The United States Congress is responsible for making and approving federal laws—rules that everyone in the country must follow.But exactly how do those laws get made? The process is not easy,and it takes a long time.
A law begins when someone puts forward an idea.The idea can come from anyone,but it has to get to a U.S.lawmaker who wants it to become legislation.In time,the idea is further developed into a written proposal,called a bill.
Then,a member of Congress officially proposes the bill.After the bill is introduced,it is sent to a small group of lawmakers,called a“committee”.Sometimes committee members seek more information about the proposal by holding hearings.Sometimes the committee changes the bill.Sometimes it decides not to take any action.In that case,we say lawmakers“table”the bill,or let it“die in committee”.
But now and then,the bill is offered to lawmakers not on the committee.Those lawmakers debate the bill further.They might change the bill again.Finally,the full House or Senate votes on the bill.If it does not earn the majority of votes,the bill does not advance.
Finally,the agreed-upon bill is sent to the president.If the president signs it,the bill becomes a law.If the president does nothing and Congress is officially meeting,the bill becomes a law.But if the president does nothing and Congress is not in session,the bill does not pass.Or the president can officially reject the bill.If that happens,the bill is not stopped.Instead,it is returned to both the Senate and the House.If two-thirds of the senators and two-thirds of the House members approve the bill once again,even with the president objecting,they turn the bill into a law.
1.Who is the first to propose a bill?
A. A lawyer.
B. A citizen.
C. A member of Congress.
D. A committee member.
2.When does a bill finally become a law?
A. After it is sent to a committee.
B. When the president signs it.
C. After it returns to the Congress.
D. While Congress is not in session.
3.What can be inferred from the text?
A. Not every bill can be turned into a law.
B. Anybody can put forward a proposal.
C. If“tabled”,the bill has to be voted on.
D. Once proposed,the bill can't be changed.
New York Walking Tour
◆Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour
Start this exciting guided 4-hour tour by getting early Reserve Line Access boarding on the ferry to Liberty Island.Once there,go inside the base of the statue and head to the observation decks for an awesome view of New York City and its surroundings.Then come back on the ferry to Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration(移民)to America that took place here between 1892 and 1954.
◆Central Park Walking Tour
Walk through Central Park’s most picturesque highlights on a 2-hour tour with a professional photographer.Remember your New York City adventure with unforgettable images of you with family or friends as you circle the towers at Belvedere Castle,walk through paths with flowers in the Conservatory Garden,or feed the swans by the Loeb Boathouse.
◆New York City Architecture Walking Tour
Learn about the history of the buildings that define the New York City skyline on a 3-hour walking architecture tour.Walk down the famous 42nd Street corridor with a longtime New York resident(居民)and architectural expert,stopping along the way to learn about Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic structures like the Chrysler Building,Ford Foundation,Grand Central Station and the New York Public Library.
◆Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Greenwich Village is one of New York City’s most beautiful and famous neighborhoods.Take a guided 2-hour walking tour of this legendary Lower Manhattan space.Hear about the famous artists who once lived here,from Edgar Allan Poe to Bob Dylan,Jimi Hendrix and countless others.Walk the winding streets and visit popular Washington Square Park,reliving more than 200 years of history.
1.Why do tourists visit Ellis Island?
A. To know about American immigration history.
B. To explore the surroundings of the island.
C. To get a whole view of New York City.
D. To observe Statue of Liberty closely.
2.Who will go with tourists on Central Park Walking Tour?
A. An experienced guide.
B. An architectural expert.
C. A professional photographer.
D. A longtime New York resident.
3.Which tour takes the longest time?
A. Central Park Walking Tour.
B. Greenwich Village Walking Tour.
C. New York City Architecture Walking Tour.
D. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour.
4.What can tourists do on Greenwich Village Walking Tour?
A. Take unforgettable pictures.
B. Come across Bob Dylan.
C. Visit New York Public Library.
D. Learn about famous artists.
听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。
1.What position will the speaker remain?
A. Chairman of the board.
B. CEO of the company.
C. Vice-president.
2.When did Quinn Constantine join the company?
A. 5 years ago. B. 15 years ago. C. 20 years ago.
3.What is the speaker’s attitude to Quinn Constantine?
A. Doubtful. B. Supportive. C. Negative.
听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1.What is the man doing?
A. Looking for a job.
B. Applying for a degree.
C. Signing up for a course.
2.What does the woman want to know about the man?
A. His family. B. His interest. C. His address.
3.What special skills does the man have?
A. Speaking Japanese.
B. Teaching English.
C. Doing business.
4.When will the interview start?
A. At 10:00 a.m. B. At 11:00 a.m. C. At 11:30 a.m.
听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A. Modern technology.
B. Environmental problems.
C. Industrial development.
2.What do many companies think of new technology?
A. It costs too much.
B. It promotes industry.
C. It affects environment.
3.What’s the problem in Africa?
A. People are short of food.
B. Companies need more wood.
C. Farmland is turning into desert.
听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1.Why did the man go to South America?
A. To study English.
B. To learn about local life.
C. To improve his Spanish.
2.What did the man do in South Africa?
A. Run a volunteer project.
B. Open up a restaurant.
C. Work on a local farm.
3.How did the man like the food there?
A. Strange. B. Wonderful. C. Simple.