任务型阅读（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）
请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。
注意：每个空格只填1个单词。
Do we need an “Ivy League（常春藤联盟）”?
China may soon have its own “Ivy League”, with a union of top universities．
The term originally referred to an athletic conference of eight top universities in the northeastern US．The Chinese version, which was officially started in mid-October, consists of nine famous universities, including Peking, Tsinghua, Zhejiang and Fudan．The union is supposed to result in student exchange programs, recognition of academic achievements, and other joint programs．
The news of this Chinese “Ivy League” has received mixed responses from the public and press．Some negative critics have dismissed it as yet another example of the wishful copying of international practices without fully understanding them．Others say that the “Ivy League” is not necessary but that the union is a good idea, one that could promote academic development．
So what’s your opinion on a Chinese “Ivy League”? Do we need one?
Yes．Ivy League or not, nine of China’s best universities cooperating is a good thing．
These universities combining resources could create a better environment for students and for research．It could also save a lot of time and resources because it would mean fewer unnecessary investments for some of the universities．
Allowing students to move to or have exchanges with other universities could broaden their horizons, improve their social skills and create more employment opportunities．The results could be more important than lessons and achievements．
The term “Ivy League” carries a sense of academic excellence, tradition and reputation．If borrowing such a term could encourage students’ and professors’ mental state and improve Chinese higher education, then there’s no reason not to do it．
No．Universities should do some work on increasing cooperation instead of copying an “Ivy League” model．
Many Chinese universities already have such cooperation with each other．If this cooperation were associated with the “Ivy League”, it would just distract （分散） attention and resources and have a negative effect．
These Chinese universities are all state-run and most get their funding from the government．They’re quite similar to each other in many ways and more cooperation wouldn’t bring about as much potential ability as between , say, public and private, or Chinese and foreign universities．
China should find its own way to develop world-class universities instead of by copying some foreign practices．We have our own unique conditions and foreign lessons often don’t apply well here．
What will power your house in the future? Nuclear, wind, or solar power? According to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, it might be leaves –but artificial ones.
Natural leaves are able to change sunlight and water into energy. It is known as photosynthesis (光合作用). Now researchers have found a way to imitate this seemingly simple process.
The artificial leaf developed by Daniel Nocera and his colleagues at MIT can be seen as a special silicon chip (硅片) with catalysts (催化剂). Similar to natural leaves, it can split water into hydrogen and oxygen when put into a bucket of water. The hydrogen and oxygen gases are then stored in a fuel cell (电池), which uses those two materials to produce electricity, located either on top of a house or beside the house.
Though the leaf is only about the shape of a poker card, scientists claimed that it is promising to be an inexpensive source of electricity in developing countries. “One can imagine villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology,” said Docera at a conference of the American Chemical Society.
An artificial leaf is not a new idea. The first artificial leaf was invented in 1997 but was too expensive and unstable for practical use. The new leaf, by contrast, is made of cheap materials, easy to use and highly stable. In laboratory studies, Nocera showed that an artificial leaf prorotype (原型) could operate continuously for at least 45 hours without a drop in activity.
The wonderful improvements come from Nocera’s recent discovery of several powerful new, inexpensive catalysts. These catalysts make the energy transformation (转换) inside the leaf more efficient with water and sunlight. Right now, the new leaf is about 10 times more efficient at carrying out photosynthesis than a natural one. Besides, the device can run in whatever water is available; that is, it doesn’t need pure water. This is important for some countries that don’t have access to pure water.
With the goal to “make each home its own power station” and “giving energy to the poor”, scientists believe that the new application could be widely used in developing countries, especially in India and rural China.
1.Which of the following order correctly shows how the artificial leaf is used to produce electricity?
a. artificial leaves split water into hydrogen and oxygen
b. the hydrogen and oxygen gases are stored in a fuel cell
c. the artificial leaves are put in water
d. the fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity
A. cbad B. cabd C. bcad D. cadb
2.Which of the following statements about new artificial leaves is TRUE according to the article?
A. They are inexpensive but unstable.
B. They are as efficient at carrying out photosynthesis as natural leaves.
C. They can work only in pure water.
D. They need several catalysts to help them work efficiently.
3.The aim of the scientists at MIT in developing the new artificial leaves is to .
A. build-up more power stations in the world
B. provide cheaper energy for developing countries
C. offer people in developing countries access to pure water
D. gain a deeper understanding of the photosynthesis process
4.What is the main point of the article?
A. Introduction to the history of artificial leaves.
B. An invention copying photosynthesis.
C. Giving energy to the poor.
D. A mixture of water power and solar energy.
As China becomes increasingly urbanized (城市化), it has to find space for its urban and
rural citizens as both groups become increasingly integrated. Experts suggest a possible model
way may be “re-inventing” a “garden city”.
China’s mega-cities are bursting at the borders and the country is now undergoing the quickest and biggest urbanization in the history of mankind. It is estimated that by 2025, China will have 400 million more people living in its cities, raising its urban population to 900 million. Besides, new satellite towns are mushrooming on the urban fringes while city ring roads are rippling outwards into the countryside at amazing speed. Satellite maps collected by Professor Joshua Bolchover at the University of Hong Kong bring the problem sharply into focus. They track the changing rural-urban framework in the past 30 years, and suggest that cities are cruelly destroying surrounding rural land and rapidly reducing the amount of arable（可耕种的）land, which gives way to new residential blocks, new industrial zones, new financial centers and the other inevitable signs and signatures of economic growth.
This, however, is not sustainable growth pattern, especially when China has the world’s largest population to feed. So concerned urban planners are starting to note the social and physical effects of diaspora（大移居）when replaced rural communities are forced into the cities.
On the other hand, a trend of thought is gradually taking shape and this is the concept of the “garden city”, a combination of country and city that is being proposed by architects and city planners. Hua Li, from Tao Architects, is among the many professionals with such a voice. His argument is supported by a long-term study on this subject. As Hua says, the answer is to preserve patches of productive farmland within urban boundaries. Less transportation means we have fresh agricultural products at lower costs and less carbon emission in the city. And urban farmland can also be showcased for agricultural tourism and education.
The concept is already practiced at the grassroot level. Agriculture has gone into the air, up to roof and balcony in some communities in the cities. It’s common to see organic “hanging garden” on the roof of some traditional courtyard home. According to some people, the rooftop project translate to tangible (= practical) benefits, such as safe, nutritious vegetables, a cooler home in summer. Some say thanks to the tomatoes they plant that are natural insect killers, there’re fewer mosquitoes. Apart from these, it also contributes to better bonding with neighbors. Zhang, a doctor in Beijing, began creating his hanging garden five years ago. Since his garden became home to 30 kinds of vegetables and fruit --- all enough to feed his family, neighbors have enjoyed dropping by for a relaxing chat or just to see how well the lovely vegetables and fruit are doing.
Although people like Zhang are still rare and the greening of roof space with vegetables and fruit takes skill and energy, with more positive media exposure and advanced technology there is the prospect that garden city will become common practice in the near future. By then, cities will no longer look so gray when seen from the satellites.
1.What is the purpose of paragraph 2?
A. To show the experts’ concern about the increase of population.
B. To persuade people into supporting economic growth in cities.
C. To explain the reasons for the change of rural-urban framework.
D. To inform the readers of the consequences of quick urbanization.
2.In Hua Li’s opinion, a combination of country and city will __________.
A. benefit the environment and lower living costs
B. become a project that needs a long-term study
C. lead to more rural communities being replaced
D. attract more farmers to take tours in cities
3. Zhang is mentioned (Paragraph 5) to show that __________.
A. he achieves his dream to own a hanging garden
B. hanging gardens are becoming more popular
C. the garden contributes to a better neighborhood
D. he is a pioneer to practise the gardening concept
4.As for the concept of the “garden city”, the writer feels_________.
A. desperate B. hopeful C. disappointed D. concerned
|
● DISPLAY ● OUR JOURNEYS ● 12 April-29 May 2008 Young people explore how they have adapted to life in Oxford. “When I first came here,” says one young African woman, “I just wanted to cry all the time. And now I have learned to laugh again.” Working with photographer Rory Carnegie and writer Nikki van der Gaag, young men and women explore their journey from the time they first arrived in a strange place to where they find themselves today. Organized by The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival (10－17 April 2008). Supported by the Maggie Black Trust and Oxford City Council. |
|
● ACTIVlTlES FOR CHlLDREN AND FAMILIES ● MODERN ART TROLLEY FREE Art activities for children every weekend during the exhibition in the Entrance Space from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. Just drop in. Children must be led by an adult. |
|
● WORKSHOP FOR 8 TO 12 YEAR OLDS Thursday 7 April, 10：30 a. m. to 1：30 p. m. Looking at themes from the exhibition and exploring pictures based ideas through group discussion and using digital cameras. Led by Judie Waldmann. |
|
● BOOK LAUNCH FREE The Drawing Book by Sarah Simblet is a practical approach to drawing the world around you. Sarah Simblet, who teaches at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, University of Oxford, will be present to give a short talk about the development of her book. Special price of￡18 on copies purchased in the evening. Booking recommended on 01865 813802 |
|
● TEACHERS’ EVENING FREE Thursday 21 April, 5 p.m. to 7：30 p. m. Lecture by Susan Bright, independent writer and lecturer, at 5：30 p. m. followed by an opportunity to view the exhibition. FREE Education Notes will be provided for teachers attending the evening. |
|
● WORKSHOP FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS Saturday 7 May, 10：30 a. m. to 1：30 p. m. Workshop for primary teachers who would like to develop their practical art skill as well as gain an understanding of modern art practice. Led by Judie Waldmann, artist and former primary school teacher. |
|
● TALKS AND WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS Exhibition talks and artist-led workshops to create work in response to the exhibition are available for pre-booked school groups. Suitable for primary and secondary schools, to check availability and discuss details call Sarah Mossop on 1865 813816. |
1.If you are a teacher and interested in art, you probably would like to go to ________.
A. TEACHERS’ EVENING
B. MODERN ART TROLLEY
C. WORKSHOP FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
D. TALKS AND WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
2.What can we learn from the passage？
A. Susan Bright will give a short talk at the launch of the Drawing Book.
B. Rory Carnegie and Nikki will teach young people how to take photos.
C. The workshop led by Judie is intended for the secondary school students.
D. The children who go to the Modern Art Trolley must be led by an adult.
3.Which of the following would be the best title of the text？
A. FREE JOURNEYS B. SPRING EVENTS
C. WEEKEND ACTIVITIES D. ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHERS
4.The passage makes you believe that __________.
A. if you attend “BOOK LAUNCH”, you can get the book at a low price.
B. school groups can attend talks and workshops for them at any time.
C. almost all the young people have difficulty in adapting to life in Oxford.
D. TEACHERS’ EVENING is only accessible to teachers.
Anyone for kimchi(韩国泡菜)? Around 2,000 women made the traditional dish last week in Seoul,the capital of the Republic of Korea(ROK).
Kimchi traditionally has a rosy color. Korea.net says: “The color red wards off (避开) evil spirits. The color represents the spirit of the Korean people and kimchi is more than just a food. It’s a culture.”
A meal without kimchi is unthinkable. So what is kimchi?
Joan Raymond, food writer for US website health.com, writes: “It’s a reddish, fermented (发酵的) cabbage dish , made with a mix of garlic salt, vinegar, chili peppers and other spices.
It is served at every meal, either along with or mixed with rice and noodles. It is part of a high-fiber, low fat diet, which has kept obesity(肥胖) at bay.”
Kimchi is used in everything from soups to pancakes and as a topping (配料) on pizza and burgers.
Health.com named kimchi in its list of the world’s top five healthiest foods as it is rich in vitamins, aids digestion and may even reduce the risk of cancer.
A study conducted by Seoul National University claimed that chickens infected with the H5N1 virus (bird flu) recovered after eating food containing the same bacteria found in kimchi.
When Koreans pose for photos, they say “kimchi”, instead of “cheese”.
1.According to the article, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Kimchi contains something that can kill the H5N1 virus.
B. Kimchi is rated as the healthiest food in the world.
C. Kimchi is a cultural treasure for Koreans.
D. Each person eats 40 pounds of kimchi per month.
2.What does the underlined phrase “keep... at bay” mean?
A. predict B. prevent C. overcome D. develop
3.What does the article mainly talk about?
A. The nutritional value of kimchi. B. Ways of making kimchi.
C. The origin of kimchi. D. Kimchi and what it means to Koreans.
完型填空（共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）
阅读下面短文，从1---20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标号涂黑。
One day, an expert in time-management was speaking to a group of business students. To make the point 1 , he used an illustration.
As he stood in front of the group, he said, “Okay, time for a quiz.” He then pulled out a wide-mouth jar and set it on the table. Then he 2 placed about a dozen fist-sized rocks, one by one, into the jar.
When the jar was filled to the 3 and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar 4 ?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.”
“Really?” Then he 5 under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel（沙砾，石子），dumped some in and 6 the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space 7 the big rocks. Then he asked the group the same question. “Probably not.” One of them answered. “Good!” he replied.
He reached under the table and 8 a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all the 9 left between the rocks and the gravel. 10 he asked the question. “No!” the class shouted. “Good!” Then he grabbed a can of water and began to pour it in 11 the jar was filled to the brim.
Then the expert in time-management looked at the class and asked, “What is the 12 of this illustration?” It is such a seemingly easy question that one 13 student raised his hand and said, “It is, however full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always 14 some more things in it.”
“No,” the speaker replied, “The truth it teaches us is that you will 15 get them in at all if you don’t put the big rocks in first. 16 the big rocks in your life are, do things that you love and 17 for yourself. In your schedule if you value the little stuff then you’ll fill your life with 18 things and you will never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff. So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are 19 on this short story, ask yourself what are the ‘big rocks’ in your life? Then put those in your 20 first.”
1. A. harder B. rougher C. clearer D. wiser
2. A. carefully B. firmly C. actively D. unwillingly
3. A. edge B. bottom C. wall D. top
4.A. full B. pure C. enough D. smooth
5.A. sent B. reached C. managed D. felt
6.A. delivered B. shook C. dropped D. held
7.A. beneath B. across C. beyond D. between
8.A. put out B. came out C. brought out D. set out
9. A. spaces B. caves C. blanks D. holes
10.A. At last B. Shortly after C. Later on D. Once more
11.A. unless B. until C. before D. while
12. A. meaning B. opinion C. point D. comment
13.A. calm B. awkward C. nervous D. eager
14.A. add B. fit C. include D. collect
15. A. never B. even C. still D. ever
16.A. Whether B. However C. Whatever D. Which
17.A. conclude B. encourage C. fresh D. time
18.A. more B. little C. much D. less
19.A. reflecting B. counting C. deciding D. insisting
20.A. packet B. can C. jar D. luggage
