There was great excitement on the planet of Venus (金星) . Venusian scientists managed to land a satellite on the planet Earth, and it has been sending back signals as well as photographs ever since.
The satellite was directed into an area known as Manhattan, named after the great Venusian astronomer Professor. Manhattan, who first discovered it with his telescope 20000 light years ago.
Because of excellent weather conditions and extremely strong signals, Venusian scientists were able to get valuable information as to feasibility (可行性) of a manned flying saucer landing on Earth. A press conference was held at the Venus Institute of Technology.
"We have come to the conclusion, based on last week's satellite landing," Prof. Zog said, "that there is no life on Earth."
"How do you know this?" the science reporter of the Venus Evening Star asked.
"For one thing, Earth's surface in the area of Manhattan is made up of solid concrete and nothing can grow there. For another, the atmosphere is filled with carbon monoxide (一氧化碳) and other deadly gases and nobody could possibly breathe this air and survive."
"What does this mean as far as our flying saucer program is concerned?"
"We shall have to take our own oxygen with us, which means a much heavier flying saucer than originally planned."
"Are there any other dangers that you discovered in your studies?"
"Take a look at this photo. You see this dark black cloud hovering (盘旋) over the surface of Earth? We don't know what it is made of, but it could give us a lot of trouble and we shall have further tests before we send a Venus Being there."
"Over here you will notice what seems to be a river, but the satellite findings indicates it is polluted and the water is unfit to drink. This means we shall have to carry our own water, which will add even greater weight to the saucer."
"If all you say is true, won't this set back the flying saucer program several years?"
"Yes, but we shall continue as soon as the Grubstart gives us the added funds(资金)." Profession. Zog replied. According to the passage, the Venusian scientists succeeded in getting important information about _____.
| A．the feasibility of landing a satellite on Earth |
| B．the possibility of making a first-rate flying saucer |
| C．the feasibility of sending a Venus Being to Earth |
| D．the possibility of directing a flying saucer into Manhattan |
Why will the Venusian have to take their own oxygen with them when they carry out their flying saucer program because _____.
| A．they need it in their way to the planet of Earth |
| B．the Earth's atmosphere is filled with deadly gases |
| C．there is a low level of oxygen for Venusians |
| D．there is no air on the planet of Earth |
It can be inferred from the passage that ______.
| A．landing a manned flying saucer on Earth will be carried out soon |
| B．Venusians will land on Earth to help to stop serious pollution |
| C．it’s unnecessary to land a manned flying saucer on Earth at present |
| D．pollution on Earth makes it impossible for Venusians to survive there |
Where can you probably read such a passage?.
| A．In a popular magazine. | B．In a fairy tale. |
| C．In an observation journal | D．In science fiction |
I had made up my mind a long time ago that I would not give a homeless person money, because I could never be sure what that money would be used for. Instead, I decided, I would buy them a sandwich, a cold drink on a hot day, a cup of coffee, whatever I could manage.
I was out recently and saw a homeless man outside of a Starbucks. I decided I would buy this man lunch. I bought a sandwich and soda.
Just as I was leaving the store, two policemen were approaching the man. Obviously the shop owners had complained of his wandering and the police were there to draw him away from the storefronts. Just as they were about to wake him, I asked one of the officers if it was all right if I just gave the man something before he went. I was not sure why I asked the permission but the policeman said sure and I just left the bag in the man’s cart, got in my car and drove off.
As I was driving off I remember thinking “I hope people saw that”. Then I had to seriously ask myself why I hoped people had seen me give the man a sandwich from Starbucks. Was it because I wanted people to think, “She’s such a nice person!”? Why did I hope others had seen me do it? I continued to wonder this all evening.
The next morning, it came to me that I wanted people to have witnessed that small act of kindness not so that I would receive credit and praise but so that they might be inspired to do the same and in so doing that others still would witness their acts of kindness. Thus the whole spirit of pity and giving would be lasting.The underlined word “Starbucks” in the second paragraph is the name of a _________.
| A．shop | B．bookstore | C．bank | D．man |
When the author saw the homeless man, he was __________.
| A．begging outside | B．buying goods |
| C．staying awake | D．falling asleep |
What’s the purpose of the passage?
| A．To show the author is great. |
| B．To encourage people to help others. |
| C．To introduce an experience that changed the author. |
| D．To call on people not to give money to a homeless man. |
The author can be best described as __________.
| A．bad-tempered | B．hard-working |
| C．kind-hearted | D．self-confident |
I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game — a serious game — two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms, and parents. I didn’t know any of them, so I was able to enjoy the game without the distractionof being anxious about winning or losing.
The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. Then came the second quarter. The Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs(替补队员), except for his best player who now guarded the goal.
The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you’re five years old — because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two packed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalkeeper. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalkeeper gave it everything he had, desperately throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying bravely to stop them.
Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It angered the young boy. He became a raging maniac — shouting, running, diving. With all the strength he could gather, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late — they scored a third goal.
I soon learned who the goalkeeper’s parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office — he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines.
After the third goal, the little kid changed. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate and futility was written all over him. His father changed, too. He had been urging his son to try harder — yelling advice and encouragement. But then he became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay — to hang in there. He sorrowed for the pain his son was feeling.
After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. The little boy fetched the ball from the net and handed it to the referee(裁判). He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees, and he cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted.
At that moment, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife seized his arm and said, “Jim, don’t. You’ll embarrass him.” But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. Suit, tie, dress shoe, and all — he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I’ve never been so proud of a man in my life.
He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines I heard him say, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.”
“Daddy,” the boy sobbed. “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, but they scored on me.”
“Scotty, it doesn’t matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. In my eyes, you are the winner! Go on, now.”
The little guy ran back onto the field — and they scored two more times — but it was okay. Now in all viewers’ eyes, he is the Winner.
When you’re all alone, and you’re getting scored on — and you can’t stop them — it means a lot to know that it doesn’t matter to those who love you. In their eyes, so long as you don’t give up, you are the winner. And they are always proud of you.The phrase “took a dramatic turn” (Paragraph 3) can best be replaced by ______.
| A．went on smoothly | B．changed greatly |
| C．attracted less attention | D．got interrupted |
Which detail from the story can reflect the little boy’s losing confidence?
| A．The lone goalkeeper gave it everything he had, desperately throwing his body. |
| B．He became a raging maniac — shouting, running, diving. |
| C．With all the strength he could gather, he covered the boy who now had the ball. |
| D．He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate and futility was written all over him. |
Why did the boy’s mother try to stop her husband running onto the field?
| A．She thought it would only make his son feel awkward. |
| B．She hoped her son could gather courage and cheer himself up. |
| C．She considered it useless to encourage his son at that time. |
| D．She knew it was not allowed when the game was still in progress. |
Which words can best describe the change of the writer’s feelings when watching the game?
| A．curious → anxious → grateful |
| B．bored → upset → delighted |
| C．calm → absorbed → moved |
| D．surprised → thoughtful → interested |
Which can be seen as the climax (the most important point) of the story?
| A．The boy’s going to his knees and bursting into tears helplessly. |
| B．Team Two’s scoring another two goals after the boy went back to the field. |
| C．The boy’s fighting bravely in face of Team Two’s excellent performance. |
| D．The father’s running onto the field and encouraging his son not to give up. |
The best title for the story is ______.
| A．A Proud Father | B．An Amazing Game |
| C．The True Winner | D．The Magical Encouragement |
This year’s Newsweek list of the top 100 high schools shows that today those with fewer students are rising.
Ten years ago, when the first Newsweek Top School List based on college-level test participation was published, only three of the top 100 schools had graduating classes smaller than 100 students. This year there are 22.
Fifty years ago, they were the latest thing in educational reform: big, modern high schools outside the cities with thousands of students. Big schools meant economic efficiency, a greater choice of courses, and better football teams. But only years later did we understand that it involved the difficulty of strengthening personal connections between teachers and students. SAT scores began dropping; on average, 30% of students did not complete high school in four years, a figure that rose to 50% in poor city neighborhoods. High schools for a variety of reasons seemed to have made little progress.
Size isn’t everything, but it does matter, and the past decade has seen a noticeable trend toward smaller schools. This has been partly due to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested $1.8 billion in American high schools, helping to open about 1,000 small schools — most of them with about 400 kids, each with an average enrollment of only 150 students per grade. About 500 more are on the drawing board. Districts all over the country are taking notice, along with mayors in cities like New York, Chicago and San Diego. And most noticeable of all, there is the phenomenon of large urban and suburban high schools that have split up into smaller units of a few hundred.
Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, California, is one of those ranking No.423 — among the top 2% in the country. In 2003, Hillsdale remade itself into three “houses”. 300 students arriving ninth graders are randomly assigned to one of the houses, where they will keep the same four core subject teachers for two years before moving on to another for 11th and 12th grades. Teachers meet with students in groups of 25, five mornings a week, for open-ended discussions of everything from homework problems to bad Saturday-night dates. The advisers also meet with students privately and stay in touch with parents. Along with the new structure came the percentage of freshmen taking biology jumped from 17 to 95.”It was rough for some. But by senior year, two-thirds have moved up to physics,” says Jeff Gilbert. “Our kids are coming to school in part because they know there are adults here who know them and care for them.”
But not all schools show advances after downsizing, and it remains to be seen whether smaller schools will be a cure-all solution.
Ranking schools is always controversial. Over the years this system has been criticized for its simplicity — list of top U.S. high schools was made merely according to the proportion of students taking college-level exams. This year a group of 38 superintendents (地区教育主管) from five states wrote to ask that their schools should be excluded from the calculation. “It is impossible to know which high schools are ‘the best’ in the nation,” their letter read. “Determining whether different schools do or don’t offer a high quality of education requires a look at many different measures, including students’ overall academic accomplishments, their later performance in college, and taking into consideration the unique needs of their communities.”What can we learn about the schools sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?
| A．They are often located in poor neighborhoods. |
| B．They are popular with high-achieving students. |
| C．They are mostly small in size. |
| D．Another 150 schools invested by the Foundation are planned to be set up. |
According to Jeff Gilbert, the classes at Hillsdale were set up so that students could ______.
| A．tell their teachers what they did on weekends |
| B．experience a great deal of pleasure in learning |
| C．maintain closer relationships with their teachers |
| D．deal with the demanding biology and physics courses |
Newsweek ranks high schools according to ______.
| A．their students’ academic achievement |
| B．the number of their students admitted to college |
| C．the size and number of their graduating classes |
| D．their college-level test participation |
What attitude does the author have towards the present trend in high school education?
| A．Subjective. | B．Objective. | C．Indifferent. | D．Disapproving. |
Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
| A．Providing Good Education for Baby Boomers |
| B．Top School List Winning National Support |
| C．Small Schools Rising in popularity |
| D．Students Meeting Higher Academic Standards |
55% of deaths caused by road accidents occur in the first few minutes after a crash. Up to 85% of these deaths could be prevented if first aid were given. The first person on the scene of a road accident will almost certainly be another road user. So as a driver your knowledge of first aid could make a real difference to someone in the event of a road accident.
Assess conditions
·Remain calm. Judge the scene and seriousness of the collision.
·Determine what has happened, how many people and vehicles are involved and the exact location.
·Determine how many casualties(伤亡人数) there are, what is the severity of the injuries, whether anyone is trapped, and whether there is a danger of fire.
Make safe
·Make sure you stay safe and keep off the road. If you need to stop or warn approaching cars, signal to them from the pavement. Wear reflective clothing, use warning triangles, flashing lights and warning lights. Don’t smoke.
·If you are in a car and you come across an accident, first park safely and turn off the engine before you get out to help. Use a triangle warning danger if necessary.
·Consider the safety of others. Don’t move the vehicles, look out for dangers — leaking fuel, chemicals, broken glass or dropping loads — guide uninjured passengers to a place of safety.
Call for help
Dial 999 (or 112) for the emergency services. If there is no phone nearby, send two people in opposite directions to seek help.
Do this as soon as you can or get someone else to do it while you deal with an injured person. You will need to tell the emergency services:
·where you are
·what has happened (describe the accident)
·how many people are injured
·whether they are breathing or bleeding.
The operator will talk you through what to do while you wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Apply emergency first aid
·Remain calm. Reassure the victims.
·Do not allow smoking or offer food or drink to casualties as this could hamper urgent medical treatment. The passage mainly tells us ______.
| A．how to reduce road accident deaths |
| B．how to perform first aid in a road accident |
| C．how to treat the injured people on the scene |
| D．how to protect us from being injured in an accident |
When a driver is applying first aid, which of the following is proper?
| A．Stand in the middle of the road to stop or warn approaching cars. |
| B．Leave the engine working when he gets out of his car to help. |
| C．Call 999 for an ambulance to come and leave the scene immediately. |
| D．Make sure the scene is safe enough and stay away from dangerous gas leaking. |
What does the underlined word “hamper” mean in the last paragraph?
| A．Affect. | B．Improve. | C．Demand. | D．Judge. |
The passage is most likely to appear in a newspaper’s ______ section.
| A．business and finance | B．sports and entertainment |
| C．travel and traffic | D．customs and cultures |
This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?
| A．She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas. |
| B．She wanted to make more money. |
| C．She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program. |
| D．She hoped to present herself with a surprise. |
The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in ______.
| A．spring | B．summer | C．fall | D．winter |
What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?
| A．She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain. |
| B．She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts. |
| C．She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money. |
| D．Many people showed great interest in making things themselves. |
According to the passage, people learn to ______ through crafting.
| A．be grateful to what they have gained |
| B．keep up with fashion |
| C．stick to something interesting |
| D．know more information about craft |
What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?
| A．Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love. |
| B．People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents. |
| C．A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present. |
| D．It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present. |