1、大学英语四级模拟试卷 988及答案与解析 一、 Part I Writing (30 minutes) 1 For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Big City or Small Town. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below: 1有的大学生毕业后想去大城市 2有的人则选择小城镇 3我的选择 Big City or Small Town 二、 Part II Reading Com
2、prehension (Skimming and Scanning) (15 minutes) Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly and answer the questions attached to the passage. For questions 1-7, mark： Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage; N (for NO) if th
3、e statement contradicts the information given in the passage; NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage. 1 For a Sharp Brain, Stimulation There are many phenomena that arouse peoples concern, especially serious diseases. Americans may worry about heart disease, stroke and dia
4、betes, but they completely dread Alzheimers disease, a recent survey found. For good reason. One in eight adults over 65 is affected by the disease. Those who are spared know they may end up with the burden of caring for a parent or a spouse who is affected. Even though the number of older adults wi
5、th dementias(痴呆 )is rising rapidly, only a few drugs that have been approved to treat symptoms are on the market, and they slow down the disease but do not cure it. Researchers, however, are more optimistic than ever about the potential of the aging brain, because recent evidence has challenged long
6、-held beliefs by demonstrating that the brain can grow new nerve cells. “For a long time, we held the assumption that were born with all the nerve cells were ever going to have, and that the brain is not capable of generating new ones that once these cells die were unable to replace them, “ said Mol
7、ly V. Wagster, chief of the Neuropsychology of Aging branch of the National Institute on Aging. “Those assumptions have been challenged and put by the wayside.“ The birth of new nerve cells, she said, “has been shown to occur in the adult not only in adult rats and monkeys, but also in older adult h
8、umans.“ Most of the areas that show neurogenesis(神经生成 )and that have been investigated so far are important for learning and memory, particularly the hippocampus, she added. So how does one stimulate neurogenesis? Scientists do not have all the answers, but studies of older people who have maintaine
9、d their mental acuity provide some clues.They tend to be socially connected, with strong ties to relatives, friends and community. They are often both physically healthy and physically active. And they tend to be engaged in stimulating or intellectually challenging activities. The big question is wh
10、ether they remain mentally alert because they engage in these activities, or whether they are able to engage in these activities because they are cognitively intact. “We dont know whether this is an example of reverse causation or not its probably a two-way street, “ said Bruce S. McEwen.who heads t
11、he neuroendocrinology lab at Rockefeller University in New York. But some interventional studies that have introduced older adults to exercise regimens have reported remarkable results. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recruited a group of sedentary(久坐的 )adults between t
12、he ages of 60 and 75, assigning half of them to an aerobic exercise program that met three times a week to walk, while a control group did an aerobic stretching and toning. The scientists measured the groups cognitive function before and after the six-month program and found improvements among those
13、 who had done the walking. “Six months of exercise will buy you a 15 to 20 percent improvement in memory, decision-making ability and attention.“ said Arthur F. Kramer, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois. “It will also buy you increases in the volume of various brain regions in
14、the prefrontal and temporal cortex, and more efficient neuronetworks that support the kind of cognition we examined.“ Other studies have found improvements in cognitive function after a combined regimen(养生法 )of physical exercise and cognitive training. But skeptics say there is no guarantee that int
15、ellectual stimulation will prevent Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia.“Maybe it does, but I dont think we have a shred of evidence, “ said Dr. Robert N. Butler, a psychiatrist and gerontologist who is president of the International Longevity Center-USA. “What it does is maintain good heal
16、th, “ he said, adding, “I dont think we can go much further than that.“ But there is consensus among scientists on a few recommendations for action that, most agree, can not hurt. Regular physical activity may improve brain function, both by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating the pro
17、duction of hormones and nerve growth factors involved in neurogenesis. Animal studies have found that physically active animals have better memories and more cells in their hippocampus. Exercise also plays a role in countering diseases like Type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of dementia. Chol
18、esterol(胆固醇 )and hypertension, which affect vascular health, also need to be kept in check. Seeking out stimulation through interesting work, volunteer opportunities or continuing education is beneficial. Travel, read, take up a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. Staying socially co
19、nnected is also associated with brain health, as is managing stress effectively.Chronic stress can lead to the rewiring of areas of the brain that are involved in emotion, memory and decision-making, Dr. McEwen said, “and the brain becomes more biased toward more anxiety, more depression, less flexi
20、bility in terms of decision-making and becomes less able to store information.“ Most scientists recommend eating a Mediterranean-style diet, including fish and nuts containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, olive oil and possibly some red wine.(Blueberries are also reco
21、mmended.)Some also suggest avoiding playing games like football, because of the risk of head injuries, staying away from pesticides ane insecticides that contain neurotoxins and not drinking excessively. “Another thing thats important as people get older is to maintain flexible attitudes and be will
22、ing to try new things, “ said K. Warner Schaie, who in 1956 started the Seattle Longitudinal Study, which follows the psychologica development of participants through adulthood. “You have to expect things will shift over time and wont be the same as when you were young. Those who manage to roll with
23、 the punches, and enjoy change rather than fighting it, tend to do well.“ 2 The passage gives a general description of_ . （ A） the significance of stimulation in brain health （ B） the studies of the aging brain （ C） the ways to prevent Alzheimers disease （ D） the symptoms of dementia 3 Americans dre
24、ad Alzheimers disease probably because_ . （ A） it is incurable and brings great burden （ B） its symptoms are difficult to identify （ C） it is infectious （ D） its development is rapid 4 Researchers have an optimistic outlook on the potential of the aging brain because_. （ A） we are born with all the
25、nerve cells （ B） the brain is protected by the skull （ C） we are unlikely to be affected by Alzheimers disease （ D） the brain can generate new nerve cells 5 According to the studies of older people with mental acuity.one may trigger off neurogenesis by_ . （ A） keeping mental and physical health （ B）
26、 preventing cognitive intactness （ C） establishing firm public relationships （ D） participating in intellectually challenging activities 6 The subjects involved in the research at the University of Illinois were_ . （ A） older adults who exercised regularly （ B） senior citizens suffering mental retar
27、dation （ C） sedentary adults between 60 and 75 （ D） aerobic exercisers between 60 and 75 7 Dr.Robert N.Butler takes it that intellectual stimulation_ . （ A） can improve cognitive function （ B） can only help people stay in good health （ C） can cure other forms of dementia （ D） can help people go furt
28、her 8 Which of the following is NOT associated with brain health? （ A） Continuing education. （ B） Living under stress. （ C） Staying socially connected. （ D） Taking up a new language. 9 According to Dr. McEwen.the rewiring of the brain parts involved in emotion, memory and decision-making can be caus
29、ed by_. 10 Some scientists advise older people not to_because they may have their heads injured. 11 The Seattle Longitudinal Study which started in 1956 makes research into_of subjects through adulthood. Section A Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversati
30、ons. 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 b
31、est answer. （ A） The drivers reaction was understandable. （ B） Drinking coffee is not allowed on the bus. （ C） Some of the womans coffee spilled on the driver. （ D） The driver should not have yelled at the woman. （ A） He does not like to borrow money. （ B） He has a lot of money to lend. （ C） He is u
32、nlikely to lend money. （ D） He lent ten dollars to the woman. （ A） His class lasted longer than usual. （ B） He got lost on the way to the movie. （ C） He did not know what time the movie started. （ D） He did not pay attention to the time. （ A） Ask her brother for a ride to the meeting. （ B） Find a di
33、fferent hotel. （ C） Pay for the meeting in advance. （ D） Cancel the mans hotel reservation. （ A） Listen to the traffic report on the radio. （ B） Take a later train. （ C） Run to catch the next train. （ D） Check the weekend schedule. （ A） Go out to eat with her parents. （ B） Find a place to live near
34、the harbor. （ C） Get a job at a restaurant. （ D） Introduce him to her parents. （ A） Shell play chess with the man this afternoon. （ B） She doesnt know how to play chess. （ C） Shell wear a warm jacket to the match. （ D） Shed rather not go out with the man. （ A） Apply for a new library card. （ B） Go g
35、et his student ID card. （ C） Talk to the librarian about his ID card. （ D） Get the library books from his room. （ A） Play basketball with friends from work. （ B） Try out for the company baseball team. （ C） Get in shape and compete in a cycling race. （ D） Have football matches after work. （ A） She do
36、esnt want the man to stay outdoors long. （ B） She is afraid the man will become a fitness freak. （ C） She is concerned about the mans health. （ D） She is concerned about her own physical shape. （ A） He should consume less salt. （ B） He should eat less vegetable. （ C） He should eat more protein. （ D）
37、 He should eat less fatty food. （ A） Enjoyable. （ B） Adventurous. （ C） Respectable. （ D） Challenging. （ A） They are more adaptable. （ B） They have interest in both the job and the country. （ C） They are intent on new cultures. （ D） They have the right qualities to work abroad. （ A） He has to face di
38、fferent cultures. （ B） He has to fire some people. （ C） He has to work in Thailand for some time every year. （ D） He has to tell people he is unable to help them. （ A） Easy going, understanding, and sensitive. （ B） Adaptable, workaholic, and understanding. （ C） Easygoing, workaholic, and friendly. （
39、 D） Adaptable, sensitive, and outgoing. Section B Directions: In this section, you will hear 3 short passages. At the end of each passage, you will hear some questions. Both the passage and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the fo
40、ur choices marked A, B, C and D. （ A） He was a great talker with good characters. （ B） He was a student of the great Philosopher Plato. （ C） He was condemned by students for not believing in gods. （ D） His teaching corrupted thousands of young people. （ A） He asked them questions and provided refere
41、nces. （ B） He told the students not to pretend to know everything. （ C） He made the students think by themselves. （ D） He wrote many books to record his thoughts and ideas. （ A） His ideas and teaching methods corrupted the students. （ B） The new ideas he encouraged threatened the conservatives. （ C）
42、 He couldnt win over enough people to support him. （ D） The law was proper and wise, no one can deny its justice. （ A） It only needs an open space. （ B） It only needs very small space. （ C） It can grow mixed vegetables. （ D） It needs more natural sunlight. （ A） There is a competition among people in
43、 gardening. （ B） The meats and dairy products are not healthy. （ C） More and more people want to enjoy real fresh food. （ D） You can save money and get great pleasure. （ A） All the vegetables must grow in the sun. （ B） Root vegetables can stand more shade than leafy ones. （ C） Vegetable fruit plants
44、 need the most sunlight. （ D） Leafy and root vegetables want total shade environment. （ A） It makes the dying even scared. （ B） lt fails to comfort the dying. （ C） It wont be true. （ D） It is of no meaning by saying so. （ A） Listen without criticism and without giving advice. （ B） Avoid talking abou
45、t death. （ C） Tell him or her that you know how he or she feels. （ D） Encourage the dying to be brave. （ A） Overcome your own grief and visit the dying. （ B） Not to think about it. （ C） Ask others to go to visit the dying for you. （ D） Make a phone call or give a personal note. （ A） Allow the person
46、s to feel they are dying. （ B） Make everything about how awful it is. （ C） Pay attention to the dying persons physical condition. （ D） Try to improve the dying persons life quality. Section C Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first tim
47、e, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these
48、blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the 36 Language is the principal means whereby we conduct our social lives. When it is used in【 B1】 _ of communication.it is bound up with culture in【 B2】 _and complex ways. To begin with, the words people utter refer to co
49、mmon experience. They express facts, ideas or events that are 【 B3】 _because they refer to a stock of knowledge about the world that other people share. Words also 【 B4】 _their authors attitudes and【 B5】 _.their points of view that are also those of others. In both cases, language expresses cultural reality. But members of a【 B6】 _or social group do not only express experience; they also create experience through language. They give meaning to it
