What’s your idea of a good time? What about dancing in a rainy field with one hundred and fifty thousand other people while a famous rock band plays on a stage so far away that the performers look like ants?
It may sound strange but that is what many hundreds of thousands of young people in the UK do every summer. Why? Because summer is the time for outdoor music festivals.
Held on a farm, the Glastonbury Festival is the most well-known and popular festival in the UK. It began in 1970 and the first festival was attended by one thousand five hundred people each paying an admission price of £1 — the ticket included free milk from the farm.
Since then the Glastonbury Festival has gone from strength to strength — in 2004 one hundred and fifty thousand fans attended, paying £112 each for a ticket to the three-day event. Tickets for the event sold out within three hours. Performers
included superstars, such as Paul McCartney and James Brown, as well as new talent, like Franz Ferdinand and Joss Stone.
Although many summer festivals are run on a profit —making basis, Glastonbury is a charity event, donating millions of pounds to local and international charities.
Glastonbury is not unique in using live music to raise money to fight global poverty (贫穷). In July of this year, the Live 8 concerts were held simultaneously (同时) in London, Paris, Rome and Berlin. Superstars such as Madonna, Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder performed in order to highlight (强调) international poverty and debt. What does the author mean by saying “the Glastonbury Festival has gone from strength to strength”?
A.The festival has achieved growing success. |
B.Great efforts have been made to ![]() |
C.The festival has brought in a large amount of money. |
D.There have been thousands of fans attending the festival. |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A.The Glastonbury Festival is run on a profit-making basis. |
B.Tickets for the 2004 Glastonbury Festival were in great demand despite the high price. |
C.Both James Brown and Joss Stone were born in poor families. |
D.In the 1970 Glastonbury Festival, one could have lunch on the farm for free. |
We can learn from the last paragraph that _____.
A.the Glastonbury Festival is not so popular as the Live 8 concerts |
B.the Live 8 concerts are held every year in London |
C.London, Paris, Rome and Berlin are famous for outdoor music festivals |
D.some superstars are concerned about global poverty |
What is the best title for the passage?
A.How to have a good time | B.Charity events around the world |
C.The Glastonbury Festival | D.Superstars’ performances in charity events |
The ocean contains many strange and surprising creatures. One such creature is the puffer fish. This very strange fish is probably the most poisonous creature in the ocean. The poison that this fish produces is 275 times more poisonous than the chemical which is usually used to kill rats.
The puffer fish gets its name from the way the fish protects itself from enemies. Whenever it is attacked, the fish blows up its body to three times bigger than its normal size!
Another strange thing about this fish is the fact that it can swim like other fish. Because it does not have bones like other fish, the puffer fish can only move slowly through the water as it is carried by waves.
The puffer fish also has funny teeth. These teeth stick out of the fish’s mouth and are used by the fish to open the shells of the creatures that live on the ocean floor.
This strange, ugly, and very poisonous fish is actually a very expensive kind of food in Japan. The Japanese call this fish “fugu”, and people have been known to pay $150 per person to eat a fugu meal (usually eight servings)!
Very brave people want to eat the most poisonous part of the fugu fish on purpose. They think that this part of the fish tastes the best! Strict laws have been passed to control restaurants which serve fugu; however, quite a few people have still died from eating fugu. Almost 200 people have died over the past 25 years.
When people eat fugu poison, they do not die on the spot. First, they feel a strange tickle on their lips and in their mouth. Then they can not feel anything with their fingers. Finally, they cannot move or speak. Death follows when they can no longer breathe. The poison may take only a few minutes or up to six hours to kill a person. There is no known cure for fugu poisoning.
56. According to the passage, the puffer fish .
A. is probably the most poisonous creature in the world
B. is generally considered to be the strangest fish in the ocean
C. is slightly more poisonous than the chemical used to kill rats
D. is without doubt a deadly creature if it is not eaten properly
57. Why do people think that the puffer fish is strange when it is attacked by an enemy?
A. It becomes bigger.B. It has funny teeth.
C. It gives off poison. D. It can swim swiftly.
58. The underlined expression “on the spot” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to .
A. now and then B. once in a while
C. then and thereD. sooner or later
59. Who is allowed to serve fugu according to the passage?
A. The Japanese government. B. Licensed restaurants.
C. Strict lawyers in Japan . D. Very brave people
60. Which is NOT a symptom of fugu poisoning?
A. Having difficulty breathing. B.Having no sense of touch.
C. Having no sense of taste. D. Having trouble speaking.
Hans Christian Andersen was a poor boy who lived in Denmark. His father, a shoemaker, had died, and his mother had married again.
Andersen’s father liked to read better than to make shoes. In the evenings, he had read aloud from The Arabian Nights. His wife understood very little of the book, but the boy, pretending to sleep, understood every word.
By day Hans Christian Anderson went to a house where old women worked as weavers. There he listened to the tales that the women told. In those days, there were almost as many tales in Denmark as there were people to tell them.
Among the tales told in the town of Odense, where Andersen was born in 1805, was one about a fairy who brought death to those who danced with her. To this tale, Hans Christian later added a story from his own life.
Once, when his father was still alive, a young lady ordered a pair of red shoes. When she refused to pay for them, unhappiness filled the poor shoemaker’s house. From that small tragedy and the story of the dancing fairy, the shoemaker’s son years later wrote the story that millions of people now know as The Red Shoes.
As a little girl, Hans Christian’s mother was sent out on the streets to beg. She did not want to beg, so she hid under one of the city bridges. She warmed her cold feet in her hands, for she had no shoes. She was afraid to go home. Years later, her son, in his pity for her and his anger at the world, wrote the angry story She’s No Good and the famous tale The Little Match Girl.
Through his genius, he changed every early experience, even his father’s death, into a fairy tale. One cold day his father showed him a white, woman-like figure among the frost patterns. “That is the snow queen,” said the shoemaker. “Soon she will be coming for me.” A few months later he died. And years later, Andersen turned that sad experience into a fairy tale, The Snow Queen.
51. Which of the following is TRUE about Anderson when he was a boy?
A. His father had remarried before he died.
B. His mother was struck by The Arabian Night.
C. He enjoyed listening to stories very much.
D. He would help old weavers with their work.
52. What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 3 imply?
A. Almost all tales from around the world once had their origin in Denmark.
B. The people in Denmark were very enthusiastic about telling tales.
C. The number of tales in Denmark was exactly equal to that of the people living there.
D. The people in Denmark loved doing nothing but tell stories to each other.
53. How many of Anderson’s fairy tales are mentioned in the passage?
A. 5. B. 6. C. 3. D. 4.
54. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.
A. The Red Shoes was based on a tragedy of Anderson’s family
B. Andersen’s genius as well as his early experience made him successful
C. Andersen was educated at home by his parents because of poverty
D. Anderson wrote The Snow Queen in memory of his parents
55. Which is the best title of the passage?
A. Hans Christian Andersen’s Own Fairy Tales.
B. Hans Christian Andersen’s Family.
C. Hans Christian Andersen’s Bitter Experiences.
D. Hans Christian Andersen’s Considerate Parents.
III 阅读(共两节,满分50分)
第一节阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分,满分40分)
阅读下列短文, 从每题所给的A、B、C和D项中, 选出最佳选项, 并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Our neighbour's son was getting married at an out-of-town church, and my husband and I were invited. We immediately rushed out to a store, and I bought a nice pink dress with a jacket. The dress was a little tight, but I had a month to go before the June 30 wedding and I would lose a few pounds.
June 29 came and, of course, I hadn't lost a single pound; in fact I had gained two. But I figured a nice new girdle (紧身内衣) would cure everything. So on our way out of the city we stopped once again at the store. I ran in and told the clerk I needed a large-size girdle. The shop assistant found the box with the described girdle marked "LG", and asked if I would like to try it on. “Oh, no, a large will fit just right. I needn't try it on.”
The next morning was rather hot, so I waited to get dressed until about 45 minutes before time to go. I opened the box only to find a new girdle in a small size. Since it was too late to find another one and the dress wouldn't fit right without a girdle, a fight broke out in the hotel room between me and the girdle. Have you ever tried to shake 20 pounds of potatoes into a five-pound bag? That's it. Finally my husband, laughing like crazy, got hold of each side and shook me down into it. At once I put on the pink dress, which didn't match my red face well, and was ready to go.
Finally we got to the church. I heard one of the people say that they were having a High Mass. I turned to my husband and asked, "What is a High Mass?" He shrugged his shoulders.
Unfortunately, I learned that this particular mass would last one hour, twenty-two minutes and eight and one half seconds—the priest (神父) was going to bless everything except my girdle.
46. The author most probably bought a nice pink dress with a jacket ______.
A. 4 weeks later B. 4 weeks ago C. a fortnight ago D. a fortnight later
47. What had the author wanted to do with the tight dress?
A. To make herself thinner. B. To buy a large-size girdle.
C. To put on some weight.D. To shake herself into it.
48. Which of the following statements about the author is TRUE according to the story?
A. She was very lucky to buy a girdle to go with her dress.
B. She had no choice but to put on the dress without a girdle.
C. She complained to the shop assistant about her carelessness.
D. She managed to put on the girdle with her husband’s help.
49. The purpose of this passage is ______.
A. to show a husband’s selfless love B. to share an interesting experience
C. to describe a changeable girdle D. to tell us how to keep calm in trouble
50. What would be the best title for the passage?
A. A Funny Wedding B. A Wise Decision C. A Tight Situation D. A Fierce Fight
Below is a discussion on a website.
http: / /www. Talking Points. com/ |
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Stuck on a desert island? |
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Started on 23rd April by Steve Posts 1--7 of 42 |
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Post 1 Steve USA |
Hi, everyone. What would you miss most and least if you were stuck on a desert island? For me, it would be the changing seasons in New England. I guess this will sound stupid but I’d probably miss the rain, too. I wouldn’t miss getting up at six every day to go to work, though! What about you? |
Post 2 Tomas Germany |
Good question, Steve. I think I’d miss different types of bread, and shopping at the supermarket. I’d miss the food most. What would I miss least? My mobile phone--I’d like to be completely quiet--at least for a little while. |
Post 3 Paola Italy |
I would miss the company of people because I know I’d like to have someone to share experiences with. I’d go mad on my own. And I sure wouldn’t miss junk mail(垃圾邮件)--I hate coming home every evening and finding a pile of junk mail in my post box. |
Post 4 Miko Japan |
Hi, I would miss Manga cartoon, the Internet and Japanese food, like sushi. I’d also miss TV shows and shopping for clothes…In fact, I’d miss everything. |
Post 5 Roger UK |
I would miss my daily newspaper and listening to the news on TV and radio. I’d feel very cut off if I didn’t know what was happening in the world. What I’d miss least would be traffic jams in the city, particularly my journey to work. |
Post 6 Jayne Canada |
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned their family? I’d be lost without my husband and two kids. They are the most important for me. And I can’t get started in the morning without a cup of black coffee. I wouldn’t miss doing the housework. |
Post 7 Jaime Mexico |
It would have to be music.I couldn’t live without my music.I wouldn’t miss going to school at all or doing homework! |
68.Who would miss his or her family most?
A.Jaime B.Jayne C.Miko D.Paola
69.Which of the following people would feel most uncomfortable without the news media?
A.Steve B.Jaime C.Roger D.Tomas
70.How many of them mentioned that they would miss food or drink?
A.One B.Two C.Three D.Four
Why do people buy art? To answer this question, ask yourself what your reasons are for thinking of getting a piece of art. An artwork can cost a large amount of money, but if it meets your needs, it’ s worth every penny.
People buy art for many reasons. Many people buy an artwork simply because they like it, even if it is by an unknown artist. Art, as long as you enjoy it, is never a waste of money.
Art is for enjoyment. Art is meant to be shown. Don’t ever feel pressured into buying something you won’t enjoy looking at day after day, no matter what other people may say. Don’t buy something that doesn’t attract you just because it is trendy, or because the artist is famous, or because you have been advised that the artwork will make a good investment. If you don’t like the artwork at all, don’t buy it!
Art improves your environment. Have you ever noticed that all beautiful homes have art as an integral(必需的) part of the decoration? Art lends life and color to otherwise plain and ordinary walls. A well thought--out art collection will help create a unique atmosphere in your home and make it more attractive.
Art makes a statement. The kind of art you surround yourself with says much about your personality, tastes and values. Art truly is a mirror of the soul.
Art enriches your life. Love--even the love of a work of art--contributes to healthier living and a longer lifespan (寿命). Art should enrich your life. Otherwise, why do you spend precious time and resources on it?
Just remember to select something which will appeal to your tastes, and keep to a sensible budget. Good art needn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Happy art collecting!
64. What’s the purpose of the passage?
A. To advise us to buy an expensive artwork.
B. To remind us to be sensible when buying an artwork.
C. To teach us how to choose works of art.
D. To explain the benefit of art to people.
65. According to the author, what should you consider when buying a piece of art?
A. Whether it brings pleasure to you.
B. Whether it is fashionable at present.
C. Whether you can profit from it in the end.
D. Whether it is created by a famous artist.
66. Which of the following words best describes a work of art placed in a house?
A. Ordinary B. Attractive C. Necessary D. Unique
67. The underlined sentence in Paragraph 5 means that ____.
A. art can show what you look like
B. art is an expression of yourself
C. a mirror has a feature similar to art
D. a mirror can be a piece of true art