Bushwick is a tough place to grow up. This part of Brooklyn, in New York City, has a lot of crimes. More than half of its 100,000 residents rely on aid from the government. Only 50% of students at Bushwick High School graduate in four years.
Some people might say, “We should help these poor kids who have so many challenges.” But Malaak Compton-Rock looks at the teens in Bushwick and says, “Go to help kids who have even bigger challenges than you do.” She believes that once young people see the power they have to make things better, they can handle their own problems more easily. So her service group, the Angel Rock Project, took 30 Bushwick kids to Soweto, in South Africa, to help poor families there. Soweto is a township outside the city of Johannesburg. The effort, called Journey for Change, aims to show that any kid can change the world.
“Kids in Bushwick face pressure to drop out of school or become involved in gangs and drugs.” Says Compton-Rock. “We want them to live a life of purpose and service.”
In Soweto, many parents have died of AIDS, a deadly disease. When that happens, a grandparent or a child must lead the family. The Bushwick volunteers helped such families. They tended vegetable gardens, cared for babies and bought groceries.
“The saddest thing was when we visited an orphanage (孤儿院) and I helped a little boy who had been abandoned because he had HIV, the virus that causes AIDS,” says Queen Clyde, 12. “It‘s been good to be on this trip. But what’s also important is what we do when it’s finished. That’s what counts.” “I never appreciated what I had until I saw some people who had nothing,” says Sadara Lewis, 12. “It’s really changed my attitude. I want to make a difference.”
The trip was two weeks long. But the kids, aged 12 to 15, will spend all year speaking about their experience, fund-raising and more.
46. What’s the main idea of the first paragraph?
A. Bushwick is the poorest place in New York City.
B. Bushwick still needs more care from the government.
C. It is children who suffer most in New York City.
D. Children in Bushwick are living in a bad situation.
47. In Compton-Rock’s opinion, the Bushwick kids _________.
A. have fewer challenges than those in any other district
B. are living much better a life than people in Africa
C. can learn to deal with their own problems by helping others
D. should be kept out of schools in this part of the city
48. Compared with Bushwick kids, some children in Soweto _________.
A. may have bigger challenges B. receive no care from the government
C. are much more independent D. are able to lead the family
49. According to the passage, “Journey for Change” can be best seen as the saying “_________”.
A. God helps those who help themselves B. saying and doing are two things
C. one stone kills two birds D. a friend in need is a friend indeed
50. From the passage we know that _________.
A. there are few students in Bushwick High School
B. the trip to Soweto will have a long influence in spite of its short time.
C. most children are suffering from AIDS in Soweto
D. kids with HIV will be abandoned in Soweto
C
NEWS BRIEF
● "New labels to show calories
The US government ruled that all food establishments(场所) should put the calorie information of their foods on their menus. Within a year chain restaurants, like fast food KFC, will have to say clearly on their menus how many calories their fried chicken wings, fries, and other items contain. Amusement parks, movie theaters and supermarkets will also have to follow the rules. The move is designed to fight against the problem of obesity(肥胖) in the US.
● Antibiotics leading to world problem
The entire world is facing this problem; antibiotic resistance. And the resistance will lead to the deaths of 10 million people across the world by 2025, predicted a new report released by the UK government. Antibiotics are used to destroy or slow the growth of harmful bacteria in our bodies. But overuse and misuse of them can encourage bacteria to develop new ways of overcoming antibiotics, which makes it increasingly difficult for humans to fight diseases.
●___________________________________
Australia is the world's most expensive destination for international students, according to a study done by Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). They have to spend an average of $ 42,000 ( about 258 ,000 yuan) a year to study at Australian universities. Singapore is not far behind, with an average yearly cost of $ 39,229, followed by the US at $ 36,564 and the UK at 35,045. However, Australia's education quality only ranks joint fourth with Canada, well below the US, the UK, and Germany. In addition, international students studying in Germany only have to pay about one-sixth the cost of studying in Australia.
● New Games sports may be added
The International Olympic Committee has canceled the 28-sportcap for future summer Olympics But each summer Games will still only be allowed 10, 500 athletes and 310 events. Countries that could host the games will discuss plans with the committee during a new invitation stage before bidding. They are also allowed to hold events outside their own countries and get financial support from the committee. No changes will be introduced for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.The news brief covers ______________.
A.medicine, disaster, finance, events |
B.health, medicine, education, sports |
C.service, health, education, events |
D.business, medicine, economy, sports |
The underlined word "antibiotics" in Line 7 refers to ___________.
A.serious diseases |
B.varieties of resistance |
C.harmful bacteria |
D.medical drugs |
Which of the following fits in the blank best in the news brief?
A.Australian study most expensive |
B.The cost of studying overseas |
C.International students in Australia |
D.Australia's education quality |
Which of the following statements is best supported by the news brief?
A.Some events may be held outside the host country in future summer Olympics |
B.It is Australia's best education quality that will cause students to make a wise choice. |
C.It is necessary for the UK government to try hard to encourage using lots of antibiotics. |
D.Popcorn sold in cinemas in the world will soon have calorie information labels. |
阅读下列短文,从每小题所给的四个选项(A、B、C、D)中,选出最佳答案,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。A
When Dekalb Walcott III was just 8 years old, his father, a Chicago fire chief, let him tag along on a call. Dekalb says a lot of kids idolized basketball player Michael Jordan when he was growing up in Chicago in the 1990s. Not him.
"I wanted to be like Dekalb Walcott Jr.," he says of his father.
So when his dad asked if he wanted to go on that call with him when he was 8, Dekalb was excited. "I'm jumping up and down, saying, 'Mom, can I go? Can I go?'"
The experience changed Dekalb's life, he tells his dad on a visit to Story Corps. "My eyes got big from the moment the alarm went off." the younger Dekalb says. "This is the life that I want to live someday."
Now 27, the younger Dekalb is living that life. He became a firefighter at 21 and went to work alongside his dad at the Chicago Fire Department. Before his father retired, the pair even went out on a call together—father supervising(监督)son.
"You know, it's everything for me to watch you grow," his father says. But he also recalls worrying about one particular fire that his son faced."
I received a phone call that night. And they said, 'Well, your son was at this fire.' I said, 'OK, which way is this conversation going to go? '" Dekalb Walcott Jr. recalls.
"And they said, 'But he's OK. And he put it out all by himself. Everybody here was proud of him.'
And the word went around, 'Who was out there managing that fire? Oh, that's Walcott! That's Walcott up there!' So, you know, moments like that, it's heaven on Earth for a dad."
Dekalb Walcott Jr. retired in 2009. The younger Dekalb says he's proud of being a second-generation firefighter. "You know, it makes me look forward to fatherhood as well, because I'm definitely looking forward to passing that torch down to my son."The underlined phrase tag along in Paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ______.
A.put out fire |
B.watch basketball |
C.follow his father |
D.ask his mother’s permission |
Dekalb Walcott III determined to become a firefighter at the age of _________.
A.27 | B.21 | C.8 | D.35 |
What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A.Dekalb Walcott III wants his son to become a firefighter too. |
B.Dekalb Walcott Jr. is proud to be a second-generation firefighter. |
C.Dekalb Walcott Jr. wants to pass the torch to Dekalb Walcott III. |
D.Dekalb Walcott III is proud that his son has become an excellent firefighter. |
Which of the following is the best title of the passage?
A.Putting Out Fire: A Challenging Job for Father and son |
B.Passing The Torch: A Firefighter Dad's Legacy |
C.Dekalb Walcott III: A Second-generation Firefighter |
D.Dekalb Walcott Jr.: A Chicago Fire Chief |
In America, Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort(度假胜地): brilliant beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.
Meanwhile, some safety tips should be followed, to enjoy the happiness and excitement the beach offers.
The number one safety tip concerns ocean safety: pay attention to Flag conditions posted on the lifeguard stands. Lifeguard post a red flag to warn when the ocean water is dangerous. Take them seriously! Tourists from land-locked regions are particularly easily attracted by the magic of the waves. However, a calm ocean can become risky without warning. Make sure you swim near a lifeguard. Swimming without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards.
Never swim alone. Many drownings involved single swimmers. When you swim with someone else, if one of you has a problem, the other may be able to get help, including signaling for assistance from others.
Don’t fight the current. The facts show that some 80% of rescues by lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity, because once surf pushes water up the slope of a beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore. If you are caught in a rip (撕裂的)current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip current are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will help bring you to safety.When coming to Virginia Beach, children cannot enjoy the happiness of______.
A.walking on the road made of wood |
B.joining the nightspots |
C.Riding a horse or a pumper car |
D.Skiing in the sea |
Many people believe the best time to visit Virginia Beach may be____.
A.After autumn school term beginning |
B.In the summer vacation |
C.During the Christmas holiday |
D.In the cold winter |
From the passage we can know ____.
A.one in five persons swimming in the sea is drowned |
B.if one with lifeguard were drowning, five persons without lifeguard would be |
C.some 80% people drowning by the currents are rescued by lifeguards |
D.some 20% drowning by the currents are rescued by lifeguards |
The passage mainly tell us ____.
A.Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort |
B.the happiness and excitement the beach offers |
C.some safety tips when swimming in the sea |
D.the dangers for tourists from land-locked regions to swim in the sea |
When it comes to President Obama,most of his personal business is already known by the public. Personal information about his children, Malia and Sasha,however,has been kept a little more under wraps.
The New York Times recently released a list of rules that Michelle Obama has mentioned over the years that Malia and Sasha must follow during their time in the White House,as well as in general. See how the first family educates their children:
The girls must write reports about what they've seen on their trips,even if it's not required by their school.
Malia may use her cell phone only on the weekend,and she and her sister cannot watch television or use a computer for anything but homework during the week.
Malia and Sasha have to play two sports:one they choose and one selected by their mother.
Malia must learn to do laundry(洗衣服)before she leaves for college.
The girls have to eat their vegetables,and if they say they are not hungry,they cannot ask for cookies or chips later.
While these might be shocking to some,Michelle said,“They're not little princesses. It's just basic rules,boundaries, and expectations that we would have normally.”
Michelle also mentions another set of rules:
The girls must do their chores(家务),though the White House has a large staff. Malia and Sasha have chores of their own.
They must play a team sport, because it's about learning how to play on a team,how to lose and how to win gracefully.
It sounds like Michelle and Barack want the best for their kids and to make them as well rounded as possible. What are your thoughts on the Obama family rules?What's the passage mainly about?
A.The first family rules. |
B.The first family daily life. |
C.How to be good parents. |
D.How to be good children. |
What do the underlined words “under wraps” in Para 1 probably mean?
A.Attractive. | B.Secret. |
C.Calm | D.Public. |
What has to be followed after the girls' every trip?
A.Emails | B.Reports. |
C.Homework. | D.Photos. |
Which of the following is the exception for the girls?
A.To learn to do laundry. |
B.To play two sports. |
C.To use cell phone freely. |
D.To eat their vegetables. |
Son’s Help
Mr. Lang worked in a factory. As a driver, he was busy but he was paid much. His wife was an able woman and did all the housework. When he came back, she took good care of him and he never did anything at home. So he had enough time when he had a holiday. A few friends of his liked gambling(赌博) and he learned it soon. So he was interested in it and hardly forgot anything except gambling. He lost all his money and later he began to sell the television, watches and so on. His wife told him not to do it but he didn’t listen to her. She had to tell the police. He and his friends were punished for it. And he was hardly sent away. After he came out of lockup(拘留所), he hated her very much and the woman had to leave him. It was New Year’s Day. Mr. Lang didn’t go to work. He felt lonely and wanted to gamble again. He called his friends and they came soon. But they were afraid the police would come. He told his five-year-old son to go to find out if there were the policemen outside. They waited for a long time and didn’t think the police would come and began to gamble. Suddenly opened the door and in came a few policemen. ―“I saw there weren’t any policemen outside, daddy,” said the boy, ―“so I went to the crossing and asked some to come.”Mr. Lang was paid much because _______.
A.he worked in a factory |
B.he had a lot of work to do |
C.he had worked there for a long time |
D.he was a driver |
Mrs. Lang did all housework because _______.
A.she wouldn’t stop her husband gambling |
B.she couldn’t find any work |
C.she thought her husband was tired |
D.her husband spent all time in gambling |
The woman had to leave Mr. Lang because _______.
A.he wouldn’t stop gambling |
B.he had been put into lockup |
C.he was hardly sent away by the factory |
D.he didn’t love her any longer |
Which of the following is right?
A.The boy thought his father needed some policemen. |
B.The boy hoped his father would stop gambling soon. |
C.The boy hoped his mother would come back. |
D.The boy hoped his father would be put into lockup again. |