Use your American Express Card to enjoy one-day visit at four of America’s greatest museums. Note the participating museums, and their exciting special exhibitions that you will not want to miss, listed below.
Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Chairs
February 11-May 8, 2012
Italian furniture expert Fausto Calderai and Indian photographer Dayanita Singh present an exhibition of chairs from the museum’s collection and “chair photographs” from around the world presented in a Venetian-style hall housing world-famous masterpieces.
For more information:www. gardnermuseum. org
New York
The Noguchi Museum
Noguehi and Graham
December 1, 2011-May 1, 2012
Noguchi’s long-term collaboration(协作) with dancer Martha Graham is regarded by many as a high point in the history of both modern dance and art. The exhibition highlights nine of the sets created through this collaboration.
For more information:www. noguchi. org
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
In Full View:American Painting(1720—2012)
January 11--April 10, 2012
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy has been home to America’s artists for more than 200 years. The Academy collects and exhibits the works of famous American artists, and is well-known for training fine artists. 2012 at the Academy begins with the largest exhibition of Academy’s distinguished American collection in the institution’s history.
For more information:www. pafa. org
Seattle
Seattle Museum of Glass
Murano:Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection
Through November 7, 2011
This exhibition includes over 200 pieces of beautiful glass from Murano, the island of glassblowers near Venice, Italy. Watch live glass-blowing shows in the Hot Shop and see other modern glass exhibitions.
For more information:www. museumofglass. orgWhich of the following websites offers information about the furniture show?
A.www. pafa. org | B.www. museumofglass. org |
C.www. noguchi. org | D.www. gardnermuseum. Org |
We learn from the text that Martha Graham is ___________.
A.a dancer | B.a glassblower | C.a painter | D.a photographer |
If you want to know the history of American painting, you may visit ___________.
A.the Noguchi Museum | B.Seattle Museum of Glass |
C.Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | D.Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts |
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New York Helmsley Hotel
New York City, NY
KAYAK members are specially offered the New York Helmsmen Hotel, a world – class hotel located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, within walking distance of Times Square, Grand Central Station and the United Nations, as well as the Theatre District and Rockefeller Center.
Gaylord Palms
Orlando, FL
Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center offers excitement to KAYAK members with world – class restaurants, dynamic on – site recreation, and breathtakingly beautiful gardens under glass. The Gaylord offers great room and food service close to the world’s most trilling places – Disney, Sea World, and Universal.
Affinia Chicago
Chicago, IL
Steps from the Magnificent Mile, the Affinia Chicago is best known for its perfect location at the Windy City’s center of shopping, entertainment, culture and business. Known for its fast pace, famous museums, amazing buildings, and action – packed sporting events, Chicago offers something for every KAYAK member.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Af finia Hotel
Washington DC
KAYAK members seeking the typical DC experience are offered the Liaison Capitol Hill. Having a great location on Capitol Hill, The Liaison Capitol Hill is the closest hotel to the U. S. Captiol. The Smithsonian, Union Station and dozens of the country’s most visited museums and monuments are within walking distance.
68.What do these hotels have in common?
A.They are all near shopping center.
B.They are all favorably located.
C.They all have world – class restaurants.
D.They all attract people with their low prices.
69.Which might be the best place for parents with kids to spend their holiday?
A.Orlando, FL B.Chicago, IL
C.Washington DC D.New York City, NY
70.If you are interested in museums, which may be your best hotels to stay in?
A.New York Helmsely Hotel and Affinia Chicago.
B.The Liaison Capitol Hill and Gaylord Palms.
C.The Liaison Capitol Hill and Affinia Chicago
D.Gaylord Palms and New York Helmsley Hotel.
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Hillary Rodham Clinton arrived at the White House after serving as First Lady of Arkansas for twelve year. On many occasions, Hillary Clinton has spoken about the need to find the right balance in our lives. For her, the elements of that balance are family, work, and public service.
Hillary Diane Rodham was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 26, 1947. An excellent student. Hillary also enjoyed sports and was always interested in politics. Graduating from Wellesley College with high honors, she entered Yale Law School, where she developed her special concern for protecting the best interests of children and their families. It was there that she met Bill Clinton, a fellow student.
In 1973, Hillary became a lawyer for the Children’s Defense Fund. In 1975 Hillary left Washington and followed her heart to Arkansas, marrying Bill Clinton. The couple taught together in the University of Arkansas. Their daughter. Chelsea, was born in 1980.
As First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary continued to work tirelessly for the benefit of children and families. She introduced a program training parents to work with their preschool children. Because of her efforts, Hillary was named Arkansas Mother of the Year in 1984.
Hillary Rodham Clinton brings her own special talents, experience, style and interests to the role of First Lady of the US. She played a leading part in national Health Care Reform.
Hilary Clinton was elected to the US Senate (参议院) in 2000, becoming the first Lady elected to public office and the first female senator to represent New York. In 2006, Senator Clinton won re-election to the Senate, and in 2007 she began her historic campaign for President. In 2008, she campaigned for the election of Barrack Obama and Joe Biden, and in November, she was chosen by President elect Obama as Secretary of State.
64.What do we know from the first paragraph?
A.Hillary Rodham Clinton never finds it hard to balance herself in life.
B.Family, work and public service are all important to Hillary Clinton.
C.The experience as First Lady of Arkansas led her to the White House.
D.Before entering the White House, Hillary had worked for the First Lady.
65.Why did Hillary leave the Children’s Defense Fund?
A.Because she wanted to marry Bill Clinton who was in Arkansas.
B.Because she married Bill Clinton and had to move to Arkansas.
C.Because she found she fell in love with Arkansas.
D.Because she was offered a better job in the University of Arkansas.
66.Where did Bill Clinton get his high education?
A.At Wellesley College.
B.At the Children’s Defense Fund.
C.At the University of Arkansas.
D.At Yale Law School.
67.Which is the right order of the following events?
a. Hillary was elected to the United States Senate.
b. Hillary was chosen as Secretary of State.
c. Hillary served as the First Lady.
d. Hillary supported Obama in his presidential election.
e. Hillary began her campaign for President.
A.c, a, e, d, b B.c, e, d, b, a C.a, e, c, b, d D.b, e, c, d, a
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Americans are thinking about national education standards recently developed by teachers and other education experts. The National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) led the effort.
The United States, unlike other nations, has never had the same school standards across the country. What is the reason? Education is not discussed in the Constitution. That document limits the responsibilities of the federal government. Other responsibilities, like education, fall to the individual states.
Local control of education probably was a good idea two hundred years ago. People stayed in the same place and schools knew what students needed to learn. But today, people move to different cities. And some people work at jobs that did not exist even twenty years ago.
Many American educators say that getting a good education should not depend on where you live. They say that some states have lowered their standards in order to increase student scores on tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Kara Schlosser is communications director for the Council of Chief State School Officers. She says the new standards clearly state what a student should be able to do to be successful in college and work.
Forty-eight states have already shown approval for the standards. Two states reject the idea. Critics(批评家) say that working toward the same standards in every state will not guarantee(保证) excellence for all. Some educators in Massachusetts say adopting the proposal will hurt their students because the state standards are even higher. Others say the change will be too costly, requiring new textbooks and different kinds of training for teachers. Still others fear federal interference or control.
Supporters say the standards are goals and do not tell states or teachers how to teach. They also say the federal government is not forcing acceptance. However, approving the standards will help states qualify(合格) for some federal grant money.
60.What would be the best title for the passage?
A.Local Control of Education Standards out of Date
B.American National Education Standards under Consideration
C.Education Standards in Each State – Good or Bad
D.Acceptance of the New Standards in the United States
61.Why is local control of education no longer a good idea today?
A.Because local standards are limited.
B.Because it is required by the federal government.
C.Because people today moves among states more often than before.
D.Because America has never has the same school standards thought the country.
62.Some people are against the national education standards because__________.
A.the standards are higher than those of each state
B.the are nor yet prepared for the new standards
C.the standards may prevent some students gaining excellence
D.they don’t want the federal government to train their teachers
63.If a state agrees to accept the motional standards, it will probably get__________.
A.more students B.advice on how to improve teaching
C.better textbooks D.money from the federal government
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第三部分:阅读理解(共20小题,每题2分,满分40分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Dear Daughter,
As we drove off from Columbia, I wanted to write to tell you that is on my mind.
First, I want to tell you how proud we are. Getting into Columbia is real testament (证明) of what a great well – rounded student you are. You should be as proud of yourself as we are.
Your college years will be the most important of your life. It is in college that you will discover what learning is about. This will be the period when you go from teacher taught to master inspired, after which you must become self – learner. So do take each subject seriously, and even if what you learn is of no practical use in real life, the learning skills you get will be something you will value forever.
Follow your passion in college. Take courses you think you will enjoy. Don’t be bothered by what others think or say, but make up your own mind. Most importantly, make true friends and be happy. Don’t worry about their hobbies, grades, looks, or even personalities.
Start planning early what you’d like to do. Where would you like to live? What would you like to learn? I think your plan to study fashion is good, and you should decide where you want to be, and get onto the right courses. I will always be there for you, but the time has come for you to be in the driver’s seat – this is your life, and you need to be in corral. Being in control feels great. Try it, and you’ll love it!
So please treasure your college years – make the best use of your free time, become an in depended ticker in control of your destiny, and learn through your successes and challengers.
May your years at Columbia be the happiest of your life, and may you grow into just what you dream to be .
Love,
Dad (& Mom)
(Excerpt from Kai – Fu Lee’s letter to his daughter)
56.We can read between the lined that__________.
A.Dad has s strong love for his daughter
B.Dad is very strict with his daughter
C.Dad always worries about his daughter
D.Dad is much concerned about his daughter’s health
57.The underlined word “destiny” in the passage is the closest in meaning to “__________ ”.
A.weight B.life C.position D.time
58.Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A.Plan thing – before you do them.
B.Self – learning as very important in college.
C.Follow your passion and what other people say.
D.Leading a life is just like driving a car.
59.The purpose of the author in writing the letter is to tell his daughter to__________ .
A.smile to her trouble in life B.fight till she succeeds
C.be confident and happy D.make the most of the college
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Today, people all over the world are moving out of small villages in the country to go and live in big, noisy cities. They are moving from the peaceful hills, mountains, fields, rivers and streams of the countryside to the busy world of streets, buildings, traffic and crowds. This movement from rural areas to urban areas has been going on for over two hundred years.
In many countries, the main reason people come to live in towns and cities is work. After one or two large factories have been built in or near a town, people come to find work, and soon an industrial area begins to grow. There is usually a residential area nearby where the factory workers can live. The families of these workers need schools, hospitals and shops, so many people come to live in the area to provide these services and a city grows.
In every major city in the world, there is a business district where the big companies have their main offices. In the United States, this area is usually in the city center downtown. It is here that you can see many huge skyscrapers(摩天楼)and office blocks. The people who work here often travel a long way to work each day. Many of them live in the suburbs of the city, far away from the industrial area and the city center. Some suburbs are very pleasant, with nice houses and big gardens. There are usually parks for children to play in and large department stores where you can buy all you need.
But what is the future of the big cities? Will they continue to get bigger and bigger? Perhaps not. Some major cities have actually become smaller in the last ten years, and it is quite possible that one day we will see people moving out of the major cities and back into smaller town and villages.
71. The underlined phrase “a residential area” means ________.
A. an area where people can buy things B. an area where people live
C. an area where people can do business D. an area near a city center
72. Why do people move to live in cities or towns?
A. Because they can live more comfortably there.
B. Because they like noisy life better than peaceful life.
C. They do so mainly to find work.
D. Because they are sure of having a better life there.
73. In a residential area you can see ________.
A. rows of houses B. many offices and factories
C. a lot of factories and farms D. many houses with offices and factories
74. In the United States, many people work in the center of a big city__________.
A. and live there B. while living on the far away edge(边缘)of the city
C. but live in another city D. but live far away out of the city
75. We can infer that this movement from rural to urban areas ______.
has been going on for more than 2,000 years B. will surely continue in the future
C. may not continue in the future D. has now stopped already