往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解

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往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解

　　在平时的学习、工作中，我们很多时候都会有考试，接触到试题，试题是命题者按照一定的考核目的编写出来的。什么样的试题才是好试题呢？以下是小编整理的往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解试题，希望对大家有所帮助。

往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解

　　往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解 1

　　Passage One

　　原文

　　In the United States, the so - called "digital divide" seems to be disappearing. In early 2000, a poll found that, where half of white households owned computers, so did fully 43% of African - American households, and their numbers were growing rapidly. Hispanic households continued to lag behind, but their rate of computer ownership was expanding as well.

　　At the same time, the digital divide between the countries of the world has been getting worse. In 1994, Canada, the United States and Sweden led the world in the percentage of their citizens who owned computers. The digital divide between the United States and Latin America has also been growing.

　　The explanation for these trends is that computer ownership and Internet access are becoming less expensive. In the United States, the cost of a home computer has dropped from an average of $1,200 in 1992 to around $300 today. At the same time, the price of Internet access has also fallen. In some countries, the cost of Internet access is still very high, which slows down the spread of the Internet in these countries.

　　Another factor is the increasing importance of English as the language of the Internet. Many non - English - speaking countries have been left behind in the development of the Internet because they lack the necessary English skills.

　　However, it is not all bad news. Some developing countries are making great efforts to bridge the digital divide. For example, India has made significant progress in software development and is now one of the worlds leading exporters of software. China is also making great efforts in information technology education and is rapidly expanding its Internet infrastructure.

　　Questions:

　　1. What does the passage mainly talk about?

　　A. The disappearing digital divide in the United States.

　　B. The growing digital divide between countries.

　　C. The reasons for the digital divide and some efforts to close it.

　　D. The importance of English in the development of the Internet.

　　2. Why has the digital divide between the United States and Latin America been growing?

　　A. Because Latin American countries are less developed in economy.

　　B. Because Internet access is more expensive in Latin American countries.

　　C. Because Latin American countries lack the necessary English skills.

　　D. Because the United States has made more efforts in information technology.

　　3. What can we learn from the example of India?

　　A. Developing countries can make great progress in software development.

　　B. The digital divide in developing countries is disappearing.

　　C. India has the best information technology education in the world.

　　D. Software development is the best way to bridge the digital divide.

　　4. Which of the following is NOT a reason for the digital divide?

　　A. High cost of computer ownership.

　　B. High price of Internet access.

　　C. Lack of English skills.

　　D. Lack of government support.

　　Answers:

　　1. C. The passage first mentions the disappearing digital divide in the United States, then the growing digital divide between countries, and finally some developing countries efforts to bridge the divide, so it is mainly about the reasons for the digital divide and some efforts to close it.

　　2. B. According to the passage, one of the reasons for the digital divide is the cost of Internet access. In some countries, the high cost of Internet access slows down its spread. Since the digital divide between the United States and Latin America has been growing, it can be inferred that Internet access is more expensive in Latin American countries.

　　3. A. The example of India shows that a developing country can make great progress in software development, which is an effort to bridge the digital divide.

　　4. D. The passage mentions that high cost of computer ownership, high price of Internet access and lack of English skills are reasons for the digital divide, but there is no mention of lack of government support.

　　Passage Two

　　原文

　　The concept of "nature" has a long history in Western thought. It has been used in different ways by different thinkers, but there are some common themes. One of the most important is the idea that nature is an independent and self - contained system. This means that nature has its own laws and processes that operate independently of human intervention.

　　Another important theme is the idea of nature as a source of value. This can take different forms. For some thinkers, nature has intrinsic value, which means that it is valuable in and of itself, regardless of its usefulness to humans. For others, nature has instrumental value, which means that it is valuable because it can be used by humans to achieve certain goals.

　　The modern environmental movement has been greatly influenced by these ideas about nature. Environmentalists often argue that nature has intrinsic value and that humans have a moral obligation to protect it. They also point out that human activities are having a negative impact on nature, and that we need to change our ways in order to preserve the planet.

　　However, the concept of nature is not without its problems. One of the main difficulties is that it is often difficult to define exactly what we mean by "nature". For example, is a cultivated field part of nature? What about a city park? Another problem is that the idea of nature as an independent system may be an oversimplification. In fact, human activities have been influencing nature for thousands of years, and it is not always easy to draw a clear line between what is "natural" and what is "human - made".

　　Questions:

　　1. What is one of the common themes about "nature" in Western thought?

　　A. Nature is completely controlled by humans.

　　B. Nature has its own laws independent of humans.

　　C. Nature is only valuable when it is useful to humans.

　　D. Nature is a system that can be easily defined.

　　2. According to the passage, what do environmentalists believe?

　　A. Nature has only instrumental value.

　　B. Humans have no right to use nature.

　　C. Nature has intrinsic value and should be protected.

　　D. The modern environmental movement has no influence on nature.

　　3. What are the problems with the concept of "nature"?

　　A. It is difficult to define and may be oversimplified.

　　B. It has no clear influence on human activities.

　　C. It is too complex to be understood by humans.

　　D. It is only a theoretical concept with no practical meaning.

　　4. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

　　A. There is a clear distinction between natural and human - made things.

　　B. The modern environmental movement has completely changed human activities.

　　C. Different thinkers have the same view on the value of nature.

　　D. Human activities have long - term influence on nature.

　　Answers:

　　1. B. The passage mentions that one of the important common themes about nature in Western thought is that nature is an independent and self - contained system with its own laws and processes that operate independently of human intervention.

　　2. C. Environmentalists often argue that nature has intrinsic value and that humans have a moral obligation to protect it.

　　3. A. The passage states that one problem with the concept of nature is that it is difficult to define exactly, and another problem is that the idea of nature as an independent system may be an oversimplification.

　　4. D. The passage mentions that human activities have been influencing nature for thousands of years, so it can be inferred that human activities have long - term influence on nature.

　　往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解 2

　　Section C

　　Passage One

　　Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.

　　The concept of the "metaverse" has recently exploded in popularity, but what exactly is it? At its simplest, the metaverse is a virtual - reality (VR) space where users can interact with a computer - generated environment and other users. Its an immersive digital world that has the potential to be used for everything from gaming and entertainment to work, education, and socializing.

　　One of the main attractions of the metaverse is its ability to create a sense of presence. In a well - designed metaverse environment, users can feel as if they are really in a different place, whether its a fictional game world or a virtual replica of a real - life location. This is achieved through a combination of high - quality graphics, spatial audio, and haptic feedback (such as the feeling of touch in a VR controller).

　　However, the metaverse also raises a number of concerns. One of the biggest is privacy. As users interact in the metaverse, they will be generating vast amounts of data about their actions, preferences, and even their physical movements (if using VR devices with motion tracking). There are questions about who will own this data and how it will be used. Another concern is the potential for addiction. Just as some people struggle with excessive use of video games or social media, there is a fear that the highly immersive nature of the metaverse could lead to over - use and neglect of real - life responsibilities.

　　Despite these concerns, many companies are investing heavily in metaverse technology. Tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) see the metaverse as the next big thing in the digital revolution. They believe it will change the way we work, play, and communicate. For example, in the future, it may be possible for people to attend virtual meetings in the metaverse, where they can interact with colleagues as if they were in the same room, even if they are on opposite sides of the world.

　　46. What is the metaverse according to the passage?

　　A. A new type of video game.

　　B. A virtual - reality space for various uses.

　　C. A replacement for the real world.

　　D. A technology only for entertainment.

　　Answer: B. A virtual - reality space for various uses. (The passage clearly states that the metaverse is a VR space that can be used for everything from gaming to work, education, etc.)

　　47. How can the metaverse create a sense of presence?

　　A. By using only high - quality graphics.

　　B. Through high - quality graphics, spatial audio and haptic feedback.

　　C. By limiting the number of users.

　　D. With the help of real - life locations.

　　Answer: B. Through high - quality graphics, spatial audio and haptic feedback. (This combination is mentioned in the passage as the means to create a sense of presence.)

　　48. What are the concerns about the metaverse?

　　A. Only privacy.

　　B. Privacy and addiction.

　　C. Addiction and cost.

　　D. Cost and lack of users.

　　Answer: B. Privacy and addiction. (The passage specifically mentions privacy and addiction as major concerns.)

　　49. Why are many companies investing in metaverse technology?

　　A. Because it is very cheap.

　　B. Because they think it will revolutionize digital life.

　　C. Because they want to replace the real world.

　　D. Because there are no risks.

　　Answer: B. Because they think it will revolutionize digital life. (Tech giants believe it will change the way we work, play and communicate.)

　　50. An example of the metaverses potential use in the future is ______.

　　A. people can play more video games

　　B. people can travel without moving

　　C. people can attend virtual meetings

　　D. people can live in a fictional world

　　Answer: C. people can attend virtual meetings. (This is given as an example in the passage.)

　　Passage Two

　　Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.

　　In recent years, the sharing economy has emerged as a significant economic force. Platforms like Airbnb and Uber have disrupted traditional industries by enabling individuals to share their under - utilized assets, such as spare rooms and cars. This has led to new economic opportunities for both providers and consumers.

　　For providers, the sharing economy offers a way to earn extra income. For example, a homeowner can rent out a spare room on Airbnb and make money while also meeting new people from around the world. On the consumer side, the sharing economy provides access to a wider range of goods and services at potentially lower costs. Instead of staying in a traditional hotel, a traveler can choose an Airbnb accommodation, which may be more affordable and offer a more local experience.

　　However, the sharing economy also faces challenges. One issue is regulation. Traditional industries are often highly regulated to ensure safety, quality, and fairness. The sharing economy, being a relatively new phenomenon, has sometimes struggled to fit into existing regulatory frameworks. For instance, Uber has faced numerous legal battles over issues such as driver classification (are they employees or independent contractors?) and safety regulations.

　　Another challenge is trust. Since sharing - economy transactions often occur between strangers, there is a need to build trust. Platforms have implemented various measures to address this, such as user reviews and verification processes. But there are still cases of fraud and misbehavior.

　　51. What is the sharing economy mainly about?

　　A. Buying new assets.

　　B. Sharing under - utilised assets.

　　C. Building new industries.

　　D. Replacing traditional industries.

　　Answer: B. Sharing under - utilised assets. (The passage states that platforms in the sharing economy enable sharing of under - utilised assets.)

　　52. For providers in the sharing economy, what is an advantage?

　　A. They can buy more assets.

　　B. They can earn extra income.

　　C. They can travel more.

　　D. They can meet fewer people.

　　Answer: B. They can earn extra income. (It is mentioned that providers can earn extra income in the sharing economy.)

　　53. What can consumers get from the sharing economy?

　　A. Only higher costs.

　　B. Access to a narrower range of goods.

　　C. A more expensive experience.

　　D. Access to a wider range of goods at potentially lower costs.

　　Answer: D. Access to a wider range of goods at potentially lower costs. (Consumers can get more options at potentially lower costs.)

　　54. What is one of the challenges faced by the sharing economy?

　　A. Only trust.

　　B. Trust and regulation.

　　C. High profits.

　　D. Lack of users.

　　Answer: B. Trust and regulation. (The passage mentions regulation and trust as challenges.)

　　55. How do sharing - economy platforms build trust?

　　A. By not allowing any strangers.

　　B. Through user reviews and verification processes.

　　C. By increasing prices.

　　D. By only using traditional regulations.

　　Answer: B. Through user reviews and verification processes. (This is mentioned as a measure to build trust.)

　　Please note that this is just a sample set of reading comprehension questions and answers based on the general style and topics that might be found in a 2023 English六级 exam. Actual exam content may vary.

　　往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解 3

　　Passage One

　　Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.

　　For thousands of years, people have known that the best way to understand a concept is to explain it to someone else. “While we teach, we learn,” said Roman philosopher Seneca. Now scientists are bringing this ancient wisdom up - to - date. They’re documenting why teaching is such a fruitful way to learn, and designing innovative ways for young people to engage in instruction.

　　Researchers have found that students who sign up to tutor others work harder to understand the material, recall it more accurately and apply it more effectively. Student teachers score higher on tests than pupils who’re learning only for their own sake. But how can children, still learning themselves, teach others? One answer: They can tutor younger kids. Some studies have found that first - born children are more intelligent than their later - born siblings (兄弟姐妹). This suggests their higher IQs result from the time they spend teaching their siblings. Now educators are experimenting with ways to apply this model to academic subjects. They engage college undergraduates to teach computer science to high school students, who in turn instruct middle school students on the topic.

　　But the most cutting - edge tool under development is the “teachable agent”—a computerized character who learns, tries, makes mistakes and asks questions just like a real - world pupil. Computer scientists have created an animated (动画的) figure called Betty’s Brain, who has been “taught” about environmental science by hundreds of middle school students. Student teachers are motivated to help Betty master certain materials. While preparing to teach, they organize their knowledge and improve their own understanding. And as they explain the information to it, they identify problems in their own thinking.

　　Feedback from the teachable agent further enhances the tutors’ learning. The agents’ questions compel student teachers to think and explain the materials in different ways, and watching the agent solve problems allows them to see their knowledge put into action.

　　Above all, it’s the emotions one experiences in teaching that facilitate learning. Student teachers feel less anxious when they know that they can learn from their peers. They feel more confident if they can make themselves understood, and they are more motivated to learn when they have to teach the material to someone else.

　　46. What are researchers rediscovering through their studies?

　　A) Seneca’s thinking is still applicable today.

　　B) Better learners will become better teachers.

　　C) Human intelligence tends to grow with age.

　　D) Philosophical thinking improves instruction.

　　Answer: A

　　Explanation: The passage starts by stating Senecas idea that "While we teach, we learn" and then says that now scientists are bringing this ancient wisdom up - to - date, which implies that Senecas thinking is still relevant or applicable today.

　　47. What do we learn about Betty’s Brain?

　　A) It is a character in a popular animation.

　　B) It is a teaching tool under development.

　　C) It is a cutting - edge app in digital games.

　　D) It is a tutor for computer science students.

　　Answer: B

　　Explanation: The passage mentions that the "teachable agent" is a computerized character like Bettys Brain which is under development and is used in the educational context where middle school students "teach" it environmental science.

　　48. How does teaching others benefit student teachers?

　　A) It makes them aware of what they are strong at.

　　B) It motivates them to try novel ways of teaching.

　　C) It helps them learn their academic subjects better.

　　D) It enables them to better understand their peers.

　　Answer: C

　　Explanation: Throughout the passage, it is shown that when students teach others (like being student teachers), they work harder to understand the material, recall it better and apply it more effectively, which means they learn their academic subjects better.

　　49. What do students do to teach their teachable agents?

　　A) They motivate them to think independently.

　　B) They ask them to design their own questions.

　　C) They encourage them to give prompt feedback.

　　D) They use various ways to explain the materials.

　　Answer: D

　　Explanation: The passage states that the agents questions compel student teachers to think and explain the materials in different ways, which implies that student teachers use various ways to explain the materials when teaching their teachable agents.

　　50. What is the key factor that eases student teachers’ learning?

　　A) Their sense of responsibility.

　　B) Their emotional involvement.

　　C) The learning strategy acquired.

　　D) The teaching experience gained.

　　Answer: B

　　Explanation: The passage concludes by stating that above all, its the emotions one experiences in teaching that facilitate learning for student teachers.

　　Passage Two

　　Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.

　　A new batch of young women—members of the so - called Millennial (千禧的) generation—has been entering the workforce for the past decade. At the starting line of their careers, they are better educated than their mothers and grandmothers had been—or than their young male counterparts are now. But when they look ahead, they see roadblocks to their success. They believe that women are paid less than men for doing the same job. They think it’s easier for men to get top executive jobs than it is for them. And they assume that if and when they have children, it will be even harder for them to advance in their careers.

　　While the public sees greater workplace equality between men and women now than it did 20 - 30 years ago, most believe more change is needed. Among Millennial women, 75% say this country needs to continue making changes to achieve gender equality in the workplace, compared with 57% of Millennial men. Even so, relatively few young women (15%) say they have been discriminated against at work because of their gender.

　　As Millennial women come of age they share many of the same views and values about work as their male counterparts. They want jobs that provide security and flexibility, and they place a high value on being able to balance work and family. At the same time, however, young Millennial women are less likely than men to aspire to top management jobs. A survey of Millennial employees in 2016 found that while 59% of male employees wanted to reach the C - suite level of management (the highest level, which usually includes the chief executive officer and other top executives), only 40% of female employees did.

　　The gender gap on this question is even wider among working adults in general. When asked about their career aspirations in a 2019 survey, 15% of women said they aspired to reach the C - suite, compared with 34% of men.

　　These findings are based on a new Pew Research Center survey of 2,002 adults, including 810 Millennial (ages 23 - 38), conducted Oct. 7 - 27, 2019. The margin of error for the full sample is plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

　　Millennial women are also more likely than their male counterparts to hold negative views about their own career prospects. When asked whether they think they will be able to achieve their career goals, only 40% of Millennial women say yes, compared with 59% of Millennial men.

　　51. What do we learn from the first paragraph about Millennial women starting their careers?

　　A) They can get ahead only by striving harder.

　　B) They expect to succeed just like Millennial men.

　　C) They are generally quite optimistic about their future.

　　D) They are better educated than their male counterparts.

　　Answer: D

　　Explanation: The first paragraph clearly states that at the starting line of their careers, Millennial women are better educated than their young male counterparts.

　　52. How do most Millennial women feel about their treatment in the workplace?

　　A) They are the target of discrimination.

　　B) They find it satisfactory on the whole.

　　C) They think it needs further improving.

　　D) They find their complaints ignored.

　　Answer: C

　　Explanation: The passage mentions that among Millennial women, 75% say this country needs to continue making changes to achieve gender equality in the workplace, which implies they think the treatment in the workplace needs further improvement.

　　53. What do Millennial women value most when coming of age?

　　A) A sense of accomplishment.

　　B) Job stability and flexibility.

　　C) Rewards and promotions.

　　D) Joy derived from work.

　　Answer: B

　　Explanation: It is stated that Millennial women want jobs that provide security and flexibility and place a high value on being able to balance work and family, so job stability and flexibility are what they value most.

　　54. What are Millennial women less likely to do compared with Millennial men?

　　A) To strive for top - management jobs.

　　B) To have an ambitious career plan.

　　C) To value work - family balance.

　　D) To quit a job for family reasons.

　　Answer: A

　　Explanation: The passage says that young Millennial women are less likely than men to aspire to top management jobs.

　　55. What can be concluded about Millennial women from the 2019 Pew Research Center survey?

　　A) They still view this world as one dominated by males.

　　B) They account for half of the workforce in the job market.

　　C) They see the world differently from older generations.

　　D) They do better in work than their male counterparts.

　　Answer: A

　　Explanation: Millennial women are more likely than men to hold negative views about their own career prospects and there are still gender gaps in career aspirations and views about achieving career goals, which can imply that they still view the world as one dominated by males.

　　往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解 4

　　Part I Reading Comprehension (Skimming and Scanning)

　　Passage One

　　Questions 1 - 5 are based on the following passage.

　　At the same time, the digital divide between the countries of the world has been getting worse. Not only do poor countries have far fewer computers per capita, but they also lack the infrastructure to support widespread Internet access. The Internet is not only a technological marvel; it is also a powerful tool for economic development. Countries that fail to keep up with the digital revolution will find themselves left behind in the global economy.

　　One of the most significant barriers to Internet access in poor countries is the cost of telecommunications infrastructure. Building a modern telecommunications network requires a large investment in cables, routers, and other equipment. In addition, many poor countries lack the technical expertise to maintain and operate such a network.

　　Another factor contributing to the digital divide is the lack of education and digital literacy in poor countries. People who are not familiar with computers and the Internet are less likely to use them, and are therefore less likely to see the benefits of Internet access. This lack of digital literacy can be a self - perpetuating cycle, as those who do not use the Internet are less likely to gain the skills necessary to use it effectively.

　　Finally, there is the issue of language. While English is the dominant language on the Internet, many poor countries have their own languages, and much of the content available on the Internet is in English. This can be a significant barrier to Internet access for people who do not speak English fluently.

　　1. What was the situation of African - American households regarding computer ownership in early 2000?

　　A. Their rate of computer ownership was far lower than that of white households.

　　B. Their rate of computer ownership was growing more slowly than that of Hispanic households.

　　C. Their rate of computer ownership was about the same as that of white households.

　　D. Their rate of computer ownership was growing rapidly and approaching that of white households.

　　2. What is the consequence for countries that cannot keep up with the digital revolution?

　　A. They will be unable to develop their economies.

　　B. They will be left behind in the global economy.

　　C. They will lose their technological marvels.

　　D. They will lack infrastructure for Internet access.

　　3. What is one of the major barriers to Internet access in poor countries?

　　A. The lack of English - speaking people.

　　B. The lack of government support.

　　C. The high cost of telecommunications infrastructure.

　　D. The lack of demand for the Internet.

　　4. What can lead to a self - perpetuating cycle in poor countries regarding Internet use?

　　A. The high cost of Internet access.

　　B. The lack of digital literacy.

　　C. The lack of modern telecommunications networks.

　　D. The language barrier.

　　5. Why is language an issue for Internet access in poor countries?

　　A. Because they cannot create their own Internet content.

　　B. Because most Internet content is in English.

　　C. Because they have difficulty in learning English.

　　D. Because English is not a useful language for them.

　　Answers:

　　1. D. In early 2000, African - American households rate of computer ownership was growing rapidly and the poll showed that while half of white households owned computers, 43% of African - American households did, which indicates it was approaching that of white households.

　　2. B. Countries that fail to keep up with the digital revolution will find themselves left behind in the global economy.

　　3. C. One of the most significant barriers to Internet access in poor countries is the cost of telecommunications infrastructure.

　　4. B. The lack of digital literacy can be a self - perpetuating cycle as those who do not use the Internet are less likely to gain the skills necessary to use it effectively.

　　5. B. Language is an issue because while English is the dominant language on the Internet, much of the content available on the Internet is in English, which is a significant barrier for people in poor countries who do not speak English fluently.

　　Passage Two

　　Questions 6 - 10 are based on the following passage.

　　The idea of progress started to flower in the 17th century. At that time, many Europeans believed that they were living in an age of decline. The ancient Greeks and Romans had achieved great things, and modern man seemed to be living in their shadow. But by the end of the 17th century, a new sense of optimism had begun to take hold. Scientists like Isaac Newton had made great discoveries, and philosophers like John Locke had developed new ideas about human nature and government.

　　This new sense of progress was closely linked to the growth of science and technology. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution brought about a wave of technological innovation. Steam engines, cotton gins, and telegraphs were just a few of the inventions that transformed the way people lived and worked. These inventions led to increased productivity, which in turn led to economic growth.

　　The idea of progress also had a profound impact on social and political thought. Many thinkers believed that society could be improved through the application of reason and science. They argued that old institutions and traditions should be reformed or abolished in the name of progress. This led to a series of political and social revolutions in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

　　However, the idea of progress was not without its critics. Some people worried that the pursuit of progress would lead to the destruction of nature and traditional values. They pointed to the environmental problems caused by industrialization, such as pollution and deforestation. Others argued that progress was not always beneficial for all members of society. They noted that the Industrial Revolution had led to the exploitation of workers and the growth of inequality.

　　6. What was the general view of Europeans in the 17th century before the new sense of optimism emerged?

　　A. They believed they were in an age of great achievements.

　　B. They thought they were living in an age of decline.

　　C. They were confident in modern mans abilities.

　　D. They were proud of living in the shadow of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

　　7. What was closely related to the new sense of progress in the 17th century?

　　A. The growth of literature.

　　B. The development of art.

　　C. The growth of science and technology.

　　D. The expansion of trade.

　　8. What did the inventions during the Industrial Revolution result in?

　　A. A decrease in productivity.

　　B. A change in the way people lived and worked.

　　C. The decline of economic growth.

　　D. The abolition of old institutions.

　　9. What was one of the concerns of the critics of the idea of progress?

　　A. That it would slow down technological innovation.

　　B. That it would lead to the over - reliance on reason and science.

　　C. That it would cause the destruction of nature and traditional values.

　　D. That it would prevent political and social revolutions.

　　10. What did some people note about the Industrial Revolution regarding its impact on society?

　　A. It had led to the equal distribution of wealth.

　　B. It had improved the living conditions of all workers.

　　C. It had caused the exploitation of workers and inequality.

　　D. It had promoted the development of all members of society.

　　Answers:

　　6. B. In the 17th century, before the new sense of optimism emerged, many Europeans believed that they were living in an age of decline.

　　7. C. The new sense of progress in the 17th century was closely linked to the growth of science and technology.

　　8. B. The inventions during the Industrial Revolution, such as steam engines, cotton gins, and telegraphs, transformed the way people lived and worked.

　　9. C. Some critics of the idea of progress worried that it would lead to the destruction of nature and traditional values.

　　10. C. Some people noted that the Industrial Revolution had led to the exploitation of workers and the growth of inequality.

　　Part II Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth)

　　Section A

　　Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the word bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each blank on Answer Sheet 2. You may not use any of the words in the word bank more than once.

　　The concept of "time poverty" has emerged as a significant concern in modern society. People often feel that they do not have enough time to accomplish all their tasks. This is not simply a matter of having a busy schedule; it is also related to the way we _11_ our time.

　　Many individuals engage in _12_ multitasking, attempting to do several things at once. While this may seem like an efficient use of time on the surface, in reality, it can lead to decreased productivity. When we switch between tasks _13_, our brains need time to refocus, which can result in errors and a loss of concentration.

　　Another factor contributing to time poverty is the _14_ of distractions in our modern environment. Smartphones, social media, and constant notifications all draw our attention away from the tasks at hand. We may find ourselves spending hours _15_ through social media feeds or responding to unimportant messages instead of focusing on important work or personal projects.

　　In addition, our societys emphasis on consumerism can also _16_ to time poverty. We are often encouraged to buy more things, which requires time for shopping, researching products, and maintaining our possessions. This consumer - driven lifestyle can take up a significant amount of our time and leave us feeling as if we have less time for more meaningful activities.

　　To overcome time poverty, it is necessary to develop better time - management skills. This includes setting _17_ priorities, learning to say no to non - essential tasks, and creating a structured schedule. It also means being more _18_ about our use of technology and reducing distractions. For example, we can turn off notifications during focused work periods or limit our social media use.

　　Finally, we need to re - evaluate our values and what we consider to be important in life. By focusing on activities that truly _19_ us, we can make better use of our time and feel less time - poor. This may involve spending more time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in community service. In this way, we can move from a state of time poverty to a more _20_ and fulfilling life.

　　Word Bank:

　　A. contribute

　　B. haphazardly

　　C. excessive

　　D. allocate

　　E. scroll

　　F. satisfaction

　　G. meaningful

　　H. abundance

　　I. fulfill

　　J. conscious

　　K. priorities

　　L. deprived

　　Answers:

　　11. D. allocate (This makes sense as it refers to how we distribute or assign our time.)

　　12. C. excessive (Excessive multitasking is being talked about here as it leads to decreased productivity.)

　　13. B. haphazardly (When we switch tasks randomly or without order, our brains need time to refocus.)

　　14. H. abundance (The abundance of distractions in our modern environment is a factor contributing to time poverty.)

　　15. E. scroll (We spend hours scrolling through social media feeds.)

　　16. A. contribute (Our societys emphasis on consumerism can contribute to time poverty.)

　　17. K. priorities (Setting priorities is part of developing better time - management skills.)

　　18. J. conscious (Being more conscious about our use of technology helps in reducing distractions.)

　　19. I. fulfill (By focusing on activities that fulfill us, we can make better use of our time.)

　　20. G. meaningful (We can move from time poverty to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.)

　　Section B

　　Directions: There are 2 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 mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.

　　Passage One

　　It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

　　"My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it." Mr. Bennet made no answer. "Do you not want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently. "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it." This was invitation enough. "Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise - and - four to see the place, and was so much pleased with it that he agreed to take it immediately. He is to take possession before Michaelmas. And his name is Bingley."

　　"Is he married or single?" asked Mr. Bennet. "Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!" "How so? How can it be a fine thing for our girls?" "My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them." "Is that his design in settling here?" "Design! Nonsense, my dear. But it is very likely that he will fall in love with one of them."

　　21. The opening sentence "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" implies that ______.

　　A. it is a common belief in society

　　B. it is a scientific fact

　　C. it is only the view of women

　　D. it is a joke among the rich

　　22. Mrs. Bennet was eager to tell her husband about the new tenant of Netherfield Park because ______.

　　A. she was interested in the new tenant

　　B. she hoped one of her daughters could marry him

　　C. she wanted to show off her knowledge

　　D. she was bored with her daily life

　　23. Mr. Bennets response to his wifes news can be described as ______.

　　A. enthusiastic

　　B. indifferent

　　C. angry

　　D. excited

　　24. From the passage, we can infer that Mrs. Bennet is ______.

　　A. a very practical woman

　　B. a romantic woman

　　C. a lazy woman

　　D. a strict woman

　　25. What is the main topic of this passage?

　　A. The arrival of a new tenant at Netherfield Park.

　　B. Mr. and Mrs. Bennets different views on marriage.

　　C. Mrs. Bennets plan to marry one of her daughters to the new tenant.

　　D. The social custom of matchmaking in that society.

　　Answers:

　　21. A. The opening sentence implies that it is a common belief in society. It sets the tone for the passage which is about the idea that a wealthy single man is seen as a potential husband in that society.

　　22. B. Mrs. Bennet was eager to tell her husband because she hoped one of her daughters could marry the new tenant who was a single man of large fortune.

　　23. B. Mr. Bennets response was rather indifferent as he showed little interest in his wifes news at first and made laconic responses.

　　24. A. Mrs. Bennet is a very practical woman as she immediately thinks of the practical advantage of having one of her daughters marry the wealthy new tenant.

　　25. C. The main topic is Mrs. Bennets plan to marry one of her daughters to the new tenant. The passage focuses on her reaction to the news of the new tenant and her hopes for a marriage between him and one of her daughters.

　　往年英语六级考试真题之阅读理解 5

　　Section B

　　Directions: There are 2 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 mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.

　　Passage One

　　Questions 52 to 56 are based pm the following passage.

　　In 2011, many shoppers chose to avoid the frantic crowds and do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their computer. Sales at online retailers gained by more than 15%, making it the biggest season ever. But people are also returning those purchases at record rates, up 8% from last year.

　　What went wrong? Is the lingering shadow of the global financial crisis making it harder to accept extravagant indulgences? Or that people shop more impulsively—and therefore make bad decisions—when online? Both arguments are plausible. However, there is a third factor: a question of touch. We can love the look but, in an online environment, we cannot feel the quality of a texture, the shape of the fit, the fall of a fold or, for that matter, the weight of an earring. And physically interacting with an object makes you more committed to your purchase.

　　When my most recent book Brandwashed was released, I teamed up with a local bookstore to conduct an experiment about the difference between the online and offline shopping experience. I carefully instructed a group of volunteers to promote my book in two different ways. The first was a fairly hands-off approach. Whenever a customer would inquire about my book, the volunteer would take them over to the shelf and point to it. Out of 20 such requests, six customers proceeded with the purchase.

　　The second option also involved going over to the shelf but, this time, removing the book and them subtly holding onto it for just an extra moment before placing it in the customer’s hands. Of the 20 people who were handed the book, 13 ended up buying it. Just physically passing the book showed a big difference in sales. Why? We feel something similar to a sense of ownership when we hold things in our hand. That’s why we establish or reestablish connection by greeting strangers and friends with a handshake. In this case, having to then let go of the book after holding it might generate a subtle sense of loss, and motivate us to make the purchase even more.

　　A recent study also revealed the power of touch, in this case when it came to conventional mail. A deeper and longer-lasting impression of a message was formed when delivered in a letter, as opposed to receiving the same message online. Brain imaging showed that, on touching the paper, the emotional center of the brain was activated, thus forming a stronger bond. The study also indicated that once touch becomes part of the process, it could translate into a sense of possession.

　　This sense of ownership is simply not part of the equation in the online shopping experience.

　　注意：此部分试题请在答题卡2上作答。

　　52. Why do people prefer shopping online according to the author?

　　A) It is more comfortable and convenient.

　　B) It saves them a lot of money and time.

　　C) It offers them a lot more options and bargains.

　　D) It gives them more time to think about their purchase.

　　53. Why do more customers return their purchases bought online?

　　A) They regretted indulging in costly items in the recession.

　　B) They changed their mind by the time the goods were delivered.

　　C) They had no chance to touch them when shopping online.

　　D) They later found the quality of goods below their expectations.