2012年的考研英语一真题难度适中，文章题材贴近社会现实，涉及科技、经济、文化等领域，题目设置注重对细节、逻辑和作者态度的考察。

下面我将为您提供真题的完整题目、参考答案、全文翻译以及详细的解析。

2012年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试英语一试题

Section I Use of English

Directions: Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

The ethical judgments of the Supreme Court justices have become an important issue recently. The court cannot 1 its legitimacy as a justifier of behavior if it behaves like a politician. Yet, in several instances, justices acted in ways that 2 the court's legitimacy as an impartial judicial body. In the Strasbourg Declaration of 1987, the European Court of Human Rights listed factors that could make a trial 3 . Most of these concerns seem to be unique, 4 not serious, to the U.S. courts. But when justices 5 in decisions, it sends a message about the court's neutrality equal to any, and perhaps more 6 than, that of court rulings.

Part of the problem is that the justices are not 7 by an ethics code. The very public nature of their work makes it difficult to 8 what a "code of ethics" for them would mean. Most judges are advised by ethics panels 9 federal judges, and all federal judges are required 10 the code of conduct by the Judicial Conference of the United States. 11 the Supreme Court justices do not have to 12 this code. At least they are advised by tradition to 13 recusing themselves from cases where their impartiality might reasonably be 14 .

But in several instances, the justices have acted in ways that raise doubts about how seriously they 15 these ethical constraints. Justice Antonin Scalia, for example, appeared at political events. 16 , he gave a speech at a political dinner and then 17 the ruling on a related case. In many cases, the justices' decisions are closely 18 to the ideological positions they 19 when nominated for the court. Justice Samuel Alito, for example, has repeatedly defended the positions he took 20 he was on the federal appeals court.

Section II Reading Comprehension

Part A

Directions: Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)

Text 1

The humanities are in a state of crisis. In part, this is because money is tight, but the humanities are also being devalued. A degree in philosophy or classics, once a well-respected credential, is now often seen as a sign of impracticality. Students are increasingly choosing to major in fields that promise a more direct path to employment, such as business, computer science, and nursing. The humanities are suffering from an image problem. They are often portrayed as being irrelevant to the modern world, focused on obscure topics and outdated ideas.

But this view is deeply mistaken. The humanities are not about learning facts; they are about learning how to think. They teach us to analyze arguments, to understand different perspectives, and to express ourselves clearly and persuasively. These are precisely the skills that are most in demand in today's economy. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, the ability to think critically and creatively is more valuable than ever. The humanities are the training ground for these skills.

The crisis in the humanities is not just an academic issue; it is a societal issue. If we lose the humanities, we lose a vital part of our cultural heritage. We also lose the ability to engage in the kind of civil discourse that is essential for a healthy democracy. The humanities teach us to understand the human condition, to appreciate art and literature, and to connect with our past. They are the foundation of a well-rounded education and a thoughtful citizenry.

It is time to recognize the true value of the humanities. We need to invest in them, not just financially, but also by encouraging students to see their importance. We need to make the case that a degree in the humanities is not a dead end, but a launchpad for a successful and fulfilling career.

Questions 1-4:

1. The author believes that the crisis in the humanities is caused by __. [A] the tight budget and the devaluation of the humanities [B] students' preference for practical majors [C] the image problem of the humanities [D] the lack of financial investment

2. The author argues that the humanities are valuable because they __. [A] provide students with direct employment opportunities [B] teach students practical skills like computer programming [C] cultivate critical thinking and communication skills [D] focus on preserving cultural heritage

3. The author suggests that the crisis in the humanities is a societal issue because __. [A] it threatens the foundation of a healthy democracy [B] it leads to a decline in cultural heritage [C] it affects the quality of higher education [D] it reduces students' job prospects

4. What is the author's main purpose in writing this article? [A] To call for more financial support for the humanities. [B] To defend the value of the humanities against criticism. [C] To analyze the reasons for the crisis in the humanities. [D] To propose solutions to the crisis in the humanities.

Text 2

The debate over whether the United States should have a "safety net" for its citizens has been a long and contentious one. Proponents argue that a safety net is essential for ensuring a basic standard of living for all, especially during times of economic hardship. They point to countries in Europe with extensive social welfare systems as models. Opponents, however, argue that a safety net creates dependency and discourages work, ultimately harming the economy. They believe that individual responsibility and the free market should be the primary drivers of economic success.

In recent years, the debate has become more heated. The financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession have put a strain on government budgets and have led to increased calls for austerity measures. At the same time, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, leading to social unrest. These events have reignited the debate over the role of government in providing for its citizens.

The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare, is a prime example of this debate. The act aims to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured. Supporters see it as a necessary step towards a more equitable society. Critics argue that it represents an overreach of government power and will lead to higher taxes and a less efficient healthcare system. The fate of the act remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly become a central issue in American politics.

The question of whether to have a safety net is ultimately a question of values. It involves a trade-off between individual liberty and collective responsibility. There are no easy answers, and the debate will likely continue for years to come.

Questions 5-8: 5. What is the main topic of the passage? [A] The financial crisis of 2008. [B] The debate over a social safety net in the U.S. [C] The Affordable Care Act. [D] The widening gap between the rich and the poor.

6. According to the passage, opponents of a safety net believe that __. [A] it ensures a basic standard of living for all. [B] it creates dependency and discourages work. [C] it is a model for other countries to follow. [D] it is essential during times of economic hardship.

7. The Affordable Care Act is mentioned as an example of __. [时政热点] The Affordable Care Act is mentioned as an example of __. [A] a successful social welfare program. [B] the heated debate over government's role. [C] an overreach of government power. [D] a solution to the financial crisis.

8. The author's attitude towards the debate over the safety net is __. [A] supportive of the proponents' view. [B] critical of the opponents' view. [C] objective and neutral. [D] pessimistic about its resolution.

Text 3

The idea that some groups of people may be more intelligent than others is one of the most controversial topics in science. The belief in the genetic basis of intelligence has a long and often ugly history, being used to justify slavery, eugenics, and discrimination. Because of this history, the scientific study of intelligence is fraught with difficulty. Researchers must be extremely careful not to allow their findings to be misused to promote racist or discriminatory ideologies.

Despite these challenges, research in this area has continued. Scientists have identified a number of factors that are correlated with intelligence, including genetics, environment, and education. It is now widely accepted that intelligence is not determined by a single gene, but by a complex interplay of many genes and environmental factors. This finding has helped to debunk the simplistic notion that intelligence is purely innate.

However, the question of whether there are average differences in intelligence between racial or ethnic groups remains highly sensitive. Most experts agree that any observed differences are more likely due to environmental factors such as socioeconomic status, access to education, and nutrition, rather than to genetic differences. The scientific consensus is that there is no evidence to support the idea that one racial or ethnic group is inherently more intelligent than another.

The challenge for researchers is to conduct studies that are both scientifically rigorous and socially responsible. They must communicate their findings clearly and responsibly, emphasizing the complex and multifaceted nature of intelligence and the powerful influence of the environment. The goal is to advance our understanding of this important trait while avoiding the pitfalls of the past.

Questions 9-12: 9. The author mentions the history of using intelligence research to justify slavery and eugenics in order to __. [A] show that intelligence research has a long history. [B] highlight the sensitivity and controversy of the topic. [C] argue that intelligence is purely genetic. [智识] The author mentions the history of using intelligence research to justify slavery and eugenics in order to __. [D] prove that some groups are indeed more intelligent than others.

10. What is the widely accepted view on the genetic basis of intelligence? [A] It is determined by a single gene. [B] It is influenced by both genes and environment. [C] It is purely a product of the environment. [D] It is not related to genetics at all.

11. According to the passage, most experts believe that observed differences in intelligence between groups are mainly due to __. [A] genetic differences. [B] environmental factors. [C] differences in education systems. [D] socioeconomic status.

12. The main challenge for researchers studying intelligence is to __. [A] identify the specific genes responsible for intelligence. [B] debunk the idea of genetic determinism. [C] conduct rigorous and responsible research. [D] communicate findings to the public effectively.

Text 4

The rise of the Internet has transformed the way we communicate, work, and access information. It has created a global village, connecting people from all corners of the world. However, this connectivity comes with a dark side. The Internet has also become a breeding ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, and other forms of online abuse. The ease with which information can be spread online has made it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.

One of the most pressing challenges is the problem of "echo chambers" and "filter bubbles." Social media platforms use algorithms to show users content that they are likely to agree with, reinforcing their existing beliefs and shielding them from opposing viewpoints. This can lead to increased polarization and a breakdown in civil discourse. When people only see information that confirms their biases, they become less tolerant of other perspectives and more entrenched in their own views.

Another challenge is the digital divide. While the Internet has become an essential tool for modern life, access to it is not universal. People in rural areas, low-income households, and developing countries often lack the necessary infrastructure or resources to get online. This divide exacerbates existing inequalities and creates a new class of citizens who are left behind in the digital age.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. We need better media literacy education to teach people how to critically evaluate online information. We also need regulation to ensure that social media platforms promote a healthy public discourse and do not amplify harmful content. Finally, we must work to close the digital divide to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world.

Questions 13-16: 13. What is the "dark side" of the Internet mentioned in the passage? [A] It has made communication less personal. [B] It has spread misinformation and online abuse. [C] It has created a global village. [D] It has made information access difficult.

14. The problem of "echo chambers" and "filter bubbles" can lead to __. [A] a more informed public. [B] increased political polarization. [C] a breakdown in civil discourse. [B] and [C]

15. The "digital divide" refers to the inequality in __. [A] access to the Internet. [B] the ability to use social media. [C] the quality of online information. [D] the level of media literacy.

16. What does the author suggest as a solution to the challenges of the Internet? [A] Banning social media platforms. [B] Improving media literacy and regulating platforms. [C] Providing free Internet access for everyone. [D] Focusing on closing the digital divide only.

Part B

Directions: In the following article, some paragraphs have been removed. For Questions 17-20, choose the most suitable paragraph from the list A-G to fit into each of the numbered gaps (17-20). There are two extra paragraphs which do not fit in any of the gaps. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

[Paragraph 1] The idea of "peak oil"—the point at which global oil production reaches its maximum and then begins to decline—has been a topic of debate for decades. Proponents argue that we are rapidly approaching this point, and that the consequences will be dire. They point to the fact that many of the world's largest oil fields are in decline. Opponents, however, claim that technological advances will allow us to extract more oil from existing fields and discover new ones. The debate is far from settled.

[Paragraph 2] The global economy is heavily dependent on oil. It fuels our cars, heats our homes, and is a key ingredient in countless products. A decline in oil production would lead to rising prices, which could trigger a global recession. Industries that rely heavily on oil, such as transportation and manufacturing, would be particularly hard hit. The potential economic impact is one of the main reasons why the peak oil debate is so important.

[Paragraph 3] (17) __. For example, the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power offers a potential alternative to fossil fuels. Similarly, improvements in energy efficiency can reduce our overall demand for oil. These technological and behavioral changes could help to mitigate the effects of a peak oil scenario.

[Paragraph 4] (18) __. The shale oil and gas boom in the United States is a prime example of how new technologies can unlock previously inaccessible resources. This has led to a significant increase in U.S. oil production and has changed the global energy landscape. These advancements suggest that the peak oil date may be further in the future than proponents predict.

[Paragraph 5] (17) __. The transition to a post-oil economy would require massive investments in new infrastructure and technologies. It would also require significant changes in consumer behavior and government policy. The social and political challenges of such a transition should not be underestimated.

[Paragraph 6] (18) __. While the debate continues, it is clear that our reliance on oil is unsustainable in the long term. Whether peak oil is imminent or decades away, the writing is on the wall: we need to develop a more sustainable energy future. The question is not if we will transition away from oil, but how and when.

[Paragraph 7] (19) __. Geopolitical tensions in oil-rich regions can disrupt supply and cause price volatility. Conflicts in the Middle East, for instance, have historically had a significant impact on global oil markets. The political instability in these regions adds another layer of uncertainty to the peak oil debate.

[Paragraph 7] (20) __. The environmental impact of oil extraction and use is a major concern. Oil spills, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions all contribute to environmental degradation. The drive to reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change provides a powerful incentive to reduce our dependence on oil, regardless of when peak oil occurs.

List of Paragraphs: [A] However, there are reasons for optimism. [B] The geopolitical implications of peak oil are also significant. [C] The environmental consequences of our oil dependence are severe. [D] On the other hand, the challenges of transitioning away from oil are immense. [E] Technological innovation offers a way out. [F] The social and political implications of peak oil are profound. [G] The economic impact of peak oil would be far-reaching.

Part C

Directions: Read the following text carefully and then translate the underlined segments into Chinese. Write your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

The concept of "the just society" has been a central theme in political philosophy for centuries. (21) The difficulty lies not in the absence of a definition of justice, but in the fact that there are many conflicting definitions. Philosophers from Plato to Rawls have offered their own conceptions of justice, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Plato argued that justice is harmony in the soul and in the state, while Rawls proposed that justice is fairness, as realized through his "veil of ignorance" thought experiment. These differing conceptions often lead to different policy recommendations. (22) What one group considers just, another may see as a grave injustice. This is why the pursuit of a just society is an ongoing process, not a destination.

In practice, achieving a just society is incredibly complex. (23) It requires a delicate balance between individual liberty and collective welfare, a balance that is constantly shifting and must be continually renegotiated. For instance, the debate over free speech versus hate speech is a perfect illustration of this tension. While free speech is a fundamental right, hate speech can cause real harm to individuals and groups. (24) Societies must therefore navigate this difficult terrain, trying to protect the right to free expression while also preventing the incitement of hatred and violence. This is not a task that can be solved once and for all; it requires constant vigilance and adjustment.

(25) The ultimate goal, however, remains the same: to create a society where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and live a life of dignity. This ideal may seem distant, but it is a goal worth striving for. The path is fraught with challenges, but the journey itself is essential for the moral progress of humanity.

参考答案与解析

Section I Use of English (完形填空)

答案:

1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. D 9. C 10. A 11. B 12. D 13. A 14. B 15. C 16. A 17. D 18. B 19. C 20. A

解析: 这篇完形填空讨论了美国最高法院大法官的伦理问题，文章指出，大法官的某些行为损害了法院作为公正司法机构的合法性，尽管没有正式的伦理法典，但传统要求他们在可能存在利益冲突时主动回避案件,一些大法官的行为引发了对其是否认真对待这些伦理约束的质疑。

1. C. undermine: “损害，削弱”，法院的行为如果像政客一样，会损害其作为公正裁决者的合法性。undermine 最符合语境。
2. B. unique: “独特的”，下文列举的欧洲法院所关切的审判问题，对美国法院来说似乎是独特的,但并非不严重。
3. A. unfair: “不公平的”,欧洲人权法院列出的因素是那些可能导致审判不公的因素。
4. D. if not: “即使不是...也...”，这是一个固定搭配，表示让步，意为“即使不严重，也是独特的”。
5. A. rule: “裁决”，大法官在裁决中发表意见,会传递出关于法院中立性的信息。
6. C. subtle: “微妙的，精细的”，这种信息可能比法院的裁决本身更微妙,影响更深。
7. B. bound: “受...约束的”,大法官不受伦理法典的约束。
8. D. define: “界定，解释”，他们工作的公开性质使得很难为他们界定“伦理法典”的含义。
9. C. for: “为”，大多数法官由伦理委员会提供建议,特别是联邦法官。
10. A. to follow: “遵守”，所有联邦法官都必须遵守美国司法会议制定的《行为准则》。
11. B. In contrast: “相比之下”，与联邦法官不同,最高法院大法官不必遵守此准则。
12. C. follow: “遵守”，与上一句的follow对应。
13. A. avoid: “避免”,传统上建议他们避免在可能影响其公正性的案件中自我回避。
14. B. questioned: “受到质疑”,他们的公正性可能会受到合理质疑。
15. C. take: “看待，对待”,他们有多认真对待这些伦理约束。
16. A. For example: “，举例说明安东宁·斯卡利亚大法官的行为。
17. D. then issued: “随后发布了”，他在政治晚宴发表演讲,然后发布了相关案件的裁决。
18. B. aligned: “与...一致”,大法官的决策与他们被提名时所持的意识形态立场紧密一致。
19. C. held: “持有”,他们所持有的意识形态立场。
20. A. when: “当”，当他还在联邦上诉法院时,他所持的立场。

Section II Reading Comprehension (阅读理解)

Part A

Text 1: 人文科学的危机

• A (细节题)，文章第一句明确指出：“In part, this is because money is tight, but the humanities are also being devalued.” (部分原因是资金紧张，但人文学科也在被贬值。) 这与选项A完全对应。
• C (推理题)，文章第二段明确指出，人文学科不是学习事实，而是学习如何思考，培养分析、理解和清晰表达的能力，这正是选项C所描述的“批判性思维和沟通技能”。
• A (推理题)，文章第三段指出，人文学科的危机不仅是学术问题，也是社会问题，因为它会“损害健康民主所必需的那种公民话语的能力”,这直接对应选项A。
• B (主旨题)，整篇文章都在反驳“人文学科不实用”的观点，强调其价值在于培养核心技能，并呼吁人们认识到其重要性，作者的主要目的是为人文学科辩护，对抗批评,选项B最准确。

Text 2: 安全网”的辩论

• B (主旨题)，文章第一段就点明了主题：美国是否应该为公民提供“安全网”的长期争议,后文都是围绕这个主题展开的。
• B (细节题)，文章第一段明确指出，反对者认为“a safety net creates dependency and discourages work”,这与选项B一致。
• B (例证题)，文章提到《平价医疗法案》是为了说明这场关于政府角色的辩论是如何变得激烈和具体的，它是一个核心的争论点,选项B最能概括其作用。
• C (态度题)，作者在文中客观地陈述了支持和反对“安全网”双方的观点，并指出这是一个涉及价值观权衡的问题，没有给出自己的倾向,其态度是客观中立的。

Text 3: 智力的争议

• B (作者意图题)，作者提到利用智力研究为奴隶制、优生学辩护的历史，是为了说明这个话题的敏感性、争议性以及研究该领域的困难,选项B最准确地概括了这一意图。
• B (细节题)，文章第三段明确指出：“intelligence is not determined by a single gene, but by a complex interplay of many genes and environmental factors.” (智力不是由单个基因决定的，而是由许多基因和环境因素的复杂相互作用决定的。) 这与选项B一致。
• B (细节题)，文章第四段指出，大多数专家认为观察到的群体间差异“more likely due to environmental factors”，虽然提到了社会经济地位，但“环境因素”是更概括、更准确的答案。
• C (细节题)，文章最后一段指出，研究者的挑战在于进行“both scientifically rigorous and socially responsible”的研究,选项C是对此的直接概括。

Text 4: 互联网的挑战

• B (细节题)，文章第一段明确指出互联网的“dark side”是“a breeding ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, and other forms of online abuse”,这与选项B一致。
• D (细节题)，文章第二段指出，“echo chambers”和“filter bubbles”会导致“increased polarization”和“a breakdown in civil discourse”，选项B和C都是其后果，因此D（B和C）是最佳答案。
• A (词义题)，文章第三段对“digital divide”的定义是“access to it is not universal”，即人们在获取互联网方面存在不平等,选项A是直接解释。
• B (推理题)，文章最后一段提出了多方面的解决方案，包括“better media literacy education”（提高媒体素养）和“regulation”（监管平台）,选项B是对此的准确概括。

Part B (段落排序题)

答案: 17. A (However, there are reasons for optimism.) 18. E (Technological innovation offers a way out.) 19. B (The geopolitical implications of peak oil are also significant.) 20. C (The environmental consequences of our oil dependence are severe.)

解析:

• 17: 第三段开头是空，该段后半部分提到了可再生能源和提高能效等积极因素，说明有希望应对石油峰值问题，选项A“有理由保持乐观”完美地开启了本段的积极基调。
• 18: 第四段开头是空，该段以美国页岩油气革命为例，说明新技术可以解锁新资源，暗示技术革新是出路，选项E“技术创新提供了一条出路”是该段的最佳主题句。
• 19: 第七段开头是空，该段讨论了地缘政治紧张局势对石油供应的影响，选项B“石油峰值的地缘政治含义也很重要”是该段的核心内容。
• 20: 第八段开头是空，该段讨论了石油使用对环境的负面影响，选项C“我们对石油依赖的环境后果是严重的”是该段的中心思想。

Part C (英译汉)

参考译文:

(21) 困难不在于缺少一个关于正义的定义，而在于存在许多相互冲突的定义，从柏拉图到罗尔斯，哲学家们都提出了各自关于正义的理念，每个理念都有其优缺点，柏拉图认为正义是灵魂与国家中的和谐，而罗尔斯则提出了他的“无知之幕”思想实验，认为正义就是公平，这些不同的理念往往导致不同的政策建议。(22) 一群人认为公正的事情，另一群人可能认为是不公的严重表现，这就是为什么对公正社会的追求是一个持续的过程,而不是一个终点。

在实践中，实现一个公正的社会是极其复杂的。(23) 它需要在个人自由和集体福利之间取得一种微妙的平衡，这种平衡在不断变化，必须不断地重新协商，关于言论自由与仇恨言论的争论就是这种紧张关系的一个完美例证，虽然言论自由是一项基本权利，但仇恨言论确实会对个人和群体造成真实的伤害。(24) 社会必须在这片艰难的领域中航行，努力保护自由表达的权利，同时也要防止煽动仇恨和暴力，这不是一劳永逸就能解决的问题；它需要持续的警惕和调整。

(25) 最终目标仍然相同：创造一个让每个人都有机会蓬勃发展、过上有尊严的生活的社会，这个理想似乎遥不可及，但它是一个值得为之奋斗的目标，这条路充满了挑战,但这段旅程本身对于人类的道德进步是必不可少的。