On a Friday night, a poor young artist stood at the gate of a New York subway station, playing his violin. Many of passers-by slowed down their paces and put some money into the hat of the young man.
The next day, at the same place, he put his hat on the ground gracefully. Different than the day before, he took out a large piece of paper and laid it on the ground and put some stones on it. Then he adjusted the violin and began playing. It seemed more pleasant to listen to.
The words read, “Last night, a gentleman named George Sang put an important thing into my hat mistakenly. Please come to claim it soon.”
Seeing this, people wondered what it could be. After about half an hour, a middle-aged man ran there hurriedly and rushed through the crowd to the violinist and grabbed his shoulders and said, “Yes, it’s you. You did come here. I knew that you’re an honest man and would certainly come here.”
“Are you Mr. George Sang”? asked the young violinist.
The man nodded. “Did you lose something?” “Lottery. It’s lottery.” “Is it?” The violinist took out a lottery ticket and asked.
George nodded promptly and seized the lottery ticket and kissed it, then he danced with the violinist.
The story turned out to be this: George Sang bought a lottery ticket, winning a prize of $500,000. After work, he passed the station and felt the music was so wonderful that he took out 50 dollars and put it in the hat. However, the lottery ticket was also thrown in. The violinist was a student at an Arts College and had planned to attend further study in Vienna. He had booked the ticket and would fly that morning. However when he was cleaning up he found the lottery ticket. Thinking that the owner would return to look for it, he cancelled the flight and came back to where he was given the lottery ticket.
When asked why he didn’t take the lottery ticket for himself, the violinist said, “Although I don’t have much money, I live happily; but if I lose honesty I won’t be happy forever.” What is the sequence(顺序) of the story?
a. The violinist tried to look for the ticket-owner
b. George Sang won a lottery
c. George Sang threw $50 and his ticket in the hat of a violinist’s
d. The violinist found the owner of the lottery ticket
e. A young student played the violinist near a subway station.
| A．c, d, e, a, e | B．b, c, e, d, a | C．b, e, c, a, d | D．c, a, d, b, e |
George Sang was so ______that he kissed the lost ticket and danced with the violinist.
| A．moved | B．disappointed | C．mad | D．pleased |
By telling the story, the writer intends to tell us that__________.
| A．getting rich overnight is important |
| B．showing sympathy for others is important |
| C．being honest is of great importance |
| D．school fees are high at the present time |
We can infer from the passage that______.
| A．The Arts College the young violinist was going to attend is not in New York. |
| B．Many people usually put their money in their hat in the distant past. |
| C．George Sang may give some money to the young violinist as a reward. |
| D．all the people who win lotteries are generous and easy-going. |
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 |
If you are sending a text message, watching TV or listening to the radio, you may stop and give this your full attention. Multi-tasking shrinks(使……萎缩) the brain, research suggests.
A study found that men and women who frequently used several types of technology at the same time had less grey matter in a key part of the brain. University of Sussex researchers said, “Using mobile phones, laptops and other media devices simultaneously could be changing the structure of our brains.”
Worryingly, the part of the brain that shrinks is involved in processing emotion. The finding follows research which has linked multi-tasking with a shortened attention span, depression, anxiety and lower grades at school.
The researchers began by asking 75 healthy men and women how often they divided their attention between different types of technology. This could mean sending a text message while listening to music and checking email, or speaking on the phone while watching TV and surfing the internet. The volunteers were then given brain scans which showed they had less grey matter in a region called the anterior cingulated cortex (ACC) (前扣带皮质). Scientists have proved that brain structure can be changed on exposure to fresh environments and experience.
Other studies have shown that training – such as learning to play magic tricks or taxi drivers’ learning the map of London – can increase grey-matter densities(密度) in certain parts.
Experts have also warned of the harmful impact technology can have on our memory and attention span. The University of California team conducted a survey of more than 18,000 people aged between 18 and 99, and found 20% had problems with memory. Researchers were shocked greatly by the 14% of 18 to 39-year-old people who also worried about their memories.
Multi-tasking may shorten attention span, making it harder to focus and form memories, the researchers said, adding that youngsters may be particularly affected by stress.
The underlined word "simultaneously" in Para.2 means _________.
| A．on one’s own | B．at no time |
| C．at the same time | D．by accident |
All of the following are possible effects of multi-tasking except _________.
| A．saving time |
| B．a shortened attention span |
| C．lower grades at school |
| D．depression and anxiety |
What can increase grey-matter densities?
| A．Sending a text message while listening to music . |
| B．Students’ doing their homework. |
| C．Taxi drivers’ learning the map of London. |
| D．Speaking on the phone while watching TV. |
Which of the following can be the best title of this passage?
| A．Media multi-tasking is becoming more popular. |
| B．Multi-tasking shrinks the brain. |
| C．Multi-tasking may shorten attention span. |
| D．People are worried about their memories. |