2008年12月大学英语四级考试模拟题(5)

　　Part I
　　Writing
　　(30 minutes)
　　Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a composition on the topic “To Invest or Not”. You should write at least 120 words following the outline given below in Chinese:
　　目前，越来越多的大学生开始投资理财，比如炒股、买基金、买房等：
　　1. 有人认为大学生不应该投资理财；
　　2. 有人认为应该支持大学生投资理财；
　　3. 你的看法。
　　 Part II
　　Reading Comprehension ( Skimming and Scanning )
　　(15 minutes)
　　Directions: In this part, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage quickly.
　　For questions 1-7, mark
　　Y (for YES) if the statement agrees with the information given in the passage.
　　N (for NO) if the statement contradicts the information given in the passage.
　　NG (for NOT GIVEN) if the information is not given in the passage.
　　For questions 8-10, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.
　　Choosing the Best Graduate Program
　　Choosing universities from thousands of miles away presents some challenges — especially when there are so many outstanding universities to choose from in the United States.
　　This article will give you some ideas on where to get further help and information and on what academic and lifestyle factors to consider in developing a short list of universities. Finding the right academic and personal match requires careful planning, research, and networking on your part. No special formula or answer applies to everyone. You should begin the process of reflection and research 12 to 18 months before you wish to start studying in the United States.
　　Step 1: Define Your Education and Career Goals
　　Defining the goals for your education and career will help you select the most appropriate graduate programs and will help motivate you through the application process. It will also assist you in writing the application essays in which you often will be asked to explain your career goals and how they relate to your application for graduate study. Lastly, it will lead you to find out exactly what qualifications are required for that career and whether or not U.S. credentials（证明书）are recognized in your home country.
　　To help define your education and career goals, ask yourself these questions:
　　●What career do I want to pursue? Is employment available in my country in this field? What advanced degree is required to enter this profession? Speak to people already working in the field and to representatives of professional associations. Educational advisers or career advisers in your country may also have information about the skills and background required for various professions, as well as knowledge of the need for professionals in different fields in your country.
　　●How will study in the United States enhance my career? Will a graduate degree help me earn a higher salary? Consult educators, government officials, and working professionals in your country about the value of U.S. study for you at this stage in your career, including any increased earning potential. Take into account in your planning any revalidation or certification requirements for employment in your particular field when you return home.
　　●What is the system of recognition for U.S. degrees in my country? In many countries, a U.S. degree is highly valued, and recognition of degrees is straightforward. However, in some countries, particularly those with educational systems markedly different from that of the United States, graduate degrees from the United States may not be officially recognized, or they may be recognized at a different level. If this is the case, check on the situation in your country with your nearest EducationUSA information and advising center or with the ministry of education or other appropriate authorities before you begin your applications. This step is especially important if you are planning to undertake a professional program in the United States, because requirements for professional education usually are rigorously upheld and vary greatly from country to country.
　　Step 2: Consult an EducationUSA Information and Advising Center
　　Trained educational advisers in these offices provide information and advice about study in the United States. Advisers are available to assist you in answering questions about:
　　●equivalency between the educational systems;
　　●entry requirements for study in your field;
　　●using reference materials to find institutions that are appropriate for you;
　　●sources of financial assistance available in your home country and in the United States;
　　●testing and other application requirements;
　　●preparation of your applications;
　　●planning your education;
　　●adjusting to academic and cultural life in the United States;
　　●using your education after you return to your home country.
　　To find the information or advising center nearest you, contact the American embassy or consulate in your country, or consult the list at http://www.educationusa.state.gov/centers.htm. Education USA information and advising centers may be located in U.S. embassies, American libraries, or in some countries at other non-governmental organizations.
　　When you contact the center, you should be able to provide the following information:
　　●the degree(s) you have already earned;
　　●your field of study;
　　●when you want to begin to study in the United States;
　　●your English language proficiency;