Humans are naturally drawn to other life forms and the worlds outside of our own. We take delight in the existence of creatures and even whole societies beyond our everyday lives.
This sense of wonder is universal. Look at the efforts that scientists have made to find out whether life of some kind exists on Mars, and the popularity of fantasy(幻想) literature or movies like The Lord of the Rings. This sense of wonder draws us to each other, to the world around us, and to the world of make-believe. But have we gone so far in creating worlds of fantasy that we are missing the pleasure of other worlds that already exist all around us?
Human beings, as biologists have suggested, possess an inborn desire to connect with and understand other life forms. However, people, especially in big cities, often lead rather isolated lives. In a study of British schoolchildren, it was found that children by age eight were much more familiar with characters from television shows and video games than with common wildlife. Without modern technology, a small pond could be an amazing world filled with strange and beautiful plants, insects, birds, and animals. When we lack meaningful interaction(交互) with the world around us, and sometimes even with our families and friends, we seek to understand and communicate with things that exist only in our imaginations or on a computer screen.
The world of make-believe is not necessarily bad. But when the world of fantasy becomes the only outlet(出路) for our sense of wonder, then we are really missing something. We are missing a connection with the living world. Other wonderful worlds exist all around us. But even more interesting is that if we look closely enough, we can see that these worlds, in a broad sense, are really part of our own.
1.The popularity of The Lord of the Rings proves
A. the close connection between man and the fantasy world
B. the wonderful achievements of fantasy literature
C. the fine taste of moviegoers around the world
D. the general existence of the sense of curiosity
2.What can we infer from the underlined sentence in Paragraph 3?
A. People are far less familiar with the world of fantasy.
B. The world around us could serve as a source of wonder.
C. The world of fantasy can be mirrored by a small and lively pond.
D. Modern technology prevents us from developing our sense of wonder.
3.If our sense of wonder relies totally on the world of make-believe, we will
A. fail to appreciate the joy in our lives
B. be confused by the world of make-believe
C. miss the chance to recognize the fantasy world
D. be trapped by other worlds existing all around us
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To show us the hidden beauty in our world.
B. To warn us not to get lost in the fantasy world.
C. To argue against the misuse of the sense of wonder.
D. To discuss the influence of the world of make-believe.
Sitting on the peaceful coast of Galapagos Islands. Ecuador, watching the sun move quietly into the sea, you shouldn’t forget that Charles Darwin (1809-1882) arrived here in 1835. He stayed on the islands for five weeks, observing various animals. This finally inspired (启发) his famous work, On the Origin of Species. You can certainly follow Darwin’s footsteps and enjoy a trip from four to seven days to the islands.
The islands are certainly a paradise (天堂) for wildlife, as there are no natural killers on the islands and the number of boats and visitors is under government control. Though you cannot walk freely as Darwin did about 200 years ago, each day is as impressive as it could be.
The most well-known animal of the Galapagos is the giant tortoise(巨型海龟), which can be seen moving slowly around the highlands of Sanra Cruz, the second largest island in the archipelago(群岛). Some of these creatures are so old that they might have been seen in their youth by Darwin himself.
Despite strict control over activities and timing, your stay on the Galapagos will be remembered as a chain of incomparable pictures: diving with sea lions that swim and play within inches of you; feeling small sharks touch your feet as you swim; and, most magically, seeing a whale and her baby surface with a great breath of air.
Travelling between the islands and observing the wildlife that so inspired Darwin, you will feel as though you are getting a special view of an untouched world. At night you will sleep on board the ship, leaving the wildlife in complete occupation of the islands, which are as undisturbed now as they have been since the beginning of time.
1.What do we know about Darwin’s visit to the islands?
A. He studied different creatures on the islands
B. He completed his famous book on the islands
C. He was touched by the geography of the islands
D. He was attracted by well-known animals of the islands
2.Which of the following plays a role in making the islands “a paradise for wildlife”?
A. Animals on the islands feed on grass.
B. Local government forbids killing wildlife.
C. People cannot visit the islands as they wish.
D. Tourists are not allowed to touch the animals.
3.Your stay on the islands will be most impressive mainly because of .
A. The beautiful sea views B. Darwin’s inspiring trip
C. a closer view of animals D. various daring activities
4.Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A. A Unique Attraction for Wildlife Lovers
B. Calapagos as a Paradise for Adventures
C. Charles Darwin as a Symbol of Galapagos
D. A Successful Example of Wildlife Protection
It is hardly surprising that clothing manufacturers(生产商) follow certain uniform standards for various features(特征) of clothes. What seems strange, however, is that the standard adopted for women is the opposite of the one for men. Take a look at the way your clothes button. Men’s clothes tend to button from the right, and women’s from the left. Considering most of the world’s population----men and women----are right-handed, the men’s standard would appear to make more sense for women. So why do women’s clothes button from the left?
History really seems to matter here. Buttons first appeared only on the clothes of the rich in the 17th century, when rich women were dressed by servants. For the mostly right-handed servants, having women’s shirts button from the left would be easier. On the other hand, having men’s shirts button from the right made sense, too. Most men dressed themselves, and a sword drawn from the left with the right hand would be less likely to get caught in the shirt.
Today women are seldom dressed by servants, but buttoning from the left is still the standard for them. Is it interesting? Actually, a standard, once set, resists change. At a time when all women’s shirts buttoned from the left, it would have been risky for any single manufacturer to offer women’s shirts that buttoned from the right. After all, women had grown so used to shirts which buttoned from the left and would have to develop new habits and skills to switch. Besides, some women might have found it socially awkward to appear in public wearing shirts that buttoned from the right, since anyone who noticed that would believe they were wearing men’s shirts.
1.What is surprising about the standard of the clothing industry?
A. It has been followed by the industry for over 400 years.
B. It is different for men’s clothing and women’s.
C. It woks better with men than with women.
D. It fails to consider right-handed people.
2.What do we know about the rich men in the 17th century?
A. They tended to wear clothes without buttons.
B. They were interested in the historical matters.
C. They were mostly dressed by servants.
D. They drew their swords from the left.
3.Women’s clothes still button from the left today because .
A. adopting men’s style is improper for women
B. manufacturers should follow standards
C. modern women dress themselves
D. customs are hard to change
4.The passage is mainly developed by .
A. analyzing causes B. making comparisons
C. examining differences D. following the time order
Love, success, happiness, family and freedom----how important are these values to you? Here is one interview which explores the fundamental questions in life.
Question: Could you introduce yourself first?
Answer: My name is Misbah, 27 years old. I was born in a war-torn area. Right now I’m a web designer.
Q: What are your great memories?
A: My parents used to take us to hunt birds, climb trees, and play in the fields. For me it was like a holiday because we were going to have fun all day long. Those are my great memories.
Q: Does your childhood mean a lot to you?
A: Yes. As life was very hard, I used to work to help bring money in for the family. I spent my childhood working, with responsibilities beyond my age. However, it taught me to deal with problems all alone. I learnt to be independent.
Q: What changes would you like to make in your life?
A: If I could change something in my life, I’d change it so that my childhood could have taken place in another area. I would have loved to live with my family in freedom. Who cares whether we have much money, or whether we have a beautiful house? It doesn’t matter as long as I can live with my family and we are safe.
Q: How do you get along with your parents?
A: My parents supported me until I came of age. I want to give back what I’ve got. That’s our way. But I am working in another city. My only contact with my parents now is through the phone, but I hate using it. It filters(过滤) out your emotion and leaves your voice only. My deepest feelings should be passed through sight, hearing and touch.
1.In Misbah’s childhood, .
A. he was free from worry
B. he liked living in the countryside
C. he was fond of getting close to nature
D. he often spent holidays with his family
2.What did Misbah desire most in his childhood?
A. A colorful life. B. A beautiful house.
C. Peace and freedom. D. Money for his family.
3.How would Misbah prefer to communicate with his parents?
A. By chatting on the Internet. B. By calling them sometimes.
C. By paying weekly visits. D. By writing them letters.
4.If there were only one question left, what would it most probably be?
A. What was your childhood dream?
B. What is your biggest achievement?
C. What is your parents’ view of you?
D. What was your hardest experience in the war?
One morning more than thirty years ago, I entered the Track Kitchen, a restaurant where everyone from the humblest(卑微的) to the most powerful came for breakfast. I noticed an empty chair next to an elderly, unshaven man, who looked somewhat disheveled. He was wearing a worn-out hat and was alone. I asked if I might join him. He agreed quietly and I sat down to have my breakfast.
We cautiously began a conversation and spoke about a wide rang of things. We never introduced ourselves. I was concerned that he might have no money and not be able to afford something to eat. So as I rose to go back to the counter and buy a second cup of coffee, I asked,
“My I get you something ?”
“A coffee would be nice.”
Then I bought him a cup of coffee, We talked more, and he accepted another cup of coffee, Finally, I rose to leave, wished him well, and headed for the exit. At the door I met one of my friends. He asked,
“How did you get to know Mr. Galbreath?”
“Who?”
“The man you were sitting with. He is chairman of the Board of Churchill Downs.”
I could hardly believe it. I was buying, offering a free breakfast, and feeling pity for one of the world’s richest and most powerful men!
My few minutes with Mr. Galbreath changed my life. Now I try to treat everyone with respect, no matter who I think they are, and to meet another human being with kindness and sincerity.
1.What does the underlined word “disheveled” mean?
A. Unfriendly. B. Untidy. C. Gentle. D. Kind.
2.The author bought coffee for the old man because
A. he thought the old man was poor
B. he wanted to start a conversation
C. he intended to show his politeness
D. he would like to thank the old man
3.How did the author probably feel after he talked with his friend?
A. Proud. B. Pitiful. C. Surprised. D. Regretful
4.What is the message mainly expressed in the story?
A. We should learn to be generous.
B. It is honorable to help those in need.
C. People in high positions are not like what we expect.
D. We should avoid judging people by their appearances.
请阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从36~55各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该选项的标号涂黑。
Introduction to Letters to Sam
Dear Reader,
Please allow me to tell you something before you read this book. When my 1, Sam, was born, my heart was filled with joy. I had been sitting in a wheelchair for 20 years before then, and I have been 2ill many times. So I wondered if I would have the 3to tell Sam what I had 4.
For years I have been hosting a program on the 5and writing articles for a magazine. Being 6to move freely, I have learned to sit still and keep my heart 7, exchanging thoughts with thousands of listeners and 8. So when Sam was born, I 9to tell him about school and friendship, romance and work, love and everything else. That’s how I started to write these 10. I hope that Sam would 11them sooner or later.
However, that expectation 12when Sam showed signs of autism (自闭症) at the age of two. He had actually stopped talking before the discovery of the signs. He 13to communicate with others, even the family members. That was 14for me but didn’t stop me writing on. I realized that I had even 15now to tell him. I wanted him to 16what it means to be “different” from others, and learn how to fight against the misfortune he’ll 17as I myself, his grandfather, did. I just 18if I could write all that I wanted to say in the rest of my life.
Now, 19the book has been published, I have been given the chance. Every chapter in the book is a letter to Sam: some about my life, and all about what it means to be a 20.
Daniel Gottlieb
1.A. son B. nephew C. brother D. grandson
2.A. seriously B. mentally C. slightly D. quietly
3.A. ability B. time C. courage D. responsibility
4.A. written B. suffered C. observed D. lost
5.A. radio B. television C. stage D. bed
6.A. ready B. unable C. anxious D. eager
7.A. warm B. broken C. closed D. open
8.A. hosts B. visitors C. readers D. reporters
9.A. began B. stopped C. forgot D. decided
10.A. letters B. emails C. books D. diaries
11.A. find B. read C. collect D. keep
12.A. developed B. disappeared C. changed D. arrived
13.A. tried B. refused C. regretted D. hoped
14.A. exciting B. acceptable C. strange D. heartbreaking
15.A. less B. everything C. more D. nothing
16.A. understand B. explain C. believe D. question
17.A. fear B. face C. know D. cause
18.A. felt B. guessed C. saw D. doubted
19.A. as B. once C. though D. if
20.A. teacher B. child C. man D. writer
