It should be very clear that we live in a most spectacular(壮观的)time. It’s a time when information is of primary importance. It’s a time when new information technologies are fundamentally transforming the world in every aspect. Among the changes, which have come upon modern society, the ones in education are probably the most obvious and influential. New information technologies are accelerating changes in education, at the same time presenting revolutionary tools with the potential to make education more efficient and more effective than ever.
The application of new information technologies has remarkably promoted the process of education. Online learning is probably the best case in point. As is often the case with “technology”, online learning may appear to be horrible; it can sound like alphabet soup sometimes. Now let’s see whether you can understand all this. You can participate in CBT at a CLC via the convenience of IDL. What does it all mean? Let me translate: GBT—Computer-Based Training; CLC—Computer Learning Center; IDL—Interactive Distance Learning. Sound complicated? Not really. Online learning is much less complicated than it seems. Students can learn at any time, anywhere, at any speed. They can make their own learning schedules and follow their own paths to suit their lifestyles. In my university, every semester there’re several online courses available, which need no class meetings or paper materials. The only thing I have to do is just to get online regularly as I wish, and download necessary learning materials. Then everything I need to know about the course is only a click away.
But online learning is not perfect; it’s like the microwave oven: it does some things better, but it is not a complete replacement for the traditional model. The traditional classroom model for education and learning is hard to leave behind. Because humans are social creatures, there’re times when we need to see each other face-to-face for interactive learning. A social and personal connection often builds effective teams, solves problems, and inspires confidence. So one possible solution is to combine online learning with the old traditional classroom learning , which not only makes the learning process faster and cheaper, but also highlights the interactions between teachers and students.
The bottom line: the Internet is the most important educational tool in the information age and online learning will become a main part of every individual’s learning experience in the future. That’s exactly how we will move knowledge from the ones who have it to the ones who need it faster and cheaper, and that’s how we’re going to survive in the information age.The most suitable title for the passage should be “___________.”
A.Education in the information age |
B.Advantages and disadvantages of online learning |
C.Online learning vs classroom learning |
D.How to survive in the information age |
In Paragraph 3 the microwave oven is mentioned as an example to indicate that_________.
A.online learning needs improving |
B.online learning doesn’t suit everyone |
C.online learning will exist alongside the traditional model |
D.online learning is more advanced than the traditional model |
Which of the following descriptions about online learning is NOT true according to the passage?
A.It is more efficient and effective. |
B.It is convenient to both teachers and students. |
C.It stresses interactions between teachers and students. |
D.It is a cheaper way of learning. |
It can be inferred from the passage that________.
A.not all the people are in favor of online learning |
B.it is not easy to combine online learning with classroom learning |
C.in the future all the courses will be available online |
D.in a sense our survival in the world depends on online learning |
Four Insurance Policies You Can' t Do Without
A single gap in insurance coverage could wipe out the money that yon' ve earned for many years through your hard work.That' s why it' s important to give yourself a yearly insurance checkup, whether you buy your policies through an agent or from one of the growing number of insurance companies.
Health.Before selecting a policy from your employer or deciding among Medicare options, review your current health,predictable medical needs, and family status.This review should help you avoid a plan that fails to cover a necessary treatment or paying for services that you know you'll never use.
Disability. Your chances of becoming disabled before you retire are far greater than your chances of dying. So every working person needs some kind of disability coverage. If you are working for an employer who offers less than that, you can buy an individual policy to promote your coverage.
Homeowners or renters. Make sure you have replacement-cost coverage that would pay the current costs of rebuilding your home and replacing your personal possessions. A policy that would only pay for the decrease in value of these items isn' t good enough, because you could end up recovering just a small part of their costs. Don' t forget flood and/or earthquake insurance if you live in a locate that has a possible tendency to these types of disasters.
Life. Empty nesters and retirees may. no longer need life insurance at all. But if you have dependents who would suffer financially if you died, it' s still a must.
65. To have your insurance checkup every year is mainly because _______.
A. the gap in insurance coverage could cost you a large sum
B. the gap in insurance coverage could bring you benefits
C. some insurance agencies cover few of your policies
D. too many insurance companies prefer to sell coverage
66. _______ can be ignored while deciding among Medicare choices.
A. Your necessary treatment. B. Your personal health at present.
C. Your social status. D. Your predictable medical needs.
67. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Workers needn' t buy personal disability coverage if their bosses offer that
B. Insurance companies can secure the full value of private possessions
C. Earthquake insurance can cover replacement-cost caused by the disaster
D. Divorced or retired people may need life insurance for their dependents
68. We can infer that demand for insurance_______.
A. varies due to individual needs of coverage
B. stays the same whether you are working or not
C. increases when we move to a new place
D. decreases if we have a large family to support
第三部分:阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分,满分40分)
I have recently been diagnosed with an addiction-to coffee. And I am not alone. This is a problem among Americans of all ages. The coffee shop has become a social feature in our culture. Its appealing smell, cozy and inviting atmosphere are difficult to resist, especially if you struggle with an addiction like alcohol.
But, when you look past the leather couches and coffees named after European cities, all you'll find is coffee, milk, and a little sugar. Anyone can buy a Coffeemaker and a container of Coffee Mate and try to create the same drink as a coffee shop does. The only difference between your homemade coffee and coffee shops is that they put it in a cute cup and throw on some whipped (泡沫状的) cream to convince us that we are treating ourselves to a worthy relief from the fast pace of everyday life. And we believe them, silly for the idea that drinking their coffee improves our quality of life.
So, next time this "white chocolate" begins echoing in your mind, you'll have to make a decision: Will you continue to be one of the millions of brainwashed Americans who live for their next trip to a coffee shop, or will you just walk away and ignore it? My advice is -- dare to resist and just say no.
61. The major features of a coffee shop are the following EXCEPT its _______.
A. attractive smell B. comfortable surrounding
C. pleasant atmosphere D. alcohol-like addiction
62. The coffee from coffee shops differs from homemade coffee mainly because it _______.
A. is mixed with whipped cream B. is usually served in a cute cup
C. offers a feeling of precious relief D. can improve the quality of life
63. "White chocolate" in the last paragraph probably means _______.
A. coffee with cream B. chocolate with coffee
C. brainwashed Americans D. addiction to shop coffee
64. The author's attitude towards "white chocolate" is _______.
A. positive B. uncaring C. negative D. optimistic
For years scientists have been concerned about the effects of air pollution on the earth's natural conditions. Some believe the air inside many houses may be more dangerous than the air outside. It may be one hundred times worse.
Indoor air pollution can cause a person to feel tired,to suffer eye pain, headache and other problems.Some pollutants(污染物)can cause breathing disorders,diseases of blood and even cancer. Most scientists agree that every modern house has some kind of indoor pollution.People began to notice the problem in the early 1970s.It is said that when builders began making houses and offices they did not want to waste energy.To do this,they built buildings that limited the flow of air between inside and outside.They also began using man-made building materials.These materials are now known to let out harmful gases.As the problem became more serious, scientists began searching for a way to deal with it.They discovered a natural pollution control system for building-green plants.Scientists do not really know how plants control air pollution.They believe that a plant's leaves absorb or take in the pollutants.In exchange the plant lets out oxygen through its leaves and through its tiny organizations on its roots.Scientists suggest that all buildings should have one large plant or several small plants inside for every nine square metres of space.Studies of different plants show that each absorbs different chemicals.So the most effective way to clean the air is to use different kinds of plants.Having green plants inside your house can make it a prettier and healthier place.
77.What is the topic of the passage?
A.Air pollution.
B.Green plants indoors.
C.Indoor air pollution.
D.Environment protecting.
78.What makes indoor air pollution more harmful than that of the air outside?
A.The limited flow of air indoors.
B.Man-made building materials.
C.Fewer green plants inside houses.
D.The energy-saving materials indoors.
79.The most effective way to clean the air is to use different kinds of plants because______.
A.they can make houses pettier and healthier
B.they may let out oxygen which people need
C.they can take in all kinds of indoor pollutants
D.they can absorb different harmful indoor chemicals
80.Which of the following is implied but NOT stated?
A.keep windows open and let fresh air in.
B.Scientists have a clear idea how plants control air pollution.
C.Oxygen is let out through the leaves and roots of the plants.
D.Green plants are a natural pollution control system for building.
Botswana lies immediately to the north of South Africa. It is bordered on the north and west by Namibia, on the north and east by Zimbabwe, and is connected by a narrow strip of land on the northern border to Zambia. Its territory consists almost entirely of a broad, flat, arid subtropical plateau(高原), though there are hills in the eastern part of the country.
In the northwest, the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari sands, creating the largest inland river delta in the world. While the Okavango Delta is home to relatively few large animals in comparison to other areas of Botswana, its clear waters and countless small islands are home to a variety of birds, plants, and smaller species of animals.
Nearby is Chobe National Park, a beautiful grassland reserve(保护区) that has gained international fame for its large elephant population. Southeast of Chobe are Botswana's large Makgadikgadi salt pans, home to numbers of blue wildebeest, several antelope species, and those international lovers of salt pans, flamingos(a kind of birds).
Almost the entire remaining portion of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert--a varied environment of sand and grassland. Although this area of Botswana is where few people live, it is one of the richest wildlife areas in all of Africa.
Botswana's two largest parks, the Central Kalahari Game reserve and Gemsbok National Park, are found in this region.
Botswana's climate can get rather cool, particularly during the dry winter months of June to August when night occasionally brings frost. The rainy summer months (December through March) are best avoided for those interested in enjoying the best game viewing conditions.
72.South Africa is to the______of Botswana.
A.east B.north C.south D.west
73.In the Okavango Delta we can find______.
A.a lot of large animals B.many small islands
C.salt pans D.polluted waters
74.If we want to see flamingo, we should go to_______ .
A.salt pans B.Chobe National Park
C.Kalahari Desert D.Gemsbok National Park
75.It is suggested that tourists visit Botswana in______.
A.December B.March C.January D.July
76.What is the passage mainly about Botswana?
A.Location, geography and climate. B.Living conditions, politics and salt pans.
C.Parks, animals and population. D.Animals, races and sightseeing places.
|
C