二、模拟试题
Part B
Directions:
In the following article, some sentences have been removed. For Questions 1~5, choose the most suitable one from the list A~G to fit into each of the numbered blank. There are two extra choices, which do not fit in any of the gaps. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points)
Throughout history and through a crosssection of cultures, women have transformed their appearance to conform to a beauty ideal. American and European women in the 1800s cinched in their waists so tightly, some suffered internal damage. The North American ideal of beauty has continually focused on womens bodies: the tiny waist of the Victorian period, and the voluptuous curves that were the measure of beauty between the 1930s and 1950s. 1)_______.
However, this relentless pursuit of thinness is not just an example of women trying to look their best, it is also a struggle for control, acceptance and success.
2)_______.
One of the negative psychological side effects associated with eating disorders is the patients distortion of their own body image, body image being defined as the picture a person has in his mind of his own body, that is, the way his body appears to him. Many women who are caught up in the relentless pursuit of thinness also experience some degree of disturbed body image. 3)_______.
4)_______. Women with perfectly normal bodies see themselves as being heavy; so that the definition of “normal” becomes inaccurate and this perceived normalcy is represented by a very small percentage of women. It follows that if body image is so closely linked to selfimage, it is important for women to learn to feel comfortable with the body they live in, despite any “imperfections”.
5)_______. Advertising is a major vehicle for presenting images and forming attitudes. The majority of ads incorporate young, beautiful, slender models to present their products and services. While individual ads may not be seen as a big issue, it is the cumulative, unconscious impact that has an effect on attitudes toward women, and in womens attitudes toward themselves. As women are consistently exposed to these feminine forms through both print and television, it becomes difficult to distinguish what is normal, and even more difficult not to compare themselves to this form.
[A]The experiences and practices of women who “simply diet” are not radically different from those who are diagnosed with eating disorders. For some women, achieving the “perfect” body form becomes the most important goal in life.
[B]Current standards emphasize a toned, slender look, one that exudes fitness, youth, and health. According to psychologist Eva Szekely, “Having to be attractive at this time … means unequivocally having to be thin. In North America today, thinness is a precondition for being perceived by others and oneself as healthy”.
[C]The images that are presented in advertising are designed to create an illusion, a fantasy ideal that will keep women continually consuming. Advertisers are well aware of the insecurities that most women feel about their own bodies.
[D]So why is it that during this process of development so many women become dissatisfied, selfcritical, and judgemental about their own bodies? One of the reasons may have to do with the media and various forms of advertising. Ads sell more than just products; they present an idea of normalcy, who we are and who we should be.
[E] While women continue to struggle for equality on an economic scale and within their relationships, they still maintain control over their own bodies. It is important that women begin to accept themselves for who they are, regardless of their body type, and to feel comfortable with the body they live in.
[F] In attempting to mould their appearance to meet the current ideal, numerous women are literally starving themselves to death. The incidence of eating disorders has doubled during the last two decades. This increase is no longer limited to women in their teens and twenties, but is increasingly diagnosed in patients in their thirties and forties.
[G] Feelings about body are closely related to a womans sense of self; the body is perceived as acceptable or unacceptable, providing a foundation for selfconcept. It is alarming, then, that almost 80% of women think theyre overweight. Body image has very little to do with the way a person actually looks; many women who appear to fit the ideal body type are actually dissatisfied with their appearance.
三、模拟试题题解与译文
【题解】
1.[B]
上下文内容的衔接:上文简述了欧美人对美丽形象认识的历史发展过程,选择项[B]提到目前的美丽标准是什么,在时间上承接上文内容。
与上文的语词衔接:current standards—between the 1930s and 1950s破折号前为出现于选择项中的词语,破折号后为出现于文章中的词语。以下同。, emphasize—focused on, slender—tiny waist/curves
与下文的语词衔接:thinness—thinness, having to be attractive—trying to look their best
2.[F]
上下文内容的衔接:选择项[F]中第一句谈妇女如何极力想满足目前理想的美丽标准,承接上一小段提到的内容。选择项[F]总体谈瘦身带来的负面影响(饮食失调)。下一段第一句接着谈对身体的负面影响(饮食失调)同女人对自己身体的看法的关系。
与上文的语词衔接:attempting—trying, the current ideal—pursuit of thinness
与下文的语词衔接:eating disorders—eating disorders, patients—patient
3.[A]
上下文内容的衔接:上文谈到这些追求瘦身的女人有何经历,选择项[A]承接上文继续谈这些经历如何如何。
与上文的语词衔接:experiences—experience, diet—eating, eating disorders—eating disorders
4.[G]
上下文内容的衔接:本段谈女人对身体的感受与她们对自己身体的看法的关系,选择项[G]也是如此。尤其是在选择项中最后一句,作者提到“许多看上去符合理想身材的女人实际上对自己的外表不满意”。而下文也提到“身材完全正常的女人认为自己太重”等,说明身材正常的人如何仍然不满意自己的外表。
与下文的语词衔接:feelings about body—body image, selfconcept—selfimage, the ideal body type—perfectly normal bodies, appearance—see themselves as being heavy, are dissatisfied with—feel comfortable with