B
“The Lord of the Rings”, one of the best sellers in the new millennium(千年), was made up of three parts——“The Fellowship of the Ring”, “Two Towers”, and “The Return of the King”. Millions upon millions of people have read it in over 25 different languages, but fewer know about the author and the history of the composition of the creative masterwork.
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in South Africa in 1892. His parents died when he was a child. Living in England with his aunt, Tolkien and his cousins made up play languages, a hobby that led to Tolkien’s becoming skilled in Welsh, Greek, Gothic, Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon.
After graduating from Oxford, Tolkien served in World War I. In 1917, while recovering from trench fever, he began composing the mythology for The Rings. As a professor of Anglo-Saxon in 1930s at Oxford, Tolkien was part of an informal discussion group called the Inklings, which included several writers. The group was soon listening to chapters of Tolkien’s imaginative work “The Hobbit”.
Hobbit was a name Tolkien created for a local people that could best be described as half-sized members of the English rural(乡村的)class. Hobbits live in hillside holes. One of them, Bilbo Baggins, looks for treasures with a group of dwarves(侏儒). On the way, he meets the twisted, pitiful creature Gollum, from whom he sees a golden ring that makes the holder invisible(看不见的).
One of Tolkien’s students persuaded her employer, publisher Allen & Unwin, to look at a draft(草稿). The chairman of the firm, Stanley Unwin, thought that the best judge for a children’s book would be his ten-year-old son. The boy earned a shilling for reporting back that the adventure was exciting, and “The Hobbit” was published in 1937.
It sold so well that Unwin asked for a continuation. Over a dozen years later, in 1954, Tolkien produced “The Lord of the Rings”, a series of books so creative that they hold readers—new and old —after their publication.
54. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. “The Lord of the Rings” didn’t sell well in the last millennium.
B. People know better about Tolkien himself than about his works.
C. Tolkien was quite familiar with Old English.
D. Tolkien knew very well about different kinds of local languages in Africa.
55. What can we learn about “Hobbit” that Tolkien created in his works?
A. Hobbit was a race living in English downtown areas.
B. Hobbit was a local people who were very tall and strong.
C. Hobbit was a social group of people who lived in old castles.
D. Hobbit was a group of people who were mostly dwarves.
56. Which of the following shows the right order of Mr J.R.R.Tolkien’s life experience?
a. He had his “The Hobbit” published. b. He became a member of the Inklings.
c. He served in World WarⅠ d. He became an undergraduate at Oxford.
e. “The Lord of the Rings” came to the world. f. He moved to England to live with his aunt.
A. f-d-b-c-a-e B. f-d-c-b-a-e C. f-c-d-b-e-a D. d-f-c-a-b-e
三、阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分,满分40分)
请阅读下列短文,从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项的标号涂黑。
Going back to school is a very exciting event for my two boys. It means getting new school bags and books, and seeing friends again after the summer holiday.
My oldest son, 9-year-old Salem, asked me several times where we would go to buy a backpack, while my other son, 6-year-old Abdullah, asked what school would be like this year.
For the last three years, school was a nightmare for many children and their parents as violence increased and there were more attacks on schools and teachers. As a result, many parents prevented their children from going to school. One of six children in this country did not attend primary school in 2009. Many kids who did attend school were accompanied by a parent for the entire day to make sure nothing happened to their children.
For poor families or those with large families, back to school can be an expensive time. The government gives some help to those living in poor neighborhoods, and school bags, note books and other items(商品) are given for free.
Most of the merchants who sell notebooks and pens now sell their products out on the street instead of in stores. They sit on the ground and lay their items on the ground or they have a small table to sell their goods.
The bags cost between $10 and $20, while clothes and shoes cost between $20 and $30. I found all the things I needed for my sons and even bought something for myself. I spent about $50 on each of them, including school uniforms.
At the end of the day, we returned to our home carrying many shopping bags filled with items that made my children happy and excited to go back to school. I just hope this school year will be a peaceful one.
56.The author’s children are ________ to go to school.
A. eager B. afraid C. unwilling D. surprised
57.The underlined word “nightmare” is the closest in meaning to ________.
A. fantasy B. dream world C. prison D. terrible situation
58.Many children are not going to school mainly because of ________.
A. the terrible education system B. security problems and poverty
C. parents’ distrust in schools D. the government’s inability
59.As a parent, the author ________.
A. is unable to afford his kids’ schooling B. is unwilling to send his kids to school
C. hopes his kids have a happy school life D. complains school education costs too much
Sports can help you keep fit and get in touch with nature. However, whether you are on the mountains, in the waves, or on the grassland, you should be aware that your sport of choice might have great influence on the environment.
Some sports are resource-hungry. Golf, as you may know, eats up not only large areas of countryside, but also tons of water. Besides, all sorts of chemicals and huge amounts of energy are used to keep its courses (球场) in good condition. This causes major environmental effects. For example, in the dry regions of Portugal and Spain, golf is often held responsible for serious water shortage in some local areas.
There are many environment-friendly sports. Power walking is one of them that you could take up today. You don’t need any special equipment except a good pair of shoes; and you don’t have to worry about resources and your purse. Simple and free, power walking can also keep you fit. If you walk regularly, it will be good for your heart and bones. Experts say that 20 minutes of power walking daily can make you feel less anxious, sleep well and have better weight control.
Whatever sport you take up, you can make it greener by using environment-friendly equipment and buying products made from recycled materials. But the final goal should be “green gyms”. They are better replacements for traditional health clubs and modern sports centers. Members of green gyms play sports outdoors, in the countryside or other open spaces. There is no special requirement for you to start your membership. And best of all, it’s free.
72. The author thinks the golf is resource-hungry because of the following EXCEPT that _____.
A. Golf wastes large areas of countryside
B. Golf runs out of much water
C. Keeping golf court in good condition needs too much energy
D. Golf is bad for people’s health
73. According to the passage, which of the following is an environment-friendly sport?
A. swimming in the pool B. hiking in the hills
C. playing basketball in the gym D. motor racing in the desert
74. The reason why the author uses power walking as an example mainly is that ______.
A. it improves our health B. it is an outdoor sport
C. it uses fewer resources D. it is recommended by experts
75. The passage is developed mainly by _____.
A. examples and explanation B. comparison and persuasion
C. facts and descriptions D. figures and conclusion
Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are a major cause of climate change, and now a new study has confirmed that atmospheric CO2 is also affecting the ocean chemistry and potentially harming sea life.
Montana State University scientist Robert Dore has been researching the water in the Pacific Ocean for almost two decades.
“We’ve been going to the same spot in the Pacific Ocean, and we try and characterize long-term change in the open ocean environment. And one of the key things that we measure is CO2 levels. And we’ve been able to record this increasing quantity of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean.”
Scientists expected that as atmospheric CO2 increased, more and more of the carbon dioxide would be absorbed into the ocean, affecting the chemical balance of the sea water, with a potentially harmful impact on shellfish and coral in particular.
“As carbon dioxide dissolves (溶解) in the water, or seawater in this case, it forms a weak acid (酸), carbonic acid, ” Dore explains. “And therefore, as the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere goes up and that exchanges with the surface seawater, it drives the pH down, and makes it more acidic.”
The seawater Dore and his colleagues have analyzed confirms what the theory predicts.
The effect was particular striking at about 250 meters down, and again at 500 meters. Dore and his colleagues came up with two possible explanations. It could be that surface water picked up CO2 and then moved to those depths. Or there could be a biological explanation.
“It’s important to realize that the oceans are really becoming acidic. And it can have negative impacts on a whole variety of sea life from fish to coral. It’s potentially catastrophic.”
68. What can be the best title of the passage?
A. Sea Life Facing Danger B. Scientist Researching Seawater
C. Oceans Becoming More Acidic D. Climate Change Affecting Seawater
69. Which of the following shows the process of the impact of atmospheric CO2 on sea life?
a. Sea life is endangered.
b. CO2 goes into the surface water.
c. The ocean chemistry is affected.
d. CO2 decreases the pH and makes the seawater more acidic.
e. CO2 levels in the atmosphere go up.
A. a→b→c→d→e B. e→b→c→d→a
C. a→e→c→d→b D. e→d→c→b→a
70. Scientist Robert Dore came to the conclusion based on ________.
A. his research and analysis B. the expectation of other scientists
C. some former theory D. a major cause of climate change
71. What does the passage want to tell us most?
A. It takes time to make a scientific study.
B. Atmospheric CO2 is doing harm to sea life.
C. Robert Dore is a committed and serious scientist.
D. Measures should be taken to prevent the potential catastrophe.
If you are looking for a summer camp job opportunity, the following are some summer camp jobs available for 2010 summer.
1. Fishing / Fly-fishing
Male 21+. Teach fishing and fly-fishing (用假蝇钓鱼) techniques. Live with 6-8 campers, teach basic outdoor skills, lead backpacking trips and assist with canoe trips.
Salary: $2,400.00-$3,000.00
Roaring Brook Camp for Boys
480 Roaring Brook Road
Bradford, Vermont 05033, USA
Contact: Dr. Candice Raines at (800) 802-747-0282
2. Athletic Trainer
International Sports Training Camp is a specialized sports camp located on a private 100-acre lake in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are famous for our outstanding facilities, innovative (创新的) programs and friendly staff. We are looking for both students and certified athletic trainers.
Salary: $2,500.00
International Sports Training Camp.
1100 Twin Lake Road
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, USA
Contact: Kara Klaus at (570) 6202267
3. Head Cook
Manage kitchen staff of 4, order food and prepare meals and snacks for 50-60 campers and staff daily during sessions and training periods.
Salary: $3, 000.00-$4,000.00
Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies
HC 83, Box 38DD
Capon Bridge, West Virginia 26711, USA
Contact: Vini Schoene at (540) 465-1516
4. Drama Department Head
Camp Airy (for boys) is seeking an experienced individual with a theater background and experience in directing children’s productions. Supervise counselor staff and direct two major productions in our 600-seat Outdoor Theatre. Our summer season runs from June 17 to August 18. Be sure to visit our outstanding website at www.airylouise.org.
Salary: Depends on Experience.
Camp Airy & Camp Louise
14938 Old Camp Airy Road
Thurmont, Maryland 21788, USA
Contact: Steve Goldklang at (410) 466-9010
64. Who would be most interested in the passage?
A. College teachers. B. Online bloggers. C. Holiday-goers. D. Job seekers.
65. Mr. Smith is good at fishing and he plans to spend the summer doing what he loves and earn some money. Which number should he dial?
A. (570) 6202267. B. (540) 465-1516. C. (800) 802-717-0282. D. (410) 466-9010.
66. Which of the following statements about Athletic Trainer is TRUE?
A. College graduates are preferred.
B. Only professional athletes can apply.
C. This position offers a monthly salary of $3,500.
D. Applicants can get in touch with Kara Klaus.
67. Which of the following organizations offers a salary depending on experience?
A. Camp Airy & Camp Louise.
B. International Sports Training Camp.
C. Roaring Brook Camp for Boys.
D. Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies.
More teachers are starting off the school year with letters to parents and students to introduce themselves and set a tone (基调) for the year. The letters are a good way to start positive communication with parents, several teachers told Education World.
“I think it’s professional, ”said Dorothy Peselli, an English teacher at Sparta High School in Sparta, New Jersay, Peselli, who gives out the letters the first day of school, told Education World. “It gives parents an image of you as a professional. If you start communication off in a positive manner, you will have the parents on your side when you need them.”
In her letter to parents, Peselli encourages them to call or e-mail her with specific concerns about their children. “I want to work as a team to make sure that your child becomes an independent lifelong learner,” Peselli wrote to parents last September. She also telephones the parents of all her students at the beginning of the year.
Peselli includes with the letter a classroom handbook (手册) listing plans and rules. And she requires that both parents and students read and sign statements (included in the letter) when they read the handbook. The student letter also lists needed supplies and gives encouragement. “Please come to class ready to work and learn. This will be an exciting year for all of us,” it says.
Last year, Peselli taught at a different high school and parents there were “shocked”, but appreciative, that she had so much contact with them. “I received roses and a thank-you note from one boy and his mother,” Peselli said. She wished her own children’s teachers would take the time to write notes as well. “I never got a letter home from any of my daughter’s high school teachers.” she said, “It would be nice to know the background of some of the people who are teaching my daughter.”
60. We may learn from the text that ______.
A. most teachers are writing letters to parents and students
B. the handbook is used to list supplies and give encouragement
C. Peselli believe it important for teachers to exchange information with parents
D. Peselli mainly introduces her background and teaching experiences in the letters
61. The underlined word “it” in the fourth paragraph refers to _____.
A. the handbook B. the requirement
C. the school D. the letter
62. We can infer from the last paragraph that ______.
A. parents were satisfied with Peselli’s way of working
B. Peselli means to surprise parents by writing students
C. Peselli seemed to be popular among boy students
D. all Peselli’s children are studying in high schools
63. The purpose of the text is to ______.
A. introduce an English teaching method
B. give advice on how to teach students
C. encourage teachers to keep in touch with parents
D. show us how Dorothy Peselli makes teaching plans