China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors---sivler, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It’s fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks(人行道). Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的). To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1. According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?
A. Because they are traditional and safe.
B.Because they are convenient and inexpensive.
C. Because they are colorful and available.
D. Because they are fast and environment friendly.
2. The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended ______________.
A. to ride it for fun B. to use it for transport
C. to experience local skills D. to improve his riding skills
3. How did the author feel about his street crossing?
A. It was boring. B. It was difficult.
C. It was lively. D. It was wonderful.
4. Which of the following best describes the author’s biking experience?
A. The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.
B. The author was annoyed by the air while riding.
C. The author was praised by the other bikers.
D. The author took great pleasure in biking.
Whenever we hear about “the homeless”, most of us think of the Developing World. But the 26 is that homeless is everywhere. For example, how many of us would expect to see people living on the streets of a 27 country like Germany?
Kurt Muller and his wife Rita have spent eleven years making 28 for the homeless of Berlin, Germany’s capital. They first 29 one long hot summer when most Germans were 30 on holidays. Kurt and his wife stayed at home, made sandwiches, 31 a table in the street and gave food to the homeless.
The Mullers soon realized that food and clothing weren’t 32 . “What these people also need is warmth and 33 ,” says Rita. The Mullers didn’t 34 to give their phone number to the street people and told them to phone anytime. Rita 35 there was somebody at home to answer the phone and their home was always 36 to anyone who couldn’t face another night on the street.
The couple were soon 37 all their time and money, so Kurt visited food and clothing companies to 38 donations. Today, over thirty companies 39 donate food and other goods to the cause and volunteers help to 40 them to the homeless. The public also give clothes and money and a shoe producer 41 new shoes.
Kurt and Rita receive no 42 for their hard work.. “We feel like parents,” says Rita, “and parents shouldn’t 43 money for helping their children. The love we get on the street is our salary.” Though Rita admits she often gets 44 , she says she will continue with her work because she likes the feeling of having made a 45 in the world.
1.A. result B. truth C. reason D. idea
2.A. traditional B. developing C. typical D. wealthy
3.A. preparations B. houses C. meals D. suggestions
4.A. began B. met C. called D. left
5.A. asleep B. alone C. across D. away
6.A. brought up B. set up C. put aside D. gave away
7.A. enough B. necessary C. helpful D. expensive
8.A. fame B. freedom C. courage D. caring
9.A. hesitate B. agree C. pretend D. intend
10.A. make sense B. found out C. make sure D. worked out
11.A. open B. crowded C. noisy D. near
12.A. costing B. wasting C. taking D. spending
13.A. pay for B. ask for C. look into D. carry out
14.A. completely B. calmly C. regularly D. roughly
15.A. advertise B. sell C. deliver D. lend
16.A. donates B. produces C. designs D. collects
17.A. permission B. payment C. direction D. support
18.A. borrow B. raise C. save D. expect
19.A. surprised B. excited C. tired D. amused
20.A. profit B. difference C. decision D. rule
There’s a feeling in me __________ we’ll never know what a UFO is – not ever.
A. of which B. which C. that D. what
The university estimates that living expenses for international students ________ around $8,450 a year, which ________ a burden for some of them.
A. are；is B. are；are C. is；are D. is；is
Generally speaking, according to the directions, the drug has no side effect.
A. when taking B. when taken C. when to take D. when to be taken
Only when your identity has been checked, ___________.
A. you are allowed in B. you will be allowed in
C. will you allow in D. will you be allowed in
