Animal Conservation
Many animal and plant species have become extinct(灭绝的)and many more are in critical danger. Finding ways to protect the earth's wildlife and conserve(保护)the natural world they inhabit(居住)is now more important than ever.
Dodo
The Dodo is a classic example of how human caused damage to the earth's biology. The flightless Dodo was native to the Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It lived off fruit fallen from the island's trees and lived unthreatened until humans arrived in 1505. The easily controlled bird became a source of food for sailors and was attacked by animals introduced to the island by humans such as pigs, monkeys and rats. The population of Dodos rapidly decreased and last one was killed in 1681.
Rhinos
The Rhino (犀牛) horn is a highly prized item for Asian medicine. This has led to the animal being hunted in its natural habitat. Once widespread in Africa and Eurasia, most rhinos now live in protected natural parks and reserves(保护区). Their numbers have rapidly decreased in the last 50 years, and the animals remain under constant threat from poachers(偷猎者).
The Giant Panda
The future of the World Wildlife Fund's symbol is far from certain. As few as 1000 remain in the wild. The Chinese government has set up 33 panda reserves to protect these beautiful animals and made poaching them punishable with 20 years in prison. However, The panda's distinct black and white patched coat fetches a high price on the black market and determined poachers still pose(造成)one of the most serious threats to the animals continued existence.
Whales
The International Whaling Commission is fighting to ensure the survival of the whale species. Despite the fact that one-third the world's oceans have been declared whale sanctuaries(保护区), 7 out of 13 whale species remain endangered. Hunted for their rich supply of oil, their numbers have decreased to just 300. Collisions(碰撞)with ships, poisonous pollution and being caught in fishing nets are other major causes of whale deaths.
Tigers
The last 100 years has seen a 95% reduction in the numbers of remaining tigers to between 5000 and 7000 and The Bali, Javan, and Caspian tigers are already extinct. The South China tiger is precariously close to disappearing, with only 20 to 30 still alive. Like the Rhino horn, tigers’ bones and organs are sought after for traditional Chinese medicines. These items are traded illegally along with tiger skins.It implies that _______.
A.The Dodo lacked the ability to protect itself from other animals |
B.Sailors to the Island of Mauritius lived mainly on the Dodo |
C.The Dodo used to be a strong animal that liked fighting. |
D.The Dodo, pigs, monkeys and rats were the natives to the Island of Mauritius |
Which group of the following animals has already ceased to exist according to the text?
A.The Dodo, Rhino and Giant Panda. |
B.The Rhino, Whale and South China Tiger. |
C.The Rhino, Panda, Whale and Tiger. |
D.The Dodo and the Bali, Javan, and Caspian tigers. |
______ can serve as a cure for certain diseases.
A.The whale’s rich oil |
B.The panda's black and white patched coat |
C.The Rhino horn and tigers’ bones and organs |
D.The Dodo’s delicious meat |
Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A.The number of South China tigers has reached crisis point. |
B.Many animals are threatened with extinction as a result of human activity. |
C.People hunt for the endangered animals for high profit. |
D.The Whale is the representing mark for the World Wildlife Fund. |
Who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?
Jane Addams (1860 - 1935)
Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She created shelters, education opportunities and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)
Rachel Carson was born in the rural river town of Springdale, Pennsylvania in America. The popular 1962 book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson made people realize the dangers and the harmful effects (影响) of pollution on humans and on the world’s lakes and oceans.
Angela Merkel (1954 - )
In 2005, Germans chose Angela Merkel as their first woman head of the country. She had been a scientist in the past. As Germany’s leader, she has had an effect on the whole world.
Sandra Day O’Connor (1930 - )
When Sandra Day O’Connor finished her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find work because she was a woman. However, she became the first woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court (最高法院) in 1981 after years of hard work.
Margaret Thatcher (1925 - )
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman Prime Minister (首相). She served until 1990, which made her the first British leader to serve three terms in a row. Because of her high standards and strong will, people called her Britain’s Iron Lady.
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Polish-born scientist Marie Curie discovered that some types of metal give off energy called radiation (辐射能). Her research led to new medical treatments and arms. She received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911.Who once won the Nobel Prize?
A.Jane Addams and Marie Curie. |
B.Jane Addams and Margaret Thatcher. |
C.Marie Curie and Angela Merkel. |
D.Marie Curie and Rachel Carson. |
What do Angela Merkel and Margaret Thatcher have in common?
A.Both of them were scientists before coming to power. |
B.Both of them are the first woman head of their country. |
C.Both of them are famous for being strict. |
D.Both of them have worked for three terms. |
Who once failed to find a job?
A.Jane Addams. | B.Sandra Day O’Connor. |
C.Rachel Carson. | D.Margaret Thatcher. |
What would be the best title for the text?
A.Great women | B.Famous scientists |
C.Strong leaders | D.Ways to success for women |
An earthquake is one of the most common natural disasters. It may cause great damage. So it is wise to learn some simple safety tips to protect yourself or your family members.
Fragile items, like those made of glass should usually be placed on a lower surface, near the ground instead of placing them on cupboards higher up. Never place them near your bed, sofas and other furniture where you would be sitting or lying down. When there is a strong movement, these pieces will fall on the floor directly and not on you.
There is a strong chance of short circuits (短路) and fire breakouts during an earthquake. Make sure you turn off electrical connections and gas immediately when an earthquake happens.
During an earthquake, lie beneath an object that is not easily damaged. Do not go near objects that could directly fall on you. Never use the elevator to go down. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries happen when people inside buildings try to go out. Use the staircases at all times.
If you are outdoors, do not take shelter under a tree, streetlights, electric poles or tall buildings. If you are driving, stop your car and stay in a safe place. Do not park your car under a tree or any tall object.
If trapped in debris (瓦砾堆), cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can find you. Use a whistle (哨子) if one is available. Never shout for help. Shouting can cause you to breathe in dangerous amounts of dust. Do not light a match because you may burn yourself. Do not move about or kick up dust.The purpose of the passage is to tell readers _____.
A.the damage caused by earthquakes |
B.the rescue work after earthquakes |
C.what to do about earthquakes |
D.how to prevent earthquakes |
The underlined word “Fragile” in Paragraph 2 probably means _____.
A.easily broken | B.easily found |
C.expensive | D.heavy |
To reduce the injury from the earthquake, items made of glass should be put _____.
A.on cupboards |
B.in the bedroom |
C.on a lower surface |
D.where children can’t reach them |
During the earthquake, people are advised to _____.
A.go out the building at once |
B.turn off power and gas immediately |
C.take shelter under a tree |
D.drive to a safe place |
Tourism wasn’t as important as it is today. In the past, only people with a good deal of money could travel on holidays to other countries. More people travel today than in the past because there is a growing middle class in many parts of the world; that is to say, people now have more money for travel. Special plane fares(费用) for tourists make travel less expensive and more attractive than ever before. One person doesn’t travel for the same reason as another. But most people enjoy seeing countries that are different from their own. They also like to meet new people and to taste new food.
Tourism causes many changes in a country and in people’s lives. People build new hotels and restaurants and train native men and women as guides to show visitors interesting places. There’re new nightclubs and other amusements. International tourism is clearly a big business.In the old days _________ could travel to other countries.
A.boys and girls, men or women, young or old |
B.either kings or queens |
C.both the poor and the rich |
D.nobody but those who had money |
More people travel today than in the past because______________.
A.people have become interested in traveling |
B.traveling today is easier the in than past |
C.people now have spare money for travel |
D.great changes have taken place in the world |
Which of the following statements is true according to the article?
A. Tourism won’t bring any changes in people’s minds.
People have some trouble in making journey.
C. With the development of tourism, great changes have taken place in many parts in the world.
D. Tourism causes only some changes in clothing. What is the best title of the passage?
A.The Change of Tourism |
B.Tourism |
C.The Importance of Tourism |
D.The Cause of Tourism Change |
Towards the end of Middle English, a sudden change in pronunciation started, with vowels (元音) being pronounced shorter and shorter. From the 16th century the British had contact (接触) with many people from around the world. This meant that lots of new vocabulary entered the language. The invention of printing also meant that there was now a common language in print. Books became cheaper and more people learned to read. Spelling and grammar became fixed, and the dialect of London became the standard. In 1604 the first English dictionary came out.
Early Modern English and Late Modern English are mostly different in the number of words. Late Modern English has many more words, mainly because of the following two reasons: First, the Industrial Revolution (工业革命) led to the need for new words. Second, the British Empire covered one quarter of the earth’s surface, and the English language took in foreign words from many countries.
From around 1600, the English colonization (殖民地化) of North America led to American English. Some English pronunciations and words “froze” when they reached America. In some ways, American English is more like the English of Shakespeare than modern British English. Some expressions that are called “American English” are in fact from British expressions. They were kept in the colonies while lost for a time in Britain. Spanish also had an influence (影响) on American English. For example, words like canyon, ranch, stampede and vigilante are from Spanish. They entered English by the people of Spain who settled in the American West. French words and West African words also influenced American English.
Today, American English has a greater influence, because of the USA’s movies, television, popular music, trade and technology.The main difference between Early and Late Modern English lies in _____.
A.vocabulary | B.pronunciation |
C.spelling | D.grammar |
What helped to increase the vocabulary of Late Modern English?
a. the invention of printing
b. the Industrial Revolution
c. the colonization
d. the contact with other countries
A.a, b, c | B.a, c, d |
C.a, b, d | D.b, c, d |
From the passage, we can learn the word “canyon” is from _____.
A.American dialect | B.African dialect |
C.Spanish | D.French |
One of the most important things in the world is friendship. In order to have friends, you have to be a friend. But how can you be a good friend at school?
Listen — Listen when they are talking. Don’t say anything unless they ask you a question. Sometimes it’s not necessary for you to have anything to say; they just need someone to talk to about their feelings.
Help them — If your friend is ever in need of something, be there to help them. You should try to put them first, but make sure you don’t do everything they want you to do. Try to take an extra (额外的) pencil or pen with you to classes in case (以防) they forget one. Have a little extra money in your pocket in case they forget something they need.
Be there for them — Try to make something for your friend to help make them feel better in hard times. Making cards and encouraging them are among the nicest things you can do for a friend. Marilyn Monroe, a famous U.S. actor, once said, “I often make mistakes. Sometimes I am out of control. But if you can’t stay with me at my worst, you are sure not to deserve (值得) to be with me at my best.” Always remember this! If you don’t want to stay with your friends when they’re in hard times, then you don’t deserve to be with them when they’re having a good time!
______ — Try to make plans with your friends. Go shopping, go for ice cream, have a party, go to a movie and so on. Take time to know each other even better by doing something you both enjoy. By planning things together, you both can have a good time. And you’ll remember these things when you’re all old! While your friend is talking to you about his or her feelings, you should _____.
A.give him or her some advice |
B.just listen unless asked |
C.calm him or her down |
D.share your feelings as well |
When we provide help for our friends, we should _____.
A.try to do everything for them |
B.put them before ourselves |
C.change their bad habits first |
D.ignore their faults |
What can we learn from Marilyn Monroe’s words?
A.Life without a friend is death. |
B.A friend is easier lost than found. |
C.A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
D.A man is known by his friends. |
Which of the following can be put in the blank of the last paragraph?
A.Make plans. | B.Enjoy yourself. |
C.Understand your friends. | D.Play with your friends. |
What is the passage mainly about?
A.How to find a good friend. |
B.How to help friends in trouble. |
C.How to be a good friend. |
D.How to make more friends. |