2008年4月北京成人学位英语真题(A卷)

Part I Reading Comprehension

Directions: There are three passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.

Passage 1

Question 1to 5 are based on the following passage.

Looking back on my childhood. I am convinced that naturalists are born and not made. Although we were brought up in the same way, my brothers and sisters soon abandoned their pressed(紧抱的) flowers and insects. Unlike them ,I hand no ear for music and languages, I was not an early reader and I could not do mental arithmetic.

Before World war I we spent our summer holidays in Hungary. I have only the dim memory of the house we lived in, of my room and my toys. (76) Nor do I recall clearly the large family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who gathered next door . but I do have a crystal-clear memory of dogs, the farm animals , the local birds and above all ,the insects.

I am a naturalist, not a scientist. I have a strong love of the natural world, and my enthusiasm has led me into varied investigations. I love discussing my favorite topics and enjoy burning the midnight. I love discussing my favorite topics and enjoy burning the midnight oil, reading about other people’s observations and discoveries .then something happens that brings these observations together in my conscious mind. Suddenly you fancy you see the answer to the riddle(谜) ，because it all seems to fit together. This has resulted in my publishing 300 papers and books ,which some might honor with the title of scientific research.

But curiosity ,a keen eye, a good memory and enjoyment of the animal and plant world do not make a scientist; one of the outstanding and essential qualities required is self-discipline, a quality I lack. A scientist can be made .A naturalist is born . If you can combine the two, you get the best of born worlds.

1. According to the author , a born naturalist should first of all be _____

A. full of enthusiasm

B. self-disciplined

C. full of ambition

D. knowledgeable

2. The first paragraph tells us that the author _____

A. lost his hearing when he was a child

B. didn’t like his brothers and sisters

C. was born to a naturalist’s family

D. was interested in flowers an insects in his childhood

3. The author says that he is a naturalist rather than a scientist probably because he thinks he _____

A. just reads about other people’s observations and discoveries

B. comes up with solutions in most natural ways

C. has a great deal of trouble doing mental arithmetic

D. lacks some of the qualities required of scientist

4.The author can’t remember his relatives clearly because_____.

A. he was fully occupied with observing nature

B. he didn’t live very long with them

C. the family was extremely large

D. he was too young when he lived with them

5. Which of the following statement is true?

A. The author believes that a born naturalist cannot be a scientist.

B. The author’s brothers and sisters were good at music and languages.

C. The author read a lot of books about the natural world and the oil industry.

D. The author spent a lot of time working on riddles.

Passage 2

Question 6 to 10 are based on the following passage:

If you have a chance to go to Finland, you will probably be surprised to find how “foolish” the Finnish people are.

Take the taxi drivers for example. Taxis in Finland are mostly high-class Benz with a fare of two US dollars a kilometer. You can go anywhere in one, tell the driver to drop you at any place, say that you have some business to attend to, and then walk off without paying your fare. The driver would not show the least sign of anxiety.

The dining rooms in all big hotels not only serve their guests, but also serve outside diners. Hotel guests have their meals free, so they naturally go to the free dining rooms to have their meals. The most they would do to show their good faith is to wave their registration card to the waiter. With such a loose check, you can easily use any old registration card to take a couple of friends to dine free of charge.

The Finnish workers are paid by the hour. (77) They are very much on their own as soon as they have agreed with the boss on the rate. From then on they just say how many hours they have worked and they will be paid accordingly.

With so many loopholes(漏洞) in everyday life, surely Finland must be a heaven to those who love to take “petty advantages”. But the strange thing is, all the taxi passengers would always come back to pay their fare after they have attended to their business; not a single outsider has ever been found in the free hotel dining rooms. And workers always give an honest account of the exact hours they put in. As the Finns always act on good faith in everything they do, living in such a society has turned everyone into a real “gentleman”.

(78) In a society of such high moral practice, what need is there for people to be on guard against others?

6.While taking a taxi in Finland, _____

A. a passenger can go anywhere without having to pay the driver

B. a passenger pays two US dollars for a taxi ride

C. a passenger can never be turned down by the taxi driver wherever he wants to go

D. a passenger needs to provide good faith demonstration before they leave without paying

7. We know from the passage that big hotels in Finland_____

A. provide meal for only those who live in the hotels

B. provide meals for any diners

C. provide free wine and charge for food

D. are mostly poorly managed

8. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A. The workers in Finland are paid by the hour.

B. The bosses in Finland are too busy to check the working hours of their employees.

C. The workers are always honest with their working hours.

D. The workers and their bosses will make an agreement in advance about the pay.

9. The word “those” in the last paragraph probably refers to _____

A. people who often take taxis

B. people who often have meals in big hotels

C. people who are dishonest

D. people who are worthy of trust

10. It can be concluded that _____

A. Finnish people are not smart enough in daily life

B. Finland has been a good place for cheats

C. the Finnish society is of very high moral level

D. all the Finns are rich

Passage 3

Questions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage:

There are many factors which may have an influence on adults and children being able to lead a healthy life.

Nowadays, people are very busy. Often, both parents work outside the home. Children are expected to take on more responsibility at home to help their parents. They also have sporting and leisure activities as well as school expectations.

The busyness also adds another factor: the need to use cars to get from one place to another quickly.

Today, society places a lot of emphasis on technology. Computers, DVDs. CDs, television, PlayStations and Xboxes have become major leisure activities, rather than traditional more active pursuits. This has led to a more sedentary lifestyle.

The media provide entertainment and information. (79)Unfortunately, they also promote fast food which fits easily into busy lifestyles. It is much more convenient at times to buy a quick takeaway rather than prepare a meal. The media constantly bombard(轰炸) their audience with ‘perfect’ body images, the need to buy the most fashionable clothes, the most up-to-date computer games, the best places to visit and the best things to do.

Environments vary. We may be exposed to pollution , such as cigarette smoke. This can be harmful to people who suffer from breathing difficulties. (80)Environments where passive smoking is unavoidable make it difficult to lead a healthy life.

It is important factor influencing healthy lifestyles is motivation. Or the desire to be healthy. Any person who wants to be healthy will find a way to be healthy ―if he/she is motivated enough!

11. The passage is mainly about _____.

A. benefits of a healthy life style

B. demands of daily life

C. factors affecting a healthy lifestyle

D. a positive approach to healthy living

12. The word “sedentary” in Paragraph 4 probable means _____.

A. having a lot of things to do

B. involving little exercise or physical activity

C. being isolated from the outside world

D. experiencing a lot of stress

13. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a factor leading to the popularity of fast food?

A. Cheap price. B. The media. C. Busy lifestyle. D. Convenience

14. Which is NOT listed as a factor influencing the ability to have a healthy lifestyle?

A. Pollution.

B. Economic factors.

C. Dependence upon cars.

D. Influence of family or friends.

15. According to the author, _____ may be the most important factor influencing healthy lifestyles.

A. technology B. cultural background C. environment D. the desire to be healthy

Part Ⅱ Vocabulary and Structure

Directions: In this part, there are 30 incomplete sentences. For each sentence there are four choices marked A, B, C and D . Choose the ONE answer that best completes the sentence. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.

16. Hearing the gunshot, all the birds flew _____ every direction.

A. in B. on C. to D. toward

17. The factory had to _____ number of employees because of the economic decline in the country.

A. lay out B. lay off C. lay aside D. lay down

18. His parents _____ his money, so he is in trouble now.

A. cut off B. cut through C. gave up D. brought down

19. Can you _____ the difference _____ the two phrases?

A. tell, between B. speak, from C. say, of D. talk, between

20. If anyone happens to drop in while I am out, _____ him or her leave a message.

A. have B. get C. ask D. tell

21. There is no doubt _____ you will pass the exam this time. You have worked so hard in the past months.

A. whether B. that C. if D. what

22. I _____ the boy to save money, but he wouldn’t listen.

A. hoped B. suggested C. wanted D. made

23. I made a call to my parents yesterday. To my disappointment, _____ of them answered it.

A. either B. none C. neither D. nobody

24. No matter _____ he is able to come to the party or not, we will invite him.

A. when B. whether C. how D. why

25. The idea _____ to him in his dream and he decided to carry it out.

A. happened B. struck C. appeared D. occurred

26. He would have paid _____ for the house if the salesgirl had insisted because he really wanted it.

A. twice as much B. much as twice C. as much twice D. twice much as

27. They decided to chase the cow away _____ it did more damage.

A. unless B. until C. before D. although

28. We wanted a new table for dinner, so my father bought _____ from a furniture store yesterday.

A. itself B. one C. himself D. another

29. A library with five thousand books _____ to the nation as a gift.

A. is offered B. has offered C. are offered D. have offered

30. _____ is often the case, we have worked out the production plan.

A. Which B. When C. What D. As

31. It is no _____ talking to him, because he will never change his mind.

A. help B. use C. time D. way

32. The way I thought of _____ the animal was of great value.

A. protecting B. protect C. being protected D. to protect

33. In another year or so, you _____ all about it.

A. forget B. would forget C. have forgotten D. will have forgotten

34. No one here believes the reason _____ he gave for his lateness.

A. that B. why C. for which D. what

35. The novel I bought last week is worth ____ ,I think.

A. reading B. being read C. to read D. to be read

36. After the fire, _____ would otherwise be a cultural center is now reduced to a pile of ashes.

A. that B. it C. which D. what

37. Did you notice the little boy _____ away?

A. took the candy and run

B. taking the candy and run

C. take the candy and run

D. who taking the candy and running

38. _____ gives people more knowledge of the society than literature.

A. Anything B. Nothing C. Something D. Everything

39. If Mary catches _____ her diary, she’ll be angry.

A. you reading B. yours reading C. you read D. you to read

40. Don’t worry me now, I will mend that coat _____.

A. by and by B. off and on C. back an forth D. now and then

41. Please join us. We can easily make _____ for one more at this table.

A. seat B. place C. room D. space

42. You may depend on ____ will not repeat his mistakes.

A. it that B. that C. him that D. which that

43. “That latest car must have cost you a pretty penny.” “Oh, no ,_____.”

A. it didn’t B. it mustn’t C. it hasn’t D. it must haven’t

44. _____ the first to use nuclear weapons.

A. At no time China will be B. Never China will be

C. Will China never be D. At no time will China be

45. Encouragement is sometimes much more _____ than criticism.

A. effective B. efficient C. executive D. extensive

Part Ⅲ Identification

Directions: Each of the following sentences has four underlined parts marked A, B, C and D. Identify the one that is not correct. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.

46. Two woman teachers and four girl students were praised at the meeting yesterday.

A B C D

47. After she got married, Lily went to see her mother each other week.

A B C D

48. There will be more than three hundreds students taking part in the sports meet.

A B C D

49.While shopping, people sometimes can’t help persuading into buying something they don’t

A B C

really need.

D

50. We are all for your proposal that the discussion is to be put off.

A B C D

51. Factory workers had to work very hard before, so had farmers.

A B C D

52. He finds it easier to do the cooking himself than teaching his wife to cook.

A B C D

53. There was too much dust that we couldn’t see what was happening.

A B C D

54. The boy did not have to leave the next day because he got his visa extending.

A B C D

55. What does Mr. Johnson like? He’s a friendly sort of man. I like to work with him.

A B C D

Part Ⅳ Cloze

Directions: There are 20 blanks in the following passage, and for each blank there are 4 choices marked A, B, C and D at the end of the passage. You should choose ONE answer that best fit into the passage. Then mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.

A young woman was driving through the _56 countryside. It was dark and raining. Suddenly she saw an old woman _57 the side of the road, _58_ her hand out as if she wanted _59_. “I can’t _60_ her out in this weather,” the woman said to herself, so she stopped the car and opened the door.

“Do you want a lift?” she asked. The old woman _61 and climbed into the car. After a _62 she said to the old woman, “Have you been waiting for a long time?” The old woman shook her head. “__63_,” thought the young woman. She __64_ again. “Bad weather for the time of the year.” She said. The old woman nodded. No matter __65_ the young woman said the hitchhiker(搭便车的人) gave no answer __66_ a nod of the head.

Then the young woman __67_ the hitchhiker’s hands, which were large and hairy. Suddenly she __68_ that the hitchhiker was __69_ a man! She stopped the car. “I can’t see out of t he rear screen,” she said, “Would you mind _70 it for me?” The hitchhiker nodded and opened the door. __71_ the hitchhiker was out of the car, the frightened young woman _72

When she got to the next village she __73_ to a stop. She noticed that the hitchhiker had __74_ his handbag __75 She picked it up and opened it. She gave a gasp(喘气); inside the bag was a gun!

56. A. lovely B. lonely C. noisy D. crowded

57. A. at B. beside C. by D. near

58. A. holding B. to hold C. to be holding D. to be held

59. A. an aid B. a taxi C. a car D. a lift

60. A. permit B. leave C. allow D. order

61. A. answering B. shook C. nodded D. smiles

62. A. while B. moment C. time D. period

63. A. Curious B. Interesting C. Strange D. Wonderful

64. A. told B. did C. made D. tried

65. A. when B. which C. how D. what

66. A. except for B. apart from C. other than D. more than

67. A. saw B. noticed C. watched D. observed

68. A. recognized B. realized C. recovered D. remembered

69. A. practically B. basically C. actually D. probably

70. A. clear B. cleared C. to clear D. clearing

71. A. As long as B. As far as C. As soon as D. As well as

72. A. raced off B. ran away C. fell down D. moved on

73. A. pulled B. picked C. pushed D. paused

74. A. lift B. lost C. laid D. left

75. A. beneath B. behind C. backwards D. afterwards

Part Ⅴ Translation

Section A

Directions: In this part, there are five sentences which you should translate into Chinese. These sentences are all taken from the 3 passages you have just read in the part of Reading Comprehension. You can refer back to the passages so as to identify their meanings in the context.

76 Nor do I recall clearly the large family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who gathered next door .

77 They are very much on their own as soon as they have agreed with the boss on the rate.

78 In a society of such high moral practice, what need is there for people to be on guard against others?

79 Unfortunately, they also promote fast food which fits easily into busy lifestyles.

80 Environments where passive smoking is unavoidable make it difficult to lead a healthy life.

Section B

Directions: In this part, there are five sentences in Chinese. You should translate them into English. Be sure to write clearly.

81如果我是他，我就会尽最大的努力按时完成任务。

82 我不记得那个在哪见过他。

83 这所大学提供了他所期望的一切。

84 我们一得出结论就通知你。

85 你们应该充分利用每一个机会说英语。