Home schooling offers other unforeseen advantages as well. One of these might be more available time. Home schooling can be an effective way to teach. The time you have during the day can be used resourcefully, in this manner reducing the overall time that the student in fact spends at school.
Home schooling allows the parent to develop into the main adviser and foundation of guidance for a child. Since a home schooled child relates to the parent a lot more, the child and the parent can form a tighter connection than they might otherwise form. This connection could be the basis of a higher degree of trust between the child and the parent where the child is more apt to come to the parent for help and direction as an alternative of turning somewhere else.
Home schooling can be an instrument for a special case where a child may have been a target of extreme harassment（侵扰）at a standard public school. School harassment is a major problem at some schools and is a hard problem to put an end to. The home schooling of a child mistreated in this way offers the child a way to re-focus on learning and makes the child be able to receive the close parental leadership.
It is a proven fact that home schooled students do well when it comes to college preparation. In general, home schooled students have performed equally to or better than public schooled students on SAT assessments. In addition, it is a fact that home schooled students can do as well as their public schooled peers in college.
Home schooling is not for every person. Each parent should cautiously assess whether home schooling will benefit their particular circumstances or not. There are many considerations to be made when choosing home schooling, but for many, home schooling has been a preference that has proven to be very beneficial to the student’s exceptional education.
45. The passage mainly talks about _______.
A. how to carry out home schooling
B. the advantages of home schooling
C. home schooling and standard public schooling
D. parents’ preference for home schooling
46. A student trapped in school harassment may not _______.
A. focus his / her attention on learning
B. get along well with others
C. form a good habit of learning
D. form a tight connection with his / her teacher
47. The college and SAT assessments are referred in this passage to prove that _______.
A. the final results of home schooling are doubtful
B. public schooled students do better than home schooled students
C. home schooling is equal to or better than public schooling
D. home schooling may not be beneficial to every person
48. Which of the following may the writer agree with ?
A. Home schooling has more advantages than disadvantages
B. Parents should devote their time to home schooling
C. Home schooling is usually not as effective as expected
D. Many factors should be considered before choosing home schooling
第二部分阅读理解（共两节；满分45分）
第一节阅读短文（共20小题；每小题2分，满分40分）
从每题所给的四个选项（A、Ｂ、Ｃ和Ｄ）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
It was a cold grey day in late November. The weather had changed overnight, when a backing wind brought a pale sky and a muzzling rain with it, and although it was now only a little after two o’clock in the afternoon the gray of a winter evening seemed to have closed upon the hills, surrounding them in mist. It would be dark by four. The leather seats felt damp to the hands, and there must have been a small crack in the roof, because now and again little drips of rain fell softly through, polluting the leather and leaving a dark – blue stain like a spot of ink. The wind came in, at times shaking the coach as it traveled round the bend of the road, and in the exposed places on the high ground it blew with such force that the whole body of the coach trembled and swayed, rocking between the high wheels like a drunken man.
The driver, muffled （裹住） in a greatcoat to his ears, bent almost double in his seat in a faint endeavor to gain shelter from his own shoulders. The few passengers pressed together for warmth, exclaiming all together when the coach sank into a heavier rut （车辙） than usual, and one old fellow, who had kept up a constant complaint ever since he had joined the coach at Truro, rose from his seat in anger; and, feeling with the window – frame, let the window down with a crash, bringing a shower of rain upon himself and his fellow – passengers. He thrust his head out and shouted up to the driver, scolding him in a angry voice for a rogue and a murderer; that they would all be dead before they reached Bodmin if he persisted in driving at dangerous speed; they had no breath left in their bodies as it was, and he would never travel by coach again.
41．What is the main image the author gives in this description?
A．In terrible weather, a coach was running fast in mud with complaining passengers on it.
B．On a cold and rainy day the coach broke and the driver was repairing it on the road.
C．On a cold night the driver and the passengers felt very cold and struggled in the rain.
D．The bad condition of the road resulted in the bad mood of the passengers.
42．Which of the following is correct according to the text?
A．The windows were tightly closed, so the cold air was kept outside the coach.
B．The spot of ink stained leather, so the seats felt damp to the hands.
C．Most probably the roof of the coach was broken.
D．There was a drunken man swaying constantly on the coach.
43．The expression “muffled in a greatcoat to… his own shoulders” implies .
A．the driver felt very cold and tried to change his seat
B．the driver felt comfortable by doing in that way
C．The driver felt very cold and tried to gain warmth
D．The driver tried to protect his ears and shoulders
44．We can learn from the text that .
A．the coach was running slowly due to the bad weather
B．an old passenger who got on the coach at Truro was angry about the windows
C．one of the passengers on the coach was a murderer
D．the few passengers let out exclamations as the coach moved violently
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, sle
ep 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.
57. Which of the following is the author most probably in favor of?
A. Cycling around a lake B. Motor racing in the desert
C. Playing basketball in a gym D. Swimming in a sports center
58. What do we know about golf from the passage?
A. It is popular in Portugal and Spain
B. It causes water shortages around the world
C. It pollutes the earth with chemicals and wastes
D. It needs water and electricity to keep its courses green
59. The author uses power walking as an example mainly because______.
A. it is an outdoor sport B. it improves our health
C. it uses fewer resources D. it is recommended by experts
60. The author writes the passage to ______.
A. show us the function of major sportsB. encourage us to go in for green sports
C. discuss the major influence of popular sports D. introduce different types of environment-friendly sports.
China is having such a huge influence on the United States that many Americans are struggling to learn the Chinese language in a bid to keep competitive.
"Interest in learning Chinese am
ong American youth and their parents has grown quickly in the past five years," said Vivien Stewart, vice president at the Asia Society. China's quick rise to near-superpower and its effects politically, economically and culturally are driving the American's interest to learn the language, experts say. From kindergartens to high schools, studies by the Asia Society show, there is a "rapid rise" in interest among pupils to study the Chinese language.
"The Chinese rich cultural traditions and blossoming economy mean that it is now important for all of our students to be better prepared," said Michael Levine, Asia Society's executive director of education. A survey found that 2,400 high students—an unbelievable high number—would be interested in offering the Advanced Placement(AP) courses in Chinese language and culture when the courses become available in 2006.
China, the worl
d's most populous nation, is important to the United States because it is a leading trader, consumer and investor. Its political influence is also rising across the world. It has replaced the United States as the world's largest consumer and could become the second largest economy in the world, after the United States, in the next two to three decades.
Even though the US State Department has described the Chinese language "critical" to national prosperity and security, "the current facilities to support recruitment (招募)of students and teachers as well as the growth of high quality programs is terribly not enough," an Asia Society study says. The Society has set an aim of having at least five percent of American high school students learning
Chinese by 2015.
"Millions of Chinese are learning English, but only 24,000 Americans are learning Chinese," said Andrew Corcoran of the San Francisco-based Chinese American International School. The most popular languages after English in US schools at present are Spanish and French while Japanese is the most popular Asian language.
53. The underlined word blossoming (Para. 3) means _________.
A. developed B. developing C. old D. weak
54. Why do more and more Americans begin to learn the Chinese language?
A. To keep competitive.B. To gain advantage in trade.
C. Because they are always interested in it. D. To
be a bridge between the two big countries.
55. What problem is the US faced with when it comes to learning Chinese?
A. Too many Chinese are learning English.
B. N
ot many people want to learn foreign languages.
C. The language is rather difficult compared with English.
D. A lack in current facilities to support recruitment of students 
and teachers and programs.
56. What is the best title for this passage?
A. Danger from China B. Foreign Language Learning
C. The Chinese Language gets More Popular D. Difficulties in Learning the Chinese Language
KISSI HEALTH-BEAUTY CENTER
With a busy life and job, pressure can make you look tired and aged. Kissi Health-Beauty Center gives classes, makes training plans accord
ing to your physical conditions, and sets up an individual file. All these things will help you to get to know your body and the way to keep it fit.
BODY-BUILDING
Imported gym equipment will help you build up your body’s muscles, making you look full of energy and strength.
GYMNASTIC EXERCISES
A bright and large exercise room with excellent equipment and music will give your body a chance to enjoy movement with rhythm.
3) SPECIAL “LAZY-BONE” FITNESS CENTER
“Lazy-bone” fitness equipment is the first bodyshaping set of seven beds in Houston. Designed according to human anatomic (解剖学的) and kinematic（运动学的）theory， the seven special beds will help you to exercise your waist, abdomen（腹）, hips（臀）or legs. In the relaxing hours you may try them to strengthen your muscles and lose weight.
*Tuition: “Lazy-bone” fitness card, 1000 dollars /month (gymnastic classes included).
*Open Time: 10:30 a.m. —10:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
*Tel: 59185700
*Address: 16 Johnson Street, Houston
49. The purpose of this passage is to ______.
A. give advice on health B. introduce new ways of body-building
C. ask you to go to the center D. introduce ways to lose weight
50. If you want some exercises as well as relaxation after a busy day, you’ll go to the center and _____.
A. learn anatomic and kinematic theory B. sleep on the special beds
C. join in the gymnastic exercises D. buy a special card
51. Tom Everest who keeps a “Lazy-bone” fitness card can go to the center ______ this week.
A. 11:30 a.m. Monday B. 11:30 p.m. Monday
C. 10:00 a.m. Tuesday D. 10:00 p.m. Tuesday
52. According to the passage, the center wants to show it is _____ .
A. the newest B. the most advanced
C. the most convenient D. the largest
Recently I paid a visit to Harvard University, where there are top class scientists and professors and the best academic system in the world.
I was pretty shocked when I first stepped onto the campus. Well, it's not even really a campus. It's more like a district in a small town.
Harvard's main buildings are from the 18th century. They look very old and simple. You might even say they're a little shabby. They don't fit the modern idea of university at all. The buildings are surrounded by grass and trees, so I felt as if I had walked into a medieval castle. But when I looked across the street, busy shops and in-fashion students made me feel like I was in the 21st century again. It creates a strong contrast and brings a special atmosphere to the school.
Our tour guide Gary took us around and told us: "You see this grass field in the center of the school? Here is where they host their graduation ceremony. They just set up tents and benches and have a very simple ceremony. Unbelievable! Who would think the most talented students just graduate on the lawn?
I saw some students put a blanket on the grass and lie down to read a book. When I listened to the soft sound of pages turning, along with chirping of the birds, I felt very calm. There was no competitive feeling at all.
Harvard has the world's first computer in its science center and there are hundreds of high-end computers too. Its religion and the literature departments are also among the best. It is the perfect mix of tradition and new technology. It makes Harvard a very attractive place to study in.
I hope one day I'll attend my dream school—Harvard.
45．The article is mainly about_____________.
A．the author's campus life in Harvard B．the author's impression of Harvard
C．Harvard's old buildings D．the academic system at Harvard
46．The author was most impressed by_____________, according to the article.
A．Harvard's mix of tradition and new technology
B．the classes held on beautiful lawns at Harvard
C．Harvard students not taking their graduation ceremony seriously
D．the feeling of not living in modern society on the campus
47．What can we conclude from the article?
A．Harvard campus is actually a district of a big city.
B．There are no competitions at Harvard University.
C．Graduation ceremonies are not complex at Harvard.
D．All Harvard buildings date back to the 18th century.
48．According to the article, in which fields is Harvard top in the world?
A．Literature, arts, and law. B．Religion, law and arts.
C．Literature, arts and computer science. D．Religion, computer science and literature.