1、大学英语四级 247及答案解析(总分：746.58，做题时间：130 分钟)一、Writing (30 minutes)(总题数：1，分数：30.00)1.For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic Changes in the Way People Spent Holidays. You should write at least 120 words according to the outlines given below in Chinese: （分数：30.00）_二、Rea
2、ding Comprehensio(总题数：1，分数：71.00)Euro(欧元) National currencies are vitally important to the way modern economies operate. They allow us to consistently express the value of an item across borders of countries, oceans, and cultures. Wealth can be easily stored or transported as currency. Currencies ar
3、e also deeply embedded in our cultures and our psyche. Think about how familiar you are with the price of things. If youve grown up in the United States, you think of everything in “dollars,“ just like you think about distances in inches and miles. On January 1, 2002, the euro became the single curr
4、ency of 12 member states of the European Union. This will make it the second largest currency in the world, (the U.S. dollar being the largest). It will also be the largest currency event in the history of the world. Twelve national currencies will evaporate (蒸发) and be replaced by the euro. Designi
5、ng the Euro The European Commission (EC) was given the task of creating the euro symbol as part of its communications work. There were three things the design had to accomplish: It had to be easily recognized. It had to be easily written by hand. It had to be pleasing to look at. The EC had more tha
6、n 30 designs drawn up. They selected 10 from those and let the public vote, which narrowed those 10 down to two. From them they made their final selection. The design that was selected is based on the Greek letter epsilon, and also resembles the “e“ as the first letter of the word “Europe. “ The two
7、 parallel lines through the center of the “c“ represent stability. Where Did the Idea Come From? The original seed was planted in 1946 when Winston Churchill suggested the creation of the “United States of Europe.“ His goals were primarily political, in that he hoped a unified government would bring
8、 about peace for a continent that had been torn apart by two world wars. Then, in 1952, six west-European countries took Churchills suggestion and created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). These resources were quite strategic to the power of each country, so a requirement of the ECSC was
9、 that each country allows their resources to be controlled by an independent authority. Their goal, just as Churchill had intended, was to help prevent military conflict between France and Germany. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, declaring the goal of creating a common European market. It wa
10、s signed by France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. After many false starts, the process of creating the Euro got its real start in 1989, when the Delors Report was published by Jacques Delors, president of the European Commission. This important report outlined a three-sta
11、ge transition (过渡) plan that would create a single European Currency. Planning the Transition As outlined in the Delors Report, the transition to a single European courtesy followed a three-stage plan: Stage one began on July 1, 1990, and immediately abolished (废止) (at least in principle.) all restr
12、ictions on the movement of capital between the member states. It also began the identification of issues that needed to be dealt with and the development of a working program to implement the . upcoming changes. Stage two began on January 1, 1994, and marked the establishment of the European Monetar
13、y Institute (EMI). The EMI was responsible for coordinating the monetary policy and strengthening the cooperation of the central banks, as well as making preparations for the establishment of the European System of Central Banks, which included the single monetary policy and single currency. In Dece
14、mber 1995, the European Heads of State or Government at the European Council meeting in Madrid voted on the name “euro“ for the single currency of the European Monetary Union. Stage three began on January 1, 1999, with the establishment of “irrevocably fixed exchange rates“ of the currencies of the
15、current 11 member states. At this point, the euro was the official currency of those countries, but could only be used in non-cash transactions such as electronic transfers, credit, etc. Economic Requirements for Participation In addition to the membership requirements of the EU, countries who wishe
16、d to participate in the euro and be a part of “Euroland“ had to pass some economic tests referred to as convergence criteria: The countrys annual government budget deficit (赤子) cannot exceed 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP, the total output of the economy). The total outstanding government
17、debt (the cumulative (累积的) total of each years budget deficit) cannot exceed 60 percent of GDP. In order to push down inflation rates and encourage more stable prices, the countrys rate of inflation must be within 1.5 percent of the three best performing EU countries. The average nominal long-term i
18、nterest rate must be within 2 percent of the average rate in the three countries with the lowest inflation rates. (Interest rates are measured on the basis of long-term government bonds and/or comparable securities.) The countrys exchange rates must stay within “normal“ fluctuation margins of the Eu
19、ropean Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) for at least two years. While there was much debate over how strictly these requirements must be upheld, it was finally determined that participating countries must show that they are at least “on course“ to meet the requirements. Meeting the initial requirements
20、, however, is not a one-time thing. The Stability and Growth Pact, which was drafted in 1996, established an agreement stating that fines would be charged to countries who have excessive deficits. Member states cannot run a budget deficit that is greater than 3.0 percent of the GDP. If they do, they
21、 will be charged 0.2 percent of their GDP, plus 0.1 percent of the GDP for every percentage point of deficit above 3. 0 percent. The Pact does not automatically impose these fines, however. Countries that are in recession (不景气), which is defined as a fall by at least 2.0 percent for four fiscal quar
22、ters, may automatically be exempt (免除). A fall by any amount from 0.75 to 2.0 percent requires a vote by the EU to impose the fine. While the Pact is structured as a stabilizer for the economy, there are still those who argue that it can be damaging to economies in that governments can adopt a loose
23、 fiscal stance during times of fast growth, but put the brakes on excessively during slowdowns. Implementing the Changeover On January 1, 1999, the euro was established as the official currency of the 12 participating member states of the European Union. The conversion rates (汇价) were “irrevocably f
24、ixed,“ and the euro officially “existed. “ At that point, the euro could be used for non-cash transactions, such as making electronic payments, writing checks, or credit transactions. Although this sounds confusing, in most cases the balances were shown both in the national currency as well as in th
25、e converted euro amounts. The currency changed, but because of the established conversion rate, the value remained the same. The euro currency was introduced on January 1, 2002. Some countries had slightly different schedules for the end of circulation of their existing national currency. When items
26、 were purchased with national currency, the change was given in euros. Exchange of cash was also done in banks.“ Automated teller machines (ATMs) began distributing only euros on January 1, 2002. During the “dual circulation period,“ until the final deadlines were reached for changeover, both nation
27、al currencies and the euro were accepted, but after that point only the euro was acceptable legal tender. Banks will still be able to exchange old currency for new currency until approximately 2012. （分数：71.00）(1).The passage mainly discusses the various aspects of euro.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(2).Euro is
28、 the second largest currency in the world today.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(3).By voting, the public made the final selection of the euro symbols.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(4).Winston Churchill suggested that ECSC should be created to prevent military conflict in Europe.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(5).The Treaty of Rome wa
29、s signed by six European countries to establish a unified market.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(6).Jacques Delors suggested euro as the name of the single currency in Europe.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(7).To become a member of euro, the countries must meet the convergence criteria.（分数：7.10）A.YB.NC.NG(8).The convergenc
30、e criteria involve government budget deficit, outstanding government debt, inflation, nominal long-term interest rate and 1.（分数：7.10）填空项 1:_(9).If a member of the euro runs a budge deficit of 4.0 percent, it will be charged 1 of their GDP by the Stability and Growth Pact.（分数：7.10）填空项 1:_(10).During
31、the dual circulation period, the public bought the commodities with national currency and got the change in 1.（分数：7.10）填空项 1:_三、Listening Comprehens(总题数：1，分数：15.00)A.She will do anything but play golf.B.She seldom wants to do anything.C.She never plays, but shed like to.D.She is an enthusiastic golf
32、er.A.She finds reading poetry rewarding.B.She made some beautiful pottery.C.She wrote some award-winning poems.D.She is now writing for a newspaper.A.They were inexpensive.B.Hes going to give them away.C.They were free.D.He has to return them soon.A.He isnt going out today.B.The wind is dying down.C
33、.The thinks today is Wednesday.D.The wind is strong today.A.Go over the list.B.Do some shopping.C.List everything her friend needs.D.Go for an outing.A.Find a larger room.B.Buy two bookshelves.C.Sell the old table.D.Rearrange some furniture.A.He is in Europe to see his mother.B.He is on a European t
34、our with his mother.C.He is at home on sick leave.D.He is attending his sick mother at home.A.A guest and a receptionist.B.A passenger and an air hostess.C.A customer and a shop assistant.D.A guest and a waitress.四、Section B(总题数：2，分数：10.00)A.Walking in the garden.B.Milking the cows.C.Chasing the cow
35、s.D.Preparing breakfast.A.Before 4:30.B.Before 4:45.C.At4:30.D.After 4:45.A.North to the left.B.South to the left.C.North to the right.D.South to the right.A.The front path.B.The rose garden.C.The cows.D.The trees.A.Seven times.B.Five times.C.At least seven times.D.At least five times.A.It tastes go
36、od.B.It is cheap.C.It is healthy.D.It is convenient.A.Because it is short of vitamins.B.Because it is not very clean.C.Because there are additives.D.Because there are not many varieties.A.Ask for another gift.B.Exchange it for something useful.C.Sell it.D.Just keep it.A.To make the couple happy.B.To
37、 make the couple richer.C.To make the marriage legal.D.To express our best wishes to the couple.A.Because he hasnt three children.B.Because he has to make fortune for his wifes family.C.Because it is a necessary type of gift to exchange at marriage.D.Because it is a necessary ceremony at marriage.A.
38、To support the Red Crosss campaign for a total ban on all anti-personnel landmines.B.To clarify the British governments policy on landmines.C.To investigate the sufferings of landmine victims there.D.To establish her image as a friend of landmine victims.A.Because she was ill-informed of the governm
39、ents policy.B.Because they were actually opposed to banning landmines.C.Because she had not consulted the government before the visit.D.Because they believed that she had misinterpreted the situation in Angola.A.It had caused embarrassment to the British government.B.It had brought her closer to the
40、 ordinary people.C.It had greatly promoted her popularity.D.It had affected her relations with the British government.A.They are kept in open prisons.B.They are allowed out of the prison grounds.C.They are ordered to do cooking and cleaning.D.They are a small portion of the prison population.A.Some
41、of their prisoners are allowed to study or work outside prisons.B.Most of their prisoners are expected to work.C.Their prisoners are often sent to special centers for skill training.D.Their prisoners are allowed freedom to visit their families.A.They are encouraged to do maintenance for the training
42、 centre.B.Most of them get paid for their work.C.They have to cook their own meals.D.They can choose to do community work.六、Section C(总题数：1，分数：10.00)Traditional Americans think marriage is a serious business. It begins with (36) 1. A young man asks the father of his sweetheart for (37) 2to marry his
43、 daughter. If the father agrees, the man later (38) 3 to her. The man usually. gives his fianc a (39) 4ring as a (40) 5of their . Although most weddings follow long-held traditions, theres still room for American (41) 6. For example, the usual place for a wedding is in a (42) 7. But some people get
44、married outdoors in a scenic spot. The (43) 8may invite hundreds of people or just a few close friends. But some things rarely change. (44) 9. As the ceremony begins, the groom and his attendants stand with the minister, facing the congregation. (45) 10. They give each other a gold ring to ize their
45、 marriage commitment. At the wedding reception, the bride and groom greet their guests. (46) 11. Tradition says that the one who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry. When the reception is over, the newlyweds run to their “decorated“ car and speed off. Many s take a honeymoon, an one-to-two
46、-week vacation trip, to celebrate their marriage. （分数：10.00）填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_七、Reading Comprehensio(总题数：2，分数：355.00)Educating girls quite possibly yields a higher rate of return than any other investment available in the developing world. W
47、omens education may be unusual territory for economists, but enhancing womens contribution to development is actually as much an economic as a social issue. And economics, with its emphasis on incentives (激励), provides guideposts that point to an explanation for why so many girls are deprived of an
48、education. Parents in low-income countries fail to invest in their daughters because they do not expect them to make an economic contribution to the family: girls grow up only to marry into somebody elses family and bear children. Girls are thus seen as less valuable than boys and art kept at home to do housework while their brothers are sent to school the prophecy （预言) becomes self-fulfilling, trapping women in a vicious circle (恶性循环) of neglect. An educated mother, on the other hand, has greater earning abilities outs
