问答题These days, getting answers to most questions seems like a no-brainer. For everything from who won an Olympic speed skating race to when to plant tomatoes, most people turn to Google or one of its rivals. Not John W. Rogers Jr. The CEO of Ariel Capital Management LLC doesn"t use the Internet at work or at home. The 47-year-old Princeton University grad thinks the Net is largely a waste of time. Assistants print out e-mails for him and researchers give him paper copies of Wall Street analysts reports from the Web. He prefers to spend his time reading, talking directly with his staff, working out at the gym, or spending time with his teenage daughter. "I listen and read; e-mail is a huge distraction." says Rogers. It"s a sentiment that many Americans find hard to imagine. Plowing through e-mail has become part of the daily routine, like brushing your teeth or walking the dog. But Rogers isn"t as much of an oddity as it might seem. Despite its popularity among teens and techies, and its use in most offices, the Internet is far from ubiquitous. In fact, 39 million American households still do not have Internet access. That means only 64% of households are connected, according to a recent survey of 1,000 people by Dallas researcher Parks Associates. An even bigger surprise is that the growth of the Internet in the U. S. has stalled. Many people are non-Netizens for obvious reasons. They can"t afford service or live in remote areas without hope of affordable connections. And some are past the age when they want to adopt new technology. But the spectrum of naysayers also includes millions of well-off, educated, and younger professionals. Of the survey respondents who say they don"t use the Web, 24% make more than $ 50,000. Some 39% of the Netphobes attended or graduated college or have at least some associate degree training. And 29% are 44 years old or younger. "It"s not just everyone"s grandmother who is avoiding the Internet," says John C. Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates. Why are people saying no? Some worry, after hearing about online seams and digital viruses, that the Net isn"t safe. Others swear that, for all the brouhaha about the Net"s ability to enhance communication, e-mail and instant-message chats break down social interaction. But the broader issue is that—despite innovations that make it possible for people to call up their bank accounts with a few clicks of the mouse, watch the latest episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on a PC, and play online games against competitors in Korea, France, and South Africa—the Internet remains too complicated and costly for a huge swath of American society. Other consumer electronics gear is much more widely adopted: Nearly 100% of U. S. households have a TV, 83% have a DVD player, and 78% have a cell phone. Despite their particular drawbacks, all these technologies are easier to use than an Internet-connected computer. Yet, while the tech industry has vowed to make its products simpler, companies keep stuffing online services, PCs, and other devices with. complicated new features. That"s why predictions of a few years ago that 75% of American households would be online by now have fallen short. It"s little wonder that millions of people don"t like or trust the Internet. Take Sylvia Goodwin, a 57-year-old assistant attorney general in Tucson. She has a PC at home but no Net service. That puts her among the 31% of households that say they will not subscribe to an Internet service because access at work is sufficient. To Goodwin, the Web is a 21st century manifestation of the world depicted in George Orwell"s 1984. As a prosecutor, Goodwin knows how easy it is for Big Brother to gain access to personal information. To her, giving out addresses, telephone numbers, and credit-card information online seems like a surefire way to lose control of your privacy. "If you do everything on the Internet, someone can go in and pick it up," she says. For others, the Internet is an example of what author Nell Postman called "the surrender of culture to technology." From Silicon Valley engineers to teenage geeks, tech enthusiasts see only what the Net can do, not what it might undo. But James J. Mitchell, a retired banking executive from suburban Chicago, believes the Web dismantles face-to-face communication. He"s part of the 18% of households that, according to the Parks survey, have a computer but aren"t interested in "anything" on the Internet.

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问答题 It isn't just an urban myth: life in a city really is getting more dangerous, and the sources of peril are not just human ones like muggers and reckless motorists. A report by UN-Habitat, an agency responsible for human settlements, says the number of natural disasters affecting urban populations has risen four-fold since 1975. Some of the reasons are obvious, others less so. As the world's population grows, people are crowding into mega-metropolises, where life's risks are horribly concentrated. The after-effects of a natural disaster can be especially dire in a vast, densely-packed area where sewers fail and disease spreads. At a pace that no urban planner can control, slums spring up in disaster-prone areas—such as steep slopes, which are prone to floods, mudslides or particularly severe damage in an earthquake. Many of the world's cities are located on coasts or rivers where the effects of climate change and extreme weather events, from cyclones to heatwaves to droughts, are brutally and increasingly felt. Economic dislocation and human pain are also caused by events (like recent floods in the Indian city of Kolkata, see above) that are too small to grab global headlines. But there is no reason for the sort of fatalism that regards disasters, and their disproportionate effects on the urban poor, as something that has "always been with us" and will inexorably get worse. Intelligent planning and regulation make a huge difference to the number of people who die when disaster strikes, says Anna Tibaijuka, UN-Habita's executive director. In 1995 an earthquake in the Japanese city of Kobe killed 6,400 people; in 1999 a quake of similar magnitude in Turkey claimed over 17,000 lives. Corrupt local bureaucracies and slapdash building pushed up the Turkish toll. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, which killed at least 230,000 people, would have been a tragedy whatever the level of preparedness; but even when disaster strikes on a titanic scale, there are many factors within human control—a knowledgeable population, a good early-warning system and settlements built with disasters in mind—that can help to minimize the number of casualties. In some places, says Saroj Jha, a disaster specialist at the World Bank, tragic events have been a spur to serious national efforts to learn lessons and make buildings and infrastructure more robust. Often this has benefits that go far beyond the disaster-stricken area. He cites Turkey, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia as countries that have learned from catastrophes. For example, after a quake in Gujarat which killed 20,000, India trained a small army of engineers, architects and builders to raise the quality of construction. The World Bank has recently started to focus more on avoiding disasters, rather than just helping to respond to them. There is more awareness that disaster-prone projects—such as clams which could burst—are worse than a waste of money. Given that events like earthquakes and tsunamis cannot be escaped, the bank is also doing more to help poor countries prepare for the worst. There are economic reasons for this, as well as humanitarian ones. Many vulnerable cities are big contributors to the surrounding country's GDP—so an urban disaster could wreck an entire national economy. These include Tehran (which produces 40% of national GDP), Dhaka (60%), Mexico City (40%), Seoul (SOX) and Cairo (50%). And some of these urban spaces are disasters waiting to occur. The Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka (with a population of 11. 6m and rising) is built on alluvial terraces, exposed to flooding, earthquakes and rising seas. Tehran is in such an earthquake-prone area that some have suggested moving the entire city of 12m people. That will hardly happen; but better foundations could save countless lives if—or when—an earthquake strikes.

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问答题Why are some retailers more confident about yearend shopping?

问答题Questions 4～6 Marriage really is good for you, with a major international study finding it reduces the risks of depression and anxiety, but these disorders are more likely to plague people once the relationship is over. The study of 34,493 people across 15 countries was led by clinical psychologist Kate Scott from New Zealand's University of Otago, and is based on the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys conducted over the past decade. It found that ending marriage through separation, divorce or death is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, with women more likely to resort to substance abuse and men more likely to become depressed. "What makes this investigation unique and more robust is the sample that is so large and across so many countries and the fact that we have data not only on depression... but also on anxiety and substance use disorders," Scott said in a statement. "In addition, we were able to look at what happens to mental health in marriage, both in comparison with never getting married, and with ending marriage." Scott said that the study found that getting married, compared to not getting married, was good for the mental health of both genders, not just women, as previous studies had found. The study, however, did find that men are less likely to become depressed in their first marriage than women, a factor Scott said was probably linked to the traditional gender roles at home, as other WMH surveys have shown that as women get better educated, depression rates tend to fall. The other gender difference the study found is that getting married reduces risk of substance use disorders more for women than for men Scott said this may be explained by the fact that women are usually the primary caregiver for young children. However, the downside of marriage, the University of Otago study shows, is that ending it has a negative impact on both genders. "What our study points to is that the marital relationship offers a lot of mental health benefits for both men and women, and that the distress and disruption associated with ending marriage can make people vulnerable to developing mental disorders," Scott said. The study was recently published in the British journal Psychological Medicine. It was conducted in association with the World Health Organization, Harvard University and a number of other international organizations.1.What might be the different reactions of men and women towards the ending of marriage?

问答题Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear 5 sentences in English. You will hear the sentences ONLY ONCE. After you have heard each sentence, translate it into Chinese and write your version in the corresponding space in your ANSWER BOOKLET.

问答题The greatest danger to our future is apathy. We cannot expect those living in poverty and ignorance to worry about saving the world. For those of us able to read this magazine, it is different. We can do something to preserve our planet. You may be overcome, however, by feelings of helplessness. You are just one person in a world of 6 billion. How can your actions make a difference? Best, you say, to leave it to decision makers. And so you do nothing. Can we overcome apathy? Yes, but only if we have hope. One reason for hope lies in the extraordinary nature of human intellectual accomplishment. A hundred years ago, the idea of a 747, of a man on the moon, of the Internet remained in the realm of science fiction. Yet we have seen those things and much, much more. So, now that we have finally faced up to the terrible damage we have inflicted on our environment, our ingenuity is working overtime to find technological solutions. But technology alone is not enough. We must engage with our hearts also. And it"s happening around the world. Even companies once known only for profits and pollution are having a change of heart. Conoco, the energy company, worked with the Jane Goodall Institute (J. G. I. ) in Congo to build a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees. I formed this partnership when I realized that Conoco, during its exploration, used state-of-the-art practices designed to have the least possible impact on the environment. Many other companies are working on clean forms of energy, organic farming methods, less wasteful irrigation and so on. Another reason for hope is the resilience of nature—if it is given a helping hand. Fifteen years ago, the forests outside Gombe National Park in Tanzania had been virtually eliminated. More people lived there than the land could support. J. G. I. initiated the Lake Tanganyika Catchment Reforestation and Education Project (TACARE), a program active in 33 villages around the park. Today people improve their lives through environmentally sustainable projects, such as tree nurseries and wood lots. We provide health care, family-planning and education programs, especially for women. As their education increases, their family size tends to drop. While pollution still plagues much of the world, progress is being made. This May in Sudbury, Ont., I saw new forests that were recolonizing hills destroyed by 100 years of nickel mining. The community raised the money and worked for months spreading lime and planting vegetation on the blackened rock. I released the first brook trout into a once poisoned creek there. Animal species on the brink of extinction can be given a second chance through protection and captive breeding—even if preserving a habitat conflicts with economic interests. A company in Taiwan, China planned to build a rapid-transit line right through the only major remaining breeding ground of the rare pheasant-tailed jacana. There was an outcry, but it was the only economically viable route. Environmentalists worked with the company to come up with a solution—moving the breeding ground. Water was diverted back into nearby wetlands that had been drained by farmers, and suitable vegetation was replanted. In 2000 five birds hatched in their new home, and when I visited there the next year, even more birds had moved to the site. I derive the most hope from the energy and hard work of young people. Roots & Shoots, J. G. I. "s program for youth from preschool through university, is now active in 70 countries. The name is symbolic: roots and shoots together can break up brick walls, just as citizens of Earth together can overcome our problems. The more than 4,000 groups of young people are cleaning creeks, restoring prairies and wetlands, planting trees, clearing trash, recycling—and making their voices heard. We have huge power, we of the affluent societies, we who are causing the most environmental damage. For we are the consumers. We do not have to buy products from companies with bad environmental policies. To help us, the Internet is linking small grassroots movements so that people who once felt they were on their own can contact others with the same concerns. I feel deep shame when I look into the eyes of my grandchildren and think how much damage has been done to Planet Earth since I was their age. Each of us must work as hard as we can now to heal the hurts and save what is left.

问答题Just outside its wooded headquarters campus, McDonald's Corp. is offering sneak previews of its fast-food future. Now playing at its new flagship restaurant: Digital-media kiosks for burning CDs, downloading cell-phone ring tones and printing photos. Dozens of plasma-screen TVs. Wi-Fi Internet access. New chicken sandwiches. Double-lane drivethrus. And an adjoining McCafe with gourmet coffees, fancy pastries and a fireplace. Coming soon: Other menu items and concepts not yet released to a general audience. Don't expect Starbucks-like makeovers like this one at the 13,600 U. S. McDonald's, or 30,000-plus worldwide; the Oak Brook restaurant, which opened late last month, doubles as public restaurant and test site. But the world's largest restaurant chain is tinkering with various possibilities in technology and design to try to ensure it is a hangout of choice in the future. McDonald's has undergone an image change in more ways than one since a time 2 1/2 years ago when its sales and reputation were sagging amid complaints about its service and food. Despite inconsistent results in some large European countries, that McSlump is no longer: Same-store sales have increased for 25 straight months in the key U. S. market.

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问答题 Companies say it's nice for business travelers to have a desk, fax machine and coffee maker in their hotel rooms. But don't make them pay extra for it. An informal USA TODAT survey of 152 corporate-travel managers finds 68% would not pay a premium for so-called business-class rooms that hotel chains are creating to attract business travelers. The rooms typically are equipped with a large desk, better fighting, fax machine, data ports for laptops and other features that can turn a hotel room into a mini-office. Rates are often $ 20 higher than for regular rooms. As companies work harder to trim travel budgets, many managers say the amenities aren't worth the money. "I think I travel as much as anyone in this company, but as far as what I need to do on the road is concerned, it isn't worth another $ 30," says Mike Caravello, travel manager for American Family, an insurance company. Hotel chain after hotel chain has launched some version of the business-class room since Radisson introduced its Business Class concept several years ago. The business-class trend caught fire soon after the recession ended as hotel marketers focused on companies' desire to make employees more efficient and productive on business trips. In fact, many hoteliers say the rooms are as popular as ever with travelers. ITT Sheraton, which charges a $15 premium for its business rooms, says research shows travelers expect to pay $ 40 more for them. "If I'm a traveler and I have to do a lot more on the road for me to be more productive, it may be worthwhile for me to expense it against my expense account. And if I can prove to my employer that I am more productive, then it was a good move," says Bob Dirks, Hilton's senior vice president of marketing. Still, Dirks concedes that for business-class rooms to be successful, hoteliers will have to strike the right price chord with corporate clients. That's why Hilton is testing its Smart Desk concept, which has a portable desk, better lighting and data ports, at nightly premiums of $ 20 to $ 35 a night. "Research will determine whether companies are entirely right or entirely wrong," he says. Hyatt charges an extra $15 per night for its Business Plan room, which comes with a continental breakfast, fax machine, 24-hour access to printers, photocopying machines, office supplies, a coffee maker, ironing board, free newspapers, complimentary local calls and no access charges for 800 numbers and credit-card calls. Radisson's Business Class rooms are in 216 hotels in 29 countries. The rooms come with complimentary newspapers, free in-room movies, free phone access, no fax surcharges, data ports and an in-room coffee maker. The chain booked more than 180,000 Business Class rooms in 1995, spokeswoman Karen Waters says. Hyatt officials say its Business Plan also has been a hit with travelers. "Business Plan has been so successful that we plan to increase our inventory," says Don Henderson, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Houston. Marriott plans to expand its "Room that works" concept to 20% of its rooms by Dec. 31. Travelers do manage to get into business rooms even if the premium isn't included in the corporate travel policy. That's because hotels really pitch the rooms when travelers check in, says hotel consultant Bjorn Hanson, of Coopers ＆ Lybrand. "When someone arrives at the hotel desk, they'll say they have the corporate rate but that they can also get a free breakfast and newspaper and other perks for an additional $15 a night," he says. Linda Mancini, national sales manager for Ritten-house in San Jose, Calif, uses upgrades she earns as a reward for frequent stays to move up to business-class rooms. Occasionally, she'll pay the extra premium for the room, which she likes for the convenience. "I've found that most of those rooms aren't that expensive," she says. "If you're there one night, it's no big deal. But if you're there three or four nights, it adds up. " And using the fax machine can be very expensive. "You can end up paying a ton to fax anything. I had a fax bill that totaled $ 70 because of surcharges. I ended up talking to the manager and I got it reversed," Mancini says. Mancini also makes a point that employers won't want to hear. "There're a lot of people who don't work once they get in the room. They use it so sleep and watch TV," she says. DuPont travel manager Joyce Bembry says hotels who want business travelers shouldn't charge extra. "If they are going to cater to the business traveler, these are the things they are going to need," she says. "I think it's going to be a way of life and a way of doing business. It will be just a room. "

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问答题Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear 5 English sentences. You will hear the sentences ONLY ONCE. After you have heard each sentence, translate it into Chinese and write your version in the corresponding space in your ANSWER BOOKLET.

问答题{{B}} Directions: {{/B}}{{I}}In this part of the test, you will hear 2 English passages. You will hear the passages ONLY ONCE. After you have heard each passage, translate it into Chinese and write your version in the corresponding space in your ANSWER BOOKLET. You may take notes while you are listening.{{/I}}

问答题In-state tuition. For decades, it was the one advantage big state schools had that even the Ivy League couldn"t match, in terms of recruiting the best and the brightest to their campuses. But these days, that"s no longer necessarily the case. Starting this September, some students will find a Harvard degree cheaper than one from many public universities. Harvard officials sent shock waves through academia last December by detailing a new financial-aid policy that will charge families making up to ＄180,000 just 10% of their household income per year, substantially subsidizing the annual cost of more than ＄45,600 for all but its wealthiest students. The move was just the latest in what has amounted to a financial-aid bidding war in recent years among the U.S."s élite universities. Though Harvard"s is the most generous to date, Princeton, Yale and Stanford have all launched similar plans to cap tuition contributions for students from low-and middle-income families. Indeed, students on financial aid at nearly every Ivy stand a good chance of graduating debt-free, thanks to loan-elimination programs introduced over the past five years. And other exclusive schools have followed their lead by replacing loans with grants and work-study aid. And several more schools are joining the no-loan club this fall. Even more schools have taken steps to reduce debt among their neediest students.

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问答题我要微笑面对世界。 从今往后，我只因浮萍拐而落泪，因为悲伤、悔恨、挫折的泪水在疝块上毫无价值，只有微笑可以换来财富，善言可以建起一座城堡。 只要我能笑，就永远不会贫穷。这也是天赋，我不再浪费它。只有在笑声和快乐中，我才能真正体会到成功有滋味。只有在笑声和快乐中，我才能享受蔻的果实。如果不是这样的话，我会失败，因为快乐是提味的美酒佳酿。要想享受成功，必须先有快乐，而笑声便是那伴娘。 我要快乐。 我要成功。

问答题High-school-age boys are more likely to be obese than their female counterparts. Only 30% of high-school-age boys get the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.

问答题The regular use of text messages and e-mails can lower the IQ more than twice as much as smoking marijuana. That is the claim of psychologists who have found that tapping away on a mobile phone or computer keypad or checking them for electronic messages temporarily knocks up to 10 points off the user's IQ. This rate of decline in intelligence compares unfavourably with the four-point drop in IQ associated with smoking marijuana, according to British researchers, who have labelled the fleeting phenomenon of enhanced stupidity as "infomania". The noticeable drop in IQ is attributed to the constant distraction of "always on" technology when employees should be concentrating on what they are paid to do. Furthermore, infomania is having a negative effect on work colleagues, increasing stress and dissenting feelings. Nine out of ten polled thought that colleagues who answered e-mails or messages during a face-to-face meeting were extremely rode. Yet one in three Britons believes that it is not only acceptable, but actually diligent and efficient to do so.