暨南大学2020年考研真题：241基础英语

2020年招收攻读硕士学位研究生入学考试试题(B卷)

招生专业与代码：050205日语语言文学、050203法语语言文学

考试科目名称及代码：241基础英语

考生注意：所有答案必须写在答题纸(卷)上，写在本试题上一律不给分。

Part I Cloze (10 points)

Directions: There are 20 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage and write the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.

Brazil has __1__ to offer the visitor: 7,300 km of coastline, much of it empty, endless beaches; the planet’s biggest rainforest; an area of wetlands full of alligators and jaguars; colonial cities and spectacular waterfalls.

The Bahia coast in north-east Brazil is a particularly attractive area __2__ tourism. Several luxury resorts have been built there. Recently a $170 million five-hotel __3__ at Sauipe opened. With its 18-hole golf __4__ and designer shops, Sauipe is hoping to attract rich, foreign visitors.

The tourist industry __5__ problems in the past __6__ high inflation which led to short-term planning. Hotels, __7__, are long-term investments, often with __8__ periods of over 15 years. If resorts such as Sauipe __9__ attract significant numbers of tourists, they have to solve several problems.

__10__ a start, Brazil needs cheaper and more frequent international air travel. Brazilian airlines have actually decreased the number of __11__ international flights in the past two years because of a currency __12__. Foreign visitors also demand a level of service __13__ needs lengthy training – a considerable task for most of the resorts in the northeast which do not have a __14__ population to provide suitable staff.

The other big challenge for Sauipe’s managers is __15__ the social problems that other new resorts have caused, when large numbers of people have come from the interior in search __16__ jobs, quickly __17__slums.

The resort __18__ to deal with these pressures by setting up courses in the surrounding villages for making handicrafts which will__19__at Sauipe and by organizing __20__ for local co-operatives to produce foodstuffs for the hotels.

1. A. everything B. nothing C. anything D. somehow

2. A. to B. for C. with D. on

3. A. complexity B. complicated C. complex D. compliment

4. A. course B. court C. pitch D. ground

5. A. has B. have C. having D. had

6. A. due B. because C. for D. because of

7. A. however B. therefore C. because D. while

8. A. pay B. payback C. payoff D. paycheck

9. A. go to B. are going to C. go for D. goes to

10. A. With B. On C. For D. To

11. A. schedule B. scheduling C. scheduled D. to schedule

12. A. boom B. infrastructure C. increasing D. devaluation

13. A. that B. in that C. who D. what

14. A. well-located B. well-educated C. well-designed D. well-done

15. A. forget B. to forget C. avoid D. to avoid

16. A. to B. at C. of D. on

17. A. create B. to create C. created D. creating

18. A. is hoping B. hope C. hoped D. has hoped

19. A. sell B. be sold C. sold D. be selling

20. A. believe B. belief C. credit D. money

Part II Reading Comprehension

Section A (40 points)

Directions: There are 4 passages in this section. 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 write the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.

Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage.

At the Kyoto conference on global warming in December 1997, it became abundantly clear how complex it has become to work out international agreements relating to the environment because of economic concerns unique to each country. It is no longer enough to try to forbid certain activities or to reduce emissions of certain substances. The global challenges of the interlink between the environment and the development increasingly brings us to the core of the economic life of the states. During the late 1980s we were able, through international agreements, to make deep cuts in emissions harmful to the ozone layer. These reductions were made possible because substitutions had been found for many of the harmful chemicals and, more important, because the harmful substances could be replaced without negative effects on employment and economies of states.

Although the threat of global warming has been known to the world for decades and all countries and leaders agree that we need to deal the problem, we also know that the effects of measures, especially harsh measures taken in some countries, would be nullified(使无效，取消) if other countries do not control their emissions. Whereas the UN team on climate change has found that the emissions of carbon dioxide would have to be cut globally by 60% to stabilize the content of CO2 in the atmosphere, this path is not feasible for several reasons. Such deep cuts would cause a breakdown of the world economy. Important and populous low-or-medium-income countries are not yet willing to undertake legal commitments about their energy uses. In addition, the state of world technology would not yet permit us to make such a big leap.

We must, however, find a solution to the threat of global warming early in the 21st century. Such a commitment would require a degree of shared vision and common responsibilities new to humanity. Success lies in the force of imaginations, in imagining what would happen if we fail to act. Although many living in cold regions would welcome the global warming effects of a warmer summer, few would cheer the arrival of the subsequent tropical diseases, especially where there had been none.

21. The main purpose of this passage is to _________________________________ .

A. analyze the problem of global warming

B. argue against making deep cuts in emissions

C. convince people that global warming is a real threat

D. criticize some countries for refusing to cut down harmful emissions

22. The reason why it is difficult to get rid of the threat of global warming is that_____________ .

A. not all countries are willing to make deep cuts in emissions

B. many people welcome the global warming effect of a warmer summer

C. the leaders of many countries are not fully aware of the gravity of the problem

D. the world technology is not able to solve the problem

23. In the passage the author implies that ______________________________ .

A. the world has recently become aware of the threat of global warming

B. the problem of global warming has largely been solved

C. it is easy to work out international agreements to cut down harmful emissions

D. it is no longer easy to reach international agreements relating to the environment

24. According to the author, it is impossible at the present to cut 60% of carbon dioxide emissions globally because ___________________________ .

A. some people are irresponsible

B. it would cause a collapse of the world economy

C. it is only a goal to be reached in the future

D. some people are lacking in imagination

25. What should all counties do to help solve the problem of global warming?

A. They should hold another world conference on climate change.

B. They should provide advanced technology.

C. They should replace all the harmful substances.

D. They should willingly undertake legal commitments about their energy uses.

Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.

Ramos was brilliant, handsome, wealthy, and one of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful people. At age thirty-six, he was a permanent plastic surgeon who owned two medical clinics. At parties, he met and talked to famous Hollywood movie personalities and sports stars. He seemed to be the perfect example of the good life. But by March of 1982, thirty-six-year-old Ramos was found in a Brazilian prison charged with eighteen crimes including armed robbery, drug smuggling, and murder.

According to police, Ramos used his personal friendships with wealthy people to prepare for his crimes. He would attend the parties of his friends, inspect their houses carefully for valuables, draw diagrams of their homes, and then send in professional burglars to rob them. His victims were jewel designer, diplomats, and wealthy social figures.

Sometimes Ramos even stole things himself. One of his crimes was stealing an expensive watch from the famous soccer player, Pele. He also sold stolen cars and used two private airplanes to smuggle cocaine.

In the fall of 1981, however, the famous plastic surgeon’s double life came apart. He was arrested after an informant told the police that Ramos was involved in a series of the thefts. Ramos escaped by simply walking out the main door of the Rio de Janeiro police building, but police soon found the body his personal pilot and accused drug-smuggling partner in an old hotel. Police believed he was murdered for informing them about Ramos. Then Ramos hid with another of his accomplices, who was later found shot to death on an old county road. In less than a month, police managed to find Ramos was hiding in a run-down neighborhood. When he was caught, he had a diamond ring worth over $90,000 in his jeans pocket.

In later interviews, Ramos said he really didn’t know he committed the crimes. He denied the murders, and his lawyers said he was insane. Perhaps one reason for Ramos’s behavior could be found in his family history. His grandfather had murdered six members of one family, and his father was accused of killing his mother’s lover, but those charges were later dropped. Ramos seemed to escape that background by studying medicine and socializing with some of the most important people in Brazilian society. But that wasn’t enough.

26. Which of the following descriptive adjectives can best be used to describe the personality of Ramos?

A. Double-faced. B. Perfect. C. Beautiful D. Dissociated.

27. What were the chief crimes that Ramos committed according to the passage?

A. Smuggling, bribery and thefts.

B. Robbery, pick-pocketing and spying.

C. Burglary, smuggling and corruption.

D. Smuggling, robbery, and murder.

28. What kind of psychological background can probably best account for crimes Ramos committed?

A. He was insane.

B. He had some family murdering records.

C. He was associated with some important figures in the country.

D. The article didn’t give a clear answer to the question.

29. In the sentence “Police believed he was murdered for informing them about Ramos” (Para.4), he may refer to ______________________________.

A. Ramos’s personal pilot. B. the accused drug-smuggling partner

C. Ramos himself D. Both A and B

30. The best title for this passage should be _______________________________ .

A. Being Wealthy Does Not Mean Everything

B. A Double-faced Doctor

C. A Man with Complex Psychological Background

D. Doctor or Murderer, Smuggler?

Questions 31 to 35 are based on the following passage.

Amtrak(美国铁路客运公司)was experiencing a downswing in ridership along the lines comprising its rail system. Of major concern to Amtrak and its advertising agency DDB Needham, were the long-distance western routes where ridership had been declining significantly.

At one time, trains were the only practical way to cross the vast areas of the west. Trains were fast, very luxurious, and quite convenient compared to other forms of transportation existing at the time. However, times change and automobile became America’s standard of convenience. Also, air travel had easily established itself as the fastest method of traveling great distances. Therefore, the task for DDB Needham was to encourage consumers to consider other aspects of train travel in order to change their attitudes and increase the likelihood that trains would be considered for travel in the west.

Two portions of the total market were targeted: 1) anxious fliers---those concerned with safety, relaxation, and cleanliness and 2) travel-lovers---those viewing themselves as relaxed, casual, and interested in the travel experience as part of their vacation. The agency then developed a campaign that focused on travel experiences such as freedom, escape, relaxation, and enjoyment of the great western outdoors. It stressed experiences gained by using the trains and portrayed western train trips as wonderful adventures.

Advertisements showed pictures of the beautiful scenery that could be enjoyed along some of the more famous western routes and emphasized the romantic names of some of these trains (Empire Builder, etc.). These ads were strategically placed among family-oriented TV shows and programs involving nature and America in order to most effectively reach target audiences. Results were impressive. The Empire Builder, which was focused on in one ad, enjoyed a 15 percent increase in profits on its Chicago to Seattle route.

31. What’s the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

A. To show the inability of trains to compete with planes with respect to speed and convenience.

B. To illustrate the important role of persuasive communication in changing consumer attitudes.

C. To stress the influence of the automobile on America’s standard of convenience.

D. To emphasize the function of travel agencies in market promotion.

32. It can be inferred from the passage that the drop in Amtrak ridership was due to the fact that_______________________________________________________ .

A. trains were not the fastest and most convenient form of transportation

B. trains could not compete with planes in terms of luxury and convenience

C. trains were not as fast and convenient as they used to be

D. trains were not suitable for short distance passenger transportation

33. To encourage consumers to travel by train, DDB Needham emphasized_________________ .

A. the freedom and convenience provided by trains

B. the safety and cleanliness of train trips

C. the practical aspects of train travel

D. the adventurous aspects of train trips

34. The train ads were placed among family-oriented TV programs involving nature and America because_________________________________ .

A. they could focus on meaningful travel experiences

B. their profits could be increased by some 15 percent

C. they could increase the effectiveness of the TV programs

D. most travel-lovers and nervous fliers were believed to be among the audiences

35. According to the passage, the Empire Builder enjoyed an increase in ridership and profits because___________________________________________ .

A. it was widely advertised in newspapers and magazines in Chicago and Seattle

B. its passengers could enjoy the great western outdoors

C. the attractiveness of its name and route was effectively advertised

D. it provided an exciting travel experience

Questions 36 to 40 are based on the following passage.

Humanity uses a little less than half of the water available worldwide. Yet occurrences of shortages and droughts are causing famine and distress in some areas, and industrial and agricultural by-products are polluting water supplies. Since the world’s population is expected to double in the next 50 years, many experts think we are on the edge of a widespread water crisis.

But that doesn’t have to be the outcome. Water shortages don’t have to trouble the world---if we start valuing water more than we have in the past. Just as we began to appreciate petroleum more after 1970s oil crisis, today we must start looking at water from a fresh economic perspective. We can no longer afford to consider water a virtually free source of which we can use as much as we like in any way we want.

Instead, for all uses except the domestic demand of the poor, governments should price water to reflect its actual value. This means charging a fee for the water itself as well as for the supply costs.

Governments should also protect this resource by providing water in more economically and environmentally sound way. For example, often the cheapest way to provide irrigation water in the dry tropics is through small-scale projects, such as gathering rainfall in depressions and pumping it to nearby cropland.

No matter what steps governments take to provide water more efficiently, they must change their institutional and legal approaches to water use. Rather than spread control among hundreds or even thousands of local, regional, and national agencies that watch various aspects of water use, countries should set up central authorities to coordinate water policy.

36. What is the real cause of the potential water crisis?

A. Only half of the world’s water can be used.

B. The world population is increasing faster and faster.

C. Half of the world’s water resources have been seriously polluted.

D. Humanity has not placed sufficient value on water resources.

37. As indicated in the passage, the water problem _______________________________ .

A. is already serious in certain parts of the world

B. has been exaggerated by some experts in the field

C. poses a challenge to the technology of building reservoirs.

D. is underestimated by government organizations at different levels

38. According to the author, the water price should _____________________________ .

A. be reduced to the minimum

B. stimulate domestic demand

C. correspond to its real value

D. take into account the occurrences of droughts

39. The author says that in some hot and dry areas it is available to ________________ .

A. build big lakes to store water

B. construct big pumping stations

C. build small and cheap irrigation systems

D. channel water from nearby rivers to cropland

40. In order to raise the efficiency of water supply, measures should be taken to _____________ .

A. guarantee full protection of the environment

B. centralize the management of water resources

C. increase the sense of responsibility of agencies at all levels

D. encourage local and regional control of water resources

Section B (20 points)

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and then translate the underlined segments into Chinese.

On October 31, hordes of children armed with Jack-o’-lantern-shaped buckets and pillow cases will take to the streets in search of sugar. (41) Trick-or-treating for candy is synonymous with Halloween, but the tradition had to go through a centuries-long evolution to arrive at the place it is today.

Historians agree that a Celtic autumn festival called Samhain was the precursor to modern Halloween. Samhain was a time to celebrate the last harvest of the year and the approach of the winter season. It was also a festival for honoring the dead. One way Celtics may have appeased the spirits they believed still walked the Earth was by leaving treats on their doorsteps. When Catholics infiltrated Ireland in the 1st century CE, they rebranded many pagan holidays to fit their religion. November 1 became the “feasts of All Saints and All Souls”, and the day before it was dubbed “All-Hallows’-Eve”. The new holidays looked a lot different from the original Celtic festival, but many traditions stuck around, including the practice of honoring the dead with food. The food of choice for Christians became “soul cakes”. (42) Instead of leaving them outside for passing ghosts, “soul cakes” were distributed to beggars who went door-to-door promising to pray for souls of the deceased in exchange for something to eat. Sometimes they wore costumes to honor the saints—something pagans originally did to avoid being harassed by evil spirits. The ritual, known as souling, is believed to have planted the seeds for modern-day trick-or-treating.

(43) Souling didn’t survive the holiday’s migration from Europe to the United States. In America, the first Halloween celebrations were a way to mark the end-of-year harvest season, and the food that was served mainly consisted of homemade seasonal treats like caramel (焦糖) apples and mixed nuts. There were no soul cakes—or candies, for that matter—to be found.

(44) It wasn’t until the 1950s that trick-or-treating gained popularity in the US. Following the Great Depression and World War II, the suburbs were booming, and people were looking for excuses to have fun and get to know their neighbors. The old practice of souling was resurrected and made into an excuse for kids to dress up in costumes and roam their neighborhoods.

(45) That changed when the candy companies got their hands on the holiday. They had already convinced consumers that they needed candy on Christmas and Easter, and they were looking for an equally lucrative opportunity to market candy in the fall. Manufacturers downsized candies into smaller, bite-sized packages and began marketing them as treats for Halloween. Adults were grateful to have a convenient alternative to baking, kids loved the sweet treats, and the candy companies made billions.

Part III Writing

Section A (10 points)

Directions:

Many people say that we have developed into a “throw-away society”, because we are filling up our environment with so many plastic bags and rubbish that we cannot fully dispose of. Write an email of suggestions for about 100 words to environmental protection administration to propose measures you recommend to reduce this problem.

Section B (20 points)

Directions: Write an essay of 160 to 200 words about the following topic.

Some people say that professional workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers make greater contribution. So they should be paid more than those sport and entertainment persons. To what extent do you agree or disagree?