2009年12月英語四級(jí)考試預(yù)測試題及答案(3)

　　Coal has not been used very extensively as an energy source recently. However, it (36)__________ will become a very important source of energy in the future because of dwindling (37)___________ of natural gas and oil. Although coal (38)______________to be black, it actually has black, yellow, orange, and red bands of color when it is examined under a powerful microscope。

　　Coal probably was formed about 300 million years ago by (39)______________trees and other plant life growing in (40)_____________. These trees and plants died and then fell into the water. They contained the elements oxygen, hydrogen, and (41)____________ . As the earth changed its (42)__________, the weight of the ground (43)____________ down on the trees and plants. Thus seams of coal were formed。

　　(44)_________________________. Strip mining is quicker and safer than underground mining, but it can leave the surface of the earth bare and ugly. (45)_____________________. While both underground and strip mines still can be hazardous, there no longer are as many accidents in coal mining as there once were. (46)_____________________. Many of today’s coal miners are earning good wages in an occupation which is quite safe and very important。

　　Part Ⅳ Reading Comprehension (Reading in Depth) (25 minutes)

　　Section A

　　Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once。

　　Questions 47 to 56 are based on the following passage。

　　Wise buying is a positive way in which you can make your money go further. The way you go about purchasing an article or a service can actually 47 you money or can add to the cost. Take the 48 example of a hairdryer. If you are buying a hairdryer, you might think that you are making the 49 buy if you choose one whose look you like and which is also the cheapest 50 price. But when you get it home you may find that it takes twice as long as a more expensive 51 to dry your hair.The cost of the electricity plus the cost of your time could well make your hairdryer the most expensive one of all。