I don’t like getting up too early unless I have to. When you’re filming, you’ve got ma
ke-up on, which doesn’t happen often. As I’m not filming at present I’ll get up at 8:30.
Work normally means Matt coming over to my house about 10 am. We’re writing at the moment. We’ll chat for a bit before going to my study. One of us will have an idea for a sketch （梗概）, we’ll talk about the characters and when we feel we have enough we’ll start writing.
Matt and I met at the National Youth Theatre in 1990 and started doing shows together in ’95, at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. We know we’re onto something if we’ve made each other laugh, and that’s a really special moment. It’s not always like that, but we’re comfortable enough with each other that we can be honest and go. Some days you’re not in the mood to be funny—like writing when my dad was dying of cancer, or when Matt was separating from his partner.
We stop for lunch and sometimes go to Wagamama in Camden, but last time we were followed by paparazzi （狗仔队）, which gets you down—who wants to be pictured eating noodles?
When I’m not writing with Matt I work on other projects. My second children’s book comes out later in the year. It’s called Mr. Stink. The first one I dedicated to my three-year-old nephew, Eddie. Both books have been illustrated by Quentin Blake; it’s been a thrill to work with him—like 20 years ago reading a Roald Dahl book and looking at those drawings, then one day that person illustrates your work… magical.
At 5 I go swimming in Soho. My trainer makes me do horrible exercises, but I always feel better after.
Being in all day, I like to go out in the evening and look smart, but not like I’ve come out of the City. I’m a tall, broad guy and well-dressed.
For dinner I’ll meet friends. When you’re a single guy it’s great to have some good female friends. Or I might take my mum to 
the theatre, as I know she really appreciates it. I like watching TV comedy shows to see what everyone’s doing. When you see something impressive it makes you work harder. I also love Larkin’s poems: they don’t try to transcend （超越） the commonplace; they’re muc
h more straightforward.
Poetry is great to dip into before going to bed, rather than falling asleep reading a novel and being confused over what you’ve read or not. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in seven years; unfortunately, I rely on pills. I’ve tried everything. If I could wish anything for myself, I’d wish I could sleep better.
56. It can be inferred from the passage that _________.
A. the author spends much time with his friends
B. the author and Matt are both famous in the district
C. the author doesn’t care much about what to wear
D. the author works at home and seldom goes out every day
57. Where does the passage most likely appear?
A. In a travel diary. B. In a news column.
C. In an online diary. D. In a research paper.
58. Why does the author read some poetry before going to bed?
A. Because poetry can often bring him some funny ideas.
B. Because poetry is much easier to understand than novels.
C. Because poetry is very abstract and reflects unusual things.
D. Because poetry can be of some help for him to kill time.
59. What might be the best title for the passage?
A. A day’s work with Matt B. A new life-style
C. A life in the day D. A good way to write
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a planet in the Milky Way (银河系)? While the trip sounds exciting, it would take years and years to reach your destination. So in the future, bedtime for astronauts may be more than a few hours of regular shut eye. They would have to sleep for years.
European researchers are now conducting hibernation experiments. The study may help them understand whether humans could ever sleep through the years it would take for a space flight to distant planets. "If there was an effective technology, it could make deep-space travel a reality," said Mark Ayre of the European Space Agency last month.
What seems like a science fiction is not completely unlikely. Researchers have been able to use chemicals to put living cells into a sleep-like state where they don’t age. They have now moved on to the small, non-hibernating mammals (哺乳动物) like rats.
A major challenge is the fact that cells can be very simple systems, whereas body organs are far more complex (复杂的). "It’s like moving from a simple Apple computer to a supercomputer," said Marco Biggiogera, a hibernation researcher at Italy’s University of Pavia．Just like bears and frogs, the hibernation of human beings would cause a person’s metabolism (新陈代谢) to lower so they would need less energy.
Medical research, however, is just half of a space flight hibernation system. There is a challenge of designing a suitable protective shelter (栖身所). Such a shelter would provide the proper environment for hibernation, such as the proper temperature. It would also have to monitor (监控) life functions and serve the physiological needs of the hibernator.
According to Ayre, the six-person Human Outer Planets Exploration Mission (使命) to Jupiter’s moon (木星的卫星) Callisto could be an opportunity to use human hibernation. The mission aims to send six persons on a five-year flight to Callisto, where they will spend 30 days, in 2045.According to the article, the hibernation research ______.
| A．is just an idea | B．is always a science fiction |
| C．has already finished successfully | D．has made some progress |
In a hibernating state, a person needs ______.
| A．less sleep | B．more food | C．less energy | D．more movement |
The first try of the hibernation technology _____ the six-person Human Outer Planets
Exploration Mission to Jupiter’s moon Callisto.
| A．will be | B．has been planned for |
| C．is certain to be | D．may be |
What is the best title of the article?
| A．Hibernation Study For Space Travel | B．Welcome To Our Space Travel |
| C．To Hibernate, To Live Longer | D．Welcome To The Milky Way |
Never in the history of Sierra Leone’s elections have women so actively engaged in politics or competed for parliamentary seats. In the past, women did the dancing and cooking for elections campaigning. In the May 14th elections, we saw over 168 women candidates competitive for President, Vice President and Parliamentary seats.
One would think that about 60% of these women would have emerged as winners. But it was not so, because of our cultural perception of women. We need to change our culture. Women could be active politicians. The Christians in their own way encouraged women to be preachers(传教士) but the Muslim leaders say women should not head for officiating(主持) prayers.
The same happens in certain parts of the country where women are not part of decision taken in male secret societies. This prevents them from achieving some of their goals. A senior head in one of the ministries told me that she was getting problems with some of her staff members especially the male staff. Most women that come from the Northern part of country experience such problems. Some men are saying that a woman cannot be their leader.
Some women are also prejudiced against their women folks. In the last elections, most woman did not support their colleagues. In some parts of the country, because they are not members of secret societies they were not allowed to contest for chieftaincies (酋长或首领的位置). However, Sierra Leones not withstanding the cultural prejudice against women has witnessed women occupying high public offices. They have been appointed to head certain areas.
Sierra Leone is moving from its past culture. We need a change in our culture. Women all over the world are recognized one way or the other as they are now involved in the use of technology. We now see women as air pilots, and they even attempt to go to travel in space.In the past, women in Sierra Leone _______.
| A．took active part in politics | B．contested for parliamentary seats |
| C．danced and cooked for the election campaigning | D．shared the equal rights with men |
About 60% of the women engaged in election would have succeeded if . .
| A．there were less prejudice against women | B．less Muslim leaders had objected |
| C．more women had been engaged in the election | D．more preachers had supported them |
The author concludes that the women candidates can’t win the competitive vote because .
| A．women is more suitable for the dancing and cooking job |
| B．women candidates can’t get the support of their folks |
| C．women prejudice still exists in today’s society |
| D．women are not capable enough to be a chieftain |
The main idea of the passage is .
| A．the prejudice against women in various fields |
| B．women in Sierra Leone, striving for their political rights |
| C．women in Sierra Leone, challenge for men’s status |
| D．women in Sierra Leone, being involved in politics |
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． |
The United States is trying to improve an edueation system that produces millions of citizens who cannot read, write, or add—let alone finding their country on a map.
In his first State of Union message since taking office a year ago, President George Bush promised to wipe out illiteracy(文盲) in the next decade and declared that“by the year 2008, U.S students must be first in the world in math and science achievements. ” They have a long way to go. American students were placed 14th in a recent general science test conducted in 16 countries. In a separate survey of chemistry students, the United States came 12 out of 14. In a mathematics test, they were last. According to Bush, there are 17 million illiterates in this country of 245 million people. Other estimates put the number as high as 23 million. In percentage terms, that ranks the United States alongside Niearague and below Cuba. “This nation,”Bush said in his State of the Union address, “will not accept anything but excellent in education.” Bush, who has declared himself “Education president”, and senior officals of his administration are warning that the United States will be unable to compete in the world without an educated workforce.
How to increase educational standards is a matter of debate in a country whose schools have no uniform national curriculum and are subject to a confusing variety of state and local controls. Most experts think that the problem lies at the elementary and high school'levels rather than with universities-but even their graduates show huge gaps in general knowledge. Among the root causes most frequently mentioned in education debates is the low respect in which U.S. society holds teachers-in contrast to Japan and Germany. In Japan teaching is a profession of high prestige(威望) and high pay. In the United States teachers are near the bottom of the society.By“the United States came 12 out of 14”(Para. 2), the author means .
| A．the United States ranked 12th not 14th in the chemistry test |
| B．the United States ranked 12th in the chemistry test conducted by 14 countries |
| C．the United States progressed from 14th to 12th in the chemistry test |
| D．the United States ranked 12th in chemistry test and 14th in general science test |
The cause of low educational level in America include the following EXCEPT that .
| A．some problems exist in primary and secondary education |
| B．society keeps teachers in low respect |
| C．America pays more attention to economy instead of education |
| D．America has no uniform national courses |
Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
| A．President Bush carried out his promise made in his first State of Union message. |
| B．The education in Japan and Germany is in higher level. |
| C．According to Bush, the number of illiterates accounts for 9% of the total. |
| D．Teachers in the United States enjoy good treatment and great respect. |
Which of the following is the right order of the least-first of the percent of illiterates?
| A．Germany, Cuba, Nicaragua. | B．Germany, Nicaragua, Cuba. |
| C．Nicaragua, Japan, Cuba. | D．Cuba, Japan, Nicaragua. |
What do literary greats Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Burns have in common? They both lived and wrote in Edinburgh, along with many other big names in the field of literature. This fact helped UNESCO (联合国教科文组织) award the city the title of world's first City of Literature on October 14.
Edinburgh left a lasting impression on Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930). Although he was born there he went to school in England but returned home for medical school. After graduating he moved to London and began writing his Sherlock Holmes stories. His inspiration for the character came from one of his professors at university. Holmes' methods were so clever that they actually furthered the advance of the study of criminology (犯罪学).
Robert Burns (1759-1796) is still regarded as Scotland's national poet, more than 200 years after his death. He is celebrated all over the world through translations of his work and the annual Burns Night supper on his birthday. One of his songs, "My Love is Like a Red Red Rose" ranks among the finest love songs ever written and "Auld Lang Syne" (友谊地久天长) is sung all around the world．
As one of the first literate societies in Europe, the Scottish Parliament passed the world's first compulsory (义务) education law in 1496. By the 1790s, almost all Scots could read． Visitors to Scotland often observed that even the lowest members of society had copies of Burns' poems and other books.Edinburgh was awarded the title of world's first City of Literature because _____.
| A．the first award ceremony of literature was held there |
| B．many literary greats like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Burns were born there |
| C．it left a deep impression on many literary greats like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle |
| D．many literary greats like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Burns often wrote about it |
Arthur Conan Doyle was remembered mainly for his _____.
| A．detective stories | B．love poems and songs |
| C．contribution to the study of criminology | D．clever writing skill |
In honour of Robert Burns, _____.
| A．"My Love is Like a Red Red Rose" and "Auld Lang Syne" are sung all around the world |
| B．his works are translated into many languages every year |
| C．a celebration is held more than 200 years after his death |
| D．a celebration is held every year on his birthday |
In the last paragraph, the writer mainly discussed _____.
| A．the impression of visitors to Scotland |
| B．how Burn’s poems are popular in Scotland |
| C．the possible history reasons for many literary greats in Scotland |
| D．how the world’s first compulsory education law was made |