For many young people, the dream of a lifetime is to travel the world, explore different cultures and landscapes, taste new foods and flavors, and listen to the distinctive sounds of international music and languages.
Unfortunately, few young people have the money or freedom to make this dream come true. But if you can't go out into the world, surely second best is to let the world come to you. And, this year's Shanghai World Expo is exactly where that's happening.
From May 1 to October 31, there will be 194 countries and 50 international organizations on display at the 5-square-km Expo site. Seventy million domestic and international visitors are expected to visit it by the end of October. So, if you can go, you'll be surrounded by people with a wide range of backgrounds, nations, and cultures.
The Expo's theme is "Better City, Better Life". The United Nations estimates that, this year, 55 of the world's people will live in urban settings. This poses a dilemma (困境) for the world's cities: How can they accommodate such a large number of people in a sustainable (可持续的) way? Can they remain places of natural beauty and cultural importance?
Well, that's the challenge the 2010 Expo participants are confronting in a variety of ways. Japan will show off an "eco-breathing" structure to power its building with natural energy like sunlight, rainwater and wind. Germany's pavilion is named "Balancity", which is described as a "balance between innovation (创新) and nature, society and its individuals, work and recreation" (娱乐)
The first themed Expo was held in 1933, and since that time World Expos have featured a participatory and interactive style. The Shanghai Expo is no exception. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in forums to discuss themes like new technology, green energy and conservation.
A trip to the Expo is guaranteed to be much less expensive than a trip around the world. Still, the costs can add up. However, young people can save money by purchasing group or student tickets, which may be available at reduced rates. Many of the participating pavilions offer free samples and treats for the visitors. In addition to handing out free chocolates, the Belgian pavilion will give away a free diamond each week to a visitor who can answer questions related to Belgium.
If you're planning to head to the Shanghai Expo between May and October, don't forget to bring a camera, a notebook, and an open mind (and comfortable shoes). For nearly six months, representatives of the world are coming together to share their best and latest ideas for the future. It's sure to be a memorable experience.
From: http://www.hxen.com/englisharticle./yingyuyuedu/2010-02-09/101092.html
1. Which statement is true according to the passage?
A. You can pay a visit to the Shanghai World Expo at the beginning of this November
B. You can save money by buying student tickets.
C. Whoever comes to the Belgian pavilion will be given a free diamond.
D. How to protest the animals is the theme of the Shanghai World EXPO
2. What dilemma do you think the cities are confronting (面对) now according to the fourth paragraph?
A. How to avoid traffic jams B. How to reduce air pollution
C. How to live peacefully with animals D. How to live harmoniously with nature
3. What's the purpose of the writing the passage?
A. To introduce how to get to the Shanghai World Expo
B. To recommend what to see in the Shanghai World Expo
C. To tell us some information about the Shanghai world Expo.
D. To tell us the history about the World Expo.
4. Where do you think you will probably read this article?
A. In a newspaper B. On a website C. In a magazine D. In a textbook
.
Koeler took special notice of the tall woman who was nicely dressed, but she was wearing ugly, thick-soled(厚底) shoes.
Now the woman was taken to a room for questioning. There it was found that the soles of the shoes were hollow(中空的). They were opened. Some diamonds fell out on the floor. Their total weight was 3377 carats(克拉).
The young woman broke down in tears. Then she told her story. For years she had dreamed of coming to live in America, she said. At last she had managed to get the papers she needed to come to the U.S. Then a strange man called on her. He said he would pay for her trip and give her one hundred dollars. All she had to do was to smuggle the diamonds past the U.S. Customs. The man gave her the shoes and also bought her a plane ticket. Just before she got on the plane, he gave her an envelope. He said that it was the hundred dollars he had promised.
The weeping woman handed the envelope to Koeler. He tore it open. There was only eighteen dollars. She was cheated. In the end the woman was trialed and sentenced to eighteen months in prison for her part in the smuggling.
60. Where did the story happen?
A. At an airport. B. At a police station.
C. At a railway station. D. In a custom office in China.
61. The underlined word “smuggling ” in this passage most probably means_____.
A. 偷税 B. 盗窃 C. 走私 D. 交换
62. The woman had agreed to smuggle the diamonds______.
A. in order to get the papers she needed B. in hope of selling them
C. in return for some money and a free trip D. so as to share them with the man
63. Which is the right order of the events(事件)given in the passage?
a. She wanted to live in the U.S.
b. She arrived in the U.S.
c. She was given an envelope.
d. She was given a plane ticket.
e. She was found out.
f. She was put into prison.
A. a, d, c, b, e, f B. a, b, c, e, f, d
C. a, c, d, b, e, f D. a, b, d, c, e, f
.
"If you're busy preparing for your job interview now, you could learn a lot by watching this show," says Joe Turner.
Mr. Turner says American Idol (美国偶像) has many lessons to teach an employee about making an impression in a job interview, especially selling your strengths and skills.
To win on American Idol, "you don't have to be the best singer, just the most memorable singer," he said. "Same for the job interview — you don't have to be the best employee with the top skills, but you do have to be the most memorable employee worth being hired."
The No.1 thing in an interview and a job search is knowing your audience. For American Idol competitors, the judges and voting (投票的) public are the audience; for job hunters, it's the hiring manager.
Just as talented American Idol competitors lack confidence when singing the wrong song, job hunters can fail to be chosen when they fail to present their skills according to the employer's needs.
"Difference" is how Mr. Turner describes the way American Idol competitors stand out among singers who may be equally good.
In the real world, the right skills, education and experience still make one's ability different or memorable. But it's important for the job hunter to present "something special" that he or she has to offer.
A recent survey suggests that managers often sense whether they'll hire someone within minutes after the first handshake. Just as an Idol competitor prepares for performances, a job hunter should prepare carefully to make the first good impression.
Job hunters also can learn from past American Idol winners who proved an ability to recover from setbacks. If they can take feedback (反馈), make improvements and make sure they're better prepared the next go-round, that will pay off eventually.
72. The purpose of the passage is _________.
A. to persuade readers to take part in American Idol
B. to praise the winners of American Idol
C. to advertise for American Idol
D. to tell job hunters what they can learn from American Idol
73. It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A. if a job hunter fails to be chosen for one job, he or she will never succeed
B. job hunters should distinguish themselves from other applicants when interviewing
C. the skills, education and experience are the keys to your success
D. an American Idol competitor is never the same as a job hunter
74. The underlined word "setbacks" in the last paragraph means __________.
A. failures B. successes
C. performances D. advantages
75. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage ?
A. The reason that you are planning to change your job.
B. The best singer may not win on American Idol.
C. An employer may have the opinion on a job hunter within minutes.
D. How an American Idol competitor can stand out among singers.
.
Opened on October, 27, 1907 and completed in 1908, Union Station (联盟火车站) is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts (古典装饰的) style of architecture. Architect Daniel Buraham designed the building.
At the time it was built, Union Station covered more ground than any other buildings in the United States and was the largest train station in the world. In many ways, Union Station was a city within a city. At various times it employed a staff of over 5,000 people and provided hotel, ice house, first-class restaurant and police station.
As train travel was the means of transportation for even US Presidents in the early 1900s, a Presidential Suite (总统套间) was added to Union Station. In 1909, President Taft was the first President to use the room and over the years many famous people were officially welcomed there. The last President to use the Presidential Suite was President Eisenhower.
For half a century and through two world wars, Union Station served Washington and the US as a major center of transportation and the place for many historic events. On April 14, 1945, a train backed into Union Station carrying the casket (棺材) of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
However, the air travel led to a decline in railroad passengers, and Union Station began to fall into disuse. In 1968, the decision was made to change it into the "National Visitor Center". The project opened in July 4, 1976 but failed to draw enough crowds to sustain（="keep" up） its operation, and was closed in 1978.
While Congress debated the future of Union Station, rain damage caused parts of the roof to fall down. Following three years of repair at a cost of $160 million, Union Station reopened on September 29, 1988.
Today, Union Station continues to make history as the most visited place with over 29 million visitors a year. World-class exhibitions and international cultural events are hosted there for the public to enjoy. Private special events are celebrated in the grand halls. Even today, US Presidents still visit Union Station.
68. What is the passage mainly about?
A. Introduction to Union Station. B. Architecture in the US.
C. Train stations in the US.D. Transportation in the US.
69. Place the following events in the correct order.
a. Union Station reopened.
b. President Taft used the Presidential Suite.
c. The decision was made to change Union Station into the "National Visitor Center".
d. The construction of Union Station was completed.
A. cdbaB. dacbC. dbcaD. acbd
70. The underlined sentence in Paragraph 6 implies that _______.
A. Union Station was a symbol of the US
B. Union Station was of no use
C. the government was unwilling to waste money on Union Station
D. Union Station was not rebuilt immediately
71. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Union Station is still the largest train station in the world.
B. Union Station made great contributions to the United States.
C. The repair work of Union Station lasted several years.
D. Union Station is popular in the US nowadays.
.
Educational Camps 2010
★21st Century Princess Program: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 23-27. For girls 12-15. Girls learn hair care, good manners and the importance of inner beauty. Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2001 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix. $495. www. homewoodsuites. hilton.com. (623) 848-1844.
★Barrow Institute Summer Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, July 23 through Aug. 3. For ages 12-14. Activities include exploring laboratories and researching the effectiveness of treatments and medicines. July 23-27 for beginning students, and July 30-Aug. 3 for advanced students. Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix: $195-$220: www. thebni, com. (602) 716-2028.
★Digital Kids World Summer Camp: 9 a.m.--4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, July 30 through Aug. 17. For kids 6-14. Choose from a variety of technical classes, such as comic book design and video game design. Morning and afternoon camps held in weekly sessions (一段时间). Digital Kids World, 5070 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $150 weekly for kids 6-9; $225 weekly for kids 10-14. www. digitalkidsworld, com. (602) 445-3925.
★Kids Advanced College Program: Mondays through Thursdays, July 30 through Sept. 19. For ages 8-14. Classes include lively computer design, engineering and writing. Prices and times vary. Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. $99--$379. www.pvc.maricopa.edu. (602) 787-6804.
★Camp Zoo: Mondays through Fridays, July 30 through Aug. 13. For ages 4-14. Younger kids work with smaller animals, basic care giving and art projects, while older children explore animal medicine. Morning afternoon, evening and full-day sessions available. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $153-$280 per week. www. phoenixzoo.org. (602) 273-1341.
64. According to the passage, these activities are mainly intended for _________.
A. college students B. teachers C. parents D. children
65. If Mary, aged 12, wants to learn how to behave well, which of the following will she choose?
A. Barrow Institute Summer Camp.B. 21st Century Princess Program.
C. Digital Kids World Summer Camp. D. Kids Advanced College Program.
66. Which of the following can offer you information about animals and animal medicine?
A. (602) 716-2028. B. www. digitalkidsworld. com.
C. (602) 273-1341. D. www.pvc.maricopca.edu.
67. According to the passage, we know that __________.
A. all these activities are held in the same city
B. 21st Century Princess Program lasts the longest
C. the price of Camp Zoo is the highest per week
D. Kids Advanced College Program is popular with plant lovers
.
Once upon a time, there was a seed and because he was only a seed, nobody cared to notice him. Thus, feeling kind of inferior, the seed gave no importance to his existence.
Then one day, a wind picked him up and threw him on an open field under the hot sun. He wanted to know why. But instead of any answer, he was provided with rain besides sunlight, sometimes small and sometimes heavy.
Time flew and years later he saw a traveler sitting by his side. "Thank God for this. I really need some rest," he heard the traveler say.
"What are you talking about?" the seed soon asked. He thought the man was making fun of him. Sure, he had seen many people sitting by his side but no one ever spoke to him like that.
"Who's this?" the man was surprised.
'It's me. The seed."
"The seed?" the man looked at the big tree. "Are you kidding me? you're no seed. You're a big tree?
"Really?"
"Yes! Why do you think people come here? To feel your shade!"
A moment passed before the traveler's words touched the chord (心弦) in him. The seed, now a great tree, smiled for the first time in his life. Years of sufferings from the sun and the rain finally made sense to him.
"Oh! That means I'm not a small seed anymore! I didn't die unnoticed but was born to help people with tiredness. Wow! Now that's a life worth a thousand gems (宝石)!"
60. What does the underlined word "inferior" (in Paragraph 1) probably mean?
A. Not funny. B. Not weak. C. Not good. D. Not interesting.
61. The seed thought the man sitting by his side was laughing at him because _______.
A. the man didn't think the seed was important
B. the seed never thought he could be noticed
C. the man was talking about God with him
D. the man really wanted some rest near him
62. When the seed first heard that he had been a big tree, he felt _______.
A. disappointed B. excited C. doubtful D. satisfied
63. The passage mainly tells us that ________.
A. every life is of some value B. one's existence is in need of a finder
C. life goes on no matter what happens D. failure is the mother of success