E
The ongoing rise in housing prices in 70 large and mediumsized Chinese cities indicates we are yet to find effective policies for reining in runaway housing prices.
Prices rose by an average of 5.3 percent yearonyear in April，according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Although this rate may not seem overly high，it is part of a strong and continued rises in housing prices over the past months.What is alarming is that in some big cities，such as Beijing，Shenzhen and Nanjing，the monthly growth was as high as 10 percent.
Beijing，with a yearonyear growth rate of 10.7 percent，has been leading the nation since last June with price increases hovering around 10 percent.
The government，prompted by the worried public，has taken a series of measures since the market started warming up four or five years ago.
Admittedly，there are sound reasons for the continued strong price rise.
The soaring demand is a result of the country's scrapping its traditional national housing program，which has driven people to the commercial market，and growing urbanization，which has seen millions of people move to cities.And with a booming economy and few investment options，housing continues to attract investment.
There are obvious signs of speculation in the market.
A large number of investors are believed to be hoarding housing to profit from future price increases.They have distorted market supply and demand to push up prices.
The failure to devise proper policies to control speculation is one of the crucial factors behind the everrising prices.
The government，in the long run，can stabilize the property market through balancing regional development.It can divert demand to other cities around regional centers.
In the short term，the speculative bubbles must be deflated so that supply and demand can reflect reality.
The Shanghai authorities reportedly decided over the weekend to levy a 20 percent tax on the sale of previously owned homes.Although the local tax authorities did not verify the news，it triggered an earthquake in the local market.People are rushing to sell their houses before tax measures are put in place.
Policy makers need to closely monitor the market reaction and study the pros and cons of a tax on the sale of previouslyowned housing as a way to stabilize the redhot market.
52.As for the yearonyear growth rate of housing prices，which city takes the lead?
A.Shanghai. B.Beijing.
C.Shenzhen. D.Nanjing.
解析 由文中第四段可知。
答案 B
53.The underlined word in the passage can be replaced by ________.
A.caused B.struck
C.invented D.discovered
解析 依据上下文可知“triggered”意思为“引发”。
答案 A
54.Which of the following is NOT the reason for housing prices rising?
A.Removing traditional national housing program.
B.Increasing urbanization.
C.Speculation.
D.Having lots of investment options.
解析 由“And with a booming economy and few investment options，housing continues to attract investment.”可知。
答案 D
55.According to the passage，which of the following is TRUE?
A.The runaway housing prices have been controlled.
B.The housing market began warming up a year ago.
C.All people are satisfied with the government's decision of a tax on the sale of previouslyowned housing.
D.The government has taken some measures to solve the soaring housing prices.
解析 由文中第五段可知。
答案 D四、写作 (共两个写作任务，满分35分)
