(710 points) Brand New College English Test Band 4 Multiple-Function Reading (New Type Edition, 2nd Version)

Author: Ma Degao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The five essential elements of foreign language learning—listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation—all rely on vocabulary. However, a pile of bricks does not make a building, and mere vocabulary alone cannot support the grand structure of English. There must be a bridge between having a vocabulary foundation and mastering the structure of the language. The purpose of College English Multifunctional Reading is to build this bridge for English learners, making its greatest feature vocabulary repetition, contextual memory, and reading advancement. Given that this book is also designed for the CET-4 exam, after integrating vocabulary into reading and memorizing words in context, it includes simulated reading tests that match the difficulty of the CET-4 exam. By purchasing this book, learners can simultaneously familiarize themselves with vocabulary, reading, and exam-related content, making it a worthwhile investment.
The Multifunctional Reading series advocates a natural learning approach that aligns with the principles of lexical and psychological memory. We have invested significant effort in selecting and adapting articles to ensure they are up-to-date, in line with CET-4 difficulty, and cover most of the CET-4 vocabulary. This aims to provide intuitive difficulty standards for the CET-4 simulated reading tests, truly reflecting the concept of progressive reading and steady improvement, thereby maximizing the book’s alignment with our editorial direction—a direction chosen as the best after combining scientific research, editorial experience, and reader feedback.
A careful reader may notice similarities between this book and last year’s market sensation, Sparkling English Comprehension. Indeed, the Multifunctional Reading series and the Comprehension English series share the same core philosophy, but the Comprehension English series focuses more on the tight integration of Sparkling memory techniques and reading articles, with longer and more challenging texts. In contrast, the Multifunctional Reading series emphasizes the repeated exposure of syllabus vocabulary in both authentic English texts and CET-4 reading contexts. The authentic English text section features lively and engaging articles, while the CET-4 reading section includes simulated tests that match the exam’s difficulty, making it more suitable for CET-4 preparation.
Additionally, the detailed analysis of each question and the insightful tips on reading skills further highlight the Multifunctional Reading series’ unique features, setting it apart from the Comprehension English series while complementing it. It is worth noting that due to its shorter articles and larger number of texts, the Multifunctional Reading series has a higher coverage rate of syllabus vocabulary compared to the Comprehension English series (82% for CET-4 and 90% for CET-6), reaching 95% for CET-4 and 90% for CET-6.
Connecting vocabulary, achieving reading proficiency, and passing the exam are concerns for every English learner, especially those preparing for the CET-4. This is precisely the direction the book strives to fulfill. We hope this book can truly meet the learning and exam needs of, helping them overcome the challenges of the exam.