考研英语真题及答案讲解 考研备考

　　Text 4
　　Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dia Mirza and Adrian Grenier have a message for you: It's easy to beat plastic. They're part of a bunch of celebrities staring in a new video for World Environment Day-----encouraging you, the consumer, to swap out your single-----use Plastic staples to combat the plastic crisis.
　　My biggest concern with leaving it up to the individual, however, is our limited sense of what needs to be achieved. On their own, taking our own bags to the grocery store or quitting plastic straws, for example, will accomplish little and require very little of us. They could even be detrimental, satisfying a need to have" one our bit "without ever progressing onto bigger, bolder, more effective actions----a kind of "moral licensing" that allays our concerns and stops us doing more and asking more of those in charge.
　　While the conversation around our environment and our responsibility toward it remains centered on shopping bags and straws, were ignoring the balance of power that implies that as "consumers" we must shop sustainably, rather than as "citizens " hold our governments and industries to account to push or real systemic change. Nowhere in Word Environment Day 2018s key messages is there anything about voting for environmentally progressive politicians, for example. Why not?
　　It's important to acknowledge that the environment isn’t everyone’s priority-or even most peoples. We shouldn't expect it to be. In her latest book, Why Could People Do Bad Environmental Things, Wellesley College professor Elizabeth R. De Sombre argue that the best way to collectively change the behavior of large numbers of people is for the change to be structural.
　　This might mean implementing policy such as a plastic tax that adds a cost to environmentally problematic action, or banning single-use plastics altogether India has just announced it will eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022. "There are also incentive-based ways of making better environmental choices easier, such as ensuring recycling is at least as easy as trash disposal.
　　De Sombre isn’t saying people should stop caring about the environment. It's just that individual actions are too slow, she says, for that to be only, or even primary, approach to changing widespread behavior.
　　None of this is about writing off the individual. It's just about putting things into perspective. We don’t have time to wait. We need progressive policies that shape collective action (and rein in polluting business), alongside engaged citizens pushing for change. That’s not something we can buy.
　　36. Some celebrities star in a new video to
　　A. demand new laws on the use of plastics
　　B. urge consumers to cut the use of plastics
　　C. invite public opinion on the plastics crisis
　　D. disclose the causes of the plastics crisis
　　37. The author is concerned that "moral licensing "may
　　A. mislead us into doing worthless things
　　B. prevent us from making further efforts
　　C. weaken our sense of accomplishment
　　D. suppress our desire for success
　　38. By pointing out our identity as "citizens, "the author indicates that
　　A. our focus should be shifted to community welfare
　　B. our relationship with local industries is improving
　　C. we have been actively exercising our civil rights
　　D. We should press our governments to lead the combat
　　39. De Sombre argues that the best way for a collective change should be
　　A. a win-win arrangement
　　B. a self-driven mechanism
　　C. a cost-effective approach
　　D. a top down process
　　40. The author concludes that individual efforts
　　A. Can be too aggressive
　　B. are far from sufficient
　　C. can be too inconsistent
　　D. are far from rational
　　Part B
　　Directions: you are going to read a list of headings and a text; choose the most suitable heading from the list A-G for each numbered paragraph (41-45). There are two extra choices in the right column. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)
　　How seriously should parent take kid's opinions when searching for a home?
　　In choosing a new home, Camille Mc Clain’s kids have a single demand a backyard. That seemingly reasonable request turned the Chicago family’s home hunt upside down, as there weren’t many three-bedroom apartments on the North Side -----where the family was looking-----that came with yard space. Still, McClain and her husband chose to honor their 4-and 6-year-olds request.
　　We worked with a few apartment brokers, and it was strange that many of them didn’t even know if there was outdoor space, so they’d bring us to an apartment, we’d see that it didn’t have a yard, and we’d move on, "said Me Clain, who runs Merry Music Makers in Lakeview, a business focused on music education for children.
　　McClain's little ones aren’t the only kids who have an opinion when it comes to housing, and in many cases youngsters ’views weigh heavily on parents ' real estate decisions, according to a 2018 Harris Poll survey of more than 2, 000 U. S. adults.
　　Renters paid attention to their kids’ preferences even more: 83 percent said their children's opinions will be a factor when they buy a home.
　　The idea of involving children in a big decision is a great idea because it can help them feel a sense of control and ownership in what can be an overwhelming process, said Ryan Hooper, clinical psychologist in Chicago.
　　“Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves, especially if it removes them from their current school or support system, "he said.
　　Younger children should feel like they’re choosing their home-without actually getting a choice in the matter said Adam Baile, real estate attorney based in New York and author of the upcoming children’s book" Home,” about the search for the perfect home from the viewpoint of a child.
　　Asking them questions about what they like about the back yard of a potential home-or asking them where their toys would go in the house-will make them feel like they’re being included in the decision-making process, Bailey said. Many of the aspects of home buying aren’t a consideration for children, said Tracey Hampson, a real estate agent based in Santa Clarita, Calif. And placing too much emphasis on their opinions can ruin a fantastic home purchase.
　　She has a client who has been house-hunting for a while, and he always asks his young children their opinion. But when this buyer finally decided to write an offer on a home with a pool, his children burst into tears because they didn’t want a pool.
　　“They ended up not submitting an offer, Hampson said. "So speaking with your children before you make a real estate decision is wise, but I wouldn't base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.”
　　The other issue is that many children -----especially older ones-may base their real estate knowledge on HGTV shows, which tend to focus on superficial aspects of real estate, said Aaron Norris of The Norris Group in Riverside, Calif.
　　"They love Chip and Julie Gaines just as much as the rest of us, " he said " HGTV has seriously changed how people view real estate. It's not shelter, it's a lifestyle. With that mindset change comes some serious money consequences.”
　　Kids tend to get stuck in the features and the immediate benefits to them personally, Norris said. And while their opinions on those elements shouldn’t reign supreme, the home buying process could be a time to start talking to kids about money, budgeting, homeownership and other financial decisions.
　　“Their opinions can change tomorrow, " Garner said". As harsh as it may be to say, that decision should likely not be made contingent on a child’s opinions, but rather made for them with great consideration into what home can meet their needs best-and give them an opportunity to customize it bit and make it their own.”
　　This advice is more relevant now than ever before, even as more parents want to embrace the ideas of their children, despite the current housing crunch.
　　Today, wannabe homebuyers have to be more open when it comes to must-haves and what you can compromise on, Hampson said.
　　And speaking of compromise: The McClain kids, hungry for outdoor space, fell in love with a home in the North Park neighborhood that had a large yard. But it wasn’t ideal by their parents' standards.
　　The family ended up renting a house in North Center that had a smaller yard, but it was still big enough for playtime.
　　I had to do a bit of a sales job with the kids since they loved the yard in North Park, "McClain said. "But there’s a hammock they lounge on, a spot to jump rope, a place to play in the sprinkler, and an area to write with sidewalk chalk.
　　A. notes that aspects like children’s friends and social activities should be considered up on homebuying
　　41. Ryan Hopper DB. Believes that home buying should be based on children’s needs rather than their opinions
　　42. Adam Bailey GC. Assumes that many children’s views on real estate are influenced by the media
　　43.Tracey Hampson FD. remarks that significant moves may pose challenges to children
　　44. Aaron Norri CE. says that it is wise to leave kids in the dark about real estate
　　45. Julie Garner BF. advise that home purchase should not be based only on children’s decisions
　　G. thinks that children should be given a sense of involvement in homebuying decisions.
　　Section III Translation

　　46. Directions:
　　In this section, there is a text in English. Translate it into Chinese. Write your translation on ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)
　　① It is easy to underestimate English writer James Herriot. ②He had such a pleasant, readable style that are might think that anyone could imitate it. ③How many times have I heard people say, "I could write a book, I just haven’t the time "Easily said. ④Not so easily done. ⑤James Heriot contrary to popular opinion did not find it easy in his early days of, as he put it, "having a go at the writing game". ⑥While he obviously had an abundance of natural talent, the final polished work that he have to the world was the result of years of practicing, re-writing and reading. ⑦Like the majority of authors, he had to suffer many disappointments and rejections along the way, but these made him all the more determined to succeed. ⑧Everything he achieved in life was earned the hard way and his success in the literacy field was no exception.
　　①说起英国作家James Herriot，人们往往会很小看他。②(而)他的写作风格让人赏心悦目，读起来又朗朗上口，容易模仿。③人们常说“ 我也能写书，只是没时间”，这真是说起来容易，④做起来难。⑤James Heriot并不认同这种大众观点，(因为)他年轻时候，也从未觉得写作容易过， James一直都在说：(我)先试者写写看。⑥虽然James天资卓越，但这些旷世佳作都源自于他多年来孜孜不倦的练习，反复的修改锤炼以及博览群书。⑦和大多数作家一样，他也曾愁眉不展，四处碰壁，但这些经历却使得他迎难而上，走向成功。⑧(终于)功夫不负有心人，他在文学领域中取得了成功。
　　Section IV Writing
　　47. Directions:
　　Suppose Professor Smith asked you to plan a debate on the theme of city traffic. Write him an email to
　　(1) suggest a specific topic with your reason, and
　　(2) tell him about your arrangement
　　You should write about 100 words neatly on your ANSWER SHEET.
　　Do not sign your own name, use "Li Ming instead
　　Dear Professor Smith,
　　The email is intended to give a brief account of the preparation for a debate concerning theme of city traffic. Since the traffic congestion is getting increasingly serious, it is high time that we should make some conductive recommendations concerning How to Address Traffic Jam.
　　In my humble opinion, it is necessary to prepare three points to support the debate. First and foremost, we should check the debate place and starting time to make sure that all the participants are informed to attend this event in time. In addition, it is better to remind the invited guests of the traffic route, special dress code or other relevant details.
　　I would like to have a further discussion about this debate in details. If you have more proposals, do not hesitate to contact with me. I am looking forward you reply.
　　Yours sincerely,
　　Li Ming
　　Part B
　　48. Directions
　　In this section, you are asked to write an essay based on the following chart
　　(1) Interpret the chart, and
　　(2) Give your comments
　　You should write at least 150 words
　　Write your essay on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)
　　What is illustrated in the chart shows clearly that vast changes have taken place with where to go after graduation in a certain college from 2013 to 2015. As can be seen from the bar chart, there is a sharp decline in terms of seeking jobs, dropping by 7.4% during this period. Compared with those who have prepared the postgraduate entrance examination or launch a business, the figures are on the increase, rising by 7.7% and 1.3% respectively. It goes without saying that the trend is to be continued.
　　Thereareatleast threegood reasons accounting for the above phenomenon. To begin with, it is commonly believed that the decrease in job-seekers is the inevitable result of the competition in the job market. A study has reported that 89% of graduates fail to find a suitable job, especially for female students. Inaddition, What needs to be emphasized rather than overlooked here is that ambitious students have tried their hands at launching/starting their own businesses. Over the years, there have been many successful cases of student entrepreneurship and such attempts should be encouraged and promoted by both the universities and the society. Last but not least, as is well-known to the general public, having a master degree can be regarded as a favorable way to get rid of the unemployment temporarily. As a result, an increasing number of undergraduates make endeavors to pass the test.
　　From my perspective, making a rational choice is playing an important role in our life. So, when confronting with numerous choices, we should ask for conductive proposals from professors or guilders, involve your own strengths or skills and choose optimally.