阅读短文，并按照题目要求用英语回答问题。
I returned to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, after college graduation. I had been there before my mother became a minister.
Two weeks later, I told my mother I was bored. She said, “Here’re the car keys. Go and buy some fruit.” Delighted, I jumped into the car and speeded off.
Seeing me or rather my car, a boy quickly ran up to me, eager to sell his bananas and nuts. “Banana 300 naira. Nuts 200 naira!” I bargained him down to 200 total for the fruit and nuts. When he agreed, I handed him a 500 naira note. He didn’t have change, so I told him not to worry. He said thanks and smiled a row of perfect teeth.
When, two weeks later, I ran into this same boy, I was more aware of my position in Nigerian society where it wasn’t that uncommon to see a little boy who should have been in school selling fruit in the burning sun. My parents had raised me to be aware of the advantage we had been afforded and the responsibility it brought to us.
“What’s up?”I asked him. “I…I don’t have money to buy books.” I took out two 500 naira notes. He looked around nervously before taking the money. One thousand naira means a lot to a family that makes only 50,000 each year.
The next morning, an officer told me, “In this place, when you give a little, people think you’re a fountain of chance.” Possibly it’s right, but this happens everywhere in the world. I wondered if my little friend had actually used the money for books.
After six months’ work in northern Nigeria, I returned and saw him again standing on the road.
“Are you in school now?” I asked.
He nodded.
A silence fell as we looked at each other, and then I realized what he wanted. I held out a 500 naira note. “Take this.” He shook his head fiercely and stepped back as if hurt. “What’s wrong? I asked. “It’s a gift.”
Shaking his head again, he handed me a basket of bananas and nuts before he said, “I’ve been waiting to give these to you.”
1.What happened when the author met the boy for the first time? (No more than 15 words)
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2.What do the underlined words “ran into” in Paragraph 4 mean? (No more than 5 words)
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3.What was the author’s impression of Nigerian society? (No more than 20 words)
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4.Why did the author give two 500 naira notes to the boy? (No more than 10 words)
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5.What do you learn from the boy? (No more than 15 words)
________________________________
You’ve probably heard such reports. The number of college students majoring in the humanities (人文学科) is decreasing quickly. The news has caused a flood of high-minded essays criticizing the development as a symbol of American decline.
The bright side is this: The destruction of the humanities is, finally, coming to an end. No more will literature, as part of an academic curriculum, put out the light of literature. No longer will the reading of, say, “King Lear” or D.H. Lawrence’s “Women in Love” result in the annoying stuff of multiple-choice quizzes, exam essays and homework assignments.
The discouraging fact is that for every college professor who made Shakespeare or Lawrence come alive for the lucky few, there were countless others who made the reading of literary masterpieces seem like two hours in the dentist’s chair.
The remarkably insignificant fact that, a half-century ago, 14% of the undergraduate population majored in the humanities (mostly in literature, but also in art, philosophy, history, classics and religion) as opposed to 7% today has given rise to serious reflections on the nature and purpose of an education in the liberal arts.
Such reflections always come to the same conclusion: We are told that the lack of a formal education, mostly in literature, leads to numerous harmful personal conditions, such as the inability to think critically, to write clearly, to be curious about other people and places, to engage with great literature after graduation, to recognize truth, beauty and goodness.
Literature changed my life long before I began to study it in college. Books took me far from myself into experiences that had nothing to do with my life, yet spoke to my life. But once in the college classroom, this precious, alternate life inside me got thrown back into that dimension of my existence that bored me. Homer, Chekhov and Yeats were reduced to right and wrong answers, clear-cut themes and clever interpretations. If there is anything to worry about, it should be the disappearance of what used to be an important part of every high-school education: the literature survey course, where books were not academically taught but thoroughly introduced-an experience unaffected by stupid commentary and useless testing.
The literary classics are places of quiet, useless stillness in a world that despises (鄙视) any activity that is not profitable or productive. Literature is too sacred to be taught. It needs only to be read.
Soon, if all goes well and literature at last disappears from the undergraduate curriculum-my fingers are crossed-increasing numbers of people will be able to say that reading the literary masterworks of the past outside the college classroom, simply in the course of living, was, in fact, their college classroom.
1.The sharp drop in the number of majors in the humanities ________.
A.has given rise to quite a shock in the intellectual world
B.promises the remarkable destruction of the humanities
C.shows more people read literature outside the classroom
D.has caused the author to reflect on the nature of literary creation
2.The author mentions “two hours in the dentist’s chair” in Paragraph 3 to indicate that ________.
A.the average literature class in college is two hours long
B.reading literary works is made unbearable by professors
C.it actually does not take long to read the classics of literature
D.college students don’t spend much time on literary masterworks
3.According to the author, the problem of literature teaching lies in the fact that ________.
A.It is a relatively recent phenomenon in education
B.literature teaching is not profitable or productive
C.people are interested in something more practical
D.it is turned into a soulless competition for grades
4.Which of the following opinions may the author hold?
A.The disappearance of literature should be strongly applauded.
B.Literature teaching can improve our critical thinking ability.
C.Reading literature doesn’t require specialized knowledge and skills.
D.Literature should be taught through analyzing different writing styles.
5.What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?
A.To urge college students to read more literary classics.
B.To introduce the present situation of literature teaching.
C.To voice his opinion on the shrinkage of literature teaching.
D.To show his serious concern for college literature teaching.
6.The overall tone of the passage is ________.
A.skeptical B.sympathetic C.aggressive D.straightforward
Animal experimentation is the backbone (支柱，基础) of American research and treatment of disease. Each year, 17 million to 22 million animals are sacrificed in the name of science. While 90 percent of them are rats and mice, 180,000 dogs, 50,000 cats, 61,000 monkeys and 554,000 rabbits are done away with in laboratories operated by industry and government.
But the public has raised an outcry (抗议) over these deaths. Spurred vivid reports of cruelty, the animal rights movement is made up of 7,000 organizations with 10 million members. They've documented cases in which monkeys were isolated in steel tanks for 45 days and dogs were bombarded (轰击、辐射) with radiation or chemicals until they bled from the mouth.
Scientists say such incidents are rare. Laws have been passed to govern testing. Many research centers now have committees to review all proposed animal experiments, and computers can be used in place of animals in many experiments. But scientists say they can't do without animals to test new drugs and treatments on animals to make sure they're safe for humans. Animal experiments produced vaccines (疫苗) or treatments for diseases such as diabetes (糖尿病), and techniques used in open heart surgery. They're important to efforts to find a treatment for AIDS.
Animal rights activists have shown they will go to almost any length (奉陪到底). One New York researcher received more than 10,000 protest letters following publicity of her experiments in which she gave drugs to monkeys. The researcher was studying drug addiction. A protester was arrested in Connecticut for placing a pipe bomb outside a company that used animals in tests. After fires and break-ins, many labs have bought electronic locks and alarms for protection. Other targets of the animal rights movement are the fur industry, farms, and school biology classes in which children dissect (解剖) frogs.
The movement has scored some successes. A dozen states no longer allow pounds (兽栏) ── places that accept dogs and cats that have no homes ── to sell animals to scientists. Scientists claim the cost of their work will rise as a result.
The battle between scientists and activists raises a basic question: Can modern society be both humane (仁慈的) in its treatment of living things and advanced in its treatment of disease? It seems certain there will be new restrictions placed on the use of animals in scientific experiments.
1.The main idea of the article is ________.
A.fewer animals should be taken to laboratories
B.Americans are questioning the use of animals in experiments
C.mice and rats make the best subjects for experiments
D.scientific experiments can be carried out without animals
2.Animal experiments will probably continue because ________.
A.scientists insist they are harmless
B.the groups that oppose them aren't very big or powerful
C.they are critical for understanding and curing human disease
D.there are enough regulations to protect animals from abuse
3.Proponents (支持者) of animal rights are most convincing when they ________.
A.explode bombs at laboratories that conduct scientific tests
B.point out the diseases that have been cured by scientists
C.treat their own pets kindly
D.give examples of animals that were mistreated in labs
4.The animal rights movement is ________.
A.not very successful in passing laws to protect animals
B.trying many different approaches to accomplish its goals
C.more interested in protecting dogs than in protecting mice
D.supported mostly by people who dislike scientists
5.Scientists will be satisfied only if ________.
A.they can continue using animals in their experiments
B.the animal rights movement comes to an end
C.they install locks and alarms on their labs
D.their supply of animals is increased significantly
Facebook was running my life.
But what killed Facebook for me was when I posted a photo, and five minutes later my son asked me how many “likes” it had got. His question was a wake-up call.
“Likes” are signs of acceptance and approval. I had forgotten that acceptance and approval need to come from within and had unknowingly set him a bad example.
Before absorbed in Facebook, I spent a lot more time reading books and magazines. I checked in with friends through texts, emails and phone calls.
To set a healthier example to my son, I deactivated my Facebook account.
I’d been in the habit of checking Facebook many times a day, so I had to come up with some new habits. I carried a novel and a crossword puzzle book around with me. I rediscovered knitting. I went to the gym to take yoga classes.
I started to remember a few things. My body is fine just the way it is. I have friends who will help me out when I’m in trouble, and I will help them out. I do my best to be a good mother, and our son is happy and healthy. We are very lucky to be able to afford two vacations a year.
I stopped looking at the world through my cellphone. I felt completely present in the moment. The break left me feeling better about myself, my family, my home and my life.
After a few weeks, I returned to Facebook. Now I look at the photos of my friends’ kids growing up and treasure how social media allows me to keep in touch with family. I no longer have the desire to post updates often.
It is not an addiction any more.
1.What made the author begin to realize she should do something to control her time on Facebook?
A.Her poor health. B.Her son’s question.
C.Her not receiving “likes”. D.Her mother’s phone call.
2.The underlined word “deactivate” in Paragraph 5 probably means ________.
A.to close B.to update C.to keep D.to check
3.What did the author do to change her life?
A.She tried to be a good mother.
B.She developed some healthy habits.
C.She planned two vacations a year.
D.She went to the gym as often as she could.
4.What did the author think of her break from Facebook?
A.It stopped her getting news.
B.It distanced her from her friends.
C.It helped her contact with the family.
D.It gave her time to find beauty in life.
5.What is the author’s attitude toward social media?
A.She supports them completely.
B.She is strongly against them.
C.She thinks they are useful but shouldn’t be overused.
D.She thinks they’re good ways to watch kids grow up.
The National Beekeeping Centre Wales is a free attraction in the countryside that teaches children about the importance of honeybees – with the chance to try lots of local honeys.
This friendly visitor centre is a supporter of Welsh honeybees, which are increasingly under threat from climate change and loss of wildflower meadows. It raises visitors’ awareness of environmental issues and shows the 4,000-year history of beekeeping and honey-making, from the ancient Egyptians to the Romans. A Hive (蜂巢) Aid scheme lets you adopt a beehive, and regular courses (from €60 per person) train new generations of beekeepers.
Fun fact
Bees pollinate (授粉) about a third of everything we eat and play an important role in sustaining (维持) our ecosystems. In economic terms, honeybee pollination could be worth up to €200m to the UK alone.
What about lunch?
Next door is the Furnace Tearoom, part of the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, which serves light bites – wraps, fruit salads (€7) and coffee. The nearby Pavilion Restaurant at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden has cooked food, including baked potatoes (€5) and daily specials such as local casseroles (炖菜) with bread rolls (€6), plus coffee and cakes.
Exit through the gift shop
There is a range of bee-themed gifts in our gift shop, including bee toys (€2), wooden honey candy (€2) and a selection of honeys all made by Welsh producers (€5). The bestselling Bodnant honey (€8) goes fast.
Getting here
We are located just off the A470 on the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley, and 10 minutes from the A55 north Wales coast road. Follow the brown signs just after Bonant Gardens.
Value for money
Visits and activities for kids are free, though donations are welcome. Taster days (from €60) and the weekend beekeeping course (€80 per person) are held at Abergwyngregyn village, 10 miles west down the A55.
Opening hours
The visitor Centre opens daily from 10 am-4 pm but it is volunteer-run, so phone ahead to check. Expect lots of fun activities around the annual Conwy Honey Fair.
1.What do we know about the National Beekeeping Centre Wales?
A.It makes money mainly by selling local honeys.
B.It invites visitors to adopt a beehive for free.
C.It’s an educational centre about beekeeping.
D.It shows visitors Wales’ long beekeeping history.
2.You can buy ________ at the Furnace Tearoom.
A.fruit salads B.bread rolls
C.baked potatoes D.local casseroles
3.Where is the National Beekeeping Centre Wales?
A.In the village of Abergwyngregyn.
B.Opposite Bonant Gardens.
C.Off the A55 Wales coast road.
D.Close to the A470 on the Bonant Estate.
4.How much would you have to pay for the weekend course and two bee toys?
A.€64 B.€76 C.€84 D.€96
Every act of kindness starts with something small, something we all can and should do every single day. I’m Will Ruhio, one of the ____ of BYUtv’s Random Acts show. We take hidden cameras to unexpected places to ____ random acts of kindness. We’ve filmed acts ____ from building disabled-friendly facilities for those who are badly ____ them but can’t afford them to returning a lost wallet.
On Random Acts, it may be a neighbour or a colleague who recognizes a need and ____ an incredible chain reaction of service. ____ the story of Emmalene Meyers for example. Like many young girls, Emmalene was____ to be a ballet dancer, but her physical disability makes even everyday tasks a(n) ____. Instead of seeing a limitation, Emmalene’s friend Lily ____ an opportunity. Lily imagined Emmalene’s dream being brought to life onstage and persuaded Random Acts to help make her plan ____.
So, where can you start? The key is to be like Lily: look for an opportunity to make a ____ to those in need, and then take action to make it happen. Being ____ and involved in service is ____ like any other goal you want to achieve. You have to ____ it.
After two seasons of hosting Random Acts, the joy of ____ burdens and brightening lives doesn’t fade. I sometimes ____ Random Acts might lose its feature eventually, but that couldn’t be further from the ____when I finally meet the people.
We’ve been working to ____ and see their genuine shock and appreciation, it ____ me in the feel every time. I cry more than anyone else on the show.
Be that person doing acts of kindness out of the ____ of your heart-be the nice you want to see in the world!
1.A.photographers B.actors C.viewers D.hosts
2.A.expose B.conduct C.arrange D.advocate
3.A.changing B.counting C.ranging D.transforming
4.A.in search of B.in need of C.in defence of D.in favour of
5.A.sets off B.sets aside C.sets down D.sets out
6.A.Retell B.Take C.Create D.Explain
7.A.anxious B.proud C.afraid D.unwilling
8.A.exception B.dilemma C.competition D.challenge
9.A.provided B.seized C.spotted D.missed
10.A.successful B.acceptable C.reasonable D.available
11.A.choice B.difference C.promise D.decision
12.A.generous B.caring C.ambitious D.sociable
13.A.never B.even C.still D.just
14.A.put up with B.make up for C.work at D.take in
15.A.bearing B.carrying C.reducing D.overcoming
16.A.admit B.realize C.remember D.assume
17.A.truth B.deadline C.destination D.boundary
18.A.entertain B.surprise C.locate D.please
19.A.relieves B.discourages C.hits D.satisfies
20.A.whisper B.curiosity C.faith D.goodness
