Koalas are pictured everywhere in Australia-on cleaning products, on “boxes of chocolate, on sports team shirts. Yet the animals live only in pockets along the east coast.
They once inhabited the entire coastline. The koala population dropped after farmers cut down many of the forests where koalas lived, and
hunters killed the animals for their fur.By the early 1900s, “koalas were basically shot out of south Australia,” says ecologist Bill Ellis, who studies the relationships among living things and their environments.
I recently joined Ellis and his team in a forest on St Bees Is land, 19 miles off the northeastern coast of Australia, with eight other volunteers. The island is a natural laboratory, yielding findings that may help protect koalas elsewhere on the continent.
The volunteers searched the island for koalas in the blue gum trees. When we found a koala, we gathered information about the trees in the area.
Blue gum is a species of the eucalyptus tree in which the funny leaf eaters spend most of their time. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, and their leaves are the main food source for koalas. Although koalas can walk on the ground, they are better suited for life in the canopy, the high cover of branches and leaves in a forest.
What has Ellis’s research told him so far? The population of St Bees seems to be healthy. Yet Ellis wonders whether the koalas might be heading for hard times. The island is overrun with wild goats, and Ellis thinks the goats are eating the small blue gum trees.
Without those trees, the koalas will run out of food in the future. Ellis hopes more research will help him understand how to protect the blue gum trees-and the koalas that depend on them. “I think that’s what everyone is trying to do-to make a difference.” Ellis says.
59. It can be inferred from the first paragraph that .
A. koalas’ pictures can be found everywhere in the world
B. koalas in Australia like to eat chocolate
C. only in the east coast of Australia can you find koalas
D. you can buy the pictures of koalas only in the east coast of Australia
60. Which of the following is TRUE about koalas?
A. They usually hide in a cave. B. They feed on the leaves of blue gum trees.
C. They prefer to walk on the ground. D. They don’t adapt to the high cover of branches.
61. What will Ellis most probably start to do next?
A. To keep the population of St Bees healthy.
B. To kill all the goats on the island.
C. To find some new foods for goats.
D. To protect blue gum trees for koalas.
62. The purpose of writing this passage is to .
A. expect people to concern about the life of koalas
B. record trip to Australia for watching koalas
C. present some basic knowledge of koalas’ life
D. introduce the ecosystem of wildlife in Australia
GENEVA(Reuters) -Pregnant women and other people at high risk should be vaccinated(注射疫苗) against the H1N1 swine flu virus as the cold weather begins to bite in the northern hemisphere(半球), the World Health Organization(WHO) said on Tuesday.
It voiced concern that some vulnerable(弱势的) people don’t have access to the pandemic(传染病) vaccine, which the WHO stressed had not caused any unusual side effects in hundreds of thousands of people to have received it worldwide so far.
“Certainly th e fact that the vaccine isn’t being used by those who would have access to it and who would be in priority risk groups is of concern, yes,” WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told a news briefing.
At least 5, 712 people have died from the swine flu virus, according to the United Nations agency. Health workers, pregnant women and people with conditions such as asthma are deemed at greatest risk and should be top priority for getting the shot.
“We have seen many, many examples of people in high risk groups such as pregnant women who have very severe disease or outcomes. These outcomes could be in all likelihood avoided if one were to get vaccinated,” Hartl said.
Unlike seasonal flu, which is most dangerous to the elderly, H1N1 is hitting younger adults and children especially hard.
The WHO recommends a single vaccine dose for protecting adults against H1N1. It has also urged governments to consider giving a single dose to as many children under age 10 as possible, but says more research is needed into child dosages.
In the United States, studies show that children under the age of 9 will need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected, officials there said on Monday.
Parts of North America and Europe have already crossed the epidemic (流行病) threshold( 开始了), ahead of the normal influenza season which peaks in January-February for the northern hemisphere, WHO says.
51. According to the passage, what is WHO probably most concerned about now?
A. Whether the vaccine has side effect or not.
B. How many people are infected by the H1N1 swine flu virus.
C. Whether pregnant women and those at high risk can get the vaccination.
D. What is the difference between H1N1 and seasonal flu.
52. According to the passage, what group of people are more vulnerable to H1N1 swine flu virus?
A. The elderly. B. A teenager with asthma.
C. An adult with heatstroke. D. A newly-born baby.
53. In paragraph 4, “getting the shot” means ____________.
A. being shot B. being vaccinated C. being cured D. getting killed
54. What can we learn from this passage?
A. Pregnant women will surely get severe disease if infected with H1N1.
B. Seasonal flu is more likely to hit younger adults and children.
C. one more dose of vaccine should be given to the children under 9.
D. About 6000 people have died from seasonal flu.
55. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Pregnant women need flu shot.
B. Differences between H1N1 flu and seasonal flu.
C. The harm caused by H1N1 swine flu virus.
D. A breakthrough in H1N1 cure: vaccination.
When we think of leadership, we often think of strength and power. But what are these really, and how do they operate?
Leadership today is not about forcing others to do things. If this is even possible, it is short-term, and tends to backfire. If you order someone to do something against their will, they may do it because they feel they must, but the anger they feel do more harm in the long-term. They will also experience fear.
Fear causes the thinking brain to shut down, making the person unable to function at his or her best. If they associate you with his emotion of fear, they will become less functional around you., and you will have succeeded in not only shooting yourself in the foot, but possibly making a very good employee or partner unable to perform effectively. Fear has no place in leadership.
The way we influence people in a lasting way is by our own character, and our understanding and use of emotion. We can order someone to do something, which may be part of the work day; or we can employ them at the emotional level, so they become fully devoted to the projects and provide some of their own motivation. Today’s work place is all about relationships.
Anyone works harder in a positive environment in which they are recognized and valued as a human being as well as a worker. Everyone produces just a bit more for someone they like. Leaders understand the way things work. They know the pay check is not the single most motivating factor in the work life of most people.
The true strength of leadership is an inner strength that comes from the confidence of emotional intelligence---knowing your own emotions, and how to handle them, and those of others. Developing your emotional intelligence is the single best thing you can do if you want to d evelop your relationships with people around you, which is the key to the leadership skills.
46. An employee may have a feeling of fear in the work place when_________.
A. he is forced to do things. B. he can’t work at his best.
C. he feels his brain shut down. D. he thinks of his work too heavy.
47. Which of the foll owing is TRUE according to the passage?
A. People tend to associate leadership with fear.
B. Working conditions affect people ‘s physical health.
C. Good relationship is the key to business success.
D. Smart people are more functional in the work place.
48. To positively influence employees a leader should first of all_________.
A. provide better suggestions B. develop his own personality
C. give his employees a pay rise D. hide his own emotion of fear
49. Good leadership is mainly seen in a leader’s ability to __________.
A. provide a variety of project for employees
B. help raise employees’ living standards
C. give employees specific instructions
D. deal wisely with employees’ emotions
50. This passage is mainly about___________.
A. not forcing others to do things B. how to develop your emotional intelligence
C. how to be a good leader D. how to influence people
第三部分阅读 ( 共两节，满分40分)
第一节阅读理解(共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
When I walked into the house after school, the first thing I noticed was a box with items I recognized from my dad’s office.
“What are you doing home already?” I asked casually.
“Andrew, I was laid off today,” he answered, quietly.
I was sure he was joking. “No, you weren’t. Why are you really home?”
Then I noticed his seriousness and realized he was telling the truth. My father has always been a hard worker and prided himself on his career. Providing for our family has been his joy, and I guess I had taken his work for granted.
My father’s unemployment created many changes in our lives. For starters, he was home all the time, which meant my bed had to be made, my room cleaned up, and my homework done right after school. I would come home every day to find him at the computer searching for jobs. I began to notice how down he seemed, and how losing his job had affected his self-esteem, though he tried to be optimistic. For the first time, I saw my dad as vulnerable. He asked my brother and me to spend less. I gave up my allowance, which even though it wasn’t much, felt like the right thing to do. I also found a part-time job.
After several difficult months of searching, my dad decided to go in a totally different direction. He explained that he never wanted to be laid off again, so he was going to start his own business. Day by day, I watched him build it, and I admired how much time and energy he expended.
One evening I asked if he needed help.
“Only if it doesn’t interfere with school,” he said.
I showed up at his office the next afternoon, and most afternoons after that for two months. I always knew he was a hard worker, but watching him in action really impacted me. Although this was one of the worst experiences for our family, it taught me a lot about dealing with adversity. Now I know that through creative problem-solving, I can always find Plan B, ask for help, and take risks. What I have learned from my dad’s understanding of business and his work ethic are two of the most important lessons I will ever learn, and will be my foundations for success.
41. The author’s father stayed at home because __________.
A. he had to help with the author’s lessons
B. his boss had stopped employing him
C. heavy house work was waiting for him to do
D. he wanted to search for new jobs on line
42. What made the author know the truth?
A. The box from his dad’s office. B. His father’s words.
C. His father’s expression_r_r. D. Being informed by his family.
43. The author’s attitude toward his father’s former job was __________.
A. unconcerned B. sympathetic C. doubtful D. tolerant
44. By saying “Only if it doesn’t interfere with school,” the author’s father seemed ____________.
A. to refuse the author’s advice on the new business
B. to show his discontent with the author’s schoolwork
C. to have said yes to the author’s offer of help
D. to be looking forward to the author’s good behavior at school
45. It can be inferred from the text that ___________.
A. the author’s father was more optimistic to stay at home
B. the author couldn’t put up with his dad’s own business
C. the author’s father offered little allo wance to the author
D. the author benefited from his father on how to deal with adversity
Malaria, the world's most widespread parasitic(寄生虫引起的) disease, kills as many as three million people every year—almost all of whom are under five, very poor, and African. In most years, more than five hundred million cases of illness result from the disease, although exact numbers are difficult to assess because many people don't (or can't) seek care. It is not unusual for a family earning less than two hundred dollars a year to spend a quarter of its income on malaria treatment, and what they often get no longer works. In countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Gambia, no family, village, hospital, or workplace can remain unaffected for long.
Malaria starts suddenly, with violent chills, which are soon followed by an intense fever and, often, headaches. As the parasites multiply, they take over the entire body. Malaria parasites live by eating the red blood cells they infect (感染). They can also attach themselves to blood vessels in the brain. If it doesn't kill you, malaria can happen again and again for years. The disease passed on to humans by female mosquitoes infected with one of four species of parasite. Together, the mosquito and the parasite are the most deadly couple in the history of the earth—and one of the most successful. Malaria has five thousand genes, and its ability to change rapidly to defend itself and resist new drugs has made it nearly impossible to control. Studies show that mosquitoes are passing on the virus more frequently, and there are more outbreaks in cities with large populations. Some of the disease's spread is due to global warming.
For decades, the first-choice treatment for malaria parasites in Africa has been chloroquine, a chemical which is very cheap and easy to make. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, malaria parasites have become resistant to it. Successful alternatives that help prevent resistance are already available, but they have been in short supply and are very expensive. If these drugs should fail, nobody knows what would come next.
51. According to paragraph 1, many people don't seek care because___.
A. they are too poor B. it is unusual to seek care
C. they can remain unaffected for long D. there are too many people suffering from the disease
52. People suffering from malaria___.
A. have to kill female mosquitoes B. have ability to defend parasites
C. have their red blood cells infected D. have sudden fever, followed by chills
53. Which of the following may be the reason for the wide spread of the disease?
A. Its resistance to global warming.
B. Its ability to pass on the virus frequently.
C. Its outbreaks in cities with large populations.
D. Its ability to defend itself and resist new drugs.
54. It can be inferred from the passage that___.
A. no drugs have been found to treat the disease
B. the alternative treatment is not easily available to most people
C. malaria has developed its ability to resist parasites
D. nobody knows what will be the drug to treat the disease
55. Which of the following questions has NOT been discussed in the passage?
A. How can we know one is suffering from malaria?
B. How many people are killed by malaria each year?
C. Why are there so many people suffering from malaria7
D. What has been done to keep people unaffected for long7
People often think that having a million dollars would make all their dreams come true. There are TV game shows that give contestants the chance to become millionaires. When asked the question "What would you do with a million dollars?", most people tend to give similar answers: “Quit my job.”, "Buy my dream house," or “Go traveling.” Twenty years ago, it was possible to realize these dreams. However, things are not so easy today.
In many developed countries, the cost of living is higher than ever. Over the last twenty years, for example, housing prices in many of the world's cities have soared. In the U. S., luxury homes in the state of Arizona sold for about $ 800, 000 in 1995. These same homes now cost more than $ 1.5 million. Now, because more people live in the area, the cost of property has risen.
Apartments in many city centers are also more expensive now than in the past. Today, people want to be closer to their workplace, and many are now moving back into the city center. As a result, living in or near this area costs more than ever. Apartments in London's Mayfair district or in Manhattan in New York City often sell for over a million dollars.
Inflation is another important reason for the rise in the cost of living. Over the last 150 years, as prices have gone up, the value of money has gone down, so we now need more money to buy things. In 1850, for example, $50,000 had as much buying power as $1 million dollars does today. Of course, people now earn more money than they did 150 years ago, but they also spend more on necessities such as food, medicine, and housing.
In order to live well after you stop working, you should begin saving for retirement early. Experts suggest that after you retire, you will need 75 percent to 80 percent of your salary to live on every month. This calculation assumes that you have no mortgage on a house to continue paying, or any other major expenses.
Due to increased demand for housing, higher inflation, and longer life expectancy, a million may not be enough to live on. To be able to retire early, travel the world, and build your dream home, you may have to appear on that game show and win more than once!
46. What is the main cause of high housing price?
A. People generally make more money today.
B. There are more luxury homes than apartments.
C. There is less housing available there for sale or rent.
D. People would rather live in the suburbs than in the city.
47. The word "inflation" in the 4th paragraph refers to _____
A. the amount of money required for life's necessities
B. a continuing increase in prices over time
C. a bank loan for a house or piece of land
D. things that one must pay for regularly
48. If you make $ 4,000 per month, you will need _______ per month after you retire.
A. $2,250~$2,400 B. $ 3,000~$ 3,200
C. $3,500~$3,750 D. $2,550~ $ 2,700
49. What does the underlined sentence mean in the last paragraph?
A. You will be so lucky that you can win another million dollars.
B. Don't expect too much for just a million dollars that cannot change your life completely.
C. A million dollars is too little to travel around the world.
D. To win another million dollars is the only way to make you live better after retirement.
50. The passage mainly tells us _______.
A. what a million dollars can buy
B. higher housing prices have become a social problem to deal with
C. how much money you will need in order to live well after retirement
D. we should not neglect the fact that money may not be as that much as before