问答题Is More Growth Really Better? A number of writers have raised questions about the desirability of faster economic growth as an end in itself, at least in the wealthier industrialized countries. Yet faster growth does mean more wealth, and to most people the desirability of wealth is beyond question. “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor—and I can tell you, rich is better,” a noted stage personality is said to have told an interviewer, and most people seem to have the same attitude about the economy as a whole. To those who hold this belief, a healthy economy is one that is capable of turning out vast quantities of shoes, food, cars, and TV sets. An economy whose capacity to provide all these things is not expanding is said to have succumbed to the disease of stagnation. Economists from Adam Smith to Karl Marx saw great virtue in economic growth. Marx argued that capitalism, at least in its earlier historical stages, was a vital form of economic organization by which society got out of the rut in which the medieval stage of history had trapped it. Marx believed that “the development of the productive powers of society... alone can form the real basis of a higher form of productive powers of society”. Marx went on to tell us that only where such great productive powers have been unleashed can one have “a society in which the full and free development of every individual forms the ruling principle.” In other words, only a wealthy economy can afford to give all individuals the opportunity for full personal satisfaction through the use of their special abilities in their jobs and through increased leisure activities. Yet the desirability of further economic growth for a society that is already wealthy has been questioned on grounds that undoubtedly have a good deal of validity. It is pointed out that the sheer increase in quantity of products has imposed an enormous cost on society in the form of pollution, crowding, proliferation of wastes that need disposal, and debilitating psychological and social effects. It is said that industry has transformed the satisfying and creative tasks of the artisan into the mechanical and dehumanizing routine of the assembly line. It has dotted our roadsides with junkyards, filled our air with smoke, and poisoned our food with dangerous chemicals. The question is whether the outpouring of frozen foods, talking dolls, radios, and headache remedies is worth its high cost to society. As one well-known economist put it: The continued pursuit of economic growth by Western Societies is more likely on balance to reduce rather than increase social welfare... Technological innovations may offer to add to men’s material opportunities. But by increasing the risks of their obsolescence it adds also to their anxiety. Swifter means of communications have the paradoxical effect of isolating people; increased mobility has led to more hours commuting; increased automobilization to increased separation; more television to less communication. In consequence, people know less of their neighbors than ever before. Virtually every economist agrees that these concerns are valid, though many question whether economic growth is their major cause. Nevertheless, they all emphasize that pollution of air and water, noise and congestion, and the mechanization of the work process are very real and very serious problems. There is every reason for society to undertake programs that grapple with these problems. 11
问答题
Is More Growth Really Better? A number of writers have raised questions about the desirability of faster economic growth as an end in itself, at least in the wealthier industrialized countries. Yet faster growth does mean more wealth, and to most people the desirability of wealth is beyond question. “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor—and I can tell you, rich is better,” a noted stage personality is said to have told an interviewer, and most people seem to have the same attitude about the economy as a whole. To those who hold this belief, a healthy economy is one that is capable of turning out vast quantities of shoes, food, cars, and TV sets. An economy whose capacity to provide all these things is not expanding is said to have succumbed to the disease of stagnation. Economists from Adam Smith to Karl Marx saw great virtue in economic growth. Marx argued that capitalism, at least in its earlier historical stages, was a vital form of economic organization by which society got out of the rut in which the medieval stage of history had trapped it. Marx believed that “the development of the productive powers of society... alone can form the real basis of a higher form of productive powers of society”. Marx went on to tell us that only where such great productive powers have been unleashed can one have “a society in which the full and free development of every individual forms the ruling principle.” In other words, only a wealthy economy can afford to give all individuals the opportunity for full personal satisfaction through the use of their special abilities in their jobs and through increased leisure activities. Yet the desirability of further economic growth for a society that is already wealthy has been questioned on grounds that undoubtedly have a good deal of validity. It is pointed out that the sheer increase in quantity of products has imposed an enormous cost on society in the form of pollution, crowding, proliferation of wastes that need disposal, and debilitating psychological and social effects. It is said that industry has transformed the satisfying and creative tasks of the artisan into the mechanical and dehumanizing routine of the assembly line. It has dotted our roadsides with junkyards, filled our air with smoke, and poisoned our food with dangerous chemicals. The question is whether the outpouring of frozen foods, talking dolls, radios, and headache remedies is worth its high cost to society. As one well-known economist put it: The continued pursuit of economic growth by Western Societies is more likely on balance to reduce rather than increase social welfare... Technological innovations may offer to add to men’s material opportunities. But by increasing the risks of their obsolescence it adds also to their anxiety. Swifter means of communications have the paradoxical effect of isolating people; increased mobility has led to more hours commuting; increased automobilization to increased separation; more television to less communication. In consequence, people know less of their neighbors than ever before. Virtually every economist agrees that these concerns are valid, though many question whether economic growth is their major cause. Nevertheless, they all emphasize that pollution of air and water, noise and congestion, and the mechanization of the work process are very real and very serious problems. There is every reason for society to undertake programs that grapple with these problems. 11
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Which does NOT show children’s physical growth? () A、heightB、weightC、head circumferenceD、teeth growth
What does the author mean by the word "progress" in this passage?A．Urbanization.B．Economic growth.C．Cultural development.D．Increase of population.
The world’s population continues to grow. There now are about 4 billion of us on earth. That could reach 6 billion by the end of the century and 11 billion in a further 75 years. Experts have long been concerned about such a growth. Where will we find the food, water, jobs, houses, school and health care for all these people?A major new study shows that the situation may be changing. A large and rapid drop in the world’s birth rate has taken place during the past 10 years. Families generally are smaller now than they were a few years ago. It is happening in both developing and industrial nations.Researchers said they found a number of reasons for this. More men and women are waiting longer to get married and are using birth control devices and methods to prevent or delay pregnancy. More women are going to school or working at jobs away from home instead of having children. And more governments, especially in developing nations, now support family planning programs to reduce population grow.China is one of the nations that have made great progress in reducing its population growth. China has already cut its rate of population growth by about half since 1970.Each Chinese family is now urged to have no more than one child. And the hope is to reach a zero population growth with the total number of births equaling the total number of deaths by the year 2000.Several nations in Europe already have fewer births than deaths. Experts said that these nations could face a serious shortage of workers in the future. And the persons who are working could face much higher taxes to help support the growing number of retired people.1. The world’s population could reach ____________.A. 6 billion in 75 yearsB. 11 billion in 2075C. 11 billion by the end of this centuryD. 600 million in 15 years2. Which of the following is true?A. The world’s birth rate is higher than ten years ago.B. There has been a slower population growth in the past ten years.C. Families are as large as before.D. Birth control has been well practiced in all nations.3. By the year 2000, the number of births and the number of deaths in China will _______.A. be greatly differentB. drop a great dealC. be equalD. become much larger4. According to the essay, China’s population control ________.A. is not quite successfulB. should be considered a big successC. is far from being successfulD. is a complete failure5. It may happen in the future that the people who are working in Europe will have to pay much higher taxes because___________.A. more and more children will be bornB. the number of retired people will become ever largerC. fewer and fewer children will be bornD. they will be making a lot of money
Telepresence and video conferencing have been an increasingly important component of the overall collaboration marker, which indicator is the best measure of the continued importance of these technologies going forward?（）A.the annual growth rate of the video-conferencing market is 23 percentB.generationY ,raised on video, comprises 17 percent of the world populationC.thecisco long-term growth-rate target is 12 percent to 17 percentD.the U.S internet traffic annual growth rate is more than 40 percent
Robert F.Kennedy once said that a country’s GDP measures“everything except that which makes life worthwhile.”With Britain voting to leave the European Union,and GDP already predicted to slow as a result,it is now a timely moment to assess what he was referring to.The question of GDP and its usefulness has annoyed policymakers for over half a century.Many argue that it is a flawed concept.It measures things that do not matter and miss things that do.By most recent measures,the UK’s GDP has been the envy of the Western World,with record low unemployment and high growth figures.If everything was going so so well,then why did over 17million people vote for Brexit,despite the warnings about what it could do to their country’s economic prospects?A recent annual study of countries and their ability to convert growth into well-being sheds some light on that question.Across the 163 countries measured,the UK is one of the poorest performers in ensuring that economic growth is translated into meaningful improvement for its citizens.Rather than just focusing on GDR over 40 different sets of criteria from health,education and civil society engagement have been measured to get a more rounded assessment of how countries are performing.While all of these countries face their own challenges,there are a number of consistent themes.Yes,there has been a budding economic recovery since the 2008 global crash,but in key indicators in areas such as health and education,major economies have continued to decline.Yet this isn't the case with all countries.Some relatively poor European countries have seen huge improvements across measures including civil society;income equality and the environment.This is a lesson that rich countries can learn:When GDP is no longer regarded as the sole measure of a country’s success,the world looks very different.So what Kennedy was referring to was that while GDP has been the most common method for measuring the economic activity of nations,as a measure,it is no longer enough.It does not include important factors such as environmental equality or education outcomes-all things that contribute to a person's sense of well-being.The sharp hit to growth predicted around the world and in the UK could lead to a decline in the everyday services we depend on for our well-being and for growth.But policymaker who refocus efforts on improving well-being rather than simply worrying about GDP figures could avoid the forecasted doom and may even see progress.In the last two paragraphs,the author suggests that____A.the UK is preparing for an economic boom.B.high GDP foreshadows an economic decline.C.it is essential to consider factors beyond GDP.D.it requires caution to handle economic issues.
Robert F.Kennedy once said that a country’s GDP measures“everything except that which makes life worthwhile.”With Britain voting to leave the European Union,and GDP already predicted to slow as a result,it is now a timely moment to assess what he was referring to.The question of GDP and its usefulness has annoyed policymakers for over half a century.Many argue that it is a flawed concept.It measures things that do not matter and miss things that do.By most recent measures,the UK’s GDP has been the envy of the Western World,with record low unemployment and high growth figures.If everything was going so so well,then why did over 17million people vote for Brexit,despite the warnings about what it could do to their country’s economic prospects?A recent annual study of countries and their ability to convert growth into well-being sheds some light on that question.Across the 163 countries measured,the UK is one of the poorest performers in ensuring that economic growth is translated into meaningful improvement for its citizens.Rather than just focusing on GDR over 40 different sets of criteria from health,education and civil society engagement have been measured to get a more rounded assessment of how countries are performing.While all of these countries face their own challenges,there are a number of consistent themes.Yes,there has been a budding economic recovery since the 2008 global crash,but in key indicators in areas such as health and education,major economies have continued to decline.Yet this isn't the case with all countries.Some relatively poor European countries have seen huge improvements across measures including civil society;income equality and the environment.This is a lesson that rich countries can learn:When GDP is no longer regarded as the sole measure of a country’s success,the world looks very different.So what Kennedy was referring to was that while GDP has been the most common method for measuring the economic activity of nations,as a measure,it is no longer enough.It does not include important factors such as environmental equality or education outcomes-all things that contribute to a person's sense of well-being.The sharp hit to growth predicted around the world and in the UK could lead to a decline in the everyday services we depend on for our well-being and for growth.But policymaker who refocus efforts on improving well-being rather than simply worrying about GDP figures could avoid the forecasted doom and may even see progress.Which of the following is true about the recent annual study?A.It excludes GDP as an indicator.B.It is sponsored by 163 countries.C.Its criteria are questionable.D.Its results are enlightening.
Passage 1Earlier this year, when America first sneezed, the European Central Bank （along with most private-sector economists） argued that the euro area was insulated from America's slowdown and had little to worry about. This seems to have wrong. In Germany there are fears about recession as business investment and retail sales tumble. Recent figures confirmed that Germany’s GDP stagnated in the second quarter. Italy's GDP fell in the second quarter, and although growth has held up better in France and Spain, the growth in the euro area as a whole was close to zero in the quarter. Nobody is forecasting an actual recession in the euro area this year, but it is no longer expected to provide an engine for world growth.As for Japan, it is probably already in recession. Japan's GDP grew slightly in the first quarter. Persistent deflation continues to be a severe problem. A revised measure of Japan’s consumer-price index, to be published soon, is likely to show that deflation is worse than had been thought.What was the economic situation in France and Spain?A. Much better B. Somewhat better.C. Close to zero. D. Much worse.
Passage 1Earlier this year, when America first sneezed, the European Central Bank （along with most private-sector economists） argued that the euro area was insulated from America's slowdown and had little to worry about. This seems to have wrong. In Germany there are fears about recession as business investment and retail sales tumble. Recent figures confirmed that Germany’s GDP stagnated in the second quarter. Italy's GDP fell in the second quarter, and although growth has held up better in France and Spain, the growth in the euro area as a whole was close to zero in the quarter. Nobody is forecasting an actual recession in the euro area this year, but it is no longer expected to provide an engine for world growth.As for Japan, it is probably already in recession. Japan's GDP grew slightly in the first quarter. Persistent deflation continues to be a severe problem. A revised measure of Japan’s consumer-price index, to be published soon, is likely to show that deflation is worse than had been thought.The best title for the passage is ___.A. The world economic situation.B. The world economic recession.C. The worse world economic situation.D. The reason for world economic recession.
资料：Economic performance is improving in most of the world's leading economies but is still short of a self-sustaining upswing, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday.In an update to its economic forecasts, the Paris-based international organisation representing advanced economies said that more private sector investment was needed for the expansion to endure, for wages to rise sustainability and for inequalities to be tackled.Although all leading economies are now recording positive growth, Catherine Mann, the OECD's chief economist, urged governments to “curb your enthusiasm [ because] strong and sustained medium-term global growth is not yet secured”.The OECD's economic outlook shows upgrades to the 2017 growth forecasts in China, Russia and Europe excluding the UK with the world outlook also appearing stronger in 2018.World growth should rise from a low of 3.1 per cent in 2016, to 3.5 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2018, the OECD forecast, with the US, the Eurozone, Brazil and Russia contributing most to the improved global outlook.China's predicted growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 2017 and 6.6 per cent in 2018 has been revised higher by 0.2 percentage points in both years and although India's growth rate has been revised down, reflecting adjustment to its new goods and services tax, it is likely to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world.Only the UK, which remains embroiled in Brexit negotiations, has a deteriorating outlook. Responding to the OECD's forecast that the British economy will be the slowest growing in the Group of Seven in 2018 having been near the top of the league table in 2016, the British Treasury said it was not complacent.What does the underlined word “complacent” mean in the last paragraph?A.AccustomedB.CompliedC.ConceitedD.True
资料：Economic performance is improving in most of the world's leading economies but is still short of a self-sustaining upswing, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday.In an update to its economic forecasts, the Paris-based international organisation representing advanced economies said that more private sector investment was needed for the expansion to endure, for wages to rise sustainability and for inequalities to be tackled.Although all leading economies are now recording positive growth, Catherine Mann, the OECD's chief economist, urged governments to “curb your enthusiasm [ because] strong and sustained medium-term global growth is not yet secured”.The OECD's economic outlook shows upgrades to the 2017 growth forecasts in China, Russia and Europe excluding the UK with the world outlook also appearing stronger in 2018.World growth should rise from a low of 3.1 per cent in 2016, to 3.5 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2018, the OECD forecast, with the US, the Eurozone, Brazil and Russia contributing most to the improved global outlook.China's predicted growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 2017 and 6.6 per cent in 2018 has been revised higher by 0.2 percentage points in both years and although India's growth rate has been revised down, reflecting adjustment to its new goods and services tax, it is likely to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world.Only the UK, which remains embroiled in Brexit negotiations, has a deteriorating outlook. Responding to the OECD's forecast that the British economy will be the slowest growing in the Group of Seven in 2018 having been near the top of the league table in 2016, the British Treasury said it was not complacent.Which country is not a great contributor to the improved economic outlook？A.RussianB.UKC.BrazilD.US
资料：Economic performance is improving in most of the world's leading economies but is still short of a self-sustaining upswing, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday.In an update to its economic forecasts, the Paris-based international organisation representing advanced economies said that more private sector investment was needed for the expansion to endure, for wages to rise sustainability and for inequalities to be tackled.Although all leading economies are now recording positive growth, Catherine Mann, the OECD's chief economist, urged governments to “curb your enthusiasm [ because] strong and sustained medium-term global growth is not yet secured”.The OECD's economic outlook shows upgrades to the 2017 growth forecasts in China, Russia and Europe excluding the UK with the world outlook also appearing stronger in 2018.World growth should rise from a low of 3.1 per cent in 2016, to 3.5 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2018, the OECD forecast, with the US, the Eurozone, Brazil and Russia contributing most to the improved global outlook.China's predicted growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 2017 and 6.6 per cent in 2018 has been revised higher by 0.2 percentage points in both years and although India's growth rate has been revised down, reflecting adjustment to its new goods and services tax, it is likely to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world.Only the UK, which remains embroiled in Brexit negotiations, has a deteriorating outlook. Responding to the OECD's forecast that the British economy will be the slowest growing in the Group of Seven in 2018 having been near the top of the league table in 2016, the British Treasury said it was not complacent.According to OECD, （ ）.A.More efforts will be needed to ensure a sustained economic growthB.Investment from the government contributes most to the world economyC.The market is pessimistic on the world economyD.The world economy is growing rapidly and steadily
资料：Large industrialized are now in a recession. What are the prospects for economic recovery?The three most important industrial economies in the world are, at the moment, facing enormous problems. Germany is struggling with the cost of reunification and is in recession. Japan is also experiencing recession and the United States has a large budget deficit.Forecasters and analysts face questions about the prospects of an economic recovery. Here are some of their findings:The election of a new president of the United States gave hope to the rest of the world. If the US recovered, the rest of the world would face a more promising future. However, analysts now accept that the US will only recover very slowly.Consumer and investor confidence is still lacking. Large deficits and declining short-term interest rates mean there is little scope for economic stimulus.The Japanese economy, after years of trade and budget surpluses, is in deep recession and the growth rate has slowed down considerably. German economists have lowered their forecasts for economic growth this year. The lowering of German interest rates may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism （ERM）. However, Germany's importance as Europe's largest export market may decline.However, in some parts of the world, there are more positive signs, particularly in some Latin American countries in South-East Asia. Analysts says that, as long as the rate of interest stays above the rate of growth at national income, then the ratio of debt to income will get worse. Falling interest rates help towards overcoming this problem. They believe it may take several years before there is real recovery. However, advances in technology are offering hope for the world economy. The tone of the passage suggest that the author is ______about the world economy.A.doubtfulB.indifferentC.positiveD.pessimistic
资料：Large industrialized are now in a recession. What are the prospects for economic recovery?The three most important industrial economies in the world are, at the moment, facing enormous problems. Germany is struggling with the cost of reunification and is in recession. Japan is also experiencing recession and the United States has a large budget deficit.Forecasters and analysts face questions about the prospects of an economic recovery. Here are some of their findings:The election of a new president of the United States gave hope to the rest of the world. If the US recovered, the rest of the world would face a more promising future. However, analysts now accept that the US will only recover very slowly.Consumer and investor confidence is still lacking. Large deficits and declining short-term interest rates mean there is little scope for economic stimulus.The Japanese economy, after years of trade and budget surpluses, is in deep recession and the growth rate has slowed down considerably. German economists have lowered their forecasts for economic growth this year. The lowering of German interest rates may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism （ERM）. However, Germany's importance as Europe's largest export market may decline.However, in some parts of the world, there are more positive signs, particularly in some Latin American countries in South-East Asia. Analysts says that, as long as the rate of interest stays above the rate of growth at national income, then the ratio of debt to income will get worse. Falling interest rates help towards overcoming this problem. They believe it may take several years before there is real recovery. However, advances in technology are offering hope for the world economy.The important industrial economies mentioned in the passage are _____.A.Latin American countries and in South-East AsiaB.German, Japan and ChinaC.German, Japan and United StatesD.Not mentioned
Education about consumption taxes is more likely to boost growth，______the growth effects of income and capital taxes are ambiguous。A.ifB.whenC.whileD.for
资料：Economic performance is improving in most of the world's leading economies but is still short of a self-sustaining upswing, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday.In an update to its economic forecasts, the Paris-based international organisation representing advanced economies said that more private sector investment was needed for the expansion to endure, for wages to rise sustainability and for inequalities to be tackled.Although all leading economies are now recording positive growth, Catherine Mann, the OECD's chief economist, urged governments to “curb your enthusiasm [ because] strong and sustained medium-term global growth is not yet secured”.The OECD's economic outlook shows upgrades to the 2017 growth forecasts in China, Russia and Europe excluding the UK with the world outlook also appearing stronger in 2018.World growth should rise from a low of 3.1 per cent in 2016, to 3.5 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2018, the OECD forecast, with the US, the Eurozone, Brazil and Russia contributing most to the improved global outlook.China's predicted growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 2017 and 6.6 per cent in 2018 has been revised higher by 0.2 percentage points in both years and although India's growth rate has been revised down, reflecting adjustment to its new goods and services tax, it is likely to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world.Only the UK, which remains embroiled in Brexit negotiations, has a deteriorating outlook. Responding to the OECD's forecast that the British economy will be the slowest growing in the Group of Seven in 2018 having been near the top of the league table in 2016, the British Treasury said it was not complacent.According to the passage,which one of the following statement is true？A.The Russia’s 2017 economic growth forecast has been revised higher.B.The leading economies have achieved sustainable long-term growth.C.The OECD is not optimistic about China's economic growth.D.India's economic growth forecast have been upgraded.
资料：Large industrialized are now in a recession. What are the prospects for economic recovery?The three most important industrial economies in the world are, at the moment, facing enormous problems. Germany is struggling with the cost of reunification and is in recession. Japan is also experiencing recession and the United States has a large budget deficit.Forecasters and analysts face questions about the prospects of an economic recovery. Here are some of their findings:The election of a new president of the United States gave hope to the rest of the world. If the US recovered, the rest of the world would face a more promising future. However, analysts now accept that the US will only recover very slowly.Consumer and investor confidence is still lacking. Large deficits and declining short-term interest rates mean there is little scope for economic stimulus.The Japanese economy, after years of trade and budget surpluses, is in deep recession and the growth rate has slowed down considerably. German economists have lowered their forecasts for economic growth this year. The lowering of German interest rates may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism （ERM）. However, Germany's importance as Europe's largest export market may decline.However, in some parts of the world, there are more positive signs, particularly in some Latin American countries in South-East Asia. Analysts says that, as long as the rate of interest stays above the rate of growth at national income, then the ratio of debt to income will get worse. Falling interest rates help towards overcoming this problem. They believe it may take several years before there is real recovery. However, advances in technology are offering hope for the world economy.According to the passage, which one is NOT true?A.Consumer and investor still hold confidence in the US economy.B.There is little scope for provoking the economy.C.US is predicted to be recovering very slowly.D.The US recovery would give the rest of the world a more promising future.
资料：Large industrialized are now in a recession. What are the prospects for economic recovery?The three most important industrial economies in the world are, at the moment, facing enormous problems. Germany is struggling with the cost of reunification and is in recession. Japan is also experiencing recession and the United States has a large budget deficit.Forecasters and analysts face questions about the prospects of an economic recovery. Here are some of their findings:The election of a new president of the United States gave hope to the rest of the world. If the US recovered, the rest of the world would face a more promising future. However, analysts now accept that the US will only recover very slowly.Consumer and investor confidence is still lacking. Large deficits and declining short-term interest rates mean there is little scope for economic stimulus.The Japanese economy, after years of trade and budget surpluses, is in deep recession and the growth rate has slowed down considerably. German economists have lowered their forecasts for economic growth this year. The lowering of German interest rates may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism （ERM）. However, Germany's importance as Europe's largest export market may decline.However, in some parts of the world, there are more positive signs, particularly in some Latin American countries in South-East Asia. Analysts says that, as long as the rate of interest stays above the rate of growth at national income, then the ratio of debt to income will get worse. Falling interest rates help towards overcoming this problem. They believe it may take several years before there is real recovery. However, advances in technology are offering hope for the world economy.It could be implied that rising of the interest rate ______.A.can help towards overcoming this problem about the ratio of debt to incomeB.may lead Germany's importance as Europe’s largest export market to declineC.may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate MechanismD.None of above
资料：Large industrialized are now in a recession. What are the prospects for economic recovery?The three most important industrial economies in the world are, at the moment, facing enormous problems. Germany is struggling with the cost of reunification and is in recession. Japan is also experiencing recession and the United States has a large budget deficit.Forecasters and analysts face questions about the prospects of an economic recovery. Here are some of their findings:The election of a new president of the United States gave hope to the rest of the world. If the US recovered, the rest of the world would face a more promising future. However, analysts now accept that the US will only recover very slowly.Consumer and investor confidence is still lacking. Large deficits and declining short-term interest rates mean there is little scope for economic stimulus.The Japanese economy, after years of trade and budget surpluses, is in deep recession and the growth rate has slowed down considerably. German economists have lowered their forecasts for economic growth this year. The lowering of German interest rates may bring some relief to other members of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism （ERM）. However, Germany's importance as Europe's largest export market may decline.However, in some parts of the world, there are more positive signs, particularly in some Latin American countries in South-East Asia. Analysts says that, as long as the rate of interest stays above the rate of growth at national income, then the ratio of debt to income will get worse. Falling interest rates help towards overcoming this problem. They believe it may take several years before there is real recovery. However, advances in technology are offering hope for the world economy.Find words or expressions in the above article which have the meaning of “The amount by which something is less than what is needed”?A.deficitB.surplusesC.declineD.recession
Telepresence and video conferencing have been an increasingly important component of the overall collaboration marker, which indicator is the best measure of the continued importance of these technologies going forward?（）A、generation Y ,raised on video, comprises 17 percent of the world populationB、the annual growth rate of the video-conferencing market is 23 percentC、the U.S internet traffic annual growth rate is more than 40 percentD、thecisco long-term growth-rate target is 12 percent to 17 percent
问答题Pollution 1)Pollution is a problem because man, in an increasingly populated and industrialized world，is upsetting the environment in which he lives. 2) Many scientists maintain that one of man's greatest errors has been to equate growth with advancement. 3) Now “growth” industries are being looked on with suspicion incase their side effects damage the environment and disrupt the relationship of different forms of life. 4) The growing population makes increasing demands on the world’s fixed supply of air, water and land. 5) This rise in population is accompanied by the desire of more and more people for a better standard of living. 6) The problem has been causing increasing concern to living things and their environment.
单选题What does the writer say about the expansion of small businesses?AMany small businesses do not produce enough profits to finance growth.BMany employees in small businesses have problems working as part of a team.CBeing able to recruit the right people is the most important factor affecting growth.DLeaders of small businesses lack the experience to make their companies a success.
问答题Practice 1 Genetic researchers have accelerated a plant’s growth by making its cells split faster—a technique that could someday lead to healthier crops, shorter growing seasons and less use of herbicides. One outside scientist called the findings astonishing. But the technique needs more testing on a range of plants, and public fear of genetically modified food is jeopardizing support for such experiments, especially in Europe, researchers said. The experiment, reported Thursday in the journal Nature, was carried out by a team at Cambridge University. The researchers first took a gene promoting cell division from inside the Arabidopsis plant, a flowering weed often used for genetic experiments. They transplanted that gene into a tobacco plant. There, in an especially potent form, the gene produced large amounts of a protein that, in combination with other chemicals naturally in the tobacco, made the plant’s cells divide more quickly at the tips of roots and shoots. Within a month after planting, the altered tobacco grew as much as twice as tall as other tobacco plants. Ultimately, the other plants caught up, and both groups then appeared identical in all ways. “It’s sort of like they’ve been able to make the plant go full throttle,” a said plant growth biologist John Schiefelbein at the University of Michigan. The leader of the study, Claire Cockcroft, said it is conceivable that the technique could be transferred to other species. Such plants, which probably would take years to develop commercially, might allow an extra planting in some climates or the introduction of crops in places where the growing season is too short, researchers said. The quick-growth plants would presumably take hold more easily, requiring less chemical herbicide to knock out weeds. Such plants might make easier and cheaper sources of some drugs. In scientific circles, the British research may also help settle an intense debate over what makes plants grow. Some argue, like these researchers, that something at the cellular level switches on growth; others look to hormones or other chemicals at a higher level of the plant’s makeup. “This is astonishing. Normally you would expect growth regulation to be more complicated,” said plant researcher Xuemin Wang at Kansas State University. “This has huge implications in terms of how we look at plant growth.” Biotechnology companies have genetically manipulated fruits and vegetables to make them more attractive or resistant to insects and disease. Genetic work has shown some early promise for faster growth, too. But previous attempts to boost growth through faster cell division have produced more cells—but smaller ones—and no overall growth. Scientists said such work is safe, with little chance of accidentally turning an unwanted plant into a fast-growing weed. After all, crops have been selectively bred for decades to bring out certain traits. However, ethicist Jeffrey Burkhardt at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences said selective breeding takes perhaps 15 years, giving scientists ample time to see the implications. “With the new biotechnology, you’re potentially moving traits in and out within a year,” he said.
问答题Is More Growth Really Better? A number of writers have raised questions about the desirability of faster economic growth as an end in itself, at least in the wealthier industrialized countries. Yet faster growth does mean more wealth, and to most people the desirability of wealth is beyond question. “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor—and I can tell you, rich is better,” a noted stage personality is said to have told an interviewer, and most people seem to have the same attitude about the economy as a whole. To those who hold this belief, a healthy economy is one that is capable of turning out vast quantities of shoes, food, cars, and TV sets. An economy whose capacity to provide all these things is not expanding is said to have succumbed to the disease of stagnation. Economists from Adam Smith to Karl Marx saw great virtue in economic growth. Marx argued that capitalism, at least in its earlier historical stages, was a vital form of economic organization by which society got out of the rut in which the medieval stage of history had trapped it. Marx believed that “the development of the productive powers of society... alone can form the real basis of a higher form of productive powers of society”. Marx went on to tell us that only where such great productive powers have been unleashed can one have “a society in which the full and free development of every individual forms the ruling principle.” In other words, only a wealthy economy can afford to give all individuals the opportunity for full personal satisfaction through the use of their special abilities in their jobs and through increased leisure activities. Yet the desirability of further economic growth for a society that is already wealthy has been questioned on grounds that undoubtedly have a good deal of validity. It is pointed out that the sheer increase in quantity of products has imposed an enormous cost on society in the form of pollution, crowding, proliferation of wastes that need disposal, and debilitating psychological and social effects. It is said that industry has transformed the satisfying and creative tasks of the artisan into the mechanical and dehumanizing routine of the assembly line. It has dotted our roadsides with junkyards, filled our air with smoke, and poisoned our food with dangerous chemicals. The question is whether the outpouring of frozen foods, talking dolls, radios, and headache remedies is worth its high cost to society. As one well-known economist put it: The continued pursuit of economic growth by Western Societies is more likely on balance to reduce rather than increase social welfare... Technological innovations may offer to add to men’s material opportunities. But by increasing the risks of their obsolescence it adds also to their anxiety. Swifter means of communications have the paradoxical effect of isolating people; increased mobility has led to more hours commuting; increased automobilization to increased separation; more television to less communication. In consequence, people know less of their neighbors than ever before. Virtually every economist agrees that these concerns are valid, though many question whether economic growth is their major cause. Nevertheless, they all emphasize that pollution of air and water, noise and congestion, and the mechanization of the work process are very real and very serious problems. There is every reason for society to undertake programs that grapple with these problems. 11
问答题Practice 4 The answer is, in a sense, all in our minds. For the last century, our society’s basic drive has been toward more—toward a bigger national economy, toward more stuff for each of us. And it’ s worked. Our economy is enormous; our houses are enormous. We are living large. All that more is created by using cheap energy and hence built on carbon dioxide (CO2)—which makes up 72% of all greenhouse gases. Some pollutants decrease as we get richer. But carbon dioxide consistency tracks economic growth. As Harvard economist Friedman concluded last year, CO2 is “the one major environmental contaminant for which no study has ever found any indication of improvement as living standards rise.” This means that if we’re going to cope with global warming, we may also have to cope with the end of infinite economic expansion. That sounds gloomy, but maybe not. New data suggest that we’ve been overstating the issue for many decades. We made an assumption that more was better. It seemed a reasonable thinking. But in recent years, economists, sociologists and other researchers have begun to question that link. Indeed, they’re finding that at least since the 1950’s, more material prosperity has yielded little increase in humans’ satisfaction.
单选题According to the passage，literature，music and the arts ______.Ado not contribute to economic growth at allBare less useful to the society because they do not make direct contribution to economyCare similar to medical and social services in their way of promoting economic growthDshould develop only when they are good for economic growth
多选题You need to improve the performance of the tempdb database on SQL1.Which two actions should you perform？（）AMove tempdb onto a faster disk volume.BIncrease the initial size of tempdb to 1.5 GBCIncrease the size of the data files in the Tracking database.DDecrease the file growth increment for tempdb to 25 MBEUse more local temporary tables and fewer global temporary tables in the Tracking database.