Switzerland is the best place to be born in the world in 2013，and the US is just 16th. A new study made by the Economist Intelligence Unit says American babies will have a dimmer（暗淡）future than those born in Hong Kong，Ireland and even Canada. The EIU，a sister company of The Economist，tried to measure how well countries will provide the best opportunities for a healthy，safe and prosperous life in years to come.
People born in Switzerland will tend to be the happiest and have the best quality of life in terms of wealth，health and trust in public institutions，according to the analysis. The Scandinavian countries of Norway，Sweden and Denmark also all make the top five in a‘quality-of-lif e’index(指数）where it is best to be born next year.
One of the most important factors is being rich，but other factors come into play including crime，trust in public institutions and the health of family life. In total，the index takes into account 11 factors. These include fixed factors such as geography，others that change slowly over time such as demography (人口学) social and cultural characteristics, and the state of the world economy. The index also looks at income per head in 2030，which is roughly when children born in 2013 will reach adulthood. Small economies take up the top 10 countries，with Australia coming second and New Zealand and the Netherlands not too far behind.
Half of the top 10 countries are European，but only one，the Netherlands，is from the eurozone. The crisis-ridden south of Europe，including Greece，Portugal and Spain，falls behind despite the advantage of a favourable climate. Interestingly，the largest European economies-Germany，France and Britain-do not do particularly well. Nigeria has the unenviable(不值得羡慕的)title of being the worst country for a baby to enter the world in 2013.According to the passage，the happiest people live in ·
| A．Denmark | B．Switzerland | C．Germany | D．Nigeria |
The factors of telling the best place to be born don’t include ．
| A．economy | B．geography |
| C．trust in public institutions | D．pollution |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the text？
| A．The Economist Intelligence Unit is a company. |
| B．The Economist attempted to measure the best place to live. |
| C．The Scandinavian countries are hardly at the top of the list. |
| D．Half of the top 10 countries are from the eurozone. |
The purpose of the text is to show people ．
| A．the best place to be born in 2013 |
| B．a new study made by the EIU |
| C．the worst country to be born in 2013 |
| D．the factors of measuring the best place to be born |
BEIJING—Apple Inc is one step closer to beginning sales of iPad3 tablet computers with cellular (手机) network compatibility (兼容) for the first time in the Chinese mainland, where the consumer-electronics giant is in the midst of an aggressive expansion.
According to China’s Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center, a device by Apple with third-generation high-speed wireless data capabilities was issued the network access license needed for the company to begin official sales in China. The device, listed under model number “A1396”, is compatible with the 3G standard WCDMA, and would work with the cellular network operated by Apple’s local iPhone partner, China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd.
China Unicom declined (谢绝) to comment.
Apple already offers the 3G iPad3 in Hong Kong through its partners, but currently only offers Wi-Fi versions of the device in the Chinese mainland. Still, consumers in China, which according to research firm IDC surpassed (超过) the US as the world’s largest PC market in the second quarter, have been purchasing 3G tablets through unofficial channels.
Separately, Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said Sept 6 that the company’s first Hong Kong store, set to open this quarter, will be located in the city’s central shopping and business district in the International Finance Center’s upscale (高档的) IFC mall, a commercial center and sightseeing spot along the city’s waterfront. Wu also said that Apple is planning a new store in Shanghai later this quarter, which will be its biggest store in China. She declined to give more details or to comment on the 3G iPad3.
Apple currently has four full-service Apple stores in the mainland, which receive the most traffic of any Apple stores in the world. The company otherwise relies on resellers to get its products into the market.
The new stores reflect Apple’s confidence in rising demand for its products such as smart phones and tablet computers. Sales in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan helped boost (增长) the company’s third-quarter results, newly appointed Chief Executive Tim Cook said in July. China revenue (收益) surged (激增) six-fold to about $3.8 billion during the three months ended June 25.
“This has been a substantial (重大) opportunity for Apple and I firmly believe that we’re just scratching the surface right now,” Cook said at the time, referring to strong sales in China. “I see an incredible opportunity for Apple there.”
From China Daily 2012According to the news, which of the following statements is true?
| A．WCDMA is not the only 3G standard in the world. |
| B．Apple Inc sells its products in the market of the Chinese mainland all by its own stores. |
| C．The consumers in China can only get iPad3 of Wi-Fi versions. |
| D．Chinese mainland is the second largest PC market in this year’s second quarter. |
Which one of the following phrases can replace the underlined word in paragraph 1?
| A．in the interests of | B．in the front of |
| C．in the process of | D．in the case of |
How many full-service Apple stores in China?
| A．4. | B．6. | C．8. | D．Unknown. |
What’s the probable meaning of “six-fold” in the last but one paragraph?
| A．one-sixth | B．six times | C．60 percent | D．2 times |
45. By saying “we’re just scratching the surface right now”, Cook means ________.
| A．they don’t know much about China’s market |
| B．they will sell more products and gain more profit in China |
| C．they need to obtain more permission from China’s government |
| D．they ignored the rural market in China |
China has recently been faced with serious issues of product safety. In Panama, it is said that medicine made with a poisonous chemical sickened some people. A Chinese company had identified it as diethylamide glycol （ [化]乙二醇）, a low – cost substitute commonly used in automobile antifreeze（防冻剂）.
Some countries have banned Chinese-made toothpaste containing diethylamide glycol. China has now told companies to discontinue its use, even though it says the toothpaste is safe. Another industrial chemical, melamine, was found in wheat flour used to make pet food in North America. Thousands of dogs and cats became sick.
The United States has restricted some imports of Chinese seafood because they contained banned substance. And questions have been raised about other products, including children’s toys covered with lead paint.
Chinese officials promised to provide the European Union, the biggest trading partner, with detailed reports on enforcement efforts against unsafe goods.
Meglena Kuneva, commissioner (理事) for consumer protection of the European Union said China should have kept its promise.
China recently closed three companies linked to the Panama and the pet food scare. And it dismissed the former head of its food and drug administration. He was found guilty of corruption (腐败) for approving unsafe drugs. This week, a conference of the State Council approved a proposed special measure on the supervision of food safety. The Xinhua News Agency said it calls for stronger controls over producers, greater responsibilities for government and more serious punishment for illegal activities.
But Chinese officials have accused some foreign media of overstating problems with goods made in China. They say food imports from the United States also fail inspection sometimes. Next Week, American and Chinese food safety officials are planning to hold 5 days of meetings in Beijing to discuss cooperation.How many cases with safety problems are mentioned in the passage?
| A．Six | B．Five | C．Four | D．Three |
How was Panama case dealt with afterwards?
A. Three companies linked to it were closed down.
B. The former head of food and drug administration was removed from his position.
C. More serious punishment was conducted for leaders linked to it.
D. Both A and B.We can infer the followings except that ________.
| A．Chinese- made toothpaste is safe |
| B．the safety of “made in China” is doubted |
| C．there are safety problems with more Chinese products |
| D．the Chinese government is to blame partly for the product safety problems. |
The passage is mainly about ________.
| A．China is facing product safety problems |
| B．more controls are taken of Chinese goods |
| C．overstated problems with Chinese goods |
| D．China is losing its trade partners |
What does “ it ” refer to in the last but one paragraph?
| A．China | B．The European Union |
| C．Chinese officials | D．The Chinese company |
India is an ancient civilization with rich cultural heritage (遗产), and its cultural heritage has something to do with all major religions of the world. Here we take a look at some of the top heritage destinations in India.
Sun Temple, Konark
As the name suggests this temple is all about the power of the sun God. A huge chariot (二轮战车) drawn by seven horses and twelve pairs of wheels reflect the importance which ancient people placed on the power of the sun. The pictures of animals and humans give this place a special look.
Churches Goa
Goa is the only Indian state which was under the Portuguese (葡萄牙人), so the scene in Goa is dotted with (点缀着) Portuguese style churches. Some of the famous churches include the church of Saint Catherine, church of Saint Augustine and church of saint Francis of Assisi. These churches exhibit beautiful paintings and flower designs which make them a must visit.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
These caves contain well designed paintings which are widely regarded as the most outstanding works of Buddhist religious art.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Built on the bank of the Yamuna River, it is an excellent building. The writing and paintings on the outside structure provide the finest examples of the outstanding style of buildings.
Sanchi
Sanchi is a UNESCO world heritage site with numerous Buddhist temples dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries.
On your visit to India, be sure to visit some of these heritage destinations. An Indian journey is not wonderful without experiencing the beauty of these heritage destinations.What can we learn from the passage?
| A．Ellora Caves only have statues of animals. |
| B．The Portuguese controlled the whole India two centuries ago. |
| C．Indian cultural heritage is related to religions. |
| D．The church of Saint Catherine is the earliest one in the world. |
The ancient people in India attached importance to .
| A．animals | B．the sun’s power | C．ancient temples | D．ancient civilization |
What is the main idea of the passage?
| A．Several top heritage destinations in India. |
| B．The great effect that Indian religion has on culture. |
| C．India has rich cultural heritage in the world. |
| D．India is famous for its cultural heritage. |
This morning as I was getting the children ready or school, I helped them prepare breakfast and pack their lunches. I reviewed spelling words with them and made sure that their homework was collected in their bags. I had seen the weather forecast for the day and knew it was going to remain cool all day. I suggested they wear sweaters for the walk to the us stop. My kids chose to repulse my advice. My son decided that all he needed was a T-shirt, not a sweater.
I didn’t force(强迫) them to wear sweaters and we went to the bus stop. It is a full kilometer walk to the top of a treeless hill and the wind felt like a knife cutting through the skin. My children endured(忍受) the cold until halfway, when I gave them with the sweaters I had quietly carried under my arm. Then took them without complaint, and I bit my tongue from saying, “I told you so.”
What I was asking my children to do was to trust me. Trust Mom to have their best interests in mind. Trust Mom to know what she is talking about. Even though they didn’t know that I had read the outdoor thermometer (温度计) before they woke up and I had seen the day’s weather forecast, I wanted them to trust me. By ignoring me, they were saying that they didn’t believe I knew what was best for them. What they knew was that yesterday was a warm enough day for shorts. What they knew was that it was warm enough in the house to wear shorts. Therefore, they felt sure enough to make their own decision on what to wear outside.
Too many times we depend on what we know of yesterday, and how we feel today, and so we make decisions based on them. Too many times we think that we know better, so we can deal with things better. But we are wrong.It can be inferred from the first paragraph that .
| A．the author didn’t believe in her children |
| B．the author took her children to school every morning |
| C．the author’s children always followed her advice |
| D．the author had a very busy morning that day |
The underlined word “repulse” in the first paragraph means .
| A．refuse | B．follow | C．seek | D．doubt |
What can be learned from the passage?
| A．The author’s children always ignore her. |
| B．The author takes great care of the children in life. |
| C．The author’s children always make wrong decisions. |
| D．The author always force her children to wear sweaters. |
The author writes this passage to .
| A．tell the readers how to ask for advice |
| B．offer advice on how to teach children |
| C．explain the importance of trusting others |
| D．give advice on how to make decisions |
We can express our feelings and needs by using body language. Cats can do that too. The ways that cats use their tails to show their feelings and needs are interesting.
Unlike dogs, which generally wave their tails to express good feelings, cats use their tails to send a lot of signals. When a cat waves its tail strongly from side to side, it may be a sign for us to leave it alone, or we may get scrathed (抓伤). Throwing a little toy for the cat to play with can get it relaxed. When a cat holds its tail upwards with a slight move, it means the animal is very happy to see its owner.
We all like to cuddle (依偎) inside our bed, and cats do that thing, too. Much as little children like to wrap (用……缠绕) their arms around their Teddy Bears, cats like to wrap their own tails around their bodies to get a sense of safety while asleep. If we notice a cat sleeping in such a position, we should not break its peace.
Usually the tip of the cat’s tail doesn’t draw our attention. But its particular position may also show the cat’s feelings. For example, a cat holding the tip of its tail pointed downwards may try to say that it is not feeling comfortable. So at this point, the cat not only feels angry, but also unsafe. This may again be a sign for us not to upset the cat in any way.
In conclusion, cats use their tails in many different, sometimes funny ways to send us messages, and we can learn to know more.According to the text, in which way are cats different from dogs?
| A．Cats draw more attention from humans than dogs. |
| B．Cats are friendlier to humans than dogs. |
| C．Cats have more feelings than dogs. |
| D．Cats show more feelings with tails than dogs. |
When a cat waves its tail strongly from side to side, it probably feels.
| A．safe | B．sleepy | C．anxious | D．hungry |
A cat wraps its tail around its body when sleeping to .
| A．get its tail well relaxed | B．get a sense of safety |
| C．show friendship to its owner | D．warn strangers to keep off |
What does the fourth paragraph mainly tell us?
| A．A cat can use its tail tip to show its feelings. |
| B．We should pay attention to the tip of a cat’s tail. |
| C．Why a cat holds the tip of its tail pointed downwards |
| D．A cat has many ways to express its feelings |