Every year in America, high-school students who want to go to college take a national examination called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT in a shortened way. Their score is an important factor in determining which colleges will admit them or whether any will be admitted at all. The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures one’s mathematical ability and use of the English language. Traditionally, the English portion（部分）involved grammatical questions and paragraphs that test reading comprehension.
But the SAT folks have added a single question, to be answered in an essay, hand-written on the spot. That’s an interesting way to test writing ability, put content aside, have you ever seen young people’s handwriting lately? Or anyone’s for that matter, in this age of computer keyboards? Students write numbers and sign their names on bank checks. They scribble class notes in what can generously be described as the written word. And they hand-write, or more often print, a word or two of identification on luggage and lunch bags. Otherwise penmanship (书法) — once taught so morally and easefully by second-grade teachers, has gone the way of the dodo bird which has died out.
Yet today’s kids are asked to write, thoughtfully and legibly (字迹清楚地), for several minutes on this SAT Test. Good luck to the text scorers who must work out difficultly the scrawl of young people who’ve been typing on computers since the age of three! Teachers insist that good handwriting can not only help one’s score on the SAT, but also, later on in life, impress potential employers and earn bigger tax refunds (退税) because the tax inspectors can actually read the computations (计算结果). And don’t forget, we all have to turn to handwriting from time to time, as computers go down when power goes out.
1. The subjects to be tested in the SAT include ______.
A. math, English, reading and handwriting
B. math, grammar, reading and writing
C. math, foreign language and writing
D. math, English and handwriting
2.The author writes this passage to introduce the fact that ______.
A. writing seems to be very important in the SAT
B. those who will go to colleges have to take the SAT
C. students should practice handwriting more often
D. in the computer age kids know how to write legibly
3. What does the underlined word “scribble” probably mean?
A. Write quickly and roughly. B. Take notes difficultly.
C. Print penmanship carefully. D. Describe written word generously.
4.According to the passage good handwriting can ______.
A. help students get high scores in tests B. make a student more popular
C. measure students’ ability D. assist one to get a job
President Coolidge’s statement, “The business of America is business,” still points to a very important truth today — that business organizations have more prestige (威望) in American society than any other kind of organization, including the government. Why do business institutions still possess this great prestige?
One reason is that Americans view business as being more firmly based on the idea of competition than other organizations in society. Since competition is seen as the main source of progress and development by most Americans, competitive business organizations are respected. Competition is not only good in itself; it is the means by which other basic American values, such as individual freedom, equality of opportunity, and hard work are protected.
Competition protects the individual freedom by making sure that there is no monopoly (垄断) of power. Compared with one and all-powerful government, many businesses compete against each other for benefit. If one business tries to take unfair advantage of its customers, it will lose to the competing business which treats its customers more fairly. Since there are many businesses competing for the customers’ dollars, they cannot afford to treat them unfairly and the customers would lose nothing.
A contrast is often made between business, which is competitive, and government, which is a monopoly. Because business is competitive, many Americans believe that it gives more support for freedom than government, even though government leaders are elected by the people while business leaders are not. Many Americans believe that competition is as important, or even more important, as democracy in protecting freedom.
Competition in business is also believed to strengthen the idea of equal opportunities. Competition is seen as an open and fair race where success goes to any person regardless of his or her social class background. Competitive success is commonly seen as the American choice of the higher social position which is not based on one’s family background. Business is therefore viewed as an expression of the idea of equal opportunities.
1.Which of the following is discussed as the main topic in the passage?
A. Competition in America’s business. B. Freedom in America’s business.
C. Americans’ different values. D. Business against government.
2. Americans believe that they can realize their personal values ______.
A. when given equal opportunities
B. through doing business
C. by protecting their individual freedom
D. by means of competition
3.Who can benefit from business competition?
A. Businessmen who compete.
B. Customers of those businesses.
C. People with the idea of equality and freedom.
D. Both business organizations and government.
4.It could be inferred from the passage that the author believes ______.
A. business in other countries are not as competitive as those in the USA
B. business problems are very important to the American government
C. the competition in business plays a very important role in America
D. American business is the most powerful one in the whole world
Some names have special meanings in popular American expressions. One day, an average Joe was walking down the street. An average Joe is a common person — either male or female. He did not know where he was going. So average Joe asked John Q. Public for directions to the nearest bank. John Q. Public is also a common person — male or female. “Jeez Louise,” said John Q. Public. This is an expression of surprise. “Don’t you know that all banks are closed today? It is Saturday.”
“For Pete’s sake.” said average Joe. This is also an expression used to show a feeling like surprise or disappointment. “I do not believe you,” said he. At that moment, Joe Blow was walking down the street with a woman. Joe Blow is also an expression for a common person. Now this Joe Blow was not walking next to a plain Jane. A plain Jane is a woman who is neither ugly nor pretty. The woman with Joe Blow was a real Sheila — a beautiful woman.
Average Joe asked the woman if all banks were closed on Saturday. “No way, Jose,” she answered. This is a way of saying “No.” “No way, Jose. Many banks are open on Saturdays.”
Average Joe did not know either of these two people from Adam. That is, he did not know them at all. But he followed their directions to the nearest bank.
When he arrived, he walked to the desk and said: “I am here to withdraw some money so I can pay my taxes to Uncle Sam”. This represents the United States government. The banker produced some papers and told him to sign his John Hancock at the bottom. A John Hancock is a person’s signed name — a signature. Historically, John Hancock was one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence. Hancock had a beautiful signature and signed his name larger than all the others.
1.The main idea of this text is that ______.
A. some popular American names have special stories
B. some popular American expressions have some special names
C. some popular American names have special meanings
D. some popular American expressions are interesting
2. Which of the following refers to an ordinary-looking woman?
A. An average Joe B. John Q. Public C. Joe Blow D. A plain Jane
3.The name “Jeez Louise” is ______.
A. an expression of surprise B. a feeling like disappointment
C. an expression for a common man D. a woman who is neither ugly nor pretty
When 47-year-old volunteer Susan Boyle stepped onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent and announced she was unemployed, had never been married and “never been kissed, actually”, few in the audience would have wondered why. This Ms Boyle, looking unfashionable, from a village in Scotland, shocked the three judges and the audience with the song I dreamed a dream from the musical Les Miserables on a show of Britain’s Got Talent, one of the hottest reality shows in Britain.
She couldn’t hide the awkwardness when walking to the center of the stage in a housedress, and everyone — including the judges — seemed laughing at her when she said she wanted to be as successful as Elaine Paige. As soon as she began singing, however, everyone in the auditorium fell silent, then rose within seconds to applaud her incredible voice as the celebrity judges sat open-mouthed, and remained standing to the end.
After her performance, one of the judges Piers Morgan said, “Without doubt that was the biggest surprise I’ve had in three years of this show. When you stood there everyone was laughing at you. No one is laughing now. That was amazing.” Actress Amanda Holden followed, “I’m so thrilled because I know that we everybody were against you. I honestly think that we were all being very cynical (愤世嫉俗的) and I think that’s the biggest wake up call ever.”
Susan obviously won over the hearts of millions around the world with sensation spreading across the Atlantic. Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore — who between them have nearly 1.5 million followers — speak highly of her. Kutcher posted a link to the video clip (片段). The Scottish talent made her live American debut via satellite connection on CBS’s The Early Show, doing an interview and singing live from her room. And she already accepted an invitation from talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
Now Boyle has become one of the world’s hottest celebrities. The video clip of her performance has been viewed more than 50 million times on Youtube, becoming a hit on the Internet.
1. We learn from the passage that Susan Boyle ______.
A. rose from a low social class
B. had an unhappy marriage
C. lived with a dog alone on a farm
D. won the championship in the Britain’s Got Talent show
2. At the beginning of the show, almost everybody ______.
A. looked forward to her wonderful performance
B. was attracted by her beautiful dress
C. looked down upon her
D. placed great hope on her
3.We can infer that ______ contributed most to her global popularity.
A. the judges B. the Internet C. the newspaper D. the advertisement
4.The 4th paragraph intends to tell us ______.
A. how Susan Boyle achieved her success
B. the comment made by American actor Ashton Kutcher
C. Susan Boyle’s influence in the USA
D. Oprah Winfrey’s invitation to Susan Boyle
When I was fifteen, I announced to my English class that I was going to write my own books. Half the students smiled unkindly, 36 nearly fell out of their chairs laughing. “Don’t be 37 , only geniuses can become writers,” the English teacher said, “And you are getting a D this term.” I was so ashamed I burst into 38 . That night I wrote a short sad poem about broken dreams and mailed it to the newspaper. To my 39 , they published it and sent me two dollars. I was a published and paid writer. I showed my teacher and fellow students. They laughed, “Just plain dumb luck,” the teacher said. I 40 success. I’d sold the first thing I’d 41 written. That was more than any of them had done and if it was just dumb luck that was fine with me.
During the next two years I sold dozens of poems and letters. By the time I graduated from high school, I had scrapbooks (剪贴簿) 42 my published works. I never 43 my writing to my teachers, friends or my family 44 because they were dream killers.
I had four children at the time. 45 the children slept, I typed on my ancient typewriter. I wrote what I felt. It took nine months. I chose a 46 and mailed it. A month later I received a contract, an advance on payments, and a request to start 47 another book. Crying Wind, became a best seller, was translated into fifteen languages and sold worldwide. My first book also became 48 reading in native American schools in Canada.
The 49 year I ever had as a writer I earned two dollars. In my best year I earned 36,000 dollars. People ask what college I 50 , what degrees I had and what qualifications I have to be a writer. The answer is: “None.” I just write. I’m not a genius. I use an electric typewriter that I paid a hundred and twenty nine dollars 51 six years ago. I do all the housework and 52 my writing in a few minutes here and there. I’ve written eight books. To all those who dream of writing, I’m shouting at you: “Yes, you can. Don’t listen to them.” I don’t write right 53 I’ve succeeded. Writing is 54 , it’s fun and anyone can do it. 55 , a little dumb luck doesn’t hurt.
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1. |
A. other |
B. others |
C. the other |
D. the rest |
|
2. |
A. silly |
B. curious |
C. excited |
D. depressed |
|
3. |
A. laughter |
B. tears |
C. song |
D. cheers |
|
4. |
A. puzzlement |
B.disappointment |
C. expectation |
D. astonishment |
|
5. |
A. tasted |
B. met |
C. accepted |
D. considered |
|
6. |
A. yet |
B. never |
C. even |
D. ever |
|
7. |
A. crowdedwith |
B. filled with |
C. combined with |
D. linked with |
|
8. |
A. remembered |
B. concluded |
C. mentioned |
D. described |
|
9. |
A. again |
B. instead |
C. still |
D. merely |
|
10. |
A. Though |
B. Before |
C. Until |
D. While |
|
11. |
A. writer |
B. reporter |
C. publisher |
D. manager |
|
12. |
A. working on |
B. going on |
C. turning on |
D. putting on |
|
13. |
A. requested |
B. required |
C. demanded |
D. reminded |
|
14. |
A. busiest |
B. worse |
C. worst |
D. highest |
|
15. |
A. attended |
B. took |
C. admitted |
D. participated |
|
16. |
A. out |
B. to |
C. by |
D. for |
|
17. |
A. keep |
B. fit |
C. save |
D. hold |
|
18. |
A. or |
B. so |
C. and |
D. but |
|
19. |
A. easy |
B. hard |
C. convenient |
D. practical |
|
20. |
A. On the contrary |
B. Of course |
C. As a result |
D. In this way |
I think you should complain, _____, of course, you are happy with the way things are.
A. until B. although C. when D. unless
