“It was all his own idea,” says Pat, the wife of California high school football coach Bob Peters. Bob had _____ made a “motherhood contract(合同)”---declaring that for 70 days this summer he would _____ the care of their four children and all the housework. _____ he didn’t even know how to make coffee when he signed, he was very confident.
After 40 of the 70 days, he was ready to _____. “ I was beaten down,” admits Bob. “Not only is motherhood a _____ task, it is an impossible job for any normal human being. ”
Bob and Pat were married in 1991. After they married, Pat _____ a secretary to help put him through university. _____ Bob has been the football coach while Pat raised the kids. _____ two years ago Pat went back to work. “ I had been _____ children so much,” she _____, “I couldn’t talk to a grown-up. ” She continued to run the household, _____ --- until Bob signed the contract.
Bob tried hard to learn cooking, but the meals he prepared were _____. For the last three weeks, the family _____ a lot---sometimes having MacDonald’s hamburgers for lunch and dinner. _____ housekeeping, a home economics teacher had told Bob that a room always looks clean _____ the bed is made. “I found _____ ---I shut the doors,” he says. Soon the kids were wearing their shirts inside out. “When we went to _____ Pat at work, I made them wear their shirts _____ side out so they would look clean.”
Now that Bob has publicly _____ he was wrong, he is _____ the child-raising and household tasks with Pat.
1.A.only B.ever C.nearly D.just
2.A.stick to B.take over C.decide on D.result in
3.A.If B.Although C.Since D.As
4.A.run out B.find out C.break down D.give up
5.A.strange B.pleasant C.difficult D.serious
6.A.worked as B.employed C.learned from D.sent
7.A.In time B.Before long C.later on D.since then
8.A.Still B.Thus C.So D.Then
9.A.near B.around C.about D.after
10.A.insists B.jokes C.sighs D.apologizes
11.A.besides B.therefore C.however D.otherwise
12.A.terrible B.tasty C.expensive D.special
13.A.starved B.traveled C.worked out D.ate out
14.A.Due to B.As for C.Along with D.Except for
15.A.until B.before C.if D.unless
16.A.an easier way B.a cheaper way C.a cleaner way D.a harder way
17.A.receive B.fetch C.greet D.welcome
18.A.good B.wrong C.right D.opposite
19.A.admitted B.suggested C.agreed D.explained
20.A.operating B.realizing C.sharing D.performing
All living things in the ocean are endangered by humans polluting the water. 1. One way is the dumping( 倾倒) of certain waste materials, such as garbage and used water, into the ocean. The harmful bacteria that feed on the garbage use up much of the oxygen in the surrounding water, so other creatures in the area often don’t get enough.
Other substances( 物 质 ), such as radioactive waste material, can also cause pollution. 2. But after years of being exposed to the ocean water, the containers may begin to leak(漏).
3. Oil is spilled into the ocean when oil ships sink or when oil wells in the ocean cannot be capped. The oil covers the gills( 腮 ) of fish and prevents them from breathing. Diving birds get the oil on their wings and are unable to fly. When they clean themselves, they are often poisoned by the oil.
Rivers also can contribute to the pollution of oceans. 4. Fertilizers used on the farmlands may be carried to the ocean, where they cause a great increase in the amount of certain plants. Too much of some plants can actually be poisonous to fish.
Worse yet are the pesticides(杀虫剂) carried to the ocean. these chemicals slowly build up in fish and other small animals. 5. The buildup of these chemicals in the animals can make them ill or cause their babies to be born dead or sick.
A Fish and turtles suffer the most
B Pollution occurs insseveral ways.
C Oil is another major source of concern
D Many rivers receive the runoff water from farmlands
E Farmers use these artificial fertilizers to increase crop harvest.
F These materials are often placed in the water in safely sealed containers.
G These animals then pass the pesticides on to the larger animals that feed on them.
She took up skating at age 85, made her first movie appearance at age 114, and held a concert in the neighborhood on her 121st birthday.
When it comes to long life, Jeanne Calment is the world’s recordholder. She lived to the ripe old age of 122. So is 122 the upper limit to the human life span(寿命)? If scientists come up with some sort of pill or diet that would slow aging, could we possibly make it to 150-or beyond?
Researchers don’t entirely agree on the answers. “Calment lived to 122, so it wouldn’t surprise me if someone alive today reaches 130 or 135, ”says Jerry Shay at the University of Texas.
Steve Austad at the University of Texas agrees. “People can live much longer than we think, ”he says. “Experts used to say that humans couldn’t live past 110. When Calment blew past that age, they raised the number to 120. So why can’t we go higher? ”
The trouble with guessing how old people can live to be is that it’s all just guessing. “Anyone can make up a number, ”says Rich Miller at the University of Michigan. “Usually the scientist who picks the highest number gets his name in Time magazine. ”
Won’t new anti-aging techniques keep us alive for centuries? Any cure, says Miller, for aging would probably keep most of us kicking until about 120. Researchers are working on treatments that lengthen the life span of mice by 50 percent at most. So, if the average human life span is about 80 years, says Miller, “adding another 50 percent would get you to 120. ”
So what can we conclude from this little disagreement among the researchers? That life span is flexible(有弹性的), but there is a limit, says George Martin of the University of Washington. “We can get flies to live 50 percent longer, ”he says. “But a fly’s never going to live 150 years. ”Of course, if you became a new species (物种), one that ages at a slower speed, that would be a different story, he adds.
Does Martin really believe that humans could evolve (进化)their way to longer life? “It’s pretty cool to think about, ”he says with a smile.
1.What does the story of Jeanne Calment prove to us?
A.People can live to 122.
B.Old people are creative.
C.Women are sporty at 85.
D.Women live longer than men.
2.According to Steve Austad at the University of Texas, ______.
A.the average human life span could be 110
B.scientists cannot find ways to slow aging
C.few people can expect to live to over 150
D.researchers are not sure how long people can live
3.Who would agree that a scientist will become famous if he makes the wildest guess at longevity?
A.Jerry Shay. B.Steve Austad
C.Rich Miller D.George Martin
4.What can we infer from the last three paragraphs?
A.Most of us could be good at sports even at 120.
B.The average human life span cannot be doubled
C.Scientists believe mice are aging at a slower speed than before.
D.New techniques could be used to change flies into a new species
Before a new type of airplane goes into service, every part of it is tested again and again. But there are two tests that are more important than all the others.
The first is called the “tank test”. A modern airplane must fly very high in the sky. Air must be pumped into the plane so that the passengers can breathe. The metal structure (结构) of the plane has to be very strong for this reason. When the plane is filled with air, the air presses against the skin of the plane inside. The pressure (压力) on a small window is like a huge foot that is trying to get out. If a small part of the plane were to fail, the plane would explode in the sky. To test the structure of the plane, the plane is lowered into a huge tank or container of water. Then it is filled with air. The pressure inside the plane is greater than it ever will be when it is high up in the air. Finally, there is an explosion. This does not cause so much damage inside the water tank as it would anywhere else. Engineers can discover which part of the plane has broken. Then that part is made stronger,
The most dangerous test happens when the new plane is going through test flights in the air. The test pilot must find out exactly what happens when the engines (发动机) are all shut off at once. The plane begins to fall like a stone. It is the pilot’s job to find out how he can get control of the plane again. These two tests are examples of how planes are made safe before they ever carry passengers.
1.By doing the “tank test”, the engineers can find out ________.
A.the power of the airplane engines B.the amount of air in the plane
C.the strength of the plane structure D.the pressure inside and outside the plane
2.What will happen to the plane under the “tank test”?
A.It will be tested by pilots. B.It will be broken.
C.It will be made stronger. D.It will be filled with water.
3.According to the text. why are test flights most dangerous?
A.Too much air may get into the plane. B.The plane may explode in the air.
C.The pilot may lose control of the plane. D.The engines may be damaged.
4.What might be the most suitable title for the text?
A.How Airplanes Are Made and Tested B.Two Important Tests on Airplanes
C.The Importance of Flying Safely D.The Danger of Testing Airplanes
It was a warm April day when a big fat envelope came in the mail from the only college I had ever imagined attending. I tore open the packet. My eyes were fixed on the word “congratulations”. I don’t remember ever smiling so wide.
Then I looked at my financial(财政的)package.
The cost of Dream School’s tuition(学费), room and board was around $ 40,000--- an impossible sum! How could I afford to attend? What good reasons did I have to go there when three other fine colleges were offering me free tuition? My other choices were good, solid schools even if they weren’t as famous as my first choice.
In my mind, attending my dream university would be the only way to realize my dream of becoming a world-class writer. My parents understood how I felt. They told me that even though it would be a financial problem, I could go wherever I would be happiest. But as I was always careful with money, I wasn’t sure what to do.
One of the schools that offered me a full ride had an informational dinner one night in the spring. Considering my parents’ financial difficulties, I decided to drive the 45 minutes and attend. At first, all I had planned to do was smile politely, eat free food, listen quietly. But I surprised myself.
At dinner the president of the university talked about the wonderful activities on campus (校园)including guest lectures and social gatherings. He also made it perfectly clear that free food would be offered at all future events. He continued with explanations of professors, class sizes, activities, and sporting events on campus. As he spoke, I began to realize that this school, though not as good as my first choice, might be the best one for me. It seemed small yet with many great programs. It seemed challenging yet caring.
As the president ended his speech, we clapped politely and pushed back our chairs. As I walked out that door, a feeling of comfort washed over me. Looking at the campus that night, I realized that I would be spending the next four years right there.
In all honesty, my university is not as well-known as my “dream”university. However, it turned out to be the right choice of schools for me.
1.How did the author feel when he started to read the letter?
A.He was uncertain which school to go to. B.He was lost in his dream.
C.He was worried about the money. D.He was full of joy.
2.We can learn from the passage that the parents were _________.
A.honest B.supportive C.strict D.decisive
3.In Paragraph 5, “offered me a full ride”can be replaced by “_______”.
A.would pay for transport to the school
B.would show me around the campus
C.would offer free meals at all events
D.would charge me nothing for tuition
4.What does the author mainly want to say?
A.You should consider comfort in your choice of schools.
B.Your second-choice college may actually by your best fit.
C.You should try your best to attend your dream school.
D.Your choice of schools should be based on their fame.
Central Park
Outside among the trees, watch the wildlife—both the human and animal varieties. Call(212) 360-3465 or (212) 360-2726 for daily events and tours.
Central Park stretches from 59th to 110th Sts., and from 5th Ave. to Central Park West.
Empire State Building
This is among the most striking buildings in the city, the nation, even the world. The observation deck (瞭望台) on the 86th floor is open to the general public, offering a wonderful view of the city. On the second floor you'll find the New York Skyride, a simulate helicopter ride over Manhattan.
5th Ave. at 34th St., Midtown: (212) 736-3100
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
Five blocks west of Time Square, this museum has hundreds of air, deep-sea and space exhibits. Walk the flight deck of the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier Intrepid, see dozens of old and modern aircraft and ride the Intrepid Navy Flight Simulator.
Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave.: (212)245-0072
Madison Square Garden
If it's big, it probably happens at the Garden. Check out sporting events, concerts and much more. Tours are available.
7th Ave., btwn. 31st and 33rd Sts., Midtown: (212)465-6741
1.The New York Skyride is for .
A.sightseeing B.flight training
C.model plane sports D.city transportation
2.If a visitor is interested in music, he will probably go to .
A.Central Park B.Empire State Building
C.Intrepid Sea-Air-Space museum D.Madison Square Garden
3.What is the purpose of these texts?
A.To provide information of living in New York.
B.To provide directions of city traffic in New York.
C.To give visitors a guide to New York.
D.To give a brief introduction to the history of New York.