2011年12月大学英语四级真题

遇见明天

Part Ⅰ                                             Writing                                           (30 minutes)

Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30minutes to write a short essay entitled Nothing Succeeds Without a Strong Will by commenting on the humorous saying, "Quitting smoking is theeasiest thing in the world. I've done it hundreds of times." You shouldwrite at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.

NothingSucceeds Without a Strong Will

注意：此部分试题在答题卡1上。

Part Ⅱ        Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)          (15 minutes)

Directions: In this part, you will have 15minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1. For questions 1-7 choose the bestanswer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). For questions 8-10,complete the sentence with the information given in the passage.

WhyIntegrity Matters

What IsIntegrity?

The key to integrity is consistency- not only setting high personalstandards for oneself (honesty, responsibility, respect for others, fairness)but also living up to those standards each and every day. One who has integrityis bound by and follows moral and ethical (道德上的) standards even when making life's hard choices, choiceswhich may be clouded by stress, pressure to succeed, or temptation.

What happens if we lie, cheat, steal, or violate other ethical standards?We feel disappointed in ourselves and ashamed. But a lapse (缺失) of integrity also affects ourrelationships with others. Trust is essential in any important relationship,whether personal or professional. Who can trust someone who is dishonest orunfair? Thus integrity must be one of our most important goals.

RiskyBusiness

We are each responsible for our own decisions, even if the decision,making process has been undermined by stress or peer pressure. The real test ofcharacter is whether we can learn from our mistake, by understanding why weacted as we did and then exploring ways to avoid similar problems in thefuture.

Making ethical decisions is a critical part of avoiding future problems.We must learn to recognize risks, because if we can't see the risks we'retaking, we can't make responsible choices. To identify risks, we need to knowthe rules and be aware of the facts. For example, one who doesn't know therules a about plagiarism (剽窃) may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit or onewho fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote andcite sources as required. But the fact that such a violation is"unintentional" does not excuse the misconduct, Ignorance is not adefense.

"ButEverybody Does It"

Most people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts but manage tofool themselves about the risks they're taking by using excuses: "Everyoneelse does it." "I'm not hurting anyone", or "I really needthis grade." Excuses can get very elaborate: "I know I'm look atanother's exam, even though I'm supposed to keep my eyes on my own paper, butthat's not cheating because I’m just checking my answers, not copying." Wemust be honest about our actions and avoid excuses, if we fool ourselves intobelieving we're not doing anything wrong, we can't see the real choice we'remaking - and that leads to bad decisions.

To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Askhow you would feel if your actions were public and anyone could be watchingover your shoulder. If you'd rather hide your actions, that's an indicationthat you're taking a risk and rationalizing it to yourself.

EvaluatingRisks

To decide whether a risk is worth taking, you must examine theconsequences, in the future as well as right now, negative as well as positive,and to others as well as to yourself. Those who take risks they later regretusually focus on immolate benefits and simply haven't considered what might gowrong. The consequences of getting caught are serious and may include a"O" on a test or assignment, an "F" in the class,suspension (暂令停学) or dismissal from school and a ruined reputation. In fact, when youbreak a role or law, you lose control over your life and give others the powerto impose punishment that you have no control over. This is an extremelyvulnerable (脆弱的) position. There may be some matters of life and death or highestprinciple, which might justify such a risk, but there aren't many things thatfall in this category.

GettingAway with it - Or Not

Those who don't get caught pay an even higher price. A cheater doesn't learnfrom the test, which deprives (剥夺) him her of an education. Cheating undermines confidence andindependence: the cheater is a fraud, and knows that without dishonesty, he/shewould have failed. Cheating destroys self-respect and integrity, leaving thecheater ashamed, guilty and afraid of getting caught.

Worst of all, a cheater who doesn't get caught the first time usuallycheats again, not only because he/she is farther behind, but also because itseems "easier." This slippery slope of eroding ethics and biggerrisks leads only to disaster. Eventually, the cheater gets caught, and thelater he/she gets caught, the worse the consequences.

CheatingHurts Other, Too

Cheaters often feel invisible, as if their actions "don't count"and don't really hurt anyone. But individual choices have an intense cumulative(累积的) effect.Cheating can spread like a disease. Recent statistics suggest 30％or more of college students cheat.If a class is graded on a curve, cheating hurts others' grades. Even if thereis no curve, cheating "poisons" the classroom, and others may feelpressured to join in. ("If I don't cheat I can't compete with those whodo") Cheating also has a destructive impact on teachers. The real rewardof goof teaching is seeing students learn. But a cheater says. "I'm not interestedin what you're trying to teach, all I care about is stealing a grade,regardless of the effect on others." The end result is a destructiveattack on the quality of your education. Finally, cheating can hurt thereputation of the university and harm those who worked hard for their degree.

WhyIntegrity Marten

If cheating becomes the norm, then we are in big trouble. We must rely onthe honesty and good faith of others, if not, we couldn't put money in thebank, buy food, clothing, or medicine from others, drive across a bridge, geton a plane, go to the dentist--the list is endless. There are many examples ofthe vast harm that is caused when individuals forget or ignore the effect theirdishonesty can have. The savings and loan scandal, the stock market and junk bondswindles, and, of course, Watergate, have undermined the faith of manyAmericans in the integrity of political and economic leaders and society as awhole. Such incidents take a tremendous toll on our nation's economy and ourindividual well-being. For example, but for the savings and loan debacle, theremight be funds available to reduce the national debt and pay for education.

In sum, we all have a common stake in our school, our community, and oursociety. Our actions do matter. It is essential that we act with integrity inorder to build the kind of world in which we want to live.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答。

1. Aperson of integrity not only sets high moral and ethical standards but also_______.

A) sticks to them in their daily life

B) makes them known to others

C) understands their true values

D) sees that others also follow them

2. Whatrole does integrity play in personal and professional relationships?

A) It helps to create team spirit

B) It facilitates communication

C) It is the basis of mutual trust

D) It inspires mutual respect

3. whymust we learn to identify the risks we are going to take？

A. To ensure we make responsible choices.

B. To avoid being overwhelmed by stress.

C. So that we don’t break any rules.

D. So that we don’t run into trouble.

4.Violation of a rule is misconduct even if _______?

A. it has caused no harm.

B. it is claimed to be unintentional.

C. it has gone unnoticed.

D. it is committed with good intentions.

5. Whatshould one do if he doesn’t wish to fool himself?

A. Avoid making excuses.

B. Listen to other people’s advice.

C. Make his intensions public.

D. Have others watch over his shoulder.

6. Thosewho take risks they regret later on _______.

A. will often become more cautious

B. are usually very aggressive

C. value immediate benefits most.

D. may lose everything in the end

7.According to the author, a cheater who doesn’t get caught right away will_______.

A) pay more dearly

B) become more confident

C) be widely admired

D) feel somewhat lucky

8.Cheaters at exam don’t care about their education, all they care about is howto __________.

9.Integrity matters in that all social activities rely on ___________.

10. ManyAmericans lost faith in the integrity of their political leaders as a result of__________.

Part III                            Listening Comprehension                              (35 minutes)

Section A

Directions: In this section, you will hear 8short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation,one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversationand the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be apause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) andD), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through thecentre.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

11. A)Read the notice on the window.

   B) Go and ask the staff.

   C) Get a new bus schedule.

   D) Board the bus to Cleveland.

12. A) Hewas looking forward to seeing the giraffes.

   B) He enjoyed watching the animal performance.

   C) He got home too late to see the TV special.

   D) He fell asleep in the middle of the TV program.

13. A) Shewants to take the most direct way.

   B) She may be late for the football game.

   C) She is worried about missing her flight.

   D) She is currently caught in a traffic jam.

14. A) Ata restaurant.           B) In a fish shop.          C) At a clinic.        D) On a fishing boat.

15. A) Heis an experienced sales manager.

   B) He is being interviewed for a job.

   C) He is a close friend of the woman.

   D) He is good at answering tricky questions.

16. A) Theman should consider his privacy first.

   B) The man will choose a low-rent apartment.

   C) The man is not certain if he can find a quieter place.

   D) The man is unlikely to move out of the dormitory.

17. A) Thewoman is going to make her topic more focused.

   B) The man and the woman are working on a joint project.

   C) One should choose a broad topic for a research paper.

   D) It took a lot of time to get the man on the right track.

18. A)They went camping this time last year.

   B) They didn’t quite enjoy their last picnic.

   C) They learned to cooperate under harsh conditions.

   D) They weren’t experienced in organizing picnics.

Questions19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

19. A) Helikes Sweden better than England.

   B) He prefers hot weather to cold weather.

   C) He is an Englishman living in Sweden.

D) He visits Londonnearly every winter.

20. A) Thebad weather. B) The gloomy winter.   C) Thecold houses.              D) The long night.

21. A)Delightful.          B)Painful.                   C)Depressing.                     D) Refreshing.

22. A)They often stay up late reading.

   B) They work hard and play hard.

   C) They like to go camping in summer.

D) They try to earn more and spend more.

Questions23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

23. A)English Literature.      B)Management.     C)French.             D) Public Administration.

24. A)Englishteaching.                                    B) Staff training.

   C) Careersguidance.                                          D) Psychological counseling.

25. A) Itsgenerousscholarship.                         B) Its worldwide fame.

   C) Its well-designed courses.                        D) Its pleasant environment.

Section B

Directions: In this section, you will hear 3short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Boththe passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question,you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D).Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through thecentre.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

PassageOne

Questions26 to 28 are based on the passage you have just heard.

26. A)Characteristics of Japanese artists.

   B) Some features of Japanese culture.

   C) The art of Japanese brush painting.

   D) The uniqueness of Japanese art.

27. A) Tocalm themselves down.

   B) To enhance concentration.

   C) To show their impatience.

   D) To signal lack of interest.

28. A) Howlisteners in different cultures show respect.

   B) How speakers can win approval from the audience.

   C) How speakers can misunderstand the audience.

   D) How different Western and Eastern art forms are.

PassageTwo

Questions29 to 32 are based on the passage you have just heard.

29. A)Directing personnel evaluation.

   B) Buying and maintaining equipment.

   C) Drawing up plans for in-service training.

   D) Interviewing and recruiting employees.

30. A)Some of his equipment was damaged in a fire.

   B) The training program he ran was a failure.

   C) Two of his workers were injured at work.

   D) Two of his employees committed theft.

31. A) Abetter relationship with his boss.

   B) Advancement to a higher position.

   C) A better-paying job in another company.

   D) Improvement in the company’s management.

32. A) Shehas more self-confidence than Chris.

   B) She works with Chris in the same division.

   C) She has more management experience than Chris.

   D) She is competing with Chris for the new job.

PassageThree

Questions33 to 35 are based on the passage you have just heard.

33. A)They help us see the important values of culture.

   B) They guide us in handling human relationship.

   C) They help us express ourselves more effectively.

   D) They are an infinite source of human knowledge.

34. A)Their wording may become different.

   B) The values they reflect may change.

   C) Their origins can no longer be traced.

   D)They may be misinterpreted occasionally.

35. A)Certain values are shared by a large number of cultures.

   B) Some proverbs are assuming more and more importance.

   C) Old proverbs are constantly replaced by new ones.

   D) Certain values have always been central to a culture.

Section C

Directions: In this section, you will hear apassage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you shouldlisten carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the secondtime, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with theexact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you arerequired to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can eitheruse the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in yourown words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you shouldcheck what you have written.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

Our lives are woven together. As much as I enjoy my own (36) _____, I nolonger imagine I can get through a (37) _____ day much less all my life, (38)_____ on my own. Even if I am on (39) _____ in the mountains, I am eating foodsomeone else has grown, living in a house someone else has built, wearingclothes someone else has (40) _____ from cloth woven by others, using (41)_____ someone else is distributing to my house. (42) _____ of interdependenceis everywhere; we are on this (43) _____ together.

As I was growing up, (44)___________________________________________________. “Make your own way”,” Standon your own two feet” or my mother’s favorite remark when I was face-to-facewith consequences of some action: Now that you’ve made your bed, lie on it.Total independence is a dominant thing in our culture. I imagine that (45)__________________

_________________________________________.But the teaching was shaped by our cultural imagines. And instead, I grew upbelieving that I was supposed to be totally independent and consequently becamevery reluctant to ask for help.

(46) ____________________________________________________________________.

Part Ⅳ                Reading Comprehension (Reading inDepth)                (25 minutes)

Section A

Directions: In this section, there is a passagewith ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a listof choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage throughcarefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified byletter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through thecentre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.

Questions47 to 56 are based on the following passage.

With the world's population estimated to grow from six to nine billion by2050, researchers. businesses and governments are already dealing with theimpact this increase will have on everything from food and water toinfrastructure (基础设施) and jobs. Underling all this 47 will be the demand for energy, which isexpected to double over the next 40 years.

Finding the resources to meet this demand in a __48__ sustainable way isthe cornerstone (基石) of our nation's energy security, and will be one of the major __49__ ofthe 21st century. Alternative forms of energy- bio-fuels, wind and solar, toname a few are __50__ being funded and developed, and will play a growing__51__ in the world's energy supply. But experts say that even when __52__,alternative energy sources will likely meet only about 30% of the world'senergy needs by 2050.

For example, even with __53__ investments, such as the $93 million forwind energy development __54__ in  theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act, important alternative energy sourcessuch as wind and bio-fuels __55__ only about 1% of the market today.

Energy and sustainability experts say the answer to our future energyneeds will likely come from a lot of __56__ both traditional and alternative.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

    

A) stable

  

B) solutions

  

C) significant

  

D) role

  

E) progress

  

F) marvelous

  

G) included

  

H) growth

      

I) exactly

  

J)consist

  

K) comprise

  

L) competitions

  

M) combined

  

N) challenges

  

O) certainly

  

Section B

Directions: There are 2 passages in thissection. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are four chokes marked A), B), C) and D). You shoulddecide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through thecentre.

PassageOne

Questions57 to 61 are based on the following passage.

Boys' schools are the perfect place to teach young men to express theiremotions and involve them in activities such as art, dance and music.

Far from the traditional image of a culture of aggressive masculinity (阳刚), the absence of girls gives boysthe chance to develop without pressure to conform to a stereotype. a USstudy says.

Boys at single-sex schools were said to be more likely to get involved incultural and artistic activities that helped develop their emotionalexpressiveness, rather than feeling they had to conform to the "boycode" of hiding their emotions to be a "real man".

The findings of the study so against received wisdom that boys do betterwhen taught alongside girls.

Tony Little, headmaster of Eton, warnedthat boys were being faded by the British education system because it hadbecome too focused on girls. He criticized teachers for failing to recognizethat boys are actually more emotional than girls.

The research argued that boys often perform badly in mixed schools becausethey become discouraged when their female peers do better earlier in speakingand reading skills.

But in single-sex schools teachers can tailor lessons to boys' learningstyle, letting them move around the classroom and getting them to compete inteams to prevent boredom, wrote the study's author, Abigail James, of the University of Virginia.

Teachers could encourage boys to enjoy reading and writing with"boy-focused" approaches such as themes and characters that appeal tothem. Because boys generally have more acute vision learn best through touch,and are physically more active, they need to be given "hands-on"lessons where they are allowed to walk around. "Boys in mixed schools viewclassical music as feminine (女性的) and prefer the modem genre (类型) in which violence and sexism are major themes, "James wrote.

Single-sex education also made it less likely that boys would feel theyhad to conform to a stereotype that men should be "masterful and incharge" in relationships. "In mixed schools boys feel compelled toact like men before they understand themselves well enough to know what thatmeans, " the study reported.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

57. Theauthor believes that a single-sex school would __________.

A) force boys to hide their emotions to be"real men"

B) help to cultivate masculineaggressiveness in boys

C) encourage boys to express their emotionsmore freely

D) naturally reinforce in boys thetraditional image of a man

58. It iscommonly believed that in a mixed school boys __________.

A) Perform relativelybetter                                 C) behave more responsibly

B) grow up more healthily                                 D) receive a better education

59. Whatdoes Tony Little say about the British education system?

A) It fails more boys than girlsacademically.

B) It focuses more on mixed schooleducation.

C) It fails to give boys the attention theyneed.

D) It places more pressure on boys than ongirls.

60.According to Abigail James, one of the advantages of single-sex schools is__________.

A) teaching can be tailored to suit thecharacteristics of boys

B) boys can focus on their lessons withoutbeing distracted

C) boys can choose to learn whatever theyare interested in

D) teaching can be designed to promoteboys' team spirit

61. Whichof the following is characteristic of boys according to Abigail James' report?

A) They enjoy being incharge.                                   C) They have sharper vision.

B) They conform tostereotypes.                           D) They are violent and sexist.

PassageTwo

Questions62 to 66 are based on the following passage.

It's an annual argument. Do we or do we not go on holiday? My partner saysno because the boiler could go, or the roof fall off and we have no savings tosave us. I say you only live once and we work hard and what's the point if youcan't go on holiday. The joy of a recession means no argument next year - wejust won't go.

Since money is known to be one of the things most likely to bring arelationship to its knees, we should be grateful. For many families therecession means more than not booking a holiday A YouGov poll of 2, 000 peoplefound 22% said they were arguing more with their partners because of concernsabout money. What's less clear is whether divorce and separation rates rise ina recession – financial pressures mean couples argue more but make splitting upless affordable. A recent research shows arguments about money were especiallydamaging to couples. Disputes were characterized by intense verbal (言语上的)aggression, tended to be repeated and not resolved and made men, more thanwomen, extremely angry.

Kim Stephenson, an occupational psychologist, believes money is such a bigdeal because of what it symbolizes, which may be different things to men andwomen. "People can say the same things about money but have differentideas of what it's for." he explains. "They'll say it's to save tospend, for security, for freedom, to show someone you love them." He saysmen are more likely to see money as a way of buying status and of showing theirparents that they've achieved something.

"The biggest problem is that couples assume each other know what'sgoing on with their finances, but they don't. There seems to be more of a taboo(禁忌) abouttalking about money than about death. But you both need to know what you'redoing, who's paying what into the joint account and how much you keepseparately. In a healthy relationship, you don't have to agree about money, butyou have to talk about it."

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答：

62. Whatdoes the author say about vacationing?

A) People enjoy it all the more during arecession.

B) Few people can afford it without workinghard.

C) It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

D) It is the chief cause of family disputes.

63. Whatdoes the author mean by saying "money is known ... to bring a relationshipto its knees"(Line 1, Para. 2)?

A) Money is considered to be the root ofall evils.

B) Some people sacrifice their dignity formoney.

C) Few people can resist the temptation ofmoney.

D) Disputes over money may rain arelationship.

64. TheYouGov poll of 2, 000 people indicates that in a recession __________.

A) conflicts between couples tend to rise

B) it is more expensive for couples tosplit up

C) couples show more concern for each other

D) divorce and separation rates increase

65. Whatdoes Kim Stephenson believe?

A) Money is often a symbol of a person'sstatus.

B) Money means a great deal to both andwomen.

C) Men and women spend money on differentthings.

D) Men and women view money in differentways.

66. Theauthor suggests at the end of the passage that couples should __________.

A) put their money together instead ofkeeping it separately

B) make efforts to reach agreement on theirfamily budgets

C) discuss money matters to maintain ahealthy relationship

D) avoid arguing about money matters toremain romantic

Part Ⅴ                                                    Cloze                                         (15 minutes)

Directions: There are 20 blanks in the followingpassage. For each bland there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D) on theright side of the paper You should choose the ONE that best fits into thepassage. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through thecentre.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

Employers fear they will be unable to recruit students with the skillsthey need as the economic recovery kicks in, a new survey __67__.

Nearly half of the organizations told researchers they were alreadystruggling to find __68__ with skills in science, technology, engineering andmaths (STEM). __69__ even more companies expect to experience __70__ ofemployees with STEM skills in the next three years.

The Confederation of British Industry __71__ businesses and organizationsacross the public and __72__ sectors, which together employ 2.4 million people.

Half are __73__ they will not be able to fill graduate posts in the comingyears, while a third said they would not be able to __74__ enough employeeswith the right A-level skills.

"__75__ we move further role recovery and businesses plan __76__growth, the demand for people with high-quality skills and qualifications will__77__," said Richard Lambert, Director General, CBI. "Firms say itis already hard to find people with the right __78__ or engineering skills. Thenew government must make it a top __79__ to encourage more young people tostudy science-related __80__."

The survey found that young people would improve their job prospects__81__ they studied business, maths, English and physics or chemistry atA-level. The A-levels that employers __82__ least are psychology and sociology.And while many employers don't insist on a __83__ degree subject. A thirdprefer to hire those with a STEM-related subject.

The research __84__ worries about the lack of progress in improving basicskills in the UK__85__. Half of the employer expressed worries about employees' basic literacyand numeracy（计算) skills, while the biggest problem is with IT skills,86two-thirdsreported concerns.

67. A)submits             B)reveals              C)launches            D) generates

68. A)audience            B)officials            C)partners            D) staff

69. A)while                B) because            C)for                   D) although

70. A)exits                   B) shortages           C)absences            D) departures

71. A)surveyed            B) searched           C)exposed            D) exploited

72. A)collective           B) private            C)personal            D) civil

73. A)confronted         B)conformed        C)concerned         D) confused

74. A)bind                   B)attain                C)transfer             D) recruit

75. A)Lest                   B)Unless                     C)Before                     D) As

76. A)with                 B) for                  C)on                    D) by

77. A)dominate           B)stretch                     C)enforce             D) intensify

78. A)creative             B) technical          C) narrative           D) physical

79. A)priority             B) option             C) challenge          D) judgment

80. A)procedures         B)academics         C)thoughts            D) subjects

81. A)until                   B)since                 C) whereas            D) if

82. A)rate                  B)discuss              C)order                D) observe

83. A)typical                     B particular           C)positive             D) general

84. A)highlighted              B) prescribed         C)focused             D) touched

85. A)masses              B) workforce              C)faculty              D) communities

86. A)what                 B) whom             C)where               D) why

Part Ⅳ                                                    Translation                               (5 minutes)

Directions: Complete the sentences bytranslating into English the Chinese given in brackets Please write yourtranslation on Answer Sheer 2.

注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答，只需写出译文部分。

87.Charity groups organized various activities to ________________ (为地震幸存者筹款)。

88. Linda_______________ (不可能收到我的电子邮件）：otherwise, she would have replied．

89. It'smy mother ________________ (一直在鼓励我不要灰心)when I have difficulties in my studies．

90. Thepublishing house has to ______________ (考虑这部小说的受欢迎程度)。

91. It isabsolutely wrong to ________________ (仅仅以金钱来定义幸福）。