1、英语四级真题及答案解析2011年12月英语四级真题及答案解析第一部分 真题 作文略Part II Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning) Why Integrity MattersWhat is Integrity?The key to integrity is consistency-not only setting high personal standards for oneself (honesty, responsibility, respect for others, fairness) but also living up to
2、 those standards each day. One who has integrity is bound by and follows moral and ethical standards even when making lifes hard choices, choices which may be clouded by stress, pressure to succeed, or temptation.What happens if we lie, cheat, steal, or violate other ethical standards? We feel disap
3、pointed in ourselves and ashamed. But a lapse of integrity also affects our relationships with others. Trust is essential in any important relationship, whether personal or professional. Who can trust someone who is dishonest or unfair? Thus, integrity must be one of our most important goals.Risky B
4、usinessWe are each responsible for our own decisions, even if the decision-making process has been undermined by stress or peer pressure. The real test of character is whether we can learn from our mistake, by understanding why we acted as we did, and then exploring ways to avoid similar problems in
5、 the future.Making ethical decisions is a critical part of avoiding future problems. We must learn to recognize risks, because if we cant see the risks were taking, we cant make responsible choices. To identify risks, we need to know the rules and be aware of the facts. For example, one who doesnt k
6、now the rules about plagiarism may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit, or one who fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote and cite sources as required. But the fact that such a violation is unintentional does not excuse the misconduct. Ignoran
7、ce is not a defense.But Everybody Does ItMost people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts, but manage to fool themselves about the risks theyre taking by using excuses: Everyone else does it, Im not hurting anyone, or I really need this grade. Excuses can get very elaborate: I know Im look
8、ing at anothers exam, even though Im supposed to keep my eyes on my own paper, but thats not cheating because Im just checking my answers, not copying. We must be honest about our actions, and avoid excuses. If we fool ourselves into believing were not doing anything wrong, we cant see the real choi
9、ce were making-and that leads to bad decisions.To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Ask how you would feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over your shoulder. Would you feel proud or ashamed of your actions? If youd rather hide your actions, t
10、hats a good indication that youre taking a risk and rationalizing it to yourself.Evaluating RisksTo decide whether a risk is worth taking, you must examine the consequences, in the future as well as right now, negative as well as positive, and to others as well as to yourself. Those who take risks t
11、hey later regret usually focus on immediate benefits (whats in it for me), and simply havent considered what might go wrong. The consequences of getting caught are serious, and may include a 0 on a test or assignment; an F in the class; suspension or dismissal from school; transcript notation; and a
12、 tarnished reputation. In fact, when you break a rule or law, you lose control over your life, and give others the power to impose punishment: you have no control over what that punishment might be. This is an extremely precarious and vulnerable position. There may be some matters of life and death,
13、 or highest principle, which might justify such a risk, but there arent many things that fall in this category.Getting Away With It-Or NotThose who dont get caught pay an even higher price. A cheater doesnt learn from the test, depriving him/herself of an education. Cheating undermines confidence an
14、d independence: the cheater is a fraud, and knows that without dishonesty, he/she would have failed. Cheating destroys self-esteem and integrity, leaving the cheater ashamed, guilty, and afraid of getting caught. Worst of all, a cheater who doesnt get caught the first time usually cheats again, not
15、only because he/she is farther behind, but also because it seems easier. This slippery slope of eroding ethics and bigger risks leads only to disaster. Eventually, the cheater gets caught, and the later he/she gets caught, the worse the consequences. Students have been dismissed from school because
16、they didnt get this simple message: Honesty is the ONLY policy that works.Cheating Hurts Others, TooCheaters often feel invisible, as if their actions dont count and dont really hurt anyone. But individual choices have a profound cumulative effect. Cheating can spread like a disease, and a cheater c
17、an encourage others just by being seen from across the room. Recent statistics suggest 30% or more of college students cheat. If a class is graded on a curve, cheating hurts others grades. Even if there is no curve, cheating poisons the classroom, and others may feel pressured to join in. (If I dont
18、 cheat, I cant compete with those who do.) Cheating also has a destructive impact on teachers. The real reward of good teaching is seeing students learn, but .a cheater says, Im not interested in what youre trying to teach; all I care about is stealing a grade, regardless of the effect on others. Th
19、e end result is a blatant and destructive attack on the quality of your education. Finally, cheating can hurt the reputation of the University, and harm those who worked hard for their degree.Why Integrity MattersIf cheating becomes the norm, then we are in big trouble. .We must rely on the honesty
20、and good faith of others every day. If not, we couldnt put money in the bank, buy food, clothing, or medicine from others, drive across a bridge, get on a plane, go to the dentist-the list is endless. There are many examples of the vast harm that is caused when individuals forget or ignore the effec
21、t their dishonesty can have. The savings and loan scandal, the stock market and junk bond swindles, and, of course, .Watergate, have undermined the faith of many Americans in the integrity of political and economic leaders and society as a whole. Such incidents take a tremendous toll on our nations
22、economy and our individual well-being. For example, but for the savings and loan debacle, there might be funds available to reduce the national debt and pay for education.In sum, we all have a common stake in our school, our community, and our society. Our actions do matter. It is essential that we
23、act with integrity in order to build the kind of world in which we want to live.1. A person of integrity not only sets high moral and ethical standards but also _。A) sticks to them in their daily lifeB) makes them known to othersC) understands their true values D) sees that others also follow them2.
24、 What role does integrity play in personal and professional relationships?A) It helps to create team spirit B) It facilitates communicationC) It is the basis of mutual trust D) It inspires mutual respect3. Why must we learn to identify the risks we are going to take?A. To ensure we make responsible
25、choices B. To avoid being overwhelmed by stressC. so that we dont break any rules D. so that we dont run into trouble4. Violation of a rule is misconduct even if _A. it has caused no harm B. it is claimed to be unintentionalC. it has gone unnoticed D. it is committed with good intentions5. What shou
26、ld one do if he doesnt wish to fool himself?A. Avoid making excuses B. Listen to other peoples adviceC. Make his intensions public D. Have others watch over his shoulder6. Those who take risks they regret later on _。A. will often become more cautious B. are usually very aggressiveC. value immediate
27、benefits most D. may lose everything in the end7. According to the author, a cheater who doesnt get caught right away will _A. pay more dearly B. become more confidentC. be widely admired D. feel somewhat lucky8. Cheaters at exam dont care about their education, all they care about is how to _9. Int
28、egrity matters in that all social activities rely on peoples _10. Many Americans lost faith in the integrity of their political leaders as a result of _Part III Listening Comprehension Section A11. A. Read the notice on the window B. Get a new bus schedule C. Go and ask the staff D. Board the bus to
29、 Cleveland 12. A. He was looking forward to seeing the giraffes. B. He enjoyed watching the animal performance. C. He got home too late to see the TV special D. He fell asleep in the middle of the TV program. 13. A. She wants to take the most direct way. B. She may be late for the football game. C.
30、She is worried about missing her flight. D. She is currently caught in a traffic jam. 14. A. At a restaurant B. In a fish shop C. At a clinic D. On a fishing boat15. A. He is an experienced sales manager. B. He is being interviewed for a job.C. He is a close friend of the woman.D. He is good at answ
31、ering tricky questions.16. A. The man should consider his privacy first. B. The man will choose a low-rent apartment. C. The man is not certain if he can find a quieter place D. The man is unlikely to move out of the dormitory.17. A. The woman is going to make her topic more focused. B. The man and
32、woman are working on a joint project. C. One should choose a broad topic for a research paper. D. It tool a lot of time to get the man on the right track. 18. A. They went camping this time last year. B. They didnt quite enjoy their last picnic. C. They learned to cooperate under harsh conditions.D. They weren
