翻译考试历年中级口译真题(16)_第3页

SECTION 2: STUDY SKILLS (50 minutes)

Directions: In this section, you will read several passages. Each passage is followed by several questions based on  its  content. You  are to choose ONE best  answer, (A.), (B.), (C),or  (D.),to each question. Answer all the questions following each passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage and write the letter of the answer you have chosen in the corresponding space in your ANSWER BOOKLET.

Questions 1～5
     An unexpectedly bitter dispute between the Royal Mail and the union of postal workers has kept Britain's postal service closed for two weeks. 

      Street-comer  mail  boxes  are  sealed  and  international  mail  suspended  until  the  Union  of Communication Workers and post office management settle their differences over special pay for new recruits. 

     The strike began as a spotty, 24-hour work stoppage Aug. 31 but was extended last week to include most  of the  1,500 Royal Mail offices and more than  100,000 union members. It is the first  major  disruption of service since  1981,and has prompted discussion of further privatizing postal deliveries. British Prime Minister has said the Royal Mail is one public service that should remain  in  government  hands.  But  some  businessmen  have  pressed  British  Prime  Minister  to expand the market  for  private courier  services to include carrying large volumes of mail. The pay dispute concerns special bonuses of between ￡15 and ￡35 a week for workers in the London area where the cost of living is high and it is difficult to attract new recruits. The Royal Mail is offering the premiums to help alleviate an acute shortage of workers in London but union leader want the bonuses distributed equally across the country.

      The post  office has asked other  countries to hold all  mail  deliveries for  Britain  until  the strike is settled, because it is  difficult to  guarantee security  for  mail bags piling up  at  air  and seaports.

1. The passage suggests that a strike is happening _______. http://tr.hjenglish.com
   A. within the Union of Communication Workers
   B. within post-office management
   C. within the British government
   D. within the postal service of Great Britain
2. According to the passage, the postal strike_________.
   A. has been the second major strike since 1981
   B. has been settled by the British government
   C. has attracted many new recruits
   D. has already lasted for two weeks
3. Which of the following is NOOT true about the postal strike?
   A. The strike began as a spotty, 24 hour work stoppage Aug.31.
   B. The strike has included all the 1,500 Royal Mail offices.
   C. The strike has made the street-comer mail boxes sealed.
   D. The strike has been joined by more than 100,000 union members.
4. According to the passage, the purpose for the postal strike is________.
   A. to prompt discussion of further privatizing postal deliveries
   B. to expand the market for private courier services
   C. to have special pay for newly hired workers
   D. to offer the premiums to help workers in London.
5. What would be the best title for this passage?
   A. Britain's postal strike
   B. Britain's post-office management
   C. Britain's private courier services 
   D. Britain's Royal Mail offices