Directions: Read the following text and choose the most suitable heading from A-F for each paragraph. There is on e extra heading which you do not need.
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A. Varieties of college dictionaries B. Accessing dictionaries electronically C. Elements under a word item D. Complete editions of dictionaries E. Using dictionaries for particular fields F. Features of college dictionaries |
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You’re probably most familiar with college dictionaries, often called abridged dictionaries. Although abridged means “shortened”, these dictionaries contain more than 150.000 entries and provide detailed definitions that are sufficient for most college students and general users. College dictionaries also contain separate lists of abbreviations. Biographical and geographical names, foreign words and phrases. And tables of measures. Webster’s Ⅱ New Riverside University Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language are college dictionaries.
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unabridged dictionaries contain as many as 500,000 entries and provide detailed definitions and extensive word histories （etymologies）. These dictionaries, possibly in several volumes and mostly found in libraries, are excellent sources for scholarly inquiries. Unabridged dictionaries include the Oxford English Dictionary and the Random House Dictionary of the English Language.
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A dictionary entry has many elements: multiple definitions, syllabication, preferred spelling and pronunciation （some word have more than one acceptable spelling and pronunciation）, and part-of-speech labels. Some entries also include plurals and capitalized forms. Synonyms, antonyms, and derivatives. Americanisms and etymologies may be provide along with usage notes, cross-references, and idioms.
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If you prefer using the dictionary on a computer, you can obtain CD-ROM versions of many major dictionaries. In addition, you can access numerous dictionaries, such as WWWebster’s Dictionary, on the Internet. Online dictionaries allow you to enter a search word （you even get help with spelling ） to see a definition, and sometimes even an illustration. Online dictionaries also offer additional features, such as word games. Language tips, and amusing facts about words. Some online dictionary services allow you to access numerous dictionaries, both general and specialized, in on search.
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Specialized dictionaries provide in-depth information about a certain field. For example there are dictionaries for the specialized vocabularies of law, computer technology, and medicine. In addition, there are dictionaries of synonyms, clichés, slang, and even regional expressions. Such as the Dictionary of American Regional English（DARE）. There are also dictionaries of foreign languages, famous people’s names, literary characters’ names and place names.
The latest research suggests that the key factor separating geniuses from the merely accomplished is not I.Q., a generally bad predictor of success. Instead, it’s purposeful practice. Top performers spend more hours practising their craft. It you wanted to picture how a typical genius might develop, you’d take a girl who possessed a slightly above average language ability. It wouldn’t have to be a big talent, just enough so that she might gain some sense of distinction. Then you would want her to meet, say, a novelist, who coincidentally shared some similar qualities. Maybe the writer was from the same town, had the same family background, or shared the same birthday.
This contact would give the girl a vision of her future self. It would hive her some idea of a fascinating circle who might someday join. It would also help if one of her parents died when she was 12, giving her a strong sense of insecurity and fuelling a desperate need for success. Armed with this ambition, she would read novels and life stories of writers without end. This would give her a primary knowledge of her field. She’s be able to see new writing in deeper ways and quickly understand its inner workings.
Then she would practise writing. Her practice would be slow, painstaking and error-focused. By practising in this way, he delays the automatizing process. Her mind wants to turn conscious, newly learned skills into unconscious. Automatically performed skills. By practising slowly, by breaking skills down into tiny parts and repeating, she forces the brain to internalize a better pattern of performance. Then she would find an adviser who would provide a constant stream of feedback, viewing her performance form the outside, correcting the smallest errors, pushing her to take on tougher challenges. By now she is redoing problems—how do I get characters into a room—dozens and dozens of times. She is establishing habits of thought she can call upon in order to understand or solve future problems.
The primary quality our young writer possesses is not some mysterious genius. It’s the ability to develop a purposeful, laborious and boring practice routine; the latest research takes some of the magic out of great achievement. But it underlines a fact that is often neglected. Public discussion is affected by genetics and what we’re “hard-wired” to do. And it’s true that genes play a role in our capabilities. But the brain is also very plastic. We construct ourselves through behaviour.
1.The passage mainly deals with .
A. the function of I.Q. in cultivating a writer
B. the relationship between genius and success
C. the decisive factor in making a genius
D. the way of gaining some sense of distinction
2.By reading novels and writers’ stories, the girl could .
A. come to understand the inner structure of writing
B. join a fascinating circle of writers someday
C. share with a novelist her likes and dislikes
D. learn from the living examples to establish a sense of security
3.In the girl’s long painstaking training process, ________.
A. her adviser forms a primary challenging force to her success.
B. her writing turns into an automatic pattern of performance
C. she acquires the magic of some great achievement
D. she comes to realize she is “hard-wired” to write
4.What can be concluded from the passage?
A. A fuelling ambition plays a leading role in one’s success
B. A responsible adviser is more important than the knowledge of writing.
C. As to the growth of a genius, I.Q. Doesn’t matter, but just his/her effort.
D. What really matters is what you do rather then who you are.
“Get your hands off me, I have been stolen,” the laptop, a portable computer, shouted. That is a new solution to laptop computer theft: a program that lets owners give their property a voice when it has been taken.
The program allows users to display alerts on the missing computer’s screen and even to set a spoken message. Tracking software for stolen laptops has been on the market for some time, but this is thought to be the first that allows owners to give the thief a piece of their mind.
Owners must report their laptop missing by visiting a website, which sends a message to the model: a red and yellow “lost or stolen” sign appears on its screen when it is started. Under the latest version（版本）of the software, users can also send a spoken message.
The message can be set to reappear every 30 seconds, no matter how many times the thief closes it.” One customer sent a message saying,’ You are being tracked. I am right at your door’,” said Carrie Hafeman, chief executive of the company which produces the program, Retriever.
In the latest version, people can add a spoken message. For example, the laptop’s speakers will say: “Help, this laptop is reported lost or stolen. If you are not my owner, report me now.”
The Retriever software package, which costs $29.95 but has a free trial period, has the functions of many security software programs .Owners can remotely switch to an alternative password if they fear that the thief has also got hold of the access details.
If a thief accesses the internet with the stolen laptop, Retriever will collect information on the internet service provider in use, so that the police can be alerted to its location.
Thousands of laptops are stolen every year form homes and offices, but with the use of laptops increasing, the number stolen while their owners are out and about has been rising sharply.
Other security software allows users to erase data remotely or lock down the computer.
1.The expression “to give the thief a piece of their mind “can be understood as “_______”
A. to give the thief an alert mind
B. to express the owners’ anger to the thief
C. to remind the thief of this conscience
D. to make the thief give up his mind
2.Different from other security software, Retriever can .
A. record the stealing process B. help recognize the lost laptop
C. lock down the computer remotely D. send a spoken message
3.One function of the program is that it allows the owner to at a distance.
A. change some access details for switching on the laptop
B. turn on the laptop by using the original password
C. operate the laptop by means of and alternative password
D. erase the information kept in the stolen laptop
4.Which of the following can best summarize the main idea of the passage?
A. With no Retriever, thousands of laptops are stolen every year.
B. A new soft ware provides a means to reduce laptop theft.
C. Retriever has helped to find thieves and lost computers.
D. A new program offers a communication platform with the thief.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides Dogsledding Snowmobiling
Welcome to Banff, Canada’s first, most famous and arguably most fascinating national park. If you’ve come to ski or snowboard, we’ll see you on the slopes. Skiing is a local favourite too.
While you’re here, try other recreational activities available in our mountains. Popular choices include a Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, bathe in the natural mineral waters at the Upper Hot Spring, horse-drawn sleigh ride, drive-your-own-team dog sled excursion, and snowmobile tour to the highland（but not in the national park）.
We also recommend you make time to enjoy simple pleasures. After looking around Banff Ave shops, walk a couple of blocks west or south to the scenic Bow River.
True ice skating on frozen Lake Louise where Ice Magic International Ice Sculpture Competition Works are displayed after Jan 25. You can rent skates in Banff or at the sport shop in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.
Banff’s backcountry paths access a wilderness world of silence and matchless beauty—cross country skis and snowshoes provide the means. Banff sport shops rent equipment and clothes, or join an organized tour. Although we’ve been many times, we still find the cliffs and icefalls of our frozen canyons worth visiting.
Wildlife watching also creates satisfying memories. We have seen hundreds of the elk and bighorn sheep that attract visitors, yet they still arouse a sense of wonder. And the rare spotting of a cougar, wolf or woodland caribou takes our breath away.
See if simple pleasure work for your Fight in the snow with your kids, walk beside a stream or climb to a high place and admire the view.
—Banff Resort Guide Editors
1.According to the passage, Banff’s backcountry is accessible by .
A. cross country skiing B, horse-drawn sleigh riding
C. snowmobiling D. dogsledding
2.Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Dogsledding is the most popular sport among local people.
B. Watching wildlife is a memorable experience.
C. Travelers should bring their own sports equipment.
D. Shopping is too simple a pleasure to enjoy.
3.The purpose of the writing is to _______.
A. promote scenic spots in Canada
B. advertise for the sports in Banff
C. introduce tourist activities in Banff
D. describe breathtaking views in Banff
Even at school there had been an unhealthy competition between George and Richard.
“I’ll be the first millionaire in Coleford!” Richard used to boast.
“And you’ll be sorry you knew me,” George would reply “because I’ll be the best lawyer in town!”
George never did become a lawyer and Richard never made any money. Instead both men opened bookshops on opposite sides of Coleford High Street. It was hard to make money from books, which made the competition between them worse.
Now with only one bookshop in town, business was better for George. But sometimes he sat in his narrow , old kitchen and gazed out of the dirty window , thinking about his former rival （竞争对手）。Perhaps he missed him?
George was very interested in old dictionaries, He’d recently found a collector in Australia who was selling a rare first edition. When the parcel arrived, the book was in perfect condition and George was delighted. But while he was having lunch, George glanced at the photo in the newspaper that the book had been wrapped in. He was astonished—the smiling face was older than he remembered but unmistakable! Trembling, George started reading.
“Bookends have bought ten bookstores from their rivals Dylans. The company, owned by multi-millionaire Richard Pike, is now the largest bookseller in Australia. ”
1.George and Rivhard were at school.
A. roommates B. good friends
C. competitors D. booksellers
2.How did George feel about Richard after his disappearance?
A. He envied Richard’s marriage.
B. He thought of Richard from time to time.
C. He felt lucky with no rival in town.
D. He was guilty of Richard’s death.
3.George got information about Richard from .
A. a dictionary collector in Australia
B. the latter’s rivals Dylans
C. a rare first edition of a dictionary
D. the wrapping paper of a book
4.What happened to George and Richard in the end?
A. Both George and Richard became millionaires.
B. Both of them realized their original ambitions.
C. George established a successful business white Richard was missing.
D. Richard became a millionaire while George had no great success.
Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.
Most people believe they don’t have much imagination. They are 1.Everyone has imagination, but most of us, once we become adults, forget how to 2it. Creativity isn’t always 3with great works of art or ideas. People at work and in their free time 4think of creative ways to solve problems. Maybe you have a goal to achieve, a tricky question to answer or you just want to expand your mind! Here are three techniques to help you.
Making connections This technique involves taking 5ideas and trying to find links between them. First, think about the problem you have to solve or the job you need to do. Then find an image, word, idea or object, for example, a candle. Write down all the idea/words 6with candles: light, fire, matches, wax, night, silence, etc. Think of as many as you can. The next stage is to relate the 7to the job you have to do. So imagine you want to buy a friend an original 8; you could buy him tickets to match or take him out for the night.
NO limits! Imagine that normal limitations don’t 9. You have as much time/space/money, etc. as you want. Think about your goal and the new 10.If your goal is to learn to ski, 11, you can now practise skiing every day of your life （because you have the time and the money）. Now 12this to reality. Maybe you can practise skiing ever day in December, or every Monday in January.
Be someone else! Look at the situation from a 13point of view. Good businessmen use this technique in trade, and so do writes. Fiction writers often imagine they are the 14in their books. They ask question: What does this character want? Why can’t she get it? What changes must she make to get what she wants? If your goal involves other people, put yourself in their 15. The best fishermen think like fish!
1.A. wrong B. unbelievable C. reasonable D. realistic
2.A. put up with B. catch up with C. make use of D. keep track of
3.A. equipped B. compared C. covered D. connected
4.A. skillfully B. routinely C. vividly D. deeply
5.A. familiar B. unrelated C. creative D. imaginary
6.A. presented B. marked C. lit D. associated
7.A. ideas B. ambitions C. achievement D. technique
8.A. experience B. service C. present D. object
9.A. work B. last C. exist D. change
10.A. possibilities B. limitations C. tendency D. practice
11.A. in fact B. in particular C. as a whole D. for example
12.A. devote B. adapt C. lead D. keep
13.A. private B. global C. different D. practical
14.A. features B. themes C. creatures D. characters
15.A. positions B. dreams C. images D. directions
