Some people think that as more and more people have televisions in their homes, fewer and fewer people will buy books and newspapers. Why read an article in the newspaper, when the TV news can bring you the information in a few minutes and with pictures? Why read the life story of a famous man, when a short television program can tell you all that you want to know?
Television has not killed reading, however. Today, newspapers sell in very large numbers. And books of every kind are sold more than ever before. Books are still a cheap way to get information and enjoyment. Although some books with hard covers are expensive, many books are printed today as paperbooks (平装本), which are quite cheap. A paperback collection of short stories, for example, is always cheaper than an evening at the cinema or the theater, and you can keep a book for ever and read it many times.
Books are a wonderful provider of knowledge and pleasure and some types of books should be in every home. Every home should have a good dictionary. A good encyclopedia (百科全书), though expensive, is useful, too, because you can find information on any subject. Besides, you can have such books as history books, science textbook, cookbooks, and collections of stories and poems. Then from time to time you can take a book of poems off your shelves and read the thoughts and feelings of your favorite poets.
1. It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A. TV programs are a chief provider of knowledge.
B. cinemas are the best choice in getting information.
C. reading is a cheap way of learning and having fun.
D. newspapers are an expensive way to enjoy oneself.
2.What does the sentences “Television has not killed reading, however ” underlined in the second paragraph suggest?
A. People only need reading, though.
B. Reading is still necessary today.
C. Reading is more fun than television.
D. Watching television doesn’t help reading.
3.What can we learn from the passage?
A. Fewer and fewer people will buy books.
B. A good dictionary should be kept in every home.
C. Books with hard covers sell better than paperbooks.
D. More people like TV programs about famous men.
Dear Friend,
The recent success of children's books has made the general public aware that there's a huge market out there.
And there's a growing need for new writers trained to create the $3 billion worth of children's books bought each year ... plus stories and articles needed by over 650 publishers of magazines for children and teenagers.
Who are these needed writers? They're ordinary folks like you and me.
But am I good enough?
I was once where you might be now. My thoughts of writing had been pushed down by self-doubt, and I didn't know where to turn for help.
Then, I accepted a free offer from the Institute to test my writing aptitude(潜能), and it turned out to be the inspiration I needed.
The promise that paid off.
The Institute made the same promise to me that they will make to you, if you show basic writing ability:
You will complete at least one manuscript(手稿) suitable to hand in to a publisher by the time you finish our course.
I really didn't expect any publication before I finished the course, but that happened. I sold three stories. And I soon discovered that was not unusual at the Institute.
Since graduation, I have authored 34 nationally published children's books and over 300 stories and articles.
Free test and brochure
We offer a free aptitude test and will send you a copy of our brochure describing our recognized home-study courses on the basis of one-on-one training.
Realize your writing dream today. There's nothing sadder than a dream delayed until it fades forever.
Sincerely,
Kristi Holl, Instructor
Institute of Children's Literature
1.From the first three paragraphs, we learn that_____.
A. children's books are usually bestsellers.
B. publishers are making $3 billion each year.
C. magazines for teenagers have drawn public attention.
D. there is a growing need for writers of children's books.
2.When finishing the course, you are promised to_____.
A. be a successful publisher
B. become a confident editor
C. finish one work for publication
D. get one story or article published
3.Kristi Holl mentions her experience mainly to_____.
A. prove she is a good instructor
B. promote the writing program
C. give her advice on course preparation
D. show she sold more stories than article
“Mum, what does it mean when someone tells you that they have a skeleton (骨骼) in the closet (衣橱)?” Jessica asked. “A skeleton in the closet?” her mother paused thoughtfully. “Well, it's something that you would rather not have anyone else know about. For example, if in the past, someone in Dad's family had been arrested for stealing a horse, it would be 'a skeleton in his family's closet'. He really wouldn't want any neighbor to know about it.”
“Why pick on my family?” Jessica's father said with anger. “Your family history isn't so good, you know. Wasn't your great-great-grandfather a prisoner who was transported to Australia for his crimes?” “Yes, but people these days say that you are not a real Australian unless your ancestors arrived as prisoners.” “Gosh, sorry I asked. I think I understand now,” Jessica cut in before things grew worse.
After dinner, the house was very quiet. Jessica's parents were still quite angry with each other. Her mother was ironing clothes and every now and then she glared at her husband, who hid behind his newspaper pretending to read. When she finished, she gathered the freshly pressed clothes in her arms and walked to Jessica's closet. Just as she opened the door and reached in to hang a skirt, a bony arm stuck out from the dark depths and a bundle of white bones fell to the floor. Jessica's mother sank in a faint (晕倒), waking only when Jessica put a cold, wet cloth on her forehead. She looked up to see the worried faces of her husband and daughter.
“What happened? Where am I?” she asked. “You just destroyed the school's skeleton, Mum,” explained Jessica. “I brought it home to help me with my health project. I meant to tell you, but it seemed that as soon as I mentioned skeletons and closets, it caused a problem between you and Dad.” Jessica looked in amazement as her parents began to laugh madly. “They're both crazy,” she thought.
1.According to Jessica's mother, “a skeleton in the close” means ________.
A. a family honor B. a family secret C. a family story D. a family treasure
2.What can we learn about some Australians' ancestors from Paragraph 2?
A. They were brought to Australia as prisoners.
B. They were the earliest people living in Australia.
C. They were involved in some crimes in Australia.
D. They were not regarded as criminals in their days.
3.Why did Jessica bring a skeleton home?
A. She was curious about it. B. She planned to keep it for fun.
C. She needed it for her school task. D. She intended to scare her parents.
4. Jessica's parents laughed madly at the end of the story probably because ________.
A. they were crazy.
B. they were over excited.
C. they realized their misunderstanding.
D. they both thought they had won the quarrel.
Just recently I had been wondering if there was much point in doing little acts of kindness. So often they get 36 , and occasionally they come back to bite you!
Then, just last week, after a long travel, I found myself 37 at a bus station. The bus was four hours late! So, I guess I wasn’t in a good 38 .
That’s when a woman asked me if I had any spare 39 to help her get a bus ticket.
“Oh, sure,” I said sarcastically (挖苦地). “How much would you like?”
As I spoke, I mentally kicked myself for my 40 and reached into my bag for some money. As I handed her five dollars, I heard low sounds from her stomach because of real 41 .
I reached back into my bag and brought out a 42 I had bought earlier. I handed it to her with a(n) 43 that I hoped would make up for my earlier tone of voice. Getting a 44 look at her now, I realized she was extremely tired, like she had had several months of 45 days!
As she took the food, a look of 46 washed over her. In return, she tried to give me a Milwaukee bus ticket! I don’t live in Milwaukee and the ticket will probably 47 be used, but I took it.
A few minutes later she came back over, apologized, and told me she was still 48 of five dollars. I took some singles out of my bag and slipped a twenty in there as well. 49 , the voice in my head told me I was being a fool.
Five minutes later she came back again and tried to 50 my twenty. When I said it was for her so she could get something else to 51 , and that I was completely serious and I wasn’t taking it 52 , she started crying and hugged me.
From now on, when I wonder if it is 53 trying to help someone, I will remember that woman. Maybe I am really making a 54 for someone. So, sure, sometimes my efforts might not be noticed, and sometimes they might come back to bite me, but they might actually 55 another human being!
1.A. ignored B. appreciated C. acknowledged D. forgiven
2.A. examined B. trapped C. confused D. delayed
3. A. habit B. place C. mood D. situation
4.A. change B. time C. hand D. energy
5. A. appearance B. attitude C. selfishness D. experience
6.A. pain B. anxiety C. hunger D. fear
7.A. souvenir B. ticket C. gift D. cake
8.A. shout B. smile C. apology D. praise
9.A. quick B. gentle C. good D. cold
10.A. dark B. tough C. mysterious D. special
11. A. relief B. regret C. doubt D. anger
12. A. once B. often C. sometimes D. never
13. A. ashamed B. aware C. short D. proud
14. A. Eventually B. However C. Therefore D. Besides
15.A. return B. show C. share D. earn
16.A. do B. trade C. add D. eat
17.A. away B. out C. back D. over
18.A. hard B. fun C. useless D. worth
19.A. difference B. profit C. decision D. suggestion
20.A. excite B. help C. educate D. inspire
- Mr. White, will you please teach me how to perform pair skating today?
-- . You have to practise single skating well first.
A. Two heads are better than one. B. Think twice before you do.
C. Learn to walk before you run. D. One today is worth two tomorrows.
________ there is no restriction on foreign entries at the film festival ，those that win are in minority.
A. unless B. When C Where D while
