四川农业大学2008年招收攻读博士学位研究生考试试题科目名称：1080英语(总分：100分)适用专业：各专业考生注意：所有答案必需写在答题纸上，否则无效！本试题随同答题纸交回！Part I Reading Comprehension (45 points )Directions: There are 6 passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A. B.C and D . You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center. Passage OneQuestions 1 to 5 are based on the following passage.As the English language has changed at a fast speed in this century, so has the use of the English language.After the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was founded in 1927, the particular style of speech of the BBC announcers was recognized as Standard English or Received Pronunciation (RP) English. Now, most people still consider that the pronunciation and delivery of BBC announcers is the clearest and most understandable spoken English.English has had a strong association with class and social status. However, since the Second World War there has been a considerable change of attitude towards speech snobbery, and hallmarks of class distinction such as styles of speech have been gradually discarded, especially by the younger generation.As the need has arisen, new words have been invented or found from other languages and incorporated into English. Similarly, old words and expressions have been discarded as their usefulness has diminished or the fashions have passed. This also happens to styles and modes of speech which became fashionable at a particular time and in specific circumstances.By the end of the 1960s it became apparent that it was not necessary to speak Standard English or even correct grammar to become popular, successful and rich. The fashionable speech of the day was no longer the prerogative of a privileged class but rather a defiant expression of class lessness.The greatest single influence of the shaping of the English language in modern times is the American English. Over the last 25 years the English used by many people, particularly by those in the media, advertising and show business, has become more and more mid-Atlantic in style, delivery and accent.In the 1970s, fashion favoured stressless pronunciation and a language full of jargon, slang and “in”words, much of it quite incomprehensible to the outside world. What is considered modern and fashionable in Britain today is often not the kind of English taught in schools and colleges.1. Which one of the following is NOT true?A. The use of the English language has not changed much in this century.B. The BBS announcers speak Standard English.C. English has no association with class and social status now.D. Young people all speak English in the same way.2. What does the author imply by saying “there has been a considerable change of attitude towards speech snobbery” (Para. 3)?A. People all speak English like BBC announcers.B. There is a great change of attitude about how English should be spoken.C. Some people still think their way of speaking is inferior.D. Most people don’t believe their way of speaking is inferior.3. According to the author, there was a trend in the U. S. for the young people _________.A.to speak Standard English.B.to speak English without class distinctionC.to speak English with class distinctionD.to speak English with grammar mistakes4. The word “mid-Atlantic” in the passage (Para. 6) probably means _________.A.American and EuropeanB.American and BritishC.the Atlantic OceanD.in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean5. It can be concluded from the passage that ________.A.Standard English is taught in school and collegesB.the young people are defiant because they refuse to speak standard EnglishC.English language is influenced by American English in the last 25 yearsD.there has been a great change in the English language in this centuryPassage TwoQuestions 6 to 10 are based on the following passage.A wise man once said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. So, as a police officer, I have some urgent things to say to good people.Days after days my men and I struggle to hold back a tidal wave of crime. Something has gone terribly wrong with our once-proud American way of life. It has happened in the area of values. A key ingredient is disappearing, and I think I know what it is: accountability.Accountability isn’t hard to define. It means that every person is responsible for his or her actions and liable for their consequences.Of the many values that hold civilization together – honesty, kindness, and so on – accountability may be the most important of all. Without it, there can be no respect, no trust, no law – and, ultimately, no society.My job as a police officer is to impose accountability on people who refuse, or have never learned, to impose it on themselves. But as every policeman knows, external controls on people’s behavior are far less effective than internal restraints such as guilt, shame and embarrassment.Fortunately there are still communities –smaller towns, usually –where schools maintain discipline and where parents hold up standards that proclaim: “In this family certain thing are not tolerated – they simply are not done!”Yet more and more, especially in our larger cities and suburbs, these inner restraints are loosening. Your typical robber has gone. He considers your property his property; he takes what he wants, including your life if you enrage him.The main cause of this break-down is a radical shift in attitudes. Thirty years ago, if a crime was committed, society was considered the victim. Now, in a shocking reversal, it’s the criminal who is considered victimized: by his underprivileged upbringing, by the school that didn’t teach him to read, by the church that failed to reach him with moral guidance, by the parents who didn’t provied a stable home.I don’t believe it. Many others in equally disadvantaged circumstances choose not to engage in criminal activities. If we free the criminal, even partly, from accountability, we become a society of endless excuses where no one accepts responsibility for anything.We in America desperately need more people who believe that the person who commits a crime is the one responsible for it.6. What the wise man said suggests that _______.A.it’s unnecessary for good people to do anything in face of evilB.it’s certain that evil will prevail if good men do nothing about itC.it’s only natural for virtue to defeat evilD.it’s desirable for good men to keep away from evil7. According to the author, if a person is found guilty of a crime, _________.A.society is to be held responsibleB.modern civilization is responsible for itC.the criminal himself should bear the blameD.the standards of living should be improved8. Compared with those in small towns, people in large cities have ________.A.less self-disciplineB.better sense of disciplineC.more mutual respectD.less effective government9. The writer is sorry to have noticed that ___________.A.people in large cities tend to excuse criminalsB.people in small towns still stick to old discipline and standardsC.today’s society lacks sympathy for people in difficultyD.people in disadvantaged circumstances are engaged in criminal activities.10. The key point of the passage is that _________.A.stricter discipline should be maintained in schools and familiesB.more good examples should be set for people to followC.more restrictions should be imposed on people’s behaviorD.more people should accept the value of accountabilityPassage ThreeQuestions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage.Many of the most damaging and life threatening types of weather torrential rains, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes begin quickly, strike suddenly, and disappear rapidly, destroying small regions while leaving neighboring areas untouched. Such event as a tornado struck the northeastern section of Edmonton, Alberta, in July 1987. Total damages from the tornado exceeded $250 million, the highest ever for any Canadian storm.Conventional computer models of the atmosphere have limited value in predicting short lived local storms like the Edmonton tornado, because the available weather data are generally not detailed enough to allow computers to study carefully the subtle atmospheric changes that come before these storms. In most nations, for example, weather – balloon observations are taken just once every twelve hours at locations typically separated by hundreds of miles. With such limited data, conventional forecasting models do a much better job predicting general weather conditions over large regions than they do forecasting specific local events.Until recently, the observation intensive approach needed for accurate, very short – range forecasts,or “Nowcasts,” was not feasible. The cost of equipping and operating many thousands of conventional weather stations was extremely high, and the difficulties involved in rapidly collecting and processing the raw weather data from such a network were hard to overcome. Fortunately, scientific and technological advances have overcome most of these problems. Radar systems, automated weather instruments, and satellites are all capable of making detailed, nearly continuous observation over large regions at a relatively low cost. Communications satellites can transmit data around the world cheaply and instantaneously, and modern computers can quickly compile and analyze this large volume of weather information. Meteorologists and computer scientists now work together to design computer programs and video equipment capable of transforming raw weather data into words, symbols, and vivid graphic displays that forecasters can interpret easily and quickly. As meteorologists have begun using these new technologies in weather forecasting offices, Nowcasting is becoming a reality.11. The word “exceeded” in paragraph I most probably means ____________.A. added up toB. were more thanC. were aboutD. were less than12. Conventional computer models of the atmosphere fails to predict such a short –lived tornadobecause ______________.A. the computer is not used to forecast specific local eventsB. the computers are not advanced enough to predict itC. the weather data people collect are often wrongD. weather conditions in some small regions are not available13. According to the passage, the word “Nowcast” (paragraph 3) means _______________.A. a way of collecting raw weather dataB. a forecast which can predict the weather conditions in the small area in an accurate wayC. a network to collect instant weather dataD. a more advanced system of weather observation14. According to the passage, ___________ is the key factor to making “Nowcasts” a reality.A. scientific and technological advances such as radar, or satellitesB. computer scientistC. meteorologistsD. advanced computer programs15. According to the author, the passage mainly deals with ________________.A. a tornado in Edmonton, AlbertaB. what’s a “Nowcast”C. the disadvantage of conventional computer models of the weather forecastD. a breakthrough in weather forecastPassage FourQuestions 16 to 20 are based on the following passage.Bringing up children is a hard work, and you are often to blame for any bad behavior of your children. If so, Judith Rich Harris has good news for you. Parents, she argues, have no important long –term effects on the development of the personality of their children. Far more important are their playground friends and neighborhood. Ms. Harris takes to hitting the assumption, which has dominated developmental psychology for almost half a century.Ms. Harris’s attack on the developmentalists’“nature” argument looks likely to reinforce doubts that the profession was already having. If parents matter, why is it that two adopted children, reared in the same home, are no more similar in personality than two adopted children reared in separate homes? Or that a pair of identical twins, reared in the same home, are no more alike than a pair of identical twins reared in different homes?Difficult as it is to track the precise effects of parental upbringing, it may be harder to measure the exact influence of the peer (同龄人) group in childhood and adolescence. Ms. Harris points to how children from immigrant homes soon learn not to speak at school in the way their parents speak. But acquiring a language is surely a skill, rather than a characteristic of the sort developmental psychologists hunt for. Certainly it is different from growing up tensely or relaxed, or from learning to be honest or hard – working or generous. Easy though it may be to prove that parents have little impact on those qualities, it will be hard to prove that peers have vastly more.Moreover, mum and dad surely cannot be ditched completely. Young adults may, as Ms. Harris argues, be keen to appear like their peers. But even in those early years, parents have the power to open doors: they may initially choose the peers with whom their young associate, and pick that influential neighborhood. Moreover, most people suspect that they come to resemble their parents more in middle age, and that people’s child bearing habits may be formed partly by what their parents did. So the balance of influences is probably complicated, as most parents already suspected without being able to demonstrate it scientifically. Even if it turns out that the genes they pass on and the friends their children play with matter as much as affection, discipline and good example, parents are not completely off the hook.16. According to Ms. Harris, ___________________.A. parents are to blame for any bad behavior of their childrenB. parents will affect greatly the children’s life in the long runC. nature rather than nurture has a significant effect on children’s personality developmentD. children’s personality is shaped by their friends and neighbors17. Which of the following views is consistent with what the developmentalists hold?A. Children are more influenced by their peers than by their parents.B. Twins are quite different if they are reared in two separate families.C. Identical twins reared in the same home are different in personality.D. Nurture has a less significant effect on children’s personality development.18. According to Para.3, which of the following statements is TRUE?A. It is harder to track the precise effects of parental upbringing than the exact influence of the peergroup in children.B. Immigrant children tend to discard the way their parents speak quickly when they go to school.C. It has been proved that peers have more impact on children’s qualities such as to be honest orhard – working or generous.D. It is easier for children to acquire a language at school than at home.19. The word “ditched” (Line 1, Para. 4 ) could be best replaced by __________.A. provedB. emphasizedC. comparedD. ignored20. What is the author’s main purpose?A. To highly praise Ms. Harris’s work.B. To counter Ms. Harris’s work.C. To objectively report on Ms. Harris’s work.D.To critically comment on Ms. Harris’s work.Passage FiveQuestions2 1 to 25 are based on the following passage.Laziness is a sin, everyone knows that. We have probably all had lectures pointing out that laziness is immoral, that it is wasteful, and that lazy people will never amount to anything in life. But laziness can be more harmful than that, and it is often caused by more complex reasons than simple wish to avoid work. Some people who appear to be lazy are suffering from much more serious problems. They may be so distrustful of their fellow workers that they are unable to join in any group task for fear of ridicule or fear of having their ideas stolen. These people who seem lazy may be paralyzed by a fear of failure that prevents fruitful work. Or other sorts of fantasies may prevent work; some people are so busy planning, sometimes planning great deals or fantastic achievements, that they are unable to deal with whatever "lesser" work is on hand. Still other people are not avoiding work; strictly speaking, they are merely procrastinating-rescheduling their day.Laziness can actually be helpful. Like procrastinators(拖延者), some people may look lazy when they are really thinking, planning, contemplating, researching. We should all remember that some great scientific discoveries occurred by chance or while someone was "goofing off(游手好闲)," Newton wasn't working in the orchard when the apple hit him and he devised the theory of gravity. All of us would like to have someone "lazy" build the car or stove we buy, particularly if that "laziness" were caused by the worker's taking time to check each step of his work and to do his job right. And sometimes, being “lady”-that is, taking time off for a rest-is good for an overworked student or, executive. Taking a rest can be particularly helpful to the athlete who is trying too hard or the doctor who's simply working himself overtime too many evenings, at the clinic. So be careful when you're tempted to call someone lazy. That person may be thinking, resting, or planning his or her next book.21. The main idea of this passage is that .A laziness is a moral sinB there are advantages in being lazyC laziness indicates deep-seated emotional problemsD lazy people do more careful work22. The passage states that .A laziness is a diseaseB some lazy people are insecureC laziness is more beneficial than harmfulD A good definition of laziness is emotional illness23. Which of the following conclusion does the passage support?A The word laziness is sometimes applied incorrectly.B Most of the time laziness is a virtue.C Most assembly line workers are lazy.D Most insecure people are lazy.24. The final paragraph is .A somberB humorousC seriousD trite(陈腐的)25. The word "devised" in ( Para. 2) means .A formulatedB understoodC wroteD provedPassage SixQuestions26 to 30 are based on the following passage.The two most obvious changes in American economy are the emergence of a highly sophisticated technology and the rise of giant corporations. In addition, market forces have lost some of their significance as planning has become more important. The government has assumed a greatly changed role in the economy. Property relationships and decision-making power have shifted. The demand for highly educated specialists has increased enormously.We may think of the American economy, as consisting of two completely different sectors. The world of the giant corporations, which can be called the "industrial system", consists of 500 or 600 firms that provide "nearly all communications, nearly all production and distribution of electric power, much transportation, most manufacturing and mining, a substantial share of retail trade, and a considerable amount of entertainment." Outside of this industrial system fall most agricultural enterprises, some mining and trucking, professional and artistic pursuits, some retail trade, and most personal and domestic services.The classical economic laws of supply and demand still apply to some degree. But today the industrial sector is characterized far more by planning and certainty than by the free play of market forces. It appears that it could scarcely be otherwise. In large corporations with advanced technological systems and complex organizations of highly trained specialists, plans for producing any one item are made well in advance. Such plans, once made, are hard to change. Because long-term planning demands certainty, market forces are avoided by various means. For example, the corporation may achieve "vertical integration" by buying companies that supply raw materials at one end of the process and distribution outlets at the other. Corporations may agree on "just prices" for things they buy and sell. They may enter mutually advantageous long-term contracts with suppliers and customers. Moreover, in their quest for certainty they generally have the support of the state.26. The American giant corporations possess so many new characteristics that.A) highly educated managers are important for the corporationsB giant corporations become decentralizedC economic laws of the market are effective inside corporationsD heads of the giant corporations try to control the government27. By the second paragraph, we know that .A retail trade accounts for a big part in non-industrial systemB there are more giant corporations than agricultural enterprisesC giant corporations control every part of American economyD giant corporations provide most of productions and servicesA is experiencing the rise of giant corporationsB is determined by hundreds of giant corporationsC has failed to balance supply and demandD becomes highly-planned one29. In the third sentence of last paragraph, the second "it" may refer to .A classic economic law of supply and demandB industrial sectorC American economyD market force30. Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage?A American economy is characterized by high technology and giant corporations.B American economy consists of industrial systems and agricultural enterprises.C Market economy is gradually replaced by planned economy.D Highly trained specialists are needed.Part II Use of English (10 points )Directions:There are 20 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are for choices marked A , B , C and D on the right side of the paper. You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage. Then mark the corresponding letter the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center.From childhood to old age, we all use language as a means of broadening our knowledge of ourselves and the world about us. When humans first 31 , they were like newborn children, unable to use this 32 tool. Yet once language developed, the possibilities for human kinds future 33 and cultural growth increased. Many linguists believe that evolution is 34 for our ability to produce and use language. They 35 that our highly evolved brain provides us 36 an innate language ability not found in lower 37 .Proponents of this innateness theory say that our 38 for language is inborn, but that language itself develops gradually, 39 a function of the growth of the brain during childhood. Therefore there are critical 40 times for language development. Current 41 of innateness theory are mixed, however, evidence supporting the existence of some innate abilities is undeniable. 42 , more and more schools are discovering that foreign languages are best taught in 43 grades. Young children often can learn several languages by being 44 to them, while adults have a much harder time learning another language once the 45 of their first language have become firmly fixed. 46 some aspects of language are undeniably innate, language does not develop automatically in a vacuum. Children whoother human beings is necessary for proper language development. Some linguists believe that this is even more basic to human language 49 than any innate capacities. These theorists view language as imitative, learned behavior. 50 , children learn language from their parents by imitating them. Parents gradually shape their child's language skills by positively reinforcing precise imitations and negatively reinforcing imprecise ones.31. A generated B evolved C born D originated32. A valuable B appropriate C convenient D favorite33. A attainments B feasibility C entertainments D evolution34. A essential B available C reliable D responsible35. A confirm B inform C claim D convince36. A for B from C of D with37. A organizations B organisms C humans D children38. A potential B performance C preference D passion39. A as B just as C like D unlike40. A ideological B biological C social D psychological41. A reviews B reference C reaction D recommendation42. A In a word B) In a sense C Indeed D In other words43. A various B different C the higher D the lower44. A revealed B exposed C engaged D involved45. A regulations B formations C rules D constitutions46. A Although B Whether C Since D When47. A distinguished' B different C protected D isolated48. A exposition B comparison C contrast D interaction49. A acquisition B appreciation C requirement D alternative50. A As a result B After all C In other words D Above allPart III：Translate the following into Chinese ( 20 points ):1. But is it really the case? The information I've collected over last few years leads me to believe that artistic and cultural projects may be less useful than many governments think. In fact, basic infrastructure projects are playing extremely important role and should be given priority2. Those who are in favor of artistic and cultural projects advocate that cultural environment will attract more tourists, which will bring huge profits to local residents. Some people even equate the building of such projects with the improving of economic construction.3. There is a growing tendency these days for many people who live in rural areas to come into andwork in city. This problem has caused wide public concern in most cities all over the world. An investigation shows that many emigrants think that working at city provide them with not only a higher salary but also the opportunity of learning new skills4. From what has been discussed above, I firmly believe that time will prove that traditional technology and methods would die out with the development of modern science and technology. The maintenance of the traditional technology and methods is futile.5. Today an increasing number of people have realized that law education is of great importance. In order to keep law and order, every one of us is supposed to get a law education.Part IV: Writing ( 25 points )In this part, you are allowed 40 minutes to write a composition on the title of “Wen Chuan Especilly-big Earthquake”. And your composition should be no less than 150 words and based on the following outlines.1. the great losses caused in this quake2. the actions taken to combat the quake nationally and internationally3. what have you done or will do to help the victims in the quake-hit areas as a Chinesefrom your own view, what are most-cherished qualities demonstrated in the campaign of combating the quake and reducing the losses。