Experts do not really know when people began keeping fish as pets. But they say that people have been interested in fish for thousands of years. Some say the ancient Sumerians were the first civilization to keep fish in ponds more than four thousand years ago. The Chinese kept and studied carp and goldfish more than one thousand years ago. The ancient Romans kept eels as pets. And the Greek philosopher Aristotle made what is believed to be the first known study of sea life, including sharks and dolphins.
Keeping fish at home in small water tanks called aquariums is extremely popular today. And everyone seems to enjoy visiting huge public aquariums that have opened around the world.
By the middle of the eighteen hundreds, science had shown that plants, fish and other sea creatures could survive together under water. So it was no longer necessary to change the water in a tank for the fish to live there. This led to the building of the first public aquariums.
The first aquariums opened in London, England in 1853. in the next fifteen years, other aquariums opened in Europe and the United States. By 1928, there were about forty-five public aquariums.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been recognized as the first aquarium in the United States and it shows visitors the underwater life in the bay. The Georgia Aquarium opening in 2005 says it is the largest in the world. It has more than one hundred thousand sea animals in thirty million liters of water including two whale sharks---the world’s largest fish.
Another aquarium re-opened in 2005 in Camden, New Jersey. The Adventure Aquarium first opened in 1992. It spent about fifty million dollars expanding its building and improving its exhibits.
Aquariums provide the public with many chances to experience life under the sea. They can be found in most areas of the world. People might even want to start an aquarium at home and join the millions of people around the world who keep fish as pets.Which aquarium opened again after its rebuilding ?
| A．The Monterey Bay Aquarium. | B．The Adventure Aquarium. |
| C．The Georgia Aquarium. | D．The first aquarium in London. |
Which of the following is NOT mentioned to have kept fish as pets?
| A．The ancient Sumerians. | B．The ancient Romans. | C．The Chinese. | D．The ancient Indians. |
Which of the following is correct?
| A．People were not interested in fish until the middle of the eighteen hundreds. |
| B．The Moneterey Bay Aquarium is regarded as the best aquarium in America. |
| C．Plants, fish and other sea creatures could not survive together under sea. |
| D．People have to change the water in a tank frequently for the fish to live there. |
The passage is written mainly .
| A．to tell people the importance of keeping fish as pets |
| B．to explain why people want to visit aquariums |
| C．to let people know the development of the aquariums |
| D．to describe different aquariums |
What does the underlined word “aquariums” in Paragraph 2 refer to?
| A．Exhibition centres where people can watch and enjoy different species of fish. |
| B．Small boxes made of glass, where people keep fish in, usually at home. |
| C．Places which shows visitors the underwater life in the bay. |
| D．Places which provides the public with many chances to experience life under the sea. |
When you practice reading with passages shorter than book length, do not try to take in each word separately, one after the other. It is much more difficult to grasp the broad theme of the passage this way, and you will also get the stuck on individual words which may not be absolutely essential to a general understanding of the passage. It is a good idea to skim through the passage very quickly first to get the general idea of each paragraph. Titles, paragraph headings and emphasized words can be a great help in getting this skeleton outline of the passage. It is surprising how many people do not read titles, introductions or paragraph headings. Can you, without looking back, remember the title of this passage and the heading of this paragraph?
Most paragraphs of a passage or chapter have a 'topic sentence' which expresses the central idea. The remaining sentences expand or support that idea. It has been estimated that between 50% and 90% of all expositive（说明的）paragraphs in English have the topic sentence first. Always pay special attention to the first sentence of a paragraph, it is most likely to give you the main idea.
Sometimes, though, the first sentence in the paragraph does not have the feel of 'main idea' sentence. It does not seem to give us enough new information to justify a paragraph. The next most likely place to look for the topic sentence is the last sentence of the paragraph.
Remember that the opening and closing paragraphs of a passage or chapter are particularly important. The opening paragraph suggests the general direction and content of the piece, while the closing paragraph often summarizes the very essence（精髓）. It is a good idea to skim through a passage quickly first ____________.
| A．at about 315 w.p.m.（words per minute） |
| B．to get the general idea of each paragraph |
| C．so that you can take in each work separately |
| D．to make sure you get to the end at least once |
The topic sentence of an expository paragraph in English _____________.
| A．usually comes in the middle |
| B．is most likely to be found at the end |
| C．is most often at the beginning |
| D．is usually left out in expository writing |
Most expository paragraphs in English have a clearly defined topic sentence. In such paragraphs the topic sentence comes first _____________.
A. in about 5% of cases B in about 80% of cases
C. in about 20% cases D. very rarelySometimes we know the first sentence is not the topic sentence because ____________.
| A．it does not seem to give us enough new information |
| B．it is not long enough |
| C．it does not come at the beginning |
| D．it does not make a complete sentence |
The closing paragraph of a piece of writing ____________.
| A．is not really very important |
| B．is often unnecessary repetition |
| C．often comes at the end |
| D．often summarizes the essence of the passage |
John von Neumann was the oldest of 3 children of an banker, and his speed of learning new ideas and solving problems stood out early. At 17, his father tired to persuade him not to become a mathematician because he may lead a poor life being a mathematician, and so von Neumann agreed to study chemistry as well. In 1926, at 23, he received a degree in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in mathematics. From then on, mathematics provided well enough for him, and he never had to turn to chemistry.
In 1930, von Neumann visited Princeton University for a year and then became a professor there. His first book was published in 1932. In 1933, the Institute for Advanced Study was formed, and he became one of the 6 full-time people in the School of Mathematics（Einstein was one of the others）
World War Ⅱ hugely changed von Neumann's areas of interest. Until 1940 he had been a great pure mathematician. During and after the war, he became one of the best mathematicians who put mathematics theories into practice. During the last part of the war he became interested in computing machines and made several fundamental contributions After the war, von Neumann continued his work with computers, and was generally very active in government service. He received many awards, was president of the American Mathematical Society and was a member of the Atomic Energy Commission. He died in 1957 of cancer.
Von Neumann made several great contributions and any one of them would have been enough to earn him a firm place in history. He will be remembered as one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
Von Neumann really was a legend in his own time, and there are a number of stories about him. His driving ability is a part of his legend. He reported one accident this Way: "I was driving down the road. The trees on the right were passing me in an orderly fashion at 60 miles per hour. Suddenly one of them stepped in my path."According to the text, von Neumann's father believed that _____________.
| A．a mathematician couldn't earn a lot of money |
| B．a mathematician needed a good memory |
| C．von Neumann had the ability to learn two subjects at the same time |
| D．von Neumann had the gift for solving problems at a high speed. |
von Neumann published his first book at the age of _________________
| A．23 | B．26 | C．29 | D．32 |
How did World War Ⅱ affect John von Neumann?
| A．He realized the importance of engineering |
| B．He began to research how to put mathematics into practice. |
| C．He left college and served at the government department. |
| D．He lost interest in chemistry. |
Which of the following is true of Von Neumann?
| A．He had three children |
| B．He died from an accident. |
| C．He received many rewards in his life |
| D．He and Einstein were classmates in Princeton University. |
From the last paragraph, we can infer John von Neumann was _____________.
| A．calm | B．brave | C．intelligent | D．humorous |
Nowadays the problem of the generation gap is becoming more and more serious. Poor relationship between parents and their children are very common.
Whether we like it or not, our parents are responsible for us at least until we’re out of high school. So rather than get upset about that fact, maybe we should focus on some ways to make our relationship better. The best way, in my opinion, is to learn to really communicate with my parents.
When I find myself arguing with my mom and dad, I try to stop. If I can manage to stop myself from talking, I usually find that I can calm down quickly. I guess I’m usually acting out of emotion rather than logic(逻辑). But if I can stop arguing for a minute, it seems that my opinion changes and I start to realize that I’m a bit childish. Emotionally I may still be upset, but logically I understand that yelling(大叫大嚷) and fighting surely won’t make things better.
Once I’ve stopped arguing, I look at my parents in the eye. You’d be amazed at how much easier it is to communicate with your parents when you’ve actually looking at them. Looking away doesn’t do much of anything except for giving them the impression that I’m not listening or that I don’t care. It’s much easier to see things eye to eye when you’re physically seeing them eye to eye.
Finally, I listen to what they’re saying (or at least I try). Communication can’t happen unless both sides hear and listen to each other. There is nothing wrong with my hearing, but that doesn’t mean I always listen to the sounds that people are making. When I argue with my parents, I can physically hear what they’re saying without mentally listening to it.
Whether I admit it or not, my parents’ experience can actually help them give me some pretty sound advice at times. I don’t always agree with them, but I think it’s safe to say that it has truly helped our relationship in the long run.What can we learn from the passage?
| A．Listening is better than yelling and fighting. |
| B．It is impolite to see your parents eye to eye. |
| C．Be careful when you take your parents’ advice. |
| D．Parents are sometimes easy to get upset. |
Parents and children can communicate only when_______.
| A．both sides stop yelling and fighting |
| B．both sides start thinking what to say next |
| C．both sides agree with each other |
| D．both sides can listen to each other |
Which of the following advice is NOT mentioned in the passage?
| A．Looking | B．Smiling warmly |
| C．Listening | D．Stopping arguing |
The author thinks we should first _______ when arguing with our parents.
| A．look at their eyes | B．fight for the truth |
| C．stop arguing | D．talk in a low voice |
March Break Leadership Camp
The aim of this FREE program is to develop an awareness of race relations, diversity, an equal issue for students in Grades 6-8.
Place: The Central Library Room
Time: March 16&17, 2009 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Pick up and hand in registration forms(报名表) at the Central Library. All forms must be handed in by March 6th. Space is limited.
Please send any questions related to the program to Becky George, the Public Library 905-831-6265 ext 6230 or email: pickering-younity@hotmail.com
Free Your Space……Free Your Mind
At the Central Library: Wednesday, May 13th from7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This time management course will help you to create more balance and time in your life. In today’s increasingly stressful times, it is becoming more difficult to spend quality time with family and friends. This course will provide positive solutions and strategies (策略) to achieve peace.
Book Club for Teens
At the Central Library: Every 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm
Do you enjoy reading? Part of the pleasure of reading comes from meeting with others to discuss characters, plots or style. Come to trade ideas and questions, and make new friends.
This program is currently full but for more information, please call 905-831-6265 ext 6232.
Computer Training
Group computer classes for teens will be provided at the Central Library in March, April, and May. Registration starts at 9:30 am on Friday, March 6th for the March session; Friday, March 27th for the April session; and Friday, April 24th for the May session.
A valid(有效的) Public Library card is required for all computer training sessions. Call the Central Library for more information or to register, 905-831-6265 ext 6243.
Limit 10 participants(参加者) per class. What do these four programs have in common?
| A．They are held in the same place. |
| B．They are held at the same month. |
| C．All of them are free of charge. |
| D．All of them limit the number of participants. |
John is always in a hurry and not good at arranging his time. He should attend_________.
| A．Computer Training |
| B．Free Your Space …..Free Your Mind |
| C．March Break Leadership Camp |
| D．Book Club for teens |
If you want to do computer studies, you need to ______.
| A．register for each session a month in advance |
| B．find other students to form a group |
| C．go to the library to register by yourself |
| D．own a valid Public Library card |
Not long ago, a rock band called the Backstreet Boys made a big splash on the music scene. Young people everywhere loved their songs. One of the band’s biggest fans was a young boy named Aaron Carter. Aaron had a special reason for taking such an interest in the band. Nick Carter, one of the Backstreet Boys, was Aaron’s big brother.
Even before Nick joined the band in 1996, Aaron loved music. From the age of two, Aaron spent most of his time listening to the radio. He sang along with his favorite songs. He made up dances to go with them. So Aaron’s family was not surprised when Aaron decided to follow Nick into the music world.
Aaron got off to a fast start. At the age of seven, he joined a band in his hometown of Tampa, Florida. But after two years, Aaron didn’t want to be part of a band anymore. He wanted to sing alone. Soon, Brother Nick gave Aaron a helping hand. During a Backstreet Boys show in Germany, Aaron sang a song. He did an amazing job! After the show, someone from a record company asked Aaron to make an album (专辑). Of course, Aaron said yes!
Since that day, Aaron has made lots of songs that sell well. His songs include “Crush on You” and “I’m Gonna Miss You Forever”.
Aaron has worked hard to become a success. But he never forgets how his brother gave him his start. As Aaron has said, “If Nick wasn’t a singer, then I wouldn’t be there.”According to the passage, Aaron _____.
| A．joined the Backstreet Boys at the age of seven |
| B．fell in love with music after Nick became famous |
| C．was not allowed to sing by his family |
| D．was thankful for his brother Nick’s support |
“Crush on you” is the name of a _____.
| A．band | B．song | C．movie | D．play |
What does the underlined part “made a big splash” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
| A．Drew wide attention. | B．Got into great trouble |
| C．Collected a lot of money. | D．Led to a heated discussion. |
What is discussed in the passage?
| A．The rise and fall of a band. | B．The way to be a singer. |
| C．The road to success of a singer. | D．The secret of success of a band. |