Ⅳ. 阅读理解（共20小题，每题1分，满分20分）
When my first wartime Christmas came, I was in basic training in New Jersey and not sure if I could make it home for the holidays. Only on the afternoon of December 23 was the list of men who would have three-day holidays posted. I was one of the lucky soldiers. It was Christmas eve when I arrived home, and a light snow had fallen. Mother opened the front door. I could see beyond her, into the corner of the living room where the tree had always stood. There were lights, all colors, and ornaments (装饰物) shining against the green of a pine. “Where did it come from?” I asked.
“I asked the Gates boy to cut it,” my mother said. “I wouldn’t have had one just for myself, such a rush！He just brought it in this afternoon…” The pine reached to the proper height, almost to the ceiling, and the tree top crystal star was in its place. A few green branches reached about a little awkwardly at the side, I thought, and there was a bit of bare trunk showing in the middle. But the tree filled the room with warm light and the whole house with the pleasant smell of Christmas. “It’s not like the one you used to find,” my mother went on. “Yours were always in good shape. I suppose the Gates boy didn’t know where to look for a good one. But I couldn’t be fussy (挑剔的)．”
“Don’t worry,” I 
told her. “It’s perfect.” It wasn’t, of course, but at the moment I realized something for the first time: all Christmas trees are perfect．
46. From the passage, we can infer that ______．
A. the writer spent his first Christmas during the war
B. soldiers did not all go home for Christmas during the war
C. all the soldiers had three-day holidays
D. the writer could not go home for Christmas
47. When the writer got home, ______．
A. it was December 23th
B. it was snowing heavily
C. he found a Christmas tree in the living room
D. the Gates boy was cutting a Christmas tree for his mother
48. From this passage，we can conclude that ______．
A. the writer used to cut very beautiful Christmas trees
B. his mother didn’t like perfect trees
C. his mother didn’t want to have a tree
D. the writer wouldn’t have a tree cut by someone else
49. “All Christmas trees are perfect”，because they can remind you of ______．
A. the wartime B. the green of a pine
C. the pleasant smell D. the sweet home
50. The best title for this passage would be “______”．
A. How to Choose a Christmas Tree
B. How Soldiers Spent Christmas
C. The Perfect Christmas Tree
D. The Christmas Without a Tree
What is a good education? The question is far from being answered. Once more, colleges and universities are changing their programs: they drop "fun courses" and restart some of the traditional subjects neglected (忽视) since the 1960s. Many great schools are again requiring the students to take a number of classes in English, history, literature, the social sciences, philosophy, the natural sciences, and art if they want to get a degree. Meanwhile, the experts are trying to describe the good education of our time. Obviously the purely vocational training once favored is not enough. But neither is the gentleman's education of the nineteenth century. Educational programs must meet the demands of a modern world where men and women have to work and to deal with big problems.
What, then, is a good education of this century? Some educators suggest that it should include foreign languages and the study of foreign cultures; a mastery of English, including the ability to write and speak well, because communications have become all-important in the modern world, and also because "a person who doesn't speak and write clearly doesn't reason clearly either"; some knowledge of the social sciences (sociology, psychology) that deal with human relations and human problems; some basic knowledge of modern science, which would enable future voters to be better informed about current problems like nuclear. Finally, many educators insist that all college graduates should be familiar with computers and modern information system since the educated professionals of tomorrow will have to understand their machines. Is that all? "No, of course not." answer the educators. "We have not mentioned the two great building blocks of education: history and literature!" The best title for this passage might be _______.
| A．Education | B．A Mastery of English |
| C．A Good Education | D．Something About Study |
The underlined word "drop" in the first paragraph means _______.
| A．desert | B．dislike | C．decline | D．neglect |
The author thinks that the question about what a good education is _______.
| A．has been answered fairly well |
| B．hasn't been put forward yet |
| C．has been dealt with successfully |
| D．has not been answered satisfactorily |
Some educational experts believe a mastery of English should include the ability _______.
| A．to read fast | B．to write and speak well |
| C．to write clearly and accurately | D．to listen and speak skillfully |
This tour takes you back in history to a moment that “will live in infamy （声名狼藉）. ” Explore the historic artifacts at the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center commemorating（纪念） the attack on Pearl Harbor, then travel around beautiful Oahu on a Circle Island guided bus tour.
The Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is Hawaii’s number one visitor attraction. View the film of the attack on Pearl Harbor and browse the historic artifacts on display. Then ride the Navy launch across Pearl Harbor to visit the Arizona Memorial. Then, board a tour bus for a scenic trip around the island of Oahu. Get your cameras ready for the beautiful view over Windward Oahu at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Visit Byodo－In Temple, which is set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.
You’ll also see the famous North Shore surfing beaches of Sunset, Banzai Pipeline, and Waimea Bay and drive through rustic Haleiwa Town. Visit Dole Plantation and discover the history of Hawaii’s pineapple industry before enjoying a no host lunch at the Polynesian Cultural Center (lunch is not included in the listed-price).
Inclusions: Scenic bus tour of Oahu island
Film viewing at Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. Pearl Harbor
Visit of Byodo－In Temple and Dole Plantation
Available:
Mon. —Fri.
Hours of operation:
7 AM to 5 PM
Note:
Strict security measures forbid purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage and／or other items. Visitors may bring a camera and cam-recorder. A storage facility, operated by a private vendor, is available for visitors coming to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum. What is the purpose of the passage above?
| A．To introduce the beautiful scene in Oahu. | B．To tell the writer attractions in Hawaii. |
| C．To attract more tourists. | D．To describe a wonderful tour in Oahu. |
Which of the following is the right order of the tour?
| A．The Arizona Memorial, Byodo-In Temple, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Polynesian Cultural Center |
| B．Pearl Habor, Dole Plantation, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Sunset Beach |
| C．Pearl Habor, North Shore, Byodo-In Temple, Dole Plantation |
| D．The Arizona Memorial, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center |
A tourist will see everything below at Pearl Harbor except _______.
| A．the Arizona Memorial | B．some historic artifacts |
| C．a film | D．Windward Oahu |
On October 19, 1959, the first Special English program was broadcast on the Voice of America. It was an experiment. The goal was to communicate by radio in clear and simple English with people whose native language is not English. Experts said the goal was admirable, but the method would not work. They were proved wrong. The Special English programs quickly became some of the most popular on VOA. And they still are.
Forty years later, Special English continues to communicate with people who are not fluent in English. But during the years its role has expanded. It also helps people learn American English. And it provides listeners, even those who are native English speakers, with information they cannot find elsewhere.
Today, Special English broadcasts around the world seven days a week, five times a day. Each half-hour broadcast begins with ten minutes of the latest news followed by 20 minutes of feature programming. There is a different short feature every weekday about science, development, agriculture and environment, and on the weekend, about news events and American idioms.
Three elements make Special English unique. It has a limited vocabulary of 1500 words. Most are simple words that describe objects, actions or emotions. Some are more difficult. They are used for reporting world events and describing discoveries in medicine and science. Special English is written in short, simple sentences that contain only one idea. No idioms are used. And Special English is spoken at a slower pace, about two-thirds the speed of Standard English. This helps people learning English hear each word clearly. It also helps people who are English speakers understand complex subjects.
Through the years, Special English has become a very popular tool for teaching English, even though it was not designed as teaching program. It succeeds in helping people learn English in a non-traditional way. Individuals record the programs and play them over and over to practice their listening skills. In countries around the world, English teachers assign Special English to their students. They praise it for improving their students' ability to understand American English and for the content of the programs. Universities and private companies in many countries produce packages of Special English materials for student use.At the beginning, Special English program was.
| A．well received |
| B．rejected by native people |
| C．doubted by some professionals |
| D．intended for teaching English |
What kind of English is spoken on Special English?
| A．British English. |
| B．American English. |
| C．Both British and American English. |
| D．Not certain. |
Which of the following are the elements that make Special English unique?
a．limited vocabulary
b．short simple sentences
c．good communication method
d．slow speed
e．interesting feature programming
| A．a, b, c | B．a, c, d | C．a, b, d | D．b, d, e |
From the last paragraph we can infer that.
| A．listening to Special English can be a student’s homework |
| B．listening to Special English can improve the content of the program |
| C．some student record the Special English material for sale |
| D．learning English from VOA is a traditional way for English learner. |
How could we possibly think that keeping animals in cages in unnatural environments－mostly for entertainment purposes－is fair and respectful?
Zoo officials say they are concerned about animals. How ever, most zoos remain “collections” of interesting “things” rather than protective habitats (栖息地). Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to keep animals bored, lonely, and far from their natural bones.
Zoos claim to educate people and save endangered species(物种), but visitors leave zoos without having learned anything meaningful about the animals’ natural behavior, intelligence, or beauty. Zoos keep animals in small spaces or cages, and most signs only mention the species’ name, diet, and natural range(分布区). The animals’ normal behavior is seldom noticed because zoos don’t usually take care of the animals’ natural needs.
The animals are kept together in small spaces, with no privacy and little opportunity for mental and physical exercise. This results in unusual and self-destructive behavior called zoochosis. A worldwide study of zoos found that zoochosis is common among animals kept in small spaces or cages. Another study showed that elephants spend 22 percent of their time making repeated head movements or biting cage bars, and bears spend 30 percent of their time walking back and forth, a sign of unhappiness and pain.
Furthermore, most animals in zoos are not endangered. Captive breeding(圈养繁殖)of endangered big cats, Asian elephants, and other species has not resulted n their being sent back to the wild. Zoos talk a lot about their captive breeding programs because they do not want people to worry about a species dying out. In fact, baby animals also attract a lot of paying customers. Haven’t we seen enough competitions to name baby animals?
Actually, we will save endangered species only if we save their habitats and put an end to the reasons people kill them. Instead of supporting zoos, we should support groups that work to protect animals’ natural habitats.How would the author describe the animals’ life in zoos?
| A．Dangerous. |
| B．Unhappy. |
| C．Natural. |
| D．Easy. |
In the state of zoochosis, animals _________.
| A．remain in cages |
| B．behave strangely |
| C．attack other animals |
| D．enjoy moving around |
What does the author try to argue in the passage?
| A．Zoos are not worth the public support. |
| B．Zoos fail in their attempt to save animals. |
| C．Zoos should treat animals as human beings. |
| D．Zoos use animals as a means of entertainment. |
The author tries to persuade readers to accept his argument mainly by _____.
| A．pointing out the faults in what zoos do |
| B．using evidence he has collected at zoos |
| C．questioning the way animals are protected |
| D．discussing the advantages of natural habitats |
Canada, the world’s second-largest country, has a massive Atlantic coastline (海岸线). So, the best way to experience it is by car.
★ One week
Cross over to Wolfville and the Bay of Fundy via HWY 12. Spend a day criss-crossing the country roads and grassy hills of Cape Blomidon to catch some of the most impressive views of the Fundy tides (潮水).
The next day, drive east, stopping at wineries (酿酒厂) and shopping for unique jams and other local foods at Tangled Garden, where you can also cool down with a herb-flavored ice cream.
Drive through the rural roads and maybe get lost on the way to Maitland to sign up for a day of white-water rafting, which can be relaxing and one of the most exciting experiences in your life.
On the last day, head back to Halifax via east coast Martinique Beach, one of the longest beaches in Nova Scotia, a beautiful place for stretching legs and bird watching.
★ Two weeks
With more time, you can go directly up to Cape Breton, along the circuitous (迂回的) roads of the “Cabot Trail”, over high sea vista points, where you have to watch for moose (驼鹿) on the road.
Those with more time can go to Newfoundland and continue on the “Viking Trail” that links the Gros Morne National Park with Leif Eriksson’s historic Viking settlement.
★ When to go
Outside of June to October the coast will be extremely cold and most businesses will be shut.
★ Where to stay
● Lennox Inn 1791 (Lunenburg): Canada’s oldest continually operating hotel.
● The Olde Lantern Inn & Vineyard (Grand Pre): in the heart of winery and Fundy tide country.
★ Where to eat
● Fleur de Sel (Lunenburg): widely considered this coast’s finest restaurant.
● Hall’s Lobster Pound (Hall’s Harbour): pick your lobster, get it boiled and enjoy it on a park bench.If choosing the one-week tour, you are advised to start from .
| A．Wolfville | B．Maitland |
| C．The Bay of Fundy | D．Halifax |
If you intend to go for a drive along the coast in Canada, you should go there .
| A．in January | B．in May | C．in July | D．in November |
We can infer from the passage that .
| A．white-water rafting is quite exciting |
| B．moose can be seen in large numbers in Newfoundland |
| C．people can be easily lost along the roads of the “Cabot Trail” |
| D．Lennox Inn 1791 is Canada’s oldest hotel |