Many famous painters worked in Antwerp during the city’s period of greatest power but Peter Paul Rubens is undoubtedly the most famous one of them. Known as Rubens House, the palace-like residence(大宅) and studio where Rubens worked and lived from 1616 until his death in 1640 is now one of Antwerp’s most visited museums.
Almost all of the works Rubens and his students created in the Rubens House have been dispersed (分散) over major museums across the whole world, but there is still an impressive collection well worth the visit. Besides paintings form the master himself you will find other works of art and furniture of the 17th century as well as paintings from his students, including works by Jacob Jordaens and Anthony Van Dyck.
The Rubens House was not only a studio but also a meeting place for the rich and famous. His clients(委托人) included wealthy merchants, diplomats, and there were also many noblemen who often visited his studio to see how work progressed. The Rubens House even had a special viewing area which allowed visitors to see the artists at work.
Ruben bought the house at the beginning of the 17th century after his eight-year-long stay in Italy. Influenced by Italian architecture, he rebuilt the building into an Italian-styled palace with a beautiful garden and moved in the house in 1616.
After his death the building was sold. New owners modified the building greatly and by 1937, when the building was purchased by the city of Antwerp, it hardly resembled the original structure.
The impressive entrance hall, which connected the studio and the residence, is one of the few parts that survived. Other parts have been carefully restored and reconstructed after original plans and paintings of the house.As a museum, the Rubens House is popular because ________.
A.it lies in the famous city of Antwerp |
B.it holds all the works by Rubens and his students |
C.there are many people who enjoy visiting it |
D.Rubens, a great artist, lived and worked there |
We can learn from the third paragraph that ________.
A.the Rubens House was popular with upper-class people |
B.the Rubens House was the best studio in its time |
C.Rubens’s students included noblemen and diplomats |
D.people were not allowed to view the artists working |
What can be inferred from the text?
A.Thanks to its great painters, Antwerp became a rich city. |
B.Ruben possibly showed strong interest in Italian buildings. |
C.Antwerp must be a historical city in Italy. |
D.The Rubens House was completely rebuilt before 1937. |
Which of the following is TRUE, according to the text?
A.Rubens created his works by worki![]() |
B.A beautiful garden was added to the Rubens House by new owners. |
C.Today’s Rubens House looks like its original structure. |
D.The Rubens House is decorated with furniture of the 17th century. |
Cyberspace, data superhighway, multimedia, for those who have seen the future, and the linking of computers, televisions and telephones will change our lives for ever. Yet for all the talks of a forthcoming technological utopia, little attention has been given to the implications of these developments for the poor. As for all the new high technology, the West concerns itself with the “how”, while the question of “for whom” is put aside once again.
Economists are only now realizing the full extent to which the communication revolution has affected the world economy. Information technology allows the extension of trade across geographical and industrial boundaries, and transnational corporations take full advantage of it. Terms of trade and exchange, interest rates and money movements are more important than the production of goods. The electronic economy made by information technology allows the haves to increase their control on global markets — with a destructive impact on the havenots.
For them the result is unstable. Developing countries which rely on the production of a small range of goods for export are made to feel like small parts in the international economic machine. As “futures” are traded on computer screens, developing countries simply have less and less control of their destinies.
So what are the options of regaining control?One alternative for developing countries is to buy in the latest computers and telecommunications. Yet this leads to long-term dependency and perhaps permanent constraints ( 束缚,限制) on developing countries’ economies.
Communication technology is generally exported from the US, Europe or Japan;the patents, skills and ability remain in the hands of a few industrialized countries. It is also expensive, therefore imported products and services must be bought on credit usually provided by the very countries whose companies stand to gain. From the passage we know that the development of high technology is in the interests of________.
A.the rich countries | B.scientific development |
C.the local government | D.the world economy |
It can be inferred from the passage that________.
A.international trade should be expanded |
B.the interests of the poor countries have not been given enough consideration |
C.the exports of the poor countries should be increased |
D.communication technology in developing countries should be modernized |
Why does the author say that the electronic economy may have a destructive impact on developing countries?
A.Because it enables the developed countries to control the international market. |
B.Because it destroys the economic balance of the poor countries. |
C.Because it violates the national boundaries of the poor countries. |
D.Because it constrains the industrial growth of developing countries. |
The development of modern communication technology in developing countries may _____.
A.make their industrial production difficult |
B.cause them to lose control of their trade |
C.force them to reduce their share of exports |
D.cost them their economic independence |
The author’s attitude towards the communication revolution is________.
A.positive | B.critical |
C.indifferent | D.tolerant |
The ChinaDaily newspaper group is looking for English-language senior business editors, senior copy editors, copy editors and graphic designers to strengthen its international team. We offer a competitive salary package, free accommodation with utilities paid for, 90 per cent medical reimbursement, a seven-day paid leave, eleven-day public holidays and a return ticket to the country of residence.
Senior Business Editor
You must:
assist the business editor in setting goals and working on achieving them;
be an excellent team person who can generate ideas and think creatively and be able to rewrite totally if needed and mentor junior staff;
ideally have been working or have worked in a position of responsibility and understand what leadership entails;
have had at least five years’ editing experience working on editing the Business Desk and be familiar with industry software.
Senior Copy Editor
You must:
work on shifts in the Business Desk and usually have the last word before the page is sent to print;
edit or rewrite copy and give snappy headlines and captions;
have had at least two years’ editing experience working on editing desks and be familiar with industry software.
Copy Editor
You must:
be good at editing or rewriting copy and writing snappy headlines and captions;
be able to work on shifts for different pages, and usually have the last word before the page is sent to print;
have two years of editing experience working on copy desks, and be familiar with industry software.
Graphic Designer
You must:
have excellent skills in information graphics;
be good at illustrations and freehand drawings;
be experienced in newspaper or magazine layouts;
have a good sense of typography;
have good news judgment;
be well-versed with Macintosh software, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop;
be fluent in English.
For enquiries or to apply, write to job @ chinadaily.com.cn.What is the purpose of this passage?
A.To describe the positions of the ChinaDaily newspaper group. |
B.To describe the working conditions of the ChinaDaily newspaper group. |
C.To advertise for recruiting some good employees. |
D.To tell you how to become part of this group. |
What is not required about Graphic Designer?
A.Be well-versed with Photoshop. |
B.Have excellent skills in information graphics. |
C.Having a good sense of typography. |
D.Writing snappy headlines and captions. |
How many positions need editing experience?
A.2. | B.1. | C.3. | D.4. |
Which can be the title of the advertisement?
A.ChinaDaily:New Employees Wanted |
B.ChinaDaily:Newspaper |
C.ChinaDaily:An International Team |
D.ChinaDaily:The Best Working Condition |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A.The employees have to pay for their own food and lodging. |
B.The workers there can enjoy a seven-day leave without pay. |
C.The employees have the right to enjoy eleven-day public holidays. |
D.The senior business editor’s only job is to help the business editor to set goals. |
Kids will often ignore your requests for them to shut off the TV, start their chores (杂事), or do their homework as a way to avoid following your directions. Before you know it, you’ve started to sound like a broken record as you repeatedly ask them to do their assignments, clean their room, or take out the trash. Rather than saying “Do your chores now.” you’ll be more effective if you set a target time for when the chores have to be completed. So instead of arguing about starting chores, just say, “If chores aren’t done by 4 pm, here are the consequences.” Then it’s up to your child to complete the chores. Put the ball back in their court. Don’t argue or fight with them, just say, “That’s the way it’s going to be.” It shouldn’t be punitive(惩罚性的) as much as it should be persuasive. “If your chores aren’t done by 4 pm, then no video game time until chores are done. And if finishing those chores runs into homework time, that’s going to be your loss.” On the other hand, when dealing with homework, keep it very simple. Have a time when homework starts, and at that time, all electronics go off and do not go back on until you see that their homework is done. If your kids say they have no homework, then they should use that time to study or read. Either way, there should be a time set aside when the electronics are off.
When a kid wears his iPod or headphones when you’re trying to talk to him, make no bones about it;he is not ignoring you, he is disrespecting you. At that point, everything else should stop until he takes the earplugs out of his ears. Don’t try to communicate with him when he’s wearing headphones — even if he tells you he can hear you. Wearing them while you’re talking to him is a sign of disrespect. Parents should be very tough about this kind of thing. Remember, mutual respect becomes more important as children mature.According to the passage, it seldom happens that ________.
A.kids turn a deaf ear to their parents’ requests |
B.parents’ directions sound like a broken record |
C.children are ready to follow their parents’ directions |
D.parents are unaware of what they are repeating to their kids |
Parents will be able to deal with their children more effectively if they ________.
A.avoid direct ways of punishment | B.make them do things at their request |
C.argue and fight with their children | D.allow their children to behave in their own way |
When the kid is doing his homework, parents ________.
A.should provide him with a good learning environment |
B.can do whatever they like |
C.can stay aside watching TV |
D.must switch off the power |
It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A.parents should take off his headphones when trying to have a talk with their child |
B.it will make no difference that a kid is wearing his earplugs while talking to his parents |
C.parents shouldn’t give in to their kid when he shows no sign of respect |
D.kids’ purposely talking to their parents with iPod gives them a sense of power and control |
The main idea of the passage is ________.
A.that respecting each other is more important than anything else |
B.how kids behave to ignore and disrespect their parents |
C.that children should make choices and decisions on their own |
D.how parents can deal with their kids’ behavior effectively |
A couple of years ago, before a trip to China, Nicole Davis and her US women’s volleyball teammates were warned about the prominence (显著、突出) of coach “Jenny” Lang Ping in her native country.
“I was pushed over by Chinese journalists while I was just trying to put my luggage on the bus,” said Davis.
Known as the “Iron Hammer” for her punishing spikes(扣球), Lang made it possible for China to dominate in the sport in the early 1980s. She was a key player on China’s 1984 Olympic gold medal winning team.
When the US team arrived for the Olympics, Lang, 48, who is from Beijing, had to take a different route to avoid a crowd of reporters and fans.
Then came the greatest moment to Lang:While the US team was playing in a packed gym, at least 8,000 Chinese fans unfurled an American flag.
“That really says it all,” Davis said. “They look at her as an icon(偶像).I’m sure it’s hard for them to see her coaching another country, but they love her so dearly that her success is their success.”
The loyalty of the Chinese fans was tested on Friday, when China lost a match to the US.
“It’s a pity that China lost the match, but I’m still glad that Lang Ping’s team won, since she is the pride of China’s volleyball,” said Liu Chengli, a spectator. “We also cheered for
Lang’s victory.”
Lang said she just tried to stay professional when the two teams meet. “It doesn’t matter if we play China or any other team. It’s the same.” Lang said.
Davis said she and her teammates could not have imagined the passion for volleyball among Chinese because the sport was lack of popularity in the US. The reception from Chinese fans has touched the US players, said US volleyball player Lindsey Berg.
“It’s such an honor to be here and play for our coach here in China,” she said. “The amount of support that the Chinese give to her and us has been tremendous. The whole event has been unbelievable.”What’s the passage mainly about?
A.Staying professional. | B.Cheering for the Iron Hammer. |
C.A match between China and the US. | D.Lang Ping’s career as a coach. |
Lang Ping avoided meeting the reporters and fans probably because she ________.
A.was afraid to be questioned about her strategy |
B.didn’t want to be paid much attention to |
C.disliked to be with her fans |
D.didn’t want to disturb public order |
What does the underlined word “unfurled” exactly mean?
A.destroyed completely | B.tore into pieces |
C.spread out to the wind | D.rolled up |
What does Lang Ping mean by saying “It doesn’t matter if we play China or any other team.”?
A.American Volleyball Team will beat any team. |
B.Chinese Volleyball Team is the same as other teams. |
C.She just tried to stay professional. |
D.The results of each match will be the same. |
What impressed the US team players most?
A.The tolerance of Chinese people. |
B.The popularity of volleyball in China. |
C.Lang Ping’s coaching skills. |
D.The loyalty for volleyball of the Chinese. |
Running like the wind, roaring (咆哮) like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world.But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China.
This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund.
The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China.In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country.But due to the destruction of their natural habitat (栖息地) and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species.
Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China.But they are nothing like their wild cousins.They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing.If they were set free they could not look after themselves.
"Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo.
To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa.Four of them have already arrived.Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts(本能) and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base.
" South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild.The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center." We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain(生物链) and there was a lack of space."
The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready.What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?
A.Because it has lost its natural instincts. |
B.Because there is not a complete eco-chain. |
C.Because there is no space for it. |
D.Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions. |
How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?
A.Its effect still remains to be seen. |
B.Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins. |
C.Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills. |
D.The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007. |
By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______.
A.they are no longer feared by other wild animals |
B.they don't know how to hunt or kill |
C.a complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding |
D.to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task |
What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?
A.To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild. |
B.To provide them with a better environment. |
C.To get the tigers to go on a tour. |
D.To find a complete eco-chain for them. |
Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?
A.Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base. |
B.Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers. |
C.Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there. |
D.Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in. |