Brazil is a federation that consists of twenty-six states and one federal district. The biggest majority of Brazil’s population belongs to the Christian religion and almost all of them are Catholics. This is something Brazil inherited(继承) being Portugal’s colony(殖民地).
Historically, the country was a colony claimed by people from Portugal and this made Portuguese the official language. The Portuguese reached Brazil in 1500 and until that moment it was inhabited by semi-nomadic(半游牧的) people. The Portuguese changed Brazil into a country of slaves until 1800, when Maria I of Portugal came to live to Brazil. The Queen did not stay long in Brazil, but during the 20 years of royal presence a lot of changes occurred: commercial ports to United Kingdom were opened; Brazil stopped being isolated(孤立) from other countries. So at the moment of getting the independence on the 7th of September, 1822, Brazil already had the potential to develop. The Brazilian Empire, Pedro I, abolished slavery in 1888 in the face of Princess Isabel. A lot of European people started coming to Brazil and the industry of the country started working. In the 19th and the 20th century as it has been said above foreign people immigrated(移民) to Brazil and basically 5 million European and Japanese people became the residents of Brazil. The beginning of the 20th century was especially marked by the immigration of a lot of Asian people: Japanese, Korean and Chinese immigrants. As a matter of fact Japanese people do not immigrate a lot, and the fact that the Brazilian-Japanese people are the largest Japanese minority in the world does astonish greatly.
The majority of the cultural inherits of Brazil are actually Portuguese, due to the fact that Brazil was Portugal’s colony for a very long time. The southern states mainly consist of European population and the north and the northeast consist of a mixed population including Africans, Amerindians and Europeans. Most of this population is Roman Catholic. No other country in the world has the same amount of Catholics. The modern tendency of Brazil is the growing number of people calling themselves Protestants. Around 7.4% of the population don’t believe any god. Some Brazilians, especially in the northern states are mixed Africans who prefer following the traditional African religions. Only 1.8% of the population chose Buddhism, Islam or Judaism.
Though Brazil always tried to maintain democracy, it was failed several times by the dictatorship(独裁) of Getulo Vargas. This fact could not affect the political situation in the country.
61. Brazil was ruled by Portuguese about ______.
A. 22 years B. 300 years C. 322 years D. 328 years
62.Who might block the development of Brazil?
A. Maria I B. Pedro I C. immigrants D. Getulo Vargas
63. The writer mainly tells us the ______ of Brazil in the passage.
A. religion B. history C. culture D. political situation
64.Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. Brazil was isolated from other countries when Maria I stayed there.
B. The industry of the country started working in 1888.
C. Brazil has the largest population of Catholics in the world.
D. Some people in Brazil don’t believe any god.
65. It can be inferred that Brazil is a country with ________.
A. western culture B. modern culture C. traditional culture D. mixed culture
Section One
The city is an accumulation (积累)of human civilization. Just as the American social philosopher (哲学家) Lewis Mumford put it, it is a special system which, fine and compact(简洁的), has been designed to preserve the fruits of human civilization. Many Western languages have developed their versions of the term “civilization” from the same Latin (拉丁语的) word “civitas”(meaning “city”), and it is by no means a coincidence(巧合). The city has played a significant role in the perfection of order in human society.
Section Two
The emblem, showing the image of three people ― you, me, him/her holding hands together, symbolizes the big family of mankind. Inspired by the shape of the Chinese character “世” (meaning the world), the design conveys the organizers' wish to host an Expo which is of global scale and which displays the various urban cultures of the world.
Section Three
Created from the inspiration of Chinese character “人”, the design roots deeply in Chinese culture. It tells the world the eternal core (永恒的核心) and theme of Shanghai World Expo will be always human. The mascot “Haibao” will become the messenger for the theme of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China “Better City, Better Life”.
The basic structure of the Chinese character “人” in which each stroke(一笔,一划) supports each other also shows the concept that the beautiful life should depends on mutual-help. If the human are willing to support one another, the harmony among human, nature, and society will be available. Such an urban life will be nice.
Haibao’s confident smile is expressing his sincere greeting from China ― “World Expo 2010 Shanghai China welcomes you!”Section One mainly tells us about ______.
A.the part cities play in human civilization | B.the development of the word “city” |
C.why the Expo is held in Shanghai | D.where human civilization originated |
The underlined word “it” in Section One refers to ______.
A.the civilization | B.the philosopher | C.the word | D.the city |
Which correctly matches the sections with the pictures described in the passage?
Pictures |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|||||
|
Attractions in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 N. Carroll Street on Madison’s Capitol Square
Discover Wisconsin’s history and culture(文化) on four floors of exhibits. Open for public program. Admission is free.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am -- 4:00 pm.
(608) 264-6555 www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum
Swiss historical village
612 Seventh Ave., New Glarus
The Swiss Historical Village offers a delightful look at pioneer life in America’s heartland. 14 buildings in the village give a full picture of every day life in the nineteenth-century Midwest.
Tue.—Fri., May 1st –October 31st , 10:00 am—4:00 pm. Admission is $20.
(608) 527-2317 www.swisshistoricalvillage.com
Artisan Gallery & Creamery Café
6858 Paoli Rd., Paoli, WI
One of the largest collections of fine arts and crafts(手工艺品) in Wisconsin. Over 5000 sp. ft. of exhibition space in a historic creamery. While visiting enjoy a wonderfully prepared lunch at our café overlooking the Sugar River. Just minutes from Madison!
Gallery open Tue. –Sun., 10:00 am—5:00 pm.
Café open Wed. –Sat., 11:00 am –3:00 pm.
Sun. brunch with wine, 10:00—3:00 pm.
(608) 845-6600 www.artisangal.com
Christopher Columbus Museum
239 Whitney St., Columbus
World-class exhibit –2000 quality souvenirs(纪念品) marking Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exhibition. Tour buses are always welcome.
Open daily, 8:15 am – 4:00 pm.
(920) 623-1992 www.columbusantiquemall.com Which of the following is on Capitol Square?
A.Wisconsin Historical Museum. | B.Swiss Historical Village. |
C.Artisan Gallery & Creamery Café. | D.Christopher Columbus Museum. |
Where can you go for a visit on Monday?
A.Wisconsin Historical Museum. | B.Swiss Historical Village. |
C.Artisan Gallery & Creamery café. | D.Christopher Columbus Museum. |
Where can visitors have lunch?
A.At Wisconsin Historical Museum. | B.At Swiss Historical Village. |
C.At Artisan Gallery & Creamery Café. | D.At Christopher Columbus Museum. |
We learn from the text that___________.
A.Swiss Historical Village is open for half a year |
B.Christopher Columbus Museum overlooks a river |
C.tickets are needed for Wisconsin Historical Museum |
D.Artisan Gallery & Creamery Café are open daily for 4 hours |
Many foreigners who have not visited Britain call all the inhabitants(居民) English, for they are used to thinking of the British Isles as England. In fact, the British Isles contain a variety of peoples and only the people of England call themselves English. The others refer to themselves as Welsh, Scottish, or Irish, as the case may be; they are often slightly annoyed(苦恼) at being classified as 'English'.
In Scotland the sound denoted by the letter 'R' is generally a strong sound, and 'R' is often pronounced in words in which it would be silent in southern English. In the Highlands and the Western Isles the ancient Scottish language, Gaelic, is still heard. The Scots are said to be a serious, cautious, thrifty(节约的) people, rather inventive(善于创造的) and somewhat mystical. All the Celtic peoples of Britain (the Welsh, the Irish, the Scots) are often described as being more 'fiery(暴躁的)' than the English. They are often of a race that is quite different from the English.
The Welsh have protected their language to a remarkable extent. The English generally look upon the Welsh as an emotional(易动感情的) people who are, however, somewhat difficult to get to know easily.
Ireland is divided into two parts. The six countries of Northern Ireland are still part of Great Britain, though, in normal circumstances(环境), they have their own Parliament. The Irish are known for their charm and vivacity(活泼), as well as for the beauty of the Irish girls. Irish, often calls Erse, is a form of Gaelic. It was in danger of dying out, but when the territory(地域) of the Republic became independent, Erse was received, and is now the official first language of the Republic, English being the second. The Irish are known for their charm and vivacity, as well as for the beauty of the Irish girls.Why do many foreigners call the inhabitants English?
A.Because only English live on the British Isles. |
B.Because only English plays a more important role than the others. |
C.Because all the people are glad to be regarded as English. |
D.Because they are used to thinking of the British Isles as England. |
Today we still can hear Gaelic--the ancient Scottish language in __________.
A.both England and Scotland |
B.both Wales and Ireland |
C.both Highland and Western Isles |
D.both Northern Ireland and England |
According to the passage, which of the statements is TRUE?
A.“R” is often pronounced in words in which it would be silent in north English. |
B.The Welsh, the Irish and the Scots are all the Celtic peoples of Britain. |
C.The Celtic peoples are often of a race that is little different from the English. |
D.The Welsh have not protected their language very carefully. |
Irish is a form of ________, and is now the official ______ language of the Republic.
A.English; first | B.Gaelic; second | C.Gaelic; first | D.English; second |
The Chinese-born American architect Ieoh Ming Pei is one of the most creative architects of our times. He has incorporated both eastern and western ideas into his designs.
Ieoh Ming Pei was born in Guangzhou, China on April 26, 1917. His father was a famous banker. In 1935, at the age of 17, he came to the United States to study architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1942, he entered the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy selected Pei to design the Kennedy library. After that he became well-known all of the world. People named it one of the Ten Best Buildings in the United States. In 1968, Pei started work on the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington D.C.. Over one million people visited the building during its first 50 days in existence.
Following the East Wing project Pei's fame has continued to grow widely. In 1983, French President commissioned(委任) Pei to help make the Louvre more modern. Ten years later, the completion of Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre created a new historic landmark for Paris. Pei described it as, "the greatest challenge and greatest accomplishment of my career." At Fragrant Hill, a 300-room hotel in the Chinese capital, Pei has attempted to bring to his native China his often-quoted "third way of making buildings." Avoiding both a complete copying of traditional Chinese motifs(特色) as well as the modernism of the West, Pei has managed, at Fragrant Hill, to make one of his most eloquent(有说服力的) statements.
Pei has designed nearly 50 projects in the United States and abroad. About half of these projects have won major awards. Pei has been awarded the highest honors from nations over the world. In 1990, Pei was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush for his contributions to world peace and service to the US government.
56. Which is the right order of the events of Ieoh Ming Pei?
Pei started work on the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington DC.
Ieoh Ming Pei entered the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
The completion of Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre created a new historic landmark for Paris.
Ieoh Ming Pei was selected to design the Kennedy library.
Ieoh Ming Pei was born in Guangzhou.
Pei was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush.
Ieoh Ming Pei came to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
French President commissioned Pei to help make the Louvre more modern.
A. e-g-d-b-a-h-c-f B. e-g-b-d-a-h-c-f C. e-g-b-d-h-a-c-f D. e-g-b-d-a-h-f-cThe underlined word “incorporate” can be replaced by __________.
A.divide | B.combine | C.separate | D.part |
It was ____________ that Ieoh Ming Pei became world-famous.
A.after the completion of Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre |
B.after he designed East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington DC |
C.after he designed the Kennedy library |
D.after he designed the Fragrant Hill |
__________ is an excellent building that shows both the traditional Chinese motifs and the modernism of the West.
A.Fragrant Hill |
B.Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre |
C.The East Wing of the National Gallery of Art |
D.Kennedy library |
We can infer that about _________of Ieoh Ming Pei’s projects have won major awards.
A.50 | B.15 | C.25 | D.35 |
CONCORD, N.H.—Torrential rain forced hundreds of people from their homes in parts of New England on Sunday, as water flowed over dams and washed out roads.
The governors of New Hampshire and Massachusetts declared states of emergency. Maine’s governor also declared a state of emergency for one county. “It’s a very serious situation,” said New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, adding that forecasters were predicting 12 to 15 inches of rain by the end of the storm in parts of southern New Hampshire. “It continues to change and the situation continues to worsen.”
In some towns, police and fire crews used boats to get people out of their homes and stranded cars after hundreds of roads were damaged. Others got around in kayaks(皮船). Some towns shut down, not letting anyone pass except emergency vehicles. “The town is cut right in half,” said Glenn Laramie, police chief in Andover, N.H.
A dam in Milton, N.H., was in danger of failing, which could send a 10-foot wall of water downstream, the National Weather Service said in a bulletin. People downstream were being evacuated from the town.
In Massachusetts, cars were pulled from flooded streets in downtown Peabody, about 20 miles north of Boston, and about 300 people were evacuated from an apartment complex for seniors. Businesses stacked sandbags at their doors, trying to prevent damage from water that at one point rose to waist-deep.
Some parts of New Hampshire had seen 7 inches of rain by midday Sunday and forecasters said up to 5 more inches might come during the day. About 100 residents were evacuated from their homes in Wakefield, N.H., because of concerns about two dams in the area.
Flooding in New Hampshire in October killed seven people, carried off homes and washed away miles of roads down to bedrock.
In Maine, flooding was reported on 60 roads in the southern part of the state, said governor’s spokeswoman Crystal Canney. More than 50 homes in Sanford and several in Kennebunk also were evacuated, state officials said.Which is NOT true according to the article?
A.The situation in N. H. is very serious. |
B.New England is a region of the U.S. |
C.A state of emergency was declared in three whole states. |
D.Seven people lost their lives in New Hampshire in October. |
What is the main idea of the passage?
A.Two dams failed in New Hampshire. |
B.Flood in New Hampshire. |
C.State of emergency in New England. |
D.Severe floods in three U.S. states. |
In paragraph 4, the underlined word “evacuate” most probably means“ ”.
A.rescue | B.trapped | C.send away | D.wash away |
Which is NOT a part of New Hampshire?
A.Peabody | B.Concord | C.Milton | D.Andover |
What was mentioned to cope with the situation?
A.Some towns shut down. | B.Some dams were open. |
C.People all left their homes. | D.Some temporary houses were built. |