| 1. 难度：中等 | |
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In 1812, the year Charles Dickens was born, there were 66 novels published in Britain. People had been writing novels for a century—most experts date the first novel to Robinson Crusoe in 1719— but nobody wanted to do it professionally. The steam-powered printing press was still in its early stages; the literacy（识字） rate in England was under 50%. Many works of fiction appeared without the names of the authors, often with something like “By a lady.”Novels, for the most part, were looked upon as silly, immoral, or just plain bad. In 1870, when Dickens died, the world mourned him as its first professional writer and publisher, famous and beloved, who had led an explosion in both the publication of novels and their readership and whose characters — from Oliver Twist to Tiny Tim— were held up as moral touchstones. Today Dickens’ greatness is unchallenged. Removing him from the pantheon（名人堂） of English literature would make about as much sense as the Louvre selling off the Mona Lisa. How did Dickens get to the top? For all the feelings readers attach to stories, literature is a numbers game, and the test of time is extremely difficult to pass. Some 60,000 novels were published during the Victorian age, from 1837 to1901; today a casual reader might be able to name a half-dozen of them. It’s partly true that Dickens’ style of writing attracted audiences from all walks of life. It’s partly that his writings rode a wave of social, political and scientific progress. But it’s also that he rewrote the culture of literature and put himself at the center. No one will ever know what mix of talent, ambition, energy and luck made Dickens such a singular writer. But as the 200th anniversary of his birth approaches, it is possible — and important for our own culture—to understand how he made himself a lasting one. 1.Which of the following best describes British novels in the 18th century? A. They were difficult to understand. B. They were popular among the rich. C. They were seen as nearly worthless. D. They were written mostly by women. 2.Dickens is compared with the Mona Lisa in the text to stress________. A. his reputation in France B. his interest in modern art C. his success in publication D. his importance in literature 3.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text? A. To remember a great writer. B. To introduce an English novel. C. To encourage studies on culture. D. To promote values of the Victorian age.
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| 2. 难度：中等 | |
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While famous foreign architects are invited to lead the designs of landmark buildings in China such as the new CCTV tower and the National Center for the Performing Arts, many excellent Chinese architects are making great efforts to take the center stage. Their efforts have been proven fruitful. Wang Shu, a 49-year-old Chinese architect, won the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize — which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in architecture — on February 28. He is the first Chinese citizen to win this award. Wang serves as head of the Architecture Department at the China Academy of Art (CAA). His office is located at the Xiangshan campus(校园) of the university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Many buildings on the campus are his original creations. The style of the campus is quite different from that of most Chinese universities. Many visitors were amazed by the complex architectural space and abundant building types. The curves(曲线) of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills, forming a unique view. Wang collected more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages. He asked the workers to use traditional techniques to make the bricks into walls, roofs and corridors. This creation attracted a lot of attention thanks to its mixture of modern and traditional Chinese elements(元素). Wang’s works show a deep understanding of modern architecture and a good knowledge of traditions. Through such a balance, he had created a new type of Chinese architecture, said Tadao Ando, the winner of the 1995 Pritzker Prize. Wang believes traditions should not be sealed in glass boxes at museums. "That is only evidence that traditions once existed," he said. "Many Chinese people have a misunderstanding of traditions. They think tradition means old things from the past. In fact, tradition also refers to the things that have been developing and that are still being created, " he said. "Today, many Chinese people are learning Western styles and theories rather than focusing on Chinese traditions. Many people tend to talk about traditions without knowing what they really are, " said Wang. The study of traditions should be combined with practice. Otherwise, the recreation of traditions would be artificial and empty, he said. 1.Wang’s winning of the prize means that Chinese architects are ___________. A.following the latest world trend B.getting international recognition C.working harder than ever before D.relying on foreign architects 2.What impressed visitors to the CAA Xiangshan campus most? A.Its hilly environment. B.Its large size. C.Its unique style. D.Its diverse functions. 3.What made Wang’s architectural design a success? A.The mixture of different shapes. B.The balance of East and West. C.The use of popular techniques. D.The harmony of old and new. 4.What should we do about Chinese traditions according to Wang? A.Spread them to the world. B.Preserve them at museums. C.Teach them in universities. D.Recreate them in practice.
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| 3. 难度：中等 | |
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Benjamin West, the father of American painting, showed his talent for art when he was only six years of age. But he did not know about brushes before a visitor told him he needed one. In those days, a brush was made from camel’s hair. There were no camels nearby. Benjamin decided that cat hair would work instead. He cut some fur from the family cat to make a brush. The brush did not last long. Soon Benjamin needed more fur. Before long, the cat began to look ragged（蓬乱）. His father said that the cat must be sick. Benjamin was forced to admit what he had been doing. The cat’s lot was about to improve. That year, one of Benjamin’s cousins, Mr. Pennington, came to visit. He was impressed with Benjamin’s drawings. When he went home, he sent Benjamin a box of paint and some brushes. He also sent six engravings（版画） by an artist. These were the first pictures and first real paint and brushes Benjamin had ever seen. In 1747, when Benjamin was nine years old, Mr. Pennington returned for another visit. He was amazed at what Benjamin had done with his gift. He asked Benjamin’s parents if he might take the boy to Philadelphia for a visit. In the city, Mr. Pennington gave Benjamin materials for creating oil paintings. The boy began a landscape(风景) painting. William Williams, a well-known painter, came to see him work. Williams was impressed with Benjamin and gave him two classic books on painting to take home. The books were long and dull. Benjamin could read only a little, having been a poor student. But he later said,＂Those two books were my companions by day, and under my pillow at night.＂While it is likely that he understood very little of the books, they were his introduction to classical paintings. The nine-year-old boy decided then that he would be an artist. 1.What is the text mainly about? A.Benjamin’s visit to Philadelphia. B.Williams’ influence on Benjamin. C.The beginning of Benjamin’s life as an artist. D.The friendship between Benjamin and Pennington. 2.What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 3 suggest? A.The cat would be closely watched. B.The cat would get some medical care. C.Benjamin would leave his home shortly. D.Benjamin would have real brushes soon. 3.What did Pennington do to help Benjamin develop his talent? A.He took him to see painting exhibitions. B.He provided him with painting materials. C.He sent him to a school in Philadelphia. D.He taught him how to make engravings. 4.Williams’ two books helped Benjamin to _____________. A.master the use of paints B.appreciate landscape paintings C.get to know other painters D.make up his mind to be a painter
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| 4. 难度：中等 | |
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Benjamin West, the father of American painting, showed his talent for art when he was only six years of age. But he did not know about brushes before a visitor told him he needed one. In those days, a brush was made from camel’s hair. There were no camels nearby. Benjamin decided that cat hair would work instead. He cut some fur from the family cat to make a brush. The brush did not last long. Soon Benjamin needed more fur. Before long, the cat began to look ragged（蓬乱）. His father said that the cat must be sick. Benjamin was forced to admit what he had been doing. The cat’s lot was about to improve. That year, one of Benjamin’s cousins, Mr. Pennington, came to visit. He was impressed with Benjamin’s drawings. When he went home, he sent Benjamin a box of paint and some brushes. He also sent six engravings（版画） by an artist. These were the first pictures and first real paint and brushes Benjamin had ever seen. In 1747, when Benjamin was nine years old, Mr. Pennington returned for another visit. He was amazed at what Benjamin had done with his gift. He asked Benjamin’s parents if he might take the boy to Philadelphia for a visit. In the city, Mr. Pennington gave Benjamin materials for creating oil paintings. The boy began a landscape(风景) painting. William Williams, a well-known painter, came to see him work. Williams was impressed with Benjamin and gave him two classic books on painting to take home. The books were long and dull. Benjamin could read only a little, having been a poor student. But he later said,＂Those two books were my companions by day, and under my pillow at night.＂While it is likely that he understood very little of the books, they were his introduction to classical paintings. The nine-year-old boy decided then that he would be an artist. 1.What is the text mainly about? A.Benjamin’s visit to Philadelphia. B.Williams’ influence on Benjamin. C.The beginning of Benjamin’s life as an artist. D.The friendship between Benjamin and Pennington. 2.What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 3 suggest? A.The cat would be closely watched. B.The cat would get some medical care. C.Benjamin would leave his home shortly. D.Benjamin would have real brushes soon. 3.What did Pennington do to help Benjamin develop his talent? A.He took him to see painting exhibitions. B.He provided him with painting materials. C.He sent him to a school in Philadelphia. D.He taught him how to make engravings. 4.Williams’ two books helped Benjamin to _____________. A.master the use of paints B.appreciate landscape paintings C.get to know other painters D.make up his mind to be a painter
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| 5. 难度：中等 | |
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It was a cold March day in High Point, North Carolina. The girls on the Wesleyan Academy softball team were waiting for their next turns at bat during practice, stamping their feet to stay warm. Eighth-grader Taylor Bisbee shivered (发抖) a little as she watched her teammate Paris White play. The two didn’t know each other well — Taylor had just moved to town a month or so before. Suddenly, Paris fell to the ground. “Pairs’s eyes rolled back,” Taylor says. “She started shaking. I knew it was an emergency.” It certainly was. Paris had suffered a sudden heart failure. Without immediate medical care, Paris would die. At first, no one moved. The girls were in shock. Then the softball coach shouted out, “Does anyone know CPR?” CPR is a life-saving technique. To do CPR, you press on the sick person’s chest so that blood moves through the body and takes oxygen to organs. Without oxygen，the brain is damaged quickly. Amazingly, Taylor had just taken a CPR course the day before. Still, she hesitated. She didn’t think she knew it well enough. But when no one else came forward, Taylor ran to Paris and began doing CPR. “It was scary. I knew it was the difference between life and death,” says Taylor. Taylor’s swift action helped her teammates calm down. One girl called 911. Two more ran to get the school nurse, who brought a defibrillator, an electronic device (器械) that can shock the heart back into work. Luck stayed with them: Paris’s heartbeat returned. “I know I was really lucky,” Paris says now. “Most people don’t survive this. My team saved my life.” Experts say Paris is right: For a sudden heart failure, the single best chance for survival is having someone nearby step in and do CPR quickly. Today, Paris is back on the softball team. Taylor will apply to college soon. She wants to be a nurse. “I feel more confident in my actions now,” Taylor says. “I know I can act under pressure in a scary situation.” 1.What happened to Paris on a March day? A.She caught a bad cold. B.She had a sudden heart problem. C.She was knocked down by a ball. D.She shivered terribly during practice. 2.Why does Paris say she was lucky? A.She made a worthy friend. B.She recovered from shock. C.She received immediate CPR. D.She came back on the softball team. 3.Which of the following words can best describe Taylor? A.Enthusiastic and kind. B.Courageous and calm. C.Cooperative and generous. D.Ambitious and professional.
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| 6. 难度：困难 | |
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I work with Volunteers for Wildlife, a rescue and education organization at Bailey Arboretum in Locust Valley. Trying to help injured, displaced or sick creatures can be heartbreaking; survival is never certain. However, when it works, it is simply beautiful. I got a rescue call from a woman in Muttontown. She had found a young owl(猫头鹰) on the ground. When I arrived, I saw a 2-to 3-week-old owl. It had already been placed in a carrier for safety. I examined the chick(雏鸟) and it seemed fine. If I could locate the nest, I might have been able to put it back, but no luck. My next work was to construct a nest and anchor it in a tree. The homeowner was very helpful. A wire basket was found. I put some pine branches into the basket to make this nest safe and comfortable. I placed the chick in the nest, and it quickly calmed down. Now all that was needed were the parents, but they were absent. I gave the homeowner a recording of the hunger screams of owl chicks. These advertise the presence of chicks to adults; they might also encourage our chick to start calling as well. I gave the owner as much information as possible and headed home to see what news the night might bring. A nervous night to be sure, but sometimes the spirits of nature smile on us all! The homeowner called to say that the parents had responded to the recordings. I drove over and saw the chick in the nest looking healthy and active. And it was accompanied in the nest by the greatest sight of all — LUNCH! The parents had done their duty and would probably continue to do so. 1.What is unavoidable in the author’s rescue work according to paragraph 1? A. Efforts made in vain. B. Getting injured in his work. C. Feeling uncertain about his future. D. Creatures forced out of their homes. 2.Why was the author called to Muttontown? A. To rescue a woman. B. To take care of a woman. C. To look at a baby owl. D. To cure a young owl. 3.What made the chick calm down? A. A new nest. B. Some food. C. A recording. D. Its parents. 4.How would the author feel about the outcome of the event? A. It’s unexpected. B. It’s beautiful. C. It’s humorous. D. It’s discouraging.
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| 7. 难度：中等 | |
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I first met Paul Newman in 1968, when George Roy Hill, the director of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, introduced us in New York City. When the studio didn’t want me for the film - it wanted somebody as well known as Paul — he stood up for me. I don’t know how many people would have done that; they would have listened to their agents or the studio powers. The friendship that grew out of the experience of making that film and The Sting four years later had its root in the fact that although there was an age difference, we both came from a tradition of theater and live TV. We were respectful of craft(技艺) and focused on digging into the characters we were going to play. Both of us had the qualities and virtues that are typical of American actors: humorous, aggressive, and making fun of each other — but always with an underlying affection. Those were also at the core(核心) of our relationship off the screen. We shared the brief that if you’re fortunate enough to have success, you should put something back — he with his Newman’s Own food and his Hole in the Wall camps for kids who are seriously ill, and me with Sundance and the institute and the festival. Paul and I didn’t see each other all that regularly, but sharing that brought us together. We supported each other financially and by showing up at events. I last saw him a few months ago. He’d been in and out of the hospital. He and I both knew what the deal was, and we didn’t talk about it. Ours was a relationship that didn’t need a lot of words. 1.Why was the studio unwilling to give the role to author at first? A.Paul Newman wanted it. B.The studio powers didn’t like his agent. C.He wasn’t famous enough. D.The director recommended someone else. 2.Why did Paul and the author have a lasting friendship? A.They were of the same age. B.They worked in the same theater. C.They were both good actors. D.They han similar charactertics. 3.What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 3 refer to? A.Their belief. B.Their care for children. C.Their success. D.Their support for each other. 4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the test? A.To show his love of films. B.To remember a friend. C.To introduce a new movie. D.To share his acting experience.
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| 8. 难度：中等 | |
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Fifteen years ago, I took a summer vacation in Lecce in southern Italy. After climbing up a hill for a panoramic(全景的) view of the blue sea, white buildings and green olive trees, I paused to catch my breath and then positioned myself to take the best photo of this panorama. Unfortunately, just as I took out my camera, a woman approached from behind, and planted herself right in front of my view. Like me, this woman was here to stop, sigh and appreciate the view. Patient as I was, after about 15 minutes, my camera scanning the sun and reviewing the shot I would eventually take, I grew frustrated. Was it too much to ask her to move so I could take just one picture of the landscape? Sure, I could have asked her, but something prevented me from doing so. She seemed so content in her observation. I didn’t want to mess with that. Another 15 minutes passed and I grew bored. The woman was still there. I decided to take the photo anyway. And now when I look at it, I think her presence in the photo is what makes the image interesting. The landscape, beautiful on its own, somehow coms to life and breathes because this woman is engaging with it. This photo, with the unique beauty that unfolded before me and that woman who “ruined” it, now hangs on a wall in my bedroom. What would she think if she knew that her figure is captured(捕捉) and frozen on some stranger’s bedroom wall? A bedroom, after all, is a very private space, in which some woman I don’t even know has been immortalized(使……永存). In some ways, she lives in my house. Perhaps we all live in each others’ space. Perhaps this is what photos are for: to remind us that we all appreciate beauty, that we all share a common desire for pleasure, for connection, for something that is greater than us. That photo is a reminder, a captured moment, an unspoken conversation between two women, separated only by a thin square of glass. 1.What happened when the author was about to take a photo? A.Her camera stopped working. B.A woman blocked her view. C.Someone asked her to leave D.A friend approached from behind. 2.According to the author, the woman was probably_______. A.enjoying herself B.losing her patience C.waiting for the sunset D.thinking about her past 3.In the author’s opinion, what makes the photo so alive? A.The rich color of the landscape. B.The perfect positioning of the camera. C.The woman’s existence in the photo. D.The soft sunlight that summer day. 4.The photo on the bedroom wall enables the author to better understand ________. A.the need to be close to nature B.the importance of private space C.the joy of the vacation in Italy D.the shared passion for beauty 5.The passage can be seen as the author’s reflections upon _______. A.a particular life experience B.the pleasure of traveling C.the art of photography D.a lost friendship
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| 9. 难度：中等 | |
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I am Peter Hodes, a volunteer stem courier. Since March 2012, I've done 89 trips of those , 51 have been abroad, I have 42 hours to carry stem cells（干细胞）in my little box because I've got two ice packs and that's how long they last, in all, from the time the stem cells are harvested from a donor(捐献者) to the time they can be implanted in the patient, we’ve got 72 hours at most, So I am always conscious of time. I had one trip last year where I was caught by a hurricane in America. I picked up the stem cells in Providence, Rhode Island, and was meant to fly to Washington then back to London. But when I arrived at the check-in desk at Providence, the lady on the desk said: “Well, I’m really sorry, I’ve got some bad news for you-there are no fights from Washington.” So I took my box and put it on the desk and I said: “In this box are some stem cells that are urgently needed for a patient-please, please, you’ve got to get me back to the United Kingdom.” She just dropped everything. She arranged for a flight on a small plane to be held for mere-routed(改道)me through Newark and got me back to the UK even earlier than originally scheduled. For this courier job, you’re consciously aware than that box you’re got something that is potentially going to save somebody’s life. 1.Which of the following can replace the underlined word “courier” in Paragraph 1? A.provider B.delivery man C.collector D.medical doctor 2.Why does Peter have to complete his trip within 42 hours? A.He cannot stay away from his job too long. B.The donor can only wait for that long. C.The operation needs that very much. D.The ice won’t last any longer. 3.Which flight did the woman put Peter on first? A.To London B.To Newark C.To Providence D.To Washington
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| 10. 难度：中等 | |
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Surviving Hurricane Sandy (飓风桑迪) Natalie Doan, 14, has always felt lucky to live in Rockaway, New York. Living just a few blocks from the beach, Natalie can see the ocean and hear the wave from her house. “It’s the ocean that makes Rockaway so special,” she says. On October 29, 2012, that ocean turned fierce. That night, Hurricane Sandy attacked the East Coast, and Rockaway was hit especially hard. Fortunately, Natalie’s family escaped to Brooklyn shortly before the city’s bridge closed. When they returned to Rockaway the next day, they found their neighborhood in ruins. Many of Natalie’s friends had lost their homes and were living far away. All around her, people were suffering, especially the elderly. Natalie’s school was so damaged that she had to temporarily attend a school in Brooklyn. In the following few days, the men and women helping Rockaway recover inspired Natalie. Volunteers came with carloads of donated clothing and toys. Neighbors devoted their spare time to helping others rebuild. Teenagers climbed dozens of flights of stairs to deliver water and food to elderly people trapped in powerless high-rise buildings. “My mom tells me that I can’t control what happens to me,” Natalie says. “but I can always choose how I deal with it.” Natalie’s choice was to help. She created a website page matching survivors in need with donors who wanted to help. Natalie posted introduction about a boy named Patrick, who lost his baseball card collecting when his house burned down. Within days, Patrick’s collection was replaced. In the coming months, her website page helped lots of kids: Christopher, who received a new basketball; Charlie, who got a new keyboard. Natalie also worked with other organizations to bring much-need supplies to Rockaway. Her efforts made her a famous person. Last April, she was invited to the White House and honored as a Hurricane Sandy Champion of Change. Today, the scars (创痕) of destruction are still seen in Rockaway, but hope is in the air. The streets are clear, and many homes have been rebuilt. “I can’t imagine living anywhere but Rockaway,” Natalie declares. “My neighborhood will be back, even stronger than before.” 1.When Natalie returned to Rockaway after the hurricane, she found ______. A. some friends had lost their lives. B. her neighborhood was destroyed. C. her school had moved to Brooklyn. D. the elderly were free from suffering. 2.According to paragraph 4, who inspired Natalie most? A. The people helping Rockaway rebuild. B. The people trapped in high-rise building. C. The volunteers donating money to survivors. D. Local teenagers bringing clothing to elderly people. 3.How did Natalie help the survivors? A. She gave her toys to the kids. B. She took care of younger children. C. She called on the White House to help. D. She built an information sharing platform. 4.What does the story intend to tell us? A. Little people can make a big difference. B. A friend in need is a friend indeed. C. East or West, home is best. D. Technology is power.
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| 11. 难度：中等 | |
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阅读理解。 Every man wants his son to be somewhat of a clone, not in features but in footsteps. As he grows you also age, and your ambitions become more unachievable. You begin to realize that your boy, in your footsteps, could probably accomplish what you hoped for. But footsteps can be muddied and they can go off in different directions. My son Jody has hated school since day one in kindergarten. Science projects waited until the last moment. Book reports weren’t written until the final threat. I’ve been a newspaperman all my adult life. My daughter is a university graduate working toward her master’s degree in English. But Jody? When he entered the tenth grade he became a “vo-tech” student(技校学生). They’re called “motorheads” by the rest of the student body. When a secretary in my office first called him “motorhead”, I was shocked. “Hey, he’s a good kid,” I wanted to say. “And smart, really.” I learned later that motorheads are, indeed, different. They usually have dirty hands and wear dirty work clothes. And they don’t often make school honor rolls(光荣榜). But being the parent of a motorhead is itself an experience in education. We who labor in clean shirts in offices don’t have the abilities that motorheads have. I began to learn this when I had my car crashed. The cost to repair it was estimated at $800. “Hey, I can fix it,” said Jody. I doubted it , but let him go ahead, for I had nothing to lose. My son ,with other motorheads,fixed the car. They got parts(零件）from ajunkyard, and ability from vo-tech classes. The lost was $25 instead of $80. Since that first repair job, a broken air-conditioner, a non-functioning washer and a non-toasting toaster have been fixed. Neighbors and co-workers trust their car repairs to him. These kids are happiest when doing repairs. They joke and laugh and are living in their own relaxed world. And their minds are bright despite their dirty hands and clothes. I have learned a lot from my motorhead: publishers need printers, engineers need mechanics, and architects need builders. Most important, I have learned that fathers don’t need clones in footsteps or anywhere else. My son may never make the school honor roll. But he made mine. 1.What used to be the author’s hope for his son? A. To avoid becoming his clone. B. To resemble him in appearance. C. To develop in a different direction. D. To reach the author’s unachieved goals. 2.What can we learn about the author’s children? A. His daughter does better in school. B. His daughter has got a master’s degree. C. His son tried hard to finish homework. D. His son couldn’t write his book reports. 3.The author let his son repair the car because he believed that_______. A. His son had the ability to fix it. B. it would save him much time. C. it wouldn’t cause him any more loss D. other motorheads would come to help. 4.In the author’s eyes, motorheads are _______. A. tidy and hardworking B. cheerful and smart C. lazy but bright D. relaxed but rude 5.What did the author realize in the end? A. It is unwise to expect your child to follow your path. B. It is important for one to make the honor roll. C. Architects play a more important role than builders. D. Motorheads have greater ability than office workers.
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| 12. 难度：中等 | |
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Two things changed my life: my mother and a white plastic bike basket. I have thought long and hard about it and it’s true. I would be a different person if my mom hadn’t turned a silly bicycle accessory into a life lesson I carry with me today. My mother and father were united in their way of raising children, but it mostly fell to my mother to actually carry it out. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how she did it. Managing the family budget must have been a very hard task., but she made it look effortless. If we complained about not having what another kid did, we’d hear something like, “I don’t care what so –and –so got for his birthday, you are not getting a TV in your room a car for your birthday a lsvish sweet 16 party.” We had to earn our allowance by doing chores around the house. I can still remember how long it took to polish the legs of our coffee table.My brothers can no doubt remember hours spent cleaning the house .Like the two little girls growing up at the White House,we made our own beds (no one left the house until that was done)and picked up after ourselves.We had to keep track of our belongings ,and if something was lost ,it was not replaced. It was summer and ,one day ,my mother drove me to the bike shop to get a tire fixed---and there it was in the window, White, shiny, plastic and decorated with flowers ,the basket winked at me and I knew ----I knew---I had to have it. “It’s beautiful,” my mother said when I pointed it out to her,”What a neat basket.” I tried to hold off at first ,I played it cool for a short while. But then I guess I couldn’t at and it any longer:“Mom, please can I please ,please get it? I ‘ll do extra chores for as long as you say, I’ll do anything ,but I need that basket,I love that basket.Please ,Mom .Please?” I was desperate. “You know,” she said ,gently rubbing my back while we both stared at what I believes was the coolest thing ever,” If you save up you could buy this yourself.” “By the time I make enough it’ll be gone!” “Maybe Roger here could hold it for you,” she smiled at Roger ,the bike guy. “He can’t hold it for that long ,Mom .Someone else will buy it .Please, Mom,Please?” “There might be another way,” she said. And so our paying plan unfolded. My mother bought the beautiful basket and put it safely in some hiding place I couldn’t find. Each week I eagerly counted my growing saving increased by extra work here and there (washing the car ,helping my mother make dinner, delivering or collecting things on my bike that already looked naked without the basket in front).And then ,weeks later ,I counted ,re-counted and jumped for joy. Oh ,happy day ! I made it! I finally had the exact amount we’d agreed upon…. Days later the unthinkable happened. A neighborhood girl I’d played with millions of times appeared with the exact same basket fixed to her shiny ,new bike that already had all the bells and whistles. I rode hard and fast home to tell my mother about this disaster. This horrible turn of events. And then came the lesson . I’ve taken with me through my life:” Honey, Your basket is extra-special,” Mom said, gently wiping away my hot tears.” Your basket is special because you paid for it yourself.” 1.What can we learn from the first two paragraphs? A. The children enjoyed doing housework. B. The author came from s well-off family C. The mother raised her children in an unusual way D. The children were fond of the US president’s daughters. 2.When the author saw the basket in the window, she . A. fell in love with it B. stared at her mother C. recognized it at once D. went up to the bike guy 3.Why did the author say many “please” to her mother? A. She longed to do extra work. B. She was eager to have the basket. C. She felt tired after standing too long. D. She wanted to be polite to her mother. 4.By using“naked” (Paragraph 12),the author seems to stress that the basket was A. something she could afford B. something important to her C. something impossible to get D. something she could do without 5.To the author, it seemed to be a horrible turn of events that A. something spoiled her paying plan B. the basket cost more than she had saved C. a neighborhood girl had bought a new bike D. someone else had got a basket of the same kind 6.What is the life lesson the author learned from her mother? A. Save money for a rainy day B. Good advice is beyond all price. C. Earn your bread with your sweat D. God helps those who help themselves
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| 13. 难度：中等 | |
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Not so long ago, most people didn’t know who Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was going to become. She was just an average high athlete. There was every indication that she was just another Jamaican teenager without much of a future. However, one person wanted to change this. Stephen Francis observed then eighteen-year-old Shelly-Ann at a track meet and was convinced that he had seen the beginnings of true greatness. Her times were not exactly impressive, but even so, he sensed there was something trying to get out, something the other coaches had overlooked when they had assessed her and found her lacking. He decided to offer Shelly-Ann a place in his very strict training sessions. Their cooperation quickly produced results, and a few years later at Jamaica’s Olympic trials in early 2008, Shelly-Ann, who at that time only ranked number 70 in the world, beat Jamaica’s unchallenged queen of the sprint (短跑). ＂Where did she come from?＂ asked an astonished sprinting world, before concluding that she must be one of those one-hit wonders that spring up from time to time, only to disappear again without signs. But Shelly-Ann was to prove that she was anything but a one-hit wonder. At the Beijing Olympics she swept away any doubts about her ability to perform consistently by becoming the first Jamaican woman ever to win the 100 metres Olympic gold. She did it again one year on at the World Championships in Berlin, becoming world champion with a time of 10.73 — the fourth fastest time ever. Shelly-Ann is a little woman with a big smile. She has a mental toughness that did not come about by chance. Her journey to becoming the fastest woman on earth has been anything but smooth and effortless. She grew up in one of Jamaica’s toughest inner-city communities known as Waterhouse, where she lived in a one-room apartment, sleeping four in a bed with her mother and two brothers. Waterhouse, one of the poorest communities in Jamaica, is a really violent and overpopulated place. Several of Shelly-Ann’s friends and family were caught up in the killings; one of her cousins was shot dead only a few streets away from where she lived. Sometimes her family didn’t have enough to eat. She ran at the school championships barefooted because she couldn’t afford shoes. Her mother Maxime, one of a family of fourteen, had been an athlete herself as a young girl but, like so many other girls in Waterhouse, had to stop after she had her first baby. Maxime’s early entry into the adult world with its responsibilities gave her the determination to ensure that her kids would not end up in Waterhouse’s roundabout of poverty. One of the first things Maxime used to do with Shelly-Ann was taking her to the track, and she was ready to sacrifice everything. It didn’t take long for Shelly-Ann to realize that sports could be her way out of Waterhouse. On a summer evening in Beijing in 2008, all those long, hard hours of work and commitment finally bore fruit. The barefoot kid who just a few years previously had been living in poverty, surrounded by criminals and violence, had written a new chapter in the history of sports. But Shelly-Ann’s victory was far greater than that. The night she won Olympic gold in Beijing, the routine murders in Waterhouse and the drug wars in the neighbouring streets stopped. The dark cloud above one of the world’s toughest criminal neighbourhoods simply disappeared for a few days. ＂I have so much fire burning for my country,＂ Shelly said. She plans to start a foundation for homeless children and wants to build a community centre in Waterhouse. She hopes to inspire the Jamaicans to lay down their weapons. She intends to fight to make it a woman’s as well as a man’s world. As Muhammad Ali puts it, ＂Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them. A desire, a dream, a vision.＂ One of the things Shelly-Ann can be proud of is her understanding of this truth. 1.Why did Stephen Francis decide to coach Shelly-Ann? A. He had a strong desire to free her family from trouble. B. He sensed a great potential in her despite her weaknesses. C. She had big problems maintaining her performance. D. She suffered a lot of defeats at the previous track meets. 2.What did the sprinting world think of Shelly-Ann before the 2008 Olympic Games? A. She would become a promising star. B. She badly needed to set higher goals. C. Her sprinting career would not last long. D. Her talent for sprinting was known to all. 3.What made Maxime decide to train her daughter on the track? A. Her success and lessons in her career. B. Her interest in Shelly-Ann’s quick profit. C. Her wish to get Shelly-Ann out of poverty. D. Her early entrance into the sprinting world. 4.What can we infer from Shelly-Ann’s statement underlined in Paragraph 5? A. She was highly rewarded for her efforts. B. She was eager to do more for her country. C. She became an athletic star in her country. D. She was the envy of the whole community. 5.By mentioning Muhammad Ali’s words, the author intends to tell us that . A. players should be highly inspired by coaches B. great athletes need to concentrate on patience C. hard work is necessary in one’s achievements D. motivation allows great athletes to be on the top 6.What is the best title for the passage? A. The Making of a Great Athlete B. The Dream for Championship C. The Key to High Performance D. The Power of Full Responsibility
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| 14. 难度：中等 | |
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What Theresa Loe is doing proves that a large farm isn’t a prerequisite for a modern grow-your-own lifestyle. On a mere 1/10 of an acre in Los Angeles, Loe and her family grow, can (装罐) and preserve much of the food they consume. Loe is a master food preserver, gardener and canning expert. She also operates a website, where she shares her tips and recipes, with the goal of demonstrating that everyone has the ability to control what’s on their plate. Loe initially went to school to become an engineer, but she quickly learned that her enthusiasm was mainly about growing and preparing her own food. “ got into cooking my own food and started growing my own herbs(香草)and foods for that fresh flavor,” she said. Engineer by day, Loe learned cooking at night school. She ultimately purchased a small piece of land with her husband and began growing their own foods. “I teach people how to live farm-fresh without a farm,” Loe said. Through her website Loe emphasizes that ‘‘anybody can do this anywhere.” Got an apartment with a balcony (阳台)? Plant some herbs. A window? Perfect spot for growing. Start with herbs, she recommends, because “they’re very forgiving.” Just a little of the herbs “can take your regular cooking to a whole new level,” she added. “I think it’s a great place to start.” Then? Try growing something from a seed, she said, like a tomato or some tea. Canning is a natural extension of the planting she does. With every planted food, Loe noted, there’s a moment when it’s bursting with its absolute peak flavor. “I try and keep it in a time capsule in a canning jar,” Loe said. “Canning for me is about knowing what’s in your food, knowing where it comes from.” In addition to being more in touch with the food she’s eating, another joy comes from passing this knowledge and this desire for good food to her children: “Influencing them and telling them your opinion on not only being careful what we eat but understanding the bigger picture,” she said, “that if we don’t take care of the earth, no one will.” 1.The underlined word “prerequisite” (Para. 1) is closest in meaning to“ ”. A. recipe B. substitute C. requirement D. challenge 2.Why does Loe suggest starting with herbs? A. They are used daily. B. They are easy to grow. C. They can grow very tall. D. They can be eaten uncooked. 3.According to Loe, what is the benefit of canning her planted foods? A. It can preserve their best flavor. B. It can promote her online sales. C. It can better her cooking skills. D. It can improve their nutrition. 4.What is the “the bigger picture” (Para. 6) that Loe wishes her children to understand? A. The knowledge about good food. B. The way to live a grow-our-own life. C. The joy of getting in touch with foods. D. The responsibility to protect our earth
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| 15. 难度：中等 | |
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Peter loved to shop used articles. Almost a month ago, he bought popular word game that used little pieces of wood with different letters on them. As he was purchasing it, the salesgirl said, “Uh, look, the game box haven’t even been opened yet. That might be worth some money. ” Peter examined the box, and, sure enough, it was completely covered in factory-sealed plastic. And he saw a date of 1973 on the back of the box. “You should put that up for auction (拍卖) on the Internet, and see what happens.”the salesgirl said. “Yes, you’re right. People like something rare.” Peter agreed, “I can’t imagine there being very many unopened boxes of this game still around 40 years later.” “Don’t forget to tell me if you sell it.” the salesgirl smiled. “No problem.” Peter said. After he got home, Peter went online to several auction websites looking for his game. But he couldn’t find it. Then he typed in the name of the word game and hit Search. The search result was 543 websites containing information about the changes of the game. Over the years, the game had been produced using letters in different sizes and game boards in different colors. He also found some lists of game fans looking for various versions of the game. Peter emailed some of them, telling them what he had. Two weeks later, Peter went back to the shop. “Hello. Do you still remember the unopened word game?” The salesgirl looked at him for a second, then recognized him and said, “Oh, hi!” “I’ve got something for you,” Peter said. “I sold the game and made $1,000. Thank you for your suggestion.” He handed her three $ 100 bills. “Wow!” the salesgirl cried out. “Thank you, I never expected it.” 1.Which of the following best describes Peter’s word game? A. It was made around 40 years ago. B. It had game boards in different sizes. C. It was kept in a plastic bag with a seal. D. It had little pieces of wood in different colors. 2.What did the salesgirl probably think of Peter’s word game? A. Old and handy. B. Rare and valuable. C. Classic and attractive. D. Colorful and interesting 3.Peter got the names of the game fans from _________. A. an auction B. the Internet C. a game shop D. the second-hand shop 4.What happened at the end of the story? A. Peter gave the girl $300 as a reward. B. The salesgirl became Peter’s friend. C. Peter returned the word game for $ 1,000. D. The salesgirl felt confused to see Peter again. 5.What is the main theme of the story? A. It’s important to keep a promise. B. It’s great to share in other people’s happiness. C. We should be grateful for the help from others. D. Something rare is worth a large amount of money.
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| 16. 难度：中等 | |
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When the dog named Judy spotted the first sheep in her life, she did what comes naturally. The four-year-old dog set off racing after the sheep across several fields and, being a city animal, lost both her sheep and her sense of direction. Then she ran along the edge of cliff( 悬崖) and fell 100 feet, bouncing off a rock into the sea. Her owner Mike Holden panicked and celled the coastguard of Cornwall, who turned up in seconds . Six volunteers slid down the cliff with the help of a rope but gave up all hope of finding her alive after a 90-minute search. Three days later, a hurricane hit the coast near Cornwall. Mr. Holden returned home from his holiday upset and convinced his pet was dead. He comforted himself with the thought she had died in the most beautiful part of the country. For the next two weeks, the Holdens were heartbroken . Then, one day, the phone rang and Steve Tregear, the coastguard of Cornwall, asked Holder if he would like his dog bark. A birdwatcher, armed with a telescope, found the pet sitting desperately on a rock. While he sounded the alarm, a student from Leeds climbed down the cliff to collect Judy. The dog had initially been knocked unconscious(失去知觉的)but had survived by drinking water from a fresh scream at the base of the cliff. She may have fed on the body of a sheep which had also fallen over the edge. “The dog was very thin and hungry,” Steve Tregear said , “It was a very dog. She survived because of a plentiful supply of fresh water,” he added. It was ,as Mr. Holden admitted, “a minor miracle(奇迹)”. 1.The dog Jody fell down the cliff when she was A. rescuing her owner B. caught in a hurricane C. blocked by a rock D. running after a sheep 2.Who spotted Judy after the accident? A. A birdwatcher B. A student from Leeds C. Six volunteers D. The coastguard of Cornwall 3.What can we infer from the text? A. People like to travel with their pets. B. Judy was taken to the fields for hunting. C. Luck plays a vital role in Judy's survival. D. Holden cared little where Judy was buried. 4.Which of the following can be the best title for the text? A. Miracle of the Coastguard. B. Surviving a Hurricane. C. Dangers in the Wild D. Coming Back from the Dead.
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| 17. 难度：中等 | |
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Nothing could stop Dad. After he was put on disability for a bad back, he bought a small farm in the country, just enough to grow food for the family. He planted vegetables, fruit trees and even kept bees for honey. And every week he cleaned Old Man McColgin's chicken house in exchange for manure(肥料). The smell really burned the inside of your nose. When we complained about the terrible smell, Dad said the stronger the manure, the healthier the crops, and he was right. For example, just one of his cantaloupes filled the entire house with its sweet smell, and the taste was even sweeter. As the vegetables started coming in, Dad threw himself into cooking. One day, armed with a basket of vegetables, he announced he was going to make stew(炖菜).Dad pulled out a pressure cooker and filled it up with cabbages, eggplants, potatoes, corns, onions and carrots. For about half an hour, the pressure built and the vegetables cooked. Finally, Dad turned off the stove, the pot began to cool and the pressure relief valve sprayed out a cloud of steam. If we thought Dad's pile of chicken manure was bad, this was 10 times worse. When Dad took off the lid, the smell nearly knocked us out. Dad carried the pot out and we opened doors and windows to air out the house. Just how bad was it? The neighbors came out of their houses to see if we had a gas leak! Determined, Dad filled our plates with steaming stew and passed them around. It didn’t look that bad, and after the first wave had shut down my ability to smell, it didn’t offend the nose so much, either. I took a taste. It would never win a prize in a cooking competition, but it was surprisingly edible, and we drank up every last drop of soup! 1.Why did Dad clean Old Man Mocolgin’s chicken house regularly? A. To earn some money for the family. B. To collect manure for his crops. C. To get rid of the terrible smell. D. To set a good example to us. 2.What can we infer about Dad’s stew? A. It is popular among the neighbors. B. It contains honey and vegetables. C. It looks very wonderful. D. It tastes quite delicious. 3.What does the underlined word “offend” in the last paragraph mean? A. To attract. B. To upset. C. To air. D. To shut. 4.What can we learn about Dad form the text? A. He is an experienced cook. B. He is a troublesome father. C. He has a positive attitude to life. D. He suffers a lot from his disability.
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| 18. 难度：中等 | |
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One day when I was 12, my mother gave me an order: I was to walk to the public library, and borrow at least one book for the summer. This was one more weapon for her to defeat my strange problem — inability to read. In the library, I found my way into the “Children’s Room.” I sat down on the floor and pulled a few books off the shelf at random. The cover of a book caught my eye. It presented a picture of a beagle. I had recently had a beagle, the first and only animal companion I ever had as a child. He was my secret sharer, but one morning, he was gone, given away to someone who had the space and the money to care for him. I never forgot my beagle. There on the book’s cover was a beagle which looked identical to my dog. I ran my fingers over the picture of the dog on the cover. My eyes ran across the title, Amos, the Beagle with a Plan. Unknowingly, I had read the title. Without opening the book, I borrowed it from the library for the summer. Under the shade of a bush, I started to read about Amos. I read very, very slowly with difficulty. Though pages were turned slowly, I got the main idea of the story about a dog who, like mine, had been separated from his family and who finally found his way back home. That dog was my dog, and I was the little boy in the book. At the end of the story, my mind continued the final scene of reunion, on and on, until my own lost dog and I were, in my mind, running together. My mother’s call returned me to the real world. I suddenly realized something: I had read a book, and I had loved reading that book. Everyone knew I could not read. But I had read it. Books could be incredibly wonderful and I was going to read them. I never told my mother about my “miraculous” (奇迹般地) experience that summer, but she saw a slow but remarkable improvement in my classroom performance during the next year. And years later, she was proud that her son had read thousands of books, was awarded a PhD in literature, and authored his own books, articles, poetry and fiction. The power of the words has held. 1.The author’s mother told him to borrow a book in order to_____. A. encourage him to do more walking B. let him spend a meaningful summer C. help cure him of his reading problem D. make him learn more about weapons 2.The book caught the author’s eye because_____. A. it contained pretty pictures of animals B. it reminded him of his own dog C. he found its title easy to understand D. he liked children’s stories very much 3.Why could the author manage to read the book through? A. He was forced by his mother to read it. B. He identified with the story in the book. C. The book told the story of his pet dog. D. The happy ending of the story attracted him. 4.What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. The author has become a successful writer. B. The author’s mother read the same book. C. The author’s mother rewarded him with books. D. The author has had happy summers ever since. 5.Which one could be the best title of the passage? A. The Charm of a Book B. Mum’s Strict Order C. Reunion with My Beagle D. My Passion for Reading
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| 19. 难度：中等 | |
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At thirteen, I was diagnosed (诊断)with a kind of attention disorder. It made school difficult for me. When everyone else in the class was focusing on tasks, I could not. In my first literature class, Mrs. Smith asked us to read a story and their write on it, all within 45minutes. I raised my hand right away and said, “Mrs. Smith, you see, the doctor said I have attention problems. I might not be able to do it.” She glanced down at me through her glasses, “you are not different from your classmates, young man. ” I tried, but I didn’t finish the reading when the bell rang. I had to take it homie. In the quietness of my bedroom; the ‘story suddenly all became clear to me. It was about a blind person, Louis Braille. He lived in a time when the blind couldn’t get much education. But Louis didn’t give up. Instead, he invented a reading system of raise dots(点), which opened up a whole new world of knowledge to the blind. Wasn’t I the “blind”in my class; being made to learn like the “sighted” students? My thoughts spilled out(溢出)and my pen started to dance. I completed the task within 40 minutes. Indeed, I was not different from others; I just needed a quieter place: If Louis could find his “Way out of his problems, why should I ever give up?” I didn’t expect anything when I handed in my paper to Mrs.Smith, so it was quite a surprise when it came back to ‘me the next day-. with an “A”on it. At the bottom of the paper were these words:. “See what you can do when you keep trying?” 1.The author didn’t finish the reading in class because . A. He was new to the class B. He was tried of literature C. He had an attention disorder D. He wanted to take the task home 2.What do we know about Louis Braille from the passage? A. He had good sight B. He made a great invention. C. He gave up reading D. He learned a lot from school 3.What was Mrs. Smith’s attitude to the author at the end of the story? A. Angry B. Impatient C. Sympathetic D. Encouraging 4.What is the main idea of the passage? A. The disabled should be treated with respect. B. A teacher can open up a new world to students. C. One can find his way out of difficulties with efforts. D. Everyone needs a hand when faced with challenges.
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| 20. 难度：中等 | |
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B When her five daughters were young, Helene An always told them that there was strength in unity (团结). To show this, she held up one chopstick, representing oneperson. Then she easily broke it into two pieces. Next, she tied several chopsticks together, representing a family. She showed the girls it was hard to break the tied chopsticks. This lesson about family unity stayed with the daughters as they grew up. Helene An and her family own a large restaurant business in California. However, when Helene and her husband Danny left their home in Vietnam in 1975, they didn't have much money. They moved their family to San Francisco. There they joined Danny's mother, Diana, who owned a small Italian sandwich shop. Soon afterwards, Helene and Diana changed the sandwich shop into a small Vietnamese restaurant. The five daughters helped in the restaurant when they were young. However, Helene did not want her daughters to always work in the family business because she thought it was too hard. Eventually the girls all graduated from college and went away to work for themselves, but one by one, the daughters returned to work in the family business. They opened new restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Even though family members sometimes disagreed with each other, they worked together to make the business successful. Daughter Elisabeth explains, "Our mother taught us that to succeed we must have unity, and to have unity we must have peace. Without the strength of the family, there is no business." Their expanding business became a large corporation in 1996, with three generations of Ans working together. Now the Ans' corporation makes more than $20 million each year. Although they began with a small restaurant, they had big dreams, and they worked together. Now they are a big success. 1.Helene tied several chopsticks together to show ______. A.the strength of family unity B.the difficulty of growing up C.the advantage of chopsticks D.the best way of giving a lesson 2.We can learn from Paragraph 2 that the Helene An family ______. A.started a business in 1975 B.left Vietnam without much money C.bought a restaurant in San Francisco D.opened a sandwich shop in Los Angeles 3.What can we infer about the five daughters? A.They did not finish their college education. B.They could not bear to work in the family business. C.They were influenced by what Helene taught them. D.They were troubled by disagreement among family members. 4.Which of the following can be the best title for the passage? A.How to Run a Corporation B.Strength Comes from Peace C.How to Achieve a Big Dream D.Family Unity Builds Success
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| 21. 难度：中等 | |
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My color television has given me nothing but a headache. I was able to buy it a little over a year ago because I had my relatives give me money for my birthday instead of a lot of clothes that wouldn’t fit. I let a salesclerk fool me into buying a discontinued model. I realized this a day later, when I saw newspaper advertisements for the set at seventy-five dollars less than I had paid. The set worked so beautifully when I first got it home that I would keep it on until stations signed off for the night. Fortunately, I didn’t got any channels showing all-night movies or I would never have gotten to bed. Then I started developing a problem with the set that involved static (静电) noise. For some reason, when certain shows switched into a commercial, a loud noise would sound for a few seconds. Gradually, this noise began to appear during a show, and to get rid of it. I had to change to another channel and then change it back. Sometimes this technique would not work, and I had to pick up the set and shake it to remove the sound. I actually began to build up my arm muscles (肌肉) shaking my set. When neither of these methods removed the static noise, I would sit helplessly and wait for the noise to go away. At last I ended up hitting the set with my fist, and it stopped working altogether. My trip to the repair shop cost me $62, and the set is working well now, but I keep expecting more trouble. 1.Why did the author say he was fooled into buying the TV set? A.He got an older model than he had expected. B.He couldn’t return it when it was broken. C.He could have bought it at a lower price. D.He failed to find any movie shows on it. 2.Which of the following can best replace the phrase “signed off” in Paragraph 1? A.ended all their programs B.provided fewer channels C.changed to commercials D.showed all-night movies 3.How did the author finally get his TV set working again? A.By shaking and hitting it. B.By turning it on and off. C.By switching channels. D.By having it repaired. 4.How does the author sound when telling the story? A.Curious B.Anxious C.Cautious D.Humorous
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| 22. 难度：中等 | |
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Papa, as a son of a dirt-poor farmer, left school early and went to work in a factory, for education was for the rich then. So, the world became his school. With great interest, he read everything he could lay his hands on, listened to the town elders and learned about the world beyond his tiny hometown.“There’s so much to learn,” he’d say. “Though we’re born stupid, only the stupid remain that way.” He was determined that none of his children would be denied (拒绝) an education. Thus, Papa insisted that we learn at least one new thing each day. Though, as children, we thought this was crazy, it would never have occurred to us to deny Papa a request. And dinner time seemed perfect for sharing what we had learned. We would talk about the news of the day; no matter how insignificant, it was never taken lightly. Papa would listen carefully and was ready with some comment, always to the point. Then came the moment—the time to share the day’s new learning. Papa, at the head of the table, would push back his chair and pour a glass of red wine, ready to listen. “Felice,” he’d say, “tell me what you learned today.” “I learned that the population of Nepal is ....” Silence. Papa was thinking about what was said, as if the salvation of the world would depend upon it. “The population of Nepal. Hmm. Well….” he’d say. “Get the map; let’s see where Nepal is.” And the whole family went on a search for Nepal. This same experience was repeated until each family member had a turn. Dinner ended only after we had a clear understanding of at least half a dozen such facts. As children, we thought very little about these educational wonders. Our family, however, was growing together, sharing experiences and participating in one another’s education. And by looking at us, listening to us, respecting our input, affirming our value, giving us a sense of dignity, Papa was unquestionably our most influential teacher. Later during my training as a future teacher, I studied with some of the most famous educators. They were imparting what Papa had known all along—the value of continual learning. His technique has served me well all my life. Not a single day has been wasted, though I can never tell when knowing the population of Nepal might prove useful. 1.What do we know from the first paragraph? A. The author’s father was born in a worker’s family. B. Those born stupid could not change their life. C. The town elders wanted to learn about the world. D. The poor could hardly afford school education. 2.The underlined word “it” in the second paragraph refers to “________”. A. one new thing B. a request C. the news D. some comment 3.It can be learned from the passage that the author________. A. enjoyed talking about news B. knew very well about Nepal C. felt regret about those wasted days D. appreciated his father’s educational technique 4.What is the greatest value of “dinner time” to the author? A. Continual learning. B. Showing talents. C. Family get-together. D. Winning Papa’s approval. 5.The author’s father can be best described as ________. A. an educator expert at training future teachers B. a parent insistent on his children’s education C. a participant willing to share his knowledge D. a teacher strict about everything his students did
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| 23. 难度：中等 | |
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Salvador Dali (1904—1989) was one of the most popular of modern artists. The Pompidou Centre in Paris is showing its respect and admiration for the artist and his powerful personality with an exhibition bringing together over 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings and more. Among the works and masterworks on exhibition the visitor will find the best pieces, most importantly The Persistence of Memory. There is also L’Enigme sans Fin from 1938, works on paper, objects, and projects for stage and screen and selected parts from television programmes reflecting the artist’s showman qualities. The visitor will enter the World of Dali through an egg and is met with the beginning, the world of birth. The exhibition follows a path of time and subject with the visitor exiting through the brain. The exhibition shows how Dali draws the viewer between two infinities (无限). ＂From the infinity small to the infinity large, contraction and expansion coming in and out of focus: amazing Flemish accuracy and the showy Baroque of old painting that he used in his museum-theatre in Figueras,＂ explains the Pompidou Centre. The fine selection of the major works was done in close collaboration (合作) with the Museo Nacional Reina Sofia in Madrid, Spain, and with contributions from other institutions like the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. 1.Which of the following best describe Dali according to Paragraph 1? A.Optimistic. B.Productive. C.Generous. D.Traditional. 2.What is Dali’s The Persistence of Memory considered to be? A.One of his masterworks. B.A successful screen adaptation. C.An artistic creation for the stage. D.One of the beat TV programmes. 3.How are the exhibits arranged at the World of Dali? A.By popularity. B.By importance. C.By size and shape. D.By time and subject. 4.What does the word ＂contributions＂ in the last paragraph refer to? A.Artworks. B.Projects. C.Donations. D.Documents.
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