Some futurologists have assumed that the vast increase of women in the workforce may portend(预示)an increase in divorce. The opposite of this concern is that the outlook of becoming a multi-paycheck household could encourage marriage. The earning ability of a woman can make her more attractive as a marriage partner.
The increase in divorce rates follows to the increase in women working outside the home. Yet, it may be wrong to jump to any simple cause-and-effect conclusions. The effect of a wife’s work on divorce is no less cloudy than its effect on marriage decisions. The realization that she can be a good provider may increase the chances that a working wife will choose divorce over an unsatisfactory marriage. But the reverse is equally reasonable. Tensions grounded in financial problems often play a key role in ending a marriage. By raising a family’s standard of living, a working wife may strengthen her family’s financial and emotional stability.
Psychological factors also should be considered. For example, a wife blocked from a career outside the home may feel caged in the house. She may view her only choice as seeking a divorce. On the other hand, if she can find fulfillment through work outside the home, work and marriage can go together to create a stronger and more stable union.
A working wife may rob a husband of being the master of the house. Meanwhile, an attractive woman who finds her value in work may play an important role in a stable marriage. Depending upon how the couple reacts to these new conditions, it could create a stronger equal partnership or it could create new insecurities. If women find fulfillment through work outside the home, _________.
A.they are more likely to control their marriage partners |
B.their husbands are expected to do more housework |
C.their marriage ties can be strengthened |
D.they tend to put their career before marriage |
One reason why women with no career may seek a divorce is that ________.
A.they feel that they have been robbed of their freedom |
B.they are afraid of being bossed around by their husbands |
C.they feel that their partners fail to live up to their expectations |
D.they tend to suspect their husbands loyalty to their marriage |
Which of the following shows the structure of the passage?
Which of the following statements can best summarize the author’s view in the passage?
A.The stability of marriage and the divorce rate may reflect the economic social position of women. |
B.Even when economically independent, most women have to struggle for real equality in marriage. |
C.In order to secure their marriage women should work outside the home and remain independent. |
D.The effect of the growing female workforce on marriage varies from case to case. |
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. Why 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 |
根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项多余选项。
It’s not news that we spend more time than ever texting and online.1 Yes, that’s right: a 2010 study shows that more teens are reading good old-fashioned, ink-on-paper books.
Reading is a good way to discover the next big thing and to learn a little more about yourself while you’re at it.2 Here are some tips.
Start with your interests
Reading on your own isn’t like reading for school. You can pick something that’s all about your interests, whether it’s ancient martial arts, computers, or fashion design.
Reading the blurbs(简介)
The reviews and quotes on the back and inside covers of many books are called “blurbs”. 3if you find a book you really like, take a minute to read the quotes(if there are any) and see which authors praised the book. Often, they’ll have similar styles and you might find you like books by those authors too.
Ask an expert
4 Explain your interests--- rock stars, sports teams, historical events, humors, whatever you’re into—and any writers you like, and your librarian can point you toward books that you’ll love.
Finally, you’ll probably enjoy what you’re reading a lot more if you find a quiet place and make time for the book.5 You can put on some good music(ideally without lyrics), get yourself some tea and a comfy spot, and let yourself be carried away by the book.
You’ll see that time does fly when you are reading something you love!
A.Join a group with your friends and people you trust. |
B.But do you know how to pick a book you’ll really like? |
C.But did you know that we also spend more time reading? |
D.Your local library can hook you up with a whole lot of great book ideas. |
E. What was your mother’s favorite book when she was your age or your dad’s?
F. We all multitask, but most reading is best enjoyed when you can concentrate and focus on it.
G. They give you an idea of what the book is about, and can also help you pick future books too.
Camping wild is a wonderful way to experience the natural world and, at its best, it makes little environmental influence. But with increasing numbers of people wanting to escape into the wildness, it is becoming more and more important to camp unobtrusively(不引人注目的) and leave no mark.
Wild camping is not permitted in many places, particularly in crowed lowland England. Wherever you are, find out about organizations responsible for managing wild spaces, and contact them to find out their policy about camping and shelter building. For example, it is fine to camp wild in remote parts of Scotland, but in England you must ask the landowner’s permission, except in national parks
Camping is about having relaxation, sleeping outdoors, experiencing bad weather, and making do without modern conveniences. A busy, full-equipped campsite seems to go against this, so seek out smaller, more remote places with easy access to open spaces and perhaps beaches. Better still, find a campsite with no road access: walking in makes a real adventure.
Finding the right spot to camp is first step to guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. Choose a campsite with privacy and minimum influence on others and environment. Try to use an area where people have obviously camped before rather than creating a new spot. When camping in woodland, avoid standing dead trees, which may fall on a windy night. Avoid animal runs and caves and possible homes of biting insects. Make sure you have most protection on the windward side. If you make a fire, do so downwind of your shelter. Always consider what influence you might have on the natural world. Avoid damaging plants. A good campsite found, not made-changing it should be unnecessary.You needn’t ask for permission when camping in____.
A.national parks in England |
B.most parts of Scotland |
C.crowded lowland Britain |
D.most parts of England |
The author thinks that a good campsite is one_____.
A.with easy access |
B.used previously |
C.with modern convenience |
D.far away from beaches |
The last paragraph mainly deals with____.
A.protecting animals |
B.building a campfire |
C.camping in woodland |
D.finding a campsite with privacy |
The passage is manly about____.
A.the protection of campsites |
B.the importance of wild camping |
C.the human influence on campsites |
D.the dos and don’ts of wild camping |
Nature is full of color, from rainbows and roses to butterfly wings and peacock tails. Even the fruits and vegetables you eat have different colors: blue blueberries, red strawberries, green broccoli, and orange carrots.
Plant and animals often use color to attract attention. The substances responsible for these colors belong to a class of chemical called antioxidants(抗氧化物). Plants make antioxidant to protect themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet(UV)(紫外线)light.
Ultraviolet light causes chemicals called free radicals(自由基)to form within plant cells. They can destroy parts of plant. Free radicals also have damaging effects on human beings. Some of these effects like wrinkled skin can be seen. The damage is caused by the free radicals attacking cells in our bodies. Certain cancers and heart disease are linked to free radicals.
Our bodies have natural defences for fighting off free radicals. While we are young, our defences are pretty strong. However, they get weaker as we get older. The body’s built-in defences can only go so far without extra help.
The key to fighting free radicals with fruits and vegetables is to mix and match colors. It’s like sunscreen(防晒霜)for the inside of your body. Go for a range of very bright colors. Colorful foods contain hundreds of healthy chemicals not found anywhere else.
Research into how chemicals in blueberries affect the brain’s function in rats suggests that these chemicals may help our own brains work more efficiently.
Don’t just blame the sun. Ultraviolet light isn’t the only source of free radicals. If you breathe polluted air such as smog, automobile exhaust(废气), or wasted gas from a factory, you take in chemicals that also cause such damage. And, the body itself produces free radicals as it processes food.Which of the following not true?
A.Antioxidants are responsible for plant colors |
B.Plants use color to attract attention |
C.Antioxidants can protect plants from UV light |
D.Antioxidants help free radicals to attack plants |
In which order do the following facts occur?
a Wrinkled skin can be seen
b UV light causes free radicals to form
c Free radicals damage cells in our bodies
d The sun gives out UV light
A.a,b,c,d | B.d,b,c,a |
C.c,a,d,b | D.d,b,a,c |
We need extra help for fighting off free radicals from fruits and vegetables because ____.
A.our bodies’ defences are not natural |
B.we are too young to defend ourselves |
C.our defences get weaker as we get older |
D.our bodies’ built-in defences can only go away |
Which of the following can not cause free radicals to form?
A.Colorful food | B.UV light from the sun |
C.Polluted air | D.The body itself |