全國2008年10月高等教育自學(xué)考試

英語閱讀（二）試題

課程代碼：00596

請將答案填在答題紙相應(yīng)的位置上。全部題目用英文作答（翻譯題除外）

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.