Ever since Jerusha started her college, she began to write letters. Through a series of letters, from freshman to senior in college, she shared her life and study with an unknown gentleman, who never wrote back. Here is the very first letter.
Dear Mr. Kind, Here I am! I traveled yesterday for four hours in a train. It's a funny experience. I never rode in one before. College is the biggest, most confusing place — I get lost whenever I leave my room. I will tell you more later when I'm feeling less puzzled. Now I want to write a letter first just to get me familiar to you. It seems strange to be writing letters to somebody you don't know. It seems strange for me to be writing letters at all — I've never written more than three or four in my life, so please overlook it if they are not a model kind. Before leaving yesterday morning, Mrs. Lippett and I had a very serious talk. She told me how to behave, especially towards the kind gentleman who is doing so much for me. I must take care to be very respectful. I have been thinking of you a great deal this summer; having somebody take an interest in me after all these years makes me feel as though I had found a sort of family. It seems as though I belonged to somebody now, and it's a very comfortable feeling. I must say, however, that when I think about you, my imaqination has very little to work upon. There are just three things that I know: I .You are tall. II .You are rich. III. You hate girl. I suppose I might call you Dear Mr. Girl-Hater. Only that's rather unpleasant to me. Or Dear Mr. Rich-Man, but that's unpleasant to you, as though money were the only important thing about you. Maybe you won't stay rich all your life; But at least you will stay tall all your life! So I decide to call you Dear Daddy-long-legs. I hope you won't mind. It's just a private pet name — we won't tell Mrs. Lippett. The ten o'clock bell is going to ring in two minutes. Our day is divided by bells. We eat and sleep and study by bells. There it goes! Lights out. Good night. You can see how strictly I obey rules due to my training in the John Grier Home. Yours most respectfully, Jerusha Abbott |
Which of the following is NOT the reason for Jerusha to write the letter to Mr.Kind?
A.To get her familiar to him. |
B.To present her thankfulness to him. |
C.To share her brand-new college life with him. |
D.To apologize to him for not writing letters too often. |
If Mrs. Lippett learned that the writer calls the man she writes to Daddy-long-legs, she would probably .
A.burst into laughter | B.think it acceptable |
C.criticize the writer | D.inform the man |
By "when I think about you, my imagination has very little to work upon.", the writer intends to tell us that .
A.the man she writes to is dull and boring |
B.she is not familiar with the one she writes to |
C.it is not interesting at all to write to a stranger |
D.she lacks imagination when it comes to writing a letter |
Jerusha was probably while she worked on the letter.
A.curious | B.light-hearted | C.serious | D.skeptical |
Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.
Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup (基因构成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.
Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.
Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潜在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副产品) of technological developments in the space industry!
While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers.The danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future.Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1?
A.To express his doubts. |
B.To compare different ideas. |
C.To introduce points for discussion. |
D.To describe the conditions on Earth. |
What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph2?
A.Humans are nature-born to do so. |
B.Humans have the tendency to fight. |
C.Humans may find new sources of food. |
D.Humans don’t like to stay in the same place. |
What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?
A.Our genetic makeup. |
B.Resources on the earth. |
C.The adaptive ability of humans. |
D.By-products in space exploration. |
Introduction to Piano
No matter what you do in life, it’s always important to start with the basics. Taught by experienced musician Dennis Dykstra, this class will give beginning piano learners an introduction to the keyboard, keys, scales, chords, melodies, and note reading. This class is combined with adult class.
Brinton ( Beg. , Ages 8-17 )…# 487919
Sat. , Apr. 13---Jun 1, 10:30 AM---12 PM
$56 Residents / $112 Non-residents
Guitar Lesson
Learn basic chords, notes, and different strumming (弹奏) techniques. Strum your way to fun. Bring your own guitar. Classes are combined with youth guitar classes.
Brinton ( Beg./ Int. , Ages 12-17 ) …# 37623
Sat. , Apr. 13 –-- Jun.1, 2 PM --- 3:30 PM
$110 Residents / $220 Non-residents
Hip Hop Culture & Modern Dance
Hip hop is a dance form that has origins in New York’s folk culture and has become popularized by the entertainment industry. The steps evolve from tap, jazz & belly dance. The class will consist of clean hip hop music techniques, steps and a routine.
Hamilton( Ages 6-12 )…# 38475
Tue. , Apr, 16---Jun 4, 7 PM --- 8 PM
$18 Residents / $36 Non-residents
Science of Magic and Fantastic Fliers
This super science sampler introduces participants to two hot topics: magic and flight! In science of magic, participants learn the science behind illusions, mind reading and perform a magic escape! Amaze and amuse friends.
In fantastic fliers, participants will fly through flight and aerodynamics ( 空气运动学 ) basics. Discover the four forces that affect flight. Make and test various plane designs to see these forces in action! Not suitable for free or reduced fees.
Jueau ( Ages 4-12 )… #370956
Mon. , Feb. 4, 5:30 PM --- 7:30 PM
$80 Residents / $160 Non-residentsThe activity Introduction to Piano is intended for those ______.
A.who just begin to learn how to play the piano |
B.who are experienced in playing the piano |
C.who show interest in teaching the piano lessons |
D.who are willing to make the piano for musicians |
If Mary’s son is 5 years old, she may choose ______ for him.
A.Guitar Lesson |
B.Science of Magic and Fantastic Fliers |
C.Hip Hop Culture & Modern Dance |
D.Introduction to Piano |
The underlined word “evolve” in the passage is closest in meaning to “______”.
A.die | B.develop | C.escape | D.reduce |
If you want to learn how to play the guitar, you have to go at ______.
A.10:30 AM---12 PM | B.5:30 PM --- 7:30 PM |
C.2 PM --- 3:30 PM | D.7 PM --- 8 PM |
Most people know that Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, and the first person to win it twice. However, few people know that she was also the mother of a Nobel Prize winner.
Born in September, 1897, Irene Curie was the first of the Curies’ two daughters. Along with nine other children whose parents were also famous scholars, Irene studied in their own school, and her mother was one of the teachers. She finished her high school education at the College of Sévigné in Paris.
Irene entered the University of Paris in 1914 to prepare for a degree in mathematics and physics. When World War I began, Irene went to help her mother, who was using X-ray facilities (设备) to help save the lives of wounded soldiers. Irene continued the work by developing X-ray facilities in military hospitals in France and Belgium. Her services were recognised in the form of a Military Medal by the French government.
In 1918, Irene became her mother’s assistant at the Curie Institute. In December 1924, Frederic Joliot joined the Institute, and Irene taught him the techniques required for his work. They soon fell in love and were married in 1926. Their daughter Helene was born in 1927 and their son Pierre five years later.
Like her mother, Irene combined family and career. Like her mother, Irene was awarded a Nobel Prize, along with her husband, in 1935. Unfortunately, also like her mother, she developed leukemia (白血病) because of her work with radioactivity(辐射能). Irene Joliot-Curie died from leukemia on March 17, 1956.Why was Irene Curie awarded a Military Medal?
A.Because she received a degree in mathematics. |
B.Because she contributed to saving the wounded. |
C.Because she won the Nobel Prize with Frederic. |
D.Because she worked as a helper to her mother. |
Where did Irene Curie meet her husband Frederic Joliot?
A.At the Curie Institute. |
B.At the University of Paris. |
C.At a military hospital. |
D.At the College of Sévigné. |
When was the second child of Irene Curie and Frederic Joliot born?
A.In 1932. | B.In 1927. |
C.In 1897. | D.In 1926. |
In which of the following aspects was Irene Curie different from her mother?
A.Irene worked with radioactivity. |
B.Irene combined family and career. |
C.Irene won the Nobel Prize once. |
D.Irene died from leukemia. |
Sicily, an island of Italy, is home to beautiful beaches, outstanding food, and a bit of Italian history on every corner. It’s located just southwest of the Italian mainland and it’s the largest Mediterranean island. Controlled by many armies over the centuries, it became the site of Roman and Greek colonies(殖民地). Those cultures remain to this day.
As part of the Year of Italy in China, an exhibition of Sicilian culture is being held at the National Museum of China from April 29 to June 27. Although they have a rich culture and history, Sicilian people lead a simple life. Living on land with fertile (肥沃的) soil, most of them work in agriculture, fishing and of course tourism.
In Sicily, most stores and businesses are closed from one to four in the afternoon. Streets become crowded around five as people start to go out and engage in a variety of activities. They may take a walk to the shops, enjoy a pastry (糕点)or just meet up with friends.
Food is one of the great pleasures of Sicilian people. There is an old Sicilian saying: “With a contented stomach, your heart is forgiving. With an empty stomach you forgive nothing.”
People will go miles out their way to eat fresh seafood, such as tuna(金枪鱼), swordfish(箭鱼) and sardines(沙丁鱼).
Pasta (意大利面)is the main food. Each region has its seasonal pasta dishes, and every family cook their own specialty. Bread is common too. As another Sicilian saying goes, “A table without bread is like a day without sunshine.” In Sicily, bread is always freshly baked or bought, and usually twice a day.What can be learned from the passage?
A.Sicily is the only island in Italy. |
B.It is easy to do shopping in the afternoon. |
C.Sicily was controlled by several countries. |
D.Sicilian people seldom take part in activities. |
The local people work in several fields EXCEPT.
A.fishing | B.mining | C.tourism | D.agriculture |
The underlined sentence in the last paragraph is used to show .
A.bread is a must for Sicilians |
B.food is a great pleasure for them |
C.bread should be cooked every day |
D.Sicilians have nothing to eat but bread |
The best title of this passage might be______.
A.Italian people |
B.Italian culture |
C.A Sicilian exhibition |
D.Sicily—an Island of Italy |
Today we'll talk about reading.When we read a text,our eyes move across a page in short,quick movements.We recognize words usually when our eyes still fixate(停留,凝视).Each time they fixate,we see a group of words.This is known as the recognition span or the visual span.The length of time for which the eyes stop varies from person to person.It also varies within any person according to his purpose in reading and his familiarity with the text.In addition,it can be affected by such factors as lighting and tiredness.
Unfortunately,in the past,many reading improvement courses have concentrated too much on how our eyes move across the page.As a result of this misleading emphasis on the purely visual aspects of reading,many exercises have been designed to train the eyes to see more words at one fixation.For example,in some exercises,words are flashed on to a screen for a tenth of a second.One of the exercises has required students to fix their eyes on some central point,taking in the words on either side.Such word patterns are often formed in the shape of pyramids,so the reader takes in more and more words at each successive(连续的)fixation.All these exercises are very clever,but it's one thing to improve a person's ability to see words and quite another thing to improve his ability to read a text efficiently.Reading requires the ability to understand the relationship between words.Consequently,for these reasons,many experts have now begun to question the usefulness of eye training,especially since any approach which trains a person to read isolated(孤立的)words and phrases would seem unlikely to help him in reading a continuous text.The time of the recognition span can be affected by the following factors except _______.
A.1ighting and tiredness |
B.one's purpose in reading |
C.the length of a group of words |
D.one's familiarity with the text |
What does the author mean by the underlined sentence in the second paragraph?
A.The ability to see words is not needed for an efficient reading. |
B.The reading exercises mentioned are of little help to an efficient reading. |
C.The reading exercises mentioned can help improve reading. |
D.The reading exercises mentioned have done a great job so far. |
The author may believe that reading ______________.
A.demands a deeply-participating mind |
B.requires a reader to see words more quickly |
C.requires a reader to take in more words at each fixation |
D.demands more eyes than mind |
The tune of the author in writing this text is _________________.
A.supportive | B.neutral |
C.critical | D.optimistic |