How cool can libraries be in an era(时代) of iPods and Kindles? More than you think. Only if you now where to go.
Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States
The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening.The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime.
Trinity College Library: D.ublin, Ireland
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The Long room houses one of the oldest harps (竖琴) in Ireland. Dating to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol foreland.
Geisel Library: University of California, San Diego, United States
At first glance, it looks like a spaceship. Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970. It has been featured in sci-fi films, short stories and novels. The library hosts “Dinner in the Library,” which invites readers for cocktails, and also a special speech from well-known authors.
Bishan Public Library: Singapore
Located in the heart of Bishan, the award-winning Bishan Community Library spans 4,000 square meters. It was designed to look like a tree house. The colorful pods (吊舱) that stick out of one side of the building represent books sticking from a bookshelf. Inside the library, these pods offer private spaces for reading. Its ceiling-high glass windows also make it fun to watch people walking and reading from inside the building.
1.If you want to enjoy a movie, you can go to ________.
A.Central Library B.Geisel Library
C.Bishan Public Library D.Trinity College Library
2.What makes Bishan Public Library different from the others?
A.It has very large glass windows. B.It has ever won a prize for its size.
C.Queen Elizabeth I founded the library. D.It is the largest single library in the world.
3.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
A.To encourage readers to visit these libraries.
B.To make an advertisement about these libraries.
C.To offer some information about these libraries.
D.To tell readers the importance of visiting libraries.
Recently, as I watched my son Nathan play basketball for his school team, I was feeling sorry for myself and for him. His team was facing adversity(困境) on the court, trailing for three quarters of the game. As for me, I had just been dismissed from my job.
As I watched what my son was experiencing, I recalled the events earlier in the day—packing up everything in a box and saying goodbye to my colleagues. During the drive home, I kept telling myself that I will find work again—I am confident in my experience and abilities, but self-doubt was still sticking its foot in the door.
The game entered the fourth quarter with Nathan’s team still trailing. I saw the determination on his back to not only tie the game, but then go ahead by three points. Then, a player from the other team made an unbelievable shot to tie the game up again. With a tie game and seconds on the clock, Nathan found himself with the ball and with skill and confidence, he made the basket with a defender hanging all over him. The other player was called for a foul(犯规).
As Nathan stood preparing for a shot that would put his team up by three points, I saw the focus and determination on his face, with no room for self-doubt. After he made the free throw, his team managed to stop the other team from scoring, winning the game and moving on to the finals.
As I sat there, my heart bursting with pride, it dawned on me. I had taught him perseverance(毅力) in the face of adversity, and he had just taught me the same lesson. That brief moment of self-doubt and feeling sorry for myself was blown away by the actions of my son on the basketball court. He will play in the finals, but it doesn’t matter if he wins or loses. At this moment, we both won.
1.We can learn from the text that ________.
A.I lost my job for lack of experience and abilities.
B.Nathans team won a narrow victory in the basketball game.
C.I was proud of Nathan because he won the game in the finals.
D.Nathan had never doubted himself whenever he was in trouble.
2.The underlined word “trailing” in the first paragraph probably means ________.
A.losing B.falling behind
C.being defeated D.winning
3.What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.My son would win in the finals and I would find a job soon.
B.I had once taught my son face to face that we should never give up.
C.It was my encouragement and help that made my son win the game.
D.I would become more confident about my future after this experience.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A.An Inspiring Game B.A Moment of Self-doubt
C.Lesson from My Son D.An Unforgettable Experience
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What is the talk mainly about?
A.Importance of making conversations.
B.Ways to improve communication skills.
C.Methods of getting on well with others.
2.What is the first step to communicate well?
A.Listen carefully to what others say.
B.Think about what you will say next.
C.Repeat what other people have said.
3.What is the first thing to speak well?
A.Focus on your point.
B.Speak naturally and be confident.
C.Be sure to be calm and comfortable.
4.How can one express the views freely?
A.Smile all the time.
B.Ask others’ opinions.
C.Use suitable words and expressions.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Who is the woman?
A.A reporter. B.An advertiser. C.A model.
2.What is hard for the woman?
A.To reduce stress.
B.To make friends.
C.To perform on the stage.
3.What can we learn from the conversation?
A.The woman likes traveling.
B.The woman has many friends.
C.The woman disliked being a model.
4.What does the woman suggest in the end?
A.Sticking to your dreams.
B.Trying to influence others.
C.Traveling around the world.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the yellow scarf (围巾) made of?
A.Cotton. B.Silk. C.Wool.
2.Which scarf has the man bought?
A.The yellow one. B.The blue one. C.The white one.
3.How much does the man pay for the scarf?
A.$79. B.$80. C.$72.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why won’t the boy’s father be home for dinner?
A.He is working.
B.He is sick in hospital.
C.He is caught in an accident.
2.What is the boy’s father probably?
A.A fireman. B.A policeman. C.A doctor.
