Before a new type of airplane goes into service, every part of it is tested again and again. But there are two tests that are more important than all the others.
The first is called the " tank(贮水池) test". A modem airplane must fly very high in the sky. Air must be pumped into the plane so that the passengers can breathe. The metal structure (结构)of the plane has to be very strong for this reason. When the plane is filled with air, the air presses against the skin of the plane inside. The pressure (压力) on a small window is like a huge foot that is trying to get out. If a small part of the plane were to fail, the plane would explode (爆炸)in the sky. To test the structure of the plane, the plane is lowered into a huge tank or container of water. Then it is filled with air. The pressure inside the plane is greater than it ever will be when it is high up in the air. Finally, there is an explosion. This does not cause so much damage inside the water tank as it would anywhere else. Engineers can discover which part of the plane has broken. Then that part is made stronger.
The most dangerous test happens when the new plane is going through test flights in the air. The pilot must find out exactly what happens when the engines (发动机) are all shut off at once. The plane begins to fall like a stone. It is the pilot’s job to find out how he can get control of the plane again. These two tests are examples of how planes are made safe before they ever carry passengers.By doing the "tank test", the engineers can find out _______.
A.the amount of air in the plane | B.the strength of the plane structure |
C.the pressure inside and outside the plane | D.the power of the airplane engines |
What will happen to the plane under the "tank test"?
A.It will be broken. | B.It will be made stronger. |
C.It will be filled with water. | D.It will be tested by pilots, |
According to the text, why are test flights most dangerous?
A.The plane may explode in the air. | B.The pilot may lose control of the plane. |
C.The engines may be damaged. | D.Too much air may get into the plane. |
What might be the most suitable title for the text?
A.Two Important Tests on Airplanes | B.The Importance of Flying Safely |
C.The Danger of Testing Airplanes | D.How Airplanes Are Made and Tested |
“Can I see my baby?” asked the happy new mother. The bundle (婴儿包) was placed in her arms and when she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped—the baby had been born without ears. Time, however, proved that the baby’s hearing was perfect except his appearance.
One day when he rushed home from school and threw himself into his mother’s arms, he cried out bitterly, “A boy, a big boy … called me—a f-…freak.” She sighed, knowing that his life was to be endless of heartbreaks.
He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift for literature and music.
The boy’s father had a talk with the family doctor. Could nothing be done? “I believe we could graft(移植) on a pair of outer ears, if they could be donated (捐献),” the doctor decided. So the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, “You’re going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it’s a secret.” said the father.
The operation was a brilliant success. His talents blossomed into genius. School and college became a series of successes. Later he married and entered the diplomatic(外交) service. “But I must know!” he urged his father. “Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him.”
“I do not believe you could,” said the father, “but the agreement was that you are not to know … not yet.” The years kept the secret, but the day did come … one of the darkest days that ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother’s casket(灵柩). Slowly and tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to let out the secret.
59.The story is mainly about _______.
A.how a boy had new ears through an operation
B.what a devoted parent privately did for the child
C.how a disabled boy turned into a useful person
D.why a donator made a sacrifice to a bright boy
60.From the first paragraph we know that the mother _______.
A.was determined to donate her ears to perfect her son
B.kept her husband unknown about the baby’s situation
C.felt shocked and disappointed to see her new baby
D.complained of her bad luck to have a disabled child
61.What can be inferred from the passage?
A.The agreement was between the donator and the family.
B.The boy was so popular that he was made class president.
C.Finally the boy came to know who the donator was.
D.The mother donated her ears to her son after she died.
62.What moral lesson can we draw from this reading?
A.Real love lies in what is done unknown rather than what is done known.
B.It is up to parents to help their children heart and soul.
C.True beauty lies only in the heart not in appearance.
D.It is a virtue for young generations to learn to be grateful.
第三部分:阅读理解(共15小题,每题2分,满分30分)
请认真阅读下列短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
What to do if a fire starts?
Imagine it’s late at night. You hear the smoke detectors go off. You smell smoke when you wake up. Do you know what to do?
If a fire starts in your home, remember your escape plan and leave as quickly as possible. Keep the following things in mind to make a safe escape.
●Call“Fire!”to warn everyone in your family.
●If you know where the fire is, close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
●If you’re in bed, roll out of bed and onto the floor. Crawl on the floor next to a wall. Being near the ground makes it easier to breathe. If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
●Feel the entire surface of a door before you open it. If the door is warm or hot, do not open it. The fire is probably right outside your room. Find another way to leave the room. If the door is cool, open it a little.
●Look out and try to see the fire. If it is safe, leave the room. Remember to stay on the floor.
●If your clothes catch fire, stop immediately. Drop to the ground and roll. Remember: Stop, drop and roll.
●Call the fire department from outside and wait for help to arrive.
56. What is the first thing you should do if a fire starts in your home?
A. Call the fire department. B. Call“Fire”to warn your family members.
C. Collect your favorite belongings to save from the burning house.
D. Have a white sheet from a window to let the fire department know where to go.
57. What should you do if a fire starts and you are in bed?
A. Jump out of bed and run away. B. Roll out of bed and stand on the floor.
C. Stay in bed and then jump out of the window. D. Roll out of bed and onto the floor.
58. What is not true according to the passage?
A. Never go back into a burning building.
B. If your clothes catch fire, stop moving immediately.
C. You should call the fire department before you leave the burning building.
D. Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth if possible.
Having driven almost thirty hours, I decided to stay in South Carolina for a few days. The next morning, I purchased a three-day fishing license and bait (饵料) before heading to the lake.
Opening my trunk, I carefully took out my fishing gear (用具), put it on the lake’s edge, baited up and began to fish.
“Good morning,” said someone, walking up from behind me.
Turning around, I saw a game warden (猎场管理员) with a clip-board.
“Good morning,” I said, nodding my head.
“Catch any fish?” he asked.
“No sir, just relaxing and killing time.”
“Can I see your fishing license?”
I handed him the license I had purchased at the bait shop.
“Can I see your driver’s license, too?” he requested.
“I see the name on the driver’s license is spelled Kiser and the name on the fishing license is Kaiser,” said the warden.
“The gentleman at the bait shop must have written it wrong,” I told him.
“Well, I’m afraid I’ll have to write you up for fishing with an invalid license and take away your fishing gear.”
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I responded, with a surprised look on my face.
Sure enough I was written up and my fishing gear taken away. I was told that I would have to pay a fine and that my stuff would be sold at auction(拍卖).
I stood there almost in tears as he drove away. Those rods and reels were very special to me. I had used them over twenty years, fishing with my friends, who were now all dead. After returning home in Georgia, I telephoned South Carolina trying to explain the situation, but no one would listen. I was told that the Department of Fish and Game had a “zero tolerance” for fishing and hunting violations. Finally, in tears I paid the fine and gave up the fight.
Nine months later, I received a letter. I had no idea who it was from as there was no return address. On a plain piece of notebook paper was written “Auction for the Department of Fish and Game held this Saturday at 11:00 am.”
On Saturday, at six in the morning I headed to South Carolina. By ten o’clock I had found the auction. There were numerous boats and piles upon piles of fishing equipment. All at once, there it was—my wonderful stuff all thrown in a pile as if it was worth nothing.
As the auction began I took my seat. In my wallet was twenty-seven dollars. For more than an hour I waited for my property to be brought to the auction block.
“We have three rods and reels here. I guess we will sell this as a unit,” said the auctioneer.
“50 dollars,” yelled someone in the crowd.
“51 dollars,” yelled another man.
I rose from my seat and walked out of the auction.
“66 dollars,” I heard as the bidding continued.
“100 dollars,” came another bid. The auction became silent.
“100 dollars once, 100 dollars twice, 100 dollars three times. Sold for 100 dollars,” went the auctioneer.
I walked to my truck, got in and just sat there. Suddenly I heard something hit the side of my truck. Turning around, I saw the back of a man putting my three rods and reels into my truck. It was the same game warden who wrote me the ticket almost a year ago!
As I got out of the truck he stuck out his hand and said, “I wasn’t wrong. It’s the law that is wrong.”
I shook his hand, thanked him and drove away. I cried as I crossed the South Carolina Georgia state line.
68. Who wrote a letter to the writer telling him about the auction?
A. The Department of Fish and Game.B. The game warden.
C. A person unmentioned in the passage. D. The auction organizers.
69. Why did the writer walk out of the auction while it was going on?
A. He realized he was unable to get back his fishing gear.
B. He was too nervous to stay inside till the auction ended.
C. He couldn’t bear hearing people selling his fishing gear.
D. He knew the game warden was waiting for him outside.
70. What did the game warden mean by saying “It’s the law that is wrong”?
A. It didn’t make any sense to prohibit people from fishing freely in South Carolina.
B. The writer did break the law by fishing with an invalid license whatever the reason.
C. The writer should have been allowed a chance to explain and get his things back.
D. The auction should not have been held to sell the boats and fishing equipment.
After successfully serving their term for 4 years, military service men and women are given the choice to stay in the military or return to civilian(平民)life.
For some, having to readjust to civilian life is one of the most challenging assignments our returning soldiers and marines(水兵)will ever have to undertake. While people may think readjusting should be simple, they must take into consideration all the physical and mental stress our servicemen went through.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder(创伤后应急障碍), or PTSD, is a mental disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat(打仗).
Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. In the military, the marines are given a two-week course on how to return to civilian life.
Unfortunately, some will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD.
People who suffer from PTSD have difficulty sleeping because they are often reliving the experience through nightmares(梦魇)and flashbacks, and feel deserted or often stand off, and these symptoms can be severe enough and last long enough to significantly damage the person’s daily life.
Fullerton College, like most colleges, has its own Veteran’s(老兵)Office. Ray Bustos has been running the office for 3 years. Bustos acts as a liaison(联络) for the school and the veteran students. He makes sure the veterans returning to school get the right benefits. There are various types of financial aid for soldiers and marines. He strongly encourages the use of the Veterans Affairs website.
The website is very informative and extremely helpful for veterans as well as for friends and relatives of veterans who want to learn more.
64. One purpose of the writer in writing the passage is ________________.
A. to introduce some methods to cure PTSD
B. to instruct PTSD patients to return to civilian life
C. to recommend a website for veterans and people concerned
D. to give military service men and women advice on civilian life
65. What problems will some returning soldiers and marines meet with?
A. How to readjust to civilian life.B. How to get rid of mental diseases
C. How to get along with PTSD patients D. How to return to school for benefits.
66. Which of the following is true about Ray Bustos?
A. He’s a veteran who has just come back from a military combat.
B. He runs Fullerton College with a veteran office.
C. He’s in charge of an office dealing with veteran affairs.
D. He provides a lot of financial aid for soldiers and marines.
67. The best title for the passage is __________.
A. PTSD: Killer of A Civilian Life. B. The Last Assignment For All Military Persons
C. How to Overcome PTSD. D. Ready for a Civilian Life?
Hee-haw! Scores of farms across the country are opening up to overnight guests. The best have all the appeal of a first-rate inn ----- plus here a moo, there a moo.
Sure, you and your kids plan to conquer the theme parks. In the meanwhile, why not make a little hay? Farm stays are fast becoming the great American alternative to the pre-packaged vacation.
LIBERTY HILL FARM
Rochester, Vt.; 802/767-3926; www.libertyhillfarm.com. Adults$75, teens $50,kids 12 and under $35, including breakfast and dinner; shared baths.
Beth and Bob Kennett run a farm straight out of a storybook. You’ll find Beth in the kitchen, rolling out dough(生面团) for a pie. Bob’s busy with other work. Guests sleep in seven sunny bedrooms right in the farmhouse and can participate in any of the farm jobs. Maybe you and your kids won’t be up at 6 a.m. to meet the milk truck, but you can help with the milking twice a day, collect eggs, and pick sweet corn and wild blackberries in season.
HULL-O FARM
Durham, N.Y.; 518/239-6950; www.hull-o.com; Adults $110, kids 10—14 $60, 5—9 $50, 2—4 $35, under 2 free, including breakfast and dinner; private baths.
It started in 1993 as a way to bring in some extra money at a time of falling milk prices. But soon after Frank and Sherry Hull opened their Catskill Mountains dairy farm to overnight visitors, they discovered they loved it. As you drive up, Sherry greets you on the porch(入口处)of the 1825 farmhouse with a cow-shaped cookie jar. Before long your kids are playing around with the cows, sheep, ducks, goats and getting ready for a hayride(乘坐装满干草的牛车出游).
MERAMEC FARM CABINS
Bourbon, Mo.; 573/732-4765; http://www.wine-mo.com Doubles with private bath $75, $10 per additional person. Trail and riding fees extra.
Climb onto the back of the Ford pickup and catch up with the herd. One gentle cow named Cricket will even let the kids sit on her back. At the barn(牲口棚), Carol will introduce you to the horses ---15 Missouri Fox Trotters --- and lead you on a trail ride over the hills and down along the spring-fed Meramec River, where everyone swims. Grab a fishing pole and head back to the river. When you have your fill of the wild, try Carol and Dave’s favorite restaurants or wineries(酿酒厂), within 20 miles of the farm.
60. The underlined sentence in the first paragraph implies that ___________.
A. you can enjoy the best cuisine at the first rate restaurant
B. some farm provide country experiences as well as good accommodations
C. farm work is hard, but you can enjoy it a lot, playing with the animals
D. if you want to hear a cow’s cry, please stay on a best farm
61. We can learn from the three ads that _____________.
A. Hull-O Farm was not built for overnight visitors
B. Frank and Sherry Hull run a farm out of a storybook
C. kids can sit on a gentle cow’s back on Hull-O Farm
D. you can’t milk a cow if you get up late on Liberty Hill Farm
62. The Browns have a 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. If they stay on Liberty Hill Farm for one night, how much will they pay?
A. $175. B. $220. C. $235. D. $250.
63. Who will be most likely interested in the webpage?
A. Kids who want to find pleasure in the theme parks.
B. People who expect to be employed on the farm.
C. Researchers who are interested in raising cows on farms.
D. Those who plan to have family vacations on working farms.