全国2008年10月高等教育自学考试英语阅读（二）

I. Reading Comprehension. (50 points, 2 points for each) Directions: In this part of the test, there are five passages. Following each passage, there are five questions with four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the best answer and then write the corresponding letter on your Answer Sheet.
Passage One
Whether you’re delivering a speech, approaching your boss for a raise or addressing audience on an important social occasion, do your homework. The most polished, smoothly delivered, spontaneous-sounding talks are the result of many hours of work. The memorable one-liners and moving phrases that go down in history don’t come from last minute burst of inspiration.
If you’re making a presentation of any sort, begin preparing as far ahead of time as possible. "Good writing," says Harvard University historian Richard Marius, "is a kind of wrestling with thought." Begin the wrestling match early. Two days before your presentation is usually too late to go into the ring and come up with a winning idea.
Prepare yourself as well as your material, giving special attention to your voice. A shrill, nasal tone strikes your listener like chalk screeching on a blackboard. By putting energy and resonance into your voice, you will have a positive effect. If your voice is timid or quivers with nervousness, you sense it, the audience hears it, and you see discomfort in their eyes. With energy and enthusiasm in your voice, the listeners say ahhh, tell me more. You read approval.
Like your voice, your appearance is a communication tool. For example, if you are animated, you are most likely to see animated listeners. You give the audience the message: I’m glad I’m here; I’m glad you’re here.
However, don’t ever assume that an audience, an interviewer, your boss will be sympathetic. Always be prepared for a grilling. Think beforehand of the ten toughest questions you could get and be ready with your answers. And remember, when you’re asked a hostile question, never show hostility to your questioner. If you do, you lose.
While the hostile questioner is talking, prepare your response. Take a positive tack immediately, and make your answer short. The instant the interviewer finishes the question, begin the answer: first point, second point, third point...bingo, your conclusion.
The way you listen gives messages about you too. Listen with interest, focusing your eyes on the speaker. If he or she is sitting next to you, angle your body slightly in the chair so that you’re turned toward the person. Animate your face with approval. It says, I’m with you, I’m interested in what you’re saying.
Once you’re prepared for a situation, you’re 50 per cent of the way toward overcoming nervousness. The other 50 per cent is the physical and mental control of nervousness: adjusting your attitude so you have confidence, and control of yourself and your audience.
Questions 1-5 are based on Passage One.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The methods that one can use to let people agree with him or her in a speech.
B. How to make one’s voice and appearance pleasant when one gives speeches.
C. The importance of preparation before one talks to people on formal occasions.
D. How to overcome anxiety when one talks to the audience on formal occasions.

2. "One-liners" (Para. 1) are ________.
A. well-written articles
B. excellent speeches
C. single witty sentences
D. unforgettable phrases

3. By saying "like chalk screeching on a blackboard" (Para. 3), the author ________.
A. refers to the feeling an unpleasant voice arouses in the audience
B. points out that one needs to use chalk to write on the blackboard
C. means that one should speak loud enough for all audience to hear
D. stresses that one must put energy and resonance into his or her voice

4. When asked a hostile question, one should________.
A. answer quickly and briefly
B. ignore the question totally
C. defend himself or herself firmly
D. respond smartly and pleasantly

5. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. One should look out for tough questions from an audience beforehand.
B. One should spend a lot of time preparing before talking to an audience.
C. If one looks active and vigorous, the audience will respond accordingly.
D. If one makes a thorough preparation he won’t be nervous at all in a speech.

Passage Two
Soccer might be the most popular sport in the world, but for decades, Americans have managed to resist its charm. Their attention has been focused, of course, on the big three American sports: baseball, football and basketball. And while soccer is rapidly gaining popularity among younger Americans, the older generation remains deta

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