2008春季中级口译考试练习及解答（一）

Questions 1~5

　　Filled with the euphoria of victory and dreams of their first Big Ten title in 11 years, Penn State University students rushed the field as time expired in their win over Ohio State. In the chaos that followed, the campus police struggled to keep control, and identifying the over-zealous fans seemed impossible, impossible, that is, until the police department turned to a new crime-fighting tool: facebook.com.

　　Penn State officers had warned the students in advance last October that crossing over from the stands was a safety hazard and would not be permitted. When the rules were broken, a quick search online revealed the facebook.com photo album "1 rushed the field after the OSU game and lived." The album creator had even helpfully tagged all of those involved—offering the campus police an easy way to issue stem warnings. "It was really dangerous and not acceptable behavior," says Tyrone Parham, assistant director at the PSU police. "We needed to send a message. We searched the group, contacted the individuals and said that this was not tolerable behavior."

　　Long a student favorite and the seventh most-trafficked Internet site, facebook.com has found a new following—those who wear blue. Traditionally, campus police forces have followed noise reports in their attempt to keep Saturday nights safe. But the advent of social-networking sites is starting to revolutionize campus detective work.

　　George Washington University police department chief Dolores Stafford claims, "Facebook exists and can certainly be a tool, but we're not out there looking at the site." Students at the college, however, are not so sure. When rumors flew that campus cops were using the student social network to infringe their right to party, GWU students decided to exact revenge. In a carefully executed plan, students filled facebook.com with chatter about a raging party they were throwing, hoping the police would be watching. They were not disappointed. When the officers arrived, they found shots glasses brimming with chocolate cake, Beirut cups filled with frosting, and partygoers loaded up on sugar rather than alcohol.

　　While the GWU police deny using the Internet to find the party, the students felt vindicated. 'Cake Party' attendee Kyle Stoneman comments: "From a larger standpoint, there's nothing immoral or illegal about the police using facebook.com. I guess they'll play their game, we'll play ours, and we'll see who wins."

　　For college police forces, however, the issue is about more than winning. Instead, they try to find that delicate balance between upholding the law (read: preventing underage drinking) and maintaining good relations with the students (read: turning a blind eye). "It's a never-ending struggle," says Fisher College Chief of Campus Police John McLaughlin. "Like any other college and university, we want this to be as open of a relationship as possible. We don't want to be too obtrusive and we also don't want to be too strict. It requires real diligence."

　　1. Which of the following best describes facebook.com?

　　 (A) It is a popular website with the students.

　　 (B) It is crime-fighting tool invented by the police.

　　 (C) It is an electronic book of strict campus regulations.

　　 (D) It is a virtual party held on the Internet.

　　2. What is the traditional way for the campus police to ensure security on Saturdays?

　　 (A) To patrol the campus regularly.

　　 (B) To check the students' website.

　　 (C) To monitor noises on the campus.

　　 (D) To warn the students in advance.

　　3. What does the author try to show with the "Cake Party" incident?

　　 (A) It was wrong of the police to interfere in the party.

　　 (B) The police were definitely looking at the website.

　　 (C) The students tried to protect their own right.

　　 (D) Parties like this one were dangerous.

　　4. What do students like Kyle Stoneman think of the police using facebook.com?

　　 (A) It is immoral.

　　 (B) It is illegal.

　　 (C) It is helpful.

　　 (D) It is understandable.

　　5. Which of the following is the major concern of the police?

　　 (A) How to revolutionize campus detective work and combat crime effectively.

　　 (B) How to strike a balance between law enforcement and human relationship.

　　 (C) How to use facebook.com without being found out by the students.

　　 (D) How to end the long standing hostility between the students and the police.

　　Questions 6~10

　　After SABMiller lost a bidding war for China's Harbin Brewery Group to Anheuser-Busch Coso two years ago, it looked as if America's King of Beers would reign over the Middle Kingdom as well. Anheuser-Busch, after all, had already sealed a deal with China's leading brewery, Tsingtao, and with Harbin in its stable it looked unbeatable.

　　But SABMiller had a Plan B that could well give it the throne after all. Since losing Harbin, London-based SAB has focused its energies on a 12-year-old joint venture, China Resources Snow Breweries Ltd., that is now thriving. In June, CR Snow, which includes 46 breweries across the country, surpassed longtime leader Tsingtao for the No.l spot. For the 12 months through June, CR Snow produced nearly 40 million barrels, vs. 37 million for Tsingtao. As a result, CR Snow boasts 14.9% of the Chinese market, compared with Tsingtao's 13.9%. "Our growth has been on the back of a very consistent and targeted strategy," says Wayne Hall, SABMiller's finance director in China.

　　Both companies want to be the toast of China. As beer sales in the U.S. and Western Europe have lost their fizz, they're growing at 8%-plus annually in China. That has helped China overtake the U.S. as the world's top beer market.

　　SAB was early to see the promise of China, where it has been brewing since 1994. Yet instead of targeting big cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, as its competitors did, SABMiller scooped up breweries in less affluent areas, including the northeastern rust belt and the populous inland province of Sichuan. This contrarian strategy has allowed SABMiller to build up a national footprint at bargain prices. While Anheuser ponied up $700 million—as much as $62 per barrel of annual brewing capacity—for Harbin, SABMiller has typically paid $30-$40 per barrel for its breweries. "SABMiller has made a mint by purposely buying cheaper assets," says Bear, Stearns & Co. analyst Anthony Bucalo.

　　SABMiller has been smart in its positioning of the flagship Snow brand. To appeal to upwardly mobile youth, it slapped a shiny, modern label on the 50-year-old brew and launched a national ad campaign emphasizing the beer's freshness, complete with sweepstakes that reward winners with outdoor vacations. The marketing push is paying off as it presses into the big cities. China now accounts for nearly 20% of SABMiller's total volumes, and Snow has become China's No.l brand. Soon, it will probably surpass Miller Lite as the biggest seller in the company's cooler.

　　6. What is this article mainly about?

　　 (A) The bidding war between SABMiller and Anheuser-Busch Cos.

　　 (B) China has overtaken the U.S as the top beer market.

　　 (C) How SABMiller beats Anheuser in global makets.

　　 (D) The success of SABMiller in China.

　　7. What makes Snow beer one of the best-selling beers in China?

　　 (A) The company has special technologies.

　　 (B) Snow beer tastes better.

　　 (C) The company has adopted an effective marketing strategy.

　　 (D) CR Snow has purposely bought cheaper assets from SABMiller.

　　8. The word "affluent" in paragraph 4 can be replaced by ______.

　　 (A) wealthy

　　 (B) populous

　　 (C) influential

　　 (D) fluent

　　9. Which of the following is TRUE according to the article?

　　 (A) SABMiller is an America-based beer company.

　　 (B) Snow beer is now being sold all around the world.

　　 (C) Beer sales in the U.S. and Western Europe dropped recently.

　　 (D) Snow beer is welcomed by both youths and 50-year-olds.

　　10. What can be concluded from this article?

　　 (A) Tsingdao beer is less tasty than Snow beer.

　　 (B) Anheuser-Busch used to be the largest beer company in Europe.

　　 (C) SABMiller spent $700 million in building new breweries.

　　 (D) Snow beer is likely to become the biggest seller in SABMiller.

　　Questions 11~15

　　In the information technology industry, it is widely acknowledged that how well IT departments of the future can fulfil their business goals will depend not on the regular updating of technology, which is essential for them to do, but on how well they can hold on to the people skilled at manipulating the newest technology. This is becoming more difficult. Best estimates of the current shortfall in IT staff in the UK are between 30,000 and 50,000, and growing.

　　And there is no end to the problem in sight. A severe industry-wide lack of investment in training means the long-term skills base is both ageing and shrinking. Employers are chasing experienced staff in ever-decreasing circles, and, according to a recent government report, 250,000 new IT jobs will be created over the next decade.

　　Most employers are confining themselves to dealing with the immediate problems. There is little evidence, for example, that they are stepping up their intake of raw recruits for in-house training, or retraining existing staff from other functions. This is the course of action recommended by the Computer Software Services Association, but research shows its members are adopting the short-term measure of bringing in more and more consultants on a contract basis.

　　With IT professionals increasingly attracted to the financial rewards and flexibility of consultancy work, average staff turnover rates are estimated to be around 15%. While many companies in the financial services sector are managing to contain their losses by offering skilled IT staff "golden handcuffs"—deferred loyalty bonuses that tie them in until a certain date—other organisations, like local governments, are unable to match the competitive salaries and perks on offer in the private sector and contractor market, and are suffering turnover rates of up to 60% a year.

　　But while loyalty bonuses have grabbed the headlines, there are other means of holding on to staff. Some companies are doing additional IT pay reviews in the year and paying market premiums. But such measures can create serious employee relations problems among those excluded, both within and outside IT departments. Many industry experts advise employers to link bonuses to performance wherever possible. However, employers are realising that bonuses will only succeed if they are accompanied by other incentives such as attractive career prospects, training, and challenging work that meets the individual's long-term ambitions.

　　11. According to the passage, the success of IT departments will depend on ______.

　　
(A) their success at retaining their skilled staff

　　 (B) the extent to which they invest in new technology

　　 (C) their attempts to recruit staff with the necessary skills

　　 (D) the ability of employees to keep up with the latest developments

　　12. The problem referred to in the second paragraph is that ______.

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　　(B) the pool of skilled IT people will get even smaller in the future

　　(C) company budgets for IT training have been decreasing steadily

　　 (D) older IT professionals have no adequate training

　　13. What is the possible solution to the long-term problems in the IT industry?

　　(A) To offer top rates to attract the best specialist consultants.

　　 (B) To expand company training programs for new and old employees.

　　 (C) To conduct more research into the reasons for staff leaving.

　　 (D) To ensure that permanent staff earn the same as contract staff.

　　14. In some businesses in the financial services sector, the IT staffing problem has led to _____.

　　 (A) additional benefits for skilled staff after a specified period of time

　　 (B) more employees seeking alternative employment in the public sector

　　(C) the loss of customers to rival organizations

　　 (D) more flexible conditions of work for their staff

　　15. Employers accept that IT professionals are more likely to stay in their present post if they ______.

　　 (A) are set more realistic performance targets

　　(B) have a good working relationship with staff in other departments

　　(C) are provided with opportunities for professional development

　　(D) receive a remuneration package at top market rates

　　Questions 16~20

　　Declan Mayes, President of the Music Buyers Association, is furious at a recent announcement by the recording industry regarding people downloading MP3 music files from the Internet as actual criminals.

　　A few parallels may be instructive. If someone copies an audio music cassette for their own private use, they are, strictly speaking, breaking the law. But recording companies have usually turned a blind eye to this practice because prosecuting the few people involved would be difficult, and the financial loss to the company itself is not considered significant. Now the Music Recording Association has announced that it regards individuals downloading music from the Internet as pirates, claiming that they damage the industry in just the same way. "The industry is completely overreacting; it'll be a laughing stock," says Mayes. "They're going to arrest some teenager downloading files in his bedroom—and sue him for thousands of dollars! This isn't going to frighten anyone into buying CDs".

　　Mayes may have a point. There is a general consensus that CD pirates should be subjected to the full wrath of the law, but few would see an individual downloading music for his or her own pleasure in the same light. However, downloading music files illegally is not as innocuous as making private copies of audio cassettes. The scratchy, distorted cassette copy is a poor version of the original recording, whereas an MP3 file is of high quality and can be stored—on a CD, for example. It is this that makes the practice a powerful temptation for music fans, given the high cost of CDs.

　　What does Mayes think about claims that music companies could be forced out of business by people downloading music illegally? That's nonsense. Music companies are always whining about high costs, but that doesn't prevent them from recording hundreds of CDs by completely unknown artists, many of whom are "packaged" by marketing departments to appeal to young consumers. The companies are simply hoping that one of these new bands or signers will be a hit, and although it can be expensive to promote new artists, the cost of manufacturing the CDs is actually very low.

　　This last point would appear to be the focus of resentment against music companies: a CD is far cheaper to produce than its price in the shops would indicate, and profit margins for the music companies are huge. An adult with a reasonable income may not object to paying £15 for a CD of classical music, but a teenager buying a CD by the latest pop sensation may find that price rather steep—especially since the latest pop sensation is almost certain to be forgotten within a few months. And while the recording industry can't be held responsible for the evanescent nature of fame, given the teenage appetite for anything novel, it could lower the prices it charges—especially since technology is making CDs even cheaper to produce.

　　This is what Mayes hopes will happen. If the music industry stops exploiting the music-buying public, it can survive. Everyone would rather buy a CD, with an attractive jacket and booklet, than mess around downloading files, but the price has to be reasonable. The problem isn't going to vanish if the industry carries on trying to make a quick profit. Technology has caught up with the music companies, and trying to fight it by taking people to court will only earn money for the lawyers.

　　16. Mayes thinks that the recording industry's recent announcement ______.

　　 (A) fails to take into account the difficulties of prosecuting offenders

　　 (B) makes the industry appear ridiculous

　　 (C) will deter consumers from buying CDs

　　 (D) will encourage resentment of CD piracy

　　17. Why does the writer feel that MP3 files are unlike copies of audio cassettes?

　　 (A) Downloaded MP3 files are generally not for private use.

　　 (B) The financial losses to the music industry are greater.

　　 (C) The price of MP3s is higher than that of audio cassettes.

　　 (D) There is a significant difference in quality.

　　18. According to the passage, Mayes implies that music companies ______.

　　 (A) could cut costs by making cheaper CDs

　　 (B) should not promote artists who are unknown

　　 (C) are speculating when they promote new artists

　　 (D) should use different manufacturing processes

　　19. The author points out that the music industry cannot be blamed for ______.

　　(A) the fact that fewer teenagers are buying classical music CDs

　　(B) the fact that fashions change quickly

　　 (C) the poor quality of modern music

　　 (D) the prices that are charged for CDs in shops

　　20. What does Mayes think is at the root of the survival problem facing the music industry?

　　 (A) The unprecedented speed of technological development.

　　 (B) Unrealistic legal advice and practice.

　　 (C) Its failure to adopt an appropriate pricing strategy.

　　 (D) The rapidly changing nature of contemporary music.

　　Questions 21-25

　　The basic story is very old indeed and familiar to most of us. The heroine, Cinderella, is treated cruelly by her stepmother and mocked by her two ugly stepsisters. And even though her father loves her, she can't tell him how unhappy she is because her stepmother has bewitched him. One day Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters are invited to a ball at the royal palace. Cinderella is told she cannot go and is understandably very unhappy. However, her fairy godmother comes to the rescue and, waving her magic wand, produces some beautiful clothes for Cinderella as well as a carriage to convey her to the ball. There, she dances with the handsome prince, who falls in love with her...

　　Just a sweet, pretty tale? Not in the view of Ellen Macintosh, who has written extensively about fairy tales. 'This story features the stock, two-dimensional characters of most fairy tales, and little character development is attempted,' she says. Indeed, although her comment does make one wonder why simplicity of this sort should be out of place in a story for children. Be that as it may, Ellen's main problem is with what the story implies. 'Instead of standing up to her cruel stepmother and absurd stepsisters, Cinderella just waits for a fairy godmother to appear and solve her problem. But wouldn't you want a daughter of yours to show more spirit?'

　　The story is enduring, whatever its shortcomings, and it doesn't take much in the way of analytical skills to see its influence on a number of recent Hollywood productions, all aimed at girls aged five to fifteen. In these versions for the silver screen, the Cinderella character no longer has to clean the house and has no siblings to make her life a misery, though she persists in not showing much backbone. The character of the rich and handsome stranger, however, is retained, and in some cases really is a prince. The role of the fairy godmother is often played by coincidence or sheer luck; we live in an enlightened age when even very young children might reject the notion of fairies. The wicked stepmother may be transformed into a villain of some sort. In the majority of film versions, the heroine has a profession and is even permitted to continue working after marrying her prince—this is the twenty-first century, after all.http://tr.hjenglish.com

　　Doesn't the success of these films indicate that the story has relevance to children even today? 'Yes,' admits Ellen, who sees its message as being rooted in a fundamental childhood desire for love and attention. 'Most children experience a sense of inner loneliness as they are growing up and empathies with the protagonist who faces some sort of test or challenge. This can be seen in the original story of Cinderella, where the fairy godmother tells the heroine that she must learn to be gracious and confident if she is to go to the ball. She has to grow spiritually, and by maturing, she becomes attractive to the prince, thus ensuring that the ending of the story will be happy. 'In the later versions, this element is missing,' says Ellen, 'and the theme of the story is simply that a girl's role in life is to be more beautiful than other little girls so that she can carry off the prize: the handsome prince. Is this really what we want girls to grow up believing?'

　　21. What is Ellen's main objection to the Cinderella story?

　　 (A) The heroine is treated cruelly.

　　 (B) The heroine is not assertive enough.

　　 (C) The ugly stepsisters are figures of ridicule.

　　 (D) The stepmother is a stereotypical character.

　　22. In film versions of the Cinderella story ______.

　　 (A) two characters from the original story are omitted

　　 (B) the prince is invariably replaced by a rich stranger
　

　　 (C) luck plays a lesser role than in the original story

　　 (D) the Cinderella character no longer has to work

　　23. According to the passage, modern variants on the story generally ______.

　　 (A) portray Cinderella as a successful professional

　　 (B) imply that Cinderella will become a real princess

　　 (C) reflect children's beliefs and aspirations

　　 (D) make concessions to modern women's lives

　　24. In Ellen's view, what makes the Cinderella story so appealing?

　　 (A) Children can identify with the heroine.

　　 (B) Little girls enjoy being challenged.

　　 (C) It has an element of magic.

　　(D) Cinderella is more beautiful than other girls.

　　25. Unlike the original tale, modern versions of the Cinderella story ______.

　　(A) suggest that girls need the strength of character

　　 (B) do not require the heroine to develop spiritually

　　 (C) underestimate the desire for love and attention

　　 (D) are aimed solely at young children

　　Questions 26-30

　　Ten thousand years ago, as the last ice age drew to a close, sea levels around the world were far lower than they are today. Much of the land under the North Sea and the English Channel was part of a huge region of forests and grassy plains. Then the climate gradually become warmer and the water trapped in glaciers and ice caps was released. This ancient land was submerged in the resulting deluge and all that remains to tell us that it was once lush and verdant—and inhabited—is the occasional stone tool, harpoon or mammoth tusk brought up from the sea bed by fishing boats.

　　Now the development of advanced sonar technology, known as bathymetry, is making it possible to study this flooded landscape in extraordinary detail. While previous devices have only been able to produce two-dimensional images, bathymetry makes use of computers, satellite positioning devices and special software to create accurate and remarkably detailed maps. For the first time an ancient river bed leaps out of the three-dimensional image, complete with rocky ledges rising up from the bottom of the valley. The sites of pre-historic settlements can now be pinpointed, and it is also possible to see in stunning detail the sunken shipwrecks that litter this part of the sea bed.

　　According to archaeologist Dr Linda Andrews, this technological development is of huge significance. 'We now have the ability to map the sea bed as accurately as we can map dry land,' she says. She is, however, scathing about the scale of government funding for such projects.' We have better images of Mars and Venus than of two-thirds of our own planet! In view of the fact that Britain is a maritime nation, and the sea has had such a massive influence on us, it's an absolute scandal that we know so little about the area just off our shores!'

　　Once bathymetric techniques have identified sites where people might have built their homes and villages, divers could be sent down to investigate further. The idea of Britain as a natural island kingdom will be challenged by these findings: Britain has been inhabited for about 500,000 years, and for much of this time it has been linked on and off to continental Europe. It remains to be seen how far this new awareness is taken on board among our 'island' people.

　　In fact, the use of bathymetry scanners will not be limited to the study of lost landscapes and ancient settlements. It will also be vital in finding shipwrecks. Records show that there are about 44,000 shipwrecks off the shores of Britain, but there is good reason to believe that the real figure is much higher. In addition, commercial applications are a real possibility. Aggregates for the construction industry are becoming increasingly expensive, and bathymetry scanners could be used to identify suitable sites for quarrying this material. However, mapping the sea bed will also identify places where rare plants and shellfish have their homes. Government legislation may prevent digging at such sites, either to extract material for a profit or to make the water deeper: there are plans to dredge parts of the English Channel to provide deeper waterways for massive container ships.

　　26. We can learn from the passage that this particular area under the sea ______.

　　 (A) was not previously thought to have been populated

　　 (B) was created by the last Ice Age

　　 (C) has yielded some archaeological artifacts

　　 (D) has had many of its inhabitants drowned

　　27. What is the most important aspect of the new scanning technique?

　　 (A) It can attract more government funding for mapping.

　　 (B) It only requires the use of an echo sounder.

　　 (C) It can measure the depth of the sea bed with accuracy.

　　 (D) It reveals important details of underwater topography.

　　28. How does Dr. Andrews feel about the lack of accurate information about the waters around Britain?

　　(A) Outraged.

　　(B) Resigned.

　　 (C) Astonished.

　　 (D) Amused.

　　29. The author suggests that a better understanding of the ancient settlements on the sea bed may ______.

　　 (A) inspire more young people to take up archaeology

　　(B) modify the attitudes of the British to their country's history

　　(C) provide confirmation about the dangers of global warming

　　(D) alter the perception other countries have about Britain

　　30. Quarrying is cited as an example to show that ______.

　　(A) there will be little difficulty obtaining funds for research

　　(B) underwater research should be completed as soon as possible

　　(C) damage to the sea bed has not been recorded accurately so far

　　(D) the use of scanners may have practical benefits for industry

　　
　　本文选自新东方郭雯的博客，博客链接地址http://blog.hjenglish.com/guowen/articles/953870.html