Dear President, I'm Li Jing from Beijing Institute of Technology, and I'm a senior in the Computer Science Department. In response to the Notice of Go-West Campaign, I write to you to express my sincere wish to be a volunteer to go to the West. There're several reasons account for my desire to be a volunteer, but the following three may be the main ones. First of all, I am from the West so that I have a deep love for the West and the people there. What's more, the West is still underdeveloped and many people there still live in poverty. I hope that I can devote all my efforts to the development of the West. Last but not least, I plan to put what I have learned in university into practice. To be exact, to popularize computer knowledge in the West is the uppermost in my thoughts. I am looking forward to your reply. Sincerely yours, Li Jing
Part Ⅱ Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)
Divorce
For every 1,000 married couples in the UK, 13 end up divorced according to statistics. Divorce is often a complicated and messy process, and throws up many pitfalls. Divorce issues Such thorny issues as whether to sell your home, which parent will look after your children, and how it will affect any loans you- may have, will all have to be resolved. And if you are divorcing your partner in Scotland rather than in England and Wales then another set of laws will apply. For many couples, obtaining a divorce has never been easier. The old-fashioned concept of establishing that "one party is at fault" has been consigned to history and the important fact to establish now is that the relationship has "irretrievably broken down". In court or online? It is even possible to divorce your partner online, allowing you to save on legal costs — and according to online experts, this can save you about £700 from the average £800. However, this method is only suitable for very straightforward and uncontested divorces. Alternatively, you can apply for divorce at a county court in England and Wales, but todo this, couples must have been married for at least a year. The first stage of divorce is obtaining what is known as a "Decree nisi (日后才生效的离婚判决书)". This is granted if the court is satisfied the marriage has "irretrievably broken down", and this is proven by showing one of five things: adultery (通奸行为); unreasonable behaviour; desertion on the part of one partner for at least two years; that the couple have been separated for two years and both spouses consent to divorce; or that the couple have been separated for five yearn. Your spouse's "unreasonable behaviour" must be so intolerable that nobody could reasonably expect you to carry on living with him or her. It could include, for example, financial recklessness, drinking, gambling, or lack of emotional support. You cannot base your divorce on this if you then live together for a period of more than six months afterwards. This rule also applies to desertion, and the discovery that adultery has taken place. The second and final stage is obtaining a "Decree absolute" (绝对判决). The divorce can be stopped at any time until this is granted, so it is advisable to sort out all the financial and practical details first. Using a divorce lawyer If, as in the vast majority of cases, your relationship is complicated, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a reputable family law solicitor, who will be able to properly advise you about your fights and responsibilities. If you are unsure how to go about choosing a solicitor then it might be a good idea to consult the Law Society or the Family Law Solicitors Association, who keep a list of accredited lawyers. Alternatively visit the Citizen's Advice Bureau who has a great deal of information regarding such matters. What are the alternatives? Mediation is a voluntary service that allows you and your partner to meet with a trained and impartial negotiator (the mediator) to clarify the issues, discuss the available options, and reach decisions acceptable to you both. While the mediator will manage the process of negotiation, he or she is not there to promote either person's interests. The decisions are ultimately yours. You will still require the services of a solicitor to put your decisions on property or financial matters into legal form. The government is keen for people to attend mediation, and the number of people offering this service has vastly increased in the last few years. You may be required to attend mediation sessions if your divorce is funded by legal aid. For more information visit our feature on Mediation. What about the children? Divorce can be especially confusing for children, who are likely to feel bewildered by events and may even blame themselves for their parents splitting up. So it is important to minimize the trauma suffered where possible. Both parents may consider they know best, but if you are having problems sorting out arrangements for your children, such as who they live with (custody) and how often the other spouse can visit them (access) then it is a good idea to attend mediation to help you reach sensible and fair decisions. As a last resort, it may be necessary to go to court to apply for custody and access. If you disagree with how your ex-spouse is bringing up your children then there are other legal options available. You can apply for a court order to stop them pursuing a particular action, or ask the court to decide the best interests of the child regarding a particular issue, such as religious instruction or medical care. Divorce in Scotland If your permanent home is in Scotland or if you were resident there for at least a year before divorce proceedings began, then you can apply for divorce there. There is no time limit to bringing a divorce, and it will be granted as long as you can prove the relationship has broken down. Proving the relationship has broken down can be as a result of one of five scenarios,, these are: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion of two or more years, non-cohabitation for two years if your spouse consents to the divorce, and non-cohabitation for five years if your spouse does not consent. Adultery cannot be the basis of divorce if you resumed married life for more than three months after it happened. This is known as condoning (宽恕) the adultery. Unreasonable behaviour includes such things as financial irresponsibility, violence, and ignoring your spouse's emotional and sexual needs. Divorces are heard in the sheriff's (行政长官) court and take immediate effect. There are two types of procedure: ordinary and simplified (sometimes referred to as a "DIY" divorce). "DIY" divorces can be obtained by filling out a form available from a Citizens Advice Bureau or the courts, and these forms include an affidavit (声明书), which must be sworn before a notary public (公证员) (most solicitors are notaries public) or a justice of the peace (治安官). This type of divorce takes about two months. They are only available to couples claiming non-cohabitation for two or five years, who have no children, where no financial claims are being made and no other legal proceedings affecting the marriage are waiting to be heard, and where neither spouse is suffering from a mental disorder. How long will it take? The length of time it takes to get a divorce, from beginning to end, varies from court to court and in each case. It is impossible to predict exactly how long it will take, because during the proceedings problems may arise which cause delay. At best, it will take from four to six months. The time it takes, and the stress involved in the process, can be greatly reduced by keeping on top of dates and going to the court yourself to lodge documents.
1. England, Wales and Scotland share the same set of laws applying divorce issues.
N
细节题。题干关键词:“England, Wales and Scotland”。根据关键词定位于“Divorce issue”小标题下,“... and if you are divorcing your partner in Scotland rather than in England and Wales then another set of laws will apply.”,明确告诉读者:如果你在Scotland而不是在England和Wales离婚,那么还有其他的适用法律,题干表达意思与原文不符。因此,本题答案为[N]。
2. By solving your divorce problem online, you need to pay £100.
Y
细节题。根据关键词可将题目定位于“In court or online?”的标题下,可以得知“如果通过网络离婚,可节省£700,而通过法庭离婚的平均赞用为£800”,也就是说通过网络离婚你应该支付£100,题干意思表达与原文相符。因此,本题答案为[Y]。
3. You can apply for divorce at a county court in the UK, but to do this, couples must have been married for at least a year.
NG
细节题。根据关键词“county court, married for a year”可将题目定位于“In court or online?”的标题中第二段中寻找:文中提到“you can apply for divorce at a county court in England and Wales, but to do this, couples must have been married for at least a year.”但是这只是说在在英格兰和威尔士的县级法庭,夫妇至少结婚一年以上,并非指整个英国的情况。题干是对原文的过分扩展。因此,本题答案为[NG]。
4. It's necessary to seek advice from a qualified lawyer in all of divorce cases.
N
细节题。题目关键词:“qualified lawyer, divorce cases”。根据关键词定位于“Using a divorce lawyer”标题下,“... it is advisable to seek legal advice from a reputable family law solicitor...”明确地告诉读者:大多数离婚案件最好寻求律师的帮助。原文中的“the vast majority”不等同于题目中的“all”。因此,本题答案为[N]。
5. In -negotiating divorce, mediator is asked to promote ______.
the interests of both sides
题干关键词“mediator”。根据文章内容定位于“What are the alternatives?”标题下第十二段第二、三句,文中提到,“While the mediator will manage the process of negotiation, he or she is not there to promote either person's interests. The decisions are ultimately yours”。也就是说,调解人不得偏向任何一方,达成的协议必须是适合双方,并合乎双方共同的利益。因此,答案为the interests of both sides。
6. Parents know their children best, but they may still have problems ______.
sorting out arrangements for their children
根据题干关键词语“Parents know their children best,but”定位于“What about the children?”小标题下,从全文第十五段中可以得知“尽管父母比较了解自己的小孩,但在安排孩子时仍会碰到自己不好解决的问题”。因此,答案为sorting out arrangements for their children。
7. If you disagree with the way your ex-spouse ______, you can ask the court to decide the best interests of the child regarding such issues as religious instruction or medical care.
brings up your children
根据题目关键词“children”可将答案定位在“What about the children?”小标题下,在全文第十六段第二句中明确提到“如果你不同意你的前妻或前夫抚养孩子的方式,还有其他适用的法律方式”。空白处应该填上与“bringing up your children”相对应的一般现在时时态。因此,答案为brings up your children。
8. If you are not satisfied with custody and access, you can solve it by ______.
applying to the court
根据关键词“custody and access”定位于“What about the children?”小标题下,在全文第十六段第三句中提到解决此类问题应该诉诸于法庭。因此,答案为applying to the court。
9. In Scotland, if one can offer the proof that the relationship has broken down, he or she will ______.
be granted a divorce
根据关键词“Scotland”定位于“Divorce in Scotland”标题下,全文第十八段中提到“There id no time limit to bringing a divorce, and it will be granted as long as you can prove the relationship has broken down.”,也就是说,只要能够提供婚姻关系已经破裂的证据,就可以获得批准离婚。空白处应该填上与“it will be granted”相对应的形式。本句中主语为he或she,因此,答案为 be granted a divorce。
10. In Scotland, the two types of divorces procedure in the judicial offer's court are ______.
ordinary and simplified
根据题干关键词“two types of divorce procedure”可将答案定位在“Divorce in Scotland”的小标题下,在全文第二十段中明确提到“two types of procedure: ordinary and simplified...,即“两种程序——一般的和简化的”,直接提取答案即可。因此,答案为ordinary and simplified。
Part Ⅲ Listening Comprehension
Section A Directions:In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A, B, C and D, and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.
[解析] W: I heard Marilyn's going to college. What's she studying? M: She's taking courses in statistics, economics and accounting. Q: What career does Marilyn probably plan to follow?
2.
A.At an airport.
B.At a railway station.
C.On an airplane.
D.At a bus stop.
A B C D
A
[解析] M: National Flight 219 to Shanghai is delayed due to severe weather conditions. Please stand by for additional information. W: Oh no! I hate these long delays! Q: Where is the woman?
3.
A.She'll go to the game later.
B.Noise disturbs her when she's reading.
C.She prefers to use headphones.
D.The man should turn off the radio.
A B C D
B
[解析] M: Does it bother you if I have the ball game on? I can use headphones if you like. W: Actually a little peace and quiet would be nice. At least until I finish this chapter. Q: What does the woman imply?
4.
A.He believes dancing is enjoyable.
B.He admires those who dance.
C.He definitely does not like dancing.
D.He won't dance until he has done his work.
A B C D
C
[解析] W: Lots of people enjoy dancing in the ball. Why not go dancing with me? I think it's the most interesting thing in the world. M: Believe it or not, that is the last thing I'd ever want to do. Q: What does the man mean?
5.
A.He is upset.
B.He flies into a rage.
C.He is only too glad to go.
D.He is sure of his future.
A B C D
D
[解析] W: Tim, I hate to tell you this, but we're caught in a budget crunch, and we must lay you off. I'm so sorry. M: I understand. I've enjoyed my time here, and I'm confident I can find something else. Q: What is the man's response?
[解析] W: All right, that comes to $20.75. Do you have one of our store membership cards? M: What is that? W: It's a free card which allows our customers to receive special discounts. You simply need to fill out our membership application form. M: No. thank yon. I'm a little pressed for time. W: How will you be paying for that? Will that be cash or credit? M: I think I'll pay with my card W: OK. Is that a credit card or a debit card? M: I'm sorry. I don't understand your question. What is the difference? W: A credit card bills you once a month; a debit card deducts the money directly from your bank account. M: Well. this is an ATM card issued by my bank. It's connected to my bank account. Can I use that? W: Sure, that's a kind of debit card. Please press the button marked "DBT" and swipe your card through the machine. M: OK. And now what do I do? W: Please enter your pin number, the identification number which verifies your identity. M: OK. And now? W: Paper or plastic? M: I'm sorry? What did you say? W: I'm going to pack your groceries. What kind of bags would you like, paper or plastic? M: Plastic, please. Wow, you really have to make a lot of decisions in an American grocery store. 19. How can one get a membership card of the store?
[解析] Where does the conversation most probably take place?
综合推断题。对话中提到了商店会员卡、刷卡消费、给杂货打包等,再结合男士最后所说的,在美国的杂货店里确实得做出许多决定可知,对话应发生在一家美国杂货店里,故选A。 [考点] be pressed for sth. 意为“缺少某事物”,其他与press相关的短语搭配还有: ①press ahead/forward/on(with sth.)坚决地继续(做某事),例如:Our company is pressing ahead with the modernization plan.我们公司竭力实施现代化计划。 ②press sth. Out of sth.从某事物中挤出某事物,例如:I just pressed the juice from oranges.我刚挤了橙汁。 ③press sth. home(在进攻、争辩等方面)坚持不懈以多获益,例如:I'll press home my advantage.我坚决维护自己的利益。
[解析] M: This TV set is getting worse and worse. Now it doesn't work at all. W: Here's an advertisement on the newspaper about a biog. TV sale. Usually a big sale like this would have some good bargains. What would you say? Q: What does the woman suggest?
10.
A.The effects of the flood.
B.The prices of fruits and vegetables.
C.The cause of the flood.
D.Floods of the past twenty years.
A B C D
A
[解析] W: This has been the worst flood for the past 20 years. It has caused much damage and destruction. All sectors suffered a lot from this huge disaster. M: Look at the prices of fruits and vegetables. No wonder they are so expensive. Q: What are they talking about?
11.
A.They waited for each other at different concerts.
B.They waited for each other at different places.
C.They went to the street corner at different times.
D.The man went to the concert but the woman didn't.
A B C D
B
[解析] W: George, where were you yesterday evening? I expected to see you at the concert. M: Oh, I waited for you at the comer of Thomas Street. Then I looked for you at your flat, but the house keeper said you were out. Q: Why didn't they meet that evening?
12.
A.The air is contaminated.
B.People there are exhausted.
C.It's too windy for swimming.
D.The beaches are dirty.
A B C D
A
[解析] W: The place I've heard so much about is Los Angeles. The climate is pretty good. Year-round flowers, year round swimming. How do you like it? M: Well, the beaches are beautiful. But people there are terribly annoyed by the dirty air. I mean, the combination of fog, smoke and automobile exhaust. There is not enough wind to blow it away. Q: What does the man think of Los Angeles?
13.
A.It's open only to teachers and postgraduates.
B.He can study there if he is writing a research paper.
C.Senior students can enjoy more rights than other undergraduates.
D.He needs the approval of his professor for the use of it.
A B C D
D
[解析] M: Hello! I'm a senior student. Can you tell me whether this reference room is only for faculty members? W: No, it's also open to the postgraduates, and undergraduates can come too if they've got professors' written permission. Q: What does the woman tell the man about the reference room?
14.
A.It was pretty good.
B.It was rather dull.
C.It was not well organized.
D.It was attended by many people.
A B C D
C
[解析] W: Let's talk about the preparations for the party. M: Right. I think we really need to plan better and get things done in advance this time. Still remember what a mess it was at the last party? Q: What do we know about the last party from the conversation?
15.
A.Ways of getting extra credits.
B.All requirements of an M.A. degree.
C.The credit hours required for a degree.
D.Taking more optional courses.
A B C D
C
[解析] M: You'll need 36 credit hours to get an M.A. degree. Fifteen must be from the English Department and fifteen from the Education Department. For the remaining six credit hours, you can either write a thesis or take two more optional courses. W: Right now, this is very confusing to me, but I'm sure I'll know what to do as I learn more about it. Q: What are they talking about?
16.
A.He has many interesting dreams.
B.He sleeps a lot without doing anything.
C.He doesn't put his ideas into practice.
D.He doesn't have any good ideas.
A B C D
C
[解析] M: You call Henry a dreamer, but I think he's got a lot of good ideas. W: Well, good ideas are only useful if you make something out of them. I don't think a day-dreamer can be a good entrepreneur. Q: What does the woman think of Henry?
A.By research with commercial whale watching tour.
B.By research with navy marine.
C.By research with whaling hunting.
D.By research with local fishermen.
A B C D
A
[解析] Whale watching is a growing ecotourism industry around the world. It can be emotional, educational and an important part of local economies, offering a unique opportunity for people to appreciate the magnificence of whales in their natural habitat and to help motivate people to protect these animals and their environment. Additionally, much of what scientists know about whales is a result of research conducted while they are aboard commercial whale watching vessels. However, unregulated whale watching can also lead to problems, including threats to the animals' well-being and negative impacts on fragile coastal environments. In addition to increasing numbers of whale watching vessels, in many parts of the world, newer boats are capable of going much faster than in the past, with the increasing likelihood that whales will be hit by boats. The faster a vessel moves, the less likely the operator is to see a distant whale, and the less time they have to react once they do spot an animal. Also researchers have found that if whales are feeding or socializing, they are less likely to react to an oncoming vessel and can be hit. In response to this problem, whale watching groups, government agencies and private advocacy groups have established codes of conduct for whale watching. Under these rules, approaching an area of known whale activity should be done slowly and with caution, stopping to survey the area. In addition, approach parallel to the whales and travel at the same speed as the slowest animals. Stay at least 100 meters away and don't leapfrog into the path of the whales. Preferably, there should only be two vessels at a time viewing a group of whales.
Q: How do researchers get much of the information about whales according to passage?
A.They want to show their differences from others.
B.They want to be remembered as a master.
C.They want understanding from the public.
D.They want the public to learn from them.
A B C D
D
[解析] Every artist knows in his heart that he is saying something to the public. Not only does he want to say it well, but he wants it to be something which has not been said before. He hopes the public will listen and understand, he wants to teach them, and he wants them to learn from him. What visual artists like painters want to teach is easy to make out but difficult to explain, because painters translate their experiences into shapes and colors, not words. They seem to feel that a certain selection of shapes and colors, out of the countless billions possible, is unusually interesting for them and worth showing to us. Without their work we should never have noticed these particular shapes and colors, or have felt the delight which they brought to the artist. Most artists take their shapes and colors from the world of nature and from human bodies in motion and rest; their choices indicate that these aspects of the world are worth looking at, that they contain beautiful sights. Contemporary artists might say that they merely choose subjects that provide an interesting pattern, that there is nothing more in it. Yet even they do not choose entirely without reference to the character of their subjects. If one painter chooses to paint an infected leg and another a lake in moonlight, each of them is directing our attention to a certain aspect of the world. Each painter is telling us something, showing us something, emphasizing some- thing, all of which mean that, consciously or unconsciously, he is trying to teach us. What do all artists want with their works?
[听前猜测] 四个选项都以they want开头,由此推测,本题考查的内容可能是一类人的想法。 [精解] 艺术家们希望能够被了解(learn from him)。故正确答案为D)。
5.
A..He thinks they are beautiful.
B.He believes they can bring delight to him.
C.He thinks they are worth showing to the public.
D.He believes they are particular.
A B C D
C
[解析] Why does a painter choose certain shapes and colors among billions of others?
[听前猜测] 四个选项都描述了he的想法,由此推测,本题考查的内容可能是对一类事物的想法。 [精解] 画家选择一种形状和颜色(selection of shapes and colors),是因为这种形状以及颜色深深吸引了他,他觉得值得展示给大家。故正确答案为C)。
6.
A.Both convey the same meaning.
B.Both show certain aspects of the world.
C.The latter is more meaningful.
D.The former is more meaningful.
A B C D
B
[解析] What does the author say about painting an infected leg and painting a lake in moonlight?
[听前猜测] 从四个选项的both,latter,former,可以看出,本题考查的内容是两者的比较。 [精解] 无论是腿(infected leg)还是月光下的湖(a lake in moonlight),都表达了画家对世界某个方面的关注 (attention to a certain aspect of the world)。故正确答案为B)。
7.
A.The public could share the artist's feelings through their paintings.
B.The painter should not choose to paint ugly things.
C.Contemporary artists are completely different from other artists.
D.All artists are teaching the public consciously.
A B C D
A
[解析] What can we learn from the passage?
[听前猜测] 四个选项描述了艺术家的一些细节,由此可以推测,本题考查的内容是针对艺术家的。 [精解] 无论画家选择画什么,是否有意或无意(consciously or unconsciously)传达给大众什么,大众都可以通过画家选择的图案和颜色来感受画家的感觉。故正确答案为A)。
[解析] Many scientists today are convinced that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Life probably much like that on our own planet. As far as astronomers can determine, the entire universe is built of the same matter. They have no reason to doubt that matter obeys the same laws in every part of the universe. Therefore, it is reasonable to guess that other stars, with their own planets, were born in the same way as our own solar system. What we know of life on earth suggests that life will arise wherever the proper conditions exist. If we suppose that every star in the universe has a family of planets, then how many planets might support life? First, eliminate those stars that are not like our sun. Next. eliminate most of their planets; they are either too far from or too close to their suns. Then eliminate all those planets which are not the same size and weight as the earth. Finally, remember that the proper conditions do not necessarily mean that life actually does exist on a planet. It may not have begun yet, or it may have already died out. This process of elimination seems to leave very few planets on which earthlike life might be found. However. even if life could exist on only one planet in a million, there are so many billions of planets that this would still leave a vast number on which life could exist. What do astronomers believe about matter in different parts of the universe?
[听前猜测] 四个选项都是以matter开头,由此可以猜测,本题考查内容可能与物质属性的描述有关。 [精解] 双重否定表示肯定。“They have no reason to doubt that matter obeys the same laws in every part of the universe.”他们没有理由怀疑,宇宙中的物质都遵循相同的法则。由此可见这是宇航员的信念。故正确答案为 C)。
9.
A.The planet must be as big and heavy as the earth.
B.Proper conditions are essential to the existence of life.
C.Double stars can provide steady light and heat.
D.The distance between a planet and its sun should be right.
A B C D
C
[解析] Which of the following statements is incorrect for a planet supporting life?
[听前猜测] 四个选项都描述某颗行星的情况,由此可以猜测,本题考查内容可能是关于行星中有存在生命所需具备的某种条件。 [精解] 从第二段的描绘中可以找到答案。“First, eliminate those stars that are not like our sun. Next...already died out...”C)选项所说的双恒星可以提供稳定的光与热并不是有生命的星球必需的条件,因为地球只有太阳 一个恒星,光和热就已经适宜。故正确答案为C)。
10.
A.The author is optimistic.
B.The author is pessimistic.
C.The author is aggressive.
D.The author is ambitious.
A B C D
A
[解析] Which sentence is the most proper one to describe the author's attitude?
[听前猜测] 四个选项的都是描述作者的形容词,由此可以推测,本题考查内容可能是关于作者的态度。 [精解] 文中最后一句提到" there are so many billions of planets that this would still leave a vast number on which life could exist"..还有无数的星球为生命的存在提供可能。所以作者的态度仍然是乐观的,故正确答案为A)。
Section C The ideal companion machine would not only look, feel, and sound friendly but would also be programmed to behave in an agreeable manner. Those 1 . that make interaction with other people enjoyable would be simulated as closely as possible, and the machine would appear to be 2 , stimulating, and easygoing. Its informal conversational style would make interaction comfortable, and yet the machine would remain slightly 3 and therefore interesting. In its first 4 it might be somewhat hesitant and unassuming, but as it came to know the user it would progress to a more 5 and intimate style. The machine would not be a passive 6 but would add its own suggestions, information, and opinions; it would sometimes take the 7 in developing or changing the topic and would have a 8 of its own. The machine would convey presence. We have all seen how a computer's use of personal names 9 . Such features are easily written into the software. 10 . Friendships are not made in a day, and the computer would be more acceptable as a friend 11 . At an appropriate time it might also express the kind of affection that stimulates attachment and intimacy.
often fascinates people and needs them to treat the machine as if it were almost human
10.
By introducing a degree of forcefulness and humor, the machine could be presented as a vivid and unique character
11.
if it simulated the gradual changes that occur when one person is getting to know another
Part Ⅳ Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth)
Section A Growing up in a small town in the Uttar Pradesh region of India, Ram Charan learnt his most valuable lesson while he was working behind the counter in his family's small shoe shop. Watching his elders as they advanced credit to customers, who had little money until the next harvest came in, and then resorted to the shop's finances to make ends meet, he developed a respect for the importance of carefully managing cash flow. Now a successful consultant, the 69-year-old Mr. Charan is using that experience to help his clients in unstable times. Although big consulting firms such as Accenture and McKinsey (which this week named Dominic Barton as its new managing director) like to claim that their services are fairly immune to downturns, there are already signs that demand for consultancy is declining. Siemens, a German industrial giant, recently said it would give up all external advisers to save hundreds of millions of Euros. Other firms are likely to follow its lead. Mr. Charan, however, says he is still as busy as ever. That may be because he is something of an oddity in the consulting world. Tom Davenport, a professor at Babson College in Massachusetts who has studied the consulting industry, says it is typically divided between individual genius who come up with big ideas, publish books, give speeches and undertake the occasional consulting job on the one hand, and the giant consulting firms that take these big ideas and apply them inside corporations using armies of consultants on the other. The division is not quite so clear-cut in practice. The consultancies, for example, also like to think of themselves as "thought leaders", publishing much boring research. Mr. Charan bridges both worlds as well, producing plenty of management books--his 16th book, "Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty", has just been published--and giving lectures, but also acting as a hands-on consultant to leaders of a host of companies, including Wipro, an Indian outsourcing firm, and DuPont, a chemicals company. It is this immersion in the world of business, through his consulting, that distinguishes Mr. Charan from most other popular management thinkers, who often come from academic or journalistic backgrounds. And rather than boasting big-picture themes, his lectures and books often focus on practical suggestions to help managers improve their performance.
1. Ram Charan found that many people had to resort to his family's shop to ______.
make ends meet
[解析] 由题干many people had to resort to his family's shop...可将本题定位于第一段第二句Watching his elders as they advanced credit to customers,who had little money until the next harvest came in,and then resorted to the shop's finances to make ends meet... [精解] 由定位句可知,很多消费者只有当下一季收获时才能有钱,因此他们只能信贷消费,才能达到收支平衡;可推知很多人依赖于Ram Charan家商铺的原因是为了能收支相抵(make ends meet)。
2. Actions taken by Siemens and other firms show demanding for consultancy is ______.
declining
[解析] 由题干Actions taken by Siemens and other firms可将本题定位于第二段第二句Siemens、..recently said it would give up all external advisers to save hundreds of millions of Euros. [精解] 定位句前一句提到there are already signs that demand for consultancy is declining,即有迹象表明人们对咨询业的需求在下降;然后定位句提到,西门子公司为了节省数百万欧元,要放弃所有的外部顾问,可推断后者的举动反映了人们对前者需求的下降(declining),此为正确答案。
3. According to Tom Davenport, what can the consulting industry be divided into?
Individual genius and the giant consulting firms.
[解析] 由题干the consulting industry be divided into可将本题定位于第三段最后一句...it is typically divided between individual genius who come up with big ideas,publish books,give speeches and undertake the occasional consulting job on the one hand,and the giant consulting firms that take these big ideas and apply them inside corporations using armies of consultants on the other. [精解] 由定位句可知,咨询业可分为两种,具有天赋的个人和大的咨询公司,可知正确答案是individual genius and the giant consulting firms。
4. Despite of the difference between two types of consulting industry, they are in practice not ______.
so clear-cut
[解析] 由题干two types of consulting industry和in practice可将本题定位于第四段第一句The division is not quite so clear-cut in practice. [精解] 由定位句可知,实践中咨询业区别不是十分明显,可见虽然咨询业可以分成两种不同类型,但二者区别并不明显(not so clear-cut)。
5. What has made Mr. Charan distinct from the other management thinkers?
His immersion in the world of business through consulting.
[解析] 由题干Mr.Charan distinct from the other management thinkers可将本题定位于最后一段倒数第二句It is this immersion in the world of business,through his consulting,that distinguishes Mr.Charan from most other popular management thinkers... [精解] 由定位句可知,Mr.Charan之所以可以从其他管理思想家中脱颖而出、成为一枝独秀的原因是,他曾将咨询业融人了商界(His immersion in the world of business through consulting),正确答案即为此。
6. According to the text, what is more difficult to protect in the online shopping?
How to protect consumers from fraud will be harder.
[解析] According to the text,what is more difficult to protect in the online shopper? [定位] 第一段第四句。 归纳题。该题是对文章主旨的归纳,文章的主要内容就是讲述如何防止网上购物的欺诈。
The U.S. government is asking Americans to eat less and exercise more in an effort to stem the country's increasing epidemic of obesity. It has issued revised dietary recommendations that emphasize proper nutrition, more physical activity, and personal initiative in maintaining a healthy weight. U. S. law requires the government to revise its dietary guidelines every five years to keep up with the latest scientific research. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, whose agency is responsible for promoting healthy nutrition, says this year's update is an effort to reverse a situation where two-thirds of Americans are too heavy. The new dietary guidelines are part of the ongoing effort to help Americans adopt and keep healthier lifestyles and to address the epidemic of overweight and obesity that is affecting so many, especially our nation's children. Secretary Veneman acknowledges that the food recommendations have not changed much over the years. They still call for diets rich in a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and limits on fatty foods and salt. This year, however, they place stronger emphasis on the importance of balancing energy intake and output, calling on people to cut their calorie consumption and exercise more. The guidelines urge adults to exercise at least moderately for no less than 30 minutes a day and children, 60 minutes daily. The U. S. agriculture official acknowledges that past government efforts to promote a healthy diet have failed, although she notes that the public recognizes the importance of weight control as shown by the strength of the multi-billion dollar diet industry. Clearly people are reaching out for information. Have we been successful in the past? I mean certainly we've had dietary guidelines and yet we still see increasing overweight and obesity in this country. There's not going to be a pill! So let's face it, America. There is more information out there, but it always comes back to: Eat your fruits and vegetables, watch your calorie intake, and exercise. That's as simple as it can be! Mr. Thompson says U. S. food manufacturers are responding to the need for healthier diets, especially for children. Many have reduced the amount of sugar in children's breakfast cereals and! Are promoting the whole grain and vitamin content of other foods. And as the government issued its new dietary guide lines, one of the largest U. S. food companies, Kraft, announced that it will restrict advertising of snack foods to children 12 and under and market its healthier products to this age group.
7. In order to prevent the increasing epidemic of obesity, American government ask people to______.
eat less and exercise more
[解析] 根据题干关键词American government,eat less,exercise more定位到原文第一段第一句:The U.S.government is asking Americans to eat less and exercise more in an effort to stem the country’s increasing epidemic of obesity.即美国政府呼吁美国人少吃多运动的目的是防止越来越多的人患肥胖症。stem意为“阻止,遏制”。
8. U. S. government is required to update its dietary guidelines timely to keep pace with______.
the latest scientist research
[解析] 根据题干关键词U.S.government,update,timely,keep pace with定位到原文第二段第一句:U.S.law requires the government to revise its dietary guidelines every five years to keep up with the latest scientific research.即美国法律要求美国政府每五年修改一次饮食指导建议以跟上最新的科学研究,根据短语require sb.to do sth.即可得出答案。
9. This year's guidelines put more emphasis on the importance of______.
balancing energy intake and output
[解析] 根据题干关键词This year,emphasis on定位到原文第三段第三句:This year,however,they place stronger emphasis on the importance of balancing energy intake and output,calling on people…
10. The multi-billion dollar diet industry made the public recognize______.
the importance of weight control
[解析] 根据题干关键词The multi—billion dollar diet industry,the public,recognize定位到原文第四段第一句:The U.S.agriculture official acknowledges that past government efforts to promote a healthy diet have failed.Although she notes that the public recognizes the importance of weight control as shown by the strength of the multi—billion dollar diet industry.由此很容易得出答案the importance of weight control。
11. Kraft announced it will promote its healthier products to______.
children 12 and under
[解析] 由题干关键词Kraft,announced, healthier定位到原文最后一段最后一句:…Kraft,announced that it will restrict advertising of snack foods to children 12 and under and market its healthier products to this age group。可见,卡夫公司宣布缩减其12岁及以下的儿童零食的广告,并向此年龄群体推广更健康的产品。
Section B
Passage One A reconstruction of an ancient tree from one of Earth's first forests reveals that the plants were topped with fronds(蕨类植物的叶子) and not leaves. The crown (树冠) of an ancient tree found in a place from which stone is dug out in New York has shed light on the look of the world's earliest forests believed to have thrived about 390 million years ago. The discovery of this 390-million year-old, six-foot upper portion of an ancient tree trunk allowed scientists to create a composite picture of the entire plant when they put it together with fragments of a trunk found in the same site a year before and with tree stumps recovered more than 130 years ago. The remains have been widely reported as "evidence of the Earth's oldest forest," according to a paper published in this week's Nature. "The basic point of this paper is two things," says lead author William Stein. "We now have clear evidence what these stumps really were, "and we also have "real strong evidence of the structure of these forms." From the fossil reconstruction, the team of scientists determined that a tree comprising all these parts could grow about 30 feet tall. According to Stein, the base would have been massive—on the order of 2.5 feet in diameter—and a large, single trunk with vertical ridges, topped by a leafless crown of a material resembling fronds on ferns(蕨类) and palms. By piecing together the fragments, the team was able to get an idea of what forest might have looked like 390 million years ago. Stein estimates these trees would have been "fairly closely spaced," about 3 to 16 feet apart, and that they would have dropped a load of fronds from their branches onto the forest floor. Amongst these trees were likely smaller plants and shrubs. These trees likely let more sunlight through than modern-day counterparts, for their branch structures did not fan out as far, forming an umbrella-like shape. Stein notes that the rise of forests with trees like these caused the removal of CO2 from the air and temperatures to drop, creating climates like those experienced today. The drop CO2 in levels, he says, likely led to the evolution of flat leaves on trees to attract and retain more of the gas, which plants need. Up next, he says: research will focus on "the internal structure of the plants to work out how they grew" as well as" how they functioned physiologically, particularly the relationship with CO2. "
1. What can people know from the crown of an ancient tree found in New York?
A.It helps people know that ancient trees have no trunk.
B.It provides us new information about the appearance of the earliest forest.
C.It provides evidence for the existence of trees 397 million years ago.
D.It provides evidence for the bloom of trees 397 million years ago.
A B C D
B
[解析] 根据题干中the crown of an ancient tree found in New York,可以定位到首段末句The crown(树冠) of an ancient tree...has shed light on the look of the world's earliest forests believed to have thrived about 390 million years ago. [精解] 细节题。这句提到一个古树树冠在纽约的一个采石的地方被发现,这为了解3亿9千万年前世界早期森林的样子提供了新的信息。3亿9千万年前树木很茂盛是人们所认为的,但这个古树树冠的出土并未证明这一点,故可排除D)。
2. According to the fossil reconstruction, what main parts did a tree comprise?
A.It comprised a trunk, vertical ridges and palms.
3. Why was it possible for these ancient trees let more light through than modern ones?
A.Because they were closely spaced, only 3 to 16 feet apart.
B.Because they were smaller plants and shrubs.
C.Because their branches did not fan out as far as to form a shape like umbrella.
D.Because they had very small leaves like that of fern and dropped easily.
A B C D
C
[解析] 根据题干中let more light through,可以定位到倒数第2段末句These trees likely let more sunlight through than modern-day counterparts,for their branch structures did not fan out as far,forming an umbrella like shape. [精解] 细节题。这句提到了这些古老的树木可能会比现代的树木能够透射更多的阳光,因为它们树枝的结构不是向四周扩展的很远以致形成伞状,故C)正确。这些古树长得很密不是它们能透射更多的阳光的原因,故可排除A)。
4. What possibly resulted in the evolution from leafless tree to flat leaves?
A.The decrease CO2 in levels.
B.The increase of forests.
C.The drop of temperatures.
D.The change of climates like today.
A B C D
A
[解析] 根据题干中the evolution...to flat leaves,可以定位到末段第2句The drop CO2 in levels,he says, likely led to the evolution of flat leaves on trees to attract and retain more of the gas,which plants need. [精解] 细节题。本句提到二氧化碳水平的下降可能导致了阔叶树木的进化,因为阔叶可以吸收并保持更多的植物所需的气体,故A)正确。
5. What's this passage mainly about?
A.The internal structure shows how ancient trees grew.
B.The CO2 lever exerts impact on the leaves of ancient tress.
C.Analysis of ancient fossils paint picture of the Earth's earliest trees.
D.The ancient trees have no leaves and few branches.
Passage Two Here are some questions and answers about exercise and diabetes. How can exercise help my diabetes? Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It also lowers your risk of heart disease, a condition that is common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health. What kind of exercise should I do? Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. The type of exercise you can do will depend on whether you have any other health problems. Most doctors recommend aerobic exercise, which makes you breathe more deeply and makes your heart work harder. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, aerobic dance or bicycling. If you have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, your doctor may want you to do a type of exercise that won't put stress on your feet. These exercises include swimming, bicycling, rowing or chair exercises. No matter what kind of exercise you do, you should warm up before you start and cool down when you're done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down. When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of your workout as you get more fit. Talk to your doctor for specific advice. Are there any risks to exercising for people with diabetes? Yes, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Exercise changes the way your body reacts to insulin (胰岛素). Regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and your blood sugar level may get too low — called hypoglycemia (血糖过少) —after exercising. You may need to check your blood sugar level before and after exercising. Your doctor can tell you what your blood sugar level should be before and after exercise. If your blood sugar level is too low or too high right before you plan to exercise, it's better to wait until the level improves. It is especially important to watch your blood sugar level if you exercise in really hot or cold conditions, because the temperature changes how your body absorbs insulin. How will I know if my blood sugar is too low while I'm exercising? Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually, so you need to pay attention to how you're feeling during exercise. You may feel a change in your heartbeat, suddenly sweat more, feel shaky or anxious, or feel hungry. When you feel this way, you should stop exercising and follow your doctor's advice about how to treat hypoglycemia. Your doctor may suggest you keep candy or juice on hand to treat hypoglycemia. What else should I do to exercise properly? Many people with diabetes have problems with the nerves in their feet and legs, sometimes without even knowing it. So it's important that you wear shoes that fit well and have plenty of room when you exercise. Otherwise you could develop blisters or other sores on your feet that can lead to infection and other problems. You should check your feet before and after you exercise to make sure them are no blisters or other sores. Should I drink more fluids during exercise? Yes. When you're exercising, your body uses more fluid to keep you cool. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration (not enough fluid in your body) can affect your blood sugar level. Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercise. Exercise checklist for people with diabetes ● Talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you. ● Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising. ● Check your feet for busters or sores before and after exercising. ● Wear the proper shoes and socks. ● Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising. ● Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Have a snack handy in case your blood sugar level drops too low.
1. Which of the following statements is true?
A.The risks of exercising is too great to be ignored.
B.A habit of exercising regularly maintains a very low blood sugar level.
C.Hypoglycemia is caused by excessive exercise.
D.Insulin absorption varies according to the body temperature.
A B C D
D
[解析] 文章提到“...benefits far outweigh the risks…”,所以A错误。B选项与文中"Regular exercise makes your body... and your blood sugar level may get too low... ”相悖。C项明显错误。D项正确,可以参见文中“...because the temperature changes how your body absorbs insulin"。
2. When a diabetic patient feels uncomfortable while exercising, ______.
A.he needs to hold on and continue exercising
B.he may probably get a low blood sugar level
C.it is because he's done the wrong exercise
D.he should still refrain from sweet food
A B C D
B
[解析] 参看文章“Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually... You may feel a change...”。
3. What else should a diabetic patient pay attention to?
A.He should drink as much water as possible to keep the body cool.
B.He should continue exercising despite sore feet.
C.He had better not exercise indoor.
D.He had better drink occasionally to stay away from low blood sugar level.
A B C D
D
[解析] 文章中提到"Dehydration can affect your blood sugar level.Drink plenty of fluid before,during and after exercise."
4. Which is the best title for this passage?
A.How Exercise Helps Diabetes.
B.The Secret Between Diabetes And Exercise.
C.Getting Rid of Diabetes.
D.The Cure For Diabetes.
A B C D
A
[解析] A项正确。B项用"secret" 过于抽象和模糊。C、D两项与文章内容不符。
5. The diabetic patients had better do the kind of exercise that ______.
A.makes the heart work harder
B.is more beneficial for their nerves
C.warm up their body first
D.is free from any kind of intense movement
A B C D
C
[解析] 文章中提到"No matter what kind of exercise you do,you should Warm up before you...”。
Part Ⅴ Cloze Most plants can make their own food from sunlight, 1 some have discovered that stealing is an easier way to live. Thousands of plant species get by 2 photosynthesizing (光合作用), and over 4:00 of these species seem to live by pilfering sugars from an underground 3 of fungi(真菌). But 4 in a handful of these plants has this modus operandi been traced to a relatively obscure fungus. To find out how 5 are 6 , mycologist Martin Bidartondo of the University of California at Berkeley and his team looked in their roots. What they found were 7 of a common fungus, so 8 that it is found in nearly 70 percent of all plants. The presence of 'this common fungus in these plants not only 9 at how they survive, says Bidartondo, but also suggests that many ordinary plants might prosper from a little looting, too. Plants have 10 relations to get what they need to survive. Normal 11 plants can make their own carbohydrates through photosynthesis, but they still need minerals. Most plants have 12 a symbiotic relationship with a 13 network of what are called mycorrhizal fungi, which lies beneath the forest 14 . The fungi help green plants absorb minerals through their roots, and 15 , the plants normally 16 the fungi with sugars, or carbon. With a number of plants sharing the same fungal web, it was perhaps 17 that a few cheaters —dubbed epiparasites-- would evolve to beat the system. 18 , these plants reversed the flow of carbons 19 it into their roots from the fungi 20 releasing it as "payment".