less than 10 per cent in Western Europe and less than 4 per cent in the United States.

In short, the course of economic development in general depends in a fundamental way on the performance of farmers. This performance in turn, depends on how agriculture is organized and on the economic environment, or market structure, within which it function. In the following pages the performance of American agriculture is examined. It is appropriate to begin with a conversation of its market structure.

31. This passage is most probably ________.

A) a news item B) part of an introduction of a book C) part of a lecture D) an advertisement（B） 32. What is most important to agriculture is ________.

A) the amount of food it produces B) the per capital income of farmers

C) its industrial performance D) the production of investment goods（C） 33. The word “this” in Line 4 refers to ________.

A) the provision of food and raw materials B) the productivity of farmers C) the production of investment goods D) the economy as a whole（A） 34. The performance of farmers essentially determines ________.

A) the size of the working population B) the organization of agriculture

C) the market structure D) the general development of economy（D） 35. This passage will most probably be followed by a discussion of ________.

A) the structure of American farming population B) the market structure of American agriculture

C) the various functions of American agriculture D) the organization of American agriculture（B） Passage Four

Before 1945, hardly anyone outside of New Mexico had ever heard of Alamogordo. In 1960 its population numbered 21,723. Ever since 1898, when the town had been built by the Southern Pacific Railroad, Alamogordo had been a lonely town. The land around it was largely desert, and largely empty.

Because it was isolated and because the weather was almost always clear and peaceful, a spot of desert near Alamogordo was chosen as the last site for the first atomic bomb ever exploded. The secret name of the test was Zeo.

At dawn on July 16, 1945, the atomic bomb was set off. Observers agreed that they had

witnessed something unlike anything ever seen by men before, a huge, colorful fireball, more brilliant than the sun flashing as it rose for miles into the air. Never before had men released so much power at one time, nor had any nation ever possessed weapon as terrible and destructive as the atomic bomb.

For several weeks, the test was kept secret. When an atomic bomb was dropped from an American plane on Hiroshima, Japan, newspapers and radio stations all over America told of the test of the bomb in New Mexico. Almost everybody was amazed to learn where the bomb had been made and tested; the deserts of the Southwest had hidden the secret well.

When news of the atomic bomb and its destructiveness was announced, people all over the world wondered what other new weapons were being prepared in the New Mexico desert. Some people doubted that the secret of making atomic bombs could be kept from other countries. Some even doubted the wisdom of using so powerful a weapon. But no one doubted that a new kind of war—and a new kind of world—had begun at Alamogordo, one summer morning in 1945. 36. What is the main topic of this passage?

A) The secret of Alamogordo. C) The destructive force of the first atomic bomb. B) A new kind of war. D) The selection of the test site for the first atomic bomb.（A）

37. Which of the following is the main reason for choosing Alamogordo as the test site?

A) It always had an enjoyable climate. B) It was connected to other cities by a railway

. C) Its location would hide the secret well. D) It was situated in southwestern New Mexico.（C）

38. When was the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?

A) As soon as the secret was revealed B) At dawn on July 16, 1945

C) Immediately after the test来源： D) Several weeks after the test（D） 39. After the first atomic bomb explosion, everybody agreed that ________. A) it was wise to choose Alamogordo as the test site B) man had entered the age of nuclear warfare C) it was not wise to use such a powerful weapon

D) it was not possible to keep the technology of making atomic bombs secret（B） 40. The tone of this passage is one of ________. A) anxiety B) satisfaction C) encouragement D) fear（B）

1990年12月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

The aim of the teacher is to get his pupils as quickly as possible over the period in which each printed symbol is looked at for its shape, and arrive at the stage when the pupil looks at words and phrases, for their meaning, almost without noticing the shapes of the separate letters. When a good reader is at work he does not look at letters, nor even at words, one by one however quickly; he takes in the meaning of two, three, or four words at a time, in a single moment. Watch carefully the eyes of a person who is reading, and it will be seen that they do not travel smoothly along the lines of print, but they move by jumps separated by very short stops. The eyes of a very good reader move quickly, taking long jumps and making very short halts (停

顿); the eyes of a poor reader move more slowly, taking only short jumps and stopping longer at each halt. Sometimes, when he meets a difficulty, he even goes backwards to see again what has already been looked at once.

The teacher's task is therefore clear: it is to train his pupils to take in several words at a glance (one eye-jump') and to remove the necessity for going backwards to read something a second time.

This shows at once that letter-by-letter, or syllable-by-syllable, or word-by-word reading, with the finger pointing to the word, carefuilly fixing each one in turn, is wrong. It is wrong because such a method ties the pupil's eyes down to a very short jump, and the aim is to train for the long jump. Moreover, a very short jump is too short to provide any meaning or sense; and it will be found that having struggled with three or four words separately, the pupil has to look at them again, all together and in one group, in order to get the meaning of the whole phrase. 21. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the first paragraph? (A)

A) Pupils should be trained to reach quickly the stage of reading without having to coneontrate on the separate symbols.

B) Pupils should look at each printed symbol for its meaning as well as for its shape. C) Teachers should help their pupils avoid looking at the shape of the printed symbols. D) Teachers should tell their pupils the different stages of their study. 22. In a single moment, a good reader picks up (A) A) several words B) several phrases C) several sentences D) several lines

23. According to the passage, which of the following is FALSE? (D) A) The eyes of a good reader make short halts and long jumps.

B) The eyes of a bad reader take in the meaning of one word at a time. C) The eyes of a bad reader take only short jumps. D) The eyes of a good reader move steadily.

24. One may have to read something a second time if (D) A) there is enough time B) one reads too fast

C) the passage is very long D) one reads word by word 25. The main idea of the last paragraph is that (A) A) word-by-word reading is highly inefficient

B) the pupil's eyes should focus on groups of syllables instead of single syllables C) pupils have to move their eyes back and forth when reading

D) finger pointing in reading helps the pupil concentrate on meaning Passage Two

Television has changed the lifestyle of people in every Industrialized country in the world. In the United States, where sociologists have studied the effects, some interesting observations have been made.

Television, although not essential, has become an important part of most people' s lives. It alters peoples' ways of seeing the world; in many ways, it supports and sustains (维持) modern life. Television has become a baby-sitter, an introducer of conversations, the major transmitter of culture, a keeper of tradition. Yet when what can be seen on TV in one day is critically analyzed, it becomes evident that television is not a eacher but a sustainer; the poor quality of programming does not elevate (提高) people into greater understanding, but rather maintains and encourages the

life as it exists.

The primary reason for the lack of quality in American television is related to both the history of TV programming development and the economics of TV. Television in America began with the radio. Radio companies and their sponsers first experimented with television. Therefore, the close relationship which the advertisers had with radio programs became the system for American TV. Sponsors not only paid money for time within programs, but many actually produced the programs.

Thus, in American society, television is primarily concerned with reflecting and attracting society rather than experimenting with new ideas. Advertisers want to attract the largest viewing audience possible, to do so requires that the programs be entertaining rather than educational, attractive rather than challenging.

Television in America today remains, to a large extent, with the same organization and standards as it had thirty years ago. The hope for further development and true schievement toward improving society will require a change in the entire system.

26. According to the author American television is poor in quality because (C) A) advertisers are interested in experimenting with new ideas

B) it is still at an early stage of development, compared with the radio

C) the programs have to be developed in the interests of the sponsors for economic reasons D) it is controlled by radio companies

27. The second paragraph is mainly about (D) A) TV as the sustainer of American life B) TV as the major transmitter of culture C) the educational effect of TV on society

D) the strong influence and the poor quality of American TV 28. In the author's view American TV should (C)

A) be critical but entertaining B) be creative and educational

C) change with the development of society D) attract as many viewers as possible

29. The author believes that television in the United States has become important to most poeple because (C)

A) it promotes family unity B) it helps them develop their speaking ability C) it affects their life in many ways D) it challenges society 30. The author's attitude towards American television is (A) A) critical B) praising

C) doubtful D) sympathetic Passage Three

\"„„ We are not about to enter the Information Age but instead are rather well into it.\" Presen predictions are that by 1990, about thirty million jobs in the United States, or about thirty percent of the job market, will be computer-related. In 1980, only twenty-one percent of all United States high schools owned one or more computers for student use. In the fall of 1985, a new survey revealed that half of United States secondary schools have fifteen or more computers for student use. And now educational experts, administrators, and even the general public are demanding that all students become \"computer literate (慢点 „„的).\" \"By the year 2000 knowledge of computers will be necessary in over eighty percent of all occupations. Soon those people not educated in computer use will be compared to those who are print illiterate today.\"

What is \"computer literacy\"? The term itself seems to imply soon extent of \"knowing\" about computers, but knowing what. The current opinion seems to be that this should include a general knowledge of what computers are, plus a little of their history and something of how they operate. Therefore, it is vital that educators everywhere take a careful look not only at what is being done, but also at what should be done in the field of computer education. Today most adults are capable of utilising a motor vehicle without the slightest knowledge of how the internal-combustion engine works. We effectively use all types of electrical equipment without being able to tell their histories or to explain how they work. Business people for years have made good use of typewriters and adding machines, yet few have ever known how to repair them. Why, then, attempt to teach computers by teaching how or why they work?

Rather, we first must concentrate on teaching the effective use of the computer as the tool is. \"Knowing how to use a computer is what's going to be important, we don't talk about 'automobile literacy. ' We just get in our cars and drive them.\"

31. In 1990, the number of jobs having nothing to do with computers in the United States will be reduced to (C)

A) 79 million B) 30 million C) 70 million D) 100 million

32. The expression \"Print illiterate\" (Para. 1, L16) refers to (C)

A) one who has never learnt printing B) one who is not computer literate

C) one who has never learnt to read D) one who is not able to use a typewriter 33. The first paragraph is mainly about (C)

A) recent predictions of computer-related jobs B) the wide use of computers in schools C) the urgency of computer education D) public interest in computers

34. According to the author, the effective way to spread the use of computers is to teach (B) A) what computers are B) how to use computers C) where computers can be used D) how computers work 35. Which of the following statements is FALSE? (D) A) What to teach about computers should be reconsidered.

B) Those who are not educated in computer use will mn find it difficult to get a job. C) Human society has already entered the Information Age.

D) Those who want to use computers should know how computers operate Passage Four Editor:

While a new school term is about to begin, perhaps we should reconsider the matter of examinations. In July, two writers (Letters to the Editor) praised the cancellation of exams because they believe \"tests don' t tell the whole story.\"

As a teacher who has worked in four countries, I have had the experience that a student who earns good marks is generally a good student, and that a student's final mark in a subject is usually a grade average of the year's work. Of course there are exceptions, but they do not have the frequency that would give an unfair picture of a student's ability.

The simple fact is that proper class work, diligent exam studies and good marks are almost certain indicators of a student's future performance. The opposite, almost certainly, incompetence.

There is no accetpable substitute for competition and examination of quality. How can

teachers and future officials determine what a student has learned and remembered? Should we simply take the student word for it? Any insititution that \"liberates\" students from fair and formal exams is misguided, if not ignorant. And surely the \"graduates\" of such institutions will lack trustworthiness, not to mention being rejected by foreign universities for graduate or other studies. When all is said and done, I sense that a lear of failure and a fear of unplesant comparison with others is at the bottom of most ban-exams (废除考试) talk. Excellence and quality fear nothing. On the contrary, they seek competition and desire the satisfaction of being the best. 36. Which of the following will the author of this passage probably agree with? (B) A) Tests are not effective in measuring the students' abilities. B) Tests are an effective measure of the students' abilities. C) Tests can only measure some of the students' abilities. D) Tests may not be useful for measuring students' abilities. 37. The two writers mentioned in the first paragraph (A) A) opposed judging students by the results of exams B) must have proposed other ways of testing students C) regarded exams as a way of punishing students

D) seem to be worried about the poor marks of their students 38. According to the letter, a student's final mark (B)

A) is often encouraging B) often gives a fair picture of the year's work C) often proves unreliable D) often tells whether he likes the subject of not

39. If a student graduated from a university which does not require exams he would (D) A) have to continue his studies B) have a feeling of failure

C) be incompetent D) not be admitted by foreign institutions

40. According to the letter, those who dislike the idea of examinations are probably afraid of(A) A) competing with other students B) being graded unfairly

C) working too hard D) being dismissed from school

1991年6月英语四级阅

Passage One

There is a popular belief among parents that schools are no longer interested in spelling. No school I have taught in has ever ignored spelling or considered it unimportant as a basic skill There are , however, vastly different deas about how to teach it , or how much priority it must be given over general language development and writing without holding him back with the complexities of spelling?

If spelling becomes the only focal point of his teacher's interest, clearly a bright child will be likely to \"play safe\". He will tend to write only words within his spelling range , choosing to avoid adventurous language. That's why teachers often encourage the early use of dictionaries and pay attention to content rather than technical ability.

I was once shocked to read on the bottom of a sensitive piece of writing about a personal experience: \"This work is terrible! There are far too many spelling errors and your writing is illegible .\" It may have been a sharp criticism of the pupil's technical abilities in writing, but it was also a sad reflection on the teacher who had omitted to read the essay , which contained some beautiful expressions of the child's deep feelings. The teacher was not wrong to draw attention to the errors , but if his priorities had centred on the child's ideas, an expression of his

disappointment with the presentation would have given the pupil more motivation to seek improvement.

21.Teachers differ in their opinions about ________.(B) A)the difficulties in teaching spelling

B)the role of spelling in general language development C)the complexities of the basic writing skills D)the necessity of teaching spelling

22.The expression \"play safe\" probably means \"_______\".(D)

A)to write carefully B)to do as teachers say

C)to use dictionaries frequently D)to avoid using words one is not sure of 23.Teachers encourage the use of dictionaries so that ______.(A) A)students will be able to express their ideas more freely B)teachers will have less trouble in correcting mistakes C)students will have more confidence in writing

D)students will learn to be independent of teachers

24. The writer seems to think that the teacher's judgement on that sensitive piece of writing is _____.(B)

A)reasonable B)unfair C)foolish D)careless

25.The major point discussed in the passage is ________(D) A)the importance of developing writhing skills B)the complexities of spelling

C)the correct way of marking compositions

D)the relationship between spelling and the content of a composition Passage Two

A breakthrough in the provision of energy from he sun for the European Economic Community (EEC) could be brought forward by up the two decades, if a modest increase could be provided in the EEC's research effort in this field, according to the senior EEC scientists engaged in experiments in solar energy a EEC's scientific laboratories at Ispra, near Milan.

The senior West German scientist in charge of the Community's solar energy programme , Mr. Joachim Gretz, told journalists that at present levels of research spending it was most unlikely that solar energy would provide as much as three per cent of the Community's energy requirements even after the year 2000. But he said that with a modest increase in the present sums, devoted by the EEC to this work it was possible that the breakthrough could be achieved by the end of the next decade.

Mr. Gratz calculates that if solar energy only provided three per cent of the EEC's needs, this could still produce a saving of about a billion pounds in the present bill for imported energy each year. And he believes that with the possibility of utilizing more advanced technology in this field it might be possible to satisfy a much bigger share of the Community's future energy needs.

At present the EEC spends about $2.6 millions a year on solar research at Ispra, one of the EEC's official joint research centres, and another $3 millions a year in indirect research with universities and other independent bodies.

26. The phrase \"be brought forward\" (Lie 2, Para. 1)most probably means (C) A)be expected B)be completed

C)be advanced D)be introduced

27.Some scientists believe that a breakthrough in the use of solar energy depends on ___(A) A)sufficient funding B)further experiments

C) advanced technology D)well-equipped laboratories

28. According to Mr. Gretz, the present sum of money will enable the scientists to provide（C A)more than 3% of the EEC's needs after the year 2000 B)only 3% of the EEC's needs before the year 2000

C) lees than 3% of the EEC's needs before the year 2000 D)3% of the EEC's needs after the year 2000

29. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?(A)

A)The EEC spends one billion pounds on imported energy each year.

B)At the present level of research spending, it is difficult to make any significant progress in the provision of energy from the sun.

C) lees than 3% of the EEC's needs before the year 2000. D)3% of the EEC's needs after the year2000.

30. The application of advanced technology to research in solar energy (D) A)would lead to a big increase in research funding B)would make it unnecessary to import oil

C)would make it possible to meet the future energy needs of the EEC

D)would provide a much greater proportion of the Community's future energy needs Passage Three

Just seven years age, the Jarvik-7 artificial heart was being cheered as the model of human creativeness. The sight of Barney Clark-alive and conscious after trading his diseased heart for a metal -and -plastic pump -convinced the press, the public and many doctors that the future had arrived. It hadn't .After monitoring production of the Jarvik-7 , and reviewing its effects on the 150 or so patients (most of whom got the device as a temporary measure) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concluded that the machine was doing more to endanger lives than to save them. Last week the agency cancelled its earlier approval, effectively banning the device.

The recall may hurt Symbion Inc., maker of the Jarvik-7, but it won't end the request for an artificial heart. One problem with the banned model is that the tubes connecting it to an external power source created a passage for infection . Inventors are now working on new devices that would be fully placed, along with a tiny power pack, in the patient's chest. The first sample products aren't expected for another 10 or 20 years. But some people are already worrying that they'll work -and that America's overextended health-care programs will lose a precious $2.5 billion to $5 billion a year providing them for a relatively few dying patients. If such expenditures cut into funding for more basic care, the net effect could actually be a decline in the nation's health.

31. According to the passage the Jarvik-7 artificial heart proved to be (A) A)a technical failure B)a technical wonder

C)a good life-saver D)an effective means to treat heart disease 32.From the passage we know that Symbion Inc. _____.(C)

A)has been banned by the government from producing artificial hearts B)will review the effects of artificial hearts before designing new models C)may continue to work on new models of reliable artificial hearts

D)can make new models of artificial hearts available on the market in 10 to 20 years 33.The new models of artificial hearts are expected ______.(B)

A) to have a working life of 10 or 20 years C) to be equipped with an external power source

B) to be set fully in the patient's chest D) to create a new passage for infection

34.The word \"them\" in Line 7, Para. 2 refers to _______.(D)

A)doctors who treat heart diseases B)makers of artificial hearts C)America's health - care programs D)new models of artificial hearts 35.Some people feel that _______.(B)

A)artificial hearts are seldom effective

B)the country should not spend so much money on artificial hearts C)the country is not spending enough money on artificial hearts

D)America's health-care programs are not doing enough for the nation's health Passage Four

A rapid means of long-distance transportation became a necessity for the United States as settlement spread ever farther westward. The early trains were impractical curiosities, and for a long time the railroad companies met with troublesome mechanical problems. The most serious ones were the construction of rails able to bear the load, and the development of a safe, effective stopping system. Once these were solved, the railroad was established as the best means of land transportation. By 1860 there were thousands of miles of railroads crossing the eastern mountain ranges and reaching westward to the Mississippi. There were also regional southern and western lines.

The high point in railroad building came with the construction of the first transcontinental system. In 1862 Congress authorized two western railroad companies to build lines from Nebraska westward and from California eastward to a meeting point, so as to complete a transcontinental crossing linking the Atlantic seaboard with the Pacific. The Government helped the railroads generously with money and land. Actual work on this project began four years later. The Central Pacific Company , starting from California, used Chinese labor, while the Union Pacific employed crews of Irish laborers .The two groups worked at remarkable speed, each trying to cover a greater distance than the other. In 1869 they met at a place called Promontory in what is now the state of Utah , Many visitors came there for the great occasion. There were joyous celebrations all over the country , with parades and the ringing of church bells to honor the great achievement.

The railroad was very important in encouraging westward movement. It also helped build up industry and farming by moving raw materials and by distributing products rapidly to distant markets. In linking towns and people to one another it helped unify the United States.

36.The major problems with America's railroad system in the mid 19th century lay in ______.(A)

A)poor quality rails and unreliable stopping systems B)lack of financial support for development

C)limited railroad lines D)lack of a transcontinental railroad

37. The building of the first transcontinental system _________.(A)

A)brought about a rapid growth of industry and farming in the west B)attracted many visitors to the construction sites C)attracted laborers from Europe

D)encouraged people to travel all over the country 38. The best title for this passage would be _______.(B)

A)Settlements Spread Westward B)The Coast-to -Coast Railroad: A Vital Link C)American Railroad History D)The Importance of Trains in the American Economy

39.The construction of the transcontinental railroad took ______.(D)

A)9 years B)7 years C)4 years D)3 years 40 . What most likely made people think about a transcontinental railroad?(C) A) The possibility of government support for such a task. B) The need to explore Utah.

C) The need to connect the east coast with the west. D)The need to develop the railroad industry in the west.

1991年12月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

Time was -- and not so many years ago, either -- when the average citizen took a pretty dim view of banks and Banking. That this was so, it should be said, was to no small extent the fault of banks and bankers themselves. Banks used to be -- and a few still are -- forbidding structures. Behind the little barred windows were, more often than not, elderly gentlemen whose expression of friendliness reflected the size of the customer's account, and nothing less than a few hundred thousand in the bank could have inspired the suggestion of a smile.And yet the average bank for many year was, to the average citizen,a fearful, if necessary, instrument for dealing with business -- usually big business. But somewhere in the past quarter centruy, banks Began to grow human, even pleasant, and started to attract the little man. It is possible that this movement began in medium-sized towns, or in small towns where people know each other by their first names, and spread to big towns. At any rate, the results have been remarkable.

The movement to \"humanize\" hanks, of course, received a big push during the war, when more and more women were employed to do work previously performed by men. Also more and more \"little\" people found themselves in need of personal loans, as taxes became heavier and as the practice of installment (分期付款) buying broke down the previously long -- held concept that there was something almost morally wrong about being in debt. All sorts of people began to discover that the intelligent use of credit (信贷) could be extremely helpful.

21. The author believes that the unfriendly atmosphere in banks many years ago was chiefly due to

A) the outer appearance of bank buildings B) unfriendliness of customers toward banks C) economic pressure of the time D) the attitude of hankers 22. The banks of many years ago showed interest only in

A) regular visitors B) rich customers C) friendly businessmen D) elderly gentlemen 23. When did banks begin to grow human?

A) Sometime before the war. B) A few years ago.

C) During the war. D) In the last century. 24. What helped to push the \"humanization\" of banks?

A) More and more \"little\" people became customers of banks. B) The elderly gentlemen in banks were replaced by women. C) More banks were set up in small and medium-sized towns. D) The size of the customer's account was greatly increased.

25. Average People seldom borrowed money from bank in the bank because

A) the bank buildings looked forbidding B) they were comparatively rich before the war C) they thought it was not proper to be in debt D) they rarely spent more than they could earn Passage Two

Last summer, Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole announced a new rule: Unless states representing two-thirds of the country's population pass compulsory (强制性的) seatbelt - use laws by April 1989, all new vehicles will have to be fitted with air bags or automatic seat belts.

The rule wouldn' t have been necessary but for one simple fact. Even though seat belts could prevent nearly half of the deaths in fatal car accidents, 85 percent of the pepulation simply won't wear them.

Why not? Behavioral engineers have found that there are all sorts of reasons -- usually unstated. These are some of the most popular. It' s safer to be thrown from a car man trapped.

According to E. Scott Geller, that's a faulty argument. \"In fact\a car is twenty-five times more dangerous than being trapped\".

It won't happen to me; I'm a good driver. But what about the other person who may be a terrible driver? The data show that the average incidence (发生率) for all accidents in one per driver every 10 years.

My car will end up underwater or on fire, and I won' t be able to get out. According to the Nationaj Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 0.5 percent of all injury producing accidents occur under these conditions. \"If you' re wearing a belt, you've got a better chance of being conscious and not having your legs broken -- distinct advantages in getting out of a dangerous situation\".

I'm only going a few blocks. Yet 80 percent of accidents happen at speeds or less that 25 miles per hour, 75 percent happen within 25 miles of home. 26. Before 1989, in the United States

A) the use of seat belts was not compulsory for the majority of the population B) a new law requiring the use of seat belts had just been pa~ed

C) people had to choose between the use of seat belts or the use of air bags

D) almost fifty percent of the people involved in car accidents were saved by seat Belts 27. The word \"trapped\" (Para. 3, Line 3) means to be

A) held up in a traffic jam B) confined in the car

C) caught in an accident D) pulled into a car 28. One of the reasons why many drivers refuse to wear seat belts is because

A) they don't think that it is comfortable to wear seat belts

B) they don't believe that an accident involving a terrible driver is highly probable C) they believe that no danger is involved in just driving a few blocks D) they think that few drivers are willing to wear seat belts 29. It can be inferred from the passage that

A) seat belts should be replaced by air bags

B) eighty-five percent of all drivers are likely to Break traffic rules

C) all drivers, whether good or bad, are liable to have an accident at one time or another D) wearing seat belts will get drivers out of dangerous situations 30. The purpose of the writer in writing this passage is

A) to urge the government to pass the law sooner B) to tell how dangerous car-driving can be C) to criticise those who refuse to use seat blets D) to prove the necessity of the new rule Passage three

For well over 2000 years the world's great religions have taught the virtues of a trusting heart.Now there is another reason to merit the wisdom of the ages: scientific evidence indicates that those with trusting hearts will live longer, healthier lives.

As a result of the work published in the 1970s by two pioneering heart speciaiists, Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosenman, nearly every American is aware that blood Type. A people are impatient, and easily moved to hostility and anger. Many have come to believe that Type A's are at a much higher risk of suffering heart attack or dying of heart disease than others.

The driving force behind hostility is a cynical (愤世嫉俗) mistrust of others. If we expect others to mistreat us, we are seldom disappointed. This generates anger and leads us to respond with hostility.

The most characteristic attitude of a cynic is being suspicious of the motives of people he doesn't know. Imagine you are waiting for an elevator and it stops two floors above for longer than usual. How inconsiderate (不替别人着想的) You think. In a few seconds, you have drawn hostile conclusions about unseen people and their motives.

Meanwhile, your cynical mistrust is leading to noticeable physical consequences. Your voice rises. The rate and debth of your breathing increases. Your heart is beating faster and harder, and the muscles of your arms and legs become tight. You feel \"charged up\

If you frequeatly experience these feelings, you may be at increased risk of developing serious health problems. Anger can add to the risk of heart and other diseases. 31. According to the author, people with trusting hearts are

A) usually intelligent and wise B) usually very religious

C) less likely to get heart diseases D) not likely to be mistreated by others 32. The book by Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosenman most probably discusses

A) friendliness and hostility B) trust and mistrust of people C) heart diseases and death rate D) people's characters and their blood types 33. According to the passage, if you have a fixed idea in mind that people will mistreat you,you will always find it

A) to be disappointing B) to be pleasing

C) to be wrong D) to be so 34. A cynic, in the passage, is a person

A) who is always rady to fight

B) who usually has doubts about the people around him C) whose behaviour usually leads to serious health problems

D) whose behaviour usually seems strange to the people he knows

35. The author's intention in writing the passage is to

A) adivse people to be patient B) analyze the dnager of heart diseases

C) persuade people to be trustful D) praise the wisdom of the old people Passage Four

\"Time is a problem for kids,\" states a news report for a new Swiss watch. Children in some countries \"learn time slowly\" because \"they don't wear watches\" and \"parents don't really know how to teach them time\". The kids grow up with this handicap and become adults-- and then can't get to wrok on time. Is there an answer to this problem? of course -- it's the Flik Flak, made by a famous Swiss watch company.

The Flik Flak is being marketed as something teaching watch for children aged 4 to 10.The watch itself does not teach kids how to tell time, of course it merely \"captures their imagination\" by presenting the \"hour\" hand as a beautiful red girl named Flak and the \"minute\" hand as a tall blue boy named Flik. Flik points to corresponding \"blue\" minutes on the dial, while Flak points to red hour numbers. The characters and the colors combined with parental help, are supposed to teach young children how to tell time.

The watch comes equipped with a standard battery and a nylon band. Peter Lipkin, the United States sales manager for the Flik Flak, calls it \"Kidproof: if it gets dirty you can throw the whole watch in the washing machine.\" The product is being sold in select department stores in Europe, Asia and the United States for a suggested price of $ 25. Parents who buy the watch may discover that it is one thing for kids to tell time; it's quite another for them to be on time. 36. From the news report we know that

A) parents are patient when teaching children time

B) parents have little idea of how to teach children time C) children tend to learn time quickly

D) children enjoy wearing the Flik Flak watch 37. The author doesn't seem to believe

A) children will be on time if they have learnt how to tell time B) a Filk Flak can help parents teach their children how to tell time C) the Filk Flak can capture children's imagination

D) children usually have trouble telling time if they don't wear watches 38. The word \"handicap\" (Para. 1, Line 4) menas

A) displeasure B) discouragement

C) disappointment D) disadvantage 39. Flik and Flak in the passage stand for

A) a tall boy and a beautiful girl B) the minute hand and the hour hand C) the Swiss watch company D) the designers of the watch 40. The United States sales manager calls the new watch \"kidproof\" because

A) it is designed to teach children to be on time B) it proves to be effective in teaching children time C) it is made so as not to be easily damaged by children D) it is the children's favourite watch

1992年6月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

Looking back on my childhood. I am convinced that naturalists are born and not made. Although we were all brought up in the same way, my brothers and sisters soon abandoned their pressed flowers and insects. Unlike them, I had no ear for music and languages. I was not an early reader and I could not do mental arithmetic.

Before world I we spent our summer holidays in Hungary. I have only the dim memory of the house we lived in, of my room and my toys. Nor do I recall clearly the large family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who gathered next door. But I do have a

crystal-clear memory of the dogs, the farm animals, the local birds and, above all the insects. I am a naturalist, not a scientist. I have a strong love of the natural world, and my enthusiasm has led me into varied investigations. I love discussing my favorite topics and enjoy

burning the midnight oil while reading about other people' s observations and discoveries. Then something happens that brings these observations together in my conscious mind. Suddenly you fancy you see the answer to the riddle (谜), because it all seems to fit together. This has resulted in my publishing 300 papers and books, which some might honour with the title of scientific research.

But curiosity, a keen eye, a good memory and enjoyment of the animal and plant world do not make a scientist: one of the outstanding and essential qualities require is self-discipline,

quality I lack. A scientist requires not only self-discipline but all training, determination and a goal. A scientist up to a point, can be made. A naturalist is born. If you can combine the two, you get the best of both worlds.

21. The first paragraph tells us that the author A) was born to a naturalist's family B) lost his hearing when he was a child C) didn' t like his brothers and sisters

D) was interested in flowers and insects in his childhood 22. The author can't remember his relatives clearly because A) he didn't live very long with them

B) he was fully occupied with observing nature C) he was too young when he lived with them D) the family was extremely large

23. It can be infrred from the passage that the author was

A) no more than a born naturalist B) a naturalist but not a scientist C) a scientist as well as a naturalist D) first of all a scientist

24. The author says that he is a naturalist rather than a scientist probably because he thinks he

A) lacks some of the qualities required of a scientist B) has a great deal of trouble doing mental arithmetic

C) just reads about other people's observations and discoveries D) comes up with solutions in a most natural way

25. According to the author, a born naturalist should first of all be A) full of ambition B) full of enthusiasm C) knowledgeable D) self-disciplined Passage Two

Sporting activities are essentially modified forms of hunting behaviour. Viewed biologically, the modern footballer is in reality a member of a hunting group. His killing weapon has turned into a harmless football and his prey (猎物) into a goalmouth. If his aim is accurate and he scores a goal, he enjoys the hunter's triumph of killing his prey.

To understand how this transformation has taken place we must briefly look back at our forefathers. They spent over a million years evolving (进化) as cooperative hunters. Their very survival depended on success in the hunting-field. Under this pressure their whole way of life, even their bodies, became greatly changed. They became chasers, runners, jumpers, aimers, throwers and prey-killers. They cooperated as skillful male-group attackers. Then about ten thousand years ago, after this immensely long period of hunting their food, they became farmers. Their improved intelligence, so vital to their old hunting life, was put to a new use －－ that of controlling and domesticating their prey. The hunt became suddely out of date. The food was there on the farms, awaiting their needs. The risks and uncertainties of the hunt were no longer essential for survival.

The skills and thirst for hunting remained, however, and demanded new outlets. Hunting for sport replaced hunting for necessity. This new activity involved all the original hunting sequencer but the aim of the operation was no longer to avoid starvation. Instead the sportsmen set off to test their skill against prey that were no longer essential to their survival, to be sure, the kill may have been eaten, but there were other, much simpler ways of obtaining a meaty meal.

26. The author believes that sporting activities

A) are forms of biological development B) are essentially forms of taming the prey C) have actually developed from hunting D) Have changed the ways of hunting 27. For over a million years, our forefathers were basically A) any member of the opposing team B) the goal-mouth C) the goal keeper D) the football 28. For over a million years, our foregathers were basically A) co-operating hunters , B) successful farmers C) runners and jumpers D) skillful sportsmen 29. The word \"operation\" (Para. 4, Line 4) refers to A) domesticating animals B) hunting C) prey killing D) sports activities

30. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

A) It is farming that gives human beings enough leisure time for sporting activities. B) Farming is very important in human civilization because it saves human beings from risks and uncertainties of hunting for survival.

C) It is hunting that provides human beings with much simpler ways of obtaining meaty meals.

D) Sporting activities satisfy the desire of modern man to exercise hunting skills which his forefathers developed for survival. Passage Three

The world is known to us through many senses, not just hearing, smell, vision, and at close range, touch and taste.

Our skins let us know whether the air is moist or dry, whether surfaces are wet without being sticky or slippery. From the uniformity of slight pressure, we can be aware how deeply a finger is thrust into water at body temperature, even if the finger is enclosed in a rubber glove that keeps the skin completely dry. Many other animals, with highly sensitive skins, appear to be able to learn still more about their environment. Often they do so without employing any of the five senses.

By observing the capabilities of other members of the animal kingdom, we come to realise that a human being has far more possibilities than are utilised. We neglect ever so many of our senses in concentrating on the five major ones. At the same time, a comparison between animals and man draws attention to the limitations of each sense. The part of the spectrum (光谱) seen by colour-conscious man as red is non-existent for honey-bees. But a bee can see far more in flowers than we, because the ultra-violet (紫外线) to which our eyes are blind is a stimulating (刺激的) part of the insect's spectrum, and, for honey-bees at least, constitutes a separate colour.

31. From the passage, we realise that

A) man possesses as many senses as animals B) man possesses a few more senses than animals

C) man possesses far more senses than the five major ones D) man has fully utilised his senses 32. Which of the following is TRUE? A) The honey-bee is blind to red.

B) Man is more colour-conscious than the honey-bee. C) The honey-bee can see far more colours than man. D) Man is sensitive to the ultra-violet.

33. We can realise how deeply a finger is put into water at body temperature A) from the sense of direct touch B) through skin contact

C) from the even distribution of pressure D) through the difference in temperture 34. The phrase \"sensitive skins\" (Para.2 Line 6) most probably means A) skins that are sticky or slippery B) skins that are delicate

C) skins that are completely dry D) skins that are quick to feel and respond 35. What is the main idea of the passage? A) All senses have their limitations. B) Man has not fully utilized all his senses.

C) Insects are more sensitive to colours than man.

D) Man is not as good as animals in learning about the environment. Passage Four

America is a country on the move. In unheard-of numbers, people of all ages are exercising their way to better health. According to the latest figures, 59 percent of American adults exercise regularly-up 12 percent from just two years ago and more than double the figure of 25years ago. Even non-exercisers believe they would be more attractive and confident if they were more active.

It is hard not to get the message. The virtues of physical fitness are shown on magazine covers, postage stamps, and television ads for everything from beauty soaps to travel books. Exercise as a part of daily life did not catch on until the late 1960s when research by military doctors began to show the health benefits of doing regular physical exercises. Growing publicity (宣传) for races held in American cities helped fuel a strong interest in the ancient sport of running. Although running has leveled off in recent years as Americans have discovered equally rewarding-and sometimes safer-forms of exercise, such as walking and swimming, running, remaing the most popular form of exercise.

As the popularity of exercise continues to mount, so does scientific evidence of its health benefits. The key to fitness is exercising the major muscle groups vigorously (强有力的) enough to approximately double the heart rate and keep it doubled for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Doing such physical exercises three times or more a week will produce considerable improvements in physical health in about three months.

36. According to the passage, what was the percentage of American adults doing regular physical exercises two years ago?

A) About 70% B) Almost 50% C) Nearly 60% D) More than 12% 37. A growing interest in sports developed after A) research showed their health benefits

B) people got the message from magazine covers and postage stamps C) scientific evidence of health benefits was shown on TV ads D) an increasing number of races were held in American cities

38. Which of the following is colsest in meaning to the phrase \"leveled off\" (Para. 2, Line 8)? A) \"become very popular\" B) \"stopped being popular\"

C) \"stopped increasing in popularity\" D) \"reached its lowest level in popularity\" 39. It can be learnt from the passage that the health benefits of exercise A) are yet to be proved B) are to be further studied

C) are self-evident D) are supported by scientific evidence 40. Which of the following would be the best TITLE for the passage?

A) Exercise-The Road to Health. B) Different Forms of Exercise. C) Scientific Evidence of Health Benefits D) Running A Popular Form of Sport.

1992

年12月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

With fifteen years Britain and other nations should be well on with the building of huge

industrial complexes for the recycling of waste. The word rubbish could lose its meaning because everything which goes into the dumps (垃圾堆) would be made into something useful. Even the most dangerous and unpleasant wastes would provide energy if nothing else.

The latest project is to take a city of around half a million inhabitants and discover exactly what raw materials go into it and what go out. The aim is to find out how much of these raw materials could be provided if a plant for recycling waste were built just outside the city. This plant would recycle not only metal such as steel, lead and copper, but also paper and rubber as well.

Another new project is being set up to discover the best ways of sorting and separating the rubbish. When this project is complete, the rubbish will be processed like this: First, it will pass through sharp metal bas which will tear open the plastic bags in which rubbish is usually packed; then it will pass through a powerful fan to separate the lightest elements from the heavy solids; after that grounders and rollers will break up everything that can be broken. Finally, the rubbish will pass under magnets (磁铁) , which will remove the bits of iron and steel; the rubber and plastic will then be sorted out in the final stage.

The first full-scale giant recycling plants are perhaps fifteen years away. Indeed, with the growing cost of transporting rubbish to more distant dumps, some big cities will be forced to build their own recycling plants before long.

21. The phrase \"be well on with „„\" (Para.1, Line 1) most probably means _____. (A) have completed what was started (C) have achieved a great deal in (B) get ready to start (D) put an end to

22. What is NOT mentioned as a part of the recycling process described in Paragraph 3?

(A) Breaking up whatever is breakable. (C) Separating light elements from the heavy ones.

(B) Sharpening metal bars. (D) Sorting out small pieces of metal. 23. What's the main reason for big cities to build their own recycling plants?

(A) To deal with wastes in better way. (C) To get raw materials locally.

(B) To protect the environment from pollution. (D) To get big profits from those plants. 24. The first full-scale huge recycling plants ___

(A) began to operate fifteen years ago (C) will be built fifteen years later (B) will probably take less than fifteen years to build (D) will probably be in operation in fifteen years

25. The passage is mainly about ______.

(A) a cheap way to get energy (C) new ways of recycling wastes (B) the location of recycling plants (D) the probably of city environment Passage Two

By 1970, according to a World Wildlife Fund report, only about 4,500 tigers survived throughout the world-half of them in India. Mr. Foresters, who followed and counted tiger footprints, estimated that in May 1972 only about 1,800 tigers existed in India. Project Tiger Supported by W.W.F. was immediately launched. Nine tiger reserves were created, with armed guards protecting them.

The project provided opportunities for researchers from India and abroad to study tigers in the reserves and gather previously unavailable information about their habits. Studies show that a male tiger may control a hunting territory of between 10 and 20 sq. kms. depending on its age,

size and strength. The territory of male includes the smaller territories of three or four tigressess. A tiger marks the boundaries of its territories by spraying urine (尿) and other bodily liquids on bushes. But it tries to avoid territorial fights, being guided by the distinctive body smell of other tigers. Tigers fight to death only when a tigress is defending her young, or when a tiger is guarding a tigress from the attentions of other males.

The popular image of the tiger is that of a merciless and unconquerable hunter. But studies show that it catches only one of 20 victims (牺牲品) it tries to attack.

Fears have recently developed that Project Tiger has been too successful. It has enabled the tiger population to double (by mid-80 S), but India's human population has also grown out of control. Currently it is 750 million and likely to be 900 million by the end of the century. Land problem is becoming serious and many rural people feel bitter about the fact that some rich forests are reserved for tigers. A growing number of attacks by tigers on man has added to the hostility (敌意).

26. The ultimate aim of Project Tiger is to _____.

(A) study the growth rate of tigers (C) promote the breeding of young tigers (B) protect tigers from being killed (D) analyze the behavioral patterns of tigers 27. Studies have shown that ______.

(A) a tigress never attacks until attacked (B) the tigress is not as fierce as the tigers

(C) a tiger usually fights another tiger to defend its own territory (D) the tiger is not an efficient hunter as is commonly described 28. According to the passage, a tiger's territory _____.

(A) remains unchanged (C) expands as the tiger grows up (B) is often defended by tigresses (D) is the cause of most fights 29. Some people are afraid that Project Tiger _____.

(A) has been carried too far (C) has failed to achieve its goal

(B) has not received enough attention (D) is not worth the money spent on it 30. The author seems _____.

(A) to be enthusiastic about Project Tiger

(B) to have a matter-of-fact attitude towards Project Tiger (C) to have a hostile attitude towards Project Tiger (D) to be satisfied with Project Tiger Passage Three

In only two decades Asian Americans have become the fastest-growing U.S. minority (少数民族). As their children began moving up through the nation's schools, it became clear that a new class of academic achievers was emerging. Their achievements are reflected in the nation's best universities, where mathematics, science and engineering departments have taken on a decidedly Asian character. This special liking for mathematics and science is partly explained by the fact that Asian-American students who began their educations abroad arrived in the U.S. with a solid grounding in mathematics but little or no knowledge of English. They are also influenced by the promise of a good job after college. Asians feel there will be less unfair treatment in areas like mathematics and science because they will be judged more objectively. And the return on the investment in education is more immediate in something like engineering than with an arts degree. Most Asian-American students owe their success to the influence of parents who are

determined that their children take full advantage of what the American educational system has to offer. An effective measure of parental attention is homework. Asian parents spend more time with their children than American parents do, and it helps. Many researchers also believe there is something in Asian Culture that breeds success, such ideals that stress family values and emphasize education.

Both explanations for academic success worry Asian Americans because of fears that they feed a typical racial (种族的) image. Many can remember when Chinese, Japanese and Filipino immigrants (移民) were the victims of social isolation. Indeed, it was not until 1952 that laws were laid down giving all Asian immigrants the right to citizenship.

31. While making tremendous achievements at college, Asian-American students ______. (A) feel they are mistreated because of limited knowledge of English (B) are afraid that their academic successes bear a strong Asian character (C) still worry about unfair treatment in society

(D) generally feel it a shame to have to depend on their parents

32. What are the major factors that determine the success of Asian Americans? (A) A solid foundation in basic mathematics and Asian Americans? (B) Hard work and intelligence.

33. Few Asian-American students major in human sciences mainly because ______. (A) their English is not good enough

(B) they are afraid they might meet with unfair judgement in these areas (C) there is a wide difference between Asian and Western cultures (D) they know little about American cultures and Western cultures

34. Why do the two \"explanations\" (Para. 3, Line 1) worry Asian Americans?

(A) They are afraid that they would again be isolated from American society in general. (B) People would think that Asian students rely on their parents for success. (C) Asian American would be a threat to other minorities.

(D) American academic achievements have taken on too strong an Asian character. 35. The author's tone in this passage is _____.

(A) sympathetic (B) doubtful (C) critical (D) objective Passage Three

offer. An effective measure of parental attention is homework. Asian parents spend more time with their children than American parents do, and it helps. Many researchers also believe there is something in Asian Culture that breeds success, such ideals that stress family values and emphasize education.

(D) generally feel it a shame to have to depend on their parents

32. What are the major factors that determine the success of Asian Americans? (A) A solid foundation in basic mathematics and Asian Americans? (B) Hard work and intelligence.

33. Few Asian-American students major in human sciences mainly because ______. (A) their English is not good enough

34. Why do the two \"explanations\" (Para. 3, Line 1) worry Asian Americans?

(D) American academic achievements have taken on too strong an Asian character. 35. The author's tone in this passage is _____.

(A) sympathetic (B) doubtful (C) critical (D) objective Passage Three

their children than American parents do, and it helps. Many researchers also believe there is something in Asian Culture that breeds success, such ideals that stress family values and emphasize education.

(D) generally feel it a shame to have to depend on their parents

32. What are the major factors that determine the success of Asian Americans? (A) A solid foundation in basic mathematics and Asian Americans? (B) Hard work and intelligence.

33. Few Asian-American students major in human sciences mainly because ______. (A) their English is not good enough

34. Why do the two \"explanations\" (Para. 3, Line 1) worry Asian Americans?

(D) American academic achievements have taken on too strong an Asian character. 35. The author's tone in this passage is _____.

(A) sympathetic (B) doubtful (C) critical (D) objective Passage Four

Like fine food, good writing is something we approach with pleasure and enjoy from the first taste to the last. And good writers, good cooks, do not suddenly appear full-blown. Quite the contrary, just as the cook has to undergo an intensive training, mastering the skills of his trade, the writer must sit at his desk and devote long hours to achieving a style in his writing, whatever its purpose-schoolwork, matters of business, or purely social communication. You may be sure that the more painstaking the effort, the more effective the writing, and the more rewarding.

There are still some remote places in the world where you might find a public scribe to do your business or social writing for you, for a fee. There are a few managers who are lucky enough to have the service of that rate kind of secretary who can take care of all sorts of letter writing with no more than a quick note to work from. But for most of us, if there is any writing to be done, we have to do it ourselves.

We have to write school papers, business papers or home papers. We are constantly called on to put words to paper. It would be difficult to count the number of such words, messages, letters, and reports put into the mails or delivered by hand, but the daily figure must be enormous. What is

more, everyone who writes expects, or at least hopes. We want whatever we write to be read, from first word to last, not just thrown into some \"letters-to-be-read\" file (档案) or into a wastepaper basket. This is the reason we bend our efforts toward learning and practicing the skill of interesting, effective writing.

36. In this passage, good writing is compared to fine food because _____. (A) both writers and cooks have to work long hours every day (B) both are essential to life

37. A public \"scribe\" (Para 2, Line 1) is _____.

(A) a secretary who does your business or social writing (B) a machine that does writing for you (C) a public school where writing is taught

(D) a person who ears a living by writing for others

38. According to the passage, some managers don't have to do any letter writing because _____. (A) they rely on quick notes (C) they have a computer to do it (B) they have excellent secretaries (D) they prefer making phone calls

39. According to the author, if your letter is thrown into some \"letter-to-be-read\" file, ______. (A) it will receive immediate attention (C) it is likely to be neglected

(B) it will be dealt with by the secretary (D) it is meant to be delivered soon 40. The purpose of the author in writing this passage is _____. (A) to explain and persuade (C) to interest and entertain (B) to comment and criticize (D) to argue and demonstrate

1993年6月英语四级阅读题

Passage One

Nursing at Beth Israel Hospital produces the best patient care possible. If we are to solve the nursing shortage (不足), hospital administration and doctors everywhere would do well to follow Beth Israel’s example.

At Beth Israel each patient is assigned to a primary nurse who visits at length with the patient and constructs a full-scale health account that covers everything from his medical history to his emotional state. Then she writes a care plan centered on the patient’s illness but which also includes everything else that is necessary.

The primary nurse stays with the patient through his hospitalization, keeping track with his progress and seeking further advice from his doctor. If a patient at Beth Israel is not responding to treatment, it is not uncommon for his nurse to propose another approach to his doctor. What the doctor at Beth Israel has in the primary nurse is a true colleague.

Nursing at Beth Israel also involves a decentralized (分散的) nursing administration; every floor, every unit is a self-contained organization. There are nurse-managers instead of head nurses; in addition to their medical duties they do all their own hiring and dismissing, employee advising, and they make salary recommendations. Each unit’s nurses decide among themselves who will work what shifts and when.

Beth Israel’s nurse-in-chief ranks as an equal with other vice presidents of the hospital. She also is a member of the Medical Executive Committee, which is most hospitals includes only

doctors.

21. Which of the following best characterizes the main feature of the nursing system at Beth Israel Hospital?

A) The doctor gets more active professional support from the primary nurse. B) Each patient is taken care of by a primary nurse day and night. C) The primary nurse writes care plans for every patient.

D) The primary nurse keeps records of the patient’s health conditions every day.（A） 22. It can be inferred from the passage that ________.

A) compared with other hospitals nurse at Beth Israel Hospital are more patient B) in most hospitals patient care is inadequate from the professional point of view C) in most hospital nurse get low salaries

D) compared with other hospital nurses have to work longer hours at Beth Israel Hospital（B） 23. A primary nurse can propose a different approach of treatment when ________.

A) the present one is refused by the patient C) the present one proves to be ineffective B) the patient complains about the present one D) the patient is found unwilling to cooperate（C）

24. The main difference between a nurse-manager and a head nurse is that the former ________.

A) is a member of the Medical Executive Committee of the hospital B) has to arrange the work shifts of the unit’s nurses

C) can make decisions concerning the medical treatment of a patient

D) has full responsibility in the administration of the unit’s nurses（D）

25. The author’s attitude towards the nurse system at Beth Israel Hospital is ________. A) negative B) critical C) neutral D) positive（D） Passage Two

For some time past it has been widely accepted that babies-and other creatures-learn to do things because certain acts lead to “rewards”; and there is no reason to doubt that this is true. But it used also to be widely believed that effective reward, at least in the early stages, had to be directly related to such basic physiological (生理的) “drives” as thirst or hunger. In other words, a baby would learn if he got food or drink of some sort of physical comfort, not otherwise.

It is now clear that this is not so. Babies will learn to behave in ways that produce results in the world with no reward except the successful outcome.

Papousek began his studies by using milk in the normal way to “reward” the babies and so teach them to carry out some simple movements, such as turning the head to one side or the other. Then he noticed that a baby who had had enough to drink would refuse the milk but would still go on making the learned response with clear signs of pleasure. So he began to study the children’s responses in situations where on milk was provided. He quickly found that children as young as four months would learn to turn their heads to right or left if the movement “switched on”. A display of lights-and indeed that they were capable of learning quite complex turns to bring about this result, for instance, two left or two right, or even to make as many three turns to one side.

Papousek’s light display was placed directly in front of the babies and he made the interesting observation that sometimes they would not turn back to watch the lights closely although they would “smile and bubble” when the display came on. Papousek concluded that it was not primarily the sight of the lights which pleased them, it was the success they were

achieving in solving the problem, in mastering the skill, and that there exists a fundamental human urge to make sense of the world and bring it under intentional control. 26. According to the author, babies learn to do things which ________. A) are directly related to pleasure B) will meet their physical needs

C) will bring them a feeling of success D) will satisfy their curiosity（C）

27. Papousek noticed in his studies that a baby ________. A) would make learned responses when it saw the milk

B) would carry out learned movements when it had enough to drink C) would continue the simple movements without being given milk D) would turn its head to right or left when it had enough to drink（C）

28. In Papousek’s experiment babies make learned movements of the head in order to ________.

A) have the lights turned on C) please their parents B) be rewarded with milk D) be praised（A）

29. The babies would “smile and bubble” at the lights because ________. A) the lights were directly related to some basic “drives” B) the sight of the lights was interesting

C) they need not turn back to watch the lights

D) they succeeded in “switching on” the lights（D）

30. According to Papousek, the pleasure babies get in achieving something is a reflection of ________.

A) a basic human desire to understand and control the world B) the satisfaction of certain physiological needs C) their strong desire to solve complex

D) a fundamental human urge to display their learned skills（A） Passage Three

When a consumer finds that an item she or he bought is faulty or in some way does not live up to the manufacturer’s claim for it, the first step is to present the warranty (保单), or any other records which might help, at the store of purchase. In most cases, this action will produce results. However, if it does not, there are various means the consumer may use to gain satisfaction.

A simple and common method used by many consumers is to complain directly to the store manager. In general, the “higher up” the consumer takes his or her complaint, the faster he or she can expect it to be settled. In such a case, it is usually settled in the consumer’s favor, assuming he or she has a just claim.

Consumers should complain in person whenever possible, but if they cannot get to the place of purchase, it is acceptable to phone or write the complaint in a letter.

Complaining is usually most effective when it is done politely but firmly, and especially when the consumer can demonstrate what is wrong with the item in questions. If this cannot be done, the consumer will succeed best by presenting specific information as to what is wrong, rather than by making general statements. For example, “The left speaker does not work at all and the sound coming out of the right one is unclear” is better than “This stereo (立体声音响) does not work.”

The store manager may advise the consumer to write to the manufacturer. If so, the consumer should do this, stating the complaint as politely and as firmly as possible. But if a polite complaint does not achieve the desired result, the consumer can go a step further. She or he can threaten to take the seller to court or report the seller to a private or public organization responsible for protecting consumers’ rights.

31. When a consumer finds that his purchase has a fault in it, the first thing he should do is to ________.

A) complain personally to the manager C) write a firm letter of complaint to the store or purchase

B) threaten to take the matter to court D) show some written proof of the purchase to the store（D）

32. If a consumer wants a quick settlement of his problem, it’s better to complain to ________. A) a shop assistant C) the manufacturer

B) the store manager D) a public organization（B） 33. The most effective complaint can be made by ________.

A) showing the faulty item to the manufacturer C) saying firmly that the item of poor quality

B) explaining exactly what is wrong with the item D) asking politely to change the item（B）

34. The phrase “live up” (Para. 1, Line 2) in the context means ________. A) meet the standard of C) fulfill the demands of

B) realize the purpose of采集者退散 D) keep the promise of（A） 35. The passage tells us ________.

A) how to settle a consumer’s complaint about a faulty item B) how to make an effective complaint about a faulty item C) how to avoid buying a faulty item

D) how to deal with complaints from customers（B） Passage Four

If women are mercilessly exploited (剥削) year after year, they have only themselves to blame. Because they tremble at the thought of being seem in public in clothes that are out of fashion, they are always taken advantage of by the designers and the big stores. Clothes which have been worn only a few times have to be put aside because of the change of fashion. When you come to think of it, only a woman is capable of standing in front of a wardrobe (衣柜) packed full of clothes and announcing sadly that she has nothing to wear.

Changing fashions are nothing more than the intentional creation of waste. Many women spend vast sums of money each year to replace clothes that have hardly been worn. Women who cannot afford to throw away clothing in this way, waste hours of their time altering the dresses they have. Skirts are lengthened or shortened; neck-lines are lowered or raised, and so on.

No one can claim that the fashion industry contributes anything really important to society. Fashion designers are rarely concerned with vital things like warmth, comfort and durability (耐用). They are only interested in outward appearance and they take advantage of the fact that women will put up with any amount of discomfort, as long as they look right. There can hardly be a man who hasn’t at some time in his life smiled at the sight of a woman shaking in a thin dress on a winter day, or delicately picking her way through deep snow in high-heeled shoes.

When comparing men and men and women in the matter of fashion, the conclusions to be drawn are obvious. Do the constantly changing fashions of women’s clothes, one wonders, reflect basic qualities of inconstancy and instability? Men are too clever to let themselves be cheated by fashion designers. Do their unchanging styles of dress reflect basic qualities of stability and reliability? That is for you to decide.

36. Designers and big stores always make money ________.

A) by mercilessly exploiting women workers in the clothing industry B) because they are capable of predicting new fashions

C) by constantly changing the fashions in women’s clothing

D) because they attach great importance to quality in women’s clothing（C）

37. To the writer, the fact that women alter their old-fashioned dresses is seen as ________. A) a waste of money C) an expression of taste

B) a waste of time D) an expression of creativity（B）

38. The writer would be less critical if fashion designers placed more stress on the ________ of clothing.

A) cost B) appearance C) comfort D) suitability（C） 39. According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE? ________. A) New fashions in clothing are created for the commercial exploitation of women. B) The constant changes in women’s clothing reflect their strength of character. C) The fashion industry makes an important contribution to society.

D) Fashion designs should not be encouraged since they are only welcomed by women.（A） 40. By saying “the conclusion to be drawn are obvious” (Para. 4, Line 1-2), the writer means that ________.

A) women’s inconstancy in their choice of clothing is often laughed at B) women are better able to put up with discomfort C) men are also exploited greatly by fashion designers

D) men are more reasonable in the matter of fashion（D）

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英语四级