2003年10月英语(一)试题
分类: 自考英语
PART ONE
Ⅰ.Vocabulary and Structure (10 points, 1 point for each item)
从下列各句四个选项中选出一个最佳答案,并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
1.The body needs fat to keep it ___________ the cold during the long winter months.
[A] between [B] from [C] for [D] out
2.There are several ways ___________ we can cross the river without the help of local villagers.
[A] in which [B] across which [C] to which [D] on which
3.You must hurry, ___________ you’ll be late for class.
[A] but [B] so [C] or [D] either
4.The smog may be so thick that airports are closed and chains of ________ occur on the highways.
[A] conflicts [B] contracts [C] contrasts [D] collisions
5.They finally ________ all hope of finding the missing dog which they liked so much.
[A] gave up [B] gave in [C] gave off [D] gave out
6.People who drink a lot ________ those who use drugs are likely to suffer from panic attacks.
[A] less than [B] as well [C] other than [D] as well as
7. ________, he is honest and popular with his neighbors.
[A] As he is poor [B] Poor as he is
[C] As poor he is [D] As is he poor
8.I wasn't at the meeting yesterday to hear ________ other people thought about this problem.
[A] which [B] who [C] what [D] that
9.Had he not taken your advice, ________.
[A] he would make a bad mistake
[B] would he have made a bad mistake
[C] he would have made a bad mistake
[D] he had made a bad mistake
10.Some people are ________ to use proverbs in their everyday conversation because they see them as vehicles of too much used wisdom.
[A] responsible [B] reluctant [C] relevant [D] remarkable
Ⅱ.Cloze Test (10 points, 1 point for each item)
下列短文中有十个空白，每个空白有四个选项。根据上下文要求选出最佳答案，并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
Lightening and thunder seem very different from fog, clouds, rain, wind, heat, and other things which make up the weather.____11____ without knowing about the rest of the ____12____,one cannot understand lightening and thunder. Long ago, ____13____ scientists had begun to study the weather, everyone was afraid of lightening and thunder. ____14____ the ancient Greeks and Romans, thunder was the angry voice of ____15____ great god Zeus, or Jupiter.
Today we know more about weather and ____16____ lightening and thunder too, though there ____17____ still much to be learned. People today are not often afraid of thunderstorms, though we know that lightening ____18____ dangerous. ____19____ we understand lightening and thunder, there is a thrill (激动) in watching a summer thunderstorm which clears the air and leaves us ____20____.
11.[A] So [B] If [C] For [D] Yet
12.[A] weather [B] whether [C] wonder [D]wander
13.[A] before [B] after [C] since [D] when
14.[A] For [B] To [C] As [D] About
15.[A] its [B] his [C] their [D] one's
16.[A] in [B] about [C] on [D] of
17.[A] are [B] was [C] is [D] were
18.[A] can be [B] must be [C] need be [D] should be
19.[A] While [B] Although [C] So [D] Because
20.[A] to relax [B] relaxing [C] relax [D] relaxed
Ⅲ.Reading Comprehension (30 points, 2 points for each item)
阅读下列短文，并从下列每篇短文的问题后所给的四个选项中选出一个最佳答案，并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
Passage One
Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage.
For many years ,T-shirts were simple short-sleeved undershirts for men and boys. T-shirts used to be of one color－white. And since they were worn under shirts, they were generally not seen.
Today the T-shirt has become fashionable. It can be seen everywhere and on everyone. Women and little children wear T-shirts as do teenagers, university students, and men from all walks of life (各行各业).T-shirts are worn on playground, at the beach or in town. They can also be worn for work. Yet T-shirts remain relatively inexpensive and long wearing, as well as easy to care for. Smart but comfortable and convenient to wear, they have become one of American's newest ideas on fashion.
Although T-shirts are now available in a wide variety of bright materials and styles, the most popular kind is the traditional cotton T-shirts with a slogan or picture printed on the front. A T-shirt may bear a picture, a single word, a popular phrase, or an advertisement. As T-shirts are becoming more and more popular, new designs are coming up all the time.
21.Which of the following statements is true about T-shirts in the past?
[A] There were lots of multi-colored T-shirts.
[B] There were many kinds of T-shirts.
[C] They were worn by people from all walks of life.
[D] They were usually worn inside.
22.We can learn from the second paragraph that __________.
[A] T-shirts are worn by little children rather than by teenagers
[B] T-shirts are considered relatively expensive now
[C] T-shirts are considered fashionable in America
[D] T-shirts are worn on playground because they are comfortable
23.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
[A] T-shirts are cheap but uncomfortable.
[B] T-shirts are popular but difficult to care for.
[C] T-shirts are convenient and formal.
[D] T-shirts are smart and long wearing.
24.What is the most popular kind of T-shirts?
[A] The silk T-shirt in white color.
[B] The cotton T-shirt with a slogan or picture.
[C] The wool T-shirt worn at the beach.
[D] The nylon T-shirt worn for work.
25.What is being done to make T-shirts more attractive?
[A] A variety of new styles are being designed.
[B] The price is being lowered again and again.
[C] Advertisements are being widely used.
[D] The traditionally used material is being replaced.
Passage Two
Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.
False teeth have been found in Italy in human heads that are over 2,500 years old. They were made of bone and set in gold. However, for hundreds of years afterwards, the apparent dental skill of those early people was lost. Without false teeth people looked old before their time, since so many lost their teeth at an early age.
Toward the end of the 17th century, rich people could buy false teeth made from ivory. The teeth were tied together with silk thread, but it was difficult to keep them in the mouth. That was why rich people would rather buy teeth from the poor who would often sell their teeth to buy food and clothing.
Early in the 18th century a French doctor used steel springs to hold teeth in place. However, it was difficult to close one’s mouth! Late in the same century porcelain (瓷)teeth set in gold were often used to make false teeth.
Although the use of artificial teeth increased, human teeth continued to be used also. In the 19th century, teeth from soldiers killed in battle were made into artificial teeth. For example, teeth from the dead in the American Civil War were sent to England.
By the middle of the 19th century, an American doctor, Claudius Ash, invented a better kind of porcelain tooth made of a special kind of hard rubber.
26.When did people with the earliest false teeth live according to the passage?
[A] At the end of the 17th century.
[B] In the early 18th century.
[C] In the middle of the 19th century.
[D] Over 2,500 years ago.
27.Which material would wealthy people use to make artificial teeth in 1693?
[A] Porcelain. [B] Hard rubber.
[C] Ivory. [D] Bone.
28.Who first used steel springs to tie false teeth together according to the passage?
[A] An Italian doctor. [B] A French doctor.
[C] An American doctor. [D] An English doctor.
29.We can learn from the passage that ___________.
[A] one looked older than his real age with artificial teeth
[B] we are using the same method as ancient people in making false teeth
[C] poor people would often sell their teeth to get money in the 17th century
[D] human teeth were no longer used in making false teeth after the 18th century
30.The passage is mainly about ___________.
[A] the discovery of false teeth [B] the material of false teeth
[C] the use of false teeth [D] the history of false teeth
Passage Three
Questions 31 to 35 are based on the following passage.
Trademarks (商标) identify and distinguish the products of one business firm from those of another. It may include a word, a sentence, a name, a symbol, a picture, or any combination of these. Trademarks must be attached directly to the product. Many trademarks contain the name of the owner of the business. But manufacturers often use some word to describe the qualities of the product, or make up a word. The spoken part of a trademark is called the brand name.
Trademarks provide a simple way for people to determine who is responsible for a particular item. They also help people identify the brands they liked in the past so they may purchase them again. Manufacturers use trademarks to promote the sale of their goods.
Service marks also identify goods and services. They do not have to be attached to a product. Companies that provide services to the public, such as transportation companies, use these marks to advertise their services. For example, a blue sign with a bell, the symbol of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, tells every passer-by that a public telephone is available for use.
Laws to protect the rights of the trademark owner were developed in the early 1800’s.Most countries now provide for regulation and registration of trademarks. An important protection for trademark rights is federal (联邦的)registration. In 1905, the U.S. Congress passed the first federal law on trademark registration to be held constitutional.
31.What may NOT be included in a trademark as mentioned in the first paragraph?
[A] A nice picture. [B] A meaningful symbol.
[C] A national flag. [D] A person’s name.
32.We learn from the second paragraph that trademarks are useful in that ___________.
[A] they help manufacturers to control the prices of their products
[B] they offer people the information about market in a simple way
[C] they make customers aware of their own responsibility for the items
[D] they enable customers to purchase the goods they prefer
33.The word “promote” in the last sentence, paragraph 2, probably means “____________”.
[A] to give higher position or rank
[B] to try to increase the popularity
[C] to keep safe from harm or danger
[D] to make a promise
34.According to the third paragraph, a blue sign with a bell ____________.
[A] is not a trademark but a symbol
[B] is a trademark of transportation
[C] stands for a kind of service
[D] stands for a road map
35.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
[A] Trademarks must be attached to all products.
[B] Service marks not only identify products but also help to advertise services.
[C] Laws to protect trademark owners were probably developed between 1801-1810.
[D] Local registration is the only protection for trademark rights.
PART TWO
Ⅳ.Word Spelling (10 points, 1 point for two items)
将下列汉语单词译成英语。作为提示，每个单词的词类、首字母及字母数目均已给出。请将完整的单词写在答题纸上。
36.旅行；旅程n./v. j_ _ _ _ _ _ 37.证实；确认v. c_ _ _ _ _ _
38.在船（飞机，车）上ad./prep. a_ _ _ _ _ 39.债务，欠债n. d_ _ _
40.增加，增长n./v. i_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 41.努力，艰难尝试n. e_ _ _ _ _
42.犹豫，迟疑v. h_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 43.基本的，基础的a. b_ _ _ _
44.奢侈，奢侈品 n. l_ _ _ _ _ 45.创造性的 a. c_ _ _ _ _ _ _
46.全球的，球面的 a. g_ _ _ _ _ 47.产量；输出 n. o_ _ _ _ _
48.重要的；有生命力的a. v_ _ _ _ 49.创立，创建v. f_ _ _ _
50.几乎不，几乎没有ad. s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 51.修改；更改 v. m_ _ _ _ _
52.假如，若是conj. p_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 53.粗糙的；粗暴的 a. r_ _ _ _
54.天然的，自然的 a. n_ _ _ _ _ _ 55.联合，团结 v. u_ _ _ _
Ⅴ.Word Form (10 points, 1 point for each item)
将括号中的各词变为适当的形式填入空白。答案写在答题纸上。
56.If he ___________(succeed) in finding the place in Canada, he will call you as soon as possible.
57.Some people believed if the wife worked for pay , the husband ___________ (not, consider ) to be a good provider.
58.The teacher is very strict and makes him ___________ (work) very hard.
59.He ___________ (read) the novel all morning and he hasn’t had his breakfast yet.
60.At the class meeting she suggested ___________ (form) a volleyball team for the coming sports meet in September.
61. ___________ (send) her two kids to school, she began to do some housework.
62. They ___________ (can, go) out because the light’s on.
63. Gas explosions frequently ___________ (threat) the miners’ lives before liberation .
64. As far as I know, Lily can speak English ___________ (fluently) than any other student in her class.
65.We insisted that the meeting ___________ (hold) as planned despite the absence of some members.
Ⅵ.Translation from Chinese into English (15 points, 3 points for each item)
将下列各句译成英语并将答案写出答题纸上。
66.他的理论是否经得住考验在我们之间有分歧。
67.从这个意义上说，坏事也可能转变成为好事。
68.汤姆不是过去的样子了。
69.这就是我赞成他的计划的原因。
70.这道题这么复杂，我们要用很多时间才能解决。
Ⅶ.Translation from English into Chinese (15 points)
将下列短文译成汉语并将答案写在答题纸上。
There are lots of reasons for buying a new mattress (床垫) :getting married, moving to a new home or simply the desire for more sleeping space. No matter what the reason, the ultimate expectation is a good, restful night’s sleep.
But with all the different constructions, firmness, sizes and prices for sleep sets, how do you decide which one is right for you? The makers suggest you treat bedding as a long-term investment. This means carefully considering the quality and comfort you are getting for your money.
If you’ve decided to buy a new mattress, invest in the very best you can afford. Prices are determined by the material used, the quality of construction and the size of the set. It’s an investment in one-third of everyday of your life and that can have a dramatic effect on how you feel the other two-thirds.
Ⅰ.Vocabulary and Structure (10 points, 1 point for each item)
从下列各句四个选项中选出一个最佳答案,并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
1.The body needs fat to keep it ___________ the cold during the long winter months.
[A] between [B] from [C] for [D] out
2.There are several ways ___________ we can cross the river without the help of local villagers.
[A] in which [B] across which [C] to which [D] on which
3.You must hurry, ___________ you’ll be late for class.
[A] but [B] so [C] or [D] either
4.The smog may be so thick that airports are closed and chains of ________ occur on the highways.
[A] conflicts [B] contracts [C] contrasts [D] collisions
5.They finally ________ all hope of finding the missing dog which they liked so much.
[A] gave up [B] gave in [C] gave off [D] gave out
6.People who drink a lot ________ those who use drugs are likely to suffer from panic attacks.
[A] less than [B] as well [C] other than [D] as well as
7. ________, he is honest and popular with his neighbors.
[A] As he is poor [B] Poor as he is
[C] As poor he is [D] As is he poor
8.I wasn't at the meeting yesterday to hear ________ other people thought about this problem.
[A] which [B] who [C] what [D] that
9.Had he not taken your advice, ________.
[A] he would make a bad mistake
[B] would he have made a bad mistake
[C] he would have made a bad mistake
[D] he had made a bad mistake
10.Some people are ________ to use proverbs in their everyday conversation because they see them as vehicles of too much used wisdom.
[A] responsible [B] reluctant [C] relevant [D] remarkable
Ⅱ.Cloze Test (10 points, 1 point for each item)
下列短文中有十个空白，每个空白有四个选项。根据上下文要求选出最佳答案，并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
Lightening and thunder seem very different from fog, clouds, rain, wind, heat, and other things which make up the weather.____11____ without knowing about the rest of the ____12____,one cannot understand lightening and thunder. Long ago, ____13____ scientists had begun to study the weather, everyone was afraid of lightening and thunder. ____14____ the ancient Greeks and Romans, thunder was the angry voice of ____15____ great god Zeus, or Jupiter.
Today we know more about weather and ____16____ lightening and thunder too, though there ____17____ still much to be learned. People today are not often afraid of thunderstorms, though we know that lightening ____18____ dangerous. ____19____ we understand lightening and thunder, there is a thrill (激动) in watching a summer thunderstorm which clears the air and leaves us ____20____.
11.[A] So [B] If [C] For [D] Yet
12.[A] weather [B] whether [C] wonder [D]wander
13.[A] before [B] after [C] since [D] when
14.[A] For [B] To [C] As [D] About
15.[A] its [B] his [C] their [D] one's
16.[A] in [B] about [C] on [D] of
17.[A] are [B] was [C] is [D] were
18.[A] can be [B] must be [C] need be [D] should be
19.[A] While [B] Although [C] So [D] Because
20.[A] to relax [B] relaxing [C] relax [D] relaxed
Ⅲ.Reading Comprehension (30 points, 2 points for each item)
阅读下列短文，并从下列每篇短文的问题后所给的四个选项中选出一个最佳答案，并写在答题纸的相应括号内。
Passage One
Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage.
For many years ,T-shirts were simple short-sleeved undershirts for men and boys. T-shirts used to be of one color－white. And since they were worn under shirts, they were generally not seen.
Today the T-shirt has become fashionable. It can be seen everywhere and on everyone. Women and little children wear T-shirts as do teenagers, university students, and men from all walks of life (各行各业).T-shirts are worn on playground, at the beach or in town. They can also be worn for work. Yet T-shirts remain relatively inexpensive and long wearing, as well as easy to care for. Smart but comfortable and convenient to wear, they have become one of American's newest ideas on fashion.
Although T-shirts are now available in a wide variety of bright materials and styles, the most popular kind is the traditional cotton T-shirts with a slogan or picture printed on the front. A T-shirt may bear a picture, a single word, a popular phrase, or an advertisement. As T-shirts are becoming more and more popular, new designs are coming up all the time.
21.Which of the following statements is true about T-shirts in the past?
[A] There were lots of multi-colored T-shirts.
[B] There were many kinds of T-shirts.
[C] They were worn by people from all walks of life.
[D] They were usually worn inside.
22.We can learn from the second paragraph that __________.
[A] T-shirts are worn by little children rather than by teenagers
[B] T-shirts are considered relatively expensive now
[C] T-shirts are considered fashionable in America
[D] T-shirts are worn on playground because they are comfortable
23.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
[A] T-shirts are cheap but uncomfortable.
[B] T-shirts are popular but difficult to care for.
[C] T-shirts are convenient and formal.
[D] T-shirts are smart and long wearing.
24.What is the most popular kind of T-shirts?
[A] The silk T-shirt in white color.
[B] The cotton T-shirt with a slogan or picture.
[C] The wool T-shirt worn at the beach.
[D] The nylon T-shirt worn for work.
25.What is being done to make T-shirts more attractive?
[A] A variety of new styles are being designed.
[B] The price is being lowered again and again.
[C] Advertisements are being widely used.
[D] The traditionally used material is being replaced.
Passage Two
Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.
False teeth have been found in Italy in human heads that are over 2,500 years old. They were made of bone and set in gold. However, for hundreds of years afterwards, the apparent dental skill of those early people was lost. Without false teeth people looked old before their time, since so many lost their teeth at an early age.
Toward the end of the 17th century, rich people could buy false teeth made from ivory. The teeth were tied together with silk thread, but it was difficult to keep them in the mouth. That was why rich people would rather buy teeth from the poor who would often sell their teeth to buy food and clothing.
Early in the 18th century a French doctor used steel springs to hold teeth in place. However, it was difficult to close one’s mouth! Late in the same century porcelain (瓷)teeth set in gold were often used to make false teeth.
Although the use of artificial teeth increased, human teeth continued to be used also. In the 19th century, teeth from soldiers killed in battle were made into artificial teeth. For example, teeth from the dead in the American Civil War were sent to England.
By the middle of the 19th century, an American doctor, Claudius Ash, invented a better kind of porcelain tooth made of a special kind of hard rubber.
26.When did people with the earliest false teeth live according to the passage?
[A] At the end of the 17th century.
[B] In the early 18th century.
[C] In the middle of the 19th century.
[D] Over 2,500 years ago.
27.Which material would wealthy people use to make artificial teeth in 1693?
[A] Porcelain. [B] Hard rubber.
[C] Ivory. [D] Bone.
28.Who first used steel springs to tie false teeth together according to the passage?
[A] An Italian doctor. [B] A French doctor.
[C] An American doctor. [D] An English doctor.
29.We can learn from the passage that ___________.
[A] one looked older than his real age with artificial teeth
[B] we are using the same method as ancient people in making false teeth
[C] poor people would often sell their teeth to get money in the 17th century
[D] human teeth were no longer used in making false teeth after the 18th century
30.The passage is mainly about ___________.
[A] the discovery of false teeth [B] the material of false teeth
[C] the use of false teeth [D] the history of false teeth
Passage Three
Questions 31 to 35 are based on the following passage.
Trademarks (商标) identify and distinguish the products of one business firm from those of another. It may include a word, a sentence, a name, a symbol, a picture, or any combination of these. Trademarks must be attached directly to the product. Many trademarks contain the name of the owner of the business. But manufacturers often use some word to describe the qualities of the product, or make up a word. The spoken part of a trademark is called the brand name.
Trademarks provide a simple way for people to determine who is responsible for a particular item. They also help people identify the brands they liked in the past so they may purchase them again. Manufacturers use trademarks to promote the sale of their goods.
Service marks also identify goods and services. They do not have to be attached to a product. Companies that provide services to the public, such as transportation companies, use these marks to advertise their services. For example, a blue sign with a bell, the symbol of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, tells every passer-by that a public telephone is available for use.
Laws to protect the rights of the trademark owner were developed in the early 1800’s.Most countries now provide for regulation and registration of trademarks. An important protection for trademark rights is federal (联邦的)registration. In 1905, the U.S. Congress passed the first federal law on trademark registration to be held constitutional.
31.What may NOT be included in a trademark as mentioned in the first paragraph?
[A] A nice picture. [B] A meaningful symbol.
[C] A national flag. [D] A person’s name.
32.We learn from the second paragraph that trademarks are useful in that ___________.
[A] they help manufacturers to control the prices of their products
[B] they offer people the information about market in a simple way
[C] they make customers aware of their own responsibility for the items
[D] they enable customers to purchase the goods they prefer
33.The word “promote” in the last sentence, paragraph 2, probably means “____________”.
[A] to give higher position or rank
[B] to try to increase the popularity
[C] to keep safe from harm or danger
[D] to make a promise
34.According to the third paragraph, a blue sign with a bell ____________.
[A] is not a trademark but a symbol
[B] is a trademark of transportation
[C] stands for a kind of service
[D] stands for a road map
35.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
[A] Trademarks must be attached to all products.
[B] Service marks not only identify products but also help to advertise services.
[C] Laws to protect trademark owners were probably developed between 1801-1810.
[D] Local registration is the only protection for trademark rights.
PART TWO
Ⅳ.Word Spelling (10 points, 1 point for two items)
将下列汉语单词译成英语。作为提示，每个单词的词类、首字母及字母数目均已给出。请将完整的单词写在答题纸上。
36.旅行；旅程n./v. j_ _ _ _ _ _ 37.证实；确认v. c_ _ _ _ _ _
38.在船（飞机，车）上ad./prep. a_ _ _ _ _ 39.债务，欠债n. d_ _ _
40.增加，增长n./v. i_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 41.努力，艰难尝试n. e_ _ _ _ _
42.犹豫，迟疑v. h_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 43.基本的，基础的a. b_ _ _ _
44.奢侈，奢侈品 n. l_ _ _ _ _ 45.创造性的 a. c_ _ _ _ _ _ _
46.全球的，球面的 a. g_ _ _ _ _ 47.产量；输出 n. o_ _ _ _ _
48.重要的；有生命力的a. v_ _ _ _ 49.创立，创建v. f_ _ _ _
50.几乎不，几乎没有ad. s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 51.修改；更改 v. m_ _ _ _ _
52.假如，若是conj. p_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 53.粗糙的；粗暴的 a. r_ _ _ _
54.天然的，自然的 a. n_ _ _ _ _ _ 55.联合，团结 v. u_ _ _ _
Ⅴ.Word Form (10 points, 1 point for each item)
将括号中的各词变为适当的形式填入空白。答案写在答题纸上。
56.If he ___________(succeed) in finding the place in Canada, he will call you as soon as possible.
57.Some people believed if the wife worked for pay , the husband ___________ (not, consider ) to be a good provider.
58.The teacher is very strict and makes him ___________ (work) very hard.
59.He ___________ (read) the novel all morning and he hasn’t had his breakfast yet.
60.At the class meeting she suggested ___________ (form) a volleyball team for the coming sports meet in September.
61. ___________ (send) her two kids to school, she began to do some housework.
62. They ___________ (can, go) out because the light’s on.
63. Gas explosions frequently ___________ (threat) the miners’ lives before liberation .
64. As far as I know, Lily can speak English ___________ (fluently) than any other student in her class.
65.We insisted that the meeting ___________ (hold) as planned despite the absence of some members.
Ⅵ.Translation from Chinese into English (15 points, 3 points for each item)
将下列各句译成英语并将答案写出答题纸上。
66.他的理论是否经得住考验在我们之间有分歧。
67.从这个意义上说，坏事也可能转变成为好事。
68.汤姆不是过去的样子了。
69.这就是我赞成他的计划的原因。
70.这道题这么复杂，我们要用很多时间才能解决。
Ⅶ.Translation from English into Chinese (15 points)
将下列短文译成汉语并将答案写在答题纸上。
There are lots of reasons for buying a new mattress (床垫) :getting married, moving to a new home or simply the desire for more sleeping space. No matter what the reason, the ultimate expectation is a good, restful night’s sleep.
But with all the different constructions, firmness, sizes and prices for sleep sets, how do you decide which one is right for you? The makers suggest you treat bedding as a long-term investment. This means carefully considering the quality and comfort you are getting for your money.
If you’ve decided to buy a new mattress, invest in the very best you can afford. Prices are determined by the material used, the quality of construction and the size of the set. It’s an investment in one-third of everyday of your life and that can have a dramatic effect on how you feel the other two-thirds.