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小贴士

1.该单元开始从基础向应试过渡,要求每篇文章阅读两遍,建议总用时30分钟。

2.要先读习题,记住所问内容大意,再看文章,建议用时12分钟,其中阅读6分钟,做题6分钟。

3.二遍边读边对照汉语译文,检查是否有理解偏差,再对照“解题之路”部分,验证做题效果,建议用时9分钟。

4.最后再看文后的“词汇精解”和“难句解析”部分,对重点词汇和句型强化记忆,建议用时9分钟。

Passage 21

War may be a natural expression of biological instincts and drives toward aggression in the human species.Natural impulses of anger,hostility,and territoriality(守卫地盘的天性)are expressed through acts of violence.These are all qualities that humans share with animals.Aggression is a kind of innate(天生的)survival mechanism,an instinct for self-preservation,that allows animals to defend themselves from threats to their existence.But,on the other hand,human violence shows evidence of being a learned behavior.In the case of human aggression,violence cannot be simply reduced to an instinct.The many expressions of human violence are always conditioned by social conventions that give shape to aggressive behavior.In human societies violence has a social function:It is a strategy for creating or destroying forms of social order.Religious traditions have taken a leading role in directing the powers of violence.We will look at the ritual and ethical(道德上的)patterns within which human violence has been directed.

The violence within a society is controlled through institutions of law.The more developed a legal system becomes,the more society takes responsibility for the discovery,control,and punishment of violent acts.In most tribal societies the only means to deal with an act of violence is revenge.Each family group may have the responsibility for personally carrying out judgment and punishment upon the person who committed the offense.But in legal systems,the responsibility for revenge becomes depersonalized and diffused.The society assumes the responsibility for protecting individuals from violence.In cases where they cannot be protected,the society is responsible for imposing punishment.In a sate controlled legal system,individuals are removed from the cycles of revenge motivated by acts of violence,and the state assumes responsibility for their protection.

The other side of a state legal apparatus is a state military apparatus.While the one protects the individual from violence,the other sacrifices the individual to violence in the interests of the state.In war the state affirms its supreme power over the individuals within its own borders.War is not simply a trial by combat to settle disputes between states;it is the moment when the state makes its most powerful demands upon its people for their recommitment,allegiance,and supreme sacrifice.Times of war test a community’s deepest religious and ethical commitments.

1.Human violence shows evidence of being a learned behavior in that______.

A.it threatens the existing social systems

B.it is influenced by society

C.it has roots in religious conflicts

D.it is directed against institutions of law

2.The function of legal systems,according to the passage is______.

A.to control violence within a society

B.to protect the world from chaos

C.to free society from the idea of revenge

D.to give the government absolute power

3.What does the author mean by saying“…in legal systems,the responsibility for revenge becomes depersonalized an diffused”(Lines 5,Para.2)?

A.Legal systems greatly reduce the possibilities of physical violence.

B.Offenses against individuals are no longer judged on a personal basis.

C.Victims of violence find it more difficult to take revenge.

D.Punishment is not carried out directly by the individuals involved.

4.The word“allegiance”(Line 5,Para.3)is closest in meaning to______.

A.loyalty

B.objective

C.survival

D.motive

5.What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A.Governments tend to abuse their supreme power in times of war.

B.In times of war governments may extend their power across national borders.

C.In times of war governments impose high religious and ethical standards on their people.

D.Governments may sacrifice individuals in the interests of the state in times of war.

参考译文

战争可能是生物本能的自然表达方式,它驱动着人类之间的互相进攻。愤怒、敌意以及固守地盘的天性等自然冲动都是通过暴力行为得以表现的。这些是人类与动物共有的特质。进攻是一种天生的生存机制,一种自我保护的本能,它让动物保卫自己免受生存的威胁。但另一方面,人类的暴力是后天习得的。就人类进攻的情况而言,暴力不能简单归结为本能。人类暴力的许多形式都是由产生攻击性行为的一些人类社会传统所决定的。在人类社会中,暴力有一种社会功能:它是创造或者破坏社会秩序形式的一种策略。宗教传统在指引暴力行为中扮演主要角色。我们来看看导致人类暴力的宗教和道德模式。

一个社会中的暴力通过法律制度得到控制。法律制度越健全,社会就为发现、控制和惩罚暴力行为承担更多的责任。在大多数宗族社会中,对待暴力的唯一手段就是报复。每个家族可以亲自对冒犯者执行判决和惩罚。但是在法律体系中,报复的责任就是非个人的和分散的。社会承担保护个人免遭暴力的责任。万一人们不能得到保护,社会有责任强制实行惩罚。在一个国家控制的法律体系中,个人被排除在暴力行为引发的报复循环之外,国家承担保护他们的责任。

国家法律机器的另一方面是国家军事机器。国家法律体系保护个人免遭暴力,而国家军事体系却为了国家利益让个人牺牲于暴力之手。在战争中,国家肯定对其境内的个人拥有至高无上的权力。战争并不仅仅是国家间为解决争端通过战斗进行的一种尝试,也是一个国家让人民承担义务、效忠甚至做出最大牺牲的时刻。战争时期可以考验一个社会宗教和道德方面的最高忠诚度。

解题之路

1.选B 。细节题。第一段指出了人类暴力的两个特性,其中第二个特性就是它是“a learned behavior”。可以知道本题的答案应该就在第一段的后面部分。接下来的第二句话即说人类暴力的诸多表现形式都受社会习惯的制约:The many expressions of human violence are always conditioned by social conventions that give shape to aggressive behavior.人类暴力的诸多表现形式都受社会习惯的制约,将其定型为侵略性行为。

2.选A 。细节题。见第二段的第一句话:The violence within a society is controlled through institutions of law.

3.选D 。逻辑推断题。解题时要注意题干中这句话开头的“but”一词,既然该句是由but引导的转折,则上文往往是理解该题的关键。在上面一句中,作者提到在部落社会中,对犯罪者的审判和惩罚往往由家族进行,接下来话锋一转,说在法律系统中,这种报复的责任已经非个人化了、分散了,也就是说,不是由所涉及的个人来进行了,故D正确。

4.选A 。词汇题。解本题可用同类词关系进行判断。在“allegiance”前后的两个主词分别是commitment和sacrifice,应能判断出这三个词相对于国家而言是同一类词,再利用排除法,不难选出正确答案A。

5.选D 。主旨大意题。最后一段的主旨较为明显,说的是国家司法机器的另一方面,即军事机器,开头第二句说得很明确,为了国家的利益而牺牲个人,恰好是选项D的意义。

词汇精解

expression n.表情,脸色,腔调,表达

biological adj.生物学的,生物的

instinct n.直觉,本能

aggression n.进攻,侵略

species n.种类,物种

innate adj.先天的,天生的

survival n.幸存,生存,幸存者

mechanism n.机械装置,机构,机制

threat n.恐吓,凶兆,威胁

aggressive adj.好斗的,有闯劲的,攻击性的

ritual adj.典礼的,(宗教)仪式的

ethical adj.与伦理有关的,伦理的,民族的

developed adj.发达的

punishment n.处罚,惩处,惩罚

violent adj.猛烈的,强烈的,暴行的,暴力的

judgment n.判断,裁定,裁决

offense n.进攻,冒犯

recommitment n.再犯,重新投入

existence n.存在,生活,生存

violence n.猛烈,强烈,暴行,暴力

condition vt.以……为条件,约束,制约

convention n.大会,协定,习俗,惯例

allegiance n.忠贞,效忠,忠诚

supreme adj.极度的,至高的,最高的

sacrifice n.祭品,供奉,献身,牺牲

难句解析

1.War may be a natural expression of biological instincts and drives toward aggression in the human species.

【参考译文】 战争可能是生物本能的自然表达方式,它驱动着人类之间的互相进攻。

【结构分析】 这是由and连接的并列句,主干是War may be a natural expression…and drives…species,介词短语toward aggression是方向状语,in the human species是aggression的后定语。

【知识链接】 biological instinct生物本能;human species人类

2.Aggression is a kind of innate survival mechanism,an instinct for self-preservation,that allows animals to defend themselves from threats to their existence.

【参考译文】 进攻是一种天生的生存机制,一种自我保护的本能,它让动物保卫自己免受生存的威胁。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(Aggression is a kind of innate survival mechanism),(an instinct for self-preservation),(that allows animals//to defend themselves from threats to their existence//)。第一部分是主干,即主系表结构;第二部分是一名词短语,作前面survival mechanism的同位语,for self-preservation是instinct的后定语;第三部分that引导的从句是survival mechanism的定语,不定式to defend…existence是宾语animals的补足语,介词短语to their existence是threats的后定语。

【知识链接】 self-preservation(n.)自我保护;allow sb.to do允许某人……;defend…from…使……免受……

3.The many expressions of human violence are always conditioned by social conventions that give shape to aggressive behavior.

【参考译文】 人类暴力的许多形式都是由产生攻击性行为的一些人类社会传统所决定的。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(The many expressions of human violence are always conditioned by social conventions)(that give shape to aggressive behavior)。第一部分是主句,主语是The many expressions,谓语是are…conditioned;第二部分that引导的从句是social conventions的定语,其中的give shape to是谓语。

【知识链接】 be conditioned by被……所制约;social convention社会传统;give shape to sth.导致……

4.We will look at the ritual and ethical patterns within which human violence has been directed.

【参考译文】 我们来看看导致人类暴力的宗教和道德模式。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(We will look at the ritual and ethical patterns)(within which human violence has been directed)。第一部分是主句;第二部分是介词within+关系代词which构成的从句,作the ritual and ethical patterns的定语,主语是human violence,谓语是has been directed。

【知识链接】 pattern(n.)模式;within(prep.)在……之内;direct(v.)引导

5.The more developed a legal system becomes,the more society takes responsibility for the discovery,control,and punishment of violent acts.

【参考译文】 法律制度越健全,社会就为发现、控制和惩罚暴力行为承担更多的责任。

【结构分析】 这是一个the more…,the more…结构的句子。前半部分表条件,主语是a legal system,谓语是becomes,表语是more developed;后半部分表结果,主语是society,谓语是takes,宾语是responsibility,介词短语for…acts是结果状语。

【知识链接】 legal system法律制度;take responsibility for为……承担责任

6.Each family group may have the responsibility for personally carrying out judgment and punishment upon the person who committed the offense.

【参考译文】 每个家族可以亲自对冒犯者执行判决和惩罚。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(Each family group may have the respon-sibility)(for personally carrying out judgment and punishment upon the person)(who committed the offense)。第一部分是主句;第二部分是for引导的介词短语,作结果状语,upon the person是方位状语;第三部分是who引导的从句,作the person的定语。

【知识链接】 family group家族;have the responsibility for具有……的责任;carry out执行

7.It is the moment when the state makes its most powerful demands upon its people for their recommitment,allegiance,and supreme sacrifice.

【参考译文】 这是一个国家让人民承担义务、效忠甚至做出最大牺牲的时刻。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(It is the moment)(when the state makes its most powerful demands//upon its people//for their recommitment,allegiance,and supreme sacrifice//)。第一部分是主句,即主系表结构;第二部分是when引导的从句,作the moment的定语,upon its people是方位状语,for…sacrifice是demands的后定语。

【知识链接】 make demands upon sb.for sth.对某人提出……的要求

Passage 22

Researchers who are unfamiliar with the cultural and ethnic groups they are studying must take extra precautions to shed any biases they bring with them from their own culture.For example,they must make sure they construct measures that are meaningful for each of the cultural or ethnic minority groups being studied.

In conducting research on cultural and ethnic minority issues,investigators distinguish between the emic approach and the etic approach.In the emic approach,the goal is to describe behavior in one culture or ethnic group in terms that are meaningful and important to the people in that culture or ethnic group,without regard to other cultures or ethnic groups.In the etic approach,the goal is to describe behavior so that generalizations can be made across cultures.If researchers construct a questionnaire in an emic fashion,their concern is only that the questions are meaningful to the particular culture or ethnic group being studied.If,however,the researchers construct a questionnaire in an etic fashion,they want to include questions that reflect concepts familiar to all cultures involved.

How might the emic and etic approaches be reflected in the study of family processes?In the emic approach,the researchers might choose to focus only on middle-class White families,without regard for whether the information obtained in the study can be generalized or is appropriate for ethnic minority groups.In a subsequent study,the researchers may decide to adopt an etic approach by studying not only middle-class White families,but also lower-income White families,Black American families,Spanish American families,and Asian American families.In studying ethnic minority families,the researchers would likely discover that the extended family is more frequently a support system in ethnic minority families than in White American families.If so,the emic approach would reveal a different pattern of family interaction than would the etic approach,documenting that research with middle-class White families cannot always be generalized to all ethnic groups.

1.According to the first paragraph,researchers unfamiliar with the target cultures are inclined to______.

A.be overcautious in constructing meaningful measures

B.view them from their own cultural perspective

C.guard against interference from their own culture

D.accept readily what is alien to their own culture

2.What does the author say about the emic approach and the etic approach?

A.They have different research focuses in the study of ethnic issues.

B.The former is biased while the latter is objective.

C.The former concentrates on the study of culture while the latter on family issues.

D.They are both heavily dependent on questionnaires in conducting surveys.

3.Compared with the etic approach,the emic approach is apparently more______.

A.culturally interactive

B.culture-oriented

C.culturally biased

D.culture-specific

4.The etic approach is concerned with______.

A.the general characteristics of minority families

B.culture-related concepts of individual ethnic groups

C.features shared by various cultures or ethnic groups

D.the economic conditions of different types of families

5.Which of the following is true of the ethnic minority families in the U.S.according to the passage?

A.Their cultural patterns are usually more adaptable.

B.Their cultural concepts are difficult to comprehend.

C.They don’t interact with each other so much as White families.

D.They have closer family ties than White families.

参考译文

研究人员对于正在研究的文化和民族不熟悉时必须格外谨慎,不要带有来自自己文化的偏见。比如,他们必须确保所采取的措施对每一个正在被研究的文化或少数民族都有意义。

在研究文化和少数民族问题时,研究者们要区别本位方法和非本位方法的运用。本位方法的目标是描述一种文化或民族行为,只要这种描述对这种文化或民族有意义,不必考虑其他文化或民族。非本位方法的目标是描述行为并且概括这种描述,使其可以跨越文化。如果研究者以本位方式设计问卷,他们关心的仅仅是所设计的问题对正在被研究的特定文化或民族有意义。然而如果研究者以非本位方法设计问卷,他们就想包括能反映所有相关文化都熟悉的概念问题。

本位和非本位方法在家庭进程研究中可能会有怎样的反映呢?在本位方法中,研究者仅仅注意中产阶层的白人家庭,不考虑研究所获信息是否具有普遍性或适合少数民族。在后续研究中,研究者也许决定采用非本位方法,不仅研究中产阶层白人家庭,而且研究低收入白人家庭、美国黑人家庭、美国西班牙裔家庭和美国亚裔家庭。在研究少数民族家庭时,研究者很可能会发现:同美国白人家庭相比,大家庭经常是少数民族中的一个支撑体系。如果这样,本位方法可能会显示出与非本位方法不同的家庭成员互相作用的模式,证明对中产阶层白人家庭的研究对所有民族不具有普遍性。

解题之路

1.选B 。逻辑推断题。本题的关键是要细心。题干的意思是“……研究人员往往会……”,而第一段的第一句话说的是他们应该怎么做,意思恰恰相反。注意这一点之后,就可以推断出原文中他们要注意避免的事情就是他们往往做的事情,亦即带上他们自己的文化偏见,换句话说,就是B中的“用他们自己的文化眼光去看待”被研究的文化。

2.选A 。逻辑推断题。第二段的第二句和第三两句是解决本题也是理解全文的关键。据此,两种研究方法的不同主要在于其目的的不同,因而研究的焦点也就不同。

3.选D 。逻辑推断题。文章第二段提到,etic方法的目的是描述能够在不同的文化间得到概括的行为(第三句话),而emic方法的目的仅是研究对某个群体而言是有意义的和重要的行为:In the emic approach,the goal is to describe behavior in one culture or ethnic group in terms that are meaningful and important to the people in that culture or ethnic group,without regard to other cultures or ethnic groups.采取emic(位)研究方法时,研究的目的是描述对一个文化群体或种族群体的人们而言是有意义的和重要的行为,而不管考虑别的文化群体或种族群体,因此可知emic方法更为具体。其他选项的意思是:A.文化上互动性强,B.源于文化的,C.文化上有偏见的,均与原义不符。

4.选C 。细节题。题干大意是:etic approach关注什么。etic approach所关注的是不同的文化和民族所共同拥有的特点。A项只谈到少数民族,是错误选项;B项是针对emic approach说的,属于信息错位;D项在文中没有涉及,因此答案为C。

5.选D 。逻辑推断题。第二段的倒数第二句话后面说,“较之白人家庭,在少数民族家庭中,扩展的家庭更为经常是一个支撑系统”,言外之意即是说他们的家庭纽带更紧密一些。

词汇精解

precaution n.预防,防范,警惕

shed vt.流出,摆脱,防御

bias n.斜线,偏好,偏见

construct vt.建造,创立,构建

measure n.尺寸,测量,方法,措施

meaningful adj.意味深长的,有意义的

ethnic adj.人种的,种族的,民族的

reflect vt.反射,反省,表现,反映

concept n.观念,概念

familiar adj.熟悉的,常见的

involved adj.参与的,卷入的,有关的

obtain vt.得到,获得

generalize vt.归纳,概括,推广,普及

appropriate adj.适当的,适宜的,适合的

emic adj.位的(语言学术语)

approach n.接近,走近,步骤,方法

term n.学期,条款,术语

questionnaire n.调查表,问卷

particular adj.特别的,特殊的,特定的

etic adj.非位的(语言学术语)

subsequent adj.后来的,随后的,并发的

adopt vt.采用,采取,收养

Spanish adj.西班牙的,西班牙人的,西班牙语的

reveal vt.展现,展示,揭示

interaction n.相互作用,互动

document vt.(用材料)证明

难句解析

1.Researchers who are unfamiliar with the cultural and ethnic groups they are studying must take extra precautions to shed any biases they bring with them from their own culture.

【参考译文】 研究人员对于正在研究的文化和民族不熟悉时必须格外谨慎,不要带有来自自己文化的偏见。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Researchers…must take extra precautions,主语Researchers之后who引导的是定语从句,they are studying是groups的定语从句,不定式to…own culture是目的状语,shed…from…是固定搭配,they bring with them是biases的定语从句,them指代Researchers。

【知识链接】 be unfamiliar with…对……不熟悉;ethnic group民族;take extra precautions格外谨慎

2.For example,they must make sure they construct measures that are meaningful for each of the cultural or ethnic minority groups being studied.

【参考译文】 比如,他们必须确保所采取的措施对每一个正在被研究的文化或少数民族都有意义。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:they must make sure(they construct measures)(that are meaningful for each of the cultural or ethnic minority groups)(being studied)。第一部分是make sure的宾语从句;第二部分是measures的定语从句,for…groups是范围状语;第三部分是现在分词短语,作前面minority groups的后定语。

【知识链接】 make sure确保;be meaningful for对……有意义;minority group少数民族

3.In the emic approach,the goal is to describe behavior in one culture or ethnic group in terms that are meaningful and important to the people in that culture or ethnic group,without regard to other cultures or ethnic groups.

【参考译文】 本位方法的目标是描述一种文化或民族行为,只要这种描述对这种文化或民族有意义,不必考虑其他文化或民族。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(In the emic approach,the goal is to describe behavior//in one culture or ethnic group//in terms//)(that are meaningful and important//to the people//in that culture or ethnic group//),(without regard to other cultures or ethnic groups)。第一部分是主句,不定式to describe behavior是表语,in…group是behavior的后定语,in terms是方式状语;第二部分是terms的定语从句,介词短语to the people是范围状语,in…group是people的后定语;第三部分是without regard to引导的条件状语。

【知识链接】 without regard to不考虑……

4.If researchers construct a questionnaire in an emic fashion,their concern is only that the questions are meaningful to the particular culture or ethnic group being studied.

【参考译文】 如果研究者以本位方式设计问卷,他们关心的仅仅是所设计的问题对正在被研究的特定文化或民族有意义。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,If引导的条件状语从句中的in an emic fashion是方式状语;主句可以切分为:their concern is only(that the questions are meaningful//to the particular culture or ethnic group//being studied//)。括号内是表语从句,介词短语to…group是范围状语,现在分词短语being studied是group的后定语。

【知识链接】 in a(n.)…fashion以……方式;be meaningful to对……有意义

5.If,however,the researchers construct a questionnaire in an etic fashion,they want to include questions that reflect concepts familiar to all cultures involved.

【参考译文】 然而如果研究者以非本位方法设计问卷,他们就想包括能反映所有相关文化都熟悉的概念问题。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句;条件状语从句中的in an etic fashion是方式状语;主句可以切分为:(they want to include questions)(that reflect concepts familiar to all cultures//involved//)。第一部分是主干,第二部分是questions的定语从句,其中的过去分词involved是all cultures的后定语。

【知识链接】 construct a questionnaire设计一份问卷;be familiar to某人对……很熟悉

6.In the emic approach,the researchers might choose to focus only on middle-class White families,without regard for whether the information obtained in the study can be generalized or is appropriate for ethnic minority groups.

【参考译文】 在本位方法中,研究者仅仅注意中产阶层的白人家庭,不考虑研究所获信息是否具有普遍性或适合少数民族。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是the researchers,谓语是might…focus only on,宾语是middle-class White families;without引导的是条件状语,其中的whether…or引导的是介词for的宾语从句,in the study是地点状语,for ethnic minority groups是范围状语。

【知识链接】 focus on…专注于……;middle-class(adj.)中产阶级的;without regard for…不考虑……

7.In a subsequent study,the researchers may decide to adopt an etic approach by studying not only middle-class White families,but also lower-income White families,Black American families,Spanish American families,and Asian American families.

【参考译文】 在后续研究中,研究者也许决定采用非本位方法,不仅研究中产阶层白人家庭,而且研究低收入白人家庭、美国黑人家庭、美国西班牙裔家庭和美国亚裔家庭。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是the researchers,谓语是may decide to adopt,宾语是an etic approach;by引导的是方式状语,not only…but also连接的是并列名词短语,作studying的宾语。

【知识链接】 decide to do决定……;not only…but also…不仅……而且……;lower-income(adj.)低收入的

8.If so,the emic approach would reveal a different pattern of family interaction than would the etic approach,documenting that research with middle-class White families cannot always be generalized to all ethnic groups.

【参考译文】 如果这样,本位方法可能会显示出与非本位方法不同的家庭成员互相作用的模式,证明对中产阶层白人家庭的研究对所有民族不具有普遍性。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(If so),(the emic approach would reveal a different pattern of family interaction)(than would the etic approach),(documenting//that research with middle-class White families cannot always be generalized to all ethnic groups//)。条件状语从句If so中出现了省略现象,补全后是If it was so;第二部分是主句,主语是the emic approach,谓语是would reveal,宾语是interaction;第三部分than引导的比较状语从句使用了倒装和省略,正常语序是than the etic approach would(reveal);第四部分的现在分词documenting引导伴随状语,之后是that引导的宾语从句,其主干是research…cannot always be generalized,介词短语with middle-class White families是research的后定语,to all ethnic groups是范围状语。

【知识链接】 middle-class中产阶级的;be generalized to对……具有普遍性

Passage 23

Navigation computers,now sold by most car-makers,cost $2,000 and up.No surprise,then,that they are most often found in luxury cars,like Lexus,BMW and Audi.But it is a developing technology—meaning prices should eventually drop—and the market does seem to be growing.

Even at current prices,a navigation computer is impressive.It can guide you from point to point in most major cities with precise turn-by-turn directions—spoken by a clear human—sounding voice,and written on a screen in front of the driver.

The computer works with an antenna(天线)that takes signals from no fewer than three of the 24 global positioning system(GPS)satellites.By measuring the time required for a signal to travel between the satellites and the antenna,the car’s location can be pinned down within 100 meters.

The satellite signals,along with inputs on speed from a wheel-speed sensor and direction from a meter,determine the car’s position even as it moves.This information is combined with a map database.Streets,landmarks and points of interest are included.

Most systems are basically identical.The differences come in hardware—the way the computer accepts the driver’s request for directions and the way it presents the driving instructions.On most systems,a driver enters a desired address,motorway junction or point of interest via a touch screen or disc.But the Lexus screen goes a step further:you can point to any spot on the map screen and get directions to it.

BMW’s system offers a set of cross hairs(瞄准器上的十字纹)that can be moved across the map(you have several choices of map scale)to pick a point you’d like to get to.Audi’s screen can be switched to TV reception.

Even the voices that recite the directions can differ,with better systems like BMW’s and Lexus’s having a wider vocabulary.The instructions are available in French,German,Spanish,Dutch and Italian,as well as English.The driver can also choose parameters for determining the route:fastest,shortest or no freeways(高速公路),for example.

1.We learn from the passage that navigation computers______.

A.will greatly promote sales of automobiles

B.may help solve potential traffic problems

C.are likely to be accepted by more drivers

D.will soon be viewed as a symbol of luxury

2.With a navigation computer,a driver will easily find the best route to his destination______.

A.by inputting the exact address

B.by indicating the location of his car

C.by checking his computer database

D.by giving vocal orders to the computer

3.Despite their varied designs,navigation computers used in cars______.

A.are more or less the same price

B.provide directions in much the same way

C.work on more or less the same principles

D.receive instructions from the same satellites

4.The navigation computer functions______.

A.by means of a direction finder and a speed detector

B.basically on satellite signals and a map database

C.mainly through the reception of turn-by-turn directions

D.by using a screen to display satellite signals

5.The navigation systems in cars like Lexus,BMW and Audi are mentioned to show______.

A.the immaturity of the new technology

B.the superiority of the global positioning system

C.the cause of price fluctuations in car equipment

D.the different ways of providing guidance to the driver

参考译文

现在汽车制造商出售的导航电脑售价在2000美元以上。(所以)毫不奇怪,(只有)在凌志、宝马和奥迪等豪华车中才可以常常看见它们。但这是一种正在发展的技术——意味着价格最终会下降,而且这个市场确实看起来正在壮大。

即使就现在的价格而言,导航电脑也是很让人动心的。在许多大城市中它能引导你从一个地点驶向另一个地点,通过使用清楚的语音和呈现在驾车者面前的屏幕上的信息,精确地告诉你转弯的方向。

该电脑通过天线工作,天线至少接收了24颗全球定位系统卫星中3颗卫星的信号。通过测量信号在卫星和天线之间传输所需的时间,汽车的位置能被定位在100米以内。

根据卫星信号以及从轮速传感器得到的速度和仪表所示的方向,即使汽车在行驶,也能确定它的位置,这些信息会与一个地图数据库相结合,街道、路面标志以及相关的重要地点都包括在内。

许多系统基本上是相同的。区别在于硬件,即电脑接受驾车者对方向要求的方式以及它提供驾驶指令的方式。在大多数系统中,驾车者通过触摸屏或光盘输入想去的地址、高速公路交接口或感兴趣的地点。但是凌志车的屏幕更先进:你指向屏幕地图上的任何地点,就可得到去该地的有关说明。

宝马车上的系统有一组能在地图上四处移动的十字纹,可供你选择想去的地点,你可以选择好几种地图比例。奥迪车的屏幕能转换接收电视节目。

像宝马和凌志这些车上好一些的系统,甚至朗读说明的语言也不同,因为它们的词汇量更大一些。这些指令可以是英语,也可以是法语、德语、西班牙语、荷兰语和意大利语。驾车者还能选择决定路线的参数,比如最快、最短或不走高速公路。

解题之路

1.选B 。文章第二段中提到,导航计算机能够给司机提供精确的运行提示,既然能如此,也就能够帮助解决大城市中所存在的交通问题。由此可以推断,答案应该是B。

2.选A 。本题考查的是司机运用导航计算机的方式。文章第5段提到On most systems,a driver enters a desired address,说明司机要想找到最佳的驾车路线,只需输入目的地即可,答案为A。

3.选C 。文章的后半部介绍了几种车型所用导航计算机的不同之处,一是the driver’s request for a directions,二是the way it presents the driving instructions,由此可以判断选项B、D不对。从Most systems are basically identical可以判断,无论什么样的导航计算机,其工作原理大体相同,即C。

4.选B 。文章第三段介绍了导航计算机的工作原理,一是通过天线接收卫星上发送的信息,文章第四段又介绍了这种信息要与计算机内所储存的地图结合(combined with a map database)。由此可以判断答案为B。本题回答的是导航计算机的工作原理,而没有区分什么类型的导航计算机,这就说明,导航计算机的工作原理是相同的,因此,由本题可以推断第3题答案为C。

5.选B 。各导航系统通过不同的方式给司机提供指示,导航计算机借助global positioning system的帮助能够以这么多种方式为司机提供帮助,也正说明了其优越性,所以答案B。

词汇精解

navigation n.航行,领航,航海

luxury n.奢侈,奢华,华贵,奢侈品

developing adj.发展中的

eventually adv.最后,终于,最终

major adj.主修的,成年的,主要的

precise adj.准确的,精确的

direction n.方向,说明(书),指导

antenna n.天线

signal n.信号

satellite n.人造卫星

required adj.必要的,所需要的

meter n.米,公尺,表,仪表

determine vt.测定,确定,决定,下决心

difference n.差异,差别,区别,争论

hardware n.五金器具,(电脑)硬件,部件

accept vt.接受,认可,承担

request n.请求,要求

present vt.介绍,引见,赠送,提供

instruction n.指示,指导,教育,指令

recite vt.背诵,叙述,朗读

differ vi.不一致,不同

vocabulary n.词汇表,词汇量,词汇

location n.位置,场所,特定区域

input n.输入

available adj.可利用的,有空的

Dutch n.荷兰人,荷兰语

难句解析

1.No surprise,then,that they are most often found in luxury cars,like Lexus,BMW and Audi.

【参考译文】 (所以)毫不奇怪,(只有)在凌志、宝马和奥迪等豪华车中才可以常常看见它们。

【结构分析】 这个句子实际上是一个形式主语句,No surprise之前省略了It is,It指代后面that引导的从句,in…Audi是地点状语。

【知识链接】 luxury car豪华轿车;Lexus,BMW,Audi(均指名牌轿车)

2.But it is a developing technology—meaning prices should eventually drop—and the market does seem to be growing.

【参考译文】 但这是一种正在发展的技术——意味着价格最终会下降,而且这个市场确实看起来正在壮大。

【结构分析】 破折号两边是主干内容,即由and连接的两个并列句;破折号内可以切分为:meaning(prices should eventually drop),现在分词meaning是伴随状语,括号内是meaning的宾语从句。

【知识链接】 drop(v.)下降;growing(adj.)成长的

3.It can guide you from point to point in most major cities with precise turn-by-turn directions—spoken by a clear human-sounding voice,and written on a screen in front of the driver.

【参考译文】 在许多大城市中它能引导你从一个地点驶向另一个地点,通过使用清楚的语音和呈现在驾车者面前的屏幕上的信息,精确地告诉你转弯的方向。

【结构分析】 破折号之前是主干,from…point是范围状语,in…cities是地点状语;with…directio-ns是方式状语;破折号之后是两个并列的过去分词短语spoken…and written…,作前面directions的后定语。

【知识链接】 turn-by-turn一个弯接一个弯的;human-sounding人的声音的

4.The computer works with an antenna that takes signals from no fewer than three of the 24 global positioning system(GPS)satellites.

【参考译文】 该电脑通过天线工作,天线至少接收了24颗全球定位系统卫星中3颗卫星的信号。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(The computer works)(with an antenna)(that takes signals)(from no fewer than three of the 24 global positioning system(GPS)satellites)。第一部分是主干;第二部分是方式状语;第三部分是antenna的定语从句;第四部分是地点状语。

【知识链接】 no fewer than不少于;global positioning system(GPS)全球定位系统

5.By measuring the time required for a signal to travel between the satellites and the antenna,the car’s location can be pinned down within 100 meters.

【参考译文】 通过测量信号在卫星和天线之间传输所需的时间,汽车的位置能被定位在100米以内。

【结构分析】 逗号之后是主干,其中的within 100 meters是范围状语;逗号之前是By引导的方式状语,可以切分为:By measuring the time(required)(for a signal to travel)(between the satellites and the antenna)。过去分词required是the time的后定语,for…travel是范围状语,between…antenna是范围状语。

【知识链接】 pin down定位

6.The satellite signals,along with inputs on speed from a wheel-speed sensor and direction from a meter,determine the car’s position even as it moves.

【参考译文】 根据卫星信号以及从轮速传感器得到的速度和仪表所示的方向,即使汽车在行驶,也能确定它的位置。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是The satellite signals…determine the car’s position;最后的even as it moves是时间状语从句;介词短语along with…a meter是状语,其中的on speed是inputs的后定语,from…sensor是speed的后定语,from…meter是direction的后定语。

【知识链接】 along with以及;wheel-speed sensor轮速传感器

7.The differences come in hardware—the way the computer accepts the driver’s request for directions and the way it presents the driving instructions.

【参考译文】 区别在于硬件,即电脑接受驾车者对方向要求的方式以及它提供驾驶指令的方式。

【结构分析】 破折号之前是主干,in hardware是地点状语;破折号之后可以切分为:the way(the computer accepts the driver’s request for directions)and the way(it presents the driving instructions)。主干即两个并列的名词the way…and the way,作前面differences的同位语,两个括号内分别是the way的定语从句,第一个括号内的for directions是request的后定语。

【知识链接】 driving instruction驾驶指令

8.Even the voices that recite the directions can differ,with better systems like BMW’s and Lexus’s having a wider vocabulary.

【参考译文】 像宝马和凌志这些车上好一些的系统,甚至朗读说明的语言也不同,因为它们的词汇量更大一些。

【结构分析】 逗号之前是主干,即Even the voices…can differ,that…directions是voices的定语从句;逗号之后是with引导的独立主格结构,即with+名词+现在分词,like…Lexus’s是better systems的后定语。

【知识链接】 wider vocabulary更大的词汇量

Passage 24

“The world’s environment is surprisingly healthy.Discuss.”If that were an examination topic,most students would tear it apart,offering a long list of complaints:from local smog(烟雾)to global climate change,from the felling(砍伐)of forests to the extinction of species.The list would largely be accurate,the concern legitimate.Yet the students who should be given the highest marks would actually be those who agreed with the statement.The surprise is how good things are,not how bad.

After all,the world’s population has more than tripled during this century,and world output has risen hugely,so you would expect the earth itself to have been affected.Indeed,if people lived,consumed and produced things in the same way as they did in 1900(or 1950,or indeed 1980),the world by now would be a pretty disgusting place:smelly,dirty,toxic and dangerous.

But they don’t.The reasons why they don’t,and why the environment has not been ruined,have to do with prices,technological innovation,social change and government regulation in response to popular pressure.That is why today’s environmental problems in the poor countries ought,in principle,to be solvable.

Raw materials have not run out,and show no sign of doing so.Logically,one day they must:the planet is a finite place.Yet it is also very big,and man is very ingenious.What has happened is that every time a material seems to be running short,the price has risen and,in response,people have looked for new sources of supply,tried to find ways to use less of the material,or looked for a new substitute.For this reason prices for energy and for minerals have fallen in real terms during the century.The same is true for food.Prices fluctuate,in response to harvests,natural disasters and political instability;and when they rise,it takes some time before new sources of supply become available.But they always do,assisted by new farming and crop technology.The long-term trend has been downwards.

It is where prices and markets do not operate properly that this benign(良性的)trend begins to stumble,and the genuine problems arise.Markets cannot always keep the environment healthy.If no one owns the resource concerned,no one has an interest in conserving it or fostering it:fish is the best example of this.

1.According to the author,most students______.

A.believe the world’s environment is in an undesirable condition

B.agree that the environment of the world is not as bad as it is thought to be

C.get high marks for their good knowledge of the world’s environment

D.appear somewhat unconcerned about the state of the world’s environment

2.The huge increase in world production and population______.

A.has made the world a worse place to live in

B.has had a positive influence on the environment

C.has not significantly affected the environment

D.has made the world a dangerous place to live in

3.One of the reasons why the long-term trend of prices has been downwards is that______.

A.technological innovation can promote social stability

B.political instability will cause consumption to drop

C.new farming and crop technology can lead to overproduction

D.new sources are always becoming available

4.Fish resources are diminishing because______.

A.no new substitutes can be found in large quantities

B.they are not owned by any particular entity

C.improper methods of fishing have ruined the fishing grounds

D.water pollution is extremely serious

5.The primary solution to environmental problems is______.

A.to allow market forces to operate properly

B.to curb consumption of natural resources

C.to limit the growth of the world population

D.to avoid fluctuations in prices

参考译文

“世界环境令人吃惊得健康。请讨论。”如果这是一个考试题目,大多数学生可能会对此大加驳斥,提出一长串的抱怨:从本地的烟雾到全球气候变化,从砍伐森林到物种灭绝。这一串不满很大程度上是正确的,担忧也是正当的。但是同意这种说法的人才应该得到高分。令人惊诧的是情况好得很,而不是多么糟糕。

毕竟,本世纪世界人口增加了三倍多,全世界的产出也大大增加,所以你会认为地球本身已经遭受到影响。确实,如果人们像1900年(或者1950年,甚至像1980年)那样的方式去生活、消费和生产,如今的世界将会是一个相当令人厌恶的地方:恶臭、肮脏、有毒和充满危险。

但是人们不再这么做了。为什么人们不再这么做了,为什么环境还没有被毁灭,这同价格、技术创新、社会变革和政府针对来自民众压力所制定的规章有关。这就是贫穷国家的环境问题原则上可以被解决的原因。

原材料没有枯竭,而且也没有表现出这种迹象。从逻辑上说,总有一天会消耗殆尽:地球是一个有限的星球。然而它也非常大,人类非常聪明。所发生的情况是这样的:每当一种原料看来将要短缺,价格就上升,相应地人们就寻找新的资源,寻找新的方法来节省使用这种材料,或者寻找新的替代品。因为这个原因,本世纪能源和矿物的价格在真正费用方面降低了。食品也是这样。价格随着收成、自然灾害和政治的不稳定而波动,当价格上升,一段时间后才有新资源的供给。但由于新型农业技术,新的供应来源总能得到。长期趋势价格是下降的。

正是在价格和市场运转不当的地方,这种良性趋势开始动摇,真正的问题开始显现。市场并非总是使环境保持健康。如果没有任何人拥有相关的资源,就没有人有兴趣保存或培育它:鱼就是最好的例证。

解题之路

1.选A 。文章第一段通过假设的方式,展示了作者心目中学生可能有的看法,从most students would tear it apart,offering a long list of complaints…可以判断学生认为世界环境状况不容乐观,所以答案为A。

2.选C 。文章第一段最后一句The surprise is how good things are,not how bad似乎是说人口的急剧增长与生产的扩大对环境带来了正面影响,但是,从下文的叙述方式来看,作者所欲说明的应该是“对世界环境的影响不大”。文章只是说the environment has not been ruined,raw materials have not run out,environmental problems ought to be solvable。从否定形式的使用可以判断,作者所强调的显然不是正面影响。

3.选D 。文章倒数第二段people have looked for new sources of supply,….For this reason prices for energy and for minerals have fallen in real terms说明从长远来看,价格处于下降趋势的原因之一应该是总能找到新的能源,即D。

4.选B 。本题考查的是具体事例与要说明观点之间的关系。文章最后一句If no one owns the resource concerned,no one has an interest in conserving it or fostering it,fish is the best example of this.说明,鱼源变少的原因应该是它们不为任何实体所拥有,即B。

5.选A 。文章最后一段第一句It is where prices and markets do not operate properly that this benign trend begins to stumble,and the genuine problems arise说明要解决环境问题,首要的是要使市场运作正常,即A。

词汇精解

complaint n.诉苦,牢骚,抱怨

smog n.烟雾

ruin vt.使破产,使堕落,毁掉

regulation n.规则,规章

climate n.气候,风土,思潮

felling n.砍伐

extinction n.消失,消灭,废止,灭绝

mark n.记号,标志,痕迹,分数

statement n.声明,陈述,综述

consume vt.消耗,消灭,消费

pretty adv.很,相当,非常

disgusting adj.恶心的,令人厌恶的

smelly adj.发臭的,有臭味的,恶臭的

dirty adj.肮脏的,(天气)恶劣的,卑鄙的

toxic adj.有毒的,中毒的

popular adj.通俗的,流行的,民众的

pressure n.压力,压迫,紧迫,电压

source n.源头,水源,原始资料,来源

substitute n.代用品,代替者,替代品

operate vt.操作,运转,开动,动手术

properly adv.适当地,正确地

benign adj.(疾病)良性的,仁慈的,和蔼的

trend n.倾向,趋势

stumble vi.绊倒,蹒跚,结巴

genuine adj.真实的,真正的,诚恳的

arise vi.发生,出现,起因于

难句解析

1.If that were an examination topic,most students would tear it apart,offering a long list of complaints:from local smog to global climate change,from the felling of forests to the extinction of species.

【参考译文】 如果这是一个考试题目,大多数学生可能会对此大加驳斥,提出一长串的抱怨:从本地的烟雾到全球气候变化,从砍伐森林到物种灭绝。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(If that were an examination topic),(most students would tear it apart),(offering a long list of complaints:)(from local smog to global climate change,from the felling of forests to the extinction of species)。第一部分是条件状语从句,运用了虚拟语气;第二部分是主句,其中的it指代前面的examination topic;第三部分的现在分词结构是伴随状语;最后一部分是介词短语from…to…,作前面complaints的后定语。

【知识链接】 examination topic考试题目;tear sth.apart将……撕开(意译为“大加驳斥”);a long list of一长串……

2.Yet the students who should be given the highest marks would actually be those who agreed with the statement.

【参考译文】 但是同意这种说法的人才应该得到高分。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:Yet the students(who should be given the highest marks)would actually be those(who agreed with the statement)。括号外的内容是主句,即Yet the students…would actually be those;第一个括号内是the students的定语从句;第二个括号内是those的定语从句。

【知识链接】 agree with赞同

3.Indeed,if people lived,consumed and produced things in the same way as they did in 1900(or 1950,or indeed 1980),the world by now would be a pretty disgusting place:smelly,dirty,toxic and dangerous.

【参考译文】 确实,如果人们像1900年(或者1950年,甚至像1980年)那样的方式去生活、消费和生产,如今的世界将会是一个相当令人厌恶的地方:恶臭、肮脏、有毒和充满危险。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(if people lived,consumed and produced things in the same way//as they did//in 1900(or 1950,or indeed 1980)),(the world//by now//would be a pretty disgusting place:)(smelly,dirty,toxic and dangerous)。第一部分是条件状语从句,其中的in…way是方式状语,as they did是way的定语从句;第二部分是主句,by now是时间状语;第三部分是并列的形容词结构,作前面place的后定语。

【知识链接】 in the same way以同样的方式;by now到如今

4.The reasons why they don’t,and why the environment has not been ruined,have to do with prices,technological innovation,social change and government regulation in response to popular pressure.

【参考译文】 为什么人们不再这么做了,为什么环境还没有被毁灭,这同价格、技术创新、社会变革和政府针对来自民众压力所制定的规章有关。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:The reasons(why they don’t,and why the environment has not been ruined),have to do with prices,technological innovation,social change and government regulation(in response to popular pressure)。括号外是主句,即The reasons…have to do with…government regulation;第一个括号内是why引导的reasons的定语从句,由and连接的两个并列句组成,即why…and why…;第二个括号内的介词短语是regulation的后定语。

【知识链接】 have to do with与……有关;technological innovation技术革新;social change社会变革;in response to…对……做出回应

5.That is why today’s environmental problems in the poor countries ought,in principle,to be solvable.

【参考译文】 这就是贫穷国家的环境问题原则上可以被解决的原因。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句是的主语是That,谓语是is,表语是why引导的从句,该从句的主语是today’s environmental problems,谓语是ought to be,表语是solvable,in the poor countries是problems的后定语,in principle是范围状语。

【知识链接】 environmental problem环境问题;ought to do应该……;in principle原则上

6.What has happened is that every time a material seems to be running short,the price has risen and,in response,people have looked for new sources of supply,tried to find ways to use less of the material,or looked for a new substitute.

【参考译文】 所发生的情况是这样的:每当一种原料看来将要短缺,价格就上升,相应地人们就会寻找新的资源,寻找新的方法来节省使用这种材料,或者寻找新的替代品。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句比较简单,主语是What has happened,谓语是is,表语是that引导的从句,该从句可以切分为:(every time a material seems to be running short),(the price has risen)(and,//in response//,people have looked for new sources of supply),(tried to find ways//to use less of the material//),(or looked for a new substitute)。第一部分是every time引导的时间状语从句,主语是a material,谓语是seems to be running short;第二、三、四部分是三个并列句,构成主句,第二部分的in response是状语,第三部分的不定式to…material是ways的后定语。

【知识链接】 run short短缺;in response相应地

7.It is where prices and markets do not operate properly that this benign trend begins to stumble,and the genuine problems arise.

【参考译文】 正是在价格和市场运转不当的地方,这种良性趋势开始动摇,真正的问题开始显现。

【结构分析】 这是一个强调句,即It is…that…结构,被强调的是where引导的地点状语从句;that之后是句子的主干,即由and连接的两个并列句。

【知识链接】 benign trend良性趋势;genuine problem真正的问题

Passage 25

About the time that schools and others quite reasonably became interested in seeing to it that all children,whatever their background,were fairly treated,intelligence testing became unpopular.

Some thought it was unfair to minority children.Through the past few decades such testing has gone out of fashion and many communities have indeed forbidden it.

However,paradoxically,just recently a group of black parents filed a lawsuit(诉讼)in California claiming that the state’s ban on IQ testing discriminates against their children by denying them the opportunity to take the test.(They believed,correctly,that IQ tests are a valid method of evaluating children for special education classes.)The judge,therefore,reversed,at least partially,his original decision.

And so the argument goes on and on.Does it benefit or harm children from minority groups to have their intelligence tested?We have always been on the side of permitting,even facilitating,such testing.If a child of any color or group is doing poorly in school it seems to us very important to know whether it is because he or she is of low intelligence,or whether some other factor is the cause.

What school and family can do to improve poor performance is influenced by its cause.It is not discriminative to evaluate either a child’s physical condition or his intellectual level.

Unfortunately,intellectual level seems to be a sensitive subject,and what the law allows us to do varies from time to time.The same fluctuation back and forth occurs in areas other than intelligence.Thirty years or so ago,for instance,white families were encouraged to adopt black children.It was considered discriminative not to do so.

And then the style changed and this cross-racial adopting became generally unpopular,and social agencies felt that black children should go to black families only.It is hard to say what are the best procedures.But surely good will on the part of all of us is needed.

As to intelligence,in our opinion,the more we know about any child’s intellectual level,the better for the child in question.

1.Why did the intelligence test become unpopular in the past few decades?

A.Its validity was challenged by many communities.

B.It was considered discriminative against minority children.

C.It met with strong opposition from the majority of black parents.

D.It deprived the black children of their rights to a good education.

2.The recent legal action taken by some black parents in California aimed to______.

A.draw public attention to IQ testing

B.put an end to special education

C.remove the state’s ban on intelligence tests

D.have their children enter white schools

3.The author believes that intelligence testing______.

A.may ease racial confrontation in the United States

B.can encourage black children to keep up with white children

C.may seriously aggravate racial discrimination in the United States

D.can help black parents make decisions abut their children’s education

4.The author’s opinion of child adoption seems to be that______.

A.no rules whatsoever can be prescribed

B.white families should adopt black children

C.adoption should be based on IQ test results

D.cross-racial adoption is to be advocated

5.Child adoption is mentioned in the passage to show that______.

A.good will may sometimes complicate racial problems

B.social surroundings are vital to the healthy growth of children

C.intelligence testing also applies to non-academic areas

D.American opinion can shift when it comes to sensitive issues

参考译文

在学校和其他地方都致力于确保任何背景的孩子都得到公正对待的时代里,智商测试变得不那么重要了。

一些人认为这对少数民族的孩子不公平。过去几十年中,这种测验已经不再流行,许多团体甚至禁止这种测试。

然而,自相矛盾的是,就在最近,加利福尼亚的一些黑人家长提出诉讼,声称该州禁止智商测试的法令对他们的孩子有歧视性,剥夺了他们接受测试的机会。(他们认为以下想法也是正确的,即智商测试是评价孩子参加特殊教育班的有效方法。)因此,法官至少部分地修改了他原先禁止智商测验的决定。

于是争论一直在继续。少数民族的孩子参加智力测试究竟有利还是有弊?我们总是允许、甚至帮助这样的测试。如果任何一种肤色或种族的孩子在学校成绩不好,是因为他的智力低,还是因为其他原因,了解这一点是非常重要的。

为改善学生的糟糕表现,学校和家庭所做的一切都受到这一原因的影响。评价一个孩子的生理状况或者智力水平并不是一种歧视。

不幸的是,智力水平似乎是一个敏感话题,而且法律允许我们做的又在不时地改变。除智力以外,其他领域也出现同样的反复波动。比如,30年前鼓励白人家庭收养黑人儿童,不这样做就会被认为是歧视。

然而风气随后又改变了,这种跨种族收养又不流行了,一些社会机构觉得黑人小孩应该只到黑人家庭。很难说什么是最好的规则。但我们一定要抱有美好的期望。

关于智力,我们认为,对一个孩子的智力水平了解得越多,对他就越有好处。

解题之路

1.选B 。文章第二段some thought it was unfair to minority children,说明有人认为智商测试对少数民族孩子不公平,也就使对少数民族学生的歧视,即B。

2.选C 。诉讼中提到“政府禁止IQ测试是对他们(黑人儿童)的歧视,这样一来他们的子女就不可能进入特殊班级受教育”。指责其不公,自然是要取消之,所以答案为C。

3.选A 。从常识来判断,美国白人一般都认为黑人等少数民族的孩子愚钝不可教,因此不能进入特殊教育班级。智商的测试可以让人们清楚儿童在学校成绩不好到底是智力的问题还使其他原因(to know whether it is because he or she is of low intelligence,or whether some other factor is the cause),这样就有可能排除智力上的因素,所以对缓和种族冲突会有好处,能表达此意思的是选项A。

4.选D 。作者在提到儿童收养问题后指出surely good will on the part of all of us is needed,显然是在说cross-racial adoption is to be advocated。

5.选D 。对于具体事例的作用,一般可以看事例前面总括性的陈述。本篇文章作者在介绍儿童收养问题前提到Unfortunately,intellectual level seems to be a sensitive subject,and what the law allows us to do varies from time to time.然后说这种情况在其他场合也出现,如儿童收养。显然儿童收养问题所要说明的也是对于一些敏感的问题,法律所允许我们所多的不同的时期也不同。开始白人家庭黑人儿童是受鼓励的,到后来又变得generally unpopular,说明人们的观点会发生变化,即D。

词汇精解

reasonably adv.合理地,相当地,非常

background n.背景,后台,不引人注目的位置

fairly adv.公正地,公平地,相当

treat vt.治疗,视为,款待,对待

unpopular adj.不受欢迎的,不流行的

performance n.履行,执行,表演,表现

discriminative adj.有辨别力的,歧视性的

evaluate vt.评估,估计,评价

unfortunately adv.没有运气地,不幸地

sensitive adj.灵敏的,感光的,敏感的

paradoxically adv.荒谬地,自相矛盾地

file vt.把……归档,琢磨,提出

lawsuit n.诉讼(尤指非刑事案件)

ban n.禁令,禁止

poorly adv.贫穷地,贫乏地,很差

intelligence n.智能,聪明,智力

factor n.要素,因素

cause n.理由,动机,事业,理想,原因

subject n.题目,科目,话题,主题

vary vi.变化,不同

fluctuation n.起伏,波动

will n.意志,决心,意愿,遗嘱

opinion n.意见,看法,评价,观点

adopt vt.采用,采取,收养

intellectual adj.智力的,知识的

难句解析

1.About the time that schools and others quite reasonably became interested in seeing to it that all children,whatever their background,were fairly treated,intelligence testing became unpopular.

【参考译文】 在学校和其他地方都致力于确保任何背景的孩子都得到公正对待的时代里,智商测试变得不那么重要了。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句在最后,即intelligence testing became unpopular;难点在于前面About the time引导的时间状语,可以切分为:About the time(that schools and others quite reasonably became interested in seeing to it)(that all children,//whatever their background//,were fairly treated)。第一部分是that引导的定语从句,修饰前面的the time,主干是schools…became interested,in seeing to it是范围状语,see to是固定短语;第二部分that引导的是前面it的定语从句,其中出现了whatever引导的让步状语从句,background之后省略了was。

【知识链接】 become interested in…对……感兴趣;see to it that确保……;intelligence testing智商测试

2.However,paradoxically,just recently a group of black parents filed a lawsuit in California claiming that the state’s ban on IQ testing discriminates against their children by denying them the opportunity to take the test.

【参考译文】 然而,自相矛盾的是,就在最近,加利福尼亚的一些黑人家长提出诉讼,声称该州禁止智商测试的法令对他们的孩子有歧视,剥夺了其接受测试的机会。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句的主干是a group of black parents filed a lawsuit,in California是地点状语;现在分词claiming是lawsuit的后定语,其后是that引导的宾语从句,可以切分为:the state’s ban(on IQ testing)discriminates against their children(by denying them the opportunity//to take the test//)。括号外是主干,主语是ban,谓语是discriminates against,第一个括号内的on IQ testing是ban的后定语,第二个括号内是方式状语,其中的them是间接宾语,指代前面的their children,the opportunity是直接宾语,不定式to take the test是opportunity的后定语。

【知识链接】 IQ testing智商测试;discriminate against歧视

3.If a child of any color or group is doing poorly in school it seems to us very important to know whether it is because he or she is of low intelligence,or whether some other factor is the cause.

【参考译文】 如果任何一种肤色或种族的孩子在学校成绩不好,是因为他的智力低,还是因为其他原因,了解这一点是非常重要的。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,If a child…school是条件状语从句;主句的主干是it seems…very important,主语it指代后面的不定式to know…the cause,其中的whether…or whether…是两个并列句,作know的宾语,第一个whether引导的从句中of low intelligence是表语。

【知识链接】 it seems to sb.very important to do对于某人很重要的是……

4.What school and family can do to improve poor performance is influenced by its cause.

【参考译文】 为改善学生的糟糕表现,学校和家庭所做的一切都将受到这一原因的影响。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是What…performance,即What引导的从句,其中的不定式to…performance是目的状语;谓语是is influenced。

【知识链接】 improve(v.)改进;influence(v.)影响

5.It is not discriminative to evaluate either a child’s physical condition or his intellectual level.

【参考译文】 评价一个孩子的生理状况或者智力水平并不是一种歧视。

【结构分析】 这是一个形式主语句,It指代后面的不定式to evaluate…his intellectual level,either…or连接的是evaluate的并列宾语。

【知识链接】 either…or…或者……或者……;physical condition身体状况;intellectual level智力水平

6.But surely good will on the part of all of us is needed.

【参考译文】 但我们一定要抱有美好的期望。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是good will…is needed,介词短语on the part of all of us是范围状语。

【知识链接】 good will美好愿望;on the part of sb.对某人而言

7.As to intelligence,in our opinion,the more we know about any child’s intellectual level,the better for the child in question.

【参考译文】 关于智力,我们认为,对一个孩子的智力水平了解得越多,对他就越有好处。

【结构分析】 这是一个the+比较级,the+比较级的句子,前半部分表条件,后半部分表结果,且省略了主谓结构,补全后是the better(it is)for the child in question,in question是the child的后定语;As to intelligence是范围状语。

【知识链接】 in question讨论中的

Passage 26

Not too many decades ago it seemed“obvious”both to the general public and to sociologists that modern society has changed people’s natural relations,loosened their responsibilities to kin(亲戚)and neighbors,and substituted in their place superficial relationships with passing acquaintances.However,in recent years a growing body of research has revealed that the“obvious”is not true.It seems that if you are a city resident,you typically know a smaller proportion of your neighbors than you do if you are a resident of a smaller community.But,for the most part,this fact has few significant consequences.It does not necessarily follow that if you know few of your neighbors you will know no one else.

Even in very large cities,people maintain close social ties within small,private social worlds.Indeed,the number and quality of meaningful relationships do not differ between more and less urban people.Small-town residents are more involved with kin than are big-city residents.Yet city dwellers compensate by developing friendships with people who share similar interests and activates.Urbanism may produce a different style of life,but the quality of life does not differ between town and city.Nor are residents of large communities any likelier to display psychological symptoms of stress or alienation,a feeling of not belonging,than are residents of smaller communities.However,city dwellers do worry more about crime,and this leads them to a distrust of strangers.

These findings do not imply that urbanism makes little or no difference.If neighbors are strangers to one another,they are less likely to sweep the sidewalk of an elderly couple living next door or keep an eye out for young trouble makers.Moreover,as Wirth suggested,there may be a link between a community’s population size and its social heterogeneity(多样性).For instance,sociologists have found much evidence that the size of a community is associated with bad behavior including gambling,drugs,etc.Large-city urbanites are also more likely than their small-town counterparts to have a cosmopolitan(见多识广者的)outlook,to display less responsibility to traditional kinship roles,to vote for leftist political candidates,and to be tolerant of nontraditional religious groups,unpopular political groups,and so-called undesirables.Everything considered,heterogeneity and unusual behavior seem to be outcomes of large population size.

1.Which of the following statements best describes the organization of the first paragraph?

A.Two contrasting views are presented.

B.An argument is examined and possible solutions given.

C.Research results concerning the quality of urban life are presented in order of time.

D.A detailed description of the difference between urban and small-town life is given.

2.According to the passage,it was once a common belief that urban residents______.

A.did not have the same interests as their neighbors

B.could not develop long-standing relationships

C.tended to be associated with bad behavior

D.usually had more friends

3.One of the consequences of urban life is that impersonal relationships among neighbors______.

A.disrupt people’s natural relations

B.make them worry about crime

C.cause them not to show concern for one another

D.cause them to be suspicious of each other

4.It can be inferred from the passage that the bigger a community is,______.

A.the better its quality of life

B.the more similar its interests

C.the more tolerant and open-minded it is

D.the likelier it is to display psychological symptoms of stress

5.What is the passage mainly about?

A.Similarities in the interpersonal relationships between urbanites and small-town dwellers.

B.Advantages of living in big cities as compared with living in small town.

C.The positive role that urbanism plays in modern life.

D.The strong feeling of alienation of city inhabitants.

参考译文

现代社会改变了人们的自然关系,淡化了他们对亲戚和邻居的责任感,取而代之的是表面的责任和肤浅的关系,这是多年来普通大众和社会学家都了解的一个“明显”的事实。但是,近年来越来越多的研究表明,这个明显的事实并不是真的。如果你是城市居民,那么你认识的邻居比你作为小型社区的居民认识的要少。但是对大多数人来说,这个事实没什么大不了。这并不一定意味着如果你认识的邻居少,就等于你不认识其他人。

甚至在大城市,人们也在小的私人社会圈子里保持着紧密的联系。确实,有意义的关系的数量和质量在大城市人和小城镇人之间并无差别。同大城市居民相比,小城镇居民亲戚之间的关系更加亲密,而大城市的居民则与拥有相同兴趣及活动的人发展彼此的友谊。都市生活形成了不同的生活风格,但城市和小城镇的生活质量并无差别。同小城镇居民相比,大城市居民也没有表现出更多的压力、疏远或者无归属感的心理症状。但城市居民的确更多地担心犯罪,这使他们不信任陌生人。

这些发现并不意味着都市生活没有区别。如果邻居互不认识,就不大可能清扫隔壁老夫妇的人行道,也不会时刻警惕捣乱的青年人。而且,正如Wirth所建议的,社区人口的多少与其社会群体的多样性之间可能相互联系。例如,社会学家发现,许多证据表明社区规模同赌博、吸毒等恶习有关。同小镇居民相比,大城市居民可能见识更广,对传统意义的亲属关系责任心更低,更可能投票给左翼政治候选人,对非传统宗教团体、不受欢迎的政治集团和所谓的不良分子很宽容。如果考虑所有因素,混杂性和反常行为似乎是人口众多的结果。

解题之路

1.选A 。解决这类考题,应注意表示各种关系的连词、副词、句与句之间的关系,在本题中只要注意到however就可以推出A项是正确答案。

2.选B 。文章第一段所展示的第一种观点substituted in their place superficial relationships with passing acquaintances说明人们以往是认为城市居民不可能发展长久的友谊。

3.选C 。文章第三段提到If neighbors are strangers to one another,they are less likely to sweep the sidewalk of an elderly couple living next door or keep an eye out for young trouble makers说明邻里之间很可能出现彼此都不关心的状况,即C。

4.选C 。文章最后提到,大城市里居民比小城镇居民更见多识广,to be tolerant of nontraditional religious groups,说明社区越大,人们越容易变得包容,思想也越开朗,所以答案为C。

5.选A 。本篇文章对比了大城市与小城镇的人际关系,但并没有强调在大城市中居住的优越,B不对;文中提到了很多城市居住的负面影响,显然C也不对;文章第二段中提到nor are residents of large communities any likelier to display psychological symptoms of stress or alienation,说明D也不对。由此可以判断答案为A。

词汇精解

decade n.十,十年

obvious adj.明显的,显而易见的

sociologist n.社会学家

loosen vt.解开,松开,放松

kin n.家属(总称),家族,血缘关系

substitute vt.代替,替换

superficial adj.表面的,肤浅的,浅薄的

sweep vt.打扫,扫过,席卷,掠过

sidewalk n.人行道

couple n.一对,一双,夫妇

urbanite n.都市人,城市居民

counterpart n.副本,对应的人/物

cosmopolitan adj.世界性的,全球各地的,见多识广的

typically adv.代表性地,有特色地,一般地

proportion n.比例,均衡,部分

necessarily adv.必要地,一定

follow v.跟随,接着

compensate vt.偿还,补偿,付报酬

similar adj.类似的,相似的

activate vt.刺激,使活动(这里活用作名词)

display vt.陈列,展览,展示

psychological adj.心理学的,心理的

symptom n.症状,征兆

alienation n.疏远,离间

outlook n.景色,风光,展望,眼界

kinship n.血缘关系,亲属关系

leftist adj.左翼的,左派的

candidate n.候选人,投考者

nontraditional adj.不符合传统的,非传统的

undesirable adj.令人不快的,不受欢迎的(这里活用作名词)

heterogeneity n.异种,异质

unusual adj.与众不同的,不同寻常的

outcome n.成果,结果

难句解析

1.Not too many decades ago it seemed“obvious”both to the general public and to sociologists that modern society has changed people’s natural relations,loosened their responsibilities to kin(亲戚)and neighbors,and substituted in their place superficial relationships with passing acquaintances.

【参考译文】 现代社会改变了人们的自然关系,淡化了他们对亲戚和邻居的责任感,取而代之的是表面的责任和肤浅的关系,这是多年来普通大众和社会学家都了解的一个“明显”的事实。

【结构分析】 这是一个形式主语句,可以切分为:(Not too many decades ago)(it seemed“obvious”)(both to the general public and to sociologists)(that modern society has changed people’s natural relations,loosened their responsibilities//to kin and neighbors//,and substituted//in their place//superficial relationships with passing acquaintances)。第一部分是时间状语从句;第二部分是主干,是一形式主语句,主语it指代第四部分that引导的从句;第三部分是both…and连接的并列介词短语,作范围状语;第四部分that从句由三个句子组成,即modern society has changed…loosened…and substituted…,介词短语to kin and neighbors是responsibilities的后定语,in their place是地点状语,substitute与后面的with形成固定搭配。

【知识链接】 general public大众;passing acquaintance点头之交;substitute…with…用……替代……

2.It seems that if you are a city resident,you typically know a smaller proportion of your neighbors than you do if you are a resident of a smaller community.

【参考译文】 如果你是城市居民,那么你认识的邻居比你作为小型社区的居民认识的要少。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(It seems that//if you are a city resident//,you typically know a smaller proportion of your neighbors)(than you do//if you are a resident of a smaller community//)。第一部分是一形式主语句,it指代之后的that引导的从句,即that…you typically know…neighbors,分隔号是if引导的条件状语从句;第二部分的than引导比较状语从句,与前面的smaller相呼应,谓语do指代前面的know。

【知识链接】 it seems that似乎……;city resident城市居民

3.It does not necessarily follow that if you know few of your neighbors you will know no one else.

【参考译文】 这并不一定意味着如果你认识的邻居少,就等于你不认识其他人。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(It does not necessarily follow)(that//if you know few of your neighbors//you will know no one else)。第一部分是主句,是形式主语句,it指代第二部分that从句的内容;第二部分中的主干是you will know no one else,分隔号内是if引导的条件状语从句,即if you…neighbors。

【知识链接】 it does not necessarily follow that并不一定意味着……

4.Yet city dwellers compensate by developing friendships with people who share similar interests and activates.

【参考译文】 而大城市的居民则与拥有相同兴趣及活动的人发展彼此的友谊。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(Yet city dwellers compensate)(by developing friendships with people)(who share similar interests and activates)。第一部分是主干;第二部分是by引导的方式状语;第三部分是who引导的定语从句,修饰people。

【知识链接】 city dweller(n.)城市居民;develope friendships with sb.和某人发展友谊

5.Nor are residents of large communities any likelier to display psychological symptoms of stress or alienation,a feeling of not belonging,than are residents of smaller communities.

【参考译文】 同小城镇居民相比,大城市居民也没有表现出更多的压力、疏远或者无归属感的心理症状。

【结构分析】 这是一个倒装句,否定词Nor移至句首,形成部分倒装;句子可以切分为:(Nor are residents of large communities any likelier to display psychological symptoms of stress or alienation),(a feeling of not belonging),(than are residents of smaller communities)。第一部分是主干,主语是residents,谓语是are any likelier to display,宾语是psychological…alienation,第二部分a feeling…belonging是一名词短语,作前面alienation的同位语,第三部分是than引导的比较状语从句,也使用了倒装结构,且有省略现象,正常语序是than residents of smaller communities are(any likelier to display…)。

【知识链接】 be likelier to do更有可能……;feeling of belonging归属感

6.If neighbors are strangers to one another,they are less likely to sweep the sidewalk of an elderly couple living next door or keep an eye out for young trouble makers.

【参考译文】 如果邻居互不认识,就不大可能清扫隔壁老夫妇的人行道,也不会时刻警惕捣乱的青年人。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,逗号之前是if引导的条件状语从句,其中的介词短语to one another是方位状语;主句的主干是they are less likely to sweep the sidewalk…or keep an eye out for young trouble makers,现在分词living是elderly couple的后定语,名词短语next door是方位状语,keep an eye out for是固定短语。

【知识链接】 next door在隔壁;keep an eye out for警惕;trouble maker捣乱分子

7.Large-city urbanites are also more likely than their small-town counterparts to have a cosmopolitan outlook,to display less responsibility to traditional kinship roles,to vote for leftist political candidates,and to be tolerant of nontraditional religious groups,unpopular political groups,and so-called undesirables.

【参考译文】 同小镇居民相比,大城市居民可能见识更广,对传统意义的亲属关系责任心更低,更可能投票给左翼政治候选人,对非传统宗教团体、不受欢迎的政治集团和所谓的不良分子很宽容。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Large-city urbanites are also more likely…to have…to display…to vote for…and to be tolerant of…,四个to引导的是并列不定式,与likely构成固定搭配;第二个不定式中的介词短语to…roles是responsibility的后定语。

【知识链接】 vote for投票支持;be tolerant of对……宽容;religious group宗教团体;political group政治团体;so-called(adj.)所谓的

8.Everything considered,heterogeneity and unusual behavior seem to be outcomes of large population size.

【参考译文】 如果考虑所有因素,混杂性和反常行为似乎是人口众多的结果。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是heterogeneity and unusual behavior,谓语是seem to be,表语是outcomes;Everything considered是独立主格结构,considered是过去分词,与Everything构成动宾关系。

【知识链接】 everything considered将一切考虑在内;large population size人口众多

Passage 27

Our culture has caused most Americans to assume not only that our language is universal but that the gestures we use are understood by everyone.We do not realize that waving good-bye is the way to summon a person from the Philippines to one’s side,or that in Italy and some Latin-American countries,curling the finger to oneself is a sign of farewell.

Those private citizens who sent packages to our troops occupying Germany after World WarⅡand marked them GIFT to escape duty payments did not bother to find out that“Gift”means poison in German.Moreover,we like to think of ourselves as friendly,yet we prefer to be at least 3 feet or an arm’s length away form others.Latins and Middle Easterners like to come closer and touch,which makes Americans uncomfortable.

Our linguistic(语言上的)and cultural blindness and the casualness with which we take notice of the developed tastes,gestures,customs and languages of other countries,are losing us friends,business and respect in the world.

Even here in the United States,we make few concessions to the needs of foreign visitors.There are no information signs in four languages on our public buildings or monuments;we do not have multilingual(多语的)guided tours.Very few restaurant menus have translations,and multilingual waiters,bank clerks and policemen are rare.Our transportation systems have maps in English only and often we ourselves have difficulty understanding them.

When we go abroad,we tend to cluster in hotels and restaurants where English is spoken.The attitudes and information we pick up are conditioned by those natives—usually the richer—who speak English.Our business dealings,as well as the nation’s diplomacy,are conducted through interpreters.

For many years,America and Americans could get by with cultural blindness and linguistic ignorance.After all,America was the most powerful country of the free world,the distributor of needed funds and goods.

But all that is past.American dollars no longer buy all good things,and we are slowly beginning to realize that our proper role in the world is changing.A 1979 Harris poll reported that 55 percent of Americans want this country to play a more significant role in world affairs;we want to have a hand in the important decisions of the next century,even though it may not always be the upper hand.

1.It can be inferred that Americans being approached too closely by Middle Easterners would most probably______.

A.stand still

B.jump aside

C.step forward

D.draw back

2.The author gives many examples to criticize Americans for their______.

A.cultural self-centeredness

B.casual manners

C.indifference toward foreign visitors

D.arrogance towards other cultures

3.In countries other than their own most Americans______.

A.are isolated by the local people

B.are not well informed due to the language barrier

C.tend to get along well with the natives

D.need interpreters in hotels and restaurants

4.According to the author,Americans’cultural blindness and linguistic ignorance will______.

A.affect their image in the new era

B.cut themselves off from the outside world

C.limit their role in world affairs

D.weaken the position of the US dollar

5.The author’s intention in writing this article is to make Americans realize that______.

A.it is dangerous to ignore their foreign friends

B.it is important to maintain their leading role in world affairs

C.it is necessary to use several languages in public places

D.it is time to get acquainted with other cultures

参考译文

我们的文化已使很多美国人以为不但我们的语言全球通用,而且我们所用的手势也人人皆知。我们没有想到的是,挥手说再见是菲律宾人用于把别人召唤到身边的手势,在意大利和一些拉丁美洲国家,手指弯向自己是表示再见。

当我们的军队在第二次世界大战占领德国后,一些百姓给部队邮寄包裹并且在上面注明GIFT以逃避付费,但他们不明白GIFT在德语中是毒药的意思。此外,我们认为自己很友好,然而我们同他人至少保持三英尺或一臂的距离。但是拉丁美洲人和中东人喜欢靠得很近,甚至接触身体,这使美国人感到不舒服。

我们在语言和文化上的无知,以及那种对其他国家形成的品位、手势、风俗和语言的漫不经心,正使我们在世界上失去朋友、商机和威信。

即使在美国,我们也几乎很少想到外国游客的需要。我们的公共建筑或纪念碑上没有四种文字的标记,也没有多语种导游。餐馆菜单很少有译文,掌握多种语言的服务员、银行职员和警察也很少见。我们的交通系统只有英文地图,就连我们自己也常常很难理解。

在国外,我们往往聚在讲英语的旅馆、饭店里。人们对我们的态度和给我们的信息受到能说英语的当地人——通常是有钱人——的影响。我们的商务及国家外交都要通过翻译才能进行。

多年来,美国和美国人对于文化愚昧和语言无知还过得去。毕竟,美国是自由世界里最强大的国家,是所需资金和商品的提供者。

但这一切都已过去。美元再也买不到所有的好东西,我们已慢慢开始认识到我们在世界上扮演的角色正在变化。1979年的一次哈里斯民意测验报告说:55%的美国人希望国家在国际事务中扮演更加重要的角色,我们仍想在21世纪的重要决策中发挥作用,尽管不可能总占上风。

解题之路

1.选D 。此题要求考生根据文章的信息推断选项的对错。文中说“拉美和中东人喜欢靠得很近、相互依偎,这会使美国人感到不自在”。由此推论,美国人不喜欢与人有身体接触,或者当此种事情发生时他们会做出向后退的反应。因此答案是D.draw back(退缩)。

2.选A 。此题要求考生判断例子要说明什么问题。文章所举的例子有第二次世界大战后美国人给他们在德国的驻军寄包裹并在上面注明是Gift,但并不理会此词在德文中是“毒药”的意思。美国没有外语标牌,没有外语导游,没有外语菜单,以及会外语的服务员和警察。归纳这些例子,它们所要说明的是“美国人处处要求别人懂他们的语言,总是以自我为中心”。所以A.cultural self-centeredness(文化上的自我中心观念)自然就成为此题的答案。

3.选B 。题干大意是:在美国以外的国家里,大多数美国人会怎么样。在文章的第五段定位即“When we go abroad,we tend to cluster in hotels and restaurants where English is spoken.The attitudes and information we pick up are conditioned by those natives-usually the richer-who speak English.”在国外,我们往往聚在讲英语的旅馆、饭店里。人们对我们的态度和给我们的信息受到能说英语的当地人——通常是有钱人——的影响。A项在文中没有提及;C项与原文意思相反。因此答案为B。

4.选C 。题干大意是:根据作者的观点,美国人在文化上的盲目性和语言上的无知性将会带来什么后果。定位在文章的最后两段,即“For many years,America and Americans could get by with cultural blindness and linguistic ignorance.”“But all that is past.American dollars no longer buy all good things,and we are slowly beginning to realize that our proper role in the world is changing.”多年来,美国和美国人对于文化愚昧和语言无知还过得去。但这一切都已过去。美元再也买不到所有的好东西,我们已慢慢开始认识到我们在世界上扮演的角色正在变化。也就是说美国要在世界上扮演的重要角色,就不能再这样了。因此答案为C。

5.选D 。此题要求考生在全文理解的基础上归纳出作者的意图。此文前三段主要谈美国文化与世界上其他文化的差异和美国人对这种差异的熟视无睹。后三段主要谈美国人在语言上很少为别人着想,总要求别人迁就他们,这种自我中心的观念将影响美国在世界上的影响力。作者总的意图显然是想说,美国人必须了解其他文化,因为这关系到美国的影响力问题。因此选择D.it is time to get acquainted with other cultures(是了解其他文化的时候了)。

词汇精解

assume vt.假定,设想,采取,认为

universal adj.普遍的,宇宙的

gesture n.姿态,手势,表示

summon vt.召集,召唤

Philippines n.菲律宾

curl v.弯曲,使弯曲

farewell n.辞别,再会,再见

package n.包裹,包

occupy vt.占据,占用,占领

taste n.味道,品尝,领略,品味

mark vt.做标记,打分数

escape vi.逃脱,躲避,溜走

duty n.义务,责任,职责,税

payment n.付款,费用,偿还,报酬

poison n.毒药,毒害,败坏道德之事

linguistic adj.语言学的,语言的

blindness n.失明,盲目,无知

casualness n.偶然,随便,随意

developed adj.发达的,形成的

attitude n.姿势,态度,看法,意见

native n.土人,土产,当地人

难句解析

1.Our culture has caused most Americans to assume not only that our language is universal but that the gestures we use are understood by everyone.

【参考译文】 我们的文化已使很多美国人以为不但我们的语言全球通用,而且我们所用的手势也人人皆知。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Our culture has caused most Americans,不定式to assume是宾语most Americans的补足语,其后的not only that…but that…是assume的并列宾语从句,but that从句的主语是the gestures,谓语是are understood,we use是gestures的定语从句。

【知识链接】 cause sb.to do使得某人……;not only…but…不仅……而且……

2.We do not realize that waving good-bye is the way to summon a person from the Philippines to one’s side,or that in Italy and some Latin-American countries,curling the finger to oneself is a sign of farewell.

【参考译文】 我们没有想到的是,挥手说再见是菲律宾人用于把别人召唤到身边的手势,在意大利和一些拉丁美洲国家,手指弯向自己是表示再见。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:We do not realize(that waving good-bye is the way//to summon a person from the Philippines to one’s side//,or that//in Italy and some Latin-American countries//,curling the finger to oneself is a sign of farewell)。括号内是do not realize的并列宾语从句,即that…or that…,第一个从句的主语是动名词短语waving good-bye,不定式to summon…a person是way的后定语,from the Philippines是person的后定语,介词短语to one’s side是方位状语;第二个从句的主语也是动名词短语curling the finger,介词短语to oneself是方位状语,in Italy…countries是地点状语。

【知识链接】 wave good-bye道别;to one’s side到某人身边

3.Those private citizens who sent packages to our troops occupying Germany after World WarⅡand marked them GIFT to escape duty payments did not bother to find out that“Gift”means poison in German.

【参考译文】 当我们的军队在第二次世界大战占领德国后,一些百姓给部队邮寄包裹并且在上面注明GIFT以逃避付费,但他们不明白GIFT在德语中是毒药的意思。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Those private citizens…did not bother to find out(that“Gift”means poison in German),括号内是find out的宾语从句,in German是地点状语;who引导的定语从句可以切分为:who sent packages to our troops(occupying Germany after World WarⅡ)and marked them GIFT(to escape duty payments),括号外是主干,即who sent…and marked…,them是间接宾语,指代前面的packages,GIFT是直接宾语,第一个括号内的现在分词短语occupying Germany是our troops的后定语,after World WarⅡ是时间状语,第二个括号内的不定式to…payments是目的状语。

【知识链接】 do not bother to do不想费力……;find out发现

4.Our linguistic and cultural blindness and the casualness with which we take notice of the developed tastes,gestures,customs and languages of other countries,are losing us friends,business and respect in the world.

【参考译文】 我们在语言和文化上的无知,以及那种对其他国家形成的品位、手势、风俗和语言的漫不经心,正使我们在世界上失去朋友、商机和威信。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:Our linguistic and cultural blindness and the casualness(with which we take notice of the developed tastes,gestures,customs and languages of other countries),are losing us friends,business and respect//in the world//。括号外是主干,主语是并列名词短语,即Our…casualness,谓语是are losing,us和friends…respect分别是间接和直接宾语,in the world是地点状语;括号内是定语从句,即with+关系代词which的结构,修饰前面主句的主语,该从句的主语是we,谓语是take notice of,其后是宾语。

【知识链接】 take notice of注意到;lose sb.sth.使某人失去……

5.The attitudes and information we pick up are conditioned by those natives—usually the richer—who speak English.

【参考译文】 人们对我们的态度和给我们的信息受到能说英语的当地人——通常是有钱人——的影响。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:The attitudes and information(we pick up)are conditioned by those natives—usually the richer—(who speak English)。括号外是主句,即:The attitudes and information…are conditioned,the richer是those natives的同位语;第一个括号内是主句主语的定语从句;第二个括号内是those natives的定语从句。

【知识链接】 pick up捡起,得到;the richer有钱人

6.After all,America was the most powerful country of the free world,the distributor of needed funds and goods.

【参考译文】 毕竟,美国是这个自由世界里最强大的国家,是所需资金和商品的提供者。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是America was the most powerful country,逗号之后是一名词短语,作America的同位语,其中的of needed funds and goods是the distributor的后定语。

【知识链接】 after all毕竟

7.We want to have a hand in the important decisions of the next century,even though it may not always be the upper hand.

【参考译文】 我们仍想在21世纪的重要决策中发挥作用,尽管不可能总占上风。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句的主干是We want to have a hand,in the…century是地点状语;even though引导的是让步状语从句,其中的主语it指代主句的内容。

【知识链接】 have a hand in插手……;even though尽管;be the upper hand占上风

Passage 28

In department stores and closets all over the world,they are waiting.Their outward appearance seems rather appealing because they come in a variety of styles,textures,and colors.But they are ultimately the biggest deception that exists in the fashion industry today.What are they?They are high heels—a woman’s worst enemy(whether she knows it or not).High heel shoes are the downfall of modern society.Fashion myths have led women to believe that they are more beautiful or sophisticated for wearing heels,but in reality,heels succeed in posing short as well as long term hardships.Women should fight the high heel industry by refusing to use or purchase them in order to save the world from unnecessary physical and psychological suffering.

For the sake of fairness,it must be noted that there is a positive side to high heels.First,heels are excellent for aerating(使通气)lawns.Anyone who has ever worn heels on grass knows what I am talking about.A simple trip around the yard in a pair of those babies eliminates all need to call for a lawn care specialist,and provides the perfect-sized holes to give any lawn oxygen without all those messy chunks of dirt lying around.Second,heels are quite functional for defense against oncoming enemies,who can easily be scared away by threatening them with a pair of these sharp,deadly fashion accessories.

Regardless of such practical uses for heels,the fact remains that wearing high heels is harmful to one’s physical health.Talk to any podiatrist(足病医生),and you will hear that the majority of their business comes from high-heel-wearing women.High heels are known to cause problems such as deformed feet and torn toenails.The risk of severe back problems and twisted or broken ankles is three times higher for a high heel wearer than for a flat shoe wearer.Wearing heels also creates the threat of getting a heel caught in a sidewalk crack or a sewer-grate(阴沟栅)and being thrown to the ground—possibly breaking a nose,back,or neck.And of course,after wearing heels for a day,any woman knows she can look forward to a night of pain as she tries to comfort her swollen,aching feet.

1.The author’s presentation of the positive side of high heels is meant______.

A.to be ironic

B.to poke fun at women

C.to be fair to the fashion industry

D.to make his point convincing

2.The author uses the expression“those babies”(Line 3,Para.2)to refer to high heels______.

A.to show their fragile characteristics

B.to indicate their feminine features

C.to show women’s affection for them

D.to emphasize their small size

3.The author’s chief argument against high heels is that______.

A.they pose a threat to lawns

B.they are injurious to women’s health

C.they don’t necessarily make women beautiful

D.they are ineffective as a weapon of defense

4.It can be inferred from the passage that women should______.

A.see through the very nature of fashion myths

B.boycott the products of the fashion industry

C.go to a podiatrist regularly for advice

D.avoid following fashion too closely

参考译文

在全世界的商场和壁柜里,它们正等待着。它们的外表似乎相当吸引人,因为它们的款式、质地和颜色很多。但它们却完全是当今时装业最大的骗子。它们是什么呢?就是高跟鞋——女性最大的敌人(无论她们是否知道)。高跟鞋代表现代社会的衰败。时装神话使女性相信,她们穿高跟鞋就会更漂亮或更成熟,但实际上,高跟鞋成功地给她们带来了短暂和长期的痛苦。女性应该通过拒绝购买或穿高跟鞋同高跟鞋制造业作斗争,从而使世界免去不必要的生理和心理上的痛苦。

为公平起见,必须承认高跟鞋也有积极的方面。第一,高跟鞋能使草坪非常好地通气。任何穿高跟鞋在草坪上走过的人都知道我在说什么。只要穿上这种“可爱宝贝”在院子里走一趟,就无须请草坪修剪专家,高跟鞋在草坪上形成大小合适的洞,使草坪充分吸收氧气,周围还不会留下那些乱七八糟的脏东西。第二,高跟鞋可以抵御坏人的进攻,面对一双锋利而致命的时装配饰,坏人能轻而易举地被吓走。

尽管高跟鞋有这些实用之处,但事实仍然是:穿高跟鞋对身体健康有害。问任何一个足病医生,你就会知道他们的大部分业务来自穿高跟鞋的女性。人们知道,高跟鞋可以引起脚背变形和脚趾甲破裂等问题。穿高跟鞋还可能造成严重的背部问题,扭伤或折断踝骨的风险比穿平底鞋的人高出三倍。穿高跟鞋会使鞋跟夹在人行道裂缝里或阴沟栅中,从而跌倒在地——可能摔破鼻子、背部或脖子。当然,任何女性都知道,穿了一天高跟鞋后,当她试图使肿胀、疼痛的脚舒服一点时,那将是个痛苦的夜晚。

解题之路

1.选A 。此题是典型的“文章语气”题。人们在写文章时不一定字面说什么,意思就是什么。有时说东,可意思是西。所以要求考生准确判断文章语气。文章第二段表面上似乎在谈高跟鞋好的一面,但它给人的印象却恰恰相反。高跟鞋在草坪上走,深深地陷入泥土中,那不是一件好受的事。另外高跟鞋的确无意中能伤害人,但说把它用做防身的工具却有点夸张。这里的赞扬并不真诚,语气中含有讽刺的意味,因此选择A.to be ironic(讽刺性的)。

2.选C 。此题要求考生根据上下文判断该词的准确意思。关键词在文中的意思往往与它们的通常意义不同。在此不可能指婴儿,那么它为什么用于比喻高跟鞋呢?高跟鞋娇小可爱,像婴儿一样。这也是为什么有些青年管自己的恋人叫baby。因此这里的比喻主要是说明女性对高跟鞋的钟爱与迷恋。选择C。

3.选B 。此题的选项有可能都是文章意思的正确表述,但是它们中只有一个是题干所说的“作者的主要论点”,考生必须将作者的主要论点和次要论点区分开来。在正确和不正确中做出准确判断。在文章中,作者先谈高跟鞋的神话的欺骗性,然后谈高跟鞋在草坪上行走带来的尴尬,最后谈高跟鞋引起的足疾、背疾和踝疾。前两点是铺垫,主要的论点是高跟鞋引起的健康问题。因此选择B.they are injurious to women’s health(它们对妇女健康有害)。

4.选A 。推理题。文章的第一段阐述了女性认为穿上高跟鞋会使自己更加漂亮,更有气质。第二段和第三段用讽刺的手法说明了高跟鞋给女性带来的伤害,作者呼吁女性与高跟鞋作战。所以作者的最终目的是让女性能够看清这些错误观念的本质。因此选A。

词汇精解

outward adj.外面的,外在的,向外的,表面的

appearance n.出现,露面,外表,外观

appealing adj.吸引人的,哀诉似的,恳求似的

texture n.纹理,质地

fashion n.方式,流行,时尚

myth n.神话,神话式的人/物,虚构的故事

sophisticated adj.诡辩的,世故的,复杂的,成熟的

heels n.脚后跟,跟部,高跟鞋

purchase vt.买,购买

specialist n.专门医师,专家

oxygen n.氧气

messy adj.肮脏的,凌乱的,杂乱的

chunk n.大块,矮胖的人

functional adj.功能的,起作用的

defense n.防守,保卫,防御

oncoming adj.接近的,即将到来的

threaten vt.恐吓,威胁,预示(危险)

deadly adj.死一般的,致命的

accessory n.附件,零件,附加物,配饰

unnecessary adj.没有必要的,多余的

physical adj.物理的,物质的,自然的,身体的

psychological adj.生理学的,生理的

suffering n.苦楚,苦难,痛苦

yard n.码,院落

threat n.恐吓,凶兆,危险

crack n.噼啪声,裂缝

comfort vt.安慰,使缓和

swollen adj.肿胀的

aching adj.疼的,疼痛的,心痛的

难句解析

1.Their outward appearance seems rather appealing because they come in a variety of styles,textures,and colors.

【参考译文】 它们的外表似乎相当吸引人,因为它们的款式、质地和颜色很多。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(Their outward appearance seems rather appealing)(because they come//in a variety of styles,textures,and colors//)。第一部分是主句,即主系表结构;第二部分是原因状语从句,分隔号内in…colors是come的方式状语。

【知识链接】 outward appearance外表;a variety of各种各样的

2.Fashion myths have led women to believe that they are more beautiful or sophisticated for wearing heels.

【参考译文】 时装神话使女性相信,她们穿高跟鞋就会更漂亮或更成熟。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(Fashion myths have led women)(to believe)(that they are more beautiful or sophisticated//for wearing heels//)。第一部分是主句;第二部分的不定式是women的宾语补足语;第三部分是believe的宾语从句,主语they指代前面的women,分隔号内for wearing heels是原因状语。

【知识链接】 lead sb.to do使得某人……

3.Women should fight the high heel industry by refusing to use or purchase them in order to save the world from unnecessary physical and psychological suffering.

【参考译文】 女性应该通过拒绝购买或穿高跟鞋同高跟鞋制造业作斗争,从而使世界免去不必要的生理和心理上的痛苦。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(Women should fight the high heel industry)(by refusing to use or purchase them)(in order to save the world//from unnecessary physical and psychological suffering//)。第一部分是主干;第二部分是方式状语;第三部分是目的状语,from…suffering是方位状语,save…from…构成固定搭配。

【知识链接】 in order to为了……;save sb.from使某人免于……

4.A simple trip around the yard in a pair of those babies eliminates all need to call for a lawn care specialist,and provides the perfect-sized holes to give any lawn oxygen without all those messy chunks of dirt lying around.

【参考译文】 只要穿上这种“可爱宝贝”在院子里走一趟,就无须请草坪修剪专家,高跟鞋在草坪上形成大小合适的洞,使草坪充分吸收氧气,周围还不会留下那些乱七八糟的脏东西。

【结构分析】 这是一个由and连接的并列句,第一个句子可以切分为:A simple trip(around the yard)(in a pair of those babies)eliminates all need(to call for a lawn care specialist)。括号外是主干,即A simple trip…eliminates all need,第一个括号内是主语的后定语,第二个括号内的介词短语in…babies是方式状语,第三个括号内的不定式是宾语need的后定语;第二个句子可以切分为:and provides the perfect-sized holes(to give any lawn oxygen)(without all those messy chunks of dirt//lying around//)。括号外是主干,第一个括号内的不定式是目的状语,any lawn和oxygen分别是give的间接和直接宾语,第二个括号内是独立主格结构,其中的现在分词结构lying around是chunks的宾语补足语。

【知识链接】 eliminate all need to do无须……;call for请来;lawn care草坪护理;perfect-sized(adj.)大小合适的

5.Heels are quite functional for defense against oncoming enemies,who can easily be scared away by threatening them with a pair of these sharp,deadly fashion accessories.

【参考译文】 高跟鞋可以抵御坏人的进攻,面对一双锋利而致命的时装配饰,坏人能轻而易举地被吓走。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句可以切分为:(Heels are quite functional)(for defense//against oncoming enemies//)。第一部分是主干,第二部分是范围状语,分隔号内也是范围状语;who引导的定语从句可以切分为:(who can easily be scared away)(by threatening them//with a pair of these sharp,deadly fashion accessories//)。第一部分是主干,第二部分是方式状语,them指代前面的enemies,分隔号内with…accessories是方式状语。

【知识链接】 be functional for对……很有用;scare away吓跑;fashion accessory时尚饰品

6.Wearing heels also creates the threat of getting a heel caught in a sidewalk crack or a sewer-grate and being thrown to the ground—possibly breaking a nose,back,or neck.

【参考译文】 穿高跟鞋会使鞋跟夹在人行道的裂缝里或阴沟栅中,从而跌倒在地——可能摔破鼻子、背部或脖子。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Wearing heels also creates the threat,主语是动名词短语Wearing heels;of getting a heel…and being thrown是threat的后定语,过去分词caught是heel的后定语,in…sewer-grate是地点状语;现在分词结构breaking…neck是结果状语。

【知识链接】 sewer-grate(n.)阴沟栅;be thrown to the ground摔倒在地

7.And of course,after wearing heels for a day,any woman knows she can look forward to a night of pain as she tries to comfort her swollen,aching feet.

【参考译文】 当然,任何女性都知道,穿了一天高跟鞋后,当她试图使肿胀、疼痛的脚舒服一点时,那将是个痛苦的夜晚。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(after wearing heels for a day),(any woman knows she can look forward to a night of pain)(as she tries to comfort her swollen,aching feet)。第一部分是时间状语;第二部分是主干,knows之后是其宾语从句,look forward to是谓语动词;第三部分是as引导的时间状语从句,谓语是tries to comfort,宾语是feet,her swollen,aching是feet的定语。

【知识链接】 of course当然;look forward to期待……

Passage 29

It is hardly necessary for me to cite all the evidence of the depressing state of literacy.These figures from the Department of Education are sufficient:27 million Americans cannot read at all,and a further 35 million read at a level that is less than sufficient to survive in our society.

But my own worry today is less that of the overwhelming problem of elemental literacy than it is of the slightly more luxurious problem of the decline in the skill even of the middle-class reader,of his unwillingness to afford those spaces of silence,those luxuries of domesticity and time and concentration,that surround the image of the classic act of reading.It has been suggested that almost 80 percent of America’s literate,educated teenagers can no longer read without an accompanying noise(music.in the background or a television screen flickering(闪烁)at the corner of their field of perception.We know very little about the brain and how it deals with simultaneous conflicting input,but every common-sense intuition suggests we should be profoundly alarmed.This violation of concentration,silence,solitude(独处的状态)goes to the very heart of our notion of literacy;this new form of part-reading,of part-perception against background distraction,renders impossible certain essential acts of apprehension and concentration,let alone that most important tribute any human being can pay to a poem or a piece of prose he or she really loves,which is to learn by heart.Not by brain,by heart;the expression is vital.

Under these circumstances,the question of what future there is for the arts of reading is a real one.Ahead of us lie technical,psychic(心理的),and social transformations probably much more dramatic than those brought about by Gutenberg,the German inventor in printing.The Gutenberg revolution,as we now know it,took a long time;its effects are still being debated.The information revolution will touch every fact of composition,publication,distribution,and reading.No one in the book industry can say with any confidence what will happen to the book as we’ve known it.

1.The picture of the reading ability of the American people,drawn by the author,is______.

A.rather bleak

B.fairly bright

C.very impressive

D.quite encouraging

2.The author’s biggest concern is______.

A.elementary school children’s disinterest in reading classics

B.the surprisingly low rate of literacy in the U.S.

C.the musical setting American readers require for reading

D.the reading ability and reading behavior of the middle class

3.A major problem with most adolescents who can read is______.

A.their fondness of music and TV programs

B.their ignorance of various forms of art and literature

C.their lack of attentiveness and basic understanding

D.their inability to focus on conflicting input

4.The author claims that the best way a reader can show admiration for a piece of poetry or prose is______.

A.to be able to appreciate it and memorize it

B.to analyze its essential features

C.to think it over conscientiously

D.to make a fair appraisal of its artistic value

5.About the future of the arts of reading the author feels______.

A.upset

B.uncertain

C.alarmed

D.pessimistic

参考译文

我没有必要引用所有的证据来证明人们的识字能力令人担忧。这些来自教育部的数字就足以说明问题:2700万美国人根本不能阅读,另有3500万人的阅读能力低下,难以在社会上立足。

但今天我对许多人没有基本阅读能力问题的担忧已经比不上对另一件事的担忧:那就是,对中产阶级读者阅读技巧下降问题的担忧,他们不喜欢经典的阅读方式,即不愿在安静的空间阅读,不愿享受家中时间充裕和精力集中的阅读。据说没有音乐做伴,没有电视屏幕在他们视觉范围内的某个角落闪烁,几乎80%的有阅读能力、受过教育的美国青少年就很难读书。我们并不了解大脑以及它如何同时处理冲突性的输入,但常识性的直觉表明,我们应该重视这种情况。这种妨碍专注、安静、独处状态的方式触及我们的阅读理念,这种在娱乐背景下半读书半分散精力的新读书方式不可能专心致志地理解,更别说欣赏真正喜欢的一首诗或一篇散文。这些需要用心记忆。不是用脑袋,而是用心,用心的表达才是最重要的。

在这些情况下,对于阅读艺术会面临怎样的将来才是一个真正的问题。我们所面临的技术、心理和社会的变革可能比德国印刷术的发明者谷登堡所带来的变革更加剧烈。如我们所知,谷登堡改革用了很长的时间,其影响还在争论。信息革命将触及写作、出版、发行和阅读的每个细小方面。在图书行业没有一个人能自信地说我们现在所知的书籍将会发生什么。

解题之路

1.选A 。此题要求考生根据所获得的信息对现象的性质进行归纳总结,从而对它得出一个认识。文章一开始,作者给了一些数据:美国有2700万人根本不能阅读,3500万人阅读能力低下。它给人的总体印象是悲观的、不景气的。考生必须对这些数据做出正确的反应,才能选择正确的答案A.rather bleak(很暗淡,很凄凉)。

2.选D 。此题要求考生在几个选项中判断哪一个为事实的表述。文章在第二段开始,通过less...than...(不是……而是……)这个短语宣称,作者的最大忧虑不是基本的文化水平问题,而是中产阶级阅读技能的衰退问题。这就为解答此题提供了确切的线索。应该选择D.the reading ability and reading behavior of the middle class(中产阶级的阅读技能和阅读行为)。

3.选C 。细节题。题干大意是:大部分能够阅读的青少年存在的主要问题是什么。在文章的第二段定位,his unwillingness to afford those spaces of silence,…at the corner of their field of perception.不愿在安静的空间阅读,不愿享受家中时间充裕和集中精神的阅读。据说没有音乐做伴,没有电视屏幕在他们视觉范围内的某个角落闪烁,几乎80%的有阅读能力的、受过教育的美国青少年就很难读书。也就是说这种新的阅读方式使人们难以全神贯注地理解阅读的东西。因此答案为C。

4.选A 。题干大意是:作者如何欣赏诗歌和散文。在第二段定位,即which is to learn by heart.Not by brain,by heart;the expression is vital,也就是说背诵散文与诗歌是最好的方式。Learn by heart就是memorize的意思。因此是A。

5.选B 。此题要求考生在理解全文的基础上准确判断作者的感受。在文章中,作者一开始描述了一幅文化水平低下的图画;然后又宣称文化水平处于上升的中产阶级的阅读技能在衰退;最后再说信息技术给阅读艺术带来的冲击和未来的不确定因素。我们基本能够看出作者对阅读艺术的未来所持的是什么一个态度。应该选择B.uncertain(不确定)。

词汇精解

cite vt.引用,引证,提名表扬

evidence n.明显,显著,迹象,证据

depressing adj.压抑的,阴沉的,沉闷的

literacy n.有文化,有教养,有读写能力

overwhelming adj.压倒性的,无法抵抗的

elemental adj.基础的,基本的,自然力的

slightly adv.轻微地,稍微地,苗条地

luxurious adj.奢华的,奢侈的

literate adj.有文化的,识字的

teenager n.青少年

accompany vt.伴奏,陪伴

flicker vi.闪动,闪烁,摇动

perception n.感知,感觉,理解

distraction n.娱乐,分心,分心的事

essential adj.本质的,实质的,基本的,核心的

apprehension n.理解,恐惧,拘捕

decline n.下降,下倾,衰败,衰落

unwillingness n.不情愿,不乐意

afford vt.提供,给予,承担得起

luxury n.奢侈,奢华,华贵,奢侈品

domesticity n.家庭生活,个人天地

concentration n.集合,集中,专心,专注

surround vt.包围,围绕,环绕

classic adj.古典的,经典的,第一流的

prose n.散文

technical adj.技术的,技巧方面的

psychic adj.精神的,心灵的

transformation n.变化,转化,转换,变革

dramatic adj.戏剧般的,生动的,剧烈的

inventor n.发明者,发明家

printing n.印刷,印刷术,印花

confidence n.信任,信心,把握

难句解析

1.It is hardly necessary for me to cite all the evidence of the depressing state of literacy.

【参考译文】 我没有必要引用所有的证据来证明人们的识字能力令人担忧。

【结构分析】 这是一个形式主语句,主语It指代后面的不定式to cite…literacy,谓语是is,表语是hardly necessary,介词短语for me是范围状语。

【知识链接】 it is hardly necessary for sb.to do某人几乎没必要……

2.But my own worry today is less that of the overwhelming problem of elemental literacy than it is of the slightly more luxurious problem of the decline in the skill even of the middle-class reader,of his unwillingness to afford those spaces of silence,those luxuries of domesticity and time and concentration,that surround the image of the classic act of reading.

【参考译文】 但今天我对许多人没有基本阅读能力问题的担忧已经比不上对另一件事的担忧:那就是,对中产阶级读者阅读技巧下降问题的担忧,他们不喜欢经典的阅读方式,即不愿在安静的空间阅读,不愿享受家中时间充裕和精力集中的阅读。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是But my own worry is less that,即主系表结构,表语that指代前面的worry,of the overwhelming…literacy是that的后定语;than引导的比较状语从句可以切分为:than it is(of the slightly more luxurious problem)(of the decline in the skill even of the middle-class reader,of his unwillingness//to afford those spaces of silence,those luxuries of domesticity and time and concentration//),(that surround the image of the classic act of reading)。主语it指代worry,第一个括号内的介词短语是表语;第二个括号内的of the decline…of his willingness是第一个括号内problem的后定语,in the skill是decline的后定语,of…reader是skill的后定语,分隔号内是一不定式,作unwillingness的后定语;最后的括号内that…reading是前面those spaces…concentration的定语从句。

【知识链接】 the decline in在……方面的下降;one’s unwillingness to do不愿……

3.It has been suggested that almost 80 percent of America’s literate,educated teenagers can no longer read without an accompanying noise(music.in the background or a television screen flickering at the corner of their field of perception.

【参考译文】 据说没有音乐做伴,没有电视屏幕在他们视觉范围内的某个角落闪烁,几乎80%有阅读能力、受过教育的美国青少年就很难读书。

【结构分析】 这是一个形式主语句,主语it指代后面that引导的从句,该从句的主语是almo-st…teenagers,谓语是can no longer read,介词短语without…perception是条件状语,其中的in the background是noise(music的宾语补足语,现在分词flickering是television screen的宾语补足语,at…perception是地点状语。

【知识链接】 it has been suggested that据说……;no longer不再

4.This new form of part-reading,of part-perception against background distraction,renders impossible certain essential acts of apprehension and concentration,let alone that most important tribute any human being can pay to a poem or a piece of prose he or she really loves,which is to learn by heart.

【参考译文】 这种在娱乐背景下半读书半分散精力的新读书方式不可能专心致志地理解,更别说欣赏真正喜欢的一首诗或一篇散文,这些需要用心记忆。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是This new form,谓语是renders,宾语是certain…concentration,impossible是宾语补足语,前置是因为宾语过长;of…part-perception是主语的后定语,against background distraction是part-reading,part-perception的后定语;let alone是一固定搭配,后接名词或名词短语形成一状语结构,其后的内容可以切分为:let alone that most important tribute(any human being can pay)(to a poem or a piece of prose)(he or she really loves),(which is to learn by heart)。第一部分是tribute的定语从句;第二部分是一介词短语,作方位状语;第三部分是a poem or a piece of prose的定语从句;最后一部分也是a poem or a piece of prose的定语从句,by heart是方式状语。

【知识链接】 part-reading半阅读;part-perception半理解;render sth.impossible使……不可能;let alone更别提;pay tribute to…称颂……;learn by heart用心牢记

5.Ahead of us lie technical,psychic,and social transformations probably much more dramatic than those brought about by Gutenberg,the German inventor in printing.

【参考译文】 我们所面临的技术、心理和社会的变革比德国印刷术的发明者谷登堡所带来的变革更加剧烈。

【结构分析】 (Ahead of us lie technical,psychic,and social transformations)(probably much more dramatic than those//brought about by Gutenberg//),(the German inventor//in printing//)。第一部分是主干,是一个完全倒装句,因为介词短语Ahead of us lie位于句首,主语是technical…transformations,谓语是lie;第二部分是第一部分中主语的后定语,分隔号内的过去分词是those的后定语;第三部分是一名词短语,作Gutenberg的同位语,in printing是inventor的后定语。

【知识链接】 ahead of在……之前;bring about带来

6.No one in the book industry can say with any confidence what will happen to the book as we’ve known it.

【参考译文】 在图书行业没有一个人能自信地说我们现在所知的书籍将会发生什么。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是No one…can say…what will happen;in the book industry是主语的后定语,with any confidence是方式状语,to the book是范围状语,as we’ve known it是方式状语从句,it指代the book。

【知识链接】 book industry图书行业

Passage 30

For centuries,explorers have risked their lives venturing into the unknown for reasons that were to varying degrees economic and nationalistic.Columbus went west to look for better trade routes to the Orient and to promote the greater glory of Spain.Lewis and Clark journeyed into the American wilderness to find out what the U.S.had acquired when it purchased Louisiana,and the Apollo astronauts rocketed to the moon in a dramatic show of technological muscle during the cold war.

Although their missions blended commercial and political-military imperatives,the explorers involved all accomplished some significant science simply by going where no scientists had gone before.

Today Mars looms(隐约出现)as humanity’s next great terra incognita(未探明之地).And with doubtful prospects for a short-term financial return,with the cold war a rapidly fading memory and amid a growing emphasis on international cooperation in large space ventures,it is clear that imperatives other than profits or nationalism will have to compel human beings to leave their tracks on the planet’s reddish surface.Could it be that science,which has long played a minor role in exploration,is at last destined to take a leading role?The question naturally invites a couple of others:Are there experiments that only humans could do on Mars?Could those experiments provide insights profound enough to justify the expense of sending people across interplanetary space?

With Mars the scientific stakes are arguably higher than they have ever been.The issue of whether life ever existed on the planet,and whether it persists to this day,has been highlighted by mounting evidence that the Red Planet had abundant stable,liquid water and by the continuing controversy over suggestions that bacterial fossils rode to Earth on a meteorite(陨石)from Mars.A more conclusive answer about life on Mars,past or present,would give researchers invaluable data about the range of conditions under which a planet can generate the complex chemistry that leads to life.If it could be established that life arose independently on Mars and Earth,the finding would provide the first concrete clues in one of the deepest mysteries in all of science:the prevalence of life in the universe.

1.According to the passage,the chief purpose of explorers in going to unknown places in the past was______.

A.to display their country’s military might

B.to accomplish some significant science

C.to find new areas for colonization

D.to pursue commercial and state interests

2.At present,a probable inducement for countries to initiate large-scale space ventures is______.

A.international cooperation

B.nationalistic reasons

C.scientific research

D.long-term profits

3.What is the main goal of sending human missions to Mars?

A.To find out if life ever existed there.

B.To see if humans could survive there.

C.To prove the feasibility of large-scale space ventures.

D.To show the leading role of science in space exploration.

4.By saying“With Mars the scientific stakes are arguably higher than they have ever been”(Line 1,Para.4),the author means that______.

A.with Mars,the risks involved are much greater than any previous space ventures

B.in the case of Mars,the rewards of scientific exploration can be very high

C.in the case of Mars,much more research funds are needed than ever before

D.with Mars,scientists argue,the fundamental interests of science are at issue

5.The passage tells us that proof of life on Mars would______.

A.make clear the complex chemistry in the development of life

B.confirm the suggestion that bacterial fossils traveled to Earth on a meteorite

C.reveal the kind of conditions under which lie originates

D.provide an explanation why life is common in the universe

参考译文

几个世纪以来,探险家冒着生命危险到未知世界去探险,因为在不同程度上这是经济和国家的需要。哥伦布到西方去寻找通往东方的更好的贸易路线,是为了给西班牙增光。Lewis和Clark深入美国荒野是调查当美国购买路易斯安那州时获得了什么。阿波罗号宇航员登上月球,是为了大力炫耀冷战期间美国的科技能力。

虽然他们的任务带有商业、政治和军事的使命,但参与这些活动的探险家全部都到达科学家从未去过的地方,从而完成了具有重要意义的科学活动。

现在火星又成为人类的下一个探索领域。由于短期经济回报尚不明朗的前景,冷战在人们记忆中的迅速消失,以及大规模空间探险国际合作的逐步加强,很显然是使命而不是经济或国家利益促使人类在那个红色行星的表面留下足迹。是不是长久以来在探险中扮演次要角色的科学最终注定要扮演主角?这个问题自然会引出其他一些问题:有些实验是否只有人类能在火星上做?那些实验是否能提供证据,从而证明值得耗费巨资送人类穿越星际太空呢?

火星探险的科学赌注比以往任何时候都高。由于越来越多的证据表明,这个红色行星上曾经有稳定而丰富的液态水,而且人们对细菌化石是从火星上的陨石落到地球上这一说法一直有争论,所以火星上是否存在过生命和是否至今仍有生命的问题一直是引人注目的焦点。关于火星过去或者现在有生命的更完整的结论将会给研究者提供宝贵的数据,使其能够了解何种条件下行星能够产生孕育生命的复杂的化学物质。如果生命是在火星和地球上独立演变而来的说法成立,这个发现将为所有科学中最大的奥秘之一提供第一批具体线索:宇宙中生命的普遍存在。

解题之路

1.选D 。题干大意是:根据文章的观点,过去探索者进入未名之地的主要目的是什么。在第一段定位,即For centuries,explorers have risked their lives venturing into the unknown for reasons that were to varying degrees economic and nationalistic.几个世纪以来,探险家冒着生命危险到未知世界去探险,不同程度上而言,这是经济和国家的需要。因此选D。

2.选C 。推理题。题干大意是:现在促使各国进行大规模空间探索的原因是什么。在第三段定位,即it is clear that imperatives other than profits or nationalism will have to compel human beings to leave their tracks on the planet’s reddish surface.Could it be that science,which has long played a minor role in exploration,is at last destined to take a leading role?很显然,是使命而不是经济或国家利益促使人类在那个红色行星的表面留下足迹。是不是很长时间以来在探险中扮演次要角色的科学最终注定要扮演主角?由此可以推出,在目前,人们的太空冒险活动是一种科学研究。

3.选A 。题干大意是:人类登上火星的主要目的是什么。定位在最后一段,即The issue of whether life ever existed on the planet,and whether it persists to this day,has been highlighted by mounting evidence that the Red Planet had abundant stable,liquid water and by the continuing controversy over suggestions that bacterial fossils rode to Earth on a meteorite(陨石)from Mars.由于越来越多的证据表明,这个红色行星上曾经有稳定而丰富的液态水,而且人们对细菌化石是从火星上的陨石落到地球上这一说法一直有争论,所以火星上是否存在过生命和是否至今仍有生命的问题一直是引人注目的焦点。也就是人类登上火星是为了证明是否存在生命。

4.选B 。此题为“难句解析”题。有些难句是由语法结构造成的,有些难句是由思想抽象造成的,而此难句却是由修辞造成的。stakes一词的意思是“赌注,奖金”,在此比喻人们在此项目上投入很大,期望值也很高。当然机会与风险并存,如果成功回报很大,如果失败损失也很大。从全文来看,stakes的意思应该是“奖金、回报”。文章讲,过去的探险都受商业和政治利益的驱使,而现在对火星的探索纯粹是一个科学的行为。然后它又讲,火星探索能够解决许多科学上的难题,给科学研究带来好处。因此应该选择B.in the case of Mars,the rewards of scientific exploration can be very high(在火星这个问题上,科学探索的回报可能很高)。

5.选C 。此题要求考生在理解全文的基础上,判断什么是文章所讨论的中心议题。本文从哥伦布谈到阿波罗登月舱,从冷战谈到探险的原动力,但它最终想要谈的还是火星探索能够解决的科学疑团。不管前边有多少铺垫,考生必须认清文章讨论的核心。即如果火星上发现了生命的迹象,那么它将揭示生命起源的秘密。因此选择C.reveal the kind of conditions under which life originates(揭示生命起源的物质条件)。

词汇精解

explorer n.探险家,探测者,探测器

nationalistic adj.国家主义的

route n.路线,路程,通道

Orient n.东方,东方诸国(指地中海以东诸国)

promote vt.促进,发扬,提高,提拔

glory n.光荣,荣誉

mission n.使命,任务,使团,代表团

blend vt.混合,融合

commercial adj.贸易的,商业的

imperative n.命令,需要,规则

accomplish vt.完成,达到,实现

significant adj.有意义的,重要的,重大的

doubtful adj.可疑的,疑心的,不确定的

prospect n.景色,前景,前途

financial adj.金融的,经济的

fading adj.褪色的,枯萎的,消退的

amid prep.在……之间

emphasis n.强调,重点

nationalism n.民族主义,民族特点,国家主义

reddish adj.微红的,略带红色的

minor adj.较小的,次要的,未成年的

exploration n.探索,探测,勘探,探险

leading adj.领导的,领先的,最主要的

highlight vt.加亮,使显著,突出,强调

abundant adj.丰富的,充裕的,充足的

controversy n.争论,辩论,论战

bacterial adj.细菌的

fossil n.化石,僵化的事物

meteorite n.陨石

conclusive adj.确定的,最终的,结论性的

invaluable adj.无价的,极其宝贵的

range n.山脉,行列,射程,范围

complex adj.复杂的,合成的,综合的

chemistry n.化学,化学成分

concrete adj.具体的,有形的

mystery n.神秘,奥秘,神秘的人/物

prevalence n.流行,盛行,普遍性

难句解析

1.For centuries,explorers have risked their lives venturing into the unknown for reasons that were to varying degrees economic and nationalistic.

【参考译文】 几个世纪以来,探险家冒着生命危险到未知世界去探险,因为在不同程度上这是经济和国家的需要。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是explorers have risked their lives;现在分词短语venturing into the unknown是结果状语,for reasons是原因状语,之后的that引导的是reasons的定语从句,谓语是were,表语是economic and nationalistic,to varying degrees是程度状语。

【知识链接】 venture into冒险进入;the unknown未知事物,未知区域;to varying degrees不同程度上

2.Columbus went west to look for better trade routes to the Orient and to promote the greater glory of Spain.

【参考译文】 哥伦布到西方去寻找通往东方的更好的贸易路线,是为了给西班牙增光。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是Columbus,谓语是went,之后的不定式to look for…and to promote…是目的状语,west是方位状语,介词短语to the Orient是trade routes的后定语。

【知识链接】 Columbus哥伦布(意大利航海家);Spain(n.)西班牙

3.Although their missions blended commercial and political-military imperatives,the explorers involved all accomplished some significant science simply by going where no scientists had gone before.

【参考译文】 虽然他们的任务带有商业、政治和军事的使命,但参与这些活动的探险家全部都到达科学家从未去过的地方,从而完成了具有重要意义的科学活动。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句;Although引导的让步状语从句的主语是their missions,谓语是blended,宾语是commercial and political-military imperatives;主句可以切分为:(the explorers//involved//all accomplished some significant science)(simply by going//where no scientists had gone before//)。第一部分是主干,过去分词involved是主语the explorers的后定语,all是主语的同位语;第二部分是方式状语,where引导的是going的地点状语。

【知识链接】 political-military(adj.)政治军事的

4.And with doubtful prospects for a short-term financial return,with the cold war a rapidly fading memory and amid a growing emphasis on international cooperation in large space ventures,it is clear that imperatives other than profits or nationalism will have to compel human beings to leave their tracks on the planet’s reddish surface.

【参考译文】 由于短期经济回报尚不明朗的前景,冷战在人们记忆中的迅速消失,以及大规模空间探险国际合作的逐步加强,很显然是使命而不是经济或国家利益促使人类在那个红色行星的表面留下足迹。

【结构分析】 句子可以拆分为:(And with doubtful prospects for a short-term financial return,//with the cold war a rapidly fading memory//and amid a growing emphasis on international cooperation in large space ventures),(it is clear//that imperatives other than profits or nationalism will have to compel human beings to leave their tracks//on the planet’s reddish surface//)。第一部分是并列的介词短语,即And with…with…and amid…,作原因状语,其中的for…return是prospects的后定语,a…memory是the cold war的宾语补足语,on international cooperation是emphasis的后定语,in large space ventures是cooperation的后定语。第二部分是主干,是一个形式主语句,主语it指代后面的that引导的从句,该从句的主语是imperatives,谓语是will have to compel,宾语是human beings,不定式to leave their tracks是宾语补足语,on…surface是地点状语,other than…nationalism是状语。

【知识链接】 short-term(adj.)短期的;cold war冷战;international cooperation国际合作;space venture太空探险;it is clear that很清楚……;other than不是;compel sb.to do迫使某人……

5.Could it be that science,which has long played a minor role in exploration,is at last destined to take a leading role?

【参考译文】 是不是长久以来在探险中扮演次要角色的科学最终注定要扮演主角?

【结构分析】 这个问句的主语it指代后面that引导的从句,该从句的主语是science,谓语是is…destined to take,宾语是a leading role;which引导的是science的定语从句,long是副词,作时间状语,in exploration是范围状语。

【知识链接】 play a minor role in在……中起次要作用;at last最终;be destined to do注定……;take a leading role起主要作用

6.The issue of whether life ever existed on the planet,and whether it persists to this day,has been highlighted by mounting evidence that the Red Planet had abundant stable,liquid water and by the continuing controversy over suggestions that bacterial fossils rode to Earth on a meteorite from Mars.

【参考译文】 由于越来越多的证据表明,这个红色行星上曾经有稳定而丰富的液态水,而且人们对细菌化石是从火星上的陨石落到地球上这一说法一直有争论,所以火星上是否存在过生命和是否至今仍有生命的问题一直是引人注目的焦点。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(The issue of whether life ever existed on the planet,and whether it persists to this day,has been highlighted)(by mounting evidence//that the Red Planet had abundant stable,liquid water//and by the continuing controversy over suggestions//that bacterial fossils rode to Earth on a meteorite from Mars//)。第一部分是句子的主干,即The issue…has been highlighted,whether…and whether…to this day是并列从句,作of的宾语,on the planet是地点状语,to this day是时间状语;第二部分是并列的状语,即by…and by…Mars,介词短语over suggestions是controversy的后定语,that…water是evidence的同位语从句,that…Mars是suggestions的同位语从句,介词短语to Earth是方位状语,on a meteorite是rode的方式状语,from Mars是meteorite的后定语。

【知识链接】 Mars(n.)火星;to this day直至今天;liquid water液态水;controversy over对于……的争论

7.A more conclusive answer about life on Mars,past or present,would give researchers invaluable data about the range of conditions under which a planet can generate the complex chemistry that leads to life.

【参考译文】 关于火星过去或者现在有生命的更完整的结论将会给研究者提供宝贵的数据,使其能够了解何种条件下行星能够产生孕育生命的复杂的化学物质。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句的主干是A more conclusive answer…would give researchers invaluable data,其中的researchers和invaluable data分别是间接和直接宾语;about life是answer的后定语,on Mars是life的后定语,past or present是Mars的后定语,about the range of conditions是data的后定语,under which引导的是conditions的定语从句,最后的that leads to life是chemistry的定语从句。

【知识链接】 lead to导致……

8.If it could be established that life arose independently on Mars and Earth,the finding would provide the first concrete clues in one of the deepest mysteries in all of science:the prevalence of life in the universe.

【参考译文】 如果生命是在火星和地球上独立演变而来的说法成立,这个发现将为所有科学中最大的奥秘之一提供第一批具体线索:宇宙中生命的普遍存在。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(If it could be established//that life arose independently on Mars and Earth//),(the finding would provide the first concrete clues//in one of the deepest mysteries in all of science//):(the prevalence of life in the universe)。第一部分是If引导的条件状语从句,主语it指代后面的that引导的从句,on Mars and Earth是地点状语;第二部分是主句,主语是the finding,谓语是would provide,宾语是clues,in…mysteries是clues的后定语,in all of science是mysteries的后定语。

【知识链接】 it can be established that可以认为……

Passage 31

Birds that are literally half-asleep—with one brain hemisphere alert and the other sleeping—control which side of the brain remains awake,according to a new study of sleeping ducks.

Earlier studies have documented half-brain sleep in a wide range of birds.The brain hemispheres take turns sinking into the sleep stage characterized by slow brain waves.The eye controlled by the sleeping hemisphere keeps shut,while the wakeful hemisphere’s eye stays open and alert.Birds also can sleep with both hemispheres resting at once.

Decades of studies of bird flocks led researchers to predict extra alertness in the more vulnerable,end-of-the-row sleepers.Sure enough,the end birds tended to watch carefully on the side away from their companions.Ducks in the inner spots showed no preference for gaze direction.

Also,birds dozing(打盹)at the end of the line resorted to single-hemisphere sleep,rather than total relaxation,more often than inner ducks did.Rotating 16 birds through the positions in a four-duck row,the researchers found outer birds half-asleep during some 32 percent of dozing time versus about 12 percent for birds in internal spots.

“We believe this is the first evidence for an animal behaviorally controlling sleep and wakefulness simultaneously in different regions of the brain,”the researchers say.

The results provide the best evidence for a long-standing supposition that single-hemisphere sleep evolved as creatures scanned for enemies.The preference for opening an eye on the lookout side could be widespread,he predicts.He’s seen it in a pair of birds dozing side-by-side in the zoo and in a single pet bird sleeping by mirror.The mirror-side eye closed as if the reflection were a companion and the other eye stayed open.

Useful as half-sleeping might be,it’s only been found in birds and such water mammals(哺乳动物)as dolphins,whales,and seals.Perhaps keeping one side of the brain awake allows a sleeping animal to surface occasionally to avoid drowning.

Studies of birds may offer unique insights into sleep.Jerome M.Siegel of the UGLA says he wonders if birds’half-brain sleep“is just the tip of the iceberg(冰山)”.He speculates that more examples may turn up when we take a closer look at other species.

1.A new study on birds’sleep has revealed that______.

A.half-brain sleep is found in a wide variety of birds

B.half-brain sleep is characterized by slow brain waves

C.birds can control their half brain-sleep consciously

D.birds seldom sleep with the whole of their brain at rest

2.According to the passage,birds often half sleep because______.

A.they have to watch out for possible attacks

B.their brain hemisphere take turns to rest

C.the two halves of their brain are differently structured

D.they have to constantly keep an eye on their companions

3.The example of a bird sleeping in front of a mirror indicates that______.

A.the phenomenon of birds dozing in pairs is widespread

B.birds prefer to sleep in pairs for the sake of security

C.even an imagined companion gives the bird a sense of security

D.a single pet bird enjoys seeing its own reflection in the mirror

4.While sleeping,some water mammals tend to keep half awake in order to______.

A.alert themselves to the approaching enemy

B.emerge from water now and then to breathe

C.be sensitive to the ever-changing environment

D.avoid being swept away by rapid currents

5.By“just the tip of the iceberg”(Line 2,Para.8),Siegel suggests that______.

A.half-brain sleep has something to do with icy weather

B.the mystery of half-brain sleep is close to being solved

C.most birds living in cold regions tend to be half sleepers

D.half-brain sleep is a phenomenon that could exist among other species

参考译文

一项对睡眠中的鸭子的新研究表明,鸟类可以控制其中一侧大脑保持清醒。实际上鸟类是处于半睡眠状态的,一个脑半球保持清醒,另一个脑半球却可以睡眠。

早期研究已记录半睡眠现象存在于多种鸟类之中。两个脑半球轮流进入以缓慢脑电波为特征的睡眠阶段。由睡眠的脑半球控制的那只眼睛总是闭着,而由清醒的脑半球控制的那只眼睛却警觉地睁着。鸟类也能两个脑半球同时休息。

对鸟群进行几十年研究后,研究者预言,一排在末尾睡眠的鸟格外警觉,因为它们更易遭受攻击。非常肯定的是,在末尾的鸟往往小心翼翼地看着没有同伴的那一侧。在一群鸭子中,靠里面的鸭子没有什么特别的倾向去盯着哪个方向。

而且,一排末尾的鸟即使打盹也比中间的鸟更经常地处于半睡眠状态,而非完全休息。研究者发现,把16只鸟排成四排轮流调换其位置,外侧的鸟约32%的打盹时间是半睡眠,而处于内侧位置的鸟只有12%的时间处于半睡眠。

研究者们说:“我们认为,这是动物大脑不同区域同时控制睡眠和清醒的第一个行为上的证据。”

这些研究结果为长期形成的假想提供了最好证据:半脑睡眠是生物在搜索敌人过程中进化的结果。他说鸟喜欢在需要监望的一侧睁着一只眼睛是很普遍的现象。他曾经见过公园里一对紧挨着打盹的鸟就是这样,在镜子旁睡觉的单只的宠物鸟也是这样。它感觉好像镜子里的影像就是伙伴,所以靠近镜子一侧的眼睛闭着,而另一只眼睛却睁着。

尽管半睡眠可能很有用,但我们只在鸟类以及海豚、鲸和海豹这些水生哺乳动物中发现这种现象。也许保持一半大脑清醒使睡眠中的动物可以偶尔地浮出水面避免被淹死。

对鸟类的研究可能提供对睡眠的独特见解。加利福尼亚大学洛杉矶分校的Jerome M.Siegel说.他不知道鸟类半睡眠的发现是否只是对睡眠认识的冰山一角。他推测说,如果我们能更密切地观察其他动物,就会发现更多例证。

解题之路

1.选C 。根据文章第1段、第3~6段可知,对鸟类睡眠的最新研究表明,它们能够有意识地控制自己的半脑睡眠。这几段举例说明了对这个问题实验的情况。选项A、B、D虽在文章第2段中也提到了,但那是文献记载的以前研究的情况(Earlier studies have documented...)故均不是正确答案。

2.选A 。根据文章第6段The results provide the best evidence for along standing supposition that single hemisphere sleep evolved as creatures scanned for enemies.(这些研究结果为一个长久以来的假设提供了最好的证据,即单侧脑睡眠是在生物警惕敌人过程中进化形成的。)

3.选C 。根据文章第6段内容:鸟类单侧脑睡眠是在警惕敌人过程中进化而来,此结论还可推而广之。在需要警惕的一侧,鸟儿喜欢睁着一只眼睛……一对动物园里的鸟儿挨着打瞌睡时是如此,宠物鸟靠镜子一侧的眼睛闭着,好像镜子中的影子是一个伙伴,而另一只眼睛却睁着,也说明这种情况。所以选项C是答案。

4.选B 。根据文章第7段第2句Perhaps keeping one side of the brain awake allows a sleeping animal to surface occasionally to avoid drowning.(也许,保持一侧脑醒着可以使睡眠中的动物不时浮出水面而淹死。)所以B.emerge from water now and then to breathe(不时浮出水面来呼吸)是正确答案。

5.选D 。根据文章最后的一段,也就是含有这个短语的上下文。Studies of birds may offer unique insights into sleep...He(Siegel)speculates that more examples may turn up when we take closer look at other species.(对鸟类的研究可能提供对睡眠的独特认识……他推测当我们对其他物种仔细观察时,就会发现更多的例证。)因此选项D所说“半侧脑睡眠这种现象可能存在于其他物种”正是“just the tip of iceberg”所表达的意思。

词汇精解

Literally adv.字面意义地,逐字地,实际上

hemisphere n.半球

alert adj.提防的,警惕的,警觉的

duck n.鸭子

characterize vt.以……为特色,刻画……的性格

wakeful adj.不能入睡的,清醒的

rotate vt.使旋转

row n.一排,一行

outer adj.外部的,外面的,远离中心的

doze vi.瞌睡,打盹,假寐

versus prep.对(指诉讼、比赛中),与……相比

internal adj.内在的,内部的,国内的

behaviorally adv.行为地,行为方面地

simultaneously adv.同时地

supposition n.假定,假想,推测

evolve vi.发展,进展,进化,演变

scan vt.细看,审视,扫描,浏览

mammal n.哺乳动物

dolphin n.海豚

whale n.鲸

seal n.海豹,海豹皮毛

surface vi.浮出水面

occasionally adv.有时,偶尔

drown vi.溺水,淹死

难句解析

1.Birds that are literally half-asleep—with one brain hemisphere alert and the other sleeping—control which side of the brain remains awake,according to a new study of sleeping ducks.

【参考译文】 一项对睡眠中的鸭子的新研究表明,鸟类可以控制其中一侧大脑保持清醒。实际上鸟类是处于半睡眠状态的,一个脑半球保持清醒,另一个脑半球却可以睡眠。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,主句的主干是Birds…control which side of the brain remains awake,其中which引导的从句是control的宾语;that…half-asleep是主语Birds的定语从句,破折号之间的介词短语with one brain…sleeping是独立主格结构,alert和sleeping分别是one brain hemisphere和the other的宾语补足语,最后的according to…ducks是方式状语。

【知识链接】 half-asleep(adj.)半睡眠状态的;according to根据

2.The brain hemispheres take turns sinking into the sleep stage characterized by slow brain waves.

【参考译文】 两个脑半球轮流进入以缓慢脑电波为特征的睡眠阶段。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(The brain hemispheres take turns)(sinking into the sleep stage)(characterized by slow brain waves)。第一部分是主干;第二部分的现在分词短语sinking…stage作伴随状语;第三部分的过去分词characterized是sleep stage的后定语。

【知识链接】 take turns轮流;sink into陷入(某种状态);brain wave脑电波

3.The eye controlled by the sleeping hemisphere keeps shut,while the wakeful hemisphere’s eye stays open and alert.

【参考译文】 由睡眠的脑半球控制的那只眼睛总是闭着,而由清醒的脑半球控制的那只眼睛却警觉地睁着。

【结构分析】 这是由while连接的并列句,第一部分的主干是The eye…keeps shut,即主系表结构,过去分词controlled是The eye的后定语;第二部分的主语是the wakeful hemisphere’s eye,谓语stays是系动词,open and alert是表语。

【知识链接】 keep shut保持闭合;stay open保持睁开

4.Birds also can sleep with both hemispheres resting at once.

【参考译文】 鸟类也能两个脑半球同时休息。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Birds also can sleep;with…resting是独立主格结构,现在分词resting是both hemispheres的宾语补足语,at once是时间状语。

【知识链接】 at once同时

5.Rotating 16 birds through the positions in a four-duck row,the researchers found outer birds half-asleep during some 32 percent of dozing time versus about 12 percent for birds in internal spots.

【参考译文】 研究者发现,把16只鸟排成四排轮流调换其位置,外侧的鸟约32%的打盹时间是半睡眠,而处于内侧位置的鸟只有12%的时间处于半睡眠。

【结构分析】 这个句子可以切分为:(Rotating 16 birds through the positions//in a four-duck row//),(the researchers found outer birds half-asleep)(during some 32 percent of dozing time//versus about 12 percent for birds in internal spots//)。第一部分的现在分词结构Rotating…half-asleep作伴随状语,through the positions是方式状语,分隔号内是positions的后定语;第二部分是句子的主干,half-asleep是宾语outer birds的补足语;第三部分是时间状语,分隔号内versus…internal spots是一比较状语,in internal spots是birds的后定语。

【知识链接】 in a…row排成……一排

6.“We believe this is the first evidence for an animal behaviorally controlling sleep and wakefulness simultaneously in different regions of the brain,”the researchers say.

【参考译文】 研究者们说:“我们认为,这是动物大脑不同区域同时控制睡眠和清醒的第一个行为上的证据。”

【结构分析】 这个句子的主谓结构在最后,即the researchers say,冒号之间的是宾语从句;该从句是一主从复合句,可以切分为:We believe(this is the first evidence)(for an animal behaviorally//controlling sleep and wakefulness//simultaneously in different regions of the brain)。第一部分是believe的宾语从句;第二部分是一介词短语,作evidence的后定语,其中的现在分词短语controlling sleep and wakefulness是animal的宾语补足语,in…brain是sleep and wakefulness的后定语。

【知识链接】 wakefulness(n.)清醒;region(n.)区域,地区

7.The results provide the best evidence for a long-standing supposition that single-hemisphere sleep evolved as creatures scanned for enemies.

【参考译文】 这些研究结果为长期形成的假想提供了最好证据:半脑睡眠是生物在搜索敌人过程中进化的结果。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(The results provide the best evidence//for a long-standing supposition//)(that single-hemisphere sleep evolved)(as creatures scanned for enemies)。第一部分是主句,分隔号内是evidence的后定语;第二部分是supposition的同位语从句,主语是sleep,谓语是evolved;第三部分是时间状语从句,scanned for是谓语。

【知识链接】 provide…for…为……提供……;long-standing(adj.)长期的;scan for寻觅,搜索

8.Useful as half-sleeping might be,it’s only been found in birds and such water mammals as dolphins,whales,and seals.

【参考译文】 尽管半睡眠可能很有用,但我们只在鸟类以及海豚、鲸和海豹这些水生哺乳动物中发现了这种现象。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句;Useful…be是让步状语从句,实际上,这是省略了引导词且使用了倒装结构的句子,正常语序是Though half-sleeping might be useful;主句的主干是it’s only been found,in birds…mammals是地点状语,as…seals是water mammals的后定语。

【知识链接】 water mammal水生哺乳动物

9.Perhaps keeping one side of the brain awake allows a sleeping animal to surface occasionally to avoid drowning.

【参考译文】 也许保持一半大脑清醒使睡眠中的动物可以偶尔地浮出水面避免被淹死。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主语是动名词短语keeping one side of the brain awake,其中的awake是宾语补足语,谓语是allows,宾语是a sleeping animal,不定式to surface是宾语补足语,不定式to avoid drowning是目的状语。

【知识链接】 allow sb.to do允许某人……

Passage 32

A nine-year-old schoolgirl single-handedly cooks up a science-fair experiment that ends up debunking(揭穿……的真相)a widely practiced medical treatment.Emily Rosa’s target was a practice known as therapeutic(治疗)touch(TT for short),whose advocates manipulate patients’“energy field”to make them feel better and even,say some,to cure them of various ills.Yet Emily’s test shows that these energy fields can’t be detected,even by trained TT practitioners(行医者).Obviously mindful of the publicity value of the situation,Journal editor George Lundberg appeared on TV to declare,“Age doesn’t matter.It’s good science that matters,and this is good science.”

Emily’s mother Linda Rosa,a registered nurse,has been campaigning against TT for nearly a decade.Linda first thought about TT in the late 1980s,when she learned it was on the approved list for continuing nursing education in Colorado.Its 100,000 trained practitioners(48,000 in the U.S.)don’t even touch their patients.Instead,they waved their hands a few inches from the patient’s body,pushing energy fields around until they’re in“balance.”TT advocates say these manipulations can help heal wounds,relieve pain and reduce fever.The claims are taken seriously enough that TT therapists are frequently hired by leading hospitals,at up to$70 an hour,to smooth patients’energy,sometimes during surgery.

Yet Rosa could not find any evidence that it works.To provide such proof,TT therapists would have to sit down for independent testing-something they haven’t been eager to do,even though James Randi has offered more than$1 million to anyone who can demonstrate the existence of a human energy field.(He’s had one taker so far.She failed.)A skeptic might conclude that TT practitioners are afraid to lay their beliefs on the line.But who could turn down an innocent fourth-grader?Says Emily:“I think they didn’t take me very seriously because I’m a kid.”

The experiment was straightforward:21 TT therapists stuck their hands,palms up,through a screen.Emily held her own hand over one of theirs—left or right—and the practitioners had to say which hand it was.When the results were recorded,they’d done no better than they would have by simply guessing.If there was an energy field,they couldn’t feel it.

1.Which of the following is evidence that TT is widely practiced?

A.TT has been in existence for decades.

B.Many patients were cured by therapeutic touch.

C.TT therapists are often employed by leading hospitals.

D.More than 100,000 people are undergoing TT treatment.

2.Very few TT practitioners responded to the$1 million offer because______.

A.they didn’t take the offer seriously

B.they didn’t want to risk their career

C.they were unwilling to reveal their secret

D.they thought it was not in line with their practice

3.The purpose of Emily Rosa’s experiment was______.

A.to see why TT could work the way it did

B.to find out how TT cured patient’s illness

C.to test whether she could sense the human energy field

D.to test whether a human energy field really existed

4.Why did some TT practitioners agree to be the subjects of Emily’s experiment?

A.It involved nothing more than mere guessing.

B.They thought it was going to be a lot of fun.

C.It was more straightforward than other experiments.

D.They sensed no harm in a little girl’s experiment.

5.What can we learn from the passage?

A.Some widely accepted beliefs can be deceiving.

B.Solid evidence weighs more than pure theories.

C.Little children can be as clever as trained TT practitioners.

D.The principle of TT is too profound to understand.

参考译文

一个九岁的女学生独自做了一个科学实验,最终揭示了一种被广泛应用的医疗方法的真相。Emily Rosa的目标是一种被称为“接触治疗”(TT)的方法,那些拥护者声称控制病人的“能场”能改善他们的病情,有的甚至还说能治愈各种各样的疾病。然而Emily的实验表明这些“能场”是察觉不到的,甚至是受过培训的专门的TT医师也觉察不到。显然,杂志编辑George Lundberg注意到了这种情况的宣传价值,他在电视节目中说“年龄无关紧要,重要的是好的科学,而这就是有益的科学”。

Emily的母亲Linda Rosa是位注册护士,她从事抵制接触疗法的活动已近10年了。Linda最早开始思考接触疗法是在20世纪80年代末,那时她了解到TT疗法在科罗拉多州被列入经批准的护理继续教育课程。10万接受培训的接触疗法医生(其中4.8万人在美国)甚至不用接触病人身体,而是在距离病人身体几英寸的地方挥动双手,推动“能场”转动直至“能场”达到“平衡”。接触疗法的拥护者说,这些操作可以帮助伤口愈合、缓解疼痛甚至退烧。人们很看重这些说法,以致TT医生经常受雇于好的医院,每小时的报酬高达70美元,他们主要是平衡病人的“能”,有时做手术时也使用这种疗法。

然而,Rosa找不到任何有力证据。为了提供证明,TT医生必须准备接受独立的测试——这是他们一直都不愿意做的事情,尽管James Randi给能证明人类“能场”存在的人提供100万美元的奖金。(迄今为止只有一个从事这种试验的人,但她最终失败了。)那些怀疑他们的人认为TT医生是不想让他们的信仰冒险。但谁能拒绝一个天真的四年级小学生呢?Emily说:“我想他们没有太把我当回事儿,因为我是个孩子。”

实验要求21位TT医生将手掌心向上,穿过一个屏幕伸出来。Emily把自己的手放在他们左手或右手的上方。这些医生必须说出Emily的手放在了哪一只手的上方。记录的结果表明,他们的结论只能是猜测。如果有“能场”,他们也感觉不到。

解题之路

1.选C 。根据第2段The claims are taken seriously enough that TT therapists are frequently hired by leading hospitals.(这种宣扬很受重视,以致TT行医者经常受雇于大的医院……)选项A文章中没有提及,选项B叙述不准确,文中只是说,据称这种方法能使人病情好转,甚至说有的能治疗各种疾病。选项D与文章内容不符,文章说,受过培训的TT行医者甚至不接触病人身体……故A、B、D均不是答案。

2.选C 。根据文章第3段第2句:为了提供这样一个证明(证明人有“能场”),TT行医者不得不坐下接受独立的测试——这是他们一直都不愿意做的事情,即使詹姆斯·兰迪为能演示人存在“能场”的人提供100多万美元的奖金。(To provide such proof,TT therapists would have to sit down for independent testing something they haven’t been eager to do,even though James Randi has offered more than$1 million to anyone who can demonstrate the existence of a human energy field.)

3.选D 。根据文章第1段我们知道,TT行医者所宣扬的就是通过调节病人“能场”来治病(whose advocates manipulate patient’s“energy field”to make them feel better and even,say some,to cure them of various ills)。在第2段中,又提到“运用这种手法可以推动能场转动直到平衡(…pushing energy fields around until they’re in“balance”),而艾米丽·瑞莎的实验就是证明是否能场真的存在。特别文章最后一句If there was an energy field,they couldn’t feel it.(如果有一个能场的话,他们也感觉不到。)选项C说是测试她能否感觉到能场,如果是这样的话,前提是存在一个能场,这当然是错误的。A、B两个选项也是错误的。

4.选D 。根据文章第3段从第2句到段末这部分:A skeptic might conclude that TT practitioners are afraid to lay their beliefs on the line.But who would turn down an innocent,fourth grader?Says Emily:“I think they didn’t take me very seriously because I’m a kid”.(怀疑的人或许会因为TT行医者害怕使他们自己处于被揭露的危险中,但谁能拒绝一个天真的四年级的小学生呢?艾米丽说,“我想他们不会太把我当回事,因为我是个小孩子。”)

5.选A 。此题要求概括主题。文章第1句就是主题句:A nine year old school girl single handly cooks up a science fair experiment the ends up debunking a widely practiced medical treatment.(一个九岁的小女孩独自设计了一个公开的科学实验,结果揭穿了一种广为流行的医疗方法的真相。)

词汇精解

debunk vt.暴露,揭穿,拆穿假面具

practiced adj.熟练的,老练的,使用着的

target n.靶子,对象,目标

therapeutic adj.治疗的,治疗学的

advocate n.提倡者,鼓吹者,拥护者

manipulate vt.操作,操纵,使用,利用

energy n.精神,精力,活力,能量

various adj.不同的,多样的,各种各样的

approved adj.经核准的,被认可的,被批准的

nursing n.看护,养育,护理

inch n.英寸

claim n.声称,认领,要求,观点

frequently adv.经常地,常常,频繁地

hire vt.出租,雇用

smooth vt.使光滑,使平静,烫平

surgery n.外科学,外科,手术

proof n.试验,考验,证据,证明

independent adj.独立的,自主的,不受约束的

offer vt.提供,出价

demonstrate vt.示范,论证,证明,展示

therapist n.临床医学家,治疗专家

stick vt.刺,戳,伸出

palm n.手掌,棕榈,棕榈叶

screen n.银幕,屏幕,屏风,遮蔽物

record vt.将……录音,标明,记录

simply adv.简单地,只不过,仅仅

guess vt.猜测,推测,认为

难句解析

1.A nine-year-old schoolgirl single-handedly cooks up a science-fair experiment that ends up debunking a widely practiced medical treatment.

【参考译文】 一个九岁的女学生独自做了一个科学实验,最终揭示了一种被广泛应用的医疗方法的真相。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(A nine-year-old schoolgirl single-handedly cooks up a science-fair experiment)(that ends up//debunking a widely practiced medical treatment//)。第一部分是主句,谓语是cooks up,宾语是experiment;第二部分是experiment的定语从句,现在分词短语debunking…treatment是结果状语,过去分词practiced是treatment的定语。

【知识链接】 single-handedly(adv.)独自地,单枪匹马地;cook up策划;science-fair(adj.)科学普及性的;end up doing以……而告终;medical treatment医疗方法

2.Emily Rosa’s target was a practice known as therapeutic touch(TT for short),whose advocates manipulate patients’“energy field”to make them feel better and even,say some,to cure them of various ills.

【参考译文】 Emily Rosa的目标是一种被称为“接触治疗”(TT)的方法,那些拥护者声称控制病人的“能场”能改善他们的病情,有的甚至还说能治愈各种各样的疾病。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(Emily Rosa’s target was a practice//known as therapeutic touch(TT for short)//),(whose advocates manipulate patients’“energy field”//to make them feel better and even,say some,to cure them of various ills//)。第一部分是主句,过去分词known是practice的后定语,介词短语as therapeutic touch是practice的补足语,for short是一固定短语;第二部分是therapeutic touch的定语从句,该从句的主语是advocates,谓语是manipulate,宾语是energy field,不定式to make…and…to cure…ills是目的状语,feel better是them的宾语补足语,say some是插入语,属于倒装现象,正常语序是some say。

【知识链接】 be known as被称为;for short作为简称;cure sb.of治愈……

3.Linda first thought about TT in the late 1980s,when she learned it was on the approved list for continuing nursing education in Colorado.

【参考译文】 Linda最早开始思考接触疗法是在20世纪80年代末,那时她了解到TT疗法在科罗拉多州被列入经批准的护理继续教育课程。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(Linda first thought about TT in the late 1980s),(when she learned//it was on the approved list for continuing nursing education in Colorado//)。第一部分是主句,in the late 1980s是时间状语;第二部分是the late 1980s的定语从句,其中分隔号内是learned的宾语从句,其主语it指代前面的TT,谓语是was,表语是in the approved list,介词短语for…education是list的后定语,in Colorado是continuing nursing education的后定语。

【知识链接】 continuing education继续教育;Colorado科罗拉多(美国州名)

4.Instead,they waved their hands a few inches from the patient’s body,pushing energy fields around until they’re in“balance.”

【参考译文】 而是在距离病人身体几英寸的地方挥动双手,推动“能场”转动直至“能场”达到“平衡”。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是they waved their hands,名词短语a few inches作状语,from the patient’s body是inches的后定语,现在分词短语pushing energy fields around是伴随状语,最后的until引导的是时间状语从句。

【知识链接】 wave one’s hands挥手;in balance处于平衡

5.The claims are taken seriously enough that TT therapists are frequently hired by leading hospitals,at up to$70 an hour,to smooth patients’energy,sometimes during surgery.

【参考译文】 人们很看重这些说法,以致TT医生经常受雇于好的医院,每小时的报酬高达70美元,他们主要是平衡病人的“能”,有时做手术时也使用这种疗法。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(The claims are taken seriously enough)(that TT therapists are frequently hired by leading hospitals,at up to$70 an hour),(to smooth patients’energy,sometimes during surgery)。第一部分是主句;第二部分是结果状语从句,at…hour是方式状语;第三部分的不定式是目的状语,during surgery是时间状语。

【知识链接】 be taken seriously很受重视

6.To provide such proof,TT therapists would have to sit down for independent testing—something they haven’t been eager to do,even though James Randi has offered more than$1 million to anyone who can demonstrate the existence of a human energy field.

【参考译文】 为了提供证明,TT医生必须准备接受独立的测试——这是他们一直都不愿做的事情,尽管James Randi给能证明人类“能场”存在的人提供100万美元的奖金。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句;不定式To provide such proof是目的状语;主句可以切分为:(TT therapists would have to sit down//for independent testing//)—(something//they haven’t been eager to do//)。第一部分是主干,分隔号内for…testing是目的状语;第二部分是一名词短语,作independent testing的同位语,分隔号内they…eager to do是something的定语从句;even though引导的让步状语从句可以切分为:(even though James Randi has offered more than$1 million//to anyone//)(who can demonstrate the existence of a human energy field)。第一部分是主干,to anyone是方位状语;第二部分是anyone的定语从句。

【知识链接】 be eager to do渴望……

7.21 TT therapists stuck their hands,palms up,through a screen.

【参考译文】 实验要求21位TT医生将手掌心向上,穿过一个屏幕伸出来。

【结构分析】 第一个逗号之前的21 TT…hands是主干;palms up是独立主格结构;through a screen是方位状语。

【知识链接】 palm up掌心向上

8.When the results were recorded,they’d done no better than they would have by simply guessing.

【参考译文】 记录的结果表明,他们的结论只能是猜测。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句;When引导的是时间状语从句;主句是they’d done,比较状语从句than they would have之后承前省略了done,by simply guessing是方式状语。

【知识链接】 no better than和……一样,只是

Passage 33

What might driving on an automated highway be like?The answer depends on what kind of system is ultimately adopted.Two distinct types are on the drawing board.The first is a special-purpose lane system,in which certain lanes are reserved for automated vehicles.The second is a mixed traffic system:fully automated vehicles would share the road with partially automated or manual driven cars.A special-purpose lane system would require more extensive physical modifications to existing highways,but it promises the greatest gains in freeway(高速公路)capacity.

Under either scheme,the driver would specify the desired destination,furnishing this information to a computer in the car at the beginning of the trip or perhaps just before reaching the automated highway.If a mixed traffic system was in place,automated driving could begin whenever the driver was on suitably equipped roads.If special-purpose lanes were available,the car could enter them and join existing traffic in two different ways.One method would use a special onramp(入口引道).As the driver approached the point of entry for the highway,devices installed on the roadside would electronically check the vehicle to determine its destination and to ascertain that it had the proper automation equipment in good working order.Assuming it passed such tests,the driver would then be guided through a gate and toward an automated lane.In this case,the transition from manual to automated control would take place on the entrance ramp.An alternative technique could employ conventional lanes,which would be shared by automated and regular vehicles.The driver would steer onto the highway and move in normal fashion to a“transition”lane.The vehicle would then shift under computer control onto a lane reserved for automated traffic.(The limitation of these lanes to automated traffic would presumably be well respected,because all trespassers(非法进入者)could be swiftly identified by authorities.)

Either approach to joining a lane of automated traffic would harmonize the movement of newly entering vehicles with those already traveling.Automatic control here should allow for smooth merging,without the usual uncertainties and potential for accidents.And once a vehicle had settled into automated travel,the driver would be free to release the wheel,open the morning paper or just relax.

1.We learn from the first paragraph that two systems of automated highways______.

A.are being planned

B.are being modified

C.are now in wide use

D.are under construction

2.A special-purpose lane system is probably advantageous in that______.

A.it would require only minor changes to existing highways

B.it would achieve the greatest highway traffic efficiency

C.it has a lane for both automated and partially-automated vehicles

D.it offers more lanes for automated vehicles

3.Which of the following is TRUE about driving on an automated highway?

A.Vehicles traveling on it are assigned different lanes according to their destinations.

B.A car can join existing traffic any time in a mixed lane system.

C.The driver should inform his car computer of his destination before driving onto it.

D.The driver should share the automated lane with those of regular vehicles.

4.We know form the passage that a car can enter a special purpose lane______.

A.by smoothly merging with cars on the conventional lane

B.by way of a ramp with electronic control devices

C.through a specially guarded gate

D.after all trespassers are identified and removed

5.When driving in an automated lane,the driver______.

A.should harmonize with newly entering cars

B.doesn’t have to rely on his computer system

C.should watch out for potential accidents

D.doesn’t have to hold on to the steering wheel

参考译文

在自动化高速公路上开车会是什么样子呢?答案取决于最终采用的是哪种系统。现在正在设计两种不同的系统。第一种是特殊用途车道系统,在这个系统里某些特定车道是专为自动车辆预留的。第二种是混合交通系统,即全自动车辆同半自动或手动车辆共用一条道路。特殊用途车道系统要求对现有的高速公路进行广泛的实质改造,但它可能使高速公路获得最大限度的利用。

不论采用哪种设计,司机都要在开始行驶或在到达自动化高速公路前确定目的地,并将这个信息输入车上的电脑。如果使用混合交通系统,任何时候司机上了这种有专门设备的道路都可开始自动驾驶。如果使用特殊车道系统,汽车可有两种方法进入车道。一种方法是使用一种特殊的入口引道。司机接近高速公路入口处时,安装在路边的电子装置会检查车辆来确认其目的地,并且确保车上的自动设备处于良好的工作状况。假如车辆通过了这些检测,司机就被引导通过一道门驶向自动车道。在这种情况下,在引道入口处手动控制便切换成自动控制。另一种可选方法是使用传统车道,即自动车辆和普通车辆共用的车道。司机驾车驶上高速公路以普通方式转入“转换”车道。然后,车辆在计算机控制下转入为自动车辆而保留的车道。(假设只限自动车道入内的法规可以被很好地遵守,因为所有的非法进入者能立刻被识别出来。)

任何一种进入自动车道的方法都会使新进入的车辆与行驶中的车流协调一致。这里的自控使得车辆平稳交汇,不会出现常见的不确定因素和潜在事故。一旦车辆进入自动行驶状态,司机便可放开方向盘,阅读晨报或者休息。

解题之路

1.选A 。根据第一段第二句和第三句:The answer depends on what kind of system is ultimately adopted.Two distinct types are on the drawing board.(答案取决于最后采用哪一种系统,两种不同的类型都在绘图板上。)回答此问题的关键是要知道drawing board的意思。所以选项A.are being planned是正确答案。

2.选B 。根据第一段最后一句:A special purpose lane system would require more extensive physical modifications to existing highways,but it promises the greatest gains in freeway capacity(特殊用途车道系统要求对现有的高速公路进行更广泛的改造,但它会使高速公路获得最大的能力。)

3.选C 。根据第二段第一句:Under either scheme,the driver would specify the desired destination,furnishing this information to a computer in the car at the beginning of the trip or perhaps just before reaching the automated highway.(不论采用哪种设计,司机都要在其开始行驶时或在到达自动化高速公路前确定目的地,并将这个信息输入车上的电脑。)故C是正确答案。选项B与文章内容相悖,因为原文第二段第二句是on suitably equipped roads而不是existing traffic。选项D提到的情况只适用于第2种设计方案,即混合式交通系统。故A、B、D均不是答案。

4.选B 。根据文章第二段第3~5句:如果使用特殊用途车道……一种方法是使用特殊的人口引道。当司机接近高速公路人口处时,安装在道边的电子装置会检测车辆的目的地并搞清是否有能工作的自动化装置。(If special purpose lanes were available…One method would use a special onramp.As drivers approached the point of entry for the highway,devices installed on the roadside would electronically check the vehicle to determine its destination and to ascertain that it had the proper automation equipment in good working order.)

5.选D 。根据第三段的最后一句:And once a vehicle had settled into automated travel,the driver would be free to release the wheel,open the morning paper or just relax.(一旦车辆进入自动行驶状态,司机就可以放开方向盘,阅读晨报或者只是休息。)

词汇精解

lane n.(乡间)小路,巷,航线,车道

reserve vt.储备,保存,预约,预留

automated adj.自动化的,自动的

vehicle n.交通工具,车辆,媒介

scheme n.计划,阴谋,方案,设计

specify vt.指定,详细说明,使明确

desired adj.想得到的,渴望的

destination n.目的地

furnish vt.供应,提供,布置

highway n.大路,公路

approach vt.接近,靠近,动手处理

entry n.登录,条目,进入,入口

device n.装置,设计,策略,图案

install vt.安装,安置,使就职

roadside n.路边

electronically adv.电子方面地

ascertain vt.确定,确认,探知

automation n.自动化,自动操作

join vt.连接,结合,参加,加入

traffic n.交通,运输,贸易,交易

harmonize vt.使协调,使一致

merge vi.合并,并入,融合

uncertainty n.无常,不确定性,不可靠

automatic adj.机械的,自动的,无意识的

potential n.潜力,潜能,可能性

release vt.释放,解放,放开,发表

wheel n.轮子,车轮,方向盘

难句解析

1.The first is a special-purpose lane system,in which certain lanes are reserved for automated vehicles.

【参考译文】 第一种是特殊用途车道系统,在这个系统里某些特定车道是专为自动车辆预留的。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(The first is a special-purpose lane system),(in which certain lanes are reserved//for automated vehicles//)。第一部分是主句,即主系表结构;第二部分是special-purpose lane system的定语从句,分隔符内for…vehicles是目的状语。

【知识链接】 special-purpose特殊用途的;be reserved for为……预留

2.Under either scheme,the driver would specify the desired destination,furnishing this information to a computer in the car at the beginning of the trip or perhaps just before reaching the automated highway.

【参考译文】 不论采用哪种设计,司机都要在开始行驶或在到达自动化高速公路前确定目的地,并将这个信息输入车上的电脑。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是the driver would specify the desired destination;Under either scheme是地点状语;主干之后的现在分词furnishing引导的内容是伴随状语,可以切分为:furnishing this information(to a computer//in the car//)(at the beginning of the trip or perhaps just before reaching the automated highway)。第一个括号内是地点状语,in the car是computer的后定语;第二个括号内是由or连接的并列时间状语。

【知识链接】 furnish sth.to…将……提供给……;at the beginning of在……的开始

3.As the driver approached the point of entry for the highway,devices installed on the roadside would electronically check the vehicle to determine its destination and to ascertain that it had the proper automation equipment in good working order.

【参考译文】 司机接近高速公路入口处时,安装在路边的电子装置会检查车辆来确认其目的地,并且确保车上的自动设备处于良好的工作状况。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(As the driver approached the point of entry//for the highway//),(devices//installed on the roadside//would electronically check the vehicle)(to determine its destination and to ascertain//that it had the proper automation equipment in good working order//)。第一部分是As引导的时间状语从句,for the highway是the point of entry后定语;第二部分是主句的主干,即:devices would…check the vehicle,过去分词短语installed…roadside是devices的后定语;第三部分的不定式to determine…and to ascertain…是目的状语,分隔号内的从句是ascertain的宾语,in good working order是equipment的后定语。

【知识链接】 on the roadside在路边;good order状态良好

4.Either approach to joining a lane of automated traffic would harmonize the movement of newly entering vehicles with those already traveling.

【参考译文】 任何一种进入自动车道的方法都会使新进入的车辆与行驶中的车流协调一致。

【结构分析】 这个句子的主干是Either approach…would harmonize the movement,主语approach之后的介词短语to joining…traffic是其定语,with those是状语,与前面的harmonize构成固定搭配,those指代vehicles,现在分词traveling是those的后定语。

【知识链接】 approach(n.)方法;newly(adv.)刚刚,新近地

5.Automatic control here should allow for smooth merging,without the usual uncertainties and potential for accidents.

【参考译文】 这里的自控使得车辆平稳交汇,不会出现常见的不确定因素和潜在事故。

【结构分析】 逗号之前是句子的主干,here是主语Automatic control的后定语;without…accidents是结果状语,for accidents是potential的后定语。

【知识链接】 allow for允许;potential for……的可能性

6.And once a vehicle had settled into automated travel,the driver would be free to release the wheel,open the morning paper or just relax.

【参考译文】 一旦车辆进入自动行驶状态,司机便可放开方向盘,阅读晨报或者休息。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句,可以切分为:(And once a vehicle had settled//into automated travel//),(the drive would be free//to release the wheel,open the morning paper or just relax//)。第一部分是once引导的时间状语从句,into automated travel是地点状语;第二部分是主句,不定式to release…open…or just relax是结果状语。

【知识链接】 settle into进入(某种状态);be free to do自由做……

Passage 34

Everybody loves a fat pay rise.Yet pleasure at your own can vanish if you learn that a colleague has been given a bigger one.Indeed,if he has a reputation for slacking,you might even be outraged.Such behaviour is regarded as“all too human”,with the underlying assumption that other animals would not be capable of this finely developed sense of grievance.But a study by Sarah Brosnan and Frans de Waal of Emory University in Atlanta,Georgia,which has just been published in Nature,suggests that it is all too monkey,as well.

The researchers studied the behaviour of female brown capuchin monkeys.They look cute.They are good-natured,co-operative creatures,and they share their food readily.Above all,like their female human counterparts,they tend to pay much closer attention to the value of“goods and services”than males.

Such characteristics make them perfect candidates for Dr.Brosnan’s and Dr.de Waal’s study.The researchers spent two years teaching their monkeys to exchange tokens for food.Normally,the monkeys were happy enough to exchange pieces of rock for slices of cucumber.However,when two monkeys were placed in separate but adjoining chambers,so that each could observe what the other was getting in return for its rock,their behaviour became markedly different.

In the world of capuchins,grapes are luxury goods(and much preferable to cucumbers).So when one monkey was handed a grape in exchange for her token,the second was reluctant to hand hers over for a mere piece of cucumber.And if one received a grape without having to provide her token in exchange at all,the other either tossed her own token at the researcher or out of the chamber,or refused to accept the slice of cucumber.Indeed,the mere presence of a grape in the other chamber(without an actual monkey to eat it)was enough to induce resentment in a female capuchin.

The researchers suggest that capuchin monkeys,like humans,are guided by social emotions.In the wild,they are a co-operative,group-living species.Such co-operation is likely to be stable only when each animal feels it is not being cheated.Feelings of righteous indignation,it seems,are not the preserve of people alone.Refusing a lesser reward completely makes these feelings abundantly clear to other members of the group.However,whether such a sense of fairness evolved independently in capuchins and humans,or whether it stems from the common ancestor that the species had 35 million years ago,is,as yet,an unanswered question.

1.In the opening paragraph,the author introduces his topic by______.

A.posing a contrast

B.justifying an assumption

C.making a comparison

D.explaining a phenomenon

2.The statement“it is all too monkey”(Last line,Paragraph 1)implies that______.

A.monkeys are also outraged by slack rivals

B.resenting unfairness is also monkeys’nature

C.monkeys,like humans,tend to be jealous of each other

D.no animals other than monkeys can develop such emotions

3.Female capuchin monkeys were chosen for the research most probably because they are______.

A.more inclined to weigh what they get

B.attentive to researchers’instructions

C.nice in both appearance and temperament

D.more generous than their male companions

4.Dr.Brosnan and Dr.de Waal have eventually found in their study that the monkeys______.

A.prefer grapes to cucumbers

B.can be taught to exchange things

C.will not be co-operative if feeling cheated

D.are unhappy when separated from others

5.What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A.Monkeys can be trained to develop social emotions.

B.Human indignation evolved from an uncertain source.

C.Animals usually show their feelings openly as humans do.

D.Cooperation among monkeys remains stable only in the wild.

参考译文

人人都喜欢大幅加薪,但是当你知道一个同事薪水加得比你还要多的时候,那么加薪带给你的喜悦感就消失得无影无踪了。如果他还以懒散出名的话,你甚至会变得怒不可遏。这种行为被看做是“人之常情”,其潜在的假定是:其他动物不可能具有如此高度发达的不公平意识。但是由佐治亚州亚特兰大埃里莫大学的Sarah Brosnan和Frans de Waal进行的一项研究表明,它也是“猴之常情”。这项研究成果刚刚发表在《自然》杂志上。

研究者们对雌性棕色卷尾猴的行为进行了研究。它们看起来可爱乖巧,性格温顺,易于合作,乐于分享食物。最重要的是,就像女人们一样,它们往往比雄性更关注“商品和服务”的价值。这些特性使它们成为Brosnan和de Waal理想的研究对象。研究者们花了两年的时间教这些猴子用代币换取食物。正常情况下,猴子很愿意用几块石头换几片黄瓜。但是,当两个猴子被安置在隔开但相邻的两个房间里,能够互相看见对方用石头换回来什么东西时,猴子的行为就会变得明显不同。

在卷尾猴的世界里,葡萄是奢侈品(比黄瓜受欢迎得多)。所以当一只猴子用一个代币换回一颗葡萄时,第二只猴子就不愿意用自己的代币换回一片黄瓜。如果一只猴子根本无须用代币就能够得到一颗葡萄的话,那么另外一只就会将代币掷向研究人员或者扔出房间外,或者拒绝接受那片黄瓜。事实上,只要在另一房间里出现了葡萄(不管有没有猴子吃它),都足以引起雌卷尾猴的怨恨。

研究人员指出,正如人类一样,卷尾猴也受社会情感的影响。在野外,它们是相互合作的群居动物。只有当每只猴子感到自己没有受到欺骗时,这种合作才可能稳定。不公平而引起的愤怒感似乎不是人类的专利。拒绝接受较少的酬劳可以让这些情绪准确无误地传达给其他成员。但是,这种公平感是在卷尾猴和人类身上各自独立演化而成,还是来自3500万年前他们共同的祖先,依然是一个悬而未决的问题。

解题之路

1.选C 。这道题涉及第一段与文章主题之间的逻辑联系。题干问:“在文章开头,作者引入主题的手段是……”。第一段说,人会对不公正待遇感到愤懑,并自以为这是人才有的一种感觉;段末说,研究表明,猴也有这种感觉;下文接着探讨猴对不公正的详细感受。可见,作者通过把猴与人作比较(comparison),来引出文章的主题,所以答案为C。A项则认为,猴与人在进行对照,两者不一样,这显然与第一段的意思不吻合。误选A的原因是,一方面被“But”误导,将第一段理解反了,另一方面没能区分comparison(强调相同性)和contrast(强调不同),两词的含义不同。

2.选B 。这是一道句意题。题干问:“第一段最后一行‘it is all too monkey’暗示了……”。本题可以定位在第一段,分析该段的逻辑关系,不难发现作者指出了两者的相似之处,就是B选项“对不公平的怨恨也是猴子的本性”的含义。D选项“除了猴子之外其他动物都不会有这种感情”与篇章的思想相矛盾。A选项“疏忽的对手也会使猴子大发雷霆”是原文片语信息的断章取义。C选项“像人类一样,猴子往往会互相嫉妒”不是作者谈论的重点,作者谈论的是义愤的情感。

3.选A 。这是一道细节题,涉及句意的因果逻辑。题干问:“研究选用了雌性卷尾猴,最可能的原因是它们……”。第二段末句“pay much closer attention to the value of...(更关注……的价值)”换词后就是“are more inclined to weigh(更会掂量)”,可见答案为A“更倾向于权衡它们所获得的东西”。B.“专心听研究者们的指导”,C.“漂亮且性情温和”,以及D.“比雄性伙伴更大方”,都是原文片语信息的断章取义,或者是原文未提及的信息。

4.选C 。这是一道细节题。题干问:“Dr.Brosnan和Dr.de Waal在他们的研究中最后发现猴子……”。如果注意到题干中“eventually”一词的限制,本题就可以定位在第五段而选择C:“如果感到被欺骗就不再合作。”其实,关于群居动物在公平条件下合作的思想在上文第二段第二句就有提及。A.“更喜欢葡萄,而不是黄瓜”与选项B.“可以教会交换东西”不是研究者的发现,而选项D.“当与其他卷尾猴分开时感到不高兴”是原文片语信息的断章取义。

5.选B 。这是一道推理题。题干问:“从最后一段我们可以得出什么推论?”本题直接定位在第5段的最后一个句群,B.“人类义愤填膺情感的进化来源不确定”正确。A不对,因为social emotions是猴子所天生具有的(末段第一句),谈不上develop(培养)。选项C.“动物常常像人类那样公开显示出它们的感情”不正确,篇章中没有明显提出这一方面的信息。选项D.“猴子间的合作只有在野外时才保持稳定”错误,原文强调的是在受到公平对待时关系才会保持稳定。

词汇精解

pleasure n.乐趣,快乐

reputation n.声望,名声

slacking n.懒散,懒惰

outraged adj.义愤的,愤怒的

human adj.人类的,人性的

underlying adj.潜在的,内含的

assumption n.假定,假说

capable adj.有能力的,有技能的

grievance n.委屈,抱怨

cute adj.可爱的,乖巧的

good-natured adj.脾气好的,温厚的

co-operative adj.合作的

counterpart n.与对方地位作用相当的人(或物)

characteristic n.特色,特点

candidate n.候选人;投考者

exchange vt.交换;交流

token n.代币;信物,纪念品;

slice n.薄片;一份,部分

cucumber n.黄瓜

adjoining adj.相邻的,紧挨的

chamber n.(特殊用途的)房间;会所

markedly adv.明显地,显著地

grape n.葡萄

luxury n.奢华;奢侈品

preferable adj.更可取的,更好的,更合意的

reluctant adj.不乐意的,不情愿的

mere adj.仅仅的,只有

toss vt.扔,抛

resentment n.憎恨,痛恨

species n.物种,类别

stable adj.稳定的;沉稳的

righteous adj.正当的,合理的

indignation n.愤怒,愤慨

preserve n.保留;(保留的)权利

abundantly adv.足够地,充足地

evolve v.进化,发展

ancestor n.祖先;先驱

难句解析

1.Such behaviour is regarded as“all too human”,with the underlying assumption that other animals would not be capable of this finely developed sense of grievance.

【参考译文】 这种行为被看做是“人之常情”,其潜在的假定是:其他动物不可能具有如此高度发达的不公平意识。

【结构分析】 逗号之前的内容是主干,逗号之后的介词短语with the underlying assumption…作伴随状语,assumption之后的that引导一个同位语从句,解释前面的名词assumption。

【知识链接】 be regarded as…被视做……;be capable of…能够……;sense of grievance不公平意识

2.But a study by Sarah Brosnan and Frans de Waal of Emory University in Atlanta,Georgia,which has just been published in Nature,suggests that it all too monkey,as well.

【参考译文】 但是由佐治亚州亚特兰大埃里莫大学的Sarah Brosnan和Frans de Waal进行的一项研究表明,它也是“猴之常情”。

【结构分析】 本句的主干是a study…suggests that…,其中主语study有两个定语:一个是介词结构by Sarah Brosnan and Frans de Waal…,另一个是which引导的非限定性定语从句;谓语动词suggests后面的that引导一个宾语从句,其中的it指代前文提到的sense of grievance。

【知识链接】 all too太;as well也

3.However,when two monkeys were placed in separate but adjoining chambers,so that each could observe what the other was getting in return for its rock,their behaviour became markedly different.

【参考译文】 但是,当两个猴子被安置在隔开但相邻的两个房间里,能够互相看见对方用石头换回来什么东西时,猴子的行为就会变得明显不同。

【结构分析】 本句是一个复合句。主句在最后:their behavior became markedly different;起头的是when引导的时间状语从句,其中包含so that引导的目的状语从句,而observe之后是what引导的宾语从句。

【知识链接】 so that…于是,因此;get A in return for B用B换取A

4.And if one received a grape without having to provide her token in exchange at all,the other either tossed her own token at the researcher or out of the chamber,or refused to accept the slice of cucumber.

【参考译文】 如果一只猴子根本无须用代币就能够得到一颗葡萄的话,那么另外一只就会将代币掷向研究人员或者扔出房间外,或者拒绝接受那片黄瓜。

【结构分析】 本句是一个复合句。起头的是if引导的条件状语从句,第一个逗号之后的部分是主句:the other either tossed her own token…or refused to…,其中包含两个并列的谓语:tossed和refused。本句的难点是找到主句的三个并列谓语,并判断出第二个谓语tossed被省略,补全后是:either tossed her own token at the researcher or(tossed her own token)out of the chamber。

【知识链接】 in exchange交换;not…at all一点也不;either…or…要么……要么……;a slice of cucumber一片黄瓜

5.However,whether such a sense of fairness evolved independently in capuchins and humans,or whether it stems from the common ancestor that the species had 35 million years ago,is,as yet,an unanswered question.

【参考译文】 但是,这种公平感是在卷尾猴和人类身上各自独立演化而成,还是来自3500万年前他们共同的祖先,依然是一个悬而未决的问题。

【结构分析】 本句的主语很复杂,由whether…or…(是……还是……)结构充当,其中whether…引导一个主语从句,or…后面也是一个主语从句,而且这一从句的宾语ancestor后面的that引导一个定语从句,修饰ancestor;谓语是系动词is,an unanswered question是表语;as yet是一个时间状语,意思是“迄今为止”。注意:本句的主语由两个从句充当。这种“头重脚轻”的句子在学术文章中很常见,阅读时应该迅速把握主干,进而再理解复杂的主语成分。

【知识链接】 whether…or…是……还是……;stems from…源自于……;as yet迄今为止

Passage 35

Do you remember all those years when scientists argued that smoking would kill us but the doubters insisted that we didn’t know for sure?That the evidence was inconclusive,the science uncertain?That the antismoking lobby was out to destroy our way of life and the government should stay out of the way?Lots of Americans bought that nonsense,and over three decades,some 10 million smokers went to early graves.

There are upsetting parallels today,as scientists in one wave after another try to awaken us to the growing threat of global warming.The latest was a panel from the National Academy of Sciences,enlisted by the White House,to tell us that Earth’s atmosphere is definitely warming and that the problem is largely man-made.The clear message is that we should get moving to protect ourselves.The president of the National Academy,Bruce Alberts,added this key point in the preface to the panel’s report:“Science never has all the answer.But science does provide us with the best available guide to the future,and it is critical that our nation and the world base important policies on the best judgments that science can provide concerning the future consequences of present actions.”

Just as on smoking,voice now come from many quarters insisting that the science about global warming is incomplete,that it’s OK to keep pouring fumes into the air until we know for sure.This is a dangerous game:by the time 100 percent people of the evidence is in,it may be too late.With the risks obvious and growing,a prudent people would take out an insurance policy now.

Fortunately,the White House is starting to pay attention.But it’s obvious that a majority of the president’s advisers still don’t take global warming seriously.Instead of a plan of action,they continue to press for more research—a classic case of“paralysis by analysis.”

To serve as responsible stewards of the planet,we must press forward on deeper atmospheric and oceanic research.But research alone is inadequate.If the Administration won’t take the legislative initiative,Congress should help to begin fashioning conservation measures.A bill by Democratic Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia,which would offer financial incentives for private industry,is a promising start.Many see that the country is getting ready to build lots of new power plants to meet our energy needs.If we are ever going to protect the atmosphere,it is crucial that those new plants be environmentally sound.

1.An argument made by supporters of smoking was that______.

A.there was no scientific evidence of the correlation between smoking and death

B.the number of early deaths of smokers in the past decades was insignificant

C.people had the freedom to choose their own way of life

D.antismoking people were usually talking nonsense

2.According to Bruce Alberts,science can serve as______.

A.a protector.B.a judge

C.a critic

D.a guide

3.What does the author mean by“paralysis by analysis”(Last line,Paragraph 4)?

A.Endless studies kill action.B.Careful investigation reveals truth.

C.Prudent planning hinders progress.D.Extensive research helps decision-making.

4.According to the author,what should the Administration do about global warming?

A.Offer aid to build cleaner power plants

B.Raise public awareness of conservation

C.Press for further scientific research

D.Take some legislative measures

5.The author associates the issue of global warming with that of smoking because______.

A.they both suffered from the government’s negligence

B.a lesson from the latter is applicable to the former

C.the outcome of the latter aggravates the former

D.both of them have turned from bad to worse

参考译文

还记得科学家们认为吸烟会致人死亡,而那些怀疑者们却坚持认为我们无法对此得出定论的时候吗?还记得怀疑者们坚持认为缺乏决定性的证据,科学也不确定的时候吗?还记得怀疑者们坚持认为反对吸烟的游说是为了毁掉我们的生活方式,而政府应该置身事外的时候吗?许多美国人相信了这些胡言乱语,在30多年中,差不多有1000万烟民早早进了坟墓。

现在出现了与吸烟类似的令人感到难过的事情。科学家们前仆后继,试图使我们意识到全球气候变暖所带来的日益严重的威胁。最近的行动是由白宫召集了一批来自国家科学院的专家团,他们告诉我们,地球气候毫无疑问正在变暖,而这个问题主要是人为造成的。明确的信息表明我们应该立刻着手保护自己。国家科学院院长Bruce Alberts在专家团报告的前言中加上了这一重要观点:“科学解答不了所有问题。但是科学确实为我们的未来提供了最好的指导,关键是我们的国家和整个世界在做重要决策时,应该以科学能够提供的关于人类现在的行为对未来影响最好的判断作为依据”。

就像吸烟问题一样,来自不同领域的声音坚持认为有关全球变暖的科学资料还不完整,在我们证实这件事之前可以向大气中不断地排放气体。这是一个危险的游戏;到了拥有百分之百的证据的时候,可能就太晚了。随着风险越来越明显,并且不断增加,一个谨慎的民族现在应该准备一份保单了。

幸运的是,白宫开始关注这件事了。但是显然大多数总统顾问并没有认真看待全球气候变暖这个问题。他们没有出台行动计划,相反只是继续迫切要求进行更多的研究——这是一个经典的“分析导致麻痹”的案例。

为了成为地球上有责任心的一员,我们必须积极推进对于大气和海洋的深入研究。但只有研究是不够的。如果政府不争取立法上的主动权,国会就应该帮助政府开始采取保护措施。弗吉尼亚的民主党议员Robert Byrd提出一项议案,从经济上激励私企,就是一个良好的开端。许多人看到这个国家正准备修建许多新的发电厂,以满足我们的能源需求。如果我们准备保护大气,关键要让这些新发电厂对环境无害。

解题之路

1.选C 。这是一道细节题。题干问:支持吸烟的人所做的辩论是……依据第一段第三句,作者提出了支持吸烟者的各种论调。在论调之中有选项C.“人们有选择自己的生活方式的自由”的思想;选项A.“没有科学证据证明吸烟与死亡之间的因果关系”太绝对化;选项B.“在过去几十年里吸烟者早死的人数不多”和选项D.“反对吸烟的人们总是讲些无聊的话”,都是原文片语表达断章取义的表述,不吻合原文信息。

2.选D 。这是一道细节题,问:在Alberts看来,科学可以用作(serve as)什么?依据第二段末“But science does provide us with the best available guide to the future”可知答案为D;B干扰很强,但文章只是说科学可以为决策提供判断依据,而不是说科学可以作为a judge(法官,裁判);选项A.“保护者”、选项C.“批判家”代入原文无法构成意义和逻辑上的一致性和连贯性。

3.选A 。这是一道词义题。题干问:作者在第四自然段最后一行所使用的“paralysis by analysis”含义是什么?本题考察的仍然是句群含义的归纳能力。解读原文可以看出作者在第三段和第四段之间探讨的是继续研究还是马上行动的问题。根据篇章的一致性,该表达的最可能含义是选项A.“无休止研究耽误了行动”的内容。B.选项“仔细的调查反映出了事实”,选项C“谨慎的计划阻碍了进步”和选项D.“广泛的研究帮助制定决策”,都是原文片语表达断章取义的表述。

4.选D 。本题是一道作者观点态度题。题干问:根据作者,关于全球变暖政府应该做些什么?注意题干询问的是政府应该采取的措施。本题可以定位在最后一段。分析原文可知,作者反复强调“legislative”,“bill”等概念,政府应该做的是“采取立法措施”,即选项D的内容。其实就政府的措施问题在上文就已经有所暗示,如政府的“policies”等概念;A选项“提供援助建立更干净的发电厂”和B.“引起公众的环保意识”为原文片语表达断章取义的表述;而选项C.“加强进一步的科学研究”是作者反对的观点。

5.选B 。本题涉及第一段与文章主题之间的语义关系。作者第一段说吸烟的危害以及人们的漠然,无非是说明情况也存在于温室效应问题(第二段开头),所以B.“后者(吸烟)的教训也适用于前者(温室)”为正确答案。考生要细心理解选项的意思,再对比原文的含义。A选项“两者都受到了政府的忽略”是错误的,根据原文,政府忽略的是前者;选项C.“后者的结果加重了前者”没有必然的关系;选项D.“两者都从坏变得更坏”不是作者谈论这两个话题的主要目的。

词汇精解

doubter n.怀疑者

inconclusive adj.没有定论的,不完善的

uncertain adj.不确定的

lobby n.游说,游说活动

nonsense n.无稽之谈,胡言乱语

decade n.十年

grave n.坟墓,墓穴

upsetting adj.令人难过的,令人沮丧的

parallel n.平行;类似的情形

awaken vt.唤醒,叫醒

threat n.威胁

panel n.小组,专家小组

enlist vt.征募,登记

definitely adv.明确地,确定地

preface n.序言,前言

critical adj.关键的;批判的

concerning prep.关于

consequence n.后果,结果

quarter n.(消息等的)来源方面;地区

incomplete adj.不完全的,不完善的

fume n.(有害的)烟,气

prudent adj.小心的,谨慎的

insurance n.保险

policy n.政策

majority n.大多数

paralysis n.瘫痪

analysis n.分析

responsible adj.负责任的,有责任心的

steward n.乘务员;成员

atmospheric adj.大气的,空气的

oceanic adj.海洋的

inadequate adj.不充分的,不充足的

legislative adj.法律的,立法的

initiative n.主动性,主动权

congress n.(美)国会

fashion vt.制作,使……成形

conservation n.保护,保留

bill n.议案,法案

democratic adj.民主的,民主党的

senator n.(美)议员

incentive n.刺激,奖励

promising adj.有前途的,有希望的

plant n.工厂,企业

crucial adj.关键的,重要的

sound adj.健康的,健全的

难句解析

1.Do you remember all those years when scientists argued that smoking would kill us but the doubters insisted that we didn’t know for sure?That the evidence was inconclusive,the science uncertain?That the antismoking lobby was out to destroy our way of life and the government should stay out of the way?

【参考译文】 还记得科学家们认为吸烟会致人死亡,而那些怀疑者们却坚持认为我们无法对此得出定论的时候吗?还记得怀疑者们坚持认为缺乏决定性的证据,科学也不确定的时候吗?还记得怀疑者们坚持认为反对吸烟的游说是为了毁掉我们的生活方式,而政府应该置身事外的时候吗?

【结构分析】 这里有三个问句,第一个问句的主干是Do you remember all those years…,后面的when引导的定语从句修饰前面的名词years;定语从句由but连接的两个分句组成,第二个分句中的that引导的是insisted的宾语从句;第二个问句和第三个问句各自句首的that都引导一个宾语从句,都承接第一个问句省略了主句Do you remember all those years when scientists argued that smoking would kill us but the doubters insisted…,在the science uncertain中,承前省略了was。通过结构分析我们知道这几个句子都是围绕第一个问句的主干部分展开的并列疑问句,因此在阅读中应弄清楚句子的层次,逐一分析。

【知识链接】 for sure确定;way of life生活方式;stay out of the way置身事外

2.The latest was a panel from the National Academy of Sciences,enlisted by the White House,to tell us that the Earth’s atmosphere is definitely warming and that the problem is largely man-made.

【参考译文】 最近的行动是由白宫召集了一批来自国家科学院的专家团,他们告诉我们,地球气候毫无疑问正在变暖,而这个问题主要是人为造成的。

【结构分析】 本句的主干是The latest was a panel from the National Academy of Sciences…,过去分词短语enlisted by the White House作后置定语,修饰前面的名词panel;不定式短语to tell us that…是目的状语,修饰前面的enlisted,其中tell后面接两个以that引导的并列宾语从句。

【知识链接】 the National Academy of Sciences(美)国家科学院;man-made人为的,人工的

3.But science does provide us with the best available guide to the future,and it is critical that our nation and the world base important policies on the best judgments that science can provide concerning the future consequences of present actions.

【参考译文】 但是科学确实为我们的未来提供了最好的指导,关键是我们的国家和整个世界在做重要决策时,应该以科学能够提供的关于人类现在的行为对未来影响最好的判断作为依据。

【结构分析】 本句包含and连接的两个并列分句,其中第一个分句中的does表示强调,介词短语to the future是guide的后置定语;第二个分句中的it是形式主语,critical后面that引导的从句是真正的主语;在主语从句中,judgments后面的that science can provide是其定语从句,介词结构concerning…也是其定语。

【知识链接】 provide sb.with sth.提供某人……;base…on…把……基于……

4.Just as on smoking,voices now come from many quarters insisting that the science about global warming is incomplete,that it’s Ok to keep pouring fumes into the air until we know for sure。

【参考译文】 就像吸烟问题一样,来自不同领域的声音坚持认为有关全球变暖的科学资料还不完整,在我们证实这件事之前可以向大气中不断地排放气体。

【结构分析】 本句的主干是voices now come from many quarters…;现在分词短语insisting…作伴随状语,insisting后面接了两个以that引导的宾语从句,其中第二个宾语从句还包含以until引导的时间状语从句。

【知识链接】 global warming全球变暖;just as…如同……

5.Instead of a plan of action,they continue to press for more research—a classic case of“paralysis by analysis”.

【参考译文】 他们没有出台行动计划,相反只是继续迫切要求进行更多的研究——这是一个经典的“分析导致麻痹”的案例。

【结构分析】 Instead of…作状语,含否定意义,表示和后面的continue to press for相反的行为;破折号后面的部分不是修饰前面的名词research,而是说明前面的整个句子;paralysis by analysis的意思是“研究导致瘫痪”,就是无休止的研究,致使最终没有任何行动。

【知识链接】 instead of…没有……;a plan of action行动计划;press for…要求……

Passage 36

Of all the components of a good night’s sleep,dreams seem to be least within our control.In dreams,a window opens into a world where logic is suspended and dead people speak.A century ago,Freud formulated his revolutionary theory that dreams were the disguised shadows of our unconscious desires and fears;by the late 1970s,neurologists had switched to thinking of them as just“mental noise”—the random byproducts of the neural-repair work that goes on during sleep.Now researchers suspect that dreams are part of the mind’s emotional thermostat,regulating moods while the brain is“off-line.”And one leading authority says that,these intensely powerful mental events can be not only harnessed but actually brought under conscious control,to help us sleep and feel better.“It’s your dream,”says Rosalind Cartwright,chair of psychology at Chicago’s Medical Center.“If you don’t like it,change it.”

Evidence from brain imaging supports this view.The brain is as active during REM(rapid eye movement)sleep—when most vivid dreams occur—as it is when fully awake,says Dr.Eric Nofzinger at the University of Pittsburgh.But not all parts of the brain are equally involved;the limbic system(the“emotional brain”)is especially active,while the prefrontal cortex(the center of intellect and reasoning)is relatively quiet.“We wake up from dreams happy or depressed,and those feelings can stay with us all day”,says Stanford sleep researcher Dr.William Dement.

The link between dreams and emotions shows up among the patients in Cartwright’s clinic.Most people seem to have more bad dreams early in the night,progressing toward happier ones before awakening,suggesting that they are working through negative feelings generated during the day.Because our conscious mind is occupied with daily life we don’t always think about the emotional significance of the day’s events—until,it appears,we begin to dream.

And this process need not be left to the unconscious.Cartwright believes one can exercise conscious control over recurring bad dreams.As soon as you awaken,identify what is upsetting about the dream.Visualize how you would like it to end instead;the next time it occurs,try to wake up just enough to control its course.With much practice people can learn to,literally,do it in their sleep.

At the end of the day,there’s probably little reason to pay attention to our dreams at all unless they keep us from sleeping or“we wake up in a panic,”Cartwright says.Terrorism,economic uncertainties and general feelings of insecurity have increased people’s anxiety.Those suffering from persistent nightmares should seek help from a therapist.For the rest of us,the brain has its ways of working through bad feelings.Sleep—or rather dream—on it and you’ll feel better in the morning.

1.Researchers have come to believe that dreams______.

A.can be modified in their courses

B.are susceptible to emotional changes

C.reflect our innermost desires and fears

D.are a random outcome of neural repairs

2.By referring to the limbic system,the author intends to show______.

A.its function in our dreams

B.the mechanism of REM sleep

C.the relation of dreams to emotions

D.its difference from the prefrontal cortex

3.The negative feelings generated during the day tend to______.

A.aggravate in our unconscious mind

B.develop into happy dreams

C.persist till the time we fall asleep

D.show up in dreams early at night

4.Cartwright seems to suggest that______.

A.waking up in time is essential to the ridding of bad dreams

B.visualizing bad dreams helps bring them under control

C.dreams should be left to their natural progression

D.dreams may not entirely belong to the unconscious

5.What advice might Cartwright give to those who sometimes have bad dreams?

A.Lead your life as usual.B.Seek professional help.

C.Exercise conscious control.D.Avoid anxiety in the daytime.

参考译文

在一夜好觉的所有组成因素中,梦似乎是最无法控制的一个。在梦中,我们打开窗户看见的世界里,逻辑被中止,死人开口说话。一个世纪前,弗洛伊德阐述了他的革命性理论,即梦是人们无意识的欲望和恐惧经伪装后的影子;到20世纪70年代末期,神经学家们转而认为梦是“精神噪声”,即睡眠时神经修复活动的一种偶然性的副产品。如今,研究人员猜测梦是大脑情感自动调节系统的一部分,当大脑处于“离线”状态时对情绪进行规整。一名主要的权威人士说,梦这种异常强烈的精神活动不仅能被驾驭,事实上还可以被有意识地控制,以帮助我们获得更好的睡眠和感觉。芝加哥医疗中心心理学系主任罗萨兰德·卡特怀特说:“梦是你自己的,如果你不喜欢,就改变它。”

大脑成像的证据支持了这个观点。匹兹堡大学的埃里克博士说,在梦境很形象的快速动眼睡眠中,大脑和完全清醒时一样活跃。但不是大脑的所有部分都在活动,脑边缘系统(情绪大脑)异常活跃,而前额皮层(思维和推理的中心地带)则相对安静。斯坦福睡眠研究员威廉·迪曼特博士说:“我们从梦中醒来,要么高兴要么沮丧,这些情绪会伴随我们一整天。”

在卡特怀特的诊所的病人可以看出梦和情绪之间的联系。多数人似乎在前半夜做更多不好的梦,而在快睡醒前发展成为开心一些的梦,这说明人们在梦里逐渐克服了白天产生的负面情绪。因为清醒时我们的头脑被日常琐事占据着,所以并不总去想白天发生的事情对我们情绪的影响,直到我们开始做梦,这种影响看来才会出现。

这一过程不一定是无意识的。卡特怀特相信人们可以练习有意识地控制噩梦的重复发生。当你一醒过来,立刻确定梦中有什么在困扰你,设想一下你希望这个梦怎么结束,下次再做同样的梦时,试着醒过来以控制它的进程。通过多次练习,人们完全可以学会在梦中这样做。

卡特怀特说,说到底,如果梦没有使我们无法入睡或“从梦中惊醒”,就没有理由太在意它。恐怖主义、经济不稳定及通常的不安全感都增加了人们的忧虑。那些长期受到噩梦困扰的人应该接受专家帮助,而对其他人来说,大脑有自动消除不良情绪的方法。睡一觉甚至做个梦,早上醒来时你会感觉好多了。

解题之路

1.选A 。事实细节题。题干关键词researcher在第一段第四句出现,而在此之前,作者主要介绍了过去有关梦的定义,包括弗洛伊德以及20世纪70年代神经学家的说法。第四句开始,文章作者提到了当代研究者的观点:梦可以调节人的情绪,梦不仅可以被驾驭,还可以有意识地对其进行控制,梦可以改变。通过这样的一个分析比较归纳,应该能够比较容易地得出A这个正确答案。选项B属于干扰项,但是出题人故意偷梁换柱,将梦影响情绪说成情绪影响梦。选项C是弗洛伊德的理论,选项D是20世纪70年代的理论。

2.选C 。推断判断题。在第二段第三句中可以找到边缘系统及其含义,然后根据上下文谈论的内容,如上文的情感大脑和下文的专家的话,从而判断出答案是选项C。文中提到“边缘系统属于情感大脑”,但是并没有说它在梦中的功能,所以选项A不正确。文中对快速眼睛运动睡眠只不过给了个简单的词汇解释,并没有对其机制进行任何的讲解,故选项B扩大了范围。文中提到“前额皮层”,说它是智力和推理中心,但是没有讲解它和边缘系统的关系,所以选项D也属于典型的无中生有型干扰项。

3.选D 。事实细节题。做此题时,要求考生能够根据上下文寻找到正确的事实,“负面情绪”这个词组出处在第三段,在此之前作者有一句非常关键的话,“大多数人看上去会在夜间早些时候做噩梦,然后发展成为快乐的梦,表明他们正在力图消除白天产生的负面情绪”。可见选项A加剧的说法正好相反;最大的干扰项B和选项D之间的联系与区别是:很多考生选择了B,但是仔细阅读上文就会发现,负面的情绪会在噩梦里面出现,也就是在夜间早些时候出现,但是我们不能直接说负面的情绪直接演变成快乐的梦,而只能说,负面情绪通过噩梦向美梦转变的方式获得消除。所以说这道题目的干扰项B是出题人利用偷换概念的方式来迷惑考生的。

4.选D 。事实细节题。通过阅读所有卡特怀特的内容,终于发现可以在第四段第二句卡特怀特所相信的这一部分内容中找到答案的线索。这一段的主旨是“这一过程不一定是无意识的”,紧接着,“卡特怀特相信人能够对屡次出现的噩梦进行有意识的控制,比如,确认你梦中令你不安的事情,想象一下你想如何结束它,以及在下次做同样的梦时醒过来。”作者说这么多无非就是想证明该段主旨“这一过程不一定是无意识的”,也就是我们的D选项。选项A利用原文的“visualize”大做文章,非常重要一说值得商榷。选项B应该是想象它如何结束,而选项C的意思和本文要对梦进行控制正好相反。

5.选A 。事实细节题。在第五段中,卡特怀特说:“只要梦不使我们无法睡眠或从梦中惊醒,就没有理由太在意所做的梦。恐怖主义、经济不确定及通常的不安全感都增加了人们的焦虑。那些长期受到噩梦折磨的人应该寻求专家帮助,而对其他人来说,大脑有自动消除不良情绪的方法。安心睡觉甚至做梦,早上醒来时你会感觉好多了。”这段话的意思非常明确,长期受到噩梦折磨的人应该寻求专家帮助;而其他人,也就是那些偶尔做噩梦的人,“安心睡觉甚至做梦”,也就是像平常一样。选项B适合长期受到噩梦折磨的人。选项C是控制噩梦的方法,不是卡特怀特对有时做噩梦的人的建议。选项D文中没有提及。

词汇精解

component n.因素,成分

logic n.逻辑,逻辑推理

suspend vt.终止;悬挂

formulate vt.形成,创建

revolutionary adj.革命性的,革新的

disguised adj.伪装的

unconscious adj.无意识的,不清醒的

neurologist n.神经学家

switch v.转变,转到……

harness vt.利用,运用

vivid adj.生动的,栩栩如生的

intellect n.才学,学识

depressed adj.沮丧的,忧郁的

negative adj.负面的,消极的

significance n.意义,重要性

exercise vt.实施,运用

recurring adj.复发的,重复出现的

visualize vt.想象,使形象化

random adj.偶然的,随机的

byproduct n.副产品

thermostat n.恒温器

regulate vt.调节,约束

mood n.情绪

authority n.权威,权威人士

intensely adv.强烈地,猛烈地

terrorism n.恐怖主义

uncertainty n.不确定性,未知性

insecurity n.不安全性

persistent adj.持续的,连续的

nightmare n.噩梦

therapist n.治疗专家

难句解析

1.And one leading authority says that these intensely powerful mental events can be not only harnessed but actually brought under conscious control to help us sleep and feel better.

【参考译文】 一名主要的权威人士说,梦这种异常强烈的精神活动不仅能被驾驭,事实上还可以被有意识地控制,以帮助我们获得更好的睡眠和感觉。

【结构分析】 该句子为复合句。主句的主干是one leading authority says that…;that引导的宾语从句的主干是these…events can be not only harnessed but actually brought…,其中not only…but…并列连词结构连接两个动作,表示“不仅可以被驾驭……而且可以被有意识地控制”;不定式to help us sleep and feel better在宾语从句中做目的状语。

【知识链接】 mental event精神活动;not only…but…不仅……而且……

2.Most people seem to have more bad dreams early in the night,progressing toward happier ones before awakening,suggesting that they are working through negative feelings generated during the day.

【参考译文】 多数人似乎在前半夜做更多不好的梦,而在快睡醒前发展成为开心一些的梦,这说明人们在梦里逐渐克服了白天产生的负面情绪。

【结构分析】 本句的主句是most people seem to have more bad dreams early in the night;后面是两个现在分词短语progressing…和suggesting…做伴随状语,过去分词generated是negative feelings的后置定语。

【知识链接】 bad dream噩梦;early in the night前半夜;negative feeling负面情绪

Passage 37

Americans no longer expect public figures,whether in speech or in writing,to command the English language with skill and gift.Nor do they aspire to such command themselves.In his latest book,Doing Our Own Thing:The Degradation of language and Music and why We should,Like,Care,John Mcwhorter,a linguist and controversialist of mixed liberal and conservative views,see the triumph of 1960s counter-culture as responsible for the decline of formal English.

Blaming the permissive 1960s is nothing new,but this is not yet another criticism against the decline in education.Mr Mcwhorter’s academic speciality is language history and change,and he sees the gradual disappearance of“whom”,for example,to be natural and no more regrettable than the loss the case-endings of Old English.

But the cult of the authentic and the personal,“doing our own thing,”has spelt the death of formal speech,writing,poetry and music.While even the modestly educated sought an elevated tone when they put pen to paper before the 1960’s even the most well regarded writing since then has sought to capture spoken English on the page.Equally,in poetry,the highly personal,performative genre is the only form that could claim real liveliness.In both oral and written English,talking is triumphing over speaking,spontaneity over craft.

Illustrated with an entertaining array of examples from both high and low culture,the trend that Mr.Mcwhorter documents is unmistakable.But it is less clear,to take the question of his subtitle,why we should,like,care.As a linguist,he acknowledges that all varieties of human language,including non-standard ones like Black English,can be powerfully expressive—there exists no language or dialect in the world that cannot convey complex ideas,He is not arguing,as many do,that we can no longer think straight because we do not talk proper.

Russians have a deep love for their own language and carry chunks of memorized poetry in their heads,while Italian politicians tend to elaborate speech that would seem old-fashioned to most English-speakers.Mr.Mcwhorter acknowledges that formal language is not strictly necessary,and proposes no radical educational reforms—he is really grieving over the loss of something beautiful more than useful.We now take our English“on paper plates instead of china”A shame,perhaps,but probably an inevitable one.

1.According to Mcwhorter,the decline of formal English______.

A.is inevitable in radical education reforms

B.is but all too natural in language development

C.has caused the controversy over the counter-culture

D.brought about changes in public attitudes in the 1960s

2.The word“talking”(Line 6,Paragraph 3)denotes______.

A.modesty

B.personality

C.liveliness

D.informality

3.To which of the following statements would McWhorter most likely agree?

A.Logical thinking is not necessarily related to the way we talk.

B.Black English can be more expressive than standard English.

C.Non-standard varieties of human language are just as entertaining.

D.Of all the varieties,standard English can best convey complex ideas.

4.The description of Russians’love of memorizing poetry shows the author’s______.

A.interest in their language.

B.appreciation of their efforts.

C.admiration for their memory.

D.contempt for their old-fashionedness.

5.According to the last paragraph,“paper plates”is to“china”as______.

A.“temporary”is to“permanent”

B.“radical”is to“conservative”

C.“functional”is to“artistic”

D.“humble”is to“noble”

参考译文

美国人已不再期待公众人物在演讲或写作中能运用技巧和文采来驾驭英语,而公众人物自己也不渴望这样。语言学家麦荷特喜好争论,他的观点混杂着自由派与保守派的看法。在其最新书籍《做我们自己的事:语言和音乐的退化,以及为什么我们应该喜欢或在意》中,这位学者认为20世纪60年代反文化运动的胜利要对正式英语的退化负责。

责备放纵的60年代不是什么新鲜事,但这次算不上是对教育衰落的又一场批判。麦荷特先生的学术专长在于语言史和语言演变。举例来说,他认为“whom”一词的逐渐消失是自然的,并不比古英语中词格尾缀的消失更让人惋惜。

然而,“做自己的事”这一对真实性和个性的崇高信条,已经导致了正式演讲、写作、诗歌及音乐的消亡。在20世纪60年代以前,仅受过一般教育的人在下笔时都会寻求一种更高雅的强调;而那之后,即使是最受关注的文章也开始逮住口语就写在纸面上。同样,对于诗歌来说,非常个性化和富有表现力的创作风格成为了能够表达真实生动含义的唯一形式。无论作为口语还是书面语的英语,随意言谈胜过雅致的言辞,自我发挥也压过了精心准备。

麦荷特先生从上层和下层文化中列举了一系列有趣的例子,从而说明他记录的这种趋势是确凿无误的。但就书中副标题中的疑问:为什么我们应该、喜欢或在意,答案却不够明确。作为语言学家,麦荷特认为各种各样的人类语言,包括像黑人英语这样的非标准语言,都具有强大的表达力――世上没有传达不了复杂思想的语言或方言。不像其他大多数人,麦荷特先生并不认为我们说话方式不再规范就会使我们不能够准确地思考。

俄罗斯人深爱自己的语言,并在脑海中存储了大量诗歌;而意大利的政客们往往精心准备演讲,即使这在大多数讲英语的人们眼里已经过时。麦荷特先生认为正式语言并非不可或缺,也没有提出要进行彻底的教育改革――他其实只是为那些美好事物而不是实用品的消逝而哀叹。我们现在用“纸盘子”而非“瓷盘子”装着我们的英语大餐。真是惭愧啊,但很可能已无法避免。

解题之路

1.选B 。这是一道细节题。题干问:“根据McWhorter,正式英语的衰落……”。本题可以定位在第二段,归纳该段的话题可知,该语言学家强调“语言的变化是自然的”,选项B正确。其实,在全文的最后一句又呼应了这一观点。选项A“在教育的根本改革中是不可避免的”,选项C“导致了关于反正统文化的争论”和选项D“引起了20世纪60年代大众态度的改变”,都是原文片语表达断章取义的表述。

2.选D 。这是一道词义题。题干问:“单词‘talking’(第三自然段第六行)的意思是……”本题考查的仍然是句群含义的归纳能力。解读原文第三段可以看出,作者谈论的主要话题为英语语体的变化问题,所以选项D“非正式”是talking一词的内涵。其实,作者本文谈论的中心就是英语语言语体的非正式变化趋势的问题。选项A“适度”,选项B“个性”和选项C“生动”,三个选项的干扰性都比较强,是由于三个选项中都包含原文强调的重要概念。但是如果代入原文,则无法在段落或更高的层次上构成意义和逻辑上的一致性和连贯性。

3.选A 。这是一道细节题,问Mr.McWhorter的看法,准确理解第三段末句便能确定答案为选项A“逻辑思维与我们谈话的方式没有必然的联系”正确。选项B“黑人英语比标准英语有更强的表达”,选项C“所有非标准的人类语言仅仅是娱乐性的”和选项D“在所有变体中,标准英语是最能表达复杂思想的”,三个选项是原文片语表达断章取义的表述,或者不是该语言学家的观点。

4.选B 。这是一道细节题。题干问:“文中提到俄国人喜欢背诵诗歌,目的是说明作者……”本题考查考生对作者写作目的的把握,在第五段中作者提到了俄国人和意大利人对正式用语的强调,并认为他们的语言是“something beautiful”。选项B“欣赏他们的努力”是正确的。A“对他们的语言感兴趣”,选项C“羡慕他们的记忆力”和选项D“蔑视他们的守旧”,三个选项是原文片语表达断章取义的表述,或者不是该语言学家提及此例证的目的。

5.选C 。这是一道词义类比题,问文章中“paper plates”(纸碟子)之于“china”(瓷碟子)的关系犹如“什么”于“什么”之间的关系。理解文章,尤其末段末三句可知,纸碟强调的是实用、一次性功用,而瓷碟不仅实用而且具有艺术美,C“功用性”与“艺术性”两者的语义关系与它们对应齐整,故为正确答案。A“临时”与“永久”;B“激进”与“保守”;D“谦逊”与“高尚”都是干扰项,应排除。

词汇精解

command n.掌握;命令

gift n.天分,天赋

aspire v.渴望

degradation n.堕落,退化

linguist n.语言学家

controversialist n.好争论者

liberal adj.自由的,开明的

conservative adj.保守的

triumph n.胜利,凯旋

decline n.衰败,下降

blame vt.指责,批评

permissive adj.纵容的,放纵的

academic adj.学术的,学业的

speciality n.专长,特长

regrettable adj.令人遗憾的,令人惋惜的

cult n.时尚,狂热的崇拜

authentic adj.纯正的,真正的

spell vt.导致,引发

modestly adv.略微,稍稍

genre n.风格

liveliness n.生动,趣味

spontaneity n.自发性

craft n.技艺,技巧

illustrate vt.阐述,解释

entertaining adj.有趣的,娱乐的

document vt.记录,记载

unmistakable adj.明确无误的

subtitle n.副标题

acknowledge vt.承认,认可

dialect n.方言

old-fashioned adj.过时的,不流行的

radical adj.彻底的;激进的

grieve v.哀叹,难过

inevitable adj.不可避免的

难句解析

1.In his latest book,Doing Our Own Thing:The Degradation of language and Music and why we should like,care,John McWhorter,a linguist and controversialist of mixed liberal and conservative views,sees the triumph of 1960s counter-culture as responsible for the decline of formal English.

【参考译文】 在其最新书籍《做我们自己的事:语言和音乐的退化,以及为什么我们应该喜欢或在意》中,这位学者认为20世纪60年代反文化运动的胜利要对正式英语的退化负责。

【结构分析】 该句子的主干是John McWhorte sees the triumph of 1960s counter-culture as responsible for the decline,主语前的介词短语in his latest book做状语,book后有一个较长的书名充当其同位语。主语John McWhorter和谓语sees之间为主语的同位语,对主语补充说明。本句的难点是对两个同位语的把握。

【知识链接】 see…as…把……视作……;be responsible for…对……负责任

2.Mr.McWhorter’s academic speciality is language history and change,and he sees the gradual disappearance of“whom”,for example,to be natural and no more regrettable than the loss of the case-endings of Old English.

【参考译文】 麦荷特先生的学术专长在于语言史和语言演变。举例来说,他认为“whom”一词的逐渐消失是自然的,并不比古英语中词格尾缀的消失更让人惋惜。

【结构分析】 本句是一个并列句,包含两个以and连接的分句,其中第二个分句比较复杂:宾语是the gradual disappearance of“whom”,后面是插入语for example,接着是to be natural and no more regrettable,这一部分作上述宾语的补足语,最后是比较结构no more…than(……一样不……)。

【知识链接】 see…to be…认为……是……;no more…than………一样不……

3.While even the modestly educated sought an elevated tone when they put pen to paper before the 1960s,even the most well regarded writing since then has sought to capture spoken English on the page.

【参考译文】 在20世纪60年代以前,仅受过一般教育的人在下笔时都会寻求一种更高雅的强调;而那之后,即使是最受关注的文章也开始逮住口语就写在纸面上。

【结构分析】 句首的连词while表示“虽然”,引导让步状语从句,该从句中又套了一个when引导的时间状语从句;逗号之后是主句,主语是the most well regarded writing,其中的regarded是形容词用法,since then意思是“从那以后”,then指的是the 1960s。

【知识链接】 put pen to paper提笔写作;seek to do努力……

4.As a linguist,he acknowledges that all varieties of human language,including non-standard ones like Black English,can be powerfully expressive—there exists no language or dialect in the world that cannot convey complex ideas.

【参考译文】 作为语言学家,麦荷特认为各种各样的人类语言,包括像黑人英语这样的非标准语言,都具有强大的表达力——世上没有传达不了复杂思想的语言或方言。

【结构分析】 该句子的主干是he acknowledges that all varieties can be expressive,谓语acknow-ledges后面是that引导的宾语从句。从句中主谓之间插入了介词短语including non-standard ones like Black English。破折号后面分句对前面话语进行补充说明,其中使用了双否结构no…cannot…,表示肯定之意。本句是个典型的长难句,结构比较复杂。阅读这种句子的正确方法是:从前向后,抓住独立的谓语部分从而区分出主句和分词状语,再根据从句的连接词区分主句和从句,层层理解,插入语在哪个层次就放在哪个层次当中理解。

【知识链接】 non-standard非标准的;Black English黑人英语

Passage 38

If you intend using humor in your talk to make people smile,you must know how to identify shared experiences and problems.Your humor must be relevant to the audience and should help to show them that you are one of them or that you understand their situation and are in sympathy with their point of view.Depending on whom you are addressing,the problems will be different.If you are talking to a group of managers,you may refer to the disorganized methods of their secretaries;alternatively if you are addressing secretaries,you may want to comment on their disorganized bosses.

Here is an example,which I heard at a nurses’convention,of a story which works well because the audience all shared the same view of doctors.A man arrives in heaven and is being shown around by St.Peter.He sees wonderful accommodations,beautiful gardens,sunny weather,and so on.Everyone is very peaceful,polite and friendly until,waiting in a line for lunch,the new arrival is suddenly pushed aside by a man in a white coat,who rushes to the head of the line,grabs his food and stomps over to a table by himself.“Who is that?”the new arrival asked St.Peter.“Oh,that’s God.”came the reply,“but sometimes he thinks he’s a doctor.”

If you are part of the group which you are addressing,you will be in a position to know the experiences and problems which are common to all of you and it’ll be appropriate for you to make a passing remark about the inedible canteen food or the chairman’s notorious bad taste in ties.With other audiences you mustn’t attempt to cut in with humor as they will resent an outsider making disparaging remarks about their canteen or their chairman.You will be on safer ground if you stick to scapegoats like the Post Office or the telephone system.

If you feel awkward being humorous,you must practice so that it becomes more natural.Include a few casual and apparently off-the-cuff remarks which you can deliver in a relaxed and unforced manner.Often it’s the delivery which causes the audience to smile,so speak slowly and remember that a raised eyebrow or an unbelieving look may help to show that you are making a light-hearted remark.

Look for the humor.It often comes from the unexpected.A twist on a familiar quote“If at first you don’t succeed,give up”or a play on words or on a situation.Search for exaggeration and understatements.Look at your talk and pick out a few words or sentences which you can turn about and inject with humor.

1.To make your humor work,you should______.

A.take advantage of different kinds of audience

B.make fun of the disorganized people

C.address different problems to different people

D.show sympathy for your listeners

2.The joke about doctors implies that,in the eyes of nurses,they are______.

A.impolite to new arrivals

B.very conscious of their godlike role

C.entitled to some privileges

D.very busy even during lunch hours

3.It can be inferred from the text that public services______.

A.have benefited many people

B.are the focus of public attention

C.are an inappropriate subject for humor

D.have often been the laughing stock

4.To achieve the desired result,humorous stories should be delivered______.

A.in well-worded language

B.as awkwardly as possible

C.in exaggerated statement

D.as casually as possible

5.The best title for the text may be______.

A.Use Humor Effectively

B.Various Kinds of Humor

C.Add Humor to Speech

D.Different Humor Strategies

参考译文

如果你想在谈话中用幽默来使人发笑,你就必须知道如何识别共同的经历和共同的问题。你的幽默必须与听众有关,能够向他们显示你是他们的一员,或者你了解他们的情况,同情他们的观点。根据与你谈话的不同对象,问题也有所不同。如果你在和一群经理谈话,你就可以评论他们秘书的工作方法紊乱;相反,如果你在和一群秘书谈话,你就可以评论他们老板的工作方法紊乱。

下面举一个例子,它是我在一个护士大会上听到的。这个故事效果很好,因为听众对医生都有同样的看法。一个人到了天堂,由圣彼得带着他参观。他看到了豪华的住宅、美丽的花园、晴朗的天气,等等。所有人都很安静、礼貌和友善,然而当这位新来的人在排队等候午餐时,突然被一位穿白大褂的人推到一旁。只见这人挤到了队伍的前头,抓起他的食物,噔噔地旁若无人地走到一张餐桌旁。“这是谁啊?”新来的人问圣彼得。“哦,那是上帝,”他回答说:“但有时也认为自己是一名医生。”

如果你是你谈话对象集体中的一员,你就能够了解你们所共有的经历和问题,你就可对餐厅极难吃的食物或者总裁在选择领带方面差劲的品位进行评头论足。而对于其他听众,你就不能试图贸然地讲这种幽默,因为他们也许不喜欢外人对他们的餐厅或总裁有如此微词。如果你选择去评论邮局或电话局这样的替罪羊,那就会很安全。

如果你在幽默时感到很别扭,你应该进行练习使它变得更自然。包括一些很随便的、看上去是即兴的话,你可以用轻松的、不做作的方式把它们说出来。常常是你说话的方式使听众发笑,因此说慢一些,并且记住扬扬眉毛或者做出一种不相信的表情都会向人们显示你正在说笑话。

留意幽默,它常常是在出其不意的时候出现。它可以是一句常言的歪曲如“你要是一开始不成功,就放弃”,或者是玩弄语言和情景。留意夸张和打折扣的话。考虑一下你的谈话,选出一些词汇和句子,颠倒它们的次序,并注入一些幽默。

解题之路

1.选C 。本题考的是局部信息。考生只要看懂了第一段第三句话“Depending on whom you are addressing,the problems will be different”以及后面的supporting evidence,就能够准确地回答本题。

2.选B 。本题的关键是看学生是否理解第二段结尾St.Peter的话。如果选C项是因为没有理解St.Peter的话,而把注意力放在了医生的所作所为上,即医生把新来的人推到一边,冲到队伍的最前面,等等,因而给人一种他享有特权的印象。

3.选D 。本题的关键是第三段的最后一句话,意思是:你去开邮局或电话系统(即public services)的玩笑则比较安全,不会有冒犯什么人的危险,同时本句中还出现了一个关键词“scapegoats”,说明public services常常成为人们的笑柄。

4.选D 。本题主要考第四段的内容。其中有一些关键词,如:“natural”,“relaxed”,“unforced”,“light-hearted”等。只要考生看懂了这些词的意思,这道题就很容易了。

5.选A 。这道题考的是对全文的理解,是一道总括题。答总括题需要利用全文的信息。从全文各段的内容来看,文章主要是讲如何有效地使用幽默。采用排除法很容易确定本题的答案。

词汇精解

identify vt.鉴别,识别

relevant adj.相关的,有关的

address vt.讲话,对……发表演讲

disorganized adj.杂乱的,无序的

comment v.评论

convention n.会议;传统,习俗

accommodation n.住所;设施

resent vt.憎恨,讨厌

disparaging adj.轻视的,蔑视的

scapegoat n.替罪羊

awkward adj.尴尬的,难为情的

deliver vt.发表演讲;运送

unforced adj.不受强迫的,自然的

eyebrow n.眉毛

grab vt.抓

remark n.话语,评论

inedible adj.不可食的

exaggeration n.夸张

inject vt.灌输,输入

难句解析

1.Your humor must be relevant to the audience and should help to show them that you are one of them or that you understand their situation and are in sympathy with their point of view.

【参考译文】 你的幽默必须与听众有关,能够向他们显示你是他们的一员,或者你了解他们的情况,同情他们的观点。

【结构分析】 该句主干部分的主语是your humor,后面有两个平行的谓语must be和should help,它们后面分别有其宾语。其中should help后面的宾语是不定式to show,而它的宾语比较复杂,是两个并列的宾语从句:that you are one of them和that you understand their situation and are in sympathy with their point of view,中间用or连接。

本句结构比较简明,只需注意show them后面是两个并列的宾语从句就可以了。后面的宾语从句中有个很有用的词组in sympathy with,表示同情、赞同。

【知识链接】 in sympathy with…同情、赞同;point of view观点

2.If you are part of the group which you are addressing,you will be in a position to know the experiences and problems which are common to all of you and it’ll be appropriate for you to make a passing remark about the inedible canteen food or the chairman’s notorious bad taste in ties.

【参考译文】 如果你是你谈话对象集体中的一员,你就能够了解你们所共有的经历和问题,你就可对餐厅极难吃的食物或者总裁在选择领带方面差劲的品位进行评头论足。

【结构分析】 If引导了一个条件从句,而后面的主句是两个子句构成的并列句。在第一个子句you will be in a position to know the experiences and problems which are common to all of you中又有一个定语从句which are common to all of you来修饰the experiences and problems,而后面的子句的结构是一个it is adj.for sb.to do sth.的结构。要看懂本句,重点在于要把后面的两个子句断开,并分别理解。

【知识链接】 in a position to do有资格/能力做……;make a passing remark about…对……评头论足

3.Include a few casual and apparently off-the-cuff remarks which you can deliver in a relaxed and unforced manner.

【参考译文】 包括一些很随便的、看上去是即兴的话,你可以用轻松的、不做作的方式把它们说出来。

【结构分析】 该句是一个祈使句。谓语是include,宾语是remarks,后面有一个定语从句修饰它。注意该句的特性。另外注意off-the-cuff的意思。

【知识链接】 off-the-cuff即兴的

4.Often it’s the delivery which causes the audience to smile,so speak slowly and remember that a raised eyebrow or an unbelieving look may help to show that you are making a light-hearted remark.

【参考译文】 常常是你说话的方式使听众发笑,因此说慢一些,并且记住扬扬眉毛或者做出一种不相信的表情都会向人们显示你正在说笑话。

【结构分析】 整句可以看成是由so连接的并列句,前后有一定的因果关系。前面的子句是一个强调结构,而后面又是一个祈使句,其谓语动词是speak和remember。而remember后面又是一个很长的宾语从句,该从句的主语是a raised eyebrow or an unbelieving look,谓语是may help to show,其后的that引导show的宾语从句。

【知识链接】 unbelieving look不信任的表情;light-hearted轻松的

Passage 39

Since the dawn of human ingenuity,people have devised ever more cunning tools to cope with work that is dangerous,boring,burdensome,or just plain nasty.That compulsion has resulted in robotics—the science of conferring various human capabilities on machines.And if scientists have yet to create the mechanical version of science fiction,they have begun to come close.

As a result,the modern world is increasingly populated by intelligent gizmos whose presence we barely notice but whose universal existence has removed much human labor.Our factories hum to the rhythm of robot assembly arms.Our banking is done at automated teller terminals that thank us with mechanical politeness for the transaction.Our subway trains are controlled by tireless robo-drivers.And thanks to the continual miniaturization of electronics and micro-mechanics,there are already robot systems that can perform some kinds of brain and bone surgery with submillimeter accuracy—far greater precision than highly skilled physicians can achieve with their hands alone.

But if robots are to reach the next stage of laborsaving utility,they will have to operate with less human supervision and be able to make at least a few decisions for themselves—goals that pose a real challenge.“While we know how to tell a robot to handle a specific error,”says Dave Lavery,manager of a robotics program at NASA,“we can’t yet give a robot enough‘common sense’to reliably interact with a dynamic world.”

Indeed the quest for true artificial intelligence has produced very mixed results.Despite a spell of initial optimism in the 1960s and 1970s when it appeared that transistor circuits and microprocessors might be able to copy the action of the human brain by the year 2010,researchers lately have begun to extend that forecast by decades if not centuries.

What they found,in attempting to model thought,is that the human brain’s roughly one hundred billion nerve cells are much more talented—and human perception far more complicated—than previously imagined.They have built robots that can recognize the error of a machine panel by a fraction of a millimeter in a controlled factory environment.But the human mind can glimpse a rapidly changing scene and immediately disregard the 98 percent that is irrelevant,instantaneously focusing on the monkey at the side of a winding forest road or the single suspicious face in a big crowd.The most advanced computer systems on Earth can’t approach that kind of ability,and neuroscientists still don’t know quite how we do it.

1.Human ingenuity was initially demonstrated in______.

A.the use of machines to produce science fiction

B.the wide use of machines in manufacturing industry

C.the invention of tools for difficult and dangerous work

D.the elite’s cunning tackling of dangerous and boring work

2.The word“gizmos”(line 1,paragraph 2)most probably means______.

A.programs

B.experts

C.devices

D.creatures

3.According to the text,what is beyond man’s ability now is to design a robot that can______.

A.fulfill delicate tasks like performing brain surgery

B.interact with human beings verbally

C.have a little common sense

D.respond independently to a changing world

4.Besides reducing human labor,robots can also______.

A.make a few decisions for themselves

B.deal with some errors with human intervention

C.improve factory environments

D.cultivate human creativity

5.The author uses the example of a monkey to argue that robots are______.

A.expected to copy human brain in internal structure

B.able to perceive abnormalities immediately

C.far less able than human brain in focusing on relevant information

D.best used in a controlled environment

参考译文

自从人类的创造智慧诞生以来,人类设计了越来越多的灵巧工具去应付危险、枯燥、繁重或者无聊的工作。这使得机器人科学诞生了——这门科学研究如何将人的能力赋予机器。即使科学家必须创造科幻小说中的机器人版本,他们也快实现目标了。

由此引起的结果是,现代世界已经日益充斥着智能的装置,虽然我们几乎注意不到它们,但是它们的普遍存在却节省了许多人类劳力。工厂随着机器人装备的节奏嗡嗡响。金融活动在自动化的终端设备中进行,自动化的终端还能用机器特有的礼貌对我们的交易表示感谢。无线机器人司机操纵我们的地铁列车。由于电子技术和小型机械的不断微型化,现在已经有一些机器人系统能进行某些大脑和骨科手术,精确程度达到了亚毫米,其精确性远远超过熟练的医生用他们的双手所能达到的水平。

但是如果机器人要进入节省劳力的下一个阶段,它们必须能够在更少的人工监控下运行,并且至少能够独立做一些决定,这些目标富有挑战性。“尽管我们知道如何指示机器人去纠正一个具体的错误”,NASA的一个机器人科学程序经理Dave Lavery说:“我们不能赋予机器人足够的常识以便于它能令人放心地去应对多变的世界。”

事实上,有关人工智能的探索已经产生了复杂的结果。尽管在20世纪六七十年代,人们起初着实乐观了一阵儿,那时候晶体管电路和微处理器似乎能在2010年模仿人类大脑的活动,但是研究人员最近已经开始将这个预测延后,即使不是几个世纪,也是几十年。

在试图建立思维模型的过程中,他们发现人类大脑所包含的1000亿细胞都高度智能化,人类的知觉远比原来设想的要复杂。在一个可控的工厂环境下,科学家们制造了可以以小于1毫米的精确度识别机械控制板上的错误的机器人。但是人却能通过对瞬息万变的场景的瞬间扫描排除98%不相关的信息,立即盯上树林中位于路旁的猴子或者在拥挤的人群中找出可疑的面孔。世界上最先进的计算机系统也不具备这个能力,神经学科学家也不明白我们究竟是怎么做到这一点的。

解题之路

1.选C 。本题是一个局部题,主要考查考生是否看懂了第一段,尤其是“That compulsion has resulted in robotics—the science of conferring various human capabilities on machines”这句话。这句话的意思是:(发明一些灵巧的工具来从事一些危险、乏味、繁重,或者是讨厌的工作)这样一种需求导致了机器人技术的产生,即赋予机器以人的各种技能的科学。

2.选C 。本题是考查考生从上下文猜测词义的能力。根据第二段中出现的“robot assembly arms”,“automated teller terminals”,“tireless robo-drivers”等信息,考生可以猜出“gizmos”是“设备、装置”的意思。

3.选D 。本题的答题依据是第三段中Dave Lavery的第二句话,即“we can’t yet give a robot enough‘common sense’to reliably interact with a dynamic world.”该句中的“dynamic”就是“动态的、变化的”意思。

4.选B 。本题的答题依据是第三段中Dave Lavery说的第一句话,即“While we know how to tell a robot to handle a specific error”即“我们知道如何告诉机器人去处理一个具体的错误”。看懂了这句话,这道题就很容易了。

5.选C 。本题考的是文章最后一段的意思。该段的主要意思是:机器人能够在很短的时间内发现机器的问题,而人脑能很快忽略不相关的信息,而将注意力集中到相关的信息上来,这是先进的机器人都做不到的。

词汇精解

dawn n.黎明;开始

ingenuity n.聪明,智慧

transaction n.交易,贸易

tireless adj.不知疲倦的

devise vt.设计,策划

cunning adj.聪明的;狡猾的

burdensome adj.麻烦的,令人劳累的

nasty adj.恶心的,讨厌的

compulsion n.迫使,推动

robotics n.机器人学

confer vt.授予,给予

capability n.能力

mechanical adj.机械的

version n.版本

fiction n.小说

gizmo n.装置,设备

hum v.嗡嗡作响

rhythm n.节奏,韵律

assembly n.组装线,流水线

teller n.出纳

terminal n.终端,终点

miniaturization n.微型化

accuracy n.精确,精度

precision n.精确,精度

laborsaving adj.省力的

utility n.应用,实用性

supervision n.监督,监控

interact v.互动,相互作用

dynamic adj.有活力的,动态的

quest n.追求,渴望

spell n.一阵儿

initial adj.最初的

optimism n.乐观,乐观主义

perception n.感知,感觉

irrelevant adj.没有联系的,毫不相关的

instantaneously adv.立刻,立即

suspicious adj.令人怀疑的,疑心的

neuroscientist n.精神病学家

难句解析

1.Since the dawn of human ingenuity,people have devised ever more cunning tools to cope with work that is dangerous,boring,burden some,or just plain nasty.

【参考译文】 自从人类的创造智慧诞生以来,人类设计了越来越多的灵巧工具来应付危险、枯燥、繁重或者无聊的工作。

【结构分析】 该句是一个复杂单句,前面是since引导的一个时间状语,这个地方的dawn取其比喻义,表示早期。后面主句中有一个定语从句that is dangerous,boring,burden some,or just plain nasty用来修饰work。

【知识链接】 cope with处理,对付

2.As a result,the modern world is increasingly populated by intelligent gizmos whose presence we barely notice but whose universal existence has removed much human labor.

【参考译文】 由此引起的结果是,现代世界已经日益充斥着智能的装置,虽然我们几乎注意不到它们,但是它们的普遍存在却节省了许多人类劳力。

【结构分析】 本句的主句是the modern world is increasingly populated by intelligent gizmos,后面是两个定语从句,中间用but来引导。as a result作全句的状语。

【知识链接】 as a result因此;human labor人类劳动力

3.And thanks to the continual miniaturization of electronics and micro-mechanics,there are already robot systems that can perform some kinds of brain and bone surgery with submillimeter accuracy—far greater precision than highly skilled physicians can achieve with their hands alone.

【参考译文】 由于电子技术和小型机械的不断微型化,现在已有一些机器人系统能够进行某些大脑和骨科手术,精确程度达到了亚毫米,其精确性远远超过熟练的医生用他们的双手所能达到的水平。

【结构分析】 该句是一个there be的结构,注意robot systems后面有一个修饰它的定语从句。而后面的破折号引出一个名词短语far greater precision,起补充说明作用,作前面submillimeter accuracy的同位语。句首的thanks to引导的是原因状语。

【知识链接】 thanks to…由于……;micro-mechanics微型机械仪器;robot system机器人系统

4.But if robots are to reach the next stage of laborsaving utility,they will have to operate with less human supervision and be able to make at least a few decisions for themselves—goals that pose a real challenge.

【参考译文】 但是如果机器人要进入节省劳力的下一个阶段,它们必须能够在更少的人工监控下运行,并且至少能够独立做一些决定,这些目标富有挑战性。

【结构分析】 这是一个主从复合句。起首的是一个条件句,主句是两个并列结构,一是they will have to operate with less human supervision,一是(they will have to)be able to make at least a few decisions for themselves。破折号之后是一个名词短语,修饰整个主句,作主句的同位语。

【知识链接】 laborsaving省力的;at least至少

5.Despite a spell of initial optimism in the 1960s and 1970s when it appeared that transistor circuits and microprocessors might be able to copy the action of the human brain by the year 2010,researchers lately have begun to extend that forecast by decades if not centuries.

【参考译文】 尽管在20世纪六七十年代,人们起初着实乐观了一阵儿,那时候晶体管电路和微处理器似乎能在2010年模仿人类大脑的活动,但是研究人员最近已经开始将这个预测延后,即使不是几个世纪,也是几十年。

【结构分析】 句子的主干是researchers lately have begun to extend that forecast by decades if not centuries。句首的Despite a spell of initial optimism in the 1960s and 1970s是让步状语,其后的when引导的是一个定语从句,比较冗长,因而整个句子显得比较费解。

【知识链接】 a spell of一阵儿;transistor circuit晶体管电路

Passage 40

Could the bad old days of economic decline be about to return?Since OPEC agreed to supply-cuts in March,the price of crude oil has jumped to almost $26 a barrel,up from less than $10 last December.This near-tripling of oil prices calls up scary memories of the 1973 oil shock,when prices quadrupled,and 1979-1980,when they also almost tripled.Both previous shocks resulted in double-digit inflation and global economic decline.So where are the headlines warning of gloom and doom this time?

The oil price was given another push up this week when Iraq suspended oil exports.Strengthening economic growth,at the same time as winter grips the northern hemisphere,could push the price higher still in the short term.

Yet there are good reasons to expect the economic consequences now to be less severe than in the 1970s.In most countries the cost of crude oil now accounts for a smaller share of the price of petrol than it did in the 1970s.In Europe,taxes account for up to four-fifths of the retail price,so even quite big changes in the price of crude have a more muted effect on pump prices than in the past.

Rich economies are also less dependent on oil than they were,and so less sensitive to swings in the oil price.Energy conservation,a shift to other fuels and a decline in the importance of heavy,energy-intensive industries have reduced oil consumption.Software,consultancy and mobile telephones use far less oil than steel or car production.For each dollar of GDP(in constant prices)rich economies now use nearly 50%less oil than in 1973.The OECD estimates in its latest Economic Outlook that,if oil prices averaged$22 a barrel for a full year,compared with$13 in 1998,this would increase the oil import bill in rich economies by only 0.25%-0.5%of GDP.That is less than one-quarter of the income loss in 1974 or 1980.On the other hand,oil-importing emerging economies—to which heavy industry has shifted—have become more energy-intensive,and so could be more seriously squeezed.

One more reason not to lose sleep over the rise in oil prices is that,unlike the rises in the 1970s,it has not occurred against the background of general commodity-price inflation and global excess demand.A sizable portion of the world is only just emerging from economic decline.The Economist’s commodity price index is broadly unchanging from a year ago.In 1973 commodity prices jumped by 70%,and in 1979 by almost 30%.

1.The main reason for the latest rise of oil price is______.

A.global inflation

B.reduction in supply

C.fast growth in economy

D.Iraq’s suspension of exports

2.It can be inferred from the text that the retail price of petrol will go up dramatically if______.

A.price of crude rises

B.commodity prices rise

C.consumption rises

D.oil taxes rise

3.The estimates in Economic Outlook show that in rich countries______.

A.heavy industry becomes more energy-intensive

B.income loss mainly results from fluctuating crude oil prices

C.manufacturing industry has been seriously squeezed

D.oil price changes have no significant impact on GDP

4.We can draw a conclusion from the text that______.

A.oil-price shocks are less shocking now

B.inflation seems irrelevant to oil-price shocks

C.energy conservation can keep down the oil prices

D.the price rise of crude leads to the shrinking of heavy industry

5.From the text we can see that the writer seems______.

A.optimistic

B.sensitive

C.gloomy

D.scared

参考译文

过去经济衰落的日子会不会重来?自从石油输出国组织在3月决定减少原油供应,原油的价格便从去年12月的不到10美元一桶上升到约26美元一桶。这次近3倍的涨价令人想起了1973年和1979~1980年两次可怕的石油恐慌,当时的油价分别涨了4倍和近3倍。前两次的油价暴涨都导致了两位数的通货膨胀和全球性的经济衰退。那么这次警告人们厄运来临的头版新闻都到哪里去了呢?

本周伊拉克暂停石油出口,这使油价又一次上扬。强劲的经济增长势头,随着北半球冬季的到来,有可能在短期内使石油价格涨得更高。

然而,我们有充分的理由预期这次油价暴涨给经济带来的影响不会像20世纪70年代那么严重。与70年代相比,现在多数国家的原油价格占汽油价格的份额要小很多。在欧洲,税金在汽油零售价的比例高达4/5,因此,即使原油价格发生很大的波动,汽油价格所受的影响也不会像过去那么显著。

发达国家对石油的依赖性也不如从前,因此对油价的波动也就不会那么敏感。能源储备、燃料替代以及能源密集型重工业的重要性的降低,都减少了石油消耗量。软件、咨询及移动通信消耗的石油,比钢铁、汽车行业少得多。发达国家国民生产总值中每一美元所消耗的石油量比1973年少了近一半。国际经合组织在最近一期的《经济展望》中估计,如果油价持续一年维持在22美元左右,与1998年的13美元一桶相比,这也只会使发达国家的石油进口在支出上增加GDP的0.25%~0.5%。这还不到1974年或1980年收入减少部分的1/4。另一方面,进口石油的新兴国家由于转向了重工业,消耗能量更大,因此可能会受到石油危机的强烈影响。

另一个不应因油价上升而失眠的原因是,与20世纪70年代不同,这次油价上升不是发生在普遍的物价暴涨及全球需求过旺的背景之下。世界上很多地区才刚刚走出经济衰落。《经济学家》的商品价格指数与一年前相比总的来说也没有什么变化。1973年的商品价格上升了70%,而1979年也上升了近30%。

解题之路

1.选B 。本题的答题依据是第一段的第二句话,“Since OPEC agreed to supply-cuts in March,the price of crude oil has jumped to almost$26 a barrel,up from less than$10 last December.”看懂了这句话,这道题就很容易了。

2.选D 。本题的关键信息在第三段的第三句话“In Europe,taxes account for up to four-fifths of the retail price,so even quite big changes in the price of crude have a more muted effect on pump prices than in the past.”意思是说:在欧洲,汽油的零售价中税占到4/5,因此税的增加会导致汽油价格的(成比例)猛涨,而原油价格的变化带来的影响不会很大。

3.选D 。本题的答题依据是第四段中的下面这句话“The OECD estimates in its latest Economic outlook that,if oil prices averaged$22 a barrel for a full year,compared with$13 in 1998,this would increase the oil import bill in rich economies by only 0.25%-0.5%of GDP.”这是一道比较容易的题。

4.选A 。本题的答题依据是全文的最后一段,强调这次油价上涨与20世纪70年代的上涨不同,也就是没有70年代的那一次那么可怕。

5.选A 。本题是一道比较容易的题。答题依据贯穿全文,尤其是第三段和最后一段的第一句话,强调人们不必担心此次油价上涨,因为这一次的情况与20世纪70年代不同。

词汇精解

decline n.下降,降落

crude adj.原始的,粗糙的

suspend vt.终止

hemisphere n.半球

scary adj.令人害怕的

quadruple v.使成四倍

triple v.使成三倍

previous adj.以前的

digit n.位数

inflation n.通货膨胀

headline n.报纸头条

gloom n.忧郁,萧条

doom n.末日

severe adj.严重的,严峻的

swing n.秋千;摇摆

conservation n.保存,保护

consultancy n.咨询

sizable adj.巨大的

portion n.部分

commodity n.商品

index n.指数,指标;索引

难句解析

1.Strengthening economic growth,at the same time as winter grips the northern hemisphere,could push the price higher still in the short time.

【参考译文】 强劲的经济增长势头,随着北半球冬季的到来,有可能在短期内使石油价格涨得更高。

【结构分析】 该句是一个主从复合句。主干是Strengthening economic growth could push the price higher,双逗号之间是一个as引导的时间状语从句。本句阅读的重点是要首先抓住主句的基本结构。

【知识链接】 economic growth经济增长;the northern hemisphere北半球

2.In Europe,taxes account for up to four-fifths of the retail price,so even quite big changes in the price of crude have a more muted effect on pump prices than in the past.

【参考译文】 在欧洲,税金在汽油零售价的比例高达4/5,因此,即使原油价格发生很大的波动,汽油价格所受的影响也不会像过去那么显著。

【结构分析】 该句由两个单句构成,中间用so来表示前后的因果关系。本句阅读的重点是一些短语和词组。account for表示“占……”;muted原意是“沉默的,被弄哑的”,在文章里的意思是“不太显著的”。

【知识链接】 account for占……;retail price零售价;pump price油品零售价格

3.Energy conservation,a shift to other fuels and a decline in the importance of heavy,energy-intensive industries have reduced oil consumption.

【参考译文】 能源储备、燃料替代以及能源密集型重工业的重要性的降低,都减少了石油消耗量。

【结构分析】 该句是一个简单句,只是主语复杂一点,是三个并列的名词短语Energy conservation,a shift to other fuels and a decline,其谓语部分是have reduced,宾语是oil consumption。本句阅读的重点在主语,注意它里面有三个并列成分。

【知识链接】 energy conservation能源储备;energy-intensive industry能源密集型产业

4.The OECD estimates in its latest Economic Outlook that,if oil prices averaged$22 a barrel for a full year,compared with$13 in 1998,this would increase the oil import bill in rich economies by only 0.25%-0.5%of GDP.

【参考译文】 国际经合组织在最近一期的《经济展望》中估计,如果油价持续一年维持在22美元左右,与1998年的13美元一桶相比,这也只会使发达国家的石油进口在支出上增加GDP的0.25%~0.5%。

【结构分析】 本句的主句是The OECD estimates...that,本句复杂的地方在that引导的宾语从句,里面有一个条件状语if oil prices averaged$22 a barrel for a full year,compared with$13 in 1998,将引导词that和后面的主干分裂开来,其中的主语this指代的是if条件句。本句阅读的重点在于抓住句子的主干。

【知识链接】 a full year一整年;compared with…与……相比

5.One more reason not to lose sleep over the rise in oil prices is that,unlike the rises in the 1970s,it has not occurred against the background of general commodity-price inflation and global excess demand.

【参考译文】 另一个不应因油价上升而失眠的原因是,与20世纪70年代不同,这次油价上升不是发生在普遍的物价暴涨及全球需求过旺的背景之下。

【结构分析】 本句的主句是One more reason is that...,比较复杂的是其以that引导的表语从句,中间出现了分裂结构unlike the rises in the 1970s,该表语从句的主语是it,指代的是the rise in oil prices,介词短语against the background of…是occurred的方式状语。

【知识链接】 lose sleep over因……而失眠;against the background of...在……的背景之下 +Ca0NIny758nBsf6U1t4uMUTlC9iVsnV5nJL3j6Fg19u528dvRl7OpLfoDOneFA2

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