IV. Reading Comprehension (40 points)

　　Directions: There are four reading passages in this part. Each passage is followed by five questions. For each question there are four suggested answers marked A, B, C and D. Choose the best answer and blacken the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.

　　Passage 1

　　Scientists have always wanted to know more about the other worlds in space. Years ago they knew a lot about the moon. They knew how far away it is from the earth. But they wanted to know more about it. They thought and thought. At last they found the only way to know more was to send men to the moon.

　　The moon is about 384 000 kilometres away from the earth. A plane can not fly to the moon because the air reaches only 240 kilometres high above the earth. Then there is no air. But something can fly even when there is no air. That is a rocket (火箭).

　　Rockets can fly out into space. Rockets with men in them have already reached the moon. Some rockets without men in them have flown to other parts, much farther away from the earth than the moon in the universe. One day, rockets may be able to go to any place.

　　41. Scientists knew ________ about the moon a long time ago.

　　A. nothing B. many things C. everything D. little

　　42. The moon is ________ away from the earth.

　　A. about 384 000 kilometres B. 240 000 kilometres

　　C. Only 348 000 kilometres D. about 348 000 meters

　　43. A plane can’t fly to the moon because ________.

　　A. the moon is 240 kilometre far away B. we don’t know where it is

　　C. it can’t fly without air D. there is no air on the moon

　　44. Rockets with men in them have reached ________.

　　A. the sun B. the moon C. all the stars D. some planets

　　45. Which of the following is right?

　　A. So far, rockets with men have been to other places.

　　B. Rockets with men can fly to other places farther away than the moon.

　　C. Perhaps one day rockets will be able to go to any place in space.

　　D. A plane can fly to the moon.

　　Passage 2

　　In the past, people who graduated from college felt proud of their academic achievements and confident that their degree would help them to find a good job.

　　However, in the past four years the job market has changed dramatically. This year’s college graduates are facing one of the worst job markets. For example, Ryan Stewart, a graduate of San Jose State University, got a degree in religious studies, but he has not gotten any job offers. He points out that many people already working are getting laid off and don’t have jobs, so it’s even harder for new college graduates to find jobs.

　　Four years ago, the future looked bright for his class of 2006. There were many high-tech job opportunities, graduates received many job offers, and they were able to get jobs with high salaries and benefits such as health insurance and paid vacations. However, “Times have changed. It’s a new market,” according to an officer of the university.

　　The officer says students who do find jobs started preparing two years ago. They worked during summer vacations, they have had several short-time jobs, and they majored in fields that are still paying well, such as accounting or nursing.

　　In conclusion, these days a college degree does not automatically lead to a good job with a high salary. Some students can only hope that the value of their degree will increase in the future.

　　46. What did a college degree mean to people in the past?

　　A. It was a proof of their professional skills.

　　B. It would guarantee their quick promotion.

　　C. It built up their confidence in the job market.

　　D. It would help them to start an academic career.

　　47. Ryan Steward has not got any job offer because ________.

　　A. there are too many graduates of his major

　　B. he wants to find a job with very high salary

　　C. he has not received a degree in the university

　　D. the job market has changed greatly since 2002

　　48. According to the passage, ________ had the best job prospects in 2002.

　　A. computer science B. accounting C. teaching D. nursing

　　49. How did students make preparation for finding jobs?

　　A. They prepared all the time B. They worked during summer vacations

　　C. They did short-time jobs. D. Both B and C

　　50. It can be concluded from the passage that ________.

　　A. the value of a college degree has decreased now

　　B. new college graduates today can’t find jobs

　　C. a college degree can still lead to a good job

　　D. graduates must prepare early to find jobs