单选题In recent years, railroads have been combining with each other, merging into super systems, causing heightened concerns about monopoly. As recently as 1995, the top four railroads accounted for under 70 percent of the total ton-miles moved by rails. Next year, after a series of mergers is completed, just four railroads will control well over 90 percent of all the freight moved by major rail carriers. Supporters of the new super systems argue that these mergers will allow for substantial cost reductions and better coordinated service. Any threat of monopoly, they argue, is removed by fierce competition from trucks. But many shippers complain that for heavy bulk commodities traveling long distances, such as coal, chemicals, and grain, trucking is too costly and the railroads therefore have them by the throat. The vast consolidation within the rail industry means that most shippers are served by only one rail company. Railroads typically charge such "captive" shippers 20 to 30 percent more than they do when another railroad is competing for the business. Shippers who feel they are being overcharged have the right to appeal to the federal government's surface Transportation Board for rate relief, but the process is expensive, time consuming, and will work only in truly extreme cases. Railroads justify rate discrimination against captive shippers on the grounds that in the long run it reduces everyone's cost. If railroads charged all customers the same average rate, they argue, shippers who have the option of switching to trucks or other forms of transportation would do so, leaving remaining customers to shoulder the cost of keeping up the line. It's theory to which many economists subscribe, but in practice it often leaves railroads in the position of determining which companies will flourish and which will fail. "Do we really want railroads to be the arbiters of who wins and who loses in the marketplace?" asks Martin Bercovici, a Washington lawyer who frequently represents shipper. Many captive shippers also worry they will soon be hit with a round of huge rate increases. The railroad industry as a whole, despite its brightening fortunes, still does not earn enough to cover the cost of the capital it must invest to keep up with its surging traffic. Yet railroads continue to borrow billions to acquire one another, with Wall Street cheering them on. Consider the 2 billion bid by Norfolk Southern and CSX to acquire Conrail this year. Conrail' s net railway operating income in1996 was just ＄ 427 million, less than half of the carrying costs of the transaction. Who's going to pay for the rest of the bill? Many captive shippers fear that they will, as Norfolk Southern and CSX increase their grip on the market.

单选题If you don't ______ the children properly, Mr. Robin, they'll just run riot. A. mobilize B. warrant C. manipulate D. supervise

单选题There was a ______ storm outside and it was hard to walk, so you'd better stay inside.[A] furious[B] infuriated[C] cross[D] annoyed

单选题What does Dr. Thomas probably think about the cost of the new weight?

单选题{{B}}SECTION A CONVERSATIONS{{/B}} {{I}}In this section you will hear eight statements. At the end of each statement you will be given 10 seconds to answer the question.{{/I}}

单选题The economy in the Latin American and Caribbean region grew by ________ last year.

单选题In my country, the ______ are all distributed free.

单选题All of the tourists would have enjoyed themselves more if there ______ offers for free insurance policies.

单选题Why did the intelligence test become unpopular in the past few decades?

单选题We note with satisfaction that all these activities have helped to ______ mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries.

单选题Many think soccer has important advantages over football and baseball because ______

单选题If you had worked hard, you ______ so anxious now. A. would not have been B. would not be C. will not be D. will not have been

单选题Questions 4 to 6 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions.

单选题This law ______ the number of accidents caused by children running across the road when they get off the bus.

单选题If ______, I'd rather be tried in Florida.A. guiltyB. was found guiltyC. I guiltyD. being guilty

单选题During the debate my opponent kept cutting ______.[A] out[B] back[C] down[D] in

单选题Careful questioning of the suspect will eventually ______ the truth.

单选题{{I}}{{B}}Questions 8 to 10 are based on the following conversation. At the end of the conversation, you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the conversation.{{/I}}{{/B}}

单选题How many people were living in the building?