There are some places in the world where great cities once stood. There were trees, gardens and grass. But now these cities have gone and the places are like deserts. Scientists began to study this land to find out what happened. Many of them believed the land died when the trees were cut down.
Trees help other plants grow and help hold the soil in place. They keep the soil from blowing away. The leaves of trees on the ground keep rainwater from running off. Trees near farms protect growing plants from strong winds.
Once there were hundreds of farms in the southwestern United States. Then the farms turned into fields of dry dust. Trees might have saved these farms. But few trees grow in the dry southwest now.
Now we try to save trees. In many places, when a tree is cut down , a new tree is planted in its place . We do not want the land to die.Places where great cities once stood are now like ______ .
A.farms | B.gardens | C.deserts | D.fields |
What can trees do according to the passage ?
A.Trees can keep other plants green |
B.Trees can help other plants grow . |
C.Trees can help the land grow . |
D.Trees can keep other plants in place . |
Which is true ?
A.Trees let the rainwater run off . |
B.All the farms in the United States have turned into deserts . |
C.There aren’t any trees in the dry southwest now . |
D.Land will die if there are no trees . |
The main idea of this passage is _________ .
A.that farms are better than cities |
B.how farms turned into deserts |
C.that trees are important to the land |
D.how people save trees |
From the passage we know that _______ .
A.trees can blow soil away |
B.man should protect the land |
C.trees grow only in deserts |
D.trees die easily |
A study of English learning problems was carried out among a total of 106 foreign students. It shows that most students considered understanding spoken English to be their biggest problem on arrival. This was followed by speaking. Writing increased as a problem as students discovered difficulties in writing papers that they were now expected to hand in. Reading remained as a significant problem.
Information gained helped us in determining where special attention should be paid in our course. Although many students have chosen to join the course with a reasonable motivation, we considered it important to note what seemed to encourage interest. Nearly all the students have experienced some kind of grammar-based English teaching in their own country. To use the same method would be self-defeating because it might reduce motivation, especially if it has failed in the past. Therefore a different method may help because it is different.
Variety of activity was also seen as a way of maintaining or increasing motivation. Several years ago we had one timetable that operated throughout, but we soon found that both the students and the teachers lost interest about halfway through the ten weeks. This led us to a major re-think, so in the end we brought it into line with the expressed language needs of the students.What is the test mainly about?
A.Foreign students have more problems. |
B.There are many ways to improve English. |
C.Teaching should meet students’ needs. |
D.English learning problems should be studied again. |
Writing became a bigger problem when foreign students __________.
A.had to write their papers |
B.became better at speaking |
C.became less interested in reading |
D.had fewer problems with listening |
We may infer from the last two paragraphs that_________.
A.different teaching methods should be used |
B.grammar-based teaching seems to be encouraging |
C.English courses are necessary for foreign students |
D.teaching content should be changed halfway |
In all the world's cultures, people sing, play instruments, and celebrate with music. It plays such an important role in our lives that all fields focus on its study, including one looking at the biology of music. Experts are finding that because of the way our brains process music, learning to play an instrument or just listening to music can have a wide range of benefits.
Music education has received a lot of attention. Learning to play an instrument can help children improve math, science, and language skills. One study in Canada tracked children's IQ scores for nine months, discovering that children who studied music had the biggest test score improvements. The secret may lie in the way reading music and playing notes uses several areas of the brain, increasing our ability to learn school subjects. For example, reading notes improves spatial (空间的) reasoning skills, which are helpful in solving math problems like fractions(分数).
Music is also used for medical purposes, such as the treatment of diseases which affect memory. The secret lies in the way the brain processes music. One area near the forehead, the medial prefrontal cortex, connects music with memories stored in two other areas: the amygdale and hippocampus. That's why an old song can remind you of something that happened years ago. For patients suffering from diseases like Alzheimer's, listening to music can help unlock buried memories by strengthening musical pathways to memories.
With the evidence of music's benefits pouring in, it's no wonder some countries make music study a part of their education systems. People are recognizing that more than just a form of entertainment, music is also great for the brain.Scientists are studying music because _______.
A.music can be used for medical treatments |
B.music plays a very important role in our lives |
C.our brains can possess music in different ways |
D.music education has received a lot of attention |
According to the Canadian study, which children had increased IQ scores?
A.Those who already had high IQs. |
B.Those who had always played music. |
C.Those who could not play any instrument. |
D.Those who studied music for a period of time. |
Which of the following is a kind of disease?
A.Spatial reasoning. | B.Alzheimer's. |
C.The amygdale and hippocampus. | D.The medial prefrontal cortex. |
What can be the best title for the text?
A.Music and health | B.Music and the mind |
C.Music and education | D.Music and instruments |
Meeting people from another culture can be difficult. From the beginning, people may send the wrong signal(信号). Or they may pay no attention to signals from another person who is trying to develop a relationship.
Different cultures emphasize(强调)the importance of relationship building to a greater or lesser degree. For example, business in some countries is not possible until there is a relationship of trust. Even with people at work, it is necessary to spend a lot of time in "small talk", usually over a glass of tea, before they do any job.In many European countries -- like the UK or France -- people find it easier to build up a lasting working relationship at restaurants or cafes rather than at the office.
Talk and silence may also be different in some cultures. I once made a speech in Thailand.I had expected my speech to be a success and start a lively discussion; instead there was an uncomfortable silence. The people present just stared at me and smiled.After getting to know their ways better, I realized that they thought I was talking too much. In my own culture, we express meaning mainly through words, but people there sometimes feel too many words are unnecessary.
Even within Northern Europe, cultural differences can cause serious problems. Certainly, English and German cultures share similar values; however, Germans prefer to get down to business more quickly. We think that they are rude. In fact, this is just because one culture starts discussions and makes decisions more quickly.
People from different parts of the world have different values, and sometimes these values are quite against each other. However, if we can understand them better, a multicultural environment will offer a wonderful chance for us to learn from each other.In some countries, eating together at restaurants may make it easier for people to _______.
A.develop closer relations | B.share the same culture |
C.get to know each other | D.keep each other company |
The author mentions his experience in Thailand to show that _______.
A.the English prefer to make long speeches |
B.too many words are of no use |
C.people from Thailand are quiet and shy by nature |
D.even talk and silence can be culturally different |
According to the text, how can people from different cultures understand each other better?
A.By sharing different ways of life. |
B.By accepting different habits. |
C.By recognizing different values. |
D.By speaking each other' s languages. |
What would be the best title for the text?
A.Multicultural Environment. |
B.Cross-Cultural Differences. |
C.How to Understand Each Other. |
D.How to Build Up a Relationship. |
Looking for Teens Interested in Child Care This is a chance for teens to accompany a child through projects and activities, play with them indoors and outdoors, help with arts and crafts ,deliver flyers to homes in the neighborhood,and so on. When: We welcome teen volunteers whenever they are available. How often: Our volunteers determine the amount of time they give and their schedule. Where: Wilder Child Development Center, 911 Lafond Ave. St. Paul |
Library Intern (实习生) Part-time, Temporary $12.48一$13 .87 /per hour Program: Wilder Research Responsibilities: Help with moving to new buildings, record reports and other documents using a specialized library database, get items from area libraries, help library users, help with literature searches, other everyday library chores, and so on. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree with some library experience or a current Master of Library and Information Science student. Strong attention to detail, good search skills and customer service skills. How to apply: Send resume to Wilder Research, 1295 Bandna Blvd, or send an e-mail to jobs@wilder.org. |
Site Responder Part-time , Regular $9.46一$10.52/per hour Program: Jackson St. Village Responsibilities: Work at night to handle emergencies, provide services such as lawn care and snow removal, support the needs of residents and take care of the property and buildings. Qualifications: Must have good communication skills and must be able to solve the problems and concerns of the residents, their visitors, and staff. Individuals or teams are encouraged to apply. How to apply: Send resume to Wilder Foundation, 516 Humboldt Avenue, St.Paul, MN 55107 or a fax to (651) 223-7273, or an e-mail to jobs@wilder.org. |
As a volunteer in the child center, __________.
A.you should follow the schedule of the center strictly |
B.you must keep the child you look after indoors |
C.you will earn some money for what you have done |
D.you yourself can decide how long to stay there |
What may NOT be needed if you apply to Wilder Research program?
A.A college degree and library experience. |
B.Having knowledge of the Internet. |
C.Being willing to help others. |
D.Being able to handle emergencies. |
From the third advertisement, we can learn that __________.
A.only individuals can apply for the job |
B.applicants should pay close attention to detail |
C.applicants are required to do some physical work |
D.applicants will deliver flyers homes in the neighborhood. |
The three advertisements _________.
A.are not all for part-time opportunities |
B.are not all chances to make some extra money |
C.all can be communicated on the Internet |
D.are offered by the same organization |
European Work Experience Programme
European Work Experience Programme (E.W.E.P.) is an independent British organization which began in 1991 in the city of London. E.W.E.P. provides the opportunity for students from the 25 countries of the European Union and nationals(公民)from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to live in England, to gain work experience, to practise their English and to get a better insight into the British social and cultural life.
To apply you must fulfil(符合)the following requirements:
◆ Preferred age: 18 to 28 years’ old
◆ Be able to work in the UK for a period of at least two months.
◆ Must have a good knowledge of English.
◆ Due to work permit restrictions (限制), European Work Experience Programme Ltd (E.W.E.P) will only select you if you are a European Union Member or national from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
European Work Experience Programme Ltd will find you a suitable job and an accommodation. A representative of E.W.E.P. will be available during your stay to help you and you will get a 24 hours help line service during your stay. The TOTAL fee(费用)for our services is £ 264.63 (394.35 Euros).
Should you require any further information, please contact us:
European Work Experience Programme Ltd
Unit 1, Red Lion Court, Alexandra Road
Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 1JS
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 208 572 2993
Fax: 44 208 572 1114
E-mail: sales@ewep.comWhat’s the purpose of writing the text?
A.To introduce a new programme in England |
B.To attract more students to work in England |
C.To describe the working conditions in England |
D.To make clear the requirements for students working in England |
If you apply for the programme, you __________.
A.must be 18 to 26 years’ old |
B.be able to speak at least three languages |
C.must be nationals from the countries mentioned in the text |
D.should have some working experience in a foreign country |
You can get in touch with E. W. E. P. Ltd by the following ways EXCEPT by_____.
A.making a telephone call | B.sending the organization a fax |
C.writing an e-mail to the organization | D.going there in person by air |