四、阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分,满分40分)
阅读下面短文,从每小题所给的四个选项(A、B、C、D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
A businessman walks into a bank in San Francisco and asks for the loan officer. He says he is going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5000 . The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for such a loan. So the businessman hands over the keys to a Rolls Royce parked on the street in front of the bank. Everything checks out, and the bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee drives the Rolls Royce into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the businessman returns, and repays the $5000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, “ We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is that why would you bother to borrow$5000?”
Laughing, the businessman replies, “ Where else in San Francisco can I park my car for two weeks for $15?”
56. The businessman walks into the bank with the true purpose of .
A. borrowing$5000 B. meeting the loan officer
C . finding a place to park his car D. showing how rich he is
57. The loan officer is puzzled because .
A. he never thought he could meet a multimillionaire in his bank
B. he thinks the businessman is crazy to leave his car in the bank
C . he never thought the businessman could drive a Rolls Royce
D. he thinks$5000 is so small a sum of money to the businessman
58. The underlined word “collateral” in Paragraph 1 most probably means“ ”.
A. security B. payment C . reward D. deal
59. Which of the following words can best describe the businessman according to the story?
A. Honest B. Clever C . Rich D. Kind
Dr.Sylvia Earle wants you to stop eating fish.It's not because fish are endangered,thoughwild fish stocks in many oceans are very low.It's not because they're bad for you, though fishin many areas are exposed to poisonous substances in the water.It's because they're smart.
"Fish are sensitive, they have personalities’,says the marine biologist.For Earle, eating afish would be like eating a dog or a cat.“I would never eat anyone I know personally.”
There's a lot more to fish than meets the eye: they talk to each other, they like to betouched, and they engage in behavior that can seem very human.They can remember thingsand learn from experience.Earle and a growing number of animal rights activists see these asstrong arguments against eating fish altogether.
The activists also point out that fish feel pain and fish suffer horribly on their way fromthe sea to the supermarket.“While it may seem obvious that fish are able to feel pain, likeevery other animal, some people think of fish as swimming vegetables,” says Dr. LynneSneddon. “Really,it's kind of a moral question.Is the enjoyment you get from fishing (oreating fish) more important than the pain of the fish?”
Fishermen and (fried) fish lovers are doubtful."I've never seen a smart fish," says MarieSwaringen as she finishes off a plate of fish at a Seattle seafood restaurant.“If they were verysmart, they wouldn't get caught."
“For years, everyone's been telling us to eat fish because it's so good for us,” says anotherdiner.‘‘Now I've got to feel guilty while I'm eating my fish? What are they going to think ofnext? Don't eat salad because cucumbers have feelings?"Dr.Sylvia Earle discourage people from eating fish because.
A.there are not that many wild fish in the ocean |
B.fish actually are sensitive and have personalities |
C.some ocean fish contain poisonous substances |
D.fish are like dogs or cats that people know personally |
We can infer from the passage that.
A.all people don't agree with the idea to stop eating fish |
B.people will be persuaded not to eat fish in the future |
C.stopping eating fish will lead to people's not eating vegetables |
D.we shouldn't care too much about the feeling of fish |
By saying "There's a lot more to fish than meets the eye, "the writer means.
A.there are far more fish than other animals in the world |
B.there are more fish in the world than people can see |
C.people can see more fish if they pay more attention |
D.fish are not that simple as they appear to people's eyes |
What is the writer's attitude towards people eating fish?
A.Neutral. | B.Indifferent. | C.Approving. | D.Opposed. |
Being the head of a high school for many years, I grew tired of budget meetings, fundingcuts, and many other administrative chores and started to dream of retirement.Sitting in trafficon a weekday morning, I would find my mind wandering.I would imagine spending time withmy grandchildren, quiet evenings with my wife, traveling, or rediscovering some great books.Itold myself that I wouldn't sign myself up for any committees, any classes, or anythingrequiring a schedule.
My first day of retirement came at last! I cooked a great breakfast for my wife and me,leisurely read the paper, cleaned a bit of the house, and wrote a few letters to friends.On thesecond day, I cooked breakfast, read the paper …On the third day, ...This is retirement? Itried to tell myself that it was just the transition, that those golden moments were right roundthe corner, and that I would enjoy them soon enough.But something was missing.
A former colleague asked a favor.A group of students was going to Jamaica to work withchildren in the poorest neighbourhood.Would I interrupt my newfound "happiness" and returnto the students, just this once? One trip.That's all.My bags were packed and by the door.
The trip was very inspiring.I was moved not only by the poverty I saw but also by thesense of responsibility of the young people on the trip.When I returned home, I offered to workone day a week with a local youth organization.The experience was so positive that I was soonvolunteering nearly full-time, working with students across North America to assist them intheir voluntary work.
Now,it seems, the tables have turned .Some days I am the teacher, other days I am thestudent.These young people have reawakened my commitment to social justice issues bychallenging me to learn more about the situation in the world today, where people are still poorand suffer because of greed, corruption and war.Most importantly, they have given me theopportunity to continue to participate in helping to find solutions.In return, I help them do theircharitable projects overseas.I've gone from running one school to helping oversee theconstruction of schools in twenty-one countries!What did the writer expect to do after he retired?
A.To stay away from busy schedules. | B.To write some great books. |
C.To do some voluntary work. | D.To plan for his future. |
Why did the writer decide to go to Jamaica?
A.He missed his students in that country. |
B.He couldn't reflise his colleague's favor. |
C.He was concerned about the people there. |
D.He was not satisfied with his retired life. |
The underlined part "the tables have turned" (Paragraph 5 ) means that thewriter.
A.improved the situation in his school | B.felt happy to work with students again |
C.became a learner rather than a teacher | D.changed his attitude toward his retired life |
What does the writer think of his retired life now?
A.Disappointing. | B.Troublesome. |
C.Promising. | D.Meaningful. |
People say teenagers are no good. They make too much noise in shopping malls; they drive recklessly(不顾一切地) up and down America’s main streets; they carry chips on their shoulders as big as the Sears Tower. And at least some of the time those things are true. But we shouldn’t forget that there are hard moments in the life of a teenager too.
I watched such a moment not long ago at a woman’s funeral. I didn’t expect the event to affect me. Through much of the ceremony, in fact, I remained unmoved.
The teenage grandson stepped forward. With his very first deep breath, every heart in that church was achingly reminded of something we had all forgotten. Softly he began: “I want to share a few values that Nana taught me. She never failed to see light in any situation. When our family dog would truely attract her, what would Nana say? ‘oh, what beautiful barking that dog has!’ That was Nana. ”
“She was a strong woman who often lived in the shadow of my grandpa, who was a successful businessman in this city. But she was the one behind the scenes who provided the strength and support for my grandpa’s career,” he said, with a voice now trembling, “That was Nana’s way.”
Through a low sob, he continued, “Whenever she did anything worth recognition, you ’d have to hear about it from a different source, because she was never one to show off.”
Finally, in a voice breaking free of sorrow, he looked up and said, “Nana taught me courage. She put up an incredible fight to the end, when she died peacefully, which is how she lived her life. That was Nana’s way, and I hope I can carry on in the same manner.”
There are no hearts as sensitive as those of teenagers, because everything is happening to them for the first time. The trouble with teenagers is that they haven’t learned to be controlled.
When that boy rose to speak about the woman who surely had been his truest and dearest friend, his honest voice dragged each of us out into the open where we could no longer hide in the calm ceremony . He exposed us to the truth about this very real woman who believed in a boy who probably tried the patience of many adults. He reminded us that his grandmother was more than another dot on the chart of life and death.
All over again we felt those powerful losses crossing our own hearts, and we knew that when you say good-bye to something happy, something young in yourself. And that something never really returns, and the pain never really goes away.In the first paragraph, the writer gave some examples to_____.
A.support his idea that young people are no good. |
B.introduce his point of view about young people. |
C.tell people every coin has its two sides. |
D.young people often make mistakes. |
From the boy’s speech, we know _____.
A.his grandmother had great influence on him. |
B.they had a dog which often attacked people |
C.people had forgotten her until the boy appeared.. |
D.his grandmother was so weak that she is always living in the shadow of his grandpa |
Which of the following statements is true?
A.The boy ‘s speech moved no one present at the funeral except the writer. |
B.The boy’s being good at expressing himself enabled him to draw everyone’s attention. |
C.The boy was too grieved to accept the fact that his grandmother had passed away. |
D.The writer didn’t expect the event would affect him. |
What words can best describe grandmother’s quality?
A. weak, mild and modest.
B.. easygoing, cautious and considerate
C. sensitive and hard on others.
D, patient, optimistic, strong and helpful. The passage tells the readers____.
A.facing certain bitter facts help young people to grow. |
B.young people have to control themselves |
C.the adults should learn from the young. |
D.the adults should teach the young how to be brave |
I started winning competitions. We still had very little money -- my father had to borrow $5,000 to pay for a trip to the International Young Pianists Competition in Ettlingen, Germany, in 1994, when I was 12. I realized later how much pressure he was under. Tears streamed down his face when it was announced that I'd won -- earning enough money to pay back our loan.
It was soo n clear I couldn't stay in China forever. To become a world-class musician, I had to play on the world's big stages. So in 1997, my father and I moved again, this time to Philadelphia, so I could attend The Curtis Institute of Music. Finally our money worries were easing. The school paid for an apartment and even lent me a Steinway(斯坦威钢琴).At night, I would sneak into the living room just to touch the keys.
Now that I was in America, I spent two years practicing, and by 1999 I had worked hard enough for fortune to take over. The Chicago Symphony orchestra heard me play and liked me, but orchestra schedules were set far in advance. I thought I might join them in a few years.
The next morning, I got a call. The great pianist Andre Watts, who was to play the "Gala Benefit Evening" at Chicago's Ravinia Festival, had become ill. I was asked to replace him. That performance was, for me, the moment. After violinist Isaac Stern introduced me, I played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. My father's mouth hung open throughout the entire song.
I played until 3:30 a.m. I felt something happening. Sure enough, it was a great success. Still, my father kept telling me, "You'd better practice!" But living in America with me was beginning to relax him. In Beijing I'd been fat -- he made sure I ate -- and he'd been skinny. Now I was getting thin. He wasn't.
My father and I had often practiced a piece called "Horses," a fun version for piano and erhu. One night in Carnegie Hall, after I played Chopin and Liszt, I brought Dad out on the stage, and we played our duet(二重奏). People went crazy -- they loved it. My father couldn't sleep for days. He was too happy to sleep.
There have been lots of concerts in Carnegie Hall, but for me playing there was especially sweet when I remember the cold days in Beijing. Together, my father and I worked to reach the lucky place where fortune spots you, and lets you shine.In the first paragraph his father cried when it was announced that he'd won mainly because__________.
A.his father was excited that his son succeeded at last. |
B.his father was under too much pressure. |
C.they could pay back the loan with the prize. |
D.his father was proud of him. |
Tell the order of the events.
a. He and his father moved to Philadelphia.
b. He was asked to replace the great pianist Andre Watts.
c. He and his father played “Horses” together.
d.The Chicago Symphony orchestra heard his performance.
e. The Curtis Institute of Music lent him a Steinway
A.a, e, c, b, d | B.b, e, a, d, c | C.d, a, e, b, c | D.a, e, d, b, c |
Which of the following statements agrees with the author?
A.The writer’s father had been very fat before they went to America. |
B.The writer thought he would be one of them soon when he knew the Chicago Symphony orchestra heard him play and liked him. |
C.The Curtis Institute of Music finally eased their money worries. |
D.One can achieve his dream if he is lucky enough. |
The underlined word there in the last paragraph refers to_________.
A.America | B.Beijing. | C.Carnegie Hall | D.All the places he went to. |
What is the best title of the passage?
A.I Took Off! | B.When Fortune Spots Me. |
C.No Pain, No Gain. | D.My father and I |
Too cold for recess? School policies vary as much as temps
When is it too cold for schoolchildren to go outside for recess(课间休息)? The answer varies widely based on where a school is located and what the kids are used to.
Consider: One northern Minnesota school says it has to be 15 below zero before kids are kept inside. But in areas along the East Coast, temperatures below 35 to 40 degrees could keep kids inside. Canceling recess because of the cold is no small issue considering that much of the USA is trembling through what may be its coldest winter in a generation, according to AccuWeather.
There is no national temperature standard for when to keep kids inside during the winter months, the U.S. Department of Education says. Decisions are made at the local level, either by principals or school districts.
Consequently, policies are all over the map:
• In International Falls, Minn., the self-described "Icebox of the Nation," where the average high temperature in January is 13 degrees, Falls Elementary School Principal Jerry Hilfer says, "if it's 15 below (or warmer), they go out, no matter what." "At 20 below, it gets iffy," he adds.
• In Wicomico County, Md., principals typically keep children indoors when temperatures drop below freezing, or if it's raining or snowing, says Susan Jones, the school system's director of elementary education.
"That's the bottom line," says Curtis Twilley, principal of Pemberton Elementary School in Salisbury, Md. Twilley says students get little exercise when recess stays indoors. At Pemberton Elementary, the students will typically play board games or computer games in a classroom because the school's gym is occupied with other classes, he says.
• For schools in Marquette, Mich., which averages about 12 feet of snow per season, school officials acknowledge students are probably a little more prepared than those in some more mild climates.Which of the following is not true according to the passage_________.
A.No national temperature standard is made for when to keep kids inside during the winter months. |
B.Susan Jones insists students get little exercise when recess stays indoors. |
C.In Wicomico County, children are kept indoors when temperatures dip below freezing. |
D.Mich has about 12 feet of snow per season on average. |
Which place calls itself Box of Ice?
Wicomico County B. Marquette C.Salisbury D. Minn Considering_______, canceling recess In USA because of the cold is a big issue.
A.different schools have different principles. |
B.much of the USA has very cold winter. |
C.physical activity can boost student performance. |
D.decisions are made at the local level, |
The underlined word iffy means _______.
A.uncertain | B.surprising | C. serious | D.worse |
What will be talked about next?
A.More school policies |
B.The reasons why school policies vary. |
C.Measures to improve the situation. |
D.Necessities to improve the situation |