| 1. 难度：简单 | |
|
Caves (洞穴) have a primary appeal — they hold the secrets to our past and are mysterious in and of themselves. ● Mammoth Cave Kentucky, USA The longest cave system in the world lies beneath the Green River Valley in Kentucky and while over 400 miles of passageways have been mapped, it has yet to be fully discovered. The complex limestone labyrinth (石灰岩迷宫) was discovered by humans 4,000 years ago. ● Blue Grotto Capri, Italy Once used as the personal swimming hole for the Roman Emperor Tiberius, this extremely bright sea cave is almost 200 feet long and 82 feet wide. Its unique glow comes from the light entering the small opening to the outside. ● Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve Beit Shemesh, Israel Also known as the Soreq Cave Nature Reserve, Avshalom is considered to be the Rosetta Stone of climate history in the Eastern Mediterranean through the packed stalactites (钟乳石) found in the cave, some of which are over 13 feet long, and are as old as 300,000 years. ● Cave of the Crystals Naica, Mexico This unique cave system in Mexico contains some of the largest natural crystals (水晶) ever found—the longest of which is 39 feet long and 13 feet thick. However, it is rarely explored due to logistical difficulties: it is extremely hot due to its location above a volcanic vent, and the huge crystals block also block the passage. 1.Where does the longest cave lie in? A.Kentucky, USA. B.Capri, Italy. C.Beit Shemesh, Israel. D.Naica, Mexico. 2.Avshalom is famous as . A.the most beautiful cave. B.the Soreq Cave Nature Reserve. C.the Emperor’s swimming hole. D.over 400 miles of passageways. 3.Which cave includes the largest natural crystals? A.Cave of the Crystals. B.Blue Grotto. C.Mammoth Cave. D.Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve.
|
|
| 2. 难度：中等 | |
|
“I had no intention to adopt a cat that day. I just liked being around animals. ” Miranda says. But when she saw Nala in her metal cage, “We made eye contact and I couldn’t resist (抗拒) her big blue eyes.” At that point, “Nala was so small. I asked the shelter if I could hold her. Once I had Nala in my arms, Nala looked up at me and licked (舔) my face.” And that was when she knew she had to take this kitty home. Still, Miranda never imagined Nala would become an Insta-star. “I started Nala’s Instagram account in 2012 as a way to share photos with my close friends and family in Thailand,” she explained. The possibility of Nala gaining attention beyond that small group of people hadn’t occurred to her until it happened. Miranda says, “Each time Nala’s photo was featured on Instagram’s popular page, her account would gain 1,000 new followers. ” From there, Nala’s popularity snowballed. Large nationwide brands messaged Miranda about hiring Nala to do ads. “This took us by surprise because we couldn’t believe that a big brand wanted to pay them to take photos with their products next to Nala”. Nala started life out in a shelter, just waiting to be loved like many other animals that were abandoned. Today that dream has surely come true. Nala has over 4 million followers on Instagram, which earned her the title “Guinness World Records Most Popular Cat on Instagram.” In addition to managing her Insta fame, Nala is being asked to test various cat food brands. More importantly, “Nala is our chance to share the love to help create a better life for other animals, so they can grow well and bring joy to the world like Nala has.” 1.What is the first paragraph mainly about? A.Visits to a shelter. B.Love at first sight. C.Power of blue eyes. D.Duty to adopt cats. 2.Why did Miranda open Nala’s Instagram account? A.To meet Nala’s needs. B.To assist Nala be a star. C.To share Nala’s pictures. D.To attract public attention. 3.How did Miranda feel about Nala’s popularity? A.Satisfied. B.Amazed. C.Upset. D.Disappointed. 4.What does the underlined phrase “that dream” in paragraph 4 refer to? A.Being eager to be loved. B.Starting life in the shelter. C.Gaining chances to earn money. D.Being raised by Instagram fans.
|
|
| 3. 难度：中等 | |
|
Two little girls who are lovely in Britain are bringing thousands of people together to sign a petition (请愿书) demanding that Burger King and McDonald’s stop giving away free plastic toys. With the help of their mother, nine-year-old Ella and seven-year-old Caitlin started an online petition in order to persuade the fast food giants (巨头) to do away with the wasteful toys that come with Happy Meals and Junior Meals. Since starting the petition, the youngsters have got over 350,000 signatures of their 500,000 goal, and the call to action has already received further support from adults and children. “We’ve been learning all about the environment at school and the problem of plastic. It made us very sad to see how plastic harms wildlife and pollutes the ocean, and we want to change this,” reads the petition. “That’s why we want Burger King and McDonald’s to think of the environment and stop giving away plastic toys with their kids meals.” “We like to go to eat at Burger King and McDonald’s, but children only play with the plastic toys for a few minutes before they get thrown away and harm animals and pollute the sea. We want anything they give us to be environmentally friendly so we can protect the planet for ourselves and for future generations,” they continued. In addition to the girls making a convincing argument, the amount of signatures on the petition almost doubled after reporters with the BBC’s War on Plastic followed the young activists to the McDonald’s headquarters in order to present the petition. Since the little girls’ story started being picked up by international news outlets, Burger King and McDonald’s have emailed statements to CNBC detailing their plans for making their free toys more environmentally friendly. 1.How did the two girls begin their petition? A.By BBC. B.By CNBC. C.By Internet. D.By newspapers. 2.Why are the two little girls gathering many people together? A.To gain people’s attention. B.To get over 350,000 signatures. C.To eat at Burger King and McDonald’s. D.To stop two giants presenting free plastic toys. 3.What will Burger King and McDonald’s plan to do after the petition? A.To email statements to BBC. B.To make a convincing argument. C.To sell more environmentally friendly toys. D.To give away more environmentally friendly toys. 4.Which of the following best describes the two little girls’ story? A.It’s about product promotion. B.It’s about company introduction. C.It’s about commercial advertising. D.It’s about environmental protection.
|
|
| 4. 难度：中等 | |
|
A new device (设备) called Orion is helping those who are blind to see. It does this in a new way by helping them experience the world around them. Jason Esterhuizen lost his eyesight after a car accident. He never thought he would be able to see light or movement again. But now with the movement of a switch (开关), his world suddenly grew brighter. He says, “I still can’t put it into words. I mean from being able to see absolutely nothing, it’s completely black, to all of a sudden seeing little flickers (闪烁) of light move around.” It is not full or normal sight, but Esterhuizen can move about in the world around him. The new technology uses several parts. One is a small device placed in the brain. The other parts are a video camera on sunglasses and a processing device that can be carried in a person’s clothes. When the user points the camera, a signal goes to the processor (处理器) and then back to the glasses. The glasses then are in wireless communication with the device in the brain. The information causes a pattern to develop in the part of the brain. The pattern helps users sense or see movement and shapes of light. And it all happens in seconds. Esterhuizen is one of just two people in the U.S. testing this technology. He says that “I can tell someone moving across the room, walking past me or walking away from me, or it’s a light against the wall. It is just amazing to have some form of functional vision again.” He adds that now he can do everyday activities around his home that he once could not. It is easier to walk outside. The researchers believe that one day this technology could help people who have lost their vision because of illnesses like diabetes. It may also help those with poor vision or who were born blind. 1.Which of the following caused Esterhuizen to go blind ? A.An illness. B.A car accident. C.A brain damage. D.A genetic problem. 2.What can we know about sunglasses of the new technology? A.They are put in the brain. B.They are carried in the user’s clothes. C.They are mainly used to protect a person’s eyes. D.They communicate wirelessly with a small device. 3.What can we infer about Esterhuizen in paragraph 5? A.He fully regains his sight. B.He always do daily activities freely. C.He feels delighted to see the world again. D.He is the only one to test this technology. 4.What is the main idea of the text? A.Orion makes homes brighter. B.Orion functions as normal eyes. C.A new equipment helps the blind see. D.A new technology happens in seconds.
|
|
| 5. 难度：简单 | |
|
A good advertisement will draw customer’s attention towards your product. That is what every business really wants, in addition to your actually buying their product. In this article we will round up several great ads that cover many different styles but all have one thing in common, that is they connect to their audience. King Oscar: Open
This ad puts forward an idea that King Oscar's fish products are as fresh as they can possibly get. This idea is then realized by combining a fish and one of their canned products showing the customer they will be buying a fish straight from the ocean. This simplistic image gives off just enough to tell the consumer what the deal is with their product. Panasonic 3D TV: Dino
Here is another ad that has a lot going on but still is able to get its message across fairly easily. We will first notice the dinosaur in the mess living room but then see the girl pointing at the TV, which will give us the impression that Panasonic's 3D televisions are extremely realistic. The great art direction leads to the customer understanding what product is on display almost immediately. Pepsi: Straws
This clever Pepsi ad conveys a lot to the customer; at first glance it gives the impression that Pepsi is the preferred choice of even the straws(吸管). And then after that it makes fun of Coca Cola by using their red and white colors for the other can as well as their classic design. This is a very clever ad on many levels. Canal+: iPhone Titanic
This ad may take a bit more time to understand but the design itself can keep a customer interested. The large finger and the iPhone in the corner can quickly help the viewer connect the dots with the sinking Titanic ship and show that we can have all our favorite movies right on our iPhones. 1.What is the common feature of great advertisements? A.They involve many different styles. B.They will draw every business’attention. C.They can attract customers and touch them. D.They make comparison between products. 2.What is special about King Oscar? A.Its fish products are very fresh. B.It conveys a lot to the customers. C.People can buy fish directly from ocean. D.It gives us extremely realistic impression. 3.Which advertisement mentioned its competitor? A.King Oscar: Open. B.Panasonic 3D TV: Dino C.Pepsi: Straws. D.Canal+: iPhone Titanic.
|
|
| 6. 难度：中等 | |
|
In my class in high school, there was a girl who was considered the most unpopular. No one actually knows how this exclusion (排挤) came from, but we all followed it for no reason at all. One day after lunch, we girls sat on the track field, talking about things that happened in our lives. Someone brought her up, and soon the topic transformed to laughing at the funny hairstyle of her, the stupid way she walked and.... I felt extremely uncomfortable but kept silent, because I didn’t want to be the one “supporting” the common enemy. After all, it’s just a short gossip time among a trusted group of friends; why should I bring unnecessary tension? Suddenly, one of my friends pointed her finger towards somewhere behind me. All of us turned around and saw that exact girl, hand still in the air, with a twisted (扭曲的) look on her face. She lowered her hand in slow movement, then turned around and ran off. For a second, I wanted to stand up and chase her down to tell her that no one meant what they said, and that she is an amazing person being who she is. But my legs felt so heavy, I didn’t want to make a fool out of myself—why bother taking care of the class clown (小丑)? People would think that I was crazy as well! A few weeks later, the teacher told us that a classmate dropped out of school—it was that girl. Her parents told the school that it was the peer pressure that made her want to leave. The teacher wanted to know who the bully (霸凌) was. Again, no one spoke a word. Perhaps it was exactly this cold, hard silence that drove her away. I certainly did not raise my hand. I had never even said anything bad about her; it was my friends who loved to make fun of her every day. Surely, I didn’t bully her physically or with my language, but I kept silent when others did. By failing to stand up for her and offering her support, I was giving agreement, which made others think that it was okay to mistreat her. Perhaps if I had realized I was wrong earlier---instead of convincing myself that I had nothing to do with her leaving, I wouldn't have to bear the burden of heavy shame on my shoulders. 1.How did the author feel when seeing the girl being bullied? A.Cheerful. B.Uncomfortable. C.Frightened. D.Amazed. 2.What can we know from Paragraph 2? A.The girl heard what the author’s friends said about her. B.The author’s leg was broken while chasing the girl. C.The group friends think it crazy to be fooled. D.The author was mad at her friends at that time. 3.The author didn’t support the girl for the following reasons EXCEPT that______ A.she wanted to follow the flow. B.she didn’t want to turn against friends. C.she was prevented by the group friends. D.she worried about others’ reaction. 4.What will the author probably do when meeting the same situation next time? A.She will keep silent and walk away. B.She will stand up for her group friends. C.She will make fun of the group. D.She will not turn a blind eye to it.
|
|
| 7. 难度：困难 | |
|
How’s this for a coincidence (巧合)? Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were born in the same year, on the same day: Feb. 12, 1809. Although people hardly think of them together, yet we want to say that they belong together. It’s not just because they were both great men, and not because they happen to live at the same time. Rather, it’s because the scientist and the politician each started a revolution that changed the world. They were both revolutionaries in the sense that both men changed the realities when they were born. They seem and sound modern to us, because the world they left behind them is more or less the one we still live in. So, considering the joint greatness of their contributions and the coincidence of their birthdays ---- it is hard to wonder: who was the greatest man? It’s an apples and oranges--- or Superman vs. Santa---comparison. But if you limit the question to influence, very quickly the balance tips in Lincoln’s favor. As great as his book on evolution is, it does no harm to remember that Darwin hurried to publish The Origin of Species because he thought he was about to be scooped (抢先) by his fellow naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Lincoln, however, is unique. True, his election as the president did cause the recession (衰退) and the war, but that war seems certain to happen---not a question of if but when. Certainly we know what happened after he was murdered: Reconstruction was organized and then abandoned, leaving the issue of racial (种族的) equality unsolved for another century. Surely we should not deny Darwin’s accomplishment. But their same birthdays gave us a great opportunity to observe these men of their time. 1.Why does the author say Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln belong together? A.They were born on the same day. B.They lived in the same period of time. C.They started revolutions changing the world. D.They were both great men in the history. 2.What does the author mean by “an apples and oranges---- or Superman vs. Santa --comparison” ? A.It is hard to tell which one is greater as they are both outstanding. B.The comparison between Darwin and Lincoln is easy and obvious. C.It is difficult to compare them as they are as famous as Superman and Santa. D.There is no point comparing them because they were born on the same day. 3.Lincoln’s contribution to the world can be best described as__________ A.narrow. B.aggressive. C.independent. D.ground-breaking. 4.What can we learn from the passage? A.Lincoln’s success in election caused reconstruction. B.Lincoln had tried to solve the racial problem. C.Darwin was unique compared with Lincoln. D.Darwin’s theory is similar to Lincoln’s belief.
|
|
| 8. 难度：困难 | |
|
In recent years, Boston Dynamics has become known for two things. One, creating robots whose movements mimic (模仿) humans and animals. Many find their accuracy surprising and concerning. The second reason is posting mysterious videos of these robots online without warning. The videos quickly go popular and spread a mixture of excitement and terror over the rapid rise of self-operating machines. The company has made four-legged robots in recent years, with names like Spot, Wildcat and BigDog. These robots can do tasks such as open doors, carry heavy loads and run nearly 20 miles per hour. The company's most popular product appears to be Atlas, the robotic athlete. It calls Atlas "the world's most dynamic humanlike robot." The robot is guided by 3-D vision. It also uses LiDAR, short for Light Detection And Ranging, a sensor (传感器) that uses a laser (激光) to measure the distance between objects. With this technology, the small robot can pull nearly 25 pounds. The company says Atlas can also handle objects in its environment, cross rough land, keep its balance when pushed and get back up when knocked down. Three years ago, Atlas was recorded clumsily walking through the snow at a slow speed. Curiosity about Atlas increased last year when Boston Dynamics posted a video clip on YouTube. In it, the previously awkward robot goes for a jog in a grassy area. The video seemed to surprise many viewers, including the newspaper called the Daily Mail. The newspaper was reporting on Atlas's physical accomplishment at the time. The paper wrote, "If you thought you'd be able to run away from the terrifying new robots, bad news." 1.What is the main idea of the passage? A.Robots mimicking humans and animals go popular. B.Boston Dynamic is likely to create more new robots. C.Humanlike robots are developing at a surprising speed. D.A new video of the latest robots make people amused. 2.What does the underlined word “awkward” in paragraph 4 mean? A.Dangerous. B.Unskillful. C.Graceful. D.Convenient. 3.What can we infer from the last paragraph? A.It’s bad that we can run away from the new robots. B.People are happy about the improvements to new robots. C.Human’s power over machines and robots has come to an end. D.Improvements to robots raised concern among us human. 4.Where does the text probably come from? A.A science magazine. B.An advertisement. C.Children’s literature. D.A fantasy novel.
|
|
| 9. 难度：中等 | |
|
Grandma Pugh sized up the baby like a pig at the farmers’ market. There was a pause and then she pronounced. “He’s got nice long legs.” She clapped her hands once in approval. But then she frowned and leaned forward. Everyone waited anxiously. The baby had opened his eyes and was staring up. “But those cross eyes won’t do,” she declared firmly, shaking her head in disappointment. That had been Freddie Pilcher’s first meeting with Grandma Pugh. Since then, ten years had passed. Much to his grandmother’s satisfaction, she’d been proven right about the boy’s legs. He was a regular beanpole. Grandma Pugh had also been correct about his eyes. Freddie had been wearing glasses to correct his vision since he was two years old. His current pair was thick, and cheap-looking, but at least he could see. Freddie not only had poor eyesight, but he was also clumsy. He wasn’t good at schoolwork either. But there was one thing that the boy was good at and it was all on account of the length of his legs. He could jump. Freddie was the best jumper in school. Not only could he leap the furthest but also the highest. At break times, he entertained the little ones by leaping over the school wall into Mrs. Hobson’s garden and then rapidly jumping back. She had been up to see the head teacher several times because somebody had been crushing her vegetables. It was badgers (獾), Freddie suggested, when questioned by Miss Harpy—definitely badgers; no doubt about it. His dad had terrible problems with badgers. Only last week he had lost two rows of carrots. Freddie had woken one night and heard them tearing through the garden, a whole herd of them. They rooted up the lawn and dug up the vegetables. Terrible things, badgers. All the other children nodded their heads wisely. There was a moment’s pause in Class Three as everyone thought about the dreadful damage that badgers could do. 1.What do we know about Grandma Pugh? A.She was present at the birth of baby Freddie. B.She was unwilling to listen to the ideas of others. C.She valued physical appearance over all other things. D.She was a figure of great importance in the family. 2.Which of the following best describes Freddie’s physical appearance? A. C. 3.Why does Freddie talk about badgers in the final paragraph? A.To explain the cause of the damage. B.To warn the class about their danger. C.To make up an excuse for the cause of the damage. D.To describe what happened to his father’s garden.
|
|
| 10. 难度：中等 | |
|
It’s a common belief that the roles actors play might somehow reflect their true personalities. It’s usually not true, but British actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 34, is an exception. Just like Fleabag, the character she played in the comedy-drama series of the same name, Waller-Bridge feels that her life is a mess. “It’s just really wonderful to know that a dirty and messed up woman can make it to the Emmys,” she said. She may be “messed up”, but Variety magazine calls her an “all-around icon”. Last month, Waller-Bridge took home three Emmy awards for her work on Fleabag — best writing in a comedy series, best lead actress, and best comedy series. Her success is partly because of her family. Waller-Bridge was brought up in a free environment. Her mother always told her, “You can be whatever you want if you imagine it.” So Waller-Bridge broke all the rules about what a “good” girl should do. “Our laws and moral codes don’t apply — she lives without fear of consequence,” The Sun noted. That fearlessness extends to being authentic (真实的) in her writing and acting. Unlike the can-do heroines and strong, successful women in many TV dramas, Waller-Bridge shows a flawed but real character. The character Fleabag was a screw-up who always found a way to say or do the wrong thing. “It resonated with the lives of stressed-out women everywhere in reality — doing their best to find balance in their lives,” a viewer wrote on US movie website. Villanelle in Killing Eve, another hit TV series developed by Waller-Bridge, was a little bit violent but showed no interest for the rules others created, which make many people see themselves in her. “People have been scared to write characters like these. But I think, now, women are so relieved to have this new template (样板). And, aren’t we all a bit of everything?” Waller-Bridge said in an interview with Indian Express. With such courage and sincerity, Waller-Bridge is, without a doubt, a “golden girl” in Hollywood, Australian news website The New Daily commented. 1.What is the article mainly about? A.What helped Waller-Bridge succeed in comedy. B.The popularity of the comedy-drama series Fleabag. C.What inspired Waller-Bridge to take up writing and acting. D.The similarities between Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the character she plays on Fleabag. 2.How did Waller-Bridge’s parents influence her growth? A.They pushed her to follow social codes. B.They constantly encouraged her to be herself. C.They always reminded her to be curious and fearless. D.They taught her to write and act when she was young. 3.The underlined phrase “resonated with” in Paragraph 7 probably means “__________”. A.messed up B.paid attention to C.had great effects on D.was in agreement with 4.What do Villanelle in Killing Eve and Fleabag in Fleabag have in common? A.Both are courageous and organized. B.Both are much alike in character. C.Both successfully find balance in their lives. D.Both are rebellious but strong and successful.
|
|
| 11. 难度：简单 | |
|
Many kids help out around the house with chores(家庭杂务) such as emptying the dishwasher， putting laundry away， and taking out the trash. In exchange， some kids get allowances(补贴) or other rewards such as extra computer time. But some people do not think that kids should get rewards for doing chores. Susie Walton， a parenting educator and family coach， believes that by rewarding kids， parents are sending a message that work isn't worth doing unless you get something in return. “Running any kind of household is a team effort，” Susie said，“a home is a living space for everyone in the family. It's important for kids to see that we all have responsibilities in the house， and that families decide together how they want their home to look， and how they are going to keep it looking like everyone wants it to look.” Other people believe that getting a cash allowance or other rewards motivates kids to do chores， and it also teaches them real world lessons about how we need to work to earn money. There are also new applications that give kids points and digital gifts that can be redeemed(兑取) either online or in the real world. With the Chore Monster app kids earn digital points by completing chores that they can turn in for real-life rewards such as extra Xbox time or a trip to the mall. “Our goal is to encourage kids to earn rewards” says Chris Bergman， founder of Chore Monster，“Kids need positive reinforcement(强化) to help motivate them.” What do you think? Should kids be rewarded for doing chores? Or should kids help out around their homes without getting anything in return? Write a 200-word response. Send it to tfkasks4you@timeforkids.com. Your response may be published in a future issue of Time For Kids. Please include your grade and contact information of your parent or teacher if you want your response to be published. The deadline for responding is February 18. 1.How does the author start the passage? A.By listing some evidence. B.By presenting some facts. C.By comparing different views. D.By stating his own experiences. 2.Which statement is true according to Susie Walton? A.Kids should be rewarded for doing chores. B.Parents decide what kids can do for the family. C.Kids have the responsibility to share housework. D.Kids can get extra computer time for doing chores. 3.The purpose of writing the text is to . A.invite readers to express their opinions B.inform readers of two different opinions C.call on readers to reflect on their behavior D.present the author's viewpoint about parenting
|
|
| 12. 难度：中等 | |
|
Food Parts You Should Never Throw Away in the Garbage Pineapple Core When you carve out the core of a pineapple, don't throw it in the garbage. You can use the pineapple core for all kinds of recipes, and there are tons of vitamins and minerals hiding within. To use the pineapple core: chop it and add it to fruit salad, blend it into smoothies, cut it into cubes and freeze for later use, or simply add it to water or even tea to improve flavor. Kiwi Skin If you never thought you could eat kiwi in the way you eat a peach, think again. That skin really is good for you and contains a lot of vitamin C, and in fact, it's also higher in fiber than the rest of the fruit. Of course, that rough, ugly skin isn't for everyone, so if you don't like it, try adding a whole kiwi to a smoothie to hide the taste of the skin. Banana Peel Most of us eat the banana without giving the soft peel a second thought. Here's why that's a mistake: banana peel contains tryptophan(色氨酸), which increases "the happiness hormone" to help with mood regulation and nerve system. There are a few creative ways to use the peel. Cook or boil for at least 10 minutes to soften. You can add it to smoothies, stir-fries, or soups. And, for a treat, simply slice and bake a banana with the skin on. Watermelon Skin and Seed The delicious, red inside makes for a refreshing snack or juice, but you're able to get some powerful nutrients in the skin and seeds as well. Cut out the white part under the green outside and use it in your cooking. It has vitamin C and B6, to keep you healthy. As for the seeds, you can roast them in the oven. Then add them to salads or to nut snacks. 1.Which of the following has a larger amount of fiber than its other parts? A.Pineapple cores. B.Kiwi skin. C.Banana peel. D.Watermelon skin and seeds. 2.Which of the following statements is TRUE? A.All the food above can be added to smoothies. B.Kiwi skin can be roasted in the oven. C.Banana peel can help lift people's moods. D.The green part of watermelon has vitamin C and B6. 3.Where can we most probably read this text? A.In a botany instruction. B.In a medicine brochure. C.In a fruitarian's recipe. D.In a nutrition report.
|
|
| 13. 难度：中等 | |
|
The stories we share with one another are important. They show wisdom and provide inspiration. They are important to our development. But sometimes people choose not to tell. Consider the negative effects of not sharing a story in the news: People are wondering if public health officials are holding back too much information about the recent outbreak of Ebola. There is a danger in holding back stories that ought to be told. Bobette Buster said it like this, “The fact is, history has shown us that stories not told can become like a dangerous genie (妖怪) left in a bottle. When they are finally uncorked, their power to destroy is set free.” There are a number of reasons why we hide parts of our story: they often show our weaknesses or expose our disadvantages; they require courage and strength to share; and of course, there are some stories that should be kept secret—especially those that embarrass someone else. Most of us have two selves: the one we display on the outside and the one we actually are on the inside. And the better we get at hiding the stories that show our true selves, the more damage we may be causing to ourselves and to others. Honesty and openness is important: it proves we are trustworthy. It displays we are human. We are not perfect or better. It highlights the importance of hard work and personal development. Hard work may not allow us to overcome our disadvantages completely. But with hard work, we do not have to be restricted to our mistakes. Does this mean we admit every weakness, every disadvantage, and every secret regret to everybody we meet? No, of course not. There is a time and a place and a certain level of relationship necessary for some stories to be told in an appropriate manner. 1.What’s the function of the example in Paragraph 2? A.It reflects that people are concerning about the spread of Ebola. B.It shows the bad effect caused by sharing a story. C.It proves not sharing a story can cause trouble. D.It concludes that one should share a story at a proper time. 2.Which is close in meaning to the underlined word “uncorked” in Paragraph 3? A.freed B.broken C.unfolded D.untouched 3.One of the reasons why people are unwilling to share experiences is that _______. A.story-sharing highlights the importance of hard work B.people are used to exposing their weaknesses C.people sometimes have no courage to share their stories D.some stories make themselves feel sad 4.The writer aims to convince us to _______. A.be open to people close to you by sharing some secrets B.share stories appropriately for the good of others and ourselves C.remove the dangers that can be caused by untold stories D.realize the importance of being honest when making friends
|
|
| 14. 难度：困难 | |
|
A qualified doctor who rarely practised but instead devoted his life to writing. He once said, “Medicine is my lawful wife and literature is my lover.”Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a great playwright(剧作家) and one of the masters of the modern short story. When Clekhov entered the Moscow University Medical School in 1879,he started to publish hundreds of comic short stories to support his family. After he graduated, he wrote regularly for a local daily newspaper. As a writer he was extremely fast,often producing a short story in an hour or less. Checkhov’s medical and science experience can be seen through the indifference many of his characters show to tragic(悲剧的) events. In 1892,he became a full-time writer and published some of his most memorable stories. Chekhov often wrote about the sufferings of life in small towns of Russia. Tragic events controlled his characters who were filled with feelings of hopelessness and despair. It is often said that nothing happens in Chekhov’s stories and plays.He made up for this with his exciting technique for developing drama within his characters. Chekhov’s works combined the calm attitude of a scientist and doctor with the sensitivity of an artist. Some of Chekhov’s works were translated into Chinese as early as the 1940s.One of his famous stories,“The Man in a Shell ”，about a school teacher’s extraordinarily orderly life was selected as a text for Chinese senior students. 1.Anton Pavlovich Chekhov ________ . A.had a lawful lover B.wrote only short stories C.used to be a lawyer D.was a capable doctor 2.In 1880, Chekhov . A.became a full-time writer B.studied medicine in Moscow University C.practiced medicine in his hometown D.published his most memorable stories 3.According to the passage,which of the following words can’t be used to describe Chekhov? A.Sensitive. B.Calm. C.Quick-minded. D.Warm-hearted. 4.Which of the following is the right order of the events? a. became a doctor b. became a full-time writer c. started to publish comic short stories d. wrote regularly for a local daily newspaper e. entered the Moscow University Medical School A.e c a d b B.d a b c e C.e c b a d D.a e c b d
|
|
| 15. 难度：困难 | |
|
Give yourself a test. Which way is the wind blowing? How many kinds of wildflowers can be seen from your front door? If your awareness is as sharp as it could be, you’ll have no trouble answering these questions. Most of us observed much more as children than we do as adults. A child’s day is filled with fascination, newness and wonder. Curiosity gave us all a natural awareness. But distinctions that were sharp to us as children become unclear; we are numb(麻木的) to new stimulation(刺激), new ideas. Relearning the art of seeing the world around us is quite simple, although it takes practice and requires breaking some bad habits. The first step in awakening senses is to stop predicting what we are going to see and feel before it occurs. This blocks awareness. One chilly night when I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains with some students, I mentioned that we were going to cross a mountain stream. The students began complaining about how cold it would be. We reached the stream, and they unwillingly walked ahead. They were almost knee-deep when they realized it was a hot spring. Later they all admitted they’d felt cold water at first. Another block to awareness is the obsession(痴迷) many of us have with naming things. I saw bird watchers who spotted a bird, immediately looked it up in field guides, and said, a "ruby-crowned kinglet" and checked it off. They no longer paid attention to the bird and never learned what it was doing. The pressures of "time" and "destination"（目的地）are further blocks to awareness. I encountered many hikers who were headed to a distant camp-ground with just enough time to get there before dark. It seldom occurred to them to wander a bit, to take a moment to see what’s around them. I asked them what they’d seen. "Oh, a few birds," they said. They seemed bent on their destinations. Nature seems to unfold to people who watch and wait. Next time you take a walk, no matter where it is, take in all the sights, sounds and sensations(感觉）. Wander in this frame of mind and you will open a new dimension to your life. 1.What idea does the author convey in Paragraph 3? A.To avoid jumping to conclusions. B.To stop complaining all the time. C.To follow the teacher's advice. D.To admit mistakes honestly. 2.The bird watchers’ behavior shows that they __________. A.are very patient in their observation B.are really fascinated by nature C.care only about the names of birds D.question the accuracy of the field guides 3.Why do the hikers take no notice of the surroundings during the journey? A.The natural beauty isn't attractive to them. B.They focus on arriving at the camp in time. C.The forest in the dark is dangerous for them. D.They are keen to see rare birds at the destination. 4.In the passage, the author intends to tell us we should __________. A.use our senses to feel the wonders of the world B.get rid of some bad habits in our daily life C.open our mind to new things and ideas D.try our best to protect nature
|
|
| 16. 难度：中等 | |
|
Wisconsin's Great Lakes are home to great lighthouses. Here are some lighthouses worth visiting along Lake Michigan, from south to north. Wind Point, Racine This 108-foot lighthouse on a point north of Racine was built in 1880. It's open for tours and climbs up the tower from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. the first Sunday of the month, June through October, and from 10 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. the Saturday before that Sunday, July through September. Admission is $ 10 for adults and $ 5 for kids aged between 6 and 11. The park and beach around the lighthouse are open daily from 6 a. m. to 10 p. m. North Point , Milwaukee This 74-foot lighthouse alongside a Queen Anne style keeper's quarters is a landmark in the city's Lake Park. After the coast guard decommissioned (停用) it in 1997, it stood vacant until a friendly group restored the structure and opened it as a museum in 2007. Tours are now offered from 1 p. m. to 4 p. m. Saturday and Sunday year round, plus from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Thursday and Friday in the summer. Tours cost $ 8 for adults, $ 5 for seniors (65+) and $ 5 for students and kids (5—11). Port Washington Breakwater This Art Deco-style lighthouse replaced an older wooden structure in 1935 as part of a Works Progress Administration project. Tours aren't available of the small structure, but visitors can walk along the 2, 500-foot breakwater to get a closer look. Rawley Point , Two Rivers This lighthouse is worth a visit not only for its steel tower rising 113 feet above the beach, but also for its location in Point Beach State Forest. Tours are not available of the working lighthouse, but it's viewable and photographable from the beach. In addition to six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the state forest has 17 miles of hiking trails to explore. 1.Which lighthouse is used as a museum? A.Wind Point, Racine. B.North Point, Milwaukee. C.Rawley Point, Two Rivers. D.Port Washington Breakwater. 2.Where can people appreciate Port Washington Breakwater? A.Under a wooden structure. B.Along the long breakwater. C.In Point Beach State Forest. D.On a point north of Racine. 3.Why is Rawley Point NOT available for a visit? A.It is far off the coast. B.It is located in the center of forest. C.It is working as a lighthouse. D.It is made of steel.
|
|
| 17. 难度：中等 | |
|
When we walked into the cafe, we were greeted by a waitress who smiled, held out a menu, and pointed to a table. It's only when we asked for a table for six that we realized something was a bit different. The waitress glanced at our group and held up six fingers. That's because all the staff are deaf. Last month, the Huffington Post visited Smiles Cafe in Granada. The business only employs people who are deaf, from the waiters to the cooks. “My goal is for this cafe to be a mirror for other businesses to lose their fear of hiring people with disabilities," the founder Antonio Bunuel, who is from Spain, told HufPost. “It's also for the people who work here to lose their own fear of getting into the work force," he added, “So they can fly.” In the city, about 1 person in 15 has a disability. But around 99 percent of people with a disability are unemployed. While the law requires companies to employ two people with disabilities for every 50 employees, many businesses don't. “Smiles Cafe was born out of a provocation. 99 percent of people with disabilities here are jobless. That was wrong!" Bunuel said. “So I decided to open a cafe where all of the employees were deaf to show that it works. At the cafe, customers order by pointing to items on the menu, which have special symbols to indicate substitutions. For instance, if you're ordering fruit parfait, and you don't want yogurt on it, you just point to the illustration (图示) of the parfait, and then to the image of yogurt with a big red “X" over it. To help customers communicate with staff and learn while they eat, the walls are covered with letters? words and phrases, from “Thank you" to “Welcome" with illustrations that show the corresponding translation. The cafe, now five years old, is a project of the non-profit Centro Social Tio Antonio. “We've opened a small window," the founder said, “If it serves to create awareness, then that's a start. 1.Why did the waitress hold up her fingers when the author ordered? A.All workers were deaf. B.She didn't want to say anything. C.She was suffering a throat ache. D.It was a special greeting. 2.What did the founder of the cafe expect his employees to do? A.Make a big fortune. B.Become well-known in the city. C.Recover from their illnesses. D.Overcome their fears to work. 3.What does the underlined sentence mean about Smiles Cafe in Para 3? A.People expected to keep a good volunteering tradition. B.It was founded to take a challenge of employing the disabled. C.Founders reached an agreement after discussions. D.The disabled were worried about their work at first. 4.What is helpful to the customers in the cafe? A.The deafness of the employees. B.Special symbols on the menu. C.The non-profit model of the cafe. D.The awareness of the employer.
|
|
| 18. 难度：中等 | |
|
Whether paired with a bottle of nice red wine or a burger, cheese can be a delicious treat. But it is not perhaps, the ideal material to use in printing — unless you are a team of nutritional scientists. One group of researchers used 3D printing to create a cheese. And the cheese could provide a valuable insight for engineers who are still developing materials for 3D printing. A team from the school of food and nutritional sciences at University College Cork (UCC) conducted a series of tests evaluating the 3D-printed cheese. 3D printing materials need to be fluid (液态) enough to flow but also capable of setting into a definite shape or structure. After melting the cheese at 75°C (167°F) for 12 minutes, the UCC team then ran it through a modified commercial 3D printer. The machine, which usually prints with plastic, was fitted with a syringe (注射器) to allow it to print with the melted cheese. The UCC team used several techniques to examine the effects of the 3D printing process on their cheese. They compared the 3D-printed results to processed cheese that had been melted and then cooled, as well as another sample that was left untouched. Cheese that was 3D printed was 45% to 49% softer than the processed cheese, the researchers said. They also discovered that 3D-printed cheese was a little darker in colour and more fluid when melted, though it melted at about the same temperature as processed cheese. Dr Kelly and his colleagues are now testing other types of dairy products which can be 3D-printed. Dr Kelly said, “We are using mixtures of milk proteins at present to build a product, perhaps a high-protein snack, and designing recipes which might work best for a 3D printer. ” 1.What problems are the engineers facing in 3D printing a cheese? A.They don't have proper material. B.They can't find a bottle of nice red wine or a burger. C.They can't make the cheese very delicious. D.They know much less than nutritional scientists. 2.How did the researchers use the 3D printer to make cheese? A.They raised the temperature to 75°C. B.They added a syringe to the printer. C.They bought some cheese to paint it. D.They evaluated the 3D-printed cheese. 3.What is the advantage of the 3D-printed cheese? A.It melts more easily. B.It tastes more delicious. C.It costs less money. D.It is much softer. 4.What will Dr Kelly and his colleagues do next according to the last paragraph? A.Publish a report on their research. B.Invent a new 3D printer. C.3D print more milk food. D.Make more cheese with their machine.
|
|
| 19. 难度：中等 | |
|
How does keeping things tidy change people psychologically? You gain greater confidence in yourself. Also, you become more optimistic and calmer in the mind than before. There are several reasons for these changes: your self-image improves as you start living in tidy beautiful rooms, and you gain decision-making skills as you continue to choose between which things to throw or give away and which to keep. The way we let go of things in the Kon Mari Method plays an important role as well. The Kon Mari Method has a step where we give thanks to the things before we throw them away. Not only would you say “thank you for sparking joy in me" to a favorite piece of clothing that you wore till it was threadbare, you would also say to a piece of clothing you never wore once “thank you for teaching me that this color doesn't look good on me". You will appreciate the roles of all the things that have come to you and experience appreciation for all of them. Through this experience, you will rediscover the truth that you have been supported by so many things and you will deepen your gratitude for things you leave behind. To share a personal example, I have always had little confidence in myself. When I get nervous before a large speaking assignment, I think to myself that I'll be fine because these clothes are protecting me and these shoes are supporting me, and that calms me down. Once you start feeling constant gratitude for your things and your home through tidying up, you will start feeling relief and calm as if you are always protected by something larger than you. 1.What psychological change may tidiness bring to people? A.They will become more confident. B.Their confidence will become less. C.They will become less optimistic. D.Their self-image will be damaged. 2.What does the underlined word “threadbare" mean in the second paragraph? A.fashionable B.fancy C.out of date D.worn out 3.What should people show to clothes they have never worn in the Kon Mari Method? A.Regret. B.Worry. C.Gratitude. D.Patience. 4.Why does the author mention his own experience in the last paragraph? A.To show off his wonderful speaking skills. B.To give an example of the benefit of tidiness. C.To explain how he has become a confident person. D.To show his special taste in choosing suitable clothes.
|
|
| 20. 难度：中等 | |
|
Architect Daniel Libeskind is the designer of such global landmarks as New York's One World Trade Center and Berlin's Jewish Museum. In his new book, he reviews his life's work and its inspirations — including these books. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. I love Lewis Carroll; he's a total genius (天才). His two classic works are children's books for grown-ups because they show aspects of the creative mind that we all have but seldom use in adulthood. Inspired by Carroll, I make a habit of trying to learn seven amazing things before breakfast. Ulysses by James Joyce. Joyce once said that if Dublin were destroyed, you could recreate the entire city from this novel. You can't do urban planning without Ulysses because it is a labyrinth (迷宫) you can never leave. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. Proust's great novel is really a book of reflections about how architecture — our living spaces — creates a blueprint (蓝图) for our dreams, our desires, our emotions, and our memories. Where we have lived, what we have eaten, and what kind of cups we use — all of those aspects are examined here in minute detail. Emily Dickinson's Herbarium by Emily Dickinson. From childhood onward, Dickinson collected, pressed, and classified the plants she grew in her garden in Amherst. Through the pictures in this book, you can see how her poetry — all her symbols, all her metaphors (隐喻), the colors she mentions — mirrors nature. You don't even have to read her poetry to see what a great artist she was. 1.Which of the following books is set in Dublin? A.Ulysses. B.In Search of Lost Time. C.Through the Looking-Glass. D.Emily Dickinson's Herbarium. 2.Whose book has pictures of various plants? A.James Joyce's. B.Emily Dickinson's. C.Marcel Proust's. D.Lewis Carroll's. 3.What can be learned about the books mentioned in the text? A.They are all novels. B.They are written for children. C.They offer inspirations for Daniel Libeskind. D.They focus on the power of nature.
|
|
| 21. 难度：中等 | |
|
Home party marketing originated in America in the early twentieth century. At that time, direct selling had become a very common part of American life. Door-to-door salesmen would travel throughout the country selling anything from sewing machines to cure-all medicines. In 1931, a man named Frank Stanley Beveridge who had dug enough gold by doing this selling started a company called Stanley Home Products. The company sold cleaning supplies to housewives. Soon after Mr. Beveridge began his company, one of his salesmen began selling Stanley products at home parties. The salesman would organize a Stanley Party where he could give a cleaning demonstration (演示) to a room full of guests. It allowed him to sell Stanley products to many different customers at once, and it proved to be much more effective than standard door-to-door sales. The practice quickly became the main marketing strategy (策略) of Stanley Home Products. Next, during the 1940s, many housewives started selling Stanley products to make extra money for their families. The job was perfect for housewives because Stanley sellers could work from home and set their own schedules. A single mother named Brownie Wise took full advantage of this opportunity and quickly became one of Stanley’s top sellers. Not long after that, she started her own direct selling business called Tupperware Patio Parties, which focused on selling a new type of plastic food container, Tupperware, using the Stanley home party system. Wise had realized Tupperware was perfect for the home party system. She could show her customers its patented (专利的) airtight seal, and she could also take away their anxiety about the safety of plastics -a fairly new invention at the time. Wise’ s company was very successful, and it was soon selling more Tupperware than department stores. Today, many other companies have adopted home party marketing plans. So, next time you leave friend’s party with a hundred dollars’ worth of new Tupperware or jewelry, you can thank Frank Stanley Beveridge and Brownie Wise for your unintended purchase. 1.What do we know about Frank Stanley Beveridge? A.He was an inventor of many home products. B.He was an experienced door-to-door salesman. C.He was the president of Tupperware Patio Parties. D.He was the first person to organize a Stanley Party. 2.Why was being a home party seller a perfect job for housewives? A.They liked holding parties at their house. B.They could make some money quickly. C.They needed hardly any pre-job training. D.They could work under a flexible schedule. 3.According to Wise, why was Tupperware perfect for the home party system? A.It was liked by party organizers. B.It required a demonstration. C.It sold badly in department stores. D.It was especially made for the system. 4.This text is organized in the pattern of ____________. A.time and events. B.comparison and contrast. C.cause and effect. D.argument and explanation.
|
|
| 22. 难度：中等 | |
|
Christina Horsten and Felix Zeltner tried not to panic when they were hit with a $400 rent increase on their Park Slope apartment in 2016, and realized they would have to move for the second time in two years. Instead of feeling intimidated by the unexpected event, they hit upon an unconventional idea: Why not move to a new neighborhood every month for a year? At first, things went remarkably well. They found their next apartment, a beautiful apartment in Chinatown. The next months brought stops in Staten Island and Harlem. As September approached, their next place to live proved difficult to find. When their Harlem lease (租约) ended, they took a road trip, then fell for a false advertisement in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, when an apartment they found advertised online wasn't actually available to rent. And eventually they got their money back through Paypal. “That was rock bottom,” Ms. Horsten said. Over the rest of the year, they spent time in a townhouse in Mott Haven, as well as apartments in Chelsea, the East Village, Hell’s Kitchen, and Williamsburg. “In the end, we were like, ‘Why should we even stop doing this?’ ”Ms. Horsten said. But then a lease takeover on Listings Project caught their attention: a two-bedroom apartment atop an Upper West Side townhouse. A second daughter, Lily, was born in January. And with a newborn, they have no intention of moving again anytime soon. Still, many aspects of their adventure have remained with them. “In the same way that we’ve tried to keep minimalism (极简主义) in our life, we try to stay in touch with all the people we’ve met,” Ms. Horsten said.“We realized it was a lifelong project to try to get to know NewYork City,” she added. But there is one member of the household eagerly waiting for a repeat: their 4-year-old daughter Emma.“ I think she loved it the most,” Ms. Horsten said.“At all the places we stayed, she found things I never noticed: children’s books, a dollhouse, a drum set. Even now, she’s like,‘When are we moving to a new home?’ And we’re like,‘We kind of like it here.’ ” 1.What does the underlined word “intimidated” in Paragraph1 mean? A.Frightened. B.Surprised. C.Embarrassed. D.Confused. 2.While looking for a place to stay, where was the couple nearly cheated? A.In Chinatown. B.In Sunset Park. C.In Staten Island. D.In Harlem. 3.What’s the couple’s plan for next month? A.Buying a townhouse in Brooklyn. B.Staying in the apartment in the Upper West Side. C.Donating their daughter’s toys to those living nearby. D.Looking for a two-bedroom apartment for their newborn. 4.What is the best title for the text? A.East or west, home is best. B.Where to start, where to end. C.Wherever you are, there is home. D.Another month, another neighborhood.
|
|
| 23. 难度：中等 | |
|
Medical developments and discoveries often provide the best things for controversies (争论).This is because whenever a new discovery or theory is proposed, there is always disagreement. Only via objective scientific evidence can such arguments be cleared. But, as is often the case, a clear solution is not instantly found. However, once the technology catches up with the area of the discovery, it shows exactly how valid the theory is. Since this is a slow process and can take years, the development of controversies is unavoidable. Over the years, various such controversies have been developed, examined, and either rejected, or proved right for the good of mankind. Now read the following examples. Firstly, cancer was largely regarded as an incurable disease, since its exact cause was unknown. Later, professors and doctors came up with various theories regarding the cause. Some claimed it was the result of chemical processes, while others believed it was a sort of poison. After a few decades, a doctor proposed that cancer was caused by the inhalation (吸入) of pollutants, in the form of smoke, gas, etc. His claim was rejected by many researchers and doctors. However, due to various scientific studies, this claim is now clearly common knowledge, though there may be other causes. Many people worry that the use of cell phones can cause cancer. Recent studies suggest that this common threat is actually quite true. Numerous studies indicate that the long usage of cell phones (at least an hour per day) increases the risk of developing brain tumors. After the discovery of X-rays, they were widely used, from doctors' clinics to shoe stores to see the fit of shoes. People thought they could offer the benefit of visualizing the skeleton (骨骼) of a person without causing any danger to the person. However, in 1956, the National Academy of Science reported the harmful effects of these rays on the human body, and the practice was then given up. Presently, we all know that exposure to X-rays may lead to radiation poisoning, tissue breakdown, and even death. 1.What may stop the scientific evidence of a theory being found quickly? A.Agreement among scientists. B.The lack of professional researchers. C.Technological limitations. D.The lack of motivation for investigating. 2.Different scientific studies have proved that _________. A.cancer is not an incurable disease. B.cancer is caused by chemical processes. C.air pollution is becoming more serious. D.air pollution is one of the causes of cancer. 3.How is the passage mainly developed? A.By giving examples. B.By making comparisons. C.By following time order. D.By making classifications. 4.What is the purpose of the passage? A.To remove people’s misunderstanding of medicine. B.To report the most recent medical development. C.To find good solutions to medical problems. D.To stress the development of controversies.
|
|
| 24. 难度：中等 | |
|
Recently, as I watched my son Nathan play basketball for his school team, I was feeling sorry for myself and for him. His team was facing adversity(困境) on the court, trailing for three quarters of the game. As for me, I had just been dismissed from my job. As I watched what my son was experiencing, I recalled the events earlier in the day—packing up everything in a box and saying goodbye to my colleagues. During the drive home, I kept telling myself that I will find work again—I am confident in my experience and abilities, but self-doubt was still sticking its foot in the door. The game entered the fourth quarter with Nathan’s team still trailing. I saw the determination on his back to not only tie the game, but then go ahead by three points. Then, a player from the other team made an unbelievable shot to tie the game up again. With a tie game and seconds on the clock, Nathan found himself with the ball and with skill and confidence, he made the basket with a defender hanging all over him. The other player was called for a foul(犯规). As Nathan stood preparing for a shot that would put his team up by three points, I saw the focus and determination on his face, with no room for self-doubt. After he made the free throw, his team managed to stop the other team from scoring, winning the game and moving on to the finals. As I sat there, my heart bursting with pride, it dawned on me. I had taught him perseverance(毅力) in the face of adversity, and he had just taught me the same lesson. That brief moment of self-doubt and feeling sorry for myself was blown away by the actions of my son on the basketball court. He will play in the finals, but it doesn’t matter if he wins or loses. At this moment, we both won. 1.We can learn from the text that ________. A.I lost my job for lack of experience and abilities. B.Nathans team won a narrow victory in the basketball game. C.I was proud of Nathan because he won the game in the finals. D.Nathan had never doubted himself whenever he was in trouble. 2.The underlined word “trailing” in the first paragraph probably means ________. A.losing B.falling behind C.being defeated D.winning 3.What can we infer from the last paragraph? A.My son would win in the finals and I would find a job soon. B.I had once taught my son face to face that we should never give up. C.It was my encouragement and help that made my son win the game. D.I would become more confident about my future after this experience. 4.What is the best title for the text? A.An Inspiring Game B.A Moment of Self-doubt C.Lesson from My Son D.An Unforgettable Experience
|
|
| 25. 难度：中等 | |
|
How cool can libraries be in an era(时代) of iPods and Kindles? More than you think. Only if you now where to go. Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening.The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime. Trinity College Library: D.ublin, Ireland The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The Long room houses one of the oldest harps (竖琴) in Ireland. Dating to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol foreland. Geisel Library: University of California, San Diego, United States At first glance, it looks like a spaceship. Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970. It has been featured in sci-fi films, short stories and novels. The library hosts “Dinner in the Library,” which invites readers for cocktails, and also a special speech from well-known authors. Bishan Public Library: Singapore Located in the heart of Bishan, the award-winning Bishan Community Library spans 4,000 square meters. It was designed to look like a tree house. The colorful pods (吊舱) that stick out of one side of the building represent books sticking from a bookshelf. Inside the library, these pods offer private spaces for reading. Its ceiling-high glass windows also make it fun to watch people walking and reading from inside the building. 1.If you want to enjoy a movie, you can go to ________. A.Central Library B.Geisel Library C.Bishan Public Library D.Trinity College Library 2.What makes Bishan Public Library different from the others? A.It has very large glass windows. B.It has ever won a prize for its size. C.Queen Elizabeth I founded the library. D.It is the largest single library in the world. 3.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage? A.To encourage readers to visit these libraries. B.To make an advertisement about these libraries. C.To offer some information about these libraries. D.To tell readers the importance of visiting libraries.
|
|
| 26. 难度：中等 | |
|
Being able to find high quality healthcare at an affordable price is a problem to be solved in many countries. In the United States, Walmart, a large chain store, is trying to help. It is offering something new to its employees: cutting the cost of a doctor’s appointment(预约) to only $4 instead of the usual $40 for the same service. Walmart is the latest major business in the United States to push its workers toward a high-tech way to be examined and treated by doctors. Thanks to telemedicine (远程医疗), people can talk with medical experts from the privacy of their own homes, often using a secure video connection. Supporters say online visits make it easier for patients to see an expert or quickly find help for problems considered non-emergencies. Some healthcare needs are well-suited for telemedicine. It can help people seek treatment for insect bites or skin conditions. Patients who have had medical treatments and cannot move around easily can use telemedicine for their follow-up visits. Also, people seeking help for mental health issues can benefit from the privacy that telemedicine gives. But still, many people do not use telemedicine, they continue to go to the doctor’s office when they are sick. 80 percent of middle-size and large U.S. companies offered telemedicine services to their workers in 2018. However, only 8 percent of its employees used telemedicine at least once in 2017. Compared with seeing a real doctor in person, some people may think the quality of telemedicine is not as good. Parents, for example, may feel they are not giving their child the best care if they use a virtual doctor appointment. Another reason some adults may not use telemedicine services is trust. Tom Hill, aged 66, says he has no plans to ever use telemedicine. He says, for him, it is important to look at his doctor in the eye and shake hands. However, for some people, especially young people and busy students, telemedicine might be a good choice. It can cut down on the time away from work. It can also cut down on the cost of doctor visits. 1.What do we know about telemedicine? A.It is increasingly popular with people in America. B.It is an online service provided by most companies. C.It enables the patients to see a doctor at home for free. D.It makes it easier for people to receive medical treatment. 2.Who is most likely to use “telemedicine”? A.Robert, a grandfather who fell off a bike and got injured. B.Katherine, a shy woman who suffers from mental illness. C.Jackson, a firefighter who got seriously burnt in a big fire. D.Susan, a mother whose kid is suffering from a strange disease. 3.What is the author’s attitude towards “telemedicine”? A.Positive. B.Concerned. C.Uncertain. D.Doubtful.
|
|
| 27. 难度：简单 | |
|
Guide to what's worth watching I Feel Bad Don't let the depressing name of the show mislead you. Based on the novel I Feel Bad: All Day. Every Day. About Everything, this new half-hour situation comedy finds humor in the endless small failings of its heroine—a working mom in her 40s who depends on her parents for child-care help when she escapes her chaotic family life to manage an all-male team of much younger video-game developers. Sarayu Blue stars. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 10 pm., NBC. Dead Lucky Among plenty of imported police crime dramas, Dead Lucky has one major edge: It has Rachel Griffiths as its lead. The Golden Globe-winning Australian actress plays a moody but gifted detective whose pursuit追捕）of a killer leads into comers of Sydney new to most American viewers. That, and co-star Brooke Satchwell, might be enough. Thursday, Sept 20, Sundance Now. Art in the Twenty-First Century Do you suffer from dandruff-like（如同有头屑一样的）symptoms when faced with contemporary art? The series that's long been a cure for such head-scratching returns with new episodes that will focus on innovative创新的）artists in Johannesburg, Berlin, and the San Francisco Bay Area, and on how place shapes the artists* work Friday, Sept 21, at 9 pm., PBS. Maniac Psychological dark comedies seem to be trending this fail. In this 10-part series, Emma Stoneand Jonah Hill co-star as unhappy strangers who develop a deep connection when they both volunteer for a drug trial. Saturday, Sept. 22, Netflix. 1.What can be learned about the program that is aired on NBC? A.It is an amusing B.It is based on a true story C.It is popular among children. D.It is a Golden Globe-winning series. 2.Which Program would you recommend to someone interested in detective stories? A.Maniac. B.I Feel Bad. C.Dead Lucky. D.Art in the Twenty-First Century. 3.On which day can you see a series about artists? A.Saturday, Sept. 22. B.Friday, Sept. 21. C.Thursday, Sept. 20. D.Wednesday, Sept. 19.
|
|
| 28. 难度：中等 | |
|
A small supermarket is decorated with a lot of red lanterns. There are piles of red envelopes on sale, for filling with cash and handing out as gifts. Such festive trappings can be seen everywhere in China in the build-up to the Lunar New Year. But this is Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, where Han Chinese are a mere 2.5% of the country's population. They are a sign that Chinese New Year is becoming a global holiday. Several countries in Asia celebrate the Lunar New Year in their own way. But dragon and lion dances in Chinatowns over the world have helped make China's the most famous. In Tokyo, window cleaners dress up as the animals of the Chinese zodiac （生肖）.America, Canada and New Zealand have issued commemorative stamps for the Year of the Rooster. Last year New York City made the Lunar New Year a school holiday for the first time. The spread of the Spring Festival, as China calls it, is partly due to recent emigration（移民）from China: 9.5 million Chinese people have moved abroad since 1978, many of whom are far richer than earlier waves of migrants. It also reflects the wealth and ambitions of China's new middle class: festivities in other countries are partly aimed at the 6 million Chinese who are expected to spend their week long holiday abroad this year. It's hoped that the festival will promote Chin's cultural "soft power" abroad. So related events are welcomed, such as a display this year of martial arts in Cyprus and a traditional Chinese temple-fair in Harare, Zimbabwe. More and more Chinese are glad to see foreigners enjoy such festivities. Though there is a growing enthusiasm among Chinese for Western celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year is a welcome chance to reverse（逆转）the cultural flow. 1.The scene in a supermarket shown in the first paragraph is to________ . A.stress the importance of the Spring Festival B.explain why the Lunar New Year is popular C.present the popularity of Chinese New Year D.show how other countries celebrate the Spring Festival 2.What are the best-known celebration activities for the Lunar New Year in Chinatowns? A.Dragon and lion dances. B.Eating dumplings and singing and dancing. C.Dressing up as animals and dancing. D.playing cards and letting off fireworks. 3.Some countries celebrate the Spring Festival in order to . A.reflect on their own cultures B.show respect to the Chinese traditions C.promote the values of Chinese customs D.attract Chinese to spend the holiday there 4.What's the best title for the text? A.Celebrating Chinese Festivals Becomes a Trend. B.Welcoming China's Cultural "Soft Power*', C.China's Biggest Festival Is Going Global. D.Foreigners' Love of China's Festivals.
|
|
| 29. 难度：中等 | |
|
Valerie Stull begins her mornings with a breakfast shake, into which she puts peanut butter, cocoa powder, banana, and milk. The last thing to go in is a powder made from insects. Stull works at the Global Health Institute. She's in a group of researchers who study the impacts of eating insects. There's a name for dining on insects: entomophagy. About two billion people regularly eat insects. That's almost one in every four. Most North Americans and Europeans tend to find the idea of entomophagy disgusting. Yet even in their parts of the world, insect eating is starting to catch on. That's especially true when the insects are eaten, as Stull's are, in a form that doesn't show their eyes, wings and feet. "Some scientists view eatable insects as mini-livestock（小型牲畜）.” Compared to raising cattle and more traditional livestock, insects need far less natural resources such as land and water. Insects also are nutritious. They're packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. Plus, their outer shells contain chitin—a source of fiber. Stull wondered if chitin and other fibers in insects might offer health benefits similar to other fibers found in a typical American diet. To find out, she teamed up with Tiffany Weir, who's a scientist at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Breakfasts enriched with insects changed the amount of different bacteria in the gut（肠道），the two now report. And those changes were in a direction that should improve a diner's health. These findings suggest that insects work as prebiotics（益生元）.Scientists think probiotics, which fuel the growth of helpful gut bacteria （肠道细菌），have longer and larger benefits than probiotics（益生菌）do. Probiotics exist in your gut, and you can also add them to your diet. But, Stull explains, “When you have probiotics, you're taking in a whole bunch of beneficial bacteria. But if you don't feed those beneficial bacteria, they're not going to stick around very long." It's possible that insects offer larger benefits to people who eat them regularly. In a future study, Stull's team would like to test that idea. 1.What can we learn from the underlined sentence in paragraph 3? A.Insect eating is one of Stull's favorite lifestyles. B.Insect eating is quite different from entomophagy. C.Insect eating is becoming more and more acceptable. D.Insect eating is the most scientific way of getting nutrition. 2.what's the advantage of insect farming compared with traditional livestock farming? A.It's face-saving. B.It's time-saving. C.It's labor-saving. D.It's resource-saving. 3.What has Stull and Weir's study found out? A.Insects are rich in fiber. B.Chitin is similar to other fibers. C.Eating insects is good for health. D.Insects can keep gut bacteria in balance. 4.How do prebiotics prebioties differ from probiotics? A.Prebiotics are good bacteria. B.Prebiotics can be added to the diet. C.Prebiotics need to be fed regularly. D.Prebiotics can inspire good gut bacteria.
|
|
| 30. 难度：中等 | |
|
A baby seal robot from Japan has came to the U.S. It's been sold in Japan for several years, but now the company has created a Florida-based unit, Paro Robots U.S. Inc., to sell the creature to places like nursing homes and hospitals. The robot, named Paro, is marketed as a therapeutic（治疗的）device that can help comfort people who have problems that can lead to social isolation（隔离）. Takanori Shibata, a Japanese engineer, invented Paro. He says the robot, which weighs about 6 pounds, is able to respond to touch, light, and sound. Shibata says he tried making robotic cats and dogs, but that people didn't find those convincing. "They expected too much,"' he says, and would compare the robot to real animals they had known. Few people have ever seen a live baby seal, so they aren't likely to draw comparisons between the robot and the real thing. So they accept Paro as a cute little companion. The Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean held a recent event to showcase the robot and Virginia Long slowly came into the activity room. When a nurse put the robot on her lap, it began to shake slightly, and Long talked to it gently. “Why are you shaking? Are you cold?" she asked. The robot made a high sound, and Long laughed. She said she used to have a cat, “but somebody stole him." "Petting a seal is unusual," she said, "but a lot of people have strange animals. But some experts say a robot is no replacement for a real animal. "One of the things that we've learned is that it is the unexpected and natural behavior of the living creature that adds so much value to people's experience. Any kind of newness can get the attention of people who are lonely and bored, but that doesn't necessarily help them live a meaningful life. It doesn't solve the problem that is really causing their lack of enjoyment of life," says Bill Thomas, a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 1.What is the role of Paro? A.To look after baby seals. B.To give relief to Patients. C.To replace home-raised pets. D.To Provide medical examinations. 2.How did people feel about robotic cats? A.Disappointed. B.Astonished. C.Concerned. D.Amused. 3.What was Long's reaction to Paro? A.She refused to get close to it. B.She showed it much affection. C.She regarded it as her new cat. D.She was frightened to talk to it. 4.What do Bill Thomas's words suggest about Paro? A.It is of great value to people. B.It is not of great use in solving real problems. C.It fails to catch older people's interest. D.It can take the place of a living creature.
|
|
