Question

Today, when there are many top graduates looking for top jobs, graduates can differentiate(区别) themselves by obtaining a double major or even a double degree. Increasingly, employers are looking for individuals who are not only competent and intelligent, but who have different skill sets and who are knowledgeable in many areas. Part of the appeal to employers is that your extra work demonstrates a willingness to take on difficult tasks. Additionally, if your majors overlap (重叠), you are able to show potential employers that you have both breadth and depth of knowledge.

By studying for a double major, although you will be studying for only one degree, you will be focusing on two related and integrated subjects that complement (补充) each other. Classes overlap between the majors, meaning fewer classes are required than with a double degree, so it is easier to finish within four years.

In contrast, with the more rigorous (严格的) double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study. Although pursuing such a course    of study allows students to complete two wholly separate degrees in less time than if they  were to earn them separately, many strong students still find it incredibly difficult to complete in four or five years.

If you are committed to a double major/degree, it is wise to do a little bit of planning. Some students try to find two courses of studies that are related, while others seek to round out their academic studies by choosing two completely unrelated fields.

    For double majors, common pairings include: (i) economics and a foreign language; (ii) political science or government and journalism; (iii) economics and psychology.

For double degrees, common pairings include: (i) engineering and a business program such as finance or accounting; (ii) engineering and economics.

1.What do employers think of the graduates with different skill sets and knowledge in many areas?

  A. They should be given top jobs.          

  B. They are willing to take difficult tasks.

  C. They are better than those who are competent and intelligent.

  D. They must have attained a double major or even a double degree.       

2.According to the passage, the underlined word “breadth” most probably means_________.

   A. quality        B. amount       C. quantity         D. width

3.To obtain a double major, you _________.

   A. should complete two wholly separate degrees

   B. need to focus on two related and integrated subjects

   C. need to spend more time than obtaining a double degree

   D. have to take courses in two completely different areas of study

4.If you are devoted to a double major or degree, you should _________.

                  A. find two subjects with overlapping classes

   B. learn about what your potential employers want

   C. decide what to learn with your intentions considered 

   D. try to decide on some common pairings as soon as possible

5.Which statement is CORRECT according to the passage?

  A. Economics is a major while engineering is a degree.

   B. Every college student should take a double major or degree.

   C. Earning a double degree is more difficult than obtaining a double major.

D. Some students choose two completely unrelated fields to show their ability in academic study.

Answer

1.B

2.D

3.B

4.C

5.C

【解析】

试题分析：本文主要讲了现在，用人单位更倾向于选择双专业或是双学位的毕业生以及双专业或是双学位的学生的课程设置。

1.Part of the appeal to employers is that your extra work demonstrates a willingness to take on difficult tasks，故选B。

2.根据下文depth of knowledge知识的深度，可知前面为知识的广度，故选D。

3.根据By studying for a double major, although you will be studying for only one degree, you will be focusing on two related and integrated subjects that complement (补充) each other以及In contrast, with the more rigorous (严格的) double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study，故选B。

4.根据If you are committed to a double major/degree, it is wise to do a little bit of planning，故选C。

5.根据In contrast, with the more rigorous (严格的) double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study，故选C。

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