Flood damage cleanup is an unforgettable experience for me. I have seen a number of news reportson television showing houses that have been______ by natural flooding and how the different ___there are coping and starting their flood damage cleanup. I have always felt_____ for the families thathave become victims of flooding. However, I couldn’t imagine how they were ____ because I havenever experienced flooding or flood damage cleanup at first _____ until two years back.
My _____ experience happened when I woke up early one morning because of the ______ofwater. As I started to get out of bed to turn on the light, I felt cold muddy water at my _____. I thenrealized that the power was _____. This probably happened due to the heavy ______and strong windthat were brought by a hurricane during the ____ .
As the rains stopped, I decided to do my flood damage cleanup _____. Because I had only movedin the house and had only _____ a few belongings, the amount of damage was _______It involved onlywashing shoes and bags ______ soap and water.
It was a good thing that most of my things were _____ inside plastic buckets and most of thefurniture that I bought was made of _____ and plastic. This made my flood damage cleanup a lot easier.My cleanup work only ____ the removal of mud from the apartment floors. It was also a good thingthat the ______ had hardwood floors. Had the apartment been covered with carpet, I would have had to____ a lot having the carpet cleaned if not replaced with a new one.
1.A. drowned B. washed C. affected D. removed
2.A. citizens B. householders C. owners D. residents
3.A. sorry B. worried C. excited D. glad
4.A. feeling B. doing C. speaking D. thinking
5.A. view B. hand C. thought D. sight
6.A. cleanup B. flooding C. earthquake D. landslide
7.A. smell B. shape C. taste D. sound
8.A. head B. neck C. feet D. breast
9.A. out B. in C. on D. down
10.A. rain B. snow C. frost D. fog
11.A. morning B. afternoon C. evening D. night
12.A. slowly B. gradually C. quickly D. frequently
13.A. unfolded B. unpacked C. uncovered D. unloaded
14.A. great B. big C. small D. tiny
15.A. with B. by C. through D. in
16.A. thrown B. dipped C. displayed D. stored
17.A. wool B. metal C. paper D. leather
18.A. undertook B. began C. involved D. engaged
19.A. bedroom B. kitchen C. building D. apartment
20.A. spend B. cost C. pay D. Take
A kiln (窑) is a type of oven or furnace used to cure, harden, or burn certain materials. Depending onwhich materials are heated in it, a kiln may be square, tunnel shaped, or beehive shaped, and usually madeof brick or stone. 1. It may be set as low as sixty-five degrees to cure grain or as high as 3,200degrees to transform limestone to quicklime (熟石灰).
2.They have a variety of purposes. The cement(水泥) industry uses revolving kilns to heatand separate raw materials. Bricks, pottery, and china made from clay must be fired, or hardened, in kilns.Certain kinds of coal and wood must be kiln-dried before they can be used. Hobbyists use small kilns tofire a variety of ceramic(陶瓷) objects.
There are two main types of kilns. A periodic kiln, used to fire certain kinds of delicate china, is raisedto a high temperature and then completely cooled before its contents are removed. A continuous, or tunnelkiln contains several chambers, or zones, which heat, bake, and cool a product. Stacks of clay bricks movethrough a tunnel kiln on tracks. 3.
Gas, oil, and coal are all used to heat modern kilns. 4. But for special jobs, where cleanlinessand careful heat are important, kilns must be heated by electricity oven though it is more expensive. Smallkilns used in the home or in craft shops are also heated electrically because electricity is clean andconvenient.
5. When ancient people discovered that heat hardened some materials, they were able to makedurable household objects such as jugs and bowls. Today our museums display many kinds of ancientstatues and art objects that have lasted because they had been kiln-dried. They come from lands as far apartas China and Greece.
A. Its temperature may vary.
B. Then they come out, hardened, and cooled.
C. Kilns are used in industry and in craft-making.
D. Kilns have been in use for thousands of years.
E. An electric kiln is a heating chamber used to transform materials.
F. Most manufacturers use whichever material is cheapest in their area.
G. Clay, when heated properly, becomes hard enough to form bowls and plates.
This is our country, America. The country where everyone is supposed to have a shot at financial success. The country of dreams and ambition. Yet, caused by the endless pursuit of individual profit, our country is a mess. And we owe it all to capitalism.
We live in a society where people are forced to live without health coverage. A country where the poor can hardly feed themselves while the rich decide which one of their 10 homes to stay at for the night. All of these sad things arise out of capitalism.
Sadly, our country values little more than money. It motivates our decisions and even influences entire political parties. We have gotten to the point in society where a human life comes secondary to our financial security. Any rational society would value life above all else and realize that health is a basic human right. Yet in our world, money comes first.
I never once have claimed to be an economist and have no interest in debating the financial advantages of any economic system. Yet socialism surely looks better than what we have.
If we lived in a socialist society, we would be a country without such an unfair wealth distribution. We would value friendship over business and we would treat one another as humans. Most importantly, however, is that money would stop controlling our lives and we could act how humans should act.
Capitalism has created an “every man for himself” existence. Everything is a battle for limited resources and fuels. We have become so accustomed to the life value that we will do whatever we have to look out for ourselves. Yet is this really the kind of life we want?
We have become so illusioned. We are tired of the misdirection. All economic systems have their issues, but I feel like ours is turning our country into something it shouldn’t be. The good of man falls secondary to money. In our world, it is all about dollars and cents, which, unfortunately for most, makes no sense.
1.In the author’s opinion, the root cause of the present situation in his country is __________.
A. money B. people’s value
C. social unfairness D. social system
2.According to the passage, which is NOT the characteristic of capitalism?
A. individualism B. endless pursuit of wealth
C. humanism D. great gap between the rich and the poor
3.How does the author feel about his country?
A. concerned B. angry
C. skeptical D. hopeless
4.Which of the following would the author agree with?
A. Socialism is perfect.
B. Health is equally important as wealth.
C. The pursuit for wealth should be restricted.
D. Life should be placed at the top of our considerations.
5.Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?
A. How to Save America B. Capitalism Is in Trouble
C. Why Is America in Trouble D. America Is in Trouble
Over 130 schoolmates from the Society for Science & the Public’s high school science competitions gathered for a panel (座谈小组) discussion. Hosted by Society President Maya Ajmera, the panel consisted of science professionals and Society schoolmates.
Ajmera started the event by asking the successful women panelists about young scientists faced when entering the professional world.
Hackman, a health policy reporter for the Wall Street Journal, admitted that in following a career inscience, some scientists dislike the long, seemingly dull lab hours when they could follow a job with more“shine”.
About what was hoped for in their career, Angel, who founded Science from Scientists, encouraged the audience to ask themselves, “What influence did I have? What did I leave behind?” She hoped her company, whose task was to help children in grades 4 — 8 develop a love for math and science, will live beyond her. “Even if you help one person,” she reflected, “you have already made a difference”.
As for their support systems, they agreed on the value and support of the family in their professional development, Hackman shared her background as a first generation Iranian American and how her parents who knew little about science had fled the Iranian Revolution. While working with mother to complete herSTS project, Hackman was surprised and grateful because while her mother did not understand the research,her willingness to learn and help made all the difference.
The panelists’ stories and advice surely inspired the younger generations to follow a career in STEM.Ajmera was glad to see the diversity among the panelists and the audience, encouraging everyone tocontinue breaking barriers. Though a career path in the STEM is not always easy, it can be rewarding, especially when you have a great team behind you.
1.What challenge do young scientists have?
A. Their work is tiring and boring. B. Their task is hard and stressful.
C. Their work is mainly done in labs. D. Their advantages are often ignored.
2.What does Angel suggest to the audience?
A. Struggling to succeed. B. Leaving positive influence.
C. Determining to be scientists. D. Offering more help to the poor.
3.Why does Hackman mention her background?
A. To ask people to love their family. B. To show why she took up science.
C. To call on people to value science. D. To show the importance of family support.
4.What does the last paragraph mainly tell us?
A. The greatness to be scientists.
B. The effects the panel discussion has.
C. The need to break barriers in science.
D. The diversity among the panelists and the audience.
Though not as much as in the past, grandparents are the teachers of the Navajo (纳瓦霍人) youth. They make young people aware of life at an early age. The parents allow them the privilege of teaching the children, and the grandparents take great pride in raising them.
Young children often stay with their grandparents for years at a time, developing a close and trusting relationship. The grandparents teach them Navajo legends and the principle of life, emphasizing both new culture trends and the preservation of traditions.
The grandparents are also the leading figure in teaching the youth the arts of weaving, caring for the live stock, using herbal medicine, and other arts and crafts.
The children are taught to respect their elders, care for them, help them and learn from them. Young people are urged to listen with care to the words of their elders and keep as much wisdom as possible. Grandparents often go to social gatherings and traditional events, and young people have opportunities to learn more about their culture and traditions.
I lived with my grandmother for thirteen years, and she raised me in the old ways of our people. Although I was going to school, she taught me as much as she could about our traditions. If I had a chance, I would listen again to her wise teachings, expressed with kindness in a soft voice that touched my heart.
We used to plant corn and pumpkin every summer. They never grew big enough to feed us, but we planted them anyway. I asked my grandmother why. She said, “Grandson, our plants will be far more beautiful than the flowers outside the fence.” I didn’t understand until one day I saw their beauty as I was coming over the hill with her. She said, “Anything that is a part of you is always far more beautiful than the things which you pass by.” We had some beautiful years together. I’m glad she is a part of me and I’m apart of her.
Children used to be well disciplined, possessing more respect for culture, traditions and beliefs than they do now. The world of the Navajo has been influenced by the western world, and the grandparents have less control and influence than they used to. But the young people who have been touched by their teachings have glimpsed a way of life beyond what most people know today.
1.What can be inferred from the first paragraph?
A. Grandparents are the source of traditional culture.
B. Parents hate to take the trouble to raise their children.
C. Early schooling isn’t very popular with the young Navajo.
D. Children learn about the meaning of life from their grandparents.
2.The underlined word “figure” in Paragraph 3 probably means “________”.
A. persons B. pioneers
C. examples D. representatives
3.Why did the author’s grandmother plant corn and pumpkin?
A. She had to feed her family members.
B. She tried to make full use of her garden.
C. She wanted her grandson to learn a life lesson.
D. She expected her grandson to learn about farming.
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
A. To honor his beloved grandmother.
B. To stress the greatness of the Navajo.
C. To share with readers a Navajo culture.
D. To show the influence of Navajo traditions.
Where Is Spring Break
Where is Spring Break going to be? The options are endless. Do you want to get your blood pumpingfrom thrilling travels? Look no further! These tours and destinations will keep you on your toes all week long.
Panama: This underrated destination is a little-known secret of the most travelers! Through this touryou’ll get to hike, snorkel (浮潜) and explore all the best sights this beautiful country has to offer! Eight daystours for $ 250 / day.
Canada: This diverse country is full of options. Explore the East of Canada and visit cities such asMontreal, Quebec or Toronto. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the Western part of the country with aCanadian Rockies Tour. During this twelve days tour you will hike a glacier to beautiful scenery and wanderthrough postcard-worthy villages. Tours to Canada for $200 / day.
Iceland: Check off one of the seven wonders of the world with a tour of the Northern Lights and GoldenCircle. Spend seven days full of adventure like hiking glaciers, snowshoeing through Thingvellir NationalPark, relaxing in the Geysir Hot Springs and of course experiencing the glory of the Northern Lights! Sevendays tours for $ 300 / day.
South Africa: Discover the diverse culture and wildlife that makes up South Africa. Your tour planincludes a journey along the coast known as “Rainbow Nation.” Here you will enjoy beautiful scenery, ahunting travel through Addo Elephant National Park and the wildlife in Tsitsikarnma National Park. Ninedays tours for $230 / day.
1.Which destination costs tourists the most money?
A. Panama. B. Canada.
C. Iceland. D. South Africa.
2.What can be learned from the text?
A. Tourists can take a hot shower only in Iceland.
B. Tourists can hike glaciers in both Canada and Iceland.
C. Canada offers Rockies Tour for tourists to explore the East.
D. Tourists can enjoy a hunting travel through Tsitsikamma National Park.
