Question

When introducing American universities, some of the first institutions to mention are the Ivy League schools. Originally, the Ivy League was an athletic conference made up of 8 private institutes of higher learning in northeastern United States. However, as time went on, these schools also became known for their excellence in academics besides athletics. Until now, these 8 schools have been recognized as some of the best colleges and universities in the United States.

Harvard University is a private institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The university includes a number of graduate and professional schools, as well as a college for undergraduates. In 2012, Harvard ranked number one in US News’ ranking of national universities again. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institute of higher education in the United States. It can be said that first there was Harvard, then the United States of America. Also, Harvard’s library contains the oldest collection of books in the United States as well as the largest private collection in the world. Harvard has also been described by Forbes Magazine as one of the “billionaire universities” as of their recent list of 469 billionaires, 50 received a degree from Harvard.

Harvard College (the institute for undergraduate students) is one of the most famous schools in the United States. It offers over 40 undergraduate fields of study, including astrophysics, mathematics, neurobiology(神经生物学), etc. And the financial aid program there is amazing. Even though the tuition is about 37,576, and there are other expenses throughout the year, about 70% of undergraduate students received financial aid. Out of those students, over 90% of them had their full need met. And the policies for international students are the same for U.S. citizens.

Harvard College is very selective, as it only admits about 6% of their applicants. For admission into Harvard College, it is required that students take the SAT or the ACT, as well as 2 SAT Subject Tests. Harvard will also look at other factors during admission such as your application essay, high school transcript, recommendations, and most importantly, your character and personal qualities.

1. What are the Ivy League schools famous for?

A. Athletics and location.         B. Academics and history.

C. Financial aid and training.     D. Athletics and academics.

2.Harvard University includes         .

A. only one college

B. a number of colleges for undergraduates

C. a kindergarten, a middle school and a college

D. many graduate and professional schools and a college for undergraduates

3.Why is Harvard called one of the “billionaire universities”?

A. Because people can get a lot of money from Harvard.

B. Because there are 50 billionaires in Harvard.

C. Because nearly one ninth of the billionaires once studied in Harvard.

D. Because 469 billionaires sponsor Harvard.

4.What can we learn from the passage?

A. 90% students in Harvard have their full need met.

B. About 70% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

C. Harvard College is the institute for graduate students.

D. The policies for international students are different for U.S. Citizens.

Answer

1.D

2.D

3.C

4.B

【解析】本文是一篇说明文，介绍了美国常春藤联盟高校中的哈佛大学，包括哈佛的排名和教学资源。并且还说明了申请哈佛的一些必要条件。

1. However, as time went on, these schools also became known for their excellence in academics besides athletics.然而，随着时间的流逝，这些学校门也开始因热门出色的学术学院和田径竞技而闻名。故选D

2. university includes a number of graduate and professional schools, as well as a college for undergraduates. 哈佛有许多学士和硕士，也是一所本科院校。故选D

3. has also been described by Forbes Magazine as one of the “billionaire universities” as of their recent list of 469 billionaires, 50 received a degree from Harvard.哈佛也被福布斯杂志描述为“亿万富翁的大学”，根据福布斯最近的469个亿万富翁富豪榜中，有50个人有哈佛的学位故选C。

4. though the tuition is about 37,576, and there are other expenses throughout the year, about 70% of undergraduate students received financial aid. 即使学费是37576美元，并且全年还有一些其他费用，大约百分之70的大学生受到过财政援助。故选B

考点：考察说明文阅读。