2014年6月英语六级试题及答案(6)

　　Passage Two

　　Questions 61to 65are based on the following passage.

　　it's possible to admire oprah winfrey and still wish Harvard hadn't awarded her an honorary doctor of law degree and the commencement(毕业典礼)speaker spot at yesterday's graduation.There's no question Oprah's achievements place her in the temple of American success stories. Talent,charm,and an exceptional work ethic have rarely hurled anyone of world's most successful entertainment icons and the first African-American female billionaire.

　　Honorary degrees are often conferred on non-academic leaders in the arts,business,and politics.Harvard's list in recent years has included Kofi fi Annan,Bill Gates,Meryl Streep,and David Souter.But Oprah's list in recent years has included Kofi Annan,Bill Gates,Mery1 Streep,and david souter.But Oprah's particular brand of celebrity is not a good fit for the values of a university whose motto(座右铭),Veritas,means truth.Oprah's passionate advocacy extends,unfortunately,to a hearty embrace of fake science.Most notoriously,Oprah's validation of jenny McCarthy's claim that vaccines cause autism(自闭症)has no doubt contributed to much harm through the foolish avoidance of vaccines.

　　Famous people arc entitled to a few failings, like the rest of us. and the choice of commencement speakers often reflects a balance of insututional pnonties and aspirations. Judging from our conversations with many students. Oprah was a widely popular choice.

　　But this vote of confidence in Oprah sends a troubling message at precisely the time when American univereities need to do more to advance the cause of reason. As former Dean of Harvard College. Harry Lewis, noted in a blog post about his objections. “It seems vcrv odd for Harvard to honor such a high profile popularizer of the irrational…… at a time when political and religious nonsense so jeopardize the rule of reason in this allegedly enlightened democracy and around the world.”

　　As America′s oldest and most visible university. Harvard has a spccial opportunity to convey its respcct for science not only through its research and teaching programs but also in its public affirmation of evidence-based inquiry.

　　Unfortunately，many American universities seem awfully busy protecting their brand name and not nearly busy enough protecting the pursuit of knowledge. A recent article in The Harvard Crimson noted the shocking growth of Harvard′s public relations arm in the last five years and it questioned whether a focus on risk management and avoiding controversywas really the best outward-looking face of this great institution.

　　As American research universities begin to resemble profit centers and entertainment complexes, it’s easy to lose sight of their primary mission; to produce and spread knowledge.This mission depends on traditions of rational discourse and vigorous defense of the scientific method.Oprah Winfrey’s honoray doctorate was a step in the wrong direction.

　　61.what do we learn about Oprah Winfrey from the passage?

　　A)She was a distinguished graduate of H arvard School of LaW.

　　B)She worked her way to success in the entertainment industry.

　　C)She used to abuse her children when she was a young mother.

　　D)She achieved her fame through persistent advocacy of fake science.

　　62.Why does the author deem it inappropriate for Harvard to confer an honorary degree on Oprah winfrey?

　　A) She did not specialize in the study of law.

　　B)She was known as a supporter of fake science.

　　C)She was an icon of the entertainment industry

　　D)She had not distinguished herself academically.

　　63.How did Harry Lewis react to Harvard’s decision in his blong post ?

　　A)He was strongly against it.

　　B)He considered it unpopular.

　　C)He thought it would help enhance Harvard’s reputation.

　　D)He thought it represented the will of the Harvard community.

　　64.What is the author’s regret about many American universities?

　　A)They show inadequate respect for evidence-based inquiry

　　B)They fall short of expectations in teaching and research

　　C)They attach too much importance to public relations

　　D)They are tolerant of political and religious nonsense

　　65.What does the author think a prestigious university like H arvard should focus on?

　　A)Cultivation of student creativity

　　B)Liberation of the human mind

　　C)Liberation of the human mind

　　D)Pursuit of knowledge and truth

　　Part IV Translation (30minutes)