| 1. 难度：中等 | |
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◆ Welwitschia mirabilis Title: the world’s most resistant plant It’s not pretty to look at, but welwitschia mirabilis is unique. It consists of only two leaves and a strong stem with roots. Two leaves continue to grow and the stem thickens and can grow to be almost 2 meters high and 8 meters wide. Its lifespan is 400 to 1,500 years. It can survive up to five years with no rain. The plant is said to be very tasty either raw or baked in hot ashes. ◆ Dionaea muscipula Title: the Venus Fly Trap Dionaea muscipula is the most famous carnivorous(肉食性的) plant due to the active and efficient nature of its unique trap. It may be famous, but it’s also threatened. It produces a short leaf that forms two sides of a trap. Each side contains some sensitive hairs. When it is touched two to three times, the trap will shut in less than a second, fast enough to catch flies and other insects. The leaf, once closed, produces some enzymes(酶) that slowly dissolve the insects and supply the plant with food. ◆ Rafflesia arnoldii Title: the world’s largest flower Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower in the world, is an exotic and rare plant. The flower is 3 feet across and weighs 15-24 pounds. However, you wouldn’t want to grow it in your garden. In a rainforest-type environment, it gives off a most unpleasant smell, which is somewhat like rotten meat. This is why it is often called the Corpse Plant by some natives of Indonesia where it comes. Its flowers only last for three days to a week. ◆ Euphorbia obese Title: the Baseball Plant Euphorbia obese is known as the Baseball Plant. Over-harvesting by plant collectors for its interesting and curious appearance has severely reduced the wild population. However, it has become very common now. By growing euphorbia obese in large numbers, many gardens have been working to ensure that the plants being traded and sold among plant collectors are not wild plants. 1.From the passage, we know that __________. A.welwitschia mirabilis is very beautiful B.dionaea muscipula is famous for its trap C.rafflesia arnoldii feels like rotten meat D.euphorbia obese can be used as baseball 2.According to the passage, rafflesia arnoldii __________. A.shuts its trap two or three times in one second. B.gives off a special smell to attract flies and insects C.smells bad in a hot and wet environment D.has a big flower, a strong stem and two leaves 3.Plant collectors like euphorbia obese because __________. A.it looks strange B.it tastes delicious C.it can be planted in the garden D.it is worth a big fortune
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| 2. 难度：中等 | |
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The tough challenge of a six-month, 3,200-kilometer walk across the South Pole, in the long darkness of the Antarctic winter when temperatures can fall to -90℃, proved irresistible to the experienced British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Fiennes’s hero, Captain Robert Falcon Scott, wrote “great God, this is an awful place” when he reached the South Pole a century ago, before freezing and starving to death with his team on the return journey. That journey was made in summer. Nobody before has attempted to cross the pole in winter. In a statement, Fiennes said, “This will be my greatest challenge to date. We will stretch the limits of human endurance.” However, Fiennes could not explain why anyone should consider such a venture, still less a man aged 68 who has survived cancer, heart surgery and the loss of most of the frozen fingertips on one hand. “It’s what I do,” he said, looking slightly puzzled at the question. Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer, according to the Guinness Book of Records — was the first to cross the Antarctic continent unsupported; the first to cross both polar ice caps; and the first to travel across the globe from pole to pole. Fiennes admitted his wife, Louise, and their six-year-old daughter were not thrilled. “But I’ve never done anything else; it’s how I earn my living. And you’re much more likely, statistically, to die on the roads than on the polar ice,” he said. After training in the Swedish Arctic in a relatively balmy -40℃, Fiennes’ team will set sail from London on Dec. 6 on a South African research ship. The ice trek will begin on Mar. 21, the spring equinox (春分) that marks the official start of the polar winter, from the Russian base of Novolazareskaya. Fiennes and his five team members must then climb more than 3,000 meters on to the inland plateau, walk for several hundred kilometers using an ice tractor to pull all the supplies and equipment they need, descend another 3,000 meters and finally reach the Ross Sea. If they reach Captain Scott’s old base at McMurdo Sound by the spring equinox six months later, they will still have to wait for months until the sea ice backs off enough for their ship to collect them. 1.Fiennes is going on this expedition because__________. A.it is something he always does as a career B.he wishes to inspire his family C.he wants to travel with his wife and daughter D.he hopes to improve his health 2.The underlined word in Paragraph 7 probably means “__________.” A.warm and pleasant B.cold and harsh C.tough and unbearable D.agreeable and relaxing 3.According to the article, Fiennes’ expedition will__________. A.begin at an Antarctic base of Sweden B.involve climbing and going down a high plateau C.start and finish exactly at the two spring equinoxes D.finish in a few weeks after the ship arrives 4.Fiennes is attempting to cross the South Pole__________. A.on the same route as Captain Scott’s B.by himself during the winter months C.by ice tractor for most of the trip D.on foot during the worst trip
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| 3. 难度：中等 | |
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Two musicians from Germany are using robotic equipment to add sounds to their performances. The two-man band performs with a robot that can play several musical instruments at the same time. The robot can sound like a guitar, keyboard, drum or other percussion instrument. When performing, members of the band provide many of the sounds, but others are controlled by a computer. Once connected to wires and set up, instruments can play on their own. One of the instruments was created from a long, self-turning wooden stick that sits on top of a microphone stand. The stick contains long strings. They are tied on each end. The strings are connected to a small wooden ball. As the stick turns, the ball hits a block on the floor, creating a sound. The two-man band, called Joasihno, recently performed at the South by Southwest Conference and Music Festival in Austin, Texas. They describe their electronic sound as “psychedelic (迷幻的) machine” music. “Actually, we call it a psychedelic robot orchestra,” said Cico Beck, one of the creators of the group. The group’s other member, Nico Siereg, says playing in an experimental band with robots is not the same as playing in a traditional one. “It’s a little bit different because you also have in mind that there are machines playing around you, so there’s no reaction from them,” he said. But Siereg said that in some ways, the robots actually help him improve his performance. Since the self-playing instruments are programmed, he sometimes feels freer to center on what he is playing, and at times to even play without preparation. The musician says he can imagine similar technology having a greater influence on many different kinds of music in the future. “Technology is like a very important tool that even, very often, it’s also a very important part of inspiration,” he said. But he also expressed hope that “real music won’t die.” In addition to performing recently in Texas, Joashihno has been busy putting on shows in Europe and in Canada. The band hopes its high-tech music “experiment” will keep reaching new people and pleasing the ears of its fans. 1.According to the first paragraph, the robotic equipment __________. A.is operated by a wooden stick B.serves as a whole band C.fuctions as musical instruments D.is battery-powered 2.What does Nico Siereg think of playing music with robots? A.It is better than playing with human being. B.It is just a pity that the robots cannot respond to him. C.It has a negative effect on his performance because robots distract him. D.It is strange for him to have some machines playing around him. 3.What can we learn from the passage? A.Robots will replace musical instruments. B.This new style of performance has become popular around the world. C.One member of the band doesn’t think playing with robots is real music. D.The machines are programmed to create many sounds. 4.What is the best title for the passage? A.Real Music Won’t Die B.Adding New Blood to Traditional Music C.High Technology Is Applied to Music D.Robots Will Wipe Out Human Beings
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| 4. 难度：中等 | |
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The secret to eating less and being happy about it may have been found years ago — by McDonald’s. According to a new study from Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab, small non-food rewards — like the toys in McDonald’s Happy Meals — stimulate the same reward centers in the brain as food does. The researchers, led by Martin Reimann, carried out a series of experiments to see if people would choose a smaller meal if it was paired with a non-food item. They found that the majority of both kids and adults chose a half-sized portion when combined with a prize. Both options were priced the same. Even more interesting is that the promise of a future reward was enough to make adults choose the smaller portion. One of the prizes used was a lottery ticket (彩票), with a $10, $ 50 or $100 payout, and this was as effective as a tangible gift in persuading people to eat less. “The fact that participants were willing to substitute part of a food item for the mere prospect of a relatively small monetary award is interesting,” says Reimann. “One explanation for this finding is that possible awards may be more emotionally inspiring than certainty awards. The uncertainty of winning provides added attraction and desirability through emotional ‘thrills’. The possibility of receiving an award also produces a state of hope — a state that is in itself psychologically rewarding.” In other words, there’s a reason why people like to gamble. How might this knowledge be used to help people eat more healthily? One possibility is a healthy option that offers the chance to win a spa weekend. Or maybe the reward of a half-sized portion could be a half-sized dessert to be claimed only on a future date. That would get you back in the restaurant — and make you eat a little less. 1.What do we learn about McDonald’s inclusion of toys in its Happy Meals? A.It may throw light on people’s desire to find a secret. B.It has proved to be key to McDonald’s business success. C.It appeals to kid’s curiosity to find out what is hidden inside. D.It may be a pleasant way for kids to reduce their food intake. 2.What is the finding of the researchers led by Martin Reimann? A.Reducing food intake is not that difficult if people go to McDonald’s more. B.Most kids and adults don’t actually feel hungry when they eat half of their meal. C.Eating a smaller portion of food does good to the health of kids and adults alike. D.Most kids and adults would choose a smaller meal that came with a non-food item. 3.What is most interesting in Martin Reimann’s finding? A.Kids preferred an award in the form of money to one in the form of a toy. B.Adults chose the smaller portion on the mere promise of a future award. C.Both kids and adults felt satisfied with only half of their meal portions. D.Neither children nor adults could resist the temptation of a free toy. 4.What can we infer from Martin Reimann’s finding? A.People should eat much less if they wish to stay healthy and happy. B.More fast food restaurants are likely to follow McDonald’s example. C.We can lead people to eat less while helping the restaurant business. D.More studies are needed to find out the influence of emotion on behavior.
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| 5. 难度：中等 | |
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Moving into a new home in a new neighborhood is an exciting experience. Of course, you want to make sure that you become an acceptable and valuable part of your neighborhood . the easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure you conduct yourself as a good neighbor should. 1. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a good neighbor is to keep your property(房产) neat, clean, and in good repair. 2. By choosing to keep the outside of the home in great shape, you will help to improve the look and feel of the area. Second, take the overall appearance of the neighborhood seriously,. When going for a walk. Take a small garbage bag. 3. This small act will let your neighbors know that you care about the area. 4. If a neighbor is going to be out of town, offer to collect mail and newspapers. If a neighbor suffers an illness, offer to do the grocery shopping . Let them know you are there to help in any way this acceptable, while still respecting the privacy of your neighbor. 5. By following the basic rules of respecting others, taking care of what belongs to you, and taking pride in the appearance of the neighborhood in general, you will quickly become a good neighbor that everyone appreciate. A.In general, keep an eye on their property while they are gone. B.A good neighbor is also one who likes to help out in small ways. C.Being a good neighbor is more or less about considerate behavior. D.Sometimes neighbors may go to the supermarket together to do shopping. E.Should you come across waste paper thrown out of a passing car, pick it up. F.People tend to lake pride in keeping everything in their street fresh and inviting. G.Here are a few tips to help you win over everyone in the neighborhood quickly
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| 6. 难度：困难 | |
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Perhaps you’re in the middle of a divorce, suffering the loss of a loved one, or facing an illness. Perhaps you have a dream you’ve strived for long, but it still seems out of ______. Maybe you’re ______ a difficult time looking for a job, or you’re working but just getting by, and burdened with ______. Have you ever felt like giving up? My friend Jorge Perez, a screenwriter in his 30’s, working 12 hours a day, six days a week, has put every extra waking ______ and every penny he ______ into Bodies of Work, an independent TV pilot he wrote, ______, directed and shot. He’s ______ to be a success. When he gets ______, he thinks of the words from Racing in the Rain. “Your car goes where your eyes go. In other words, wherever you focus your attention is where you’re ______, with related consequences. It takes the same energy to focus on positive outcomes as negative ones, with better ______.” I never knew anyone more realistically optimistic than my own ______ sister, whose dying words were, “I’m not giving up.” Pam ______ Cystic Fibrosis(囊肿性纤维化), lived independently, graduated from college and ran her own daycare before we ______ her to the illness. Pam taught me that even when you are at your most ______ and feeling like you can’t go on, you ______ have the power to choose between ______ or hope, forgiveness or revenge. She supported the words of Viktor Frankl: “When you can’t change your circumstances, you are ______ to change yourself.” These people accept their present circumstances and they ______ it. They focus on the best way to move forward and set goals to do so, rather than looking back or blaming others for their current ______. Ultimately, of course, our ______ is a letting go— but until then, don’t give up. 1.A.sight B.reach C.order D.place 2.A.keeping up B.going through C.trying for D.seeing through 3.A.debt B.responsibility C.pride D.guilt 4.A.work B.energy C.rest D.hour 5.A.hid B.collected C.earned D.distributed 6.A.preferred B.shared C.cast D.read 7.A.excited B.surprised C.concerned D.determined 8.A.disappointed B.addicted C.discouraged D.bored 9.A.heading B.landing C.fleeing D.falling 10.A.measures B.results C.purposes D.grades 11.A.late B.bitter C.desperate D.keen 12.A.cured B.acquired C.battled D.dismissed 13.A.connected B.reduced C.applied D.lost 14.A.powerless B.aimless C.careless D.merciless 15.A.almost B.indeed C.just D.still 16.A.delight B.despair C.regret D.sorrow 17.A.challenged B.raised C.organized D.offered 18.A.take charge of B.make the best of C.take hold of D.make a fool of 19.A.behaviors B.commitments C.adventures D.difficulties 20.A.experience B.expectation C.destination D.dream
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| 7. 难度：中等 | |
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阅读小面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的档次或括号内单词的正确形式。 By now it’s almost common knowledge that spending time in nature is good for you. Areas with 1.(many) trees tend to be less polluted, so spending time there allows you to breathe easier. Spending time outdoors contributes to good health, with blood pressure and stress 2.(reduce), and seems to motivate people 3.(exercise) more. A survey showed that people 4.spend 2 hours in nature — either all at once or totaled over several shorter 5.(visit) — were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those with no nature 6.(expose). Remarkably, the researchers found that less than two hours offered no significant benefits. The two-hour benchmark (临界值) 7.(apply) to men and women, to older and younger folks and so on. Even people8.long-term illnesses or disabilities benefited from time 9.(spend) in nature — as long as it was at least 120 minutes per week. While the findings are based on 10.tremendous number of people, scientists caution that it’s really just a correlation. Nobody knows why or how nature has this benefit or even if the findings will stand up to stricter investigation.
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| 8. 难度：中等 | |
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假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。作文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。 增加：在缺词处加一个漏子符号（∧）并在其下面写出该加的词。 删除：把多余的词用斜线(＼)划掉。 修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。 注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词； 2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。 A lady placed her clock at the bed, and every day she found herself awaking by a long sound. She arose at once, and felt better all day for her early rising. This lasted for weeks. The alarm clock faithfully do its duty. But, after the time, the lady grew tired of it. When she heard its sound, she merely turned over in bed, and was slept again. The clock spoke just loudly as ever; but she did not hear it. So it is of conscience. If we will obey its voice, even in the tiny things, we can always hear it, clearly and strong. But if we allow us to do that may not be quite right, we shall grow more and more sleepy, until the voice of conscience has no longer powers to wake us.
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| 9. 难度：中等 | |
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假如你是李华，你们学校即将举行英语戏剧节活动，你们班正为此排练节目A Midsummer Night’s Dream，遇到一些困难，请你给外教 Mr. Jones写一封电子邮件寻求他的指导和帮助，要点如下： 1. 排练时间、地点; 2. 求助内容。 注意:1. 字数100字左右； 2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。 参考词汇:排练 rehearsal _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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