2016年公共英语四级阅读题型练习辅导（一）
Reading Comprehension
Read the following two texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D.
“Laws” of Language
We are now in a position to set down some of the “laws” of language—statements that are valid not merely for one language, as are grammatical rules, but which are applicable to all languages.
1.
Language is primarily a social phenomenon.
Although the aspects of language relating to the physical sciences and humanities are important, the functions and uses of language are most important to society and to the individual in his contacts with other human beings.
2.
Language is all pervasive.
Language accompanies every human activity and is the indispensable means by which that activity is coordinated and made successful.
3.
Language is primarily an oral means of communication.
Notwithstanding the importance of the written language—particularly in modern civilization—and of symbolic and gestural systems of meaning transfer, the primary of language is speech.
4.
Language is normally a reflex action.
once it is painfully acquired by processes that can be imitative, intellective, or a combination of both, spoken language becomes as much of a reflex, action as driving a car.
5.
Language is geographically localized.
However great or small the differences may be, language varies from area to area. The geographical differences can be recorded, and when enough of them accumulate, we speak of separate dialects or languages.
6.
Language is socially stratified.
Class differences are bound to arise in language. They may be based on educational, economic, social, or occupational factors and may have considerable range. The divergences appear most in vocabulary, to a far lesser degree in grammar, least of all in sounds.
7.
Language is subject to change.
This principle applies at all times and in all places, though to varying degrees. The only language that remains completely insert is a wholly dead and forgotten language. Change appears in all segments of a language—in its scheme of meanings.
1.The most important application of language lies in its usefulness____.
A. to the physical sciences and humanities.
B. in helping the individual adjust to society.
C. in society and in the interaction among human beings.
D. none of these.
2. The primary form of language is ____.
A. writing
B. gestures
C. ideographs
D. speech
3. According to the article, changes occur in a language in ____.
A. all phases of writing
B. some phases of speech
C. the meanings of words
D. all its phases
4.As evidence that language geographically localized the author cites ____.
A. variations in pronunciations
B. variations in grammar
C. the appearance of separate dialects
D. both A&B
5. Social differences in language are most apparent in ____.
A. grammar
B. sounds
C. writing
D. vocabulary
参考答案：
1.C
文章讲述的第一个规律告诉我们： 语言的运用对于社会以及人们的人际交往是最重要的。
2.D
文章中讲述第三个规律的自然段中有这样一句话: the primary form of language is speech. 根据这句话，可以很容易地找出正确的答案。
3.D
在文章的最后一段中， 作者告诉我们：Change appears in all segments of a language. 即语言的所有部分都会发生变化。也就是说上：不是A，B，C，选项中所说的语言的变化只发生在书面措辞中，口头措辞中或词语的意思上，而是发生在所有的措辞中。
4.C
在讲第五个规律中，作者告诉我们：语言的地域性差异会被记录下来，当这种差异积累到一定的程度时，方言就诞生了。所以，作者引用了方言的出现来说明语言的地域化。
5.D
在第六个规律的自然段中有这样一句话：The divergences appear most in vocabulary, to a far lesser degree in grammar, least of all in sounds. 从这句话中，我们可以得出这样的结论：社会阶层的差别最大程度地体现在词汇中，而语法和发音等其他因素的程度较低。
