The dog that gave us the most trouble was a beagle (猎兔犬) named Murphy．As far as I’m concerned, the first thing he did wrong was to turn into a beagle．I had seen him bounding around on the other side of a pet-shop window, and I went in and asked the man, “How much is that adorable fox terrier (小猎狗) in the window?” Did he say “That adorable fox terrier is a beagle”? No, he said, “Ten dollars, lady.” Now, I don’t mean to say one word against beagles．They have rights just like other people．But it is a bit of a shock when you bring home a small ball of fluff (绒毛) in a shoebox, and three weeks later it’s as long as the sofa．
Murphy was the first dog I ever trained personally, and I was delighted at the enthusiasm with which he took to the newspaper．It was some time later that we discovered, to our horror, that—like so many dogs—he had grasped the letter but not the spirit of the thing．Until the very end of his days he felt a real sense of duty whenever he saw a newspaper—any newspaper—and it didn’t matter where it was．I can’t bring myself to go into the details, except to mention that we were finally forced to keep all the papers in the bottom of the icebox．
He had another habit that used to leave us open to a certain amount of criticism from our friends．He never climbed up on beds or chairs or sofas．But he always sat on top of the piano．In the beginning we used to try to pull him off．But after a few noisy fights in which he knocked a picture off the wall, scratched the piano, and smashed a lamp, we just gave in—only to discover that he hopped up and down as skillfully as a ballet dancer．
Nowadays if I go anywhere, I just ask if they have a dog．If they do, I say, “Maybe I’d better keep away from it—I have bad allergy.” This sometimes annoys the host．But it works．It really works.
56．The writer uses a hyperbole (夸张) in Paragraph 1 to suggest that the dog grew _____________.
A．surprisingly lovable B．comfortable in the house
C．too fierce to tolerate D．larger than expected
57．Which sentence shows the author’s inability to train Murphy?
A．I had seen him bounding around on the other side of a pet-shop window.
B．We were finally forced to keep all the papers in the bottom of the icebox.
C．He never climbed up on beds or chairs.
D．Nowadays if I go anywhere, I just ask if they have a dog．
58．What can you infer from the second paragraph?
A．The writer tried to train Murphy to fetch newspapers but in vain.
B．Like other dogs, Murphy hated newspapers.
C．Murphy learned to help the writer clean the papers.
D．Murphy liked fetching letters rather than newspapers.
59．Which can be the best title of the passage?
A．Murphy—My Favorite Dog B．Murphy—An Adorable Dog
C．Murphy Gave Me Trouble D．Murphy Turned Into A Beagle
An American research company shows that $248.7 billion online sales are expected by 2014. It seems as if we can’t get enough of spending money through countless online clicks today. Following are some of the incredible things that you can buy online!
1) Parents
51-year-old Michael Amatrudo from Connecticut put a posting on Craig list in 2009 to sell his elderly parents, asking for $155 in return.
2) Chewing Gum
Bidding for Britney Spears’ chewing gum reached $14,000 in 2004. The pop star’s half-eaten sandwich also went for over $500.
3) Kidney Stone
Star Trek actor William Shatner sold his kidney stone for $20,000 when he put it up for sale online to see how much a piece of him was worth. He ended up giving the money to charity.
4) An Imaginary Friend
This imaginary guy went (or might still be going) by the name of Jon Malipieman and was sold on eBay for $3,000 by a man who claimed:
“My imaginary friend Jon Malipieman is getting too old for me now. I am now 27 and I feel I am growing out of him. He is very friendly. Along with him, I will send you what he likes and dislikes, his favorite things to do and his personal self portrait.”
5) Souls
The website demonical.com is probably the creepiest site I have ever visited. You can sell your own soul or buy the souls of people such as Fidel Castro and Woody Allen (both selling for $950). Bill Gate, whoever that is, has his soul for sale at $1,300 while Michael Jacobsen’s soul is being sold for $3000.
6) A Rock That Looks Like Meat
The screen shot from eBay tells us that people are bidding over $1 million for this “naturally formed bbq pork rock”. Absolute madness.What is the author’s purpose for writing the passage?
| A．To introduce some unbelievable things online. |
| B．To call on customers to resist the products. |
| C．To attract readers to visit the related websites. |
| D．To encourage readers to buy the things online. |
Which is probably sold at the highest price according to the passage?
| A．Chewing Gum. | B．Kidney Stone. |
| C．An Imaginary Friend. | D．A Rock That Looks Like Meat. |
According to the text, _____ is most likely to have starred in a film.
| A．Britney Spears | B．William Shatner |
| C．Jon Malipieman | D．Fidel Castro |
What can be inferred from the text?
| A．Michael Amatrudo charged a high price for selling his elderly parents. |
| B．William Shatner sold the kidney stone so as to donate the money to charity. |
| C．Jon Malipieman was sold because he was not wanted any longer. |
| D．The soul of Michael Jacobsen is worth more than that of Woody Allen. |
My father passed away in a nursing home on a September day. I never remembered him telling me he loved me. Upon hearing his death, I didn’t feel the need to cry. I struggled with my lack of strong feelings over his passing, knowing it was not healthy for me to avoid sadness.
On Christmas Day of the year, I was reflecting on as many good memories of my father as I could. I decided to work out my feelings, so I sat down and wrote my father a letter.
Dear Daddy,
I remember something today. I remember when I was 3 years old, mom carried me right before bedtime and you sang “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep” to me, and I remember your voice like it was just yesterday. I remember the warmth of you lying next to me and how special I felt at that moment. Then my mom carried me off to my own bed to tuck me in.
I remember times when I could sit out on the porch with you and watch an approaching thunderstorm, and you would tell me the scientific facts behind lightning and thunder. I thought you knew everything.
I remember you taking my two brothers and me on trips to a stream out in the country on summer days. We would walk along the stream, picking wildflowers to take home to mother.
I want to thank you for giving me an appreciation of nature and science and of God’s beautiful creation, Earth. I want to thank you for making us take part in “family worship” every evening after dinner. I remember that Bible stories and the Golden Rule on how to treat others, and I learnt how to appreciate music in my life from the hymns we sang. I also learnt to harmonize with my sisters.
And most of all, I want to forgive you. I forgive you for not being able to tell me that I was a special girl and that you loved me. I longed for your spoken affection. But I realize something in your own upbringing would not allow you to express your feelings verbally（口头地）. I realize that you did the best that you could with what you knew.
I signed the letter and put it into my wooden box to join many other cards and letters from my family and loved ones that I cherished. But somehow, it had not brought any relief I desired.
On New Year’s Eve, I remember the letter to my father. I took it outside to the yard. Then I built a fire and dropped it into the flame and watched it burn.
As I thanked my father for giving me life, the tears came. I released all the grief and whispered, “you were my father… and I love you.”Why did the writer struggle with the feelings upon hearing her father’s death?
| A．Because she couldn’t accept her father’s death. |
| B．Because she wanted to hold back her sadness. |
| C．Because she knew she should have felt sad. |
| D．Because she had a mixed feeling of love and hatred. |
The writer spent much happy time doing memorable things with father EXCEPT that ___.
| A．father sang songs for her before bedtime |
| B．father taught her nature, science, and history |
| C．father took her on trips in nature |
| D．father read Bible stories for her |
It can be inferred from the text that ______.
| A．the writer burned the letter directly after finishing writing it |
| B．father’s growth influenced his way of expressing himself |
| C．the writer never expected father to express his true feelings |
| D．the writer didn’t forgive her father completely after his death |
Which can be chosen as the best title for the story?
| A．Daddy, I miss you. |
| B．A regretful letter to father |
| C．Happy time with daddy |
| D．The flames of forgiveness |
Many people rely on a cup of coffee or two to wake them up in the morning or pick them up during the working day, but now a chemist has come up with a speedy alternative to crafting a cup of coffee.
U.S. biochemist Ben Yu has created Sprayable Energy, which claims to be the world’s first caffeine - based topical energy spray. He said tired workers can spray a `shot` of caffeine onto their skin without experiencing a strong buzz, loading up on unnecessary calories or being stuck with a nasty aftertaste like they might get from drinking energy drinks or coffee.
The patent-pending caffeine spray is an odorless liquid that is absorbed through the skin and distributed through the body over a number of hours to deliver a caffeine hit that apparently lasts longer than guzzling a cup of coffee.
Each small aluminum bottle of Sprayable Energy contains around 160 sprays - the equivalent amount of caffeine to 40 cups of coffee and the creators say it is a much cheaper way of getting a caffeine fix than popping to a café. The only active ingredient in the spray is caffeine, which can naturally enter the human body through the skin by passing through cell membranes（细胞膜） as it is very similar to nicotine in structure. Each spritz of Sprayable Energy contains around a quarter of the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee, but apparently has the same effect as a full cup.
The website said: `The reason for this is our product not being ingested, isn’t almost entirely metabolized（新陈代谢） by the liver before entering your system and becoming available to your body.Thus, a smaller amount of caffeine can have just the same effect as a very large amount of caffeine ingested through an energy drink or cup of coffee. The website recommends that users apply the spray in places where they normally spritz perfume, such as the neck or wrists, but warns users not to exceed 20 sprays a day.
It claims that after spraying the product on the skin, users will feel awake and focused without being over-stimulated, which is common with coffee and energy drinks.What can we learn about Sprayable Energy from the passage? _______.
| A．A bottle of Sprayable Energyis cheaper than 40 cups of coffee. |
| B．Sprayable Energy lets users not worry about taking in unnecessary calories. |
| C．Sprayable Energy can be used at least 20 sprays a day |
| D．The caffeine spray is a colorless liquid that is absorbed through the skin. |
What can conclude from the passage ?
A, Sprayable Energy can be taken by mouth.
B. Before Sprayable Energy is absorbed by body, the liver entirely metabolizes it
C. Sprayable Energy has not already gone into mass production
D. each spritz of Sprayable Energy has the same effect as a full cup of coffeeYou will probably read this passage in the column of___________.
| A．Food | B．Health |
| C．Entertainment | D．Energy. |
What’s the best title of this passage?
| A．Sprayable Energy----cheaper but more effective |
| B．Sprayable Energy----now or never |
| C．Sprayable Energy----a latest energy spray |
| D．Sprayable Energy----a new kind of coffee |
Men have long been puzzled by the amount women pack, when they go on holiday. They despair when they watch their beloved spend much money on extra baggage charge. Nearly half of these women admitted to lying about the weight of their case to their partner before leaving for the airport, in fear of being made to unload some unnecessary items.
But it’s a fact that women pack more than they need. On average, a woman needs around 57 items in suitcase for a two-week holiday, yet most women pack nearer to 150 items, ranging from skirts, tops, underwear and high heels. In addition, women pack more sun cream, make-up and hair appliances than they were likely to need. They all take up space in the suitcase, only a third of them will see the light of day once at the holiday place.
79 percent of women admitted to taking extra items with them, with the reason for this being “just in case”. Women plan their holiday wardrobe(衣橱) months in advance. Packing enough clothes and other items to last a month is not enough for some women. They’d take a chance to shop for new items while holidaying abroad. So they’ll return with even more luggage in their cases.
Professor Karen Pine said: “Women are tempted to take familiar items with them on holiday, often everything except the kitchen sink. Some people find traveling stressful, particularly when they’re unsure about the home comforts available at their holiday place. They over-pack to help cope with those feelings of stress and reduce the uncertainty.”
This will come as no surprise to some men, who are used to trying to squeeze their partner’s luggage into the boot of the car with their own, smaller case. On the other hand, men pack very lightly, with only an average of 40 items for a two-week holiday.Women pack too much on holiday because_________.
| A．they want to show off their items |
| B．they prefer a more comfortable holiday |
| C．they are afraid they’ll need them during the holiday |
| D．they would like to clean their clothes wardrobe very much |
How does a man feel about his wife packing too much?
| A．Opposed | B．Supportive |
| C．Positive | D．Surprised |
What do Dr Pine’s words imply?
| A．Going on holiday will cost a lot. |
| B．Women don’t prefer to go on a holiday. |
| C．It’s understandable that women over-pack in a sense. |
| D．People tend to feel tired and stressed on holiday. |
Which of the following is true according to the passage?
| A．All the items women take during their holiday are not of great use to them. |
| B．Women often tell their partners what they are going to take in advance. |
| C．Women will still buy new items when going abroad beacause what they take is not enough. |
| D．Men are indifferent towards their wife’s strange behaviours. |
Real Estate Accountant
Growing Real Estate Company located in New York City is currently seeking a qualified individual to assist the Controller.
The ideal candidate should have college credits and 2+ years experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger and tenant interface. Prior Real Estate experience is a must.
All resumes submitted MUST be e-mailed in Word format DIRECTLY to Trandon @trandon.com. Please include current salary requirements.
Bookkeeper
We are currently seeking an experienced Bookkeeper at our Newtown Square, PA office. The part-time, flexible, hourly position requires a conscientious, detail-oriented and organized individual who can work in a fast paced team environment and maintain a high degree of accuracy.. Excellent multi-tasking abilities, excellent math, written and verbal communication skills as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and good interpersonal skills are required. Salary is based on experience. No benefits provided. Experience is preferred.
All resumes submitted MUST be e-mailed to NS@bookuser.com
Senior Sales Representative
We are currently seeking self-motivated, results oriented sales professionals eager to join our growing sales team. This position provides for ample growth opportunity.
The candidate should have demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence decision makers and bale to independently solve roadblocks and problems and develop creative sales solutions. 5 years sales experience (experience selling services will be considered a plus) is a must and college degree is preferred. You are also encouraged to be creative and take chances and work in a supportive team environment
Send resume via email to HR@utilisave.com
Data Analyst Specialist-NSH000201
The mission of our Data Analyst Specialist is to participate in the ongoing process to improve the data collection and reporting mechanisms necessary to facilitate patient care. In this role, you will be responsible for providing patient records, evaluating departmental performance and performing strategic planning.
Associates Degree in Business, Computer Science or Health related field is required. Bachelor's Degree is preferred. You are supposed to have minimum of three (3) years administrative experience (related experience will be considered a plus)with demonstrated ability in computer applications and current knowledge of related hardware, software and applications.
Please note: North Shore-LIJ is a smoke-free environment.
Send your resume via email to NS@.northshore.comWhat do these advertisements have in common?
| A．All the candidates should have experience. |
| B．All demand computer skills. |
| C．All require college degrees. |
| D．All are applied online. |
Mary is a mother of 2 children, but she wants to earn some extra money. She must cook 3 meals for her children. Which job do you think she is most suitable for?
| A．Real Estate Accountant. | B．Bookkeeper. |
| C．Senior Sales Representative. | D．Data Analyst Specialist. |
John is seeking for a job where he can improve himself; he should send his email to _____.
| A．HR@utilisave.com | B．NS@bookuser.com |
| C．NS@northshor.com | D．Trandon@trandon.com |