The gigantic dam of the multi-function water control facility would be finished nine months ahead of schedule, said an engineer who is in charge of the Three Gorges Project. He said by June, the workers would have built the half-done dam from the southern bank of the river to the height of 185 meters. The Three Gorges Project will be capable of controlling the floods on the Yangtze by then and generating more electricity. And the level of the water stored in the reservoir will rise from 135 meters at present to 156 meters.
Situated near the Xiling Gorge, the easternmost gorge of the Three Gorges on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam is designed to have a length of 2,309 meters and a height of 185 meters.
It will also have the functions for flood control, power generation and navigation. It will be built from northern and southern banks of the Yangtze, which has been troubled by floods for hundreds of years.
Launched in 1993, the Three Gorges Project, including the 185-meter-high dam and 26 generators on both banks of the Yangtze, is being built in three phases. The preparations and construction of the first phase were carried out between 1993 and 1997. The Yangtze was dammed at the Three Gorges area for the first time on November 8, 1997.
The entire Three Gorges Project is expected to be completed in 2009 and by then, it will be able to generate 84.7 billion kwh of electricity every year.
63. The underlined word in the fourth paragraph might mean ____.
A. places B. periods C. gorges D. dams
64. According to the passage, we know _______.
the construction will be completed ahead of time
the biggest function of the dam is used to control flood
the Three Gorges Dam will be finished in ten years
the dam will be 156 meters tall when it is finished
65. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The Yangtze River was first dammed in the year 1993.
B. The water level in the reservoir will remain at 135 meters.
C. The Three Gorges Dam is on the easternmost part of the river.
D. The first phase of this project is finished in 1997.
A couple of years ago, those who forecast that oil price would reach $ 100 a barrel were seen as doomsters. However, now some are predicting $ 200 a barrel.
Had economists been told that oil price would barely pause at $ 100 before reaching the recent peak of nearly $ 127, they would no doubt have forecast terrible economic consequences. But the global economy, though interrupted by the high price of energy, is still chugging along. Meanwhile, inflation has picked up, but the headline rates of inflation (通货膨胀率) in most developed countries are nowhere near the levels seen in the 1970s and 1980s.
There are three explanations for the oil price’s unclear impact. The first is that nowadays developed economies are more efficient in their use of energy, thanks partly to the increased importance of service industries and the diminished role of manufacturing(制造业). According to the Energy Information Administration, the energy intensity of America’s GDP fell by 42% between 1980 and 2007.
A second theory is that the oil-price rise has been steady, not sudden, giving the economy time to adjust. Giovanni Serio of Goldman Sachs points out that in 1973 there was a severe supply shock because of the oil embargo(石油禁运), when the world had to cope with 10%-15% less crude almost overnight. Not this time.
The third explanation turns the argument on its head; rather than oil harming the global economy, it is global expansion that is driving up the price of oil.
The most important factor is the shift in favor of the developing economies. America has responded to high price in familiar fashion: UBS forecasts that demand will drop by 1.1% this year and will be no higher in 2010 than it was in 2004. But the demand from China and other emerging markets is more than offsetting(抵消) this shortfall.What is the passage mainly talking about?
| A．The prediction of economists. | B．The situation of economy |
| C．The increase of oil price | D．The American response to high price |
How many explanations for the oil price’s impact are mentioned in the passage?
| A．Two | B．Three | C．Four | D．Five |
What can we conclude from the passage?
| A．In USA, the demand for oil in 2010 will be very high. |
| B．In USA, the demand for oil in 2010 will be higher than it was in 2004. |
| C．In USA, the demand for oil in 2010 will be as high as it was in 2004. |
| D．In USA, the demand for oil in 2010 will be as low as it was in 2004. |
The new studies show that fewer than half of the 9th graders in many of the nation’s largest cities, can ever graduate. The studies clearly show that the dropout rate isn’t dropping. And, in particular, the dropout rate isn’t dropping for poor and minority students.
Amazingly, though so many regret the rising dropout rate, our schools continue to lack formal plans--or any plans--to teach students motivation(动机). Most schools have no game plan to ensure that students understand that school will be completely necessary. Schools expect youth and children to act as though school is important, but they never teach them to believe that.
Years ago, families ensured that theoffspringrecognized the value of school. But in many modern families, the children may fail to recognize the importance of school life just because these families may actually tell the child that school is not important. Since many families are not motivating their children to be interested students, youth professionals, like teachers may need to provide this training. Otherwise, it is likely the dropout rate will continue not to drop, but only worsen.
Here are some strategies to convince even the most apathetic (无动于衷的) students that they must stay in school.
Ask students if they will ever need to work: The world has changed. 100 years ago, factory work was the booming job, and it required no education. Today, factories are increasingly automated. Most computer-related jobs require education and at least a high school diploma.
Ask students which century they will be prepared for: In 1900, the most common jobs were farm laborer and domestic servant—education not needed. Now, the most common jobs are office and sales worker—education and diploma usually needed. An amazing 6 out of 10 people today work in a store or office.
Ask students to devise a way that the employee could be replaced. For example, the coming trend in fast food is to use computers rather than people to run the restaurant. A prototype is apparently already being tested. The students should discover that most jobs that lack education and diploma requirements may be ripe for automation. What does the underlined part mean in Paragraph1?
| A．Few students can afford to go to school in large cities. |
| B．A large number of the 9th grades can graduate now. |
| C．There are still quite a few 9th graders leaving school early. |
| D．Most schools in large cities have fewer and fewer students. |
Without the help of youth professionals,_____.
| A．more and more families will gradually recognize the value of school. |
| B．some parents will be more convinced of their children’s future. |
| C．it is likely that the dropout rate in schools won’t continue to drop. |
| D．the schools will make proper plans to solve the problems with dropout. |
The author takes factory work for example mainly to ______.
| A．tell us that many jobs requires certain education in the past |
| B．show that there are more factory work and employment in modern society |
| C．show that employment in the computer field grows at a high rate |
| D．emphasize that modern jobs require education and schools are necessary |
It can be inferred that______.
| A．both schools and families should answer for the high dropout rate |
| B．many new jobs don’t need children’s high school diploma |
| C．working in a store doesn’t require a high school diploma |
| D．most schools are ready to help students recognize the importance of study |
If students play the “Replace Me” game, the result would be “______”.
| A．They will know that they can ‘always’ do without a diploma |
| B．More of them will drop out early to go to work |
| C．They will discover that lack education is a disadvantage in choosing jobs |
| D．They will become better at using computers to hunt for a job |
Hello, Chicago. If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy(民主)，tonight is your answer.
……
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $ 5 and $ 10 and $ 20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy(冷漠), who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished(消失)from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn’t do this just to win an election. And I know you didn’t do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime—two wars, a planet in peril(危亡), the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
……
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there. This passage is most probably taken from a (an)_______.
| A．report | B．lecture | C．speech | D．announcement |
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
| A．The speaker has won an election campaign which is quite important for him. |
| B．The speaker feels they are unlikely to make their ancestors’ dream come true. |
| C．The speaker thinks America is a nation that lacks democracy. |
| D．The speaker’s campaign was launched in the nation’s capital. |
The purpose of the speaker is to do the following except______.
| A．expressing thanks to his supporters |
| B．discussing the challenges that lie ahead |
| C．urging Americans to unite for the bright future of the nation |
| D．warning the people against two terrible wars in store |
We can see from the passage that the speaker is a (an)_______person.
| A．unreliable | B．determined | C．narrow-minded | D．humorous |
Chief Executive Office
Lahore Stock Exchange
Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) is the 2nd largest exchange of the country with a workforce of almost 150 employees. The Exchanges of Pakistan are currently undergoing a major reform program involving shareholding(使成为股东制) in order to develop the capital markets further.
We seek a dynamic(精干的), forward-thinking Chief Executive with ability to provide strong leadership and effective management to deliver its organization goals and strategic plan. The successful candidate(候选人) should have the business both pre and post shareholding with a proven record.
The candidate should have minimum of 7 years of experience along with a business related degree or other professional qualifications. However, a strong record of achievement, excellent communication and team building skill are equally important. International qualifications or experience will be an added advantage together with the knowledge of the local corporate environment.
Compensation package will be highly attractive and match the position. If you are interested in a strategic leadership role and be part of an organization to make a difference, please write to:
Head of Human Resources, Lahore Stock Exchange (Guarantee)Ltd,
19th Khayaban- e- Aiwan –e- Iqbal, Lahore, Pakistan, together with your Curriculum Vitae and latest passport sized photograph. What is NOT true about LSE?
| A．It’s Lahore Stock Exchange |
| B．It’s one of the largest exchanges in Pakistan. |
| C．It’s developing Pakistan’s capital city |
| D．It’s located in Khayaban- e- Aiwan –e- Iqbal, Lahore, Pakistan |
What is wanted according to this advertisement?
A. A Chief Executive Office B. A Chief Executive
B. Head of Human Resources D.A candidateWhat does the underline word compensation probably mean?
| A．Salary | B．Job | C．Equipment | D．Food |
There was one thought that air pollution affected only the area immediately around large cities with factories and heavy automobile traffic. At present, we realize that although these are the areas with the worst air pollution, the problem is worldwide. On several occasions over the past decade, a heavy cloud of air pollution has covered the east of the United States and brought health warnings in rural areas away from any major concentration （集中）of manufacturing and automobile traffic. In fact, the very climate of the entire earth may be infected by air pollution.
Some scientists consider that the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the air resulting from the burning of coal and oil is creating a “greenhouse effect” - raising the world’s average temperature. If this view is correct and the world’s temperature is raised only a few degrees, much of the polar ice will melt and cities such as New York, Boston, Miami, and New Orleans will be in water.
Another view, less widely held, is that increasing particular matter in the atmosphere is preventing sunlight and lowering the earth’s temperature - a result that would be equally disastrous. A drop of just a few degrees could create something close to a new ice age, and would make agriculture difficult or impossible in many of our top farming areas. Today we do not know for sure that either of these conditions will happen though one recent government reports that the greenhouse effect is very possible. Perhaps, if we are lucky enough, the two tendencies will offset（抵消）each other and the world’s temperature will stay about the same as it is now. Driven by economic profits, people don’t think about the damage on our environment caused by the “advanced civilization”. Maybe the air pollution is the price the human beings have to pay for their development. But is it really worth?As pointed out at the beginning of the passage, people used to think that air pollution ________.
| A．caused widespread damage in the countryside |
| B．affected the entire eastern half of the United States |
| C．had damaged effect on health |
| D．existed only in urban and industrial areas |
As to the greenhouse effect, the author ________.
| A．shares the same view with the scientists |
| B．is uncertain of its happening |
| C．rejects it as being ungrounded |
| D．thinks it will destroy the world soon |
It can be concluded from the last paragraph that ________.
| A．lowering the world’s temperature only a few degrees would lead major farming areas to disaster |
| B．raising the world’s temperature only a few degrees would not do much harm to life on earth |
| C．almost no temperature variations have occurred over the past decade |
| D．the world’s temperature will remain constant in the years to come |
This passage is mainly about ________.
| A．the greenhouse effect |
| B．the burning of coal and oil |
| C．the potential effect of air pollution |
| D．the likelihood of a new ice age |