“ A very disruptive(扰乱型的) six-year old child kicked my legs and clawed at my hand,”said one teacher. “I broke up a fight and was kicked between my legs,”said another. Many people have heard stories like this. But the situation is more worrying still and it involves parents.
Every child , regardless of the circumstances into which they are born,has the right to achieve their potential,regardless of their parents’ wealth and class. And we recognize that, as a nation,it is a long way to achieve this goal .But rights come with responsibilities and what worries people is that we are in danger of neglecting the latter.
Far too many children are behaving badly at school,even to the point of being violent to staff. This is terrible enough,but it is hard to be surprised since many children are just mirroring the behavior of their parents. Too many are starting school unable to hold a knife and fork, unused to eating at a table,and unable to use the lavatory properly.
We are in danger of becoming a nation of families living separate lives under one roof. The bedroom, once a place to sleep,has become the living space for the young. Spending hours in front of computer screens, on social networking sites or being immersed in computer games, children and young people spend little time with their parents. Parents are unable to monitor just what their children are watching.
Schools cannot right the wrongs of society and teachers cannot become substitute parents. Both parties need to work together. Parents must be helped and given confidence to take back control. They are responsible for setting boundaries for their children’s behavior and sticking to those boundaries when the going gets tough. They are responsible for setting a good example to their children and for devoting that most precious of resources---time----so that children come to school ready and willing to learn.
1.In the opinion of the writer, what problem do people ignore?
A. The school violence.
B. The pressure of students’ learning
C. The right to achieve students potential.
D. the responsibilities of the students.
2.The writer’s attitude to the behaviors of parents may be that of ________.
A. dissatisfied B. unconcern C. understadning D. tolerance
3.The underlined part in Para 4 may means__________.
A. parents and children live in their separate rooms
B. parents care little about children’s life at home
C. children don’t live with their parents in the same room
D. at home children live a different life from that of parents
4.From the last paragraph, we can infer that______.
A. schools can’t correct the wrongs that society does to teachers
B. teachers have no responsibility for playing the role of parents
C. parents should spend time with children making them ready to learn
D. students are responsible for making themselves known in society
5.What might be most suitable title for the passage?
A. Children’s behavior at school is worrying people
B. Parents expect schools to correct their children’s bad habits
C. There is no point in parents’ teaching children at home
D. Don’t blame teachers when it’s parents who are failing
Imagine a mass of floating waste is two times the size of the state of Texas. Texas has a land area of more than 678 000 square kilometers. So it might be difficult to imagine anything twice as big.
All together, this mass of waste flowing in the North Pacific Ocean is known as the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch. It weighs about 3 500 000 tons. The waste includes bags,bottles and containers—plastic products of all kinds.
The eastern part of the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch is about l 600 kilometers west of California. The western part is west of the Hawaiian Islands and east of Japan. The area has been described as a kind of oceanic desert,with light winds and slow moving water currents. The water moves so slow that garbage from all over the world collects there.
In recent years,there have been growing concerns about the floating garbage and its effect on sea creatures and human health. Scientists say thousands of animals get trapped in the floating waste,resulting in death or injury. Even more die from a lack of food or water after swallowing pieces of plastic. The trash can also make animals feel full,lessening their desire to eat or drink.
The floating garbage also can have harmful effects on people. There is an increased threat of infection of disease from polluted waste,and from eating fish that swallowed waste. Divers can also get trapped in the plastic.
Its existence first gained public attention in l997. That was when racing boat captain and oceanographer Charles Moore and his crew sailed into the garbage while returning from a racing event. Five years earlier,another oceanographer learned of the trash after a shipment of rubber duckies got lost at sea. Many of those toys are now part of the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch.
In August,2009,a team from the University of California,San Diego became the
latest group to travel to it. They were shocked by the amount of waste they saw. They gathered hundreds of sea creatures and water samples to measure the garbage patch’s effect on ocean environment.
1.How did the writer introduce the topic of the passage?
A. By giving an example. B. By listing the facts.
C. By telling a story. D. By giving a comparison.
2.What do we know about the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch?
A. It is made up of various kinds of plastic products.
B. It is a solid mass of floating waste materials.
C. It lies l60 000 kilometers east of California.
D. It is described as a kind of oceanic desert.
3.Why do people pay attention to the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch?
A. Because it may prevent the flow of ocean water.
B. Because the polluted plastic articles will move up the food chain.
C. Because it may be from an island in the pacific.
D. Because ships may be trapped in the floating waste.
4.Which column can you find the passage on a newspaper?
A. Sports and entertainment. B. Media and culture.
C. Environment and society. D. Science and technology.
5.The purpose of writing this passage is to____________.
A. warn people of the danger to travel in the pacific
B. analyze what caused the waste patch in the pacific
C. give advice on how to recycle waste in the ocean
D. introduce the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch
Our brains work in complex and strange ways. There are some people who can calculate the day of the week for any given date in 40,000 years, but who cannot add two plus two. Others can perform complex classical piano pieces after hearing them once, but they cannot read or write.
Dr.J.Langdon Down first described this condition in 1887.He called these people idiot savants. An idiot savant is a person who has significant mental impairment (损伤) , such as in autism or retardation. At the same time, the person also exhibits some extraordinary skills, which are unusual for most people.The skills of the savant may vary from being exceptionally gifted in music or in mathematics, or having a photographic memory.
One of the first descriptions of a human who could calculate quickly was written in 1789 by Dr.Benjamin Rush, an American doctor.His patient, Thomas Fuller, was brought to Virginia as a slave in 1724. It took Thomas only 90 seconds to work out that a man who has lived 70 years, 17 days, and 12 hours has lived 2,210,500,800 seconds.Despite this ability, he died in 1790 without ever learning to read or write.
Another idiot savant slave became famous as a pianist in the 1860s. Blind Tom had a vocabulary of only 100 words, but he played 5 ,000 musical pieces beautifully.
In the excellent movie Rain Man, made in 1988 and available on video cassette, Dustin Hoffman plays an idiot savant who amazes his brother played by Tom Cruise, with his ability to perform complex calculations very rapidly.
Today we more clearly recognize that the idiot savant is special because of brain impairment.Yet not all brain impairment leads to savant skills.Some studies have shown that people who have purposeful interruption of the left side of the brain can develop idiot savant skills. However,few people wish to participate in such experiments. There are many excellent reasons for not undergoing unnecessary experimentation on one's brain. The term idiot savant is outdated and inappropriate. Virtually all savants have a high degree of intelligence and are thus not idiots.
1.What does the passage mainly talk about?
A.Idiot savants have areas of outstanding abilities.
B.Human Beings have complicated thinking process.
C.The brains of the idiot savants are partly impaired.
D.The reasons why people have wonderful skills vary.
2.Which of the following can be done by Rain Man?
A.He can play wonderful pieces of classical music.
B.He can guess out exactly the length of a man's life.
C.He can memorize the contents of the pictures fast.
D.He can count matches dropped on the floor quickly.
3.What can you infer from the passage?
A.Idiot savants have real talents for art and math.
B.Dr.Down is the first person who found idiot savants.
C.Few people wish to risk becoming savants by brain operations.
D.Intentional left brain impairments will surely lead to idiot savants.
In today's fast paced, high stress world people are working longer hours than ever, and often exhaust themselves at day's end in front of the television to relax enough to begin again in the morning.However, television watching, for most people, does not really lower stress.Studies show that TV viewing more than an hour or so actually creates stress and, especially in women, may lead to the blues.Most individuals are unaware that doing some exercise after work makes them more energetic since it increases energy levels.
Wise use of free time does not mean getting an advanced degree, although the mental encouragement gained through education is unbeatable in keeping your mind active.Learning new things nearly always adds a spark to your daily life, especially if it is a favorite topic, such as sport, fashion, or art.Also, look through your bookstore or library to find books on your interests.Try to replace a half hour TV watching with reading.
It is reported that in the United States recently, many individuals have as few as two good friends.Long work hours and car commute act to separate people from each other.This separation is deadly.Find ways to meet people at the end of the day and on weekends.Often this can be best done by combining activities, such as by joining a walking group to get both exercise and companionship.Taking a class will lift your spirits and allow you to meet others with similar interests.Hobbies are great for reducing stress and provide another opportunity for social interaction.
Using your free time to aid your health may include these elements and many more, such as going to concerts and spending time with family.Overall, the key is to spend less free time being passive.The best ways to use free time are to be mentally and physically active, spend some time outdoors, and interact with other people on a regular basis.
1.What can we learn from the passage?
A.Watching television may cause women to feel depressed.
B.Finding interests and hobbies in common means taking a class.
C.Going to concerts is the best way to make you mentally active.
D.Getting an advanced degree in education always lights up your life.
2.What does the underlined word "commute" in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.The arrangement to work every day. B.The journey to work every day.
C.The communication between people. D.The separation between people.
3.Which would be the best title for the passage?
A.Live a Happy and Healthy Life B.Relax Yourself in Various Ways
C.Spend Your Free Time Wisely D.Interact With Others Outdoors
The Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a palatial park on the central California coast and a National Historic Landmark.It was designed by architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947.In 1957 , the Hearst Coiporation donated the fortune to the state of California.Since that time it has been maintained as a state historic park where the estate and its considerable collection of art and antiques are open for public tours.Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts roughly one million visitors per year.
Guided Tours
There are several tours which highlight various parts of the castle and gardens.
●Tour One is recommended for first time visitor.It now includes the movie, Hearst Castle Building the Dream.
●Tour Two gives visitors a closer look at the main house's upper floors, Mr.Hearst's private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.
●Tour Three looks at the Castle's North Wing, guest rooms and guest house Casa Del Monte.
●Tour Four features the impressive gardens and grounds, the largest guesthouse, the wine basement, and the Hidden Terrace.
●The evening tour is a special tour that allows visitors to experience the Castle at night as one of the Hearst's own visitors might have.
Ticket Prices
Hearst Castle accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.Free day use parking is available for automobiles, motorcycles, tour buses and recreational vehicles.
TOURS |
ADULT |
Ages 6 – 17 |
Experience Tour |
$24 |
$12 |
Tours 2, 3 or 4 |
$ 24 |
$ 12 |
Evening tour |
$30 |
$15 |
* Children under 6 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Reservation Information
While tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival, tour reservations are strongly recommended and may be reserved online now or by calling 1 - 800 - 444 - 4445, see below for times.
Reservation Call Center Hours |
||
Dates |
Monday-Friday |
Saturday-Sunday |
March-September |
8AM to 6PM |
8AM to 6PM |
October-February |
9AM to 5PM |
9AM to 3PM |
Visit www.hearstcastle.org for more information.
1.Who does the Hearst Castle belong to at present?
A.William Randolph Hearst. B.Julia Morgan.
C.The state of California. D.The Hearst Corporation.
2.If you are quite interested in wine, which tour will you choose?
A.Tour One. B.Tour Two.
C.Tour Three. D.Tour Four.
3.If a young couple take Tour One with their 5-year-old son, how much will they pay for the tickets?
A.36. B.60. C.48. D.75.
4.Which of the following is the available time to book tickets by phone?
A.At 8 AM on Monday in February. B.At 9 AM on Sunday in March.
C.At 7 PM on Friday in September. D.At 6 PM on Saturday in October.
阅读下面短文,从短文后所给各题的四个选项(A、B、C、D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳答案。
As a young man, Al was a skilled artist.He had a wife and two fine sons.One night, his oldest son 1a severe stomachache.Thinking it was only some 2intestinal (肠内的)disorder, neither Al nor his wife took the condition very 3. But the boy 4suddenly that night.
Knowing the death could have been 5if he had only realized the seriousness of the situation, Al's emotional health became worse under the huge burden of his guilt. To make matters __6, his wife left him a short time later, leaving him alone with his six-year-old younger son. The hurt and pain of the two 7were more than Al could handle, and he 8to alcohol.In time Al __9an alcoholic.
As the alcoholism progressed, Al began to lose everything he 10— his home, his land, his art works everything. 11Al died alone in a San Francisco motel room.
When I heard of Al's death, I thought that Al's life was a complete 12. I thought. "What a totally wasted life".
As time went by, I began to re-evaluate my earlier judgment.I knew Al's now adult son, Ernie.He is one of the kindest, most caring, most loving men I have 13known. I watched Ernie with his children and saw the free 14of love between them.I knew that kindness and caring had to come from somewhere.
I hadn't heard Ernie talk much about his father.One day I worked 15my courage to ask him."I'm really 16by something," I said."I know your father was 17the only one to raise you.What on earth did he do that you became such a special person?"
Ernie sat quietly and 18for a few moments. Then he said, "From my earliest __19as a child until I left home at 18, Al came into my room every night, gave me a kiss and said, ' I love you, son.' "
Tears came to my eyes as I realized what a fool I had been to 20Al as a failure. He had not left any material possessions behind.But he had been a kind loving father, and he left behind one of the finest, most giving men I have ever known.
1.A.formed B.developed C.received D.gained
2.A. average B. normal C. ordinary D. common
3.A. slightly B. secretly C. seriously D. terribly
4.A.died B.choked C.starved D.worsened
5.A.cured B.prevented C.forbidden D.saved
6.A.better B.heavier C.worse D.happier
7.A.disasters B.adventures C. directions D.situations
8.A.got B.drank C.turned D.sank
9.A.turned B.became C.followed D.created
10.A.needed B.shared C.benefited D.possessed
11.A.Eventually B.Gradually C.Therefore D.Meanwhile
12.A.trouble B.hardship C.failure D.waste
13.A. never B. even C. still D. ever
14.A.win B.fall C.space D.flow
15.A.up B.with C.on D.through
16.A.worried B.puzzled C.interested D.attracted
17.A.especially B.basically C.merely D.specially
18.A.argued B.searched C.analyzed D.reflected
19.A.thoughts B.ideas C.minds D.memories
20.A.treat B.call C.judge D.feel