1. Listen to the following passage. Altogether the passage will be rend to you four times: During the first rending, which will be rend at normal speed, listen and try to understand the meaning. For the second and third readings, the passage will be read sentence by sentence, or phrase by phrase, with intervals of 15 seconds. The lost reading will be read at normal speed again and during this time you should check your work. You will then be given 2 minutes to cheek through your work once more. Please write the whole passage on ANSWER SHEET ONE.
In the late 140Os, when Christopher Columbus returned to Spain from the western hemisphere, /he brought with him a sample of maize. / We call it more often today, corn. /The corn that Columbus introduced to Europe was the distant descendant of a grass native to Mexico. /The people of the Americas probably started to domesticate this grass as early as 5000 BC. /After about a thousand years, /they had developed a highly productive strand of corn. /Domesticated corn and the people who cultivated it developed together. /Without humans to care for it, /domesticated corn could not survive. /The kernels are crowded together beneath the strong protective husk and silk. /And the young corn shoot is not strong enough to break through the husk on its own. /If people did not strip away the husk and plant individual kernels, /the corn would die out. /
Part Ⅱ LISTENING COMPRHENSION In Sections A, B and C you will hear everything ONCE ONLY. Listen carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Mark the correct answer to each question on your answer sheet.
SECTION A CONVFRSATIONS In this section you will hear several conversations. Listen to the conversations carefully and then answer the questions' that follow. Questions 1 to 4 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the conversation.
A.To gather information for the student's astronomy class.
B.To write a research paper about a recent discovery in space.
C.To report findings from an astronomers' conference.
D.To get information for the astronomy club.
A B C D
C
[解析] 1-4 M: Doctor Cole, thank you for agreeing to this interview for the Daily Campus News. Can you tell us about what you and your colleagues discuss at the annual astronomy society meeting last month? Can you, Doctor? W: Yes. For the first time ever the scientific community has established the existence of planets outside our own solar system. Of course we knew that certain distant stars existed, but Only recently did we learn that several of them are orbited by their own planets. M: Why did it take so I0ng to locate these planets? W: You have to understand that they are a billion times dimmer than their parent stars. It would be like trying to see the light of a candle next to a huge explosion. We don't currently have a telescope that can be used to see them. M: But if the astronomers didn't see the planets through a telescope, how did they find them? W: By a very indirect method. The astronomers measured subtle distortions in the frequency of the light from the parent stars and observed that some of the stars seem to rock back and forth. They determined that this was caused by gravitational pull from orbiting planets. M: There is a powerful new telescope being built in Arizona. Will that help them see these planets? W: They should be able to see them at least in the form of small spots of light. And then the scientists will be able to break down and analyze this light. By doing this, they hope to learn about the chemical composition of these planets--oxygen and ozone molecules, for example, would be telltale signs of life on these planets. M: I'm looking forward to hearing more when the telescope is in operation. And I'm sure our readers will be interested too.
本题考查对话的意图。从原文中:“Can you tell us about what you and your colleagues discuss at the annual astronomy society meeting last month?”可以推断出本对话是采访天文学家Cole博土,他谈论了最新的天文学会年会的成果。选项C为正确答案。
2. What is the conversation mainly about?
A.The possible existence of life on other planets.
B.Methods for building powerful new telescopes.
C.A technical problem that astronomers can't solve.
D.The discovery of planets orbiting distant stars.
A B C D
D
本题考查大意。根据原文“For the first time ever the scientific community has established the existence of planets outside our own solar system.”可知本次年会的成果在于证实了太阳系之外行星的存在。因此选项D为正确答案。
3. How did the scientists establish the existence of the planets?
A.They studied the gravitation in the appearance of the parent stars.
B.They were able to see the planets with a telescope.
C.They compared the parent stars to the Sun.
D.They sent astronauts on a mission into space.
A B C D
A
本题考查行为特征。根据原文“The astronomers measured subtle distortions in the frequency of the light from the parent stars and observed that some of the stars seem to rock back and forth. They determined that this was caused by gravitational pull from orbiting planets.”可知科学家采用的是一种间接的证实方式。他们研究星体发射光线的细微变异,认为这是围绕这些星体运行的行星的引力的结果。因此选项A为正确答案。选项B“他们能够用望远镜看到这些星体”和选项C“他们将这些星体与太阳作比较”,属于无关选项。选项D“他们靠将宇航员送人太空去证实”是错误选项。
4. What does the professor say the scientists might learn about the planets by using the new telescope?
A.Their surface features.
B.Their chemical composition.
C.Their temperature.
D.Their age.
A B C D
B
本题考查事实。从原文中“By doing this,they hope to learn about the chemical composition of these planets--oxygen and ozone molecules,for example, would be telltale signs of life on these planets.”可以判断出选项B为正确答案。
Questions 5 to 7 are based on the following conversation, At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the conversation.
5. What does the woman think of the roommate's music?
A.She can't bear it.
B.She doesn't mind it.
C.She thinks it is too repetitive.
D.She enjoys it but it disturbs her.
A B C D
A
[解析] 5-7 W: Hi, Mike, do you have a minute to spare? M: Yes, Sherry, how can I help you? W: Well, I have been getting music noises coming from your apartment and it seems like it is always during 9pm-12am when I am trying to study. Is it possible to tune down and contain the noise to your apartment then? M: Oh, I'm so sorry about that. I hadn't been back to my apartment for two weeks and in fact, I just got back today. It must be my new roommate then. W: I realize that. Could you have a word with him and get him to lower the volume because it is disturbing during the night. It's just, how it is around this time of the year with midterms and everything. M: Oh, no problem, and I tell you what I won't even mention that it was you who complained. W: Well, Mike, I appreciate it but I'm afraid that this is not the only issue I want to bring up. Your new roommate is also taking up two parking spaces in the parking lot. M: Really, I didn't know that! That's selfish of him. Well, Sherry, not to worry. You bet I will give him a piece of my mind tonight. W: All right, I hope you can settle all of this soon. Sorry to give you all this bad news now. M: Oh, don't worry, Sherry, this will be all settled without a hitch.
本题考查评价。从原文“I have been getting music noises coming from your apartment and it seems like it is always during 9pm-12am when I am trying to study.”可知选项A为正确答案。这里要注意文中用到了“nosie”一词,可见是无法忍受了。
6. What is Mike's real trouble?
A.His room is quite noisy.
B.Sherry is angry with him.
C.The man who lives with him seems to lack courtesy.
D.His roommate is always taking Sherry's parking space.
Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the conversation.
8. What was the man doing before the woman arrived?
A.Studying in the library.
B.Sleeping in the library.
C.Sleeping in the room.
D.Having a snack outside the library.
A B C D
B
[解析] 8-10 W: Hey, Jake, rise and shine. M: What time is it, Sheila? I have no idea how long I've been here. W: Hmm... the library is too quiet. You need a place that's nice and noisy to study. M: You've got a point. I always mean to study hard but I quickly nod off. It's just too quiet here. W: Maybe you were thinking of Carlson's psychology lesson. That's as good as a sleeping pill. M: Yeah, nice guy, but he just can't seem to come down to earth. The whole time he seemed to be talking to himself. W: You should have been in my history class with Professor Rivers. What a trip! One student got up and challenged him to name 6 women who contributed to the American Revolution. He was speechless. M: The class must have been buzzing. W: Especially when the student started rattling off over a dozen names. She was no fool and she wasn't going to let him off the hook. M: Seems she gave Professor Rivers a good lecture. W: Yeah, although I felt she should have given him a chance to save face. After all I doubt whether many people can name even one. M: That's true. I sure can't. W: Jake, Jake. You should attend Professor Anderson's class on women's studies. She'll tell you about people like Sarah Bradlee Fulton, a spy who was a key figure in the Boston Tea Party. M: Hmm... Maybe Rivers could join me.
本题考查行为。根据原文“Hey,Jake,rise and shine.”“What time is it, Sheila? I have no idea how long I've been here.”可以推断出这个男生在图书馆睡着了,因此选项B为正确答案。
9. What was the man's complaint about the psychology professor?
A.He doesn't talk to the students.
B.He is a nice guy but he is never happy.
C.He is always talking to himself.
D.Too boring and is difficult to understand.
A B C D
D
本题考查评价。原文中那个男生在说那位心理学教授时说到“Yeah,nice guy.but he just can't seem to come down to earth. The whole time he seemed to be talking to himself.”由此可知选项D为正确答案。
10. What made the history lecture so interesting?
A.It was about American women instead of the American revolution,
B.The professor talked about a trip and he was challenged.
C.The professor made a good speech.
D.The professor was challenged by a student by his lack of knowledge of female historical character.
A B C D
D
本题考查原因。根据原文“You should have been in my history class with Professor Rivers.What a trip! One student got up and challenged him to name 6 women who contributed to the American Revolution.He was speechless.”可知当学生要求教授说出六个对美国革命有贡献的女性时,教授就被难住了。选项D为正确答案。
SECTION B PASSAGES In this section, you will hear several passages, Listen to the passages carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Questions 11 to 14 are based on the fallowing passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the passage.
B.where people's chief concern is how to make money.
C.where all businesses are managed scientifically.
D.which normally works according to the federal budget.
A B C D
B
[解析] 11-14 Henry Ford, the famous U. S. inventor and car manufacturer once said "The business of America is business. "By this he meant that the U. S. way of life is based on the values of the business world. A brief glimpse at a daily newspaper vividly shows how much people in the United States think about business. Business news can appear in every section. Most national news has an important financial aspect to it. Moreover, business news appears in some of the unlikeliest places. The world of arts and entertainment is often referred to as "the entertainment industry" or "show business." The positive side of Henry Ford's statement can be seen in the prosperity that business has brought to U. S. life. One of the most important reasons so many people from all over the world come to live in the United States is the dream of a better job. However, the biggest companies are seen in opposition to labor. Throughout U. S. history working people have had to fight hard for higher wages, better working conditions, and the right to form unions. Today, many of the old labor disputes are over, but there is still some employee anxiety. Downsizing--the laying off of thousands of workers to keep expenses low and profits high--creates feelings of insecurity for many.
语义理解题。短文的开篇引用美国著名的汽车发明人和制造商亨利·福特的话" The business of America is business.”接着列举了一些美国生活中,商业行为无处不在的情况,可知,美国人每天想的就是生意,想着怎样赚钱,选项B为正确答案。
2. The influence of business in the U. S. is evidenced by the fact that
A.most newspapers are run by big businesses.
B.even public organizations concentrate on working for profits.
C.Americans of all professions know how to do business.
D.even arts and entertainment are regarded as business.
A B C D
D
情景事实题。从短文中提到“... business news appears in some of the unlikeliest places. The world of arts and entertainment is often referred to as‘the entertainment industry’or‘show business’.”即艺术和娱乐经常被认为是“娱乐产业”或者“影视业”。由此可见,美国的商业影响无孔不入,甚至是在一些最不可能的领域也亢斥了交易的味道。选项D为正确答案。其余的几个选项文中都没有提及。
3. According to the passage, immigrants choose in settle in the U.S. dreaming
A.they can start profitable businesses there.
B.they can be more competitive in business.
C.they will make a fortune overnight there.
D.they will find better chances of employment.
A B C D
D
语义理解题。短文中说到:“One of the most important reasons so many people from.all over the world come to live in the United States is the dream of a better job.”即亨利·福特的话可以理解成美国的商业给人们带来了繁荣的生活。那是一些外国人选择到美国生活的一个重要的原因,他们梦想着在这里找到更好的工作。选项D为正确答案。
4. A company's efforts to keep expenses low and profits high may result in
A.reduction in the number of employees.
B.improvement of working conditions.
C.fewer disputes between labor and management.
D.a rise in workers' wages.
A B C D
A
语义理解题。短文的结尾说到:“Downsizing--the laying off of thousands of workers to keep expenses low and profits high--creates feelings of insecurity for many.”由此可以判断出原来的一些劳动纠纷已经结束了,但是很多雇员还是很焦虑。公司缩减规模——裁减上千的员工来保持成本低廉,以尽可能地获取高额利润——使得他们缺乏安全感。选项A为正确答案。
Questions 15 to 17 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the passage.
5. According to the lecturer, what did people used to throw into wells?
A.Coins.
B.Food.
C.Flowers.
D.People.
A B C D
D
[解析] 15-17 The belief that four-leaf clovers are good luck comes from the Druids, ancient residents of the British Isles. Several times a year, they gathered in oak groves to settle legal disputes and offer sacrifices. Then they ended their rituals by hunting for four-leaf clovers. Why? They believed a four-leaf clover enabled its owner to see evil spirits and witches, and therefore avoid them. Ancient people believed spirits living in springs and fountains demanded a tribute--usually flesh. Young Mayan girls, for example, were sometimes tossed into the Well of Sacrifice (where they would "marry" the spirits). Today, we just throw the spirits a penny or two for luck. In the Middle Ages, churchmen insisted that knocking on wood was part of the tradition of prayer, since Christ was crucified on a wooden cross. They were right hut the tradition started several thousands of years earlier, with a different deity. Both Native Americans and ancient Greeks developed the belief (independently) that oak trees were the domains of an important god. By knocking on an oak, they were communicating with him and asking for his forgiveness. The Greeks passed their tradition on to the Romans, and it became part of European lore. The oak's "power" was eventually transferred to all wood.
语义理解题。短文中提到了“Ancient people believed spirits living in springs and fountains demanded a tribute--usually flesh.Young Mayan girls,for example,were sometimes tossed into the Well of Sacrifice...”即古代人认为神灵生活在泉水中,因此,他们向水中投入供品,通常是人。接着又举例说,年轻的玛雅女孩有时就要被投入到井中来作祭祀品,通常认为她们是嫁给了神灵。因此选项D为正确答案。
6. According to the lecturer, why did Europeans often knock on wood?
A.Superstitions generally flow from cultural beliefs.
B.Superstitions are rooted in European culture.
C.Superstitions are irrational.
D.Superstitions are generally a European feature.
A B C D
A
语义理解题。从文中“In the Middle Ages,churchmen insisted that knocking on wood was part of the tradition of prayer,since Christ was crucified on a wooden cross.”可以得知在中世纪,教士认为击打木头是他们传统的祈祷的一部分,因为耶稣就是在木十字架上被钉死的。可知,欧洲人击打木头的迷信是来自于其文化信仰。此题答案为A。
7. What does the speaker focus on in this talk?
A.Why we have superstitions.
B.The historical and cultural root of superstitions.
Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the passage.
B.The role of supermarkets in the coffee business.
C.A new trend in the United States.
D.The advertising of a new product.
A B C D
C
[解析] 18-20 A lot of people in the United States are coffee drinkers. Over the last few years, a trend has been developing to introduce premium specially blended coffees known as gourmet coffees into the America market. Boston seems to have been the birthplace of this trend. In fact major gourmet coffee merchants from other cities like Seattle and San Francisco, came to Boston where today they are engaged in a kind of coffee war with Boston's merchants. They are all competing for a significant share of the gourmet coffee market. Surprisingly the competition among these leading gourmet coffee businesses will not hurt any of them. Experts predict that the gourmet coffee market in the United States is growing and will continue to grow to the point that gourmet coffee will soon capture a half of what is now a 1.5 million-dollar market, Studies have shown that coffee drinkers who convert to gourmet coffee seldom go back to the regular brands found in supermarkets. As a result these brands will be the real losers in the gourmet coffee competition.
主题总结题。短文开头就提到了“... a trend has been developing to introduce premium specially blended coffees known as gourmet coffees into the America market.”即一个起源于波士顿的新品牌的咖啡得到了人们的喜爱,并很快占领了美国市场。接下来又提到了这个品牌的市场竞争问题,可知选项 C为正确答案。
9. What probably leads people to choose gourmet coffees over regular brands?
A.Gourmet coffee is less expensive.
B.Regular brands of coffee have too much caffeine.
C.Gourmet coffee tastes better.
D.Gourmet coffee is grown in the United States.
A B C D
C
语义理解题。文中提到“Studies have shown that coffee drinkers who convert to gourmet coffee seldom go back to the regular brands found in supermarkets.”即研究表明,那些从常规品牌转到新品牌咖啡的顾客,很少再喝原来品牌的咖啡。由此也可推知,新品牌的咖啡的味道可能更好,因此人们放弃了原来的品牌。选项C为正确答案。
10. What will probably happen in the future to stores that sell regular brands of coffee?
A.They will run out of coffee.
B.They will successfully compete with gourmet coffee sellers.
C.They will introduce new regular brands of coffee.
D.They will lose some coffee business.
A B C D
D
语义理解题。在短文的后面提到:“As a result these brands will be the real losers in the gourmet coffee competition.”即由于美味咖啡迅速占领市场,而且尝试过这种咖啡的人很少再回去喝原来品牌的咖啡。所以结果就是这些常规品牌的咖啡在同美味咖啡的竞争中成为真正的失败者,由此可以推知,将来那些经营常规品牌的咖啡的商店可能会生意不好,选项D为正确答案。
SECTION C NEWS BROADCAST Questions 21 to 22 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.
[解析] 21-22 The BBC needs you to vote on who should take the overall Audience Award, to be announced at the Poll Winners Concert which takes place in the United Kingdom on March 5. Voting begins on January 1. The shortlist of nominees was chosen by the 2,000 delegates to Womex, the world music expo. A jury of music specialists will choose the winners for different world regions and in the categories of Newcomer and Boundary Crossing, Club Global, and Album of the Year. But the Audience Award is a chance for listeners to make their own choice from the nominations. The winners of these awards will be announced on January 22.
本题考查对新闻细节的捕捉。新闻的开篇就讲到:“The BBC needs you to vote on who should take the overall Audience Award,... ”由此可知选项D为正确答案。其余的选项虽然新闻中都有所提及,但是并不是BBC这次投票的奖项。
2. When will the vote begin?
A.On 1 January.
B.On 5 March.
C.On 22 January.
D.On 5 January.
A B C D
A
本题考查对新闻细节(时间)的捕捉。新闻中虽然提到几个时间,但是在开篇就提到:“Voting begins on January 1.”即投票的开始时间是一月一号。选项A为正确答案。
Questions 23 and 24 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.
3. What's the plan GM's CEO announced at the automaker's annual shareholders meeting?
A.Close vehicle assembly plants.
B.Close vehicle parts plants.
C.Job-cuts.
D.Both A and B.
A B C D
C
[解析] 23-24 General Motors announced today that it will eliminate at least 25,000 manufacturing jobs in the US within the next three years. General Motors' CEO Rick Wagoner announced the planned job-cuts at the automaker's annual shareholders meeting in Willington, Delaware. GM also expects to close more vehicle assembly and parts plants. Wagoner says the moves are expected to save GM about 2.5 billion dollars a year. He also laid out a four-point approach to improve the company's profits. The world's largest automaker has been struggling with slumping sales and rising cost for raw materials and employee health care. Wagoner says health care adds about 1500 dollars to the cost of each GM vehicle.
本题考查对新闻细节的捕捉。根据原文:“General Motors' CEO Rick Wagoner announced the planned job-cuts at the automaker's annual shareholders meeting...”可知股东大会上宣布的就是要裁员的计划。因此选项C为正确答案。
4. Which is NOT the reason for GM's heavy burden?
A.Slumping sales.
B.Rising cost of raw materials.
C.Employee health care.
D.Employee's wages.
A B C D
D
本题考查对新闻细节的捕捉。新闻的最后提到了通用汽车裁员计划的原因:“The world's largest automaker has been struggling with slumping sales and rising cost for raw materials and employee health care. Wagoner says health care adds about 1500 dollars to the cost of each GM vehicle.”可知企业面临的困难是:汽车销售的下滑、原材料的涨价和企业员工的医疗保健费用,大大增加了企业的负担,其中企业员工的医疗保健费用将使每一台通用汽车的成本增加1500美元。而新闻中并没有提到选项D。
Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.
A.People were not very interested in the new stamps.
B.The new stamps are believed to be the most popular stamps in British history.
C.People just went to the post offices to have a look.
D.People formed long lines to see Princess of Wales.
A B C D
B
[解析] 25-26 Long lines have formed outside British post offices as people rushed to buy new stamps featuring portraits of Diana, Princess of Wales. There are 5 different stamps, each featuring a picture of Diana, framed in lilac. They are forecast to be the most popular stamps in British history. All profits from the stamps will be donated to the Princess of Wales fund. The post office has already pledged 6 million pounds to the fund based on the advanced sales of the stamps and expected demand for them.
本题考查对新闻细节的捕捉。新闻中说到:“They are forecast to be the most popular stamps in British history.”即新邮票被预见为英国历史上最受人欢迎的邮票,因此选项B为正确答案。
6. How many kinds of stamps are on sale?
A.Two.
B.Three.
C.Four.
D.Five.
A B C D
D
本题考查对新闻细节(数字)的捕捉。新闻中提到:“There are 5 different stamps,each featuring a picture of Diana,framed in lilac.”即这套戴安娜王妃的肖像邮票一共有5张。选项D为正确答案。
Questions 27 and 28 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.
7. How many consecutive years does Hai'er top the rank of electronic enterprises?
A.Two years.
B.Three years.
C.Four years.
D.Five years.
A B C D
B
[解析] 27-28 China's Ministry of Information Industry released the rankings of the top 100 enterprises in electronic and information industry. Hai'er Group tops the rank for the third consecutive year with annual operating revenue of 101.6 billion yuan ( 12.27 billion US $ ). Boe Technology Group Corporation. Ltd and TCL Corporation rank the 2nd and 3rd. Aside from them, Lenovo Group, SVA Group, Huawei Technology, Midea Group, Panda Electronics Group, Hisense and ZTE Corporation are also among the top 10.
本题考查对新闻细节(数字)的捕捉。新闻中讲到:“Hai'er Group tops the rank for the third consecutive year....”因此选项B为正确答案。
Questions 29 and 30 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.
9. How many Hamas militants have been killed in the fire?
A.Three.
B.Two.
C.One.
D.Zero.
A B C D
D
[解析] 29-30 In the Gaza Strip today, an Israeli airforce plane fired missiles at three Hamas militants who Israel said had fired mortars. An Israeli army spokesman said the men escaped unharmed although their car was destroyed. An Israeli army spokesman said the three men had fired a mortar shot from hand units in southern Gaza in the direction of Jewish settlements in Gaza and were preparing to launch more. Military sources said the strike was not an Israeli assassination attempt, but an assault on a gunman as they were firing. Yesterday three workers, one Chinese and two Palestinians, were killed, when Palestinians fired mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza. Palestinian leader Muhammadan Abbas travelled to Gaza today for a talk with Hamas. Abbas urged Israel to stop what he called" illogical acts", like the missile strikes, which he said could cause the current ceasefire to collapse. Israel says Abbas must do more to stop their rocket and mortar fire.
本题考查对新闻细节(数字)的捕捉。新闻中讲到:“In the Gaza Strip today, an Israeli airforce Diane fired missiles at three Hamas militants who Israel said had fired mortars.”即以色列空军向三名哈马斯成员开火,因为这三名成员涉嫌发射了炮弹。虽然三人乘坐的汽车被摧毁,但是这三人成功地逃脱,没有受伤。由此可知,在这次袭击中,并没有人员伤亡,因此选项D为正确答案。
10. Who were killed in an attack to a Jewish settlement in Gaza yesterday?
A.Three Hamas militants.
B.Three Palestinians.
C.One Chinese and two Palestinians.
D.Three Israelites.
A B C D
C
本题考查对新闻细节的捕捉。根据文中原文:“Yesterday three workers,one Chinese and two Palestinians,were killed,when Palestinians fired mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza.”可以得出昨天巴勒斯坦入朝犹太人定居点发射了炮弹,造成三名工人死亡,其中一名是中国人,另外两名是巴勒斯坦人。选项C为正确答案。