SECTION C(12 marks)
Directions: Complete the following passage by filling in each blank with one word that best fits the context.
Aaron LeMieux loves to hike and often listens to the radio at the same time. While on a 1,500-mile hike 48. _______ the Appalachian Trail, Aaron started thinking about energy. Could the energy his body was creating be used to charge an electronic device? In 2006 Aaron quit his job 49. ________ turned the basement of his home into a laboratory. He then put all his time 50. ________ developing the nPower PEG.
PEG means personal energy generator(发电机). 51. ________ uses the energy you create while moving to charge a hand-held device. Just put your nPower PEG in your bag, 52. ________ fasten it to your leg or bicycle. Then plug your MP3 player, cell phone or digital camera into your nPower PEG’s USA port. LeMieux’s company, Tremont Electric, claims 53. ________ nPower PEG can charge most hand-held electronic devices to 80 percent in one hour.
Since it costs US$149, the nPower PEG won’t appeal to everyone with its price so 54. ________. But for those 55. ________ spend a lot of time with electronic devices powered by batteries, it might come in handy.
PART THREE READING COMPREHENSION (30 marks)
Directions: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage.
A
Today, when there are many top graduates looking for top jobs, graduates can differentiate(区别) themselves by obtaining a double major or even a double degree. Increasingly, employers are looking for individuals who are not only competent and intelligent, but who have different skill sets and who are knowledgeable in many areas. Part of the appeal to employers is that your extra work demonstrates a willingness to take on difficult tasks. Additionally, if your majors overlap (重叠), you are able to show potential employers that you have both breadth and depth of knowledge.
By studying for a double major, although you will be studying for only one degree, you will be focusing on two related and integrated subjects that complement (补充) each other. Classes overlap between the majors, meaning fewer classes are required than with a double degree, so it is easier to finish within four years.
In contrast, with the more rigorous (严格的) double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study. Although pursuing such a course of study allows students to complete two wholly separate degrees in less time than if they were to earn them separately, many strong students still find it incredibly difficult to complete in four or five years.
If you are committed to a double major/degree, it is wise to do a little bit of planning. Some students try to find two courses of studies that are related, while others seek to round out their academic studies by choosing two completely unrelated fields.
For double majors, common pairings include: (i) economics and a foreign language; (ii) political science or government and journalism; (iii) economics and psychology.
For double degrees, common pairings include: (i) engineering and a business program such as finance or accounting; (ii) engineering and economics.
56. What do employers think of the graduates with different skill sets and knowledge in many areas?
A. They should be given top jobs.
B. They are willing to take difficult tasks.
C. They are better than those who are competent and intelligent.
D. They must have attained a double major or even a double degree.
57. According to the passage, the underlined word “breadth” most probably means_________.
A. width B. amount C. quantity D. quality
58. To obtain a double major, you _________.
A. should complete two wholly separate degrees
B. need to focus on two related and integrated subjects
C. need to spend more time than obtaining a double degree
D. have to take courses in two completely different areas of study
59. If you are devoted to a double major or degree, you should _________.
A. find two subjects with overlapping classes
B. learn about what your potential employers want
C. decide what to learn with your intentions considered
D. try to decide on some common pairings as soon as possible
60. Which statement is CORRECT according to the passage?
A. Economics is a major while engineering is a degree.
B. Every college student should take a double major or degree.
C. Earning a double degree is more difficult than obtaining a double major.
D Some students choose two completely unrelated fields to show their ability in academic study.
