①It’s “laughably absurd” on one blog and a “magical revolution” on another.Bloggers are talking about the same device—the Apple iPad, which hit store shelves last week.
②Tech-heads hate the iPad because it has many functions—you can e-mail, browse the Web, read books—but it has no specialty.There are other devices on the market that do all its functions faster, cheaper and more efficiently.Get a Blackberry to scan e-mails or any old laptop to access the Internet.
③This first version of the iPad lacks many basic features.Tech-heads dislike the device not because of what it offers, but because of what it doesn’t offer.It doesn’t have Flash, and it doesn’t have a camera.It can’t access many of the world’s mobile applications, and it has a very restricted apple store.Based on purely technological grounds, the iPad is said to lack more than it gives.
④But if you are not a crazy tech-head, and you love the iPod and iPhone, “this device is for you,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.The iPad will take online activities truly mobile.It will allow you to read the news in bed, check a recipe in a busy kitchen or view a large-scale Google map.
⑤Perhaps most important to the masses, it is a traditional computer without trouble.There are wireless, but it’s totally mobile.You press a button and it comes on in seconds.To add a program, you just download it from the Internet.Since almost everyone uses a computer in the office or at school, the need for the traditional desktop model at home is disappearing.Slate Magazine’s Farhad Manjoo calls the iPad the perfect alternative to the home computer system.
⑥But no matter how you feel about the iPad, as a tech-head or an everyman, there’s no arguing with its appeal.Love it or hate it, the iPad sold over 600,000 units on its opening weekend, surpassing the iPhone’s record sales in 2007.
61.What can be the best title for the text?
A.Loving and hating the iPad B.An exciting invention
C.A home computer substitute D.The iPad—a wise choice
62.According to the text, which of the following is Not true of the iPad?
A.It can access the Internet. B.It is wireless but portable.
C.It can play any online video. D.It can help you scan e-mail.
63.Which of the following best shows the structure of the text?
64.Farhad Manjoo’s attitude towards the iPad might be that of ______.
A.doubt B.unconcern C.sympathy D.support
65.Tech-heads dislike the iPad because of ______.
A.its after-sale services B.its high price
C.its function shortages D.its slow speed
WHAT’S ON
STAGE Russian dances: The famous “Little White Birth” Dance Troupe will travel from Russia to present performances in Beijing. The troupe, founded in 1948, is famous for their combination of Russian folk dances and classical dancing art. It has been invited by the Beijing Foreign Culture Exchange Co. in order to give four performances in Beijing. Tickets are available through ticket hotlines and website such as www. paio. com. cn, www. chinaticket, com and www. ticket, elong. com. * Time: 7: 30 pm, January 18 - 21 * Place: Beizhan Theatre, 135, Xiwai Dajie, Xicheng District * Tel: 6606-4258 EXHIBITIONS Kite show: All together 81 kites collected by the China National Art Museum is on show in the Yanhuang Art Museum. Kong Xiangze, an expert on Chinese kites, published a book on kites, explaining the origins of the kite-making process. The exhibited kites are made in a traditional Chinese style. * Time: 9 am-5 pm until February 11 * Place: 9 Huizhong Lu * Tel: 6491-2902 |
CONCERTS Folk music: A concert of classics of Chinese folk music will greet audiences on the first day of the Year of Snake at the Beijing Concert Hall. The China Song and Dance Ensemble will perform dozens of traditional instrumental pieces, such as “Full of Joy”, “Colourful Cloud Chasing the Moon” and “Spring Festival Suite”. * Time: 7: 30 pm, January 24 * Place: 1, Beixinhuajie, Xicheng District * Tel: 6559-8285 EVENTS Flower festival: The Beijing Botanical Garden is bringing people a blooming festival with the beautiful flowers in its tropical plants greenhouse. The garden has introduced nearly 80 kinds of flowers abroad for the exhibition. There is also an exhibition of potted narcissus (水仙) landscapes (盆景). More than 300 mini landscapes involving imported narcissus will be displayed, people can get a preview of the show by visiting www. beijingbd, com, the garden’s website. * Time: 8:30 am-5 pm until January 28 * Place: Wofosi Lu near the Fragant Hills * Tel: 8259-5547 |
Suppose you are too far away from Beijing or you can’t spare time to go there in person, which of the following shows can you enjoy all the same?
A.Russian dances. | B.Kite show | C.Folk music | D.Flower festival |
. The phrase “get a preview of” used in the passage means ______.
A.watch in advance | B.see more clearly |
C.get good position of | D.get a general idea of |
If you and your classmates have a free evening to spend on the 19th of January, which is a useful number to call?
A.6606-4258 | B.6491-2902 | C.6559-8285 | D.8259-5547 |
February 4, 2012 saw the take-off of a new rising NBA star-Jeremy Lin.
Among professional basketball players, Jeremy Lin's background is not typical. He graduated from Harvard University, which sends few players to the NBA, and he is the only Chinese-American NBA player.
Lin's enjoyment of basketball actually began in Taiwan. When Lin's father moved to U.S., his interest in the sport only grew and he passed on this love of basketball to his son, introducing him to the game at the age of five. The young Lin spent much of his youth playing basketball for fun.
In high school, Lin dreamed of playing in the NBA. When he applied for college, he was not offered a single sports scholarship. However, after his admission to Harvard, he was offered a place on its college basketball team.
During Lin's time at Harvard, his basketball career began to speed up. He scored 1,482 points, making him one of the highest scorers in Ivy League history.
When he graduated, no professional teams offered Lin a contract, but he was invited to play in the NBA Summer League. He played well and ended up eagerly signing a contract with the Golden State Warriors.
At first,playing in professional games filled Lin with excitement. He treasured opportunities to meet players he had been watching on TV for years. But slowly, the excitement wore off and was replaced by anxiety. In a few very difficult months, he was cut by two teams before the New York Knicks picked him up.
But he had the courage and determination to stick to his dream, so he put himself into hard training to get ready for his opportunity to come. Then his moment arrived on February 4, 2012,on which his excellent performance made him famous overnight. After that, he led the Knicks to their fifth straight victory. Knicks fans developed the nickname for him "Linsanity" (林发疯). Time magazine released its 2012 list of the 100 "Most Influential People in the World", Jeremy Lin included.WhichofthefollowingisoflittlehelpinLin’ssuccess?
A.hisfather’sinfluence | B.hisdevotiontobasketball |
C.hisyearsofhardwork | D.hisgraduationfromHarvardUniversity |
Whatdoesthephrases"woreoff"inseventhparagraphprobablymean?
A.arose | B.disappeared | C.grew | D.remained |
WhichofthefollowingstatementsisTRUEaccordingtothepassage?
A.Linlearnedtoplaybasketballwhenhewaseight.
B.Linwasexcitedforprofessionalgamesanddidagoodjobatthebeginning.
C.BeforeLintherewasnoChinese-AmericanNBAplayers.
D.LinisthemostoutstandingplayerinNBA.Itcanbeinferredfromthepassagethat______.
A.Lindidn’thaveasmoothroadinNBA.
B.LingotaneasyentryintoNBA.
C.Lindidn’tshowhisbasketballtalentsinHarvardUniversity.
D.NBAprefersgraduatesfromHarvardUniversity.
Bicycle Safety
Operation Always ride your bike in a safe, controlled manner on campus(校园). Obey rules and regulations. Watch out for walkers and other bicyclists, and always use your lights in dark conditions.
Theft Prevention Always safely lock your bicycle to a bicycle rack---even if you are only away for a minute. Register(登记) your bike with the University Department of Public Safety. It’s fast, easy, and free. Registration permanently records your serial number, which is useful in the possible recovery of the bike stolen.
EquipmentBrakes Make sure that they are in good working order and adjusted properly.
Helmet A necessity, make sure your helmet meets current safety standards and fit properly.
Lights Always have a front headlight---visible at least 500 feet in front of the bike. A taillight is a good idea.
Rules of the Road
Riding on Campus As a bicycle rider, you have a responsibility to ride only on streets and posted bicycle paths. Riding on sidewalks or other walkways can lead to a fine. The speed limit for bicycles on campus is 15mph, unless otherwise posted. Always give the right of ways to walkers. If you are involved in an accident, you are required to offer appropriate aid, call the Department of Public Safety and remain at the scene until the officer lets you go.
Bicycle Parking Only park in areas reserved for bikes. Trees, handrails, hallways, and sign posts are not for bicycle parking, and parking in such posts can result in a fine.
If Things Go Wrong
If you break the rules, you will be fined. Besides violating rules while riding bicycles on campus, you could be fined for:No bicycle registration---------------------------------------------------$25
Bicycle parking banned--------------------------------------------------$30
Blocking path with bicycle ---------------------------------------------$40
Violation of bicycle equipment requirement -------------------------$35
Registration of your bicycle may help you _____________.
A.get your serial number | B.find your stolen bicycle |
C.receive free repair services | D.settle conflicts with walkers |
According to the passage, what bike equipment is a free choice for bicycle riders?
A.Brakes. | B.A helmet. | C.A taillight. | D.A headlight. |
If you lock your bicycle to a tree on the campus, you could be fined _________.
A.$25 | B.$35 | C.$40 | D.$30 |
What is the passage mainly about?
A.A guide for safe bicycling on campus. | B.Directions for bicycle tour on campus. |
C.Regulations of bicycle race on campus. | D.Rules for riding motor vehicles on campus. |
Are you sometimes a little tired and sleepy in the early afternoon? Many people feel this way after lunch. They may think that eating lunch is the cause of the sleepiness. Or, in summer, they may think it is the heat. However, the real reason lies inside their bodies. At that time – about eight hours after you wake up – your body temperature goes down. This is what makes you slow down and feel sleepy. Scientists have tested sleep habits in experiments where there was no night or day. The people in these experiments almost always followed a similar sleeping pattern (模式). They slept for one long period and then for one short period about eight hours later.
In many parts of the world, people take naps(小睡) in the middle of the day. This is especially true in warmer climates, where the heat makes work difficult in the early afternoon. Researchers are now saying that naps are good for everyone in any climate. A daily nap gives one a more rested body and mind and therefore is good for health in general. In countries where naps are traditional, people often suffer less from problems such as heart disease.
Many working people, unfortunately, have no time to take naps. Though doctors may advise taking naps, employers do not allow it! If you do have the chance, however, here are a few tips about making the most of your nap. Remember that the best time to take a nap is about eight hours after you get up. A short sleep too late in the day may only make you feel more tired and sleepy afterward. This can also happen if you sleep for too long. If you do not have enough time, try a short nap – even ten minutes of sleep can be helpful.Why do people feel sleepy in the early afternoon according to the text?
A.They eat too much for lunch. |
B.They sleep too little at night. |
C.Their body temperature becomes lower. |
D.The weather becomes a lot warmer. |
If you get up at 6:30 am, what is the best time for you to take a nap?
A.About 12:30 pm. | B.About 1:30 pm. |
C.About 3:30 pm | D.About 2:30 pm |
What would be the best title for the text?
A.Just for a Rest | B.All for a Nap |
C.A Special Sleep Pattern. | D.Taking Naps in Warmer Climate. |
One day while shopping in a small town in southern California, it was my misfortune to be approached by a clerk.He seemed most unfriendly and not at all concerned about my intended purchase.I bought nothing, and marched angrily out of the store.
On the outside was a dark-skinned young man in his early twenties.His expressive brown eyes met and held mine, and in the next instant a beautiful, bright smile covered his face.I gave in immediately.The power of that broad smile dissolved all bitterness within me, and I felt the muscles in my own face happily responding.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" I remarked, passing.Then I turned back."I really owe you a debt of thanks," I said softly.
His smile deepened, but he made no attempt to answer.A Mexican woman and two men were standing nearby.The woman stepped forward and volunteered, "Sir, but he doesn't speak English.Do you want me to tell him something?" In that moment I felt transformed.The young man's smile had made a big person of me.My friendliness and good will toward all mankind stand ten feet tall.
“Yes,” my reply was enthusiastic and sincere, “tell him I said, ‘Thank you!’”
“Thank you?” The woman seemed slightly puzzled.
I gave her arm a friendly pat as I turned to leave."Just tell him that," I insisted."He'll understand.I am sure!"
Oh, what a smile can do! Although I have never seen that young man again, I shall never forget the lesson he taught me that morning.From that day on, I became smile-conscious, and I practice the art diligently anywhere and everywhere, with everybody.nWhy did the author leave the store angrily?
A.He couldn't buy what he wanted. |
B.The clerk treated him unkindly. |
C.The clerk didn't speak English. |
D.The store's goods were too dear. |
By saying "I felt the muscles in my own face happily responding"(in Para. 2), the author means __.
A.he smiled back at the young man | B.he did not want to smile |
C.he would thank the young man | D.he was still in a bad mood |
.The author asked the woman to say "Thank you!" to the young man because the young man.
A.had helped the author before | B.taught the author how to smile |
C.taught the author a valuable lesson | D.was a kind employee of the store |
.In the passage, the author seems to suggest that we should _____.
A.be generous to strangers | B.practice smiling every day |
C.help people in trouble | D.smile at other people |