Questions 31 to 35 are based on the followingpassage.

Amtrak (美国铁路客运公司) was experiencing adownswing in ridership (客运量) along the linescomprising its rail system. Of major concern toAmtrak and its advertising agency DDB Needham, were the long-distance western routes whereridership had been declining significantly.] At onetime, trains were the only practical way to cross the vast areas of the west. Trains were fast, very luxurious, and quite convenient compared to other forms of transportation existing atthe time. However, times change and the automobile became America’s standard ofconvenience. Also, air travel had easily established itself as the fastest method of travelinggreat distances. Therefore, the task for DDB Needham was to encourage consumers toconsider other aspects of train travel in order to change their attitudes and increase thelikelihood that trains would be considered for travel in the west.

Two portions of the total market were targeted: 1) anxious fliers—those concerned withsafety, relaxation, and cleanliness and 2) travel-lovers—those viewing themselves asrelaxed, casual, and interested in the travel experience as part of their vacation. The agencythen developed a campaign that focused on travel experiences such as freedom, escape, relaxation, and enjoyment of the great western outdoors. It stressed experiences gained byusing the trains and portrayed western train trips as wonderful adventures.

Advertisements showed pictures of the beautiful scenery that could be enjoyed along someof the more famous western routes and emphasized the romantic names of some of thesetrains (Empire Builder, etc.). These ads were strategically placed among family-oriented

TV shows and programs involving nature and America in order to most effectively reachtarget audiences. Results were impressive. The Empire Builder, which was focused on in onead, enjoyed a 15 percent increase in profits on its Chicago to Seattle route.

31. What’s the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

A) To show the inability of trains to compete with planes with respect to speed andconvenience.

B) To stress the influence of the automobile on America’s standard of convenience.

C) To emphasize the function of travel agencies in market promotion.

D) To illustrate the important role of persuasive communication in changing consumerattitudes.

32. It can be inferred from the passage that the drop in Amtrak ridership was due to thefact that ________.

A) trains were not suitable for short distance passenger transportation

B) trains were not the fastest and most convenient form of transportation

C) trains were not as fast and convenient as they used to be

D) trains could not compete with planes in terms of luxury and convenience

33. To encourage consumers to travel by train, DDB Needham emphasized ________.

A) the freedom and convenience provided on trains

B) the practical aspects of train travel

C) the adventurous aspects of train trips

D) the safety and cleanliness of train trips

34. The train ads were placed among family-oriented TV programs involving nature andAmerica because ________.

A) they could focus on meaningful travel experiences

B) they could increase the effectiveness of the TV programs

C) their profits could be increased by some 15 percent

D) most travel-lovers and nervous fliers were believed to be among the audiences

35. According to the passage, the Empire Builder enjoyed an increase in ridership andprofits because ________.

A) the attractiveness of its name and route was effectively advertised

B) it provided an exciting travel experience

C) its passengers could enjoy the great western outdoors

D) it was widely advertised in newspapers and magazines in Chicago and Seattle

英语四级阅读参考答案：

31. D 32. B 33.C 34. D 35. A

以上就是文都四六级整理的12月大学英语四级阅读模拟题，希望同学们在考前结合真题与方法重复练习，做完题后要进行认真的分析，只有把题目分析透彻才能对接下来的题目有更好地掌握，最后希望大家能够在最后的复习阶段有更好的突破，最终在考试中取得好成绩!