Part I Writing
(30minutes)
Directions:
For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a letter to the "REDCROSS" to apply to be a volunteer to help the people who suffered from the earthquake in Sichuan. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below in Chinese:
1. 表達(dá)你對(duì)四川災(zāi)民生活現(xiàn)狀的關(guān)切和所經(jīng)歷災(zāi)難的悲痛;
2. 你所學(xué)專業(yè)為心理學(xué)(psychology),你想申請(qǐng)成為志愿者去災(zāi)區(qū)撫慰災(zāi)區(qū)兒童的心靈
3. 表達(dá)對(duì)災(zāi)區(qū)人民和祖國(guó)未來的祝福?！ ?BR> Part II Reading Comprehension
(Skimming and Scanning)
(15minutes)
Directions:
In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly. Forquestions1-7, mark Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage; N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage; NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage.
For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.
Younger Artists Struggle to Excite Buyers
As the senior global specialist and vice president for Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York, Zhang Xiaoming travels to China almost every month. Here she usually meets collectors and dealers. When her schedule allows, she also takes the time to check out artists’ studios and their latest productions.
But Zhang admits to finding it increasingly difficult on recent visits to be "touched" by the new works that she has seen.
"Maybe there are great works that have not been discovered, but from what I see, many artists are repeating themselves and the market for younger artists’ works is overpriced," she said.
"The most important artists coming out of China, those who have been celebrated by international collectors, are artists who created works at very difficult times, and were inspired by their tradition, history and culture."
"These works are really deeply connected to their own culture and their own traditions," Zhang said. "But what is happening right now is a lot of younger artists coming to the market have a lack of spirituality. For me it’s hard to read what their artwork is about. Today some of the artists that fetch high prices may not last over the longer term."
Zhang is one of several market professionals who have raised concerns that Chinese contemporary art could be becoming overpriced, and might be heading for an inevitable correction, after recording stellar gains of about 40 percent each year for the past two years.examda.com
Still, if the latest auction results for Asian contemporary artwork at Christie’s are anything to go by, buyers are still extremely bullish, though increasingly selective.
The inaugural evening sale of Asian Contemporary Art at Christie’s in Hong Kong raised 318.38 million Hong Kong dollars, or $40.8 million, well above the presale estimate of 174.6 to 231.8 million dollars.
Christie’s was offering a small, highly selective list of high-caliber works by leading artists, including Zeng Fanzhi, Yue Minjun, Zhang Xiaogang, Cai Guoqiang and Takashi Murakami, and the buyers snapped them up. Only two of the 34 lots failed to meet their reserve and several records were set, including a new world auction record for any Chinese contemporary artwork, for Zeng Fanzhi’s monumental "Mask Series 1996 No.6"which sold for 75.3 million dollars.
"There was quite an even bidding between the room and the phones, though the phones seem to win in the end on the top lots," said Eric Chang, head of Asian contemporary art and Chinese 20th century art at Christie’s. "I think this evening sale has opened another gate for Asian contemporary art."
The auction continued equally strongly Sunday, with 341 lots raising 253.1 million dollars. While many buyers remain enthusiastic, they are also becoming more discerning.
"Gweong-Gweong,"by Yue Minjun, sold for 54 million dollars, a record for the artist and well above the 4.9 million dollars that it fetched in November 2005. But "Great Solidarity", painted by Yue in 1992, was one of the lots that failed to sell, despite being a historically significant piece that established the artist’s trademark motif of rows of repeated figures of himself.
"I think that piece had some condition issues," Chang said. "The market is more mature now and collectors will select the good quality pieces in best condition."
Interest was not confined to Chinese contemporary art. The weekend auction set records for 29 Japanese artists, 10 Indian artists and 10 Korean ones.
"Interest in Japanese contemporary art was very strong," Chang said. "In general, pieces sold for between three to 10 times their estimates."
The market for Japanese contemporary art, which has embraced subcultures like manga, anime, fantasy and technology, has seen an incredible explosion in interest in recent months, helping to feed an increase of nearly threefold in total sales receipts at Christie’s Hong Kong auctions to 36.1 million dollars this past autumn from 12.5 million dollars in the spring of 2007.
"Japanese prices have been driven up by interest from Asian buyers," said Zhang Xiaoming, head of Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York. "In fact, they are outperforming Chinese artists, but because they’re starting from a lower base, prices are still lagging behind those of Chinese."
Korean contemporary artists have also started to make some waves, although they still have to develop the salesroom buzz that surrounds the Japanese.
In contrast to all the exuberance in the contemporary market, however, interest in Chinese 20th century art is showing signs of fatigue.
In the second evening sale Saturday, featuring Chinese 20th century work, only 73 percent of the 26 lots were sold, raising 151.4 million dollars —within the estimate of 130.7 million to 168.3 million dollars but lacking in excitement. The next day went a little better, when 83 percent of the lots were sold, raising another 91.1 million dollars.
"Some pieces went very high, but maybe the estimates were on the high side,"Chang acknowledged.
Of six lots by the Taiwanese artist Kuo Po Chuan, only one was sold. "Sunset at Danshui" went for 2.64 million dollars, at the lower end of its estimate of 2.5 million to 3 million dollars. His star lot, "The Forbidden City", estimated at 5 million to 7 million dollars, failed to find a buyer. A piece from the same series was sold for a less-than-expect-ed 27.2 million dollars at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction last month.
"Chinese collectors might have been turned off by the latest developments on the local stock market, as well as the Sichuan earthquake," he said. "But I think the market prices will come back up."
1. Zhang Xiaoming has settled in China and she found that the Chinese contemporary art really touches her.
2. According to Zhang, many artists are repeating themselves.
3. Zhang thinks tradition, history and culture are the sources of the artists’inspiration.
4. Zhang is the senior global specialist and vice president for Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York.
5. Some market professionals including Zhang pointed out that some Chinese contemporary artworks are overpriced and most collectors have began to realize it.examda.com
6. Chinese contemporary artworks are the most popular among the collectors.
7. Japanese contemporary artworks sold badly in the auction.
8. Eric Chang, head of Asian contemporary art and Chinese 20th century art at Christie’s thinks that the market is very mature now and the buyers will _______________.
2008年大學(xué)英語四級(jí)考試備考模擬試題答案
Part I Writing
One possible version:
Red Cross:
The 12th of May may be the saddest day in recent years. On hearing the news of the earthquake, I was close to tears, especially when I saw the photos of the people who suffered from the quake. So I have made up my mind to be a volunteer and do as much as I can to help them.
My major is psychology, which I think will be helpful to the children, and I can make full use of what I have learned to release their pain and comfort them. In addition, I can do other volunteer jobs, such as nursing, teaching, and so on.
The earthquake was really terrible, but it will never get us down. No matter what kind of troubles we confront, there’s no doubt that we Chinese will be stronger and more united.
I am looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
...
Part II
Reading Comprehension
(Skimming and Scanning)
1. N。參見第一段中"..., Zhang Xiaoming travels to China almost every month."和第二段中"But Zhang admits to finding it increasingly difficult on recent visits to be 'touched’ by the new works that she has seen."可知,張曉明并未定居中國(guó),她只是每月來中國(guó)旅行,并且她認(rèn)為越來越難以被她看到的新作品感動(dòng)。
2. Y。參見第三段中"..., many artists are repeating themselves ..."可知,張認(rèn)為現(xiàn)在的許多藝術(shù)家只是在重復(fù)自己(沒有創(chuàng)新)。
3. Y。參見第四段中"'The most important artists ... were inspired by their tradition, history and culture.’"和第五中"... 'But what is happening right now is a lot of younger artists coming to the market have a lack of spirituality ...’"可知張認(rèn)為最重要的藝術(shù)家們的作品都是從他們的傳統(tǒng)、歷史和文化中獲得靈感,而現(xiàn)在的許多年輕藝術(shù)家則缺乏靈氣。
4. Y。參見第一段首句可知,張是蘇富比拍賣行的中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品部的副總監(jiān),也是國(guó)際資深專家。
5. N。參見第六段中"Zhang is one of several market professionals who have raised concerns that Chinese contemporary art could be becoming overpriced, ..."和第七段中"..., buyers are still extremely bullish, though increasingly selective."可知,包括張?jiān)趦?nèi)的一些藝術(shù)品市場(chǎng)專業(yè)人士已開始關(guān)注中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品要價(jià)過高的現(xiàn)象。但是,買主們?nèi)匀粺崆楹芨?只不過更加挑剔而已。
6. NG。文章沒有說中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品是收藏家們推崇的。
7. N。參見第十五段中"'Interest in Japanese contemporary art was very strong, ... pieces sold for between three to 10 times their estimates.’"可知,收藏家對(duì)日本當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品的興趣也很大。作品以估價(jià)的3到10倍價(jià)格出售。
8. select the good quality pieces in best condition。參見第十三段中"'The market is more mature now and collectors will select the good quality pieces in best condition.’"。
9. the estimates were on the high side。參見倒數(shù)第三段中"'Some pieces went very high, but maybe the estimates were on the high side’..."。
10. the latest developments on the local stock market and the Sichuan earthquake。參見最后一段中"'Chinese collectors might have been turned off by the latest developments on the local stock market, as well as the Sichuan earthquake,’..."。
Part III
Reading Comprehension
(Reading in Depth)
Section A
11. O)。此處需要一個(gè)副詞。此處講信貸緊縮使一些貸款人脫離學(xué)生借貸市場(chǎng)。故選O)。
12. A)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處考查be intended to do ...的用法,意為"為……打算(或設(shè)計(jì))的"。此處講GreenNote網(wǎng)站選在周三向?qū)W生開放"個(gè)人對(duì)個(gè)人"借貸方式的意圖是想吸引學(xué)生獲得暑期經(jīng)濟(jì)幫助的興趣。故選A)。
13. H)。此處需要一個(gè)分詞。此處考查hope for ...的用法,意為"希望,期望(某事發(fā)生)"。此處講學(xué)生借貸這個(gè)領(lǐng)域還比較小,但有望獲得急速增長(zhǎng)的季節(jié)性收益。故選H)。
14. D)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處考查available的意思"可獲得的"。根據(jù)上文中"federally subsidized loans"可知,此處講學(xué)生仍可獲得聯(lián)邦低息貸款,但是他們需要尋找銀行或者聯(lián)邦政府本身(意指麻煩)。故選D)。
15. G)。此處需要一個(gè)副詞。此處講同時(shí),信貸緊縮也會(huì)影響到學(xué)生申請(qǐng)私人貸款。一旦申請(qǐng)較便宜的聯(lián)邦經(jīng)濟(jì)資助失敗了,那么越來越多的學(xué)生需要私人貸款。故選G)。
16. I)。此處需要一個(gè)動(dòng)詞原形。此處講"個(gè)人對(duì)個(gè)人"借貸也準(zhǔn)備涉足私人借貸市場(chǎng)。故選I)。
17. M)。此處需要一個(gè)動(dòng)名詞。此處考查turn to ...的用法,意為"求助于……"。此處講這樣做是出于一個(gè)想法,即學(xué)生們可以通過求助于愿意支持他們的個(gè)人貸款人而確保獲得更好的條件。故選M)。
18. N)。此處需要一個(gè)名詞。此處講貸款人也可以因幫助一個(gè)孩子、親戚或朋友而獲得滿足感。故選N)。
19. L)。此處需要一個(gè)名詞。此處講如果貸款人和借款人有私交,那么拖欠還款和不還款的可能性將減小。故選L)。
20. E)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處講Mark Kantrowitz說他能看到諸如校友使用這些網(wǎng)站向現(xiàn)在的學(xué)生提供貸款此類的事情。故選E)?！?BR> Section B
Passage One
21. B)。參見第一段以及第二段中"Now the U.S. government is beginning a push for hard research to prove it."可知,美國(guó)政府正竭力進(jìn)行研究以證明鍛煉對(duì)毒品或酒精濫用有防治作用。故選B)。
22. C)。參見第五段中"What first caught the attention of ... A study found youngsters and teens who reported exercising daily were half as likely to smoke as their sedentary counterparts, and 40 percent less likely to experiment with marijuana."可知,引起Nora Volkow注意的是一項(xiàng)研究,該研究發(fā)現(xiàn)每天鍛煉的年輕人和不愛動(dòng)的伙伴相比,前者吸煙的可能性是后者的一半,并且前者染大麻的可能性比后者低40%。故選C)。
23. D)。參見第六段中"Exercise seems to invigorate neurochemicals that sense and reinforce pleasure. 'In children, it’s innate,’she notes. 'Children want to move.’"可知,鍛煉可以刺激人體內(nèi)影響神經(jīng)系統(tǒng)的物質(zhì)生長(zhǎng),這種物質(zhì)能使人產(chǎn)生并加強(qiáng)對(duì)快樂的感受。對(duì)孩子來說,鍛煉是天生的本能,孩子愿意動(dòng)。故選D)。
24. C)。參見第七段中"... U.S. children are becoming more sedentary, as illustrated by the obesity epidemic, ..."結(jié)合不愛動(dòng)和肥胖之間的關(guān)系可知,美國(guó)兒童中迅速蔓延的肥胖現(xiàn)象說明了他們變得越來越不愛動(dòng)。故選C)。
25. A)?？v觀全文可知,文章講各項(xiàng)研究發(fā)現(xiàn)鍛煉對(duì)防止青少年濫用物質(zhì)有作用。故選A)。
Passage Two
26. D)。參見第一段可知,由于頻頻出現(xiàn)于美國(guó)的一流大學(xué)校園里,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生不小心被封了個(gè)令許多人不舒服的稱號(hào):模范少數(shù)民族。故選D)。
27. C)。參見第五段第一句可知,用學(xué)業(yè)的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)來衡量,相對(duì)于其他少數(shù)民族,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生已經(jīng)非常成功。故選C)。
28. B)。參見第六段中"... since racial preferences in admissions were ended."可知,種族傾向性招生被廢止以前,加州的大學(xué)招收亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生的數(shù)量要少一些。故選B)。
29. C)。參見第五段最后一句話可知,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生獲得學(xué)士學(xué)位的比率大于44%,比全國(guó)平均水平高20%。故選項(xiàng)A)不對(duì)；縱觀全文可知,文章主要圍繞亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生的學(xué)業(yè)優(yōu)秀展開。故選項(xiàng)B)不成立；參見倒數(shù)第三段中"..., said the 'model minority’idea is a burden for many Asian-American students, ..."可知,對(duì)許多亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生來說,"模范少數(shù)民族"這個(gè)稱號(hào)是一種負(fù)擔(dān),故選項(xiàng)C)正確；縱觀全文可知,文章并未說亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生自殺現(xiàn)象增多是因?yàn)檫@個(gè)稱號(hào)帶來的負(fù)擔(dān)。故選項(xiàng)D)不成立。
30. D)?？v觀全文尤其是第二和最后一段可知,作者認(rèn)為因?yàn)閬喴崦绹?guó)學(xué)生學(xué)業(yè)優(yōu)秀便忽略他們的需求并忽略教育系統(tǒng)中的深層問題,這是錯(cuò)誤的。故選D)?！ ?BR> Part IV Cloze
31. B)。此處考查with的意思"具有,帶有"。此處講1979年,"我"還是一個(gè)住在俄羅斯的孩子。有一次,老師向全班布置一篇作文:如果魔法師允諾你可以實(shí)現(xiàn)一個(gè)愿望,你會(huì)要什么？"我"誠(chéng)懇而又富有激情地寫下了我的答案。故選B)。
32. A)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講直到老師念了我的作文并說她很震驚,我才知道這不是一個(gè)美好的愿望。故選A)。
33. C)。根據(jù)上文可知,此處講老師無法相信誰會(huì)浪費(fèi)那樣一個(gè)惟一的愿望。故選C)。
34. D)。此處考查arms的意思"軍械,武器"。此處講我確實(shí)擔(dān)心發(fā)生冷戰(zhàn)和軍備競(jìng)賽,以及到處堆滿核彈頭。故選D)。
35. C)。此處考查fantasize的意思"夢(mèng)想"。此處講我真正想要的是一個(gè)"神鍋",它能給我變出任何我想吃的食物。故選C)。
36. A)。此處考查variety的意思"種類"。此處講因?yàn)樵诋?dāng)時(shí)的俄羅斯,食品供應(yīng)種類非常有限,所以我的"神鍋"會(huì)大有用武之地的。故選A)。
37. B)。此處考查pay attention to ...的用法,意為"注意……"。此處講"我"總是密切關(guān)注書中關(guān)于食品的描述。故選B)。
38. D)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講如果某一種描述激起了"我"的想象,那么"我"會(huì)數(shù)日、數(shù)星期、甚至數(shù)月地想著它。故選D)。
39. C)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講作者"望梅止渴"、"畫餅充饑",在想象中品嘗食品。故選C)。
40. B)。此處講"我"5歲時(shí),媽媽曾給我讀了一本書。書中講到女惡魔非常想吃乳酪蛋糕。她如此想吃蛋糕,以至于被男主人公事先準(zhǔn)備的陷阱誘捕。故選B)。
41. A)。此處講"我"想象中的乳酪蛋糕嘗起來像奶奶做的烤乳酪三明治,只是味道會(huì)好得多。
42. A)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講蘆筍是另一種神秘的食物。故選A)。
43. B)。此處講兒童的我并不知道蘆筍,但是一旦"我"開始讀19世紀(jì)的俄國(guó)小說和20世紀(jì)的歐美小說,"我"開始明白它是小說中人物吃的一種主要食物。故選B)。
44. D)。此處考查character的意思"人物"。句意參見上題解析。故選D)。
45. A)。此處講"我"會(huì)把描寫蘆筍的部分讀了一遍又一遍,試圖在腦海里形成一幅畫面。但是這些描述都不完整,作者只是不厭其煩地描述對(duì)心理的洞察,而對(duì)蘆筍則幾筆帶過。故選A)。
46. B)。此處上下文形成遞進(jìn)關(guān)系。此處講"我"認(rèn)識(shí)的人中誰也沒見過蘆筍,我甚至在《生活大百科全書》中也找不到關(guān)于它的描述。故選B)。
47. D)。根據(jù)上文可知,此處講通過小說中只言片語的描述,"我"建立起了關(guān)于蘆筍的意像。故選D)。
48. A)。此處考查非謂語動(dòng)詞being(表示存在的狀態(tài))的用法。此處講在"我"看來,蘆筍是昂貴而高雅的綠色植物,它由一根莖和頭組成,頭是汁水最多的部位。故選A)。
49. C)。此處講蘆筍的形狀看起來像兩片茶勺合在一起。故選C)。
50. D)。此處講蘆筍整體看來就像盛滿兩大茶勺的汁水一樣飽滿而光滑。故選D)?！ ?BR> Part V Translation
51. leave him a good impression
52. Show him some mercy, please
53. Don’t beat him on the nose
54. was sentenced to death yesterday
55. He was brought up by his grandparents
(30minutes)
Directions:
For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a letter to the "REDCROSS" to apply to be a volunteer to help the people who suffered from the earthquake in Sichuan. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below in Chinese:
1. 表達(dá)你對(duì)四川災(zāi)民生活現(xiàn)狀的關(guān)切和所經(jīng)歷災(zāi)難的悲痛;
2. 你所學(xué)專業(yè)為心理學(xué)(psychology),你想申請(qǐng)成為志愿者去災(zāi)區(qū)撫慰災(zāi)區(qū)兒童的心靈
3. 表達(dá)對(duì)災(zāi)區(qū)人民和祖國(guó)未來的祝福?！ ?BR> Part II Reading Comprehension
(Skimming and Scanning)
(15minutes)
Directions:
In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly. Forquestions1-7, mark Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage; N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage; NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage.
For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.
Younger Artists Struggle to Excite Buyers
As the senior global specialist and vice president for Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York, Zhang Xiaoming travels to China almost every month. Here she usually meets collectors and dealers. When her schedule allows, she also takes the time to check out artists’ studios and their latest productions.
But Zhang admits to finding it increasingly difficult on recent visits to be "touched" by the new works that she has seen.
"Maybe there are great works that have not been discovered, but from what I see, many artists are repeating themselves and the market for younger artists’ works is overpriced," she said.
"The most important artists coming out of China, those who have been celebrated by international collectors, are artists who created works at very difficult times, and were inspired by their tradition, history and culture."
"These works are really deeply connected to their own culture and their own traditions," Zhang said. "But what is happening right now is a lot of younger artists coming to the market have a lack of spirituality. For me it’s hard to read what their artwork is about. Today some of the artists that fetch high prices may not last over the longer term."
Zhang is one of several market professionals who have raised concerns that Chinese contemporary art could be becoming overpriced, and might be heading for an inevitable correction, after recording stellar gains of about 40 percent each year for the past two years.examda.com
Still, if the latest auction results for Asian contemporary artwork at Christie’s are anything to go by, buyers are still extremely bullish, though increasingly selective.
The inaugural evening sale of Asian Contemporary Art at Christie’s in Hong Kong raised 318.38 million Hong Kong dollars, or $40.8 million, well above the presale estimate of 174.6 to 231.8 million dollars.
Christie’s was offering a small, highly selective list of high-caliber works by leading artists, including Zeng Fanzhi, Yue Minjun, Zhang Xiaogang, Cai Guoqiang and Takashi Murakami, and the buyers snapped them up. Only two of the 34 lots failed to meet their reserve and several records were set, including a new world auction record for any Chinese contemporary artwork, for Zeng Fanzhi’s monumental "Mask Series 1996 No.6"which sold for 75.3 million dollars.
"There was quite an even bidding between the room and the phones, though the phones seem to win in the end on the top lots," said Eric Chang, head of Asian contemporary art and Chinese 20th century art at Christie’s. "I think this evening sale has opened another gate for Asian contemporary art."
The auction continued equally strongly Sunday, with 341 lots raising 253.1 million dollars. While many buyers remain enthusiastic, they are also becoming more discerning.
"Gweong-Gweong,"by Yue Minjun, sold for 54 million dollars, a record for the artist and well above the 4.9 million dollars that it fetched in November 2005. But "Great Solidarity", painted by Yue in 1992, was one of the lots that failed to sell, despite being a historically significant piece that established the artist’s trademark motif of rows of repeated figures of himself.
"I think that piece had some condition issues," Chang said. "The market is more mature now and collectors will select the good quality pieces in best condition."
Interest was not confined to Chinese contemporary art. The weekend auction set records for 29 Japanese artists, 10 Indian artists and 10 Korean ones.
"Interest in Japanese contemporary art was very strong," Chang said. "In general, pieces sold for between three to 10 times their estimates."
The market for Japanese contemporary art, which has embraced subcultures like manga, anime, fantasy and technology, has seen an incredible explosion in interest in recent months, helping to feed an increase of nearly threefold in total sales receipts at Christie’s Hong Kong auctions to 36.1 million dollars this past autumn from 12.5 million dollars in the spring of 2007.
"Japanese prices have been driven up by interest from Asian buyers," said Zhang Xiaoming, head of Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York. "In fact, they are outperforming Chinese artists, but because they’re starting from a lower base, prices are still lagging behind those of Chinese."
Korean contemporary artists have also started to make some waves, although they still have to develop the salesroom buzz that surrounds the Japanese.
In contrast to all the exuberance in the contemporary market, however, interest in Chinese 20th century art is showing signs of fatigue.
In the second evening sale Saturday, featuring Chinese 20th century work, only 73 percent of the 26 lots were sold, raising 151.4 million dollars —within the estimate of 130.7 million to 168.3 million dollars but lacking in excitement. The next day went a little better, when 83 percent of the lots were sold, raising another 91.1 million dollars.
"Some pieces went very high, but maybe the estimates were on the high side,"Chang acknowledged.
Of six lots by the Taiwanese artist Kuo Po Chuan, only one was sold. "Sunset at Danshui" went for 2.64 million dollars, at the lower end of its estimate of 2.5 million to 3 million dollars. His star lot, "The Forbidden City", estimated at 5 million to 7 million dollars, failed to find a buyer. A piece from the same series was sold for a less-than-expect-ed 27.2 million dollars at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction last month.
"Chinese collectors might have been turned off by the latest developments on the local stock market, as well as the Sichuan earthquake," he said. "But I think the market prices will come back up."
1. Zhang Xiaoming has settled in China and she found that the Chinese contemporary art really touches her.
2. According to Zhang, many artists are repeating themselves.
3. Zhang thinks tradition, history and culture are the sources of the artists’inspiration.
4. Zhang is the senior global specialist and vice president for Chinese contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York.
5. Some market professionals including Zhang pointed out that some Chinese contemporary artworks are overpriced and most collectors have began to realize it.examda.com
6. Chinese contemporary artworks are the most popular among the collectors.
7. Japanese contemporary artworks sold badly in the auction.
8. Eric Chang, head of Asian contemporary art and Chinese 20th century art at Christie’s thinks that the market is very mature now and the buyers will _______________.
2008年大學(xué)英語四級(jí)考試備考模擬試題答案
Part I Writing
One possible version:
Red Cross:
The 12th of May may be the saddest day in recent years. On hearing the news of the earthquake, I was close to tears, especially when I saw the photos of the people who suffered from the quake. So I have made up my mind to be a volunteer and do as much as I can to help them.
My major is psychology, which I think will be helpful to the children, and I can make full use of what I have learned to release their pain and comfort them. In addition, I can do other volunteer jobs, such as nursing, teaching, and so on.
The earthquake was really terrible, but it will never get us down. No matter what kind of troubles we confront, there’s no doubt that we Chinese will be stronger and more united.
I am looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
...
Part II
Reading Comprehension
(Skimming and Scanning)
1. N。參見第一段中"..., Zhang Xiaoming travels to China almost every month."和第二段中"But Zhang admits to finding it increasingly difficult on recent visits to be 'touched’ by the new works that she has seen."可知,張曉明并未定居中國(guó),她只是每月來中國(guó)旅行,并且她認(rèn)為越來越難以被她看到的新作品感動(dòng)。
2. Y。參見第三段中"..., many artists are repeating themselves ..."可知,張認(rèn)為現(xiàn)在的許多藝術(shù)家只是在重復(fù)自己(沒有創(chuàng)新)。
3. Y。參見第四段中"'The most important artists ... were inspired by their tradition, history and culture.’"和第五中"... 'But what is happening right now is a lot of younger artists coming to the market have a lack of spirituality ...’"可知張認(rèn)為最重要的藝術(shù)家們的作品都是從他們的傳統(tǒng)、歷史和文化中獲得靈感,而現(xiàn)在的許多年輕藝術(shù)家則缺乏靈氣。
4. Y。參見第一段首句可知,張是蘇富比拍賣行的中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品部的副總監(jiān),也是國(guó)際資深專家。
5. N。參見第六段中"Zhang is one of several market professionals who have raised concerns that Chinese contemporary art could be becoming overpriced, ..."和第七段中"..., buyers are still extremely bullish, though increasingly selective."可知,包括張?jiān)趦?nèi)的一些藝術(shù)品市場(chǎng)專業(yè)人士已開始關(guān)注中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品要價(jià)過高的現(xiàn)象。但是,買主們?nèi)匀粺崆楹芨?只不過更加挑剔而已。
6. NG。文章沒有說中國(guó)當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品是收藏家們推崇的。
7. N。參見第十五段中"'Interest in Japanese contemporary art was very strong, ... pieces sold for between three to 10 times their estimates.’"可知,收藏家對(duì)日本當(dāng)代藝術(shù)品的興趣也很大。作品以估價(jià)的3到10倍價(jià)格出售。
8. select the good quality pieces in best condition。參見第十三段中"'The market is more mature now and collectors will select the good quality pieces in best condition.’"。
9. the estimates were on the high side。參見倒數(shù)第三段中"'Some pieces went very high, but maybe the estimates were on the high side’..."。
10. the latest developments on the local stock market and the Sichuan earthquake。參見最后一段中"'Chinese collectors might have been turned off by the latest developments on the local stock market, as well as the Sichuan earthquake,’..."。
Part III
Reading Comprehension
(Reading in Depth)
Section A
11. O)。此處需要一個(gè)副詞。此處講信貸緊縮使一些貸款人脫離學(xué)生借貸市場(chǎng)。故選O)。
12. A)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處考查be intended to do ...的用法,意為"為……打算(或設(shè)計(jì))的"。此處講GreenNote網(wǎng)站選在周三向?qū)W生開放"個(gè)人對(duì)個(gè)人"借貸方式的意圖是想吸引學(xué)生獲得暑期經(jīng)濟(jì)幫助的興趣。故選A)。
13. H)。此處需要一個(gè)分詞。此處考查hope for ...的用法,意為"希望,期望(某事發(fā)生)"。此處講學(xué)生借貸這個(gè)領(lǐng)域還比較小,但有望獲得急速增長(zhǎng)的季節(jié)性收益。故選H)。
14. D)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處考查available的意思"可獲得的"。根據(jù)上文中"federally subsidized loans"可知,此處講學(xué)生仍可獲得聯(lián)邦低息貸款,但是他們需要尋找銀行或者聯(lián)邦政府本身(意指麻煩)。故選D)。
15. G)。此處需要一個(gè)副詞。此處講同時(shí),信貸緊縮也會(huì)影響到學(xué)生申請(qǐng)私人貸款。一旦申請(qǐng)較便宜的聯(lián)邦經(jīng)濟(jì)資助失敗了,那么越來越多的學(xué)生需要私人貸款。故選G)。
16. I)。此處需要一個(gè)動(dòng)詞原形。此處講"個(gè)人對(duì)個(gè)人"借貸也準(zhǔn)備涉足私人借貸市場(chǎng)。故選I)。
17. M)。此處需要一個(gè)動(dòng)名詞。此處考查turn to ...的用法,意為"求助于……"。此處講這樣做是出于一個(gè)想法,即學(xué)生們可以通過求助于愿意支持他們的個(gè)人貸款人而確保獲得更好的條件。故選M)。
18. N)。此處需要一個(gè)名詞。此處講貸款人也可以因幫助一個(gè)孩子、親戚或朋友而獲得滿足感。故選N)。
19. L)。此處需要一個(gè)名詞。此處講如果貸款人和借款人有私交,那么拖欠還款和不還款的可能性將減小。故選L)。
20. E)。此處需要一個(gè)形容詞。此處講Mark Kantrowitz說他能看到諸如校友使用這些網(wǎng)站向現(xiàn)在的學(xué)生提供貸款此類的事情。故選E)?！?BR> Section B
Passage One
21. B)。參見第一段以及第二段中"Now the U.S. government is beginning a push for hard research to prove it."可知,美國(guó)政府正竭力進(jìn)行研究以證明鍛煉對(duì)毒品或酒精濫用有防治作用。故選B)。
22. C)。參見第五段中"What first caught the attention of ... A study found youngsters and teens who reported exercising daily were half as likely to smoke as their sedentary counterparts, and 40 percent less likely to experiment with marijuana."可知,引起Nora Volkow注意的是一項(xiàng)研究,該研究發(fā)現(xiàn)每天鍛煉的年輕人和不愛動(dòng)的伙伴相比,前者吸煙的可能性是后者的一半,并且前者染大麻的可能性比后者低40%。故選C)。
23. D)。參見第六段中"Exercise seems to invigorate neurochemicals that sense and reinforce pleasure. 'In children, it’s innate,’she notes. 'Children want to move.’"可知,鍛煉可以刺激人體內(nèi)影響神經(jīng)系統(tǒng)的物質(zhì)生長(zhǎng),這種物質(zhì)能使人產(chǎn)生并加強(qiáng)對(duì)快樂的感受。對(duì)孩子來說,鍛煉是天生的本能,孩子愿意動(dòng)。故選D)。
24. C)。參見第七段中"... U.S. children are becoming more sedentary, as illustrated by the obesity epidemic, ..."結(jié)合不愛動(dòng)和肥胖之間的關(guān)系可知,美國(guó)兒童中迅速蔓延的肥胖現(xiàn)象說明了他們變得越來越不愛動(dòng)。故選C)。
25. A)?？v觀全文可知,文章講各項(xiàng)研究發(fā)現(xiàn)鍛煉對(duì)防止青少年濫用物質(zhì)有作用。故選A)。
Passage Two
26. D)。參見第一段可知,由于頻頻出現(xiàn)于美國(guó)的一流大學(xué)校園里,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生不小心被封了個(gè)令許多人不舒服的稱號(hào):模范少數(shù)民族。故選D)。
27. C)。參見第五段第一句可知,用學(xué)業(yè)的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)來衡量,相對(duì)于其他少數(shù)民族,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生已經(jīng)非常成功。故選C)。
28. B)。參見第六段中"... since racial preferences in admissions were ended."可知,種族傾向性招生被廢止以前,加州的大學(xué)招收亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生的數(shù)量要少一些。故選B)。
29. C)。參見第五段最后一句話可知,亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生獲得學(xué)士學(xué)位的比率大于44%,比全國(guó)平均水平高20%。故選項(xiàng)A)不對(duì)；縱觀全文可知,文章主要圍繞亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生的學(xué)業(yè)優(yōu)秀展開。故選項(xiàng)B)不成立；參見倒數(shù)第三段中"..., said the 'model minority’idea is a burden for many Asian-American students, ..."可知,對(duì)許多亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生來說,"模范少數(shù)民族"這個(gè)稱號(hào)是一種負(fù)擔(dān),故選項(xiàng)C)正確；縱觀全文可知,文章并未說亞裔美國(guó)學(xué)生自殺現(xiàn)象增多是因?yàn)檫@個(gè)稱號(hào)帶來的負(fù)擔(dān)。故選項(xiàng)D)不成立。
30. D)?？v觀全文尤其是第二和最后一段可知,作者認(rèn)為因?yàn)閬喴崦绹?guó)學(xué)生學(xué)業(yè)優(yōu)秀便忽略他們的需求并忽略教育系統(tǒng)中的深層問題,這是錯(cuò)誤的。故選D)?！ ?BR> Part IV Cloze
31. B)。此處考查with的意思"具有,帶有"。此處講1979年,"我"還是一個(gè)住在俄羅斯的孩子。有一次,老師向全班布置一篇作文:如果魔法師允諾你可以實(shí)現(xiàn)一個(gè)愿望,你會(huì)要什么？"我"誠(chéng)懇而又富有激情地寫下了我的答案。故選B)。
32. A)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講直到老師念了我的作文并說她很震驚,我才知道這不是一個(gè)美好的愿望。故選A)。
33. C)。根據(jù)上文可知,此處講老師無法相信誰會(huì)浪費(fèi)那樣一個(gè)惟一的愿望。故選C)。
34. D)。此處考查arms的意思"軍械,武器"。此處講我確實(shí)擔(dān)心發(fā)生冷戰(zhàn)和軍備競(jìng)賽,以及到處堆滿核彈頭。故選D)。
35. C)。此處考查fantasize的意思"夢(mèng)想"。此處講我真正想要的是一個(gè)"神鍋",它能給我變出任何我想吃的食物。故選C)。
36. A)。此處考查variety的意思"種類"。此處講因?yàn)樵诋?dāng)時(shí)的俄羅斯,食品供應(yīng)種類非常有限,所以我的"神鍋"會(huì)大有用武之地的。故選A)。
37. B)。此處考查pay attention to ...的用法,意為"注意……"。此處講"我"總是密切關(guān)注書中關(guān)于食品的描述。故選B)。
38. D)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講如果某一種描述激起了"我"的想象,那么"我"會(huì)數(shù)日、數(shù)星期、甚至數(shù)月地想著它。故選D)。
39. C)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講作者"望梅止渴"、"畫餅充饑",在想象中品嘗食品。故選C)。
40. B)。此處講"我"5歲時(shí),媽媽曾給我讀了一本書。書中講到女惡魔非常想吃乳酪蛋糕。她如此想吃蛋糕,以至于被男主人公事先準(zhǔn)備的陷阱誘捕。故選B)。
41. A)。此處講"我"想象中的乳酪蛋糕嘗起來像奶奶做的烤乳酪三明治,只是味道會(huì)好得多。
42. A)。根據(jù)上下文可知,此處講蘆筍是另一種神秘的食物。故選A)。
43. B)。此處講兒童的我并不知道蘆筍,但是一旦"我"開始讀19世紀(jì)的俄國(guó)小說和20世紀(jì)的歐美小說,"我"開始明白它是小說中人物吃的一種主要食物。故選B)。
44. D)。此處考查character的意思"人物"。句意參見上題解析。故選D)。
45. A)。此處講"我"會(huì)把描寫蘆筍的部分讀了一遍又一遍,試圖在腦海里形成一幅畫面。但是這些描述都不完整,作者只是不厭其煩地描述對(duì)心理的洞察,而對(duì)蘆筍則幾筆帶過。故選A)。
46. B)。此處上下文形成遞進(jìn)關(guān)系。此處講"我"認(rèn)識(shí)的人中誰也沒見過蘆筍,我甚至在《生活大百科全書》中也找不到關(guān)于它的描述。故選B)。
47. D)。根據(jù)上文可知,此處講通過小說中只言片語的描述,"我"建立起了關(guān)于蘆筍的意像。故選D)。
48. A)。此處考查非謂語動(dòng)詞being(表示存在的狀態(tài))的用法。此處講在"我"看來,蘆筍是昂貴而高雅的綠色植物,它由一根莖和頭組成,頭是汁水最多的部位。故選A)。
49. C)。此處講蘆筍的形狀看起來像兩片茶勺合在一起。故選C)。
50. D)。此處講蘆筍整體看來就像盛滿兩大茶勺的汁水一樣飽滿而光滑。故選D)?！ ?BR> Part V Translation
51. leave him a good impression
52. Show him some mercy, please
53. Don’t beat him on the nose
54. was sentenced to death yesterday
55. He was brought up by his grandparents