I once had a house guest from Cuba. During his visit, I happened to throw an old broken blender (搅拌机) in the trash. The next day it was sitting on my counter – in working order. In his world, people simply cannot afford to replace an item which doesn't work properly. They take the time and figure out how to fix it. In Cuba, they are still driving cars from the 1960’s, mainly because they do not have a choice.
In contrast, the U.S. is a “throw-away society.” Statistics show that each American produces six pounds of trash per day. I believe a combination of factors has contributed to this phenomenon.
“Planned obsolescence(废弃)” is not a secret. It is a manufacturing (制造业) philosophy developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s, when mass production became popular. The goal is to make a product or part that will fail, or become less desirable over time or after a certain amount of use. This pressures the consumer to buy again.
Planned obsolescence does keep costs down. Instead of making an expensive product that will last a long time, businesses produce more affordable, disposable(一次性的) items. Some electronic items have become so inexpensive that it is cheaper to replace them than to repair them.
Busy people often value their time and convenience more than money. If a car starts to have mechanical problems, replacing it with a newer, more reliable model may be more appealing than tolerating it being in the garage for a week.
In addition, advertising trains consumers to want what is new and improved. It convinces them that the more they have, the happier they will be.
Unlike people in many developing countries, we live in a world of abundance. A study by Dr. Timothy Jones of the University of Arizona also found that in the U.S., 40-50 percent of all food ready for harvest is wasted. Abundance and waste soon became closely associated in the American way of life.In Cuba, people usually fix a broken item instead of buying a new one because __________.
| A．wasting is prohibited there | B．they are poor |
| C．they are interested in fixing things | D．they live a low-carbon life |
According to the article, planned obsolescence ___________.
| A．began before mass production became popular |
| B．is intended to encourage consumers to buy more things |
| C．results in higher prices of items |
| D．requires factories to produce high-quality products |
Which of the following is NOT true about the “throw-away society” in the U.S.?
| A．People prefer to buy a new blender rather than repair the broken one. |
| B．A large quantity of food has been wasted. |
| C．People believe that the more they have, the happier they will be. |
| D．People all hold the belief that money comes first. |
What may be the writer’s attitude towards a throw-away society?
| A．Supportive. | B．Critical. | C．Tolerant. | D．Optimistic. |
Volunteers, as an essential part of a successful world exposition, are a major channel for the public to participate in, serve and share the world exposition and a means to showcase the image of the host country and city. The following information is about the volunteer for the World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China．
I．Requirements for Volunteers
● Be willing to participate in voluntary services of Expo 2010;
● Age limit: Expo Site volunteers must be born before April 30,
1992 and Expo City Voluntary Service Station volunteers before
April 30, 1994;
● Obey the laws and regulations of the PRC;
● Be able to participate in training and relevant activities before the opening of Expo 2010 on May 1st;
● Possess necessary knowledge and skills needed by the position, one foreign language at least;
● Be in good health to meet the requirements of corresponding voluntary positions．
● Have previous experience of voluntary work.
II．Further Information for Volunteers
● Source
Residents of Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese, and foreigners can all apply to be the volunteers．
● Signup methods
Applicants may log in onto the official websites for online signup．They may also consult or connect with the Expo Volunteer Stations．
● Time
May 1 - December 31, 2009
Ⅲ．Volunteer Training
Volunteer training includes general training, special training and position training．General training is carried out through internet, while special training and position training are provided through classroom lectures and field practice．
IV．Volunteer Types
● Expo Site volunteers refer to those offering voluntary services to visitors and the Organizer in the Expo Site, mainly including information, visitor flow management, reception, translation and interpretation(口译), assistance for the disabled, and assistance in media service, event and conference organization and．volunteer management．
● Information booth volunteers are stationed in the Expo's information booths at key transportation centers, commercial outlets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and cultural event places outside the Expo Site．They offer services including information, translation, interpretation and even first aid．
1. According to the volunteer brochure, which of the following suits the position of Expo Site?
A．Li Hua, a retired Spanish teacher, still recovering from her leg operation.
B．Wang Ming, 19, a former voluntary interpreter of the United Nations.
C．Li Jing, a middle-aged researcher, who is to finish his field work at the end of April.
D．Hong Wei, 17, winner of an English speaking competition, looking for his first voluntary work.
2. Which of the training will be done on the Internet?
A．Position training． B．General training．
C．Classroom training． D．Special training．
3. Which of the following service is offered by information booth volunteers?
A．Visitor flow management． B．Helping the disabled
C．Assistance in media service． D．Emergency first aid．
第二部分：阅读理解（20小题, 每小题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
A New Zealand fishermen caught what may prove to be a world-record-breaking colossal squid(鱿鱼).
In the cold, dark waters of the Antarctic hides a creature with eight arms, two super long tentacles(触须) and eyes as big as dinner plates. Sound like something out of a science fiction movie? Think again.
On February 21, New Zealand fishermen landed a colossal squid the length of a school bus. They had been fishing with long lines for Chilean sea bass in the waters off the coast of New Zealand when they caught the rare squid. With two hours of hard work, the crew skillfully pulled the creature into a net and dragged in aboard their ship.
Scientists evaluate that the animal weighs about a half ton and is about 40 feet long. That would make this colossal squid the biggest on record.
First identified in 1925 after two tentacles were found in a whale’s stomach, the colossal squid has long been a mystery. The animals are not easy to observe because they can go down to ocean depths of 6,500 feet. What scientists do know from studying the bodies of a half dozen colossal squids is that they are fierce hunters.
The recently captured colossal squid has been frozen to keep it for scientific study. It will be transported to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, in the capital city of Wellington. Experts believe it to be the first adult male ever caught undamaged. Scientists hope to learn more about the colossal squid’s diet, behavior and reproductive(繁殖)patterns.
“Scientists will be very interested in this amazing creature, ”said New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderson. “It adds immeasurably to our understanding of the marine environment. ”
1. Why is it usually difficult for experts to observe the squid?
A. Because it moves too fast B. Because it is too large.
C. Because it is dangerous. D. Because it can go down to deep ocean.
2. What can be inferred from the passage?
A. The squid is from a science fiction story
B. The fishermen often meet colossal squids
C. Scientists know much about the colossal squid.
D. The fishermen had some difficulty catching the large squid.
3. What’s the purpose of catching such a huge squid?
A. To make it into food B. To set a world record
C. To do research on it D. To display it for visitors
4. What would be the best title for the passage?
A. The biggest squid ever found B. Scientific research on squid
C. The lifestyle of the colossal squid D. How the fishermen caught the squid
第Ⅱ卷 (非选择题共35分)
第四部分写作 (共两节，满分35分)
第一节任务型阅读(共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分)
认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。
注意：每个空格只填1个单词。请将答案写在答题卡相应题号的横线上。
Attention deficit (不足) hyperactivity (活动过度) disorder is known by the letters A. D. H. D. with A. D. H. D. might have trouble paying attention. They might not seem to listen and might forget things. They might not be able to stay seated or play quietly. They might talk too much and act and speak without thinking about the results of their behavior. These are among the signs named on the web site of America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Doctors usually identify the disorder in children. But experts say the behaviors often last into adulthood. Researchers have been looking for the cause or causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Now, a brain-imaging study offers more evidence that could lead to new ways to treat it. Researchers say they observed shortages in the brain's reward system in patients with A. D. H. D. The study found that levels of some proteins were lower than normal. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, says the lack of attention and self-control that mark A. D. H. D. could be caused by problem in the flow of dopamine (多巴胺) . She says people might have difficulty completing an activity if they cannot expect some kind of reward in return. Researchers studied the pathways on which dopamine travels in 53 adults with A. D. H. D. Doctor Volkow says the researchers then compared the pathways to those of 44 adults without the disorder. "There was a lower concentration of dopamine markers in the brain of individuals with A. D. H. D., specifically in the areas of the brain that are involved with reward and motivation. And the dopamine levels were directly linked to the severity, of the patient's inattention" she says.
The study used brain images taken at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York State. Gene -Jack Wing is chairman of the Brookhaven medical department. He says the finding might also help explain why people with A. D. H. D. are mere likely to abuse drugs or overeat. He says they might be attempting to increase their dopamine levels to make up for the deficits in their reward system.
| Title |
The finding of (76)_____. |
| The (77) _____ of Children with A.D.H. D. |
They are lacking in, (78)_______. Perhaps they don’t seem to listen. Perhaps they are (79 )______. Perhaps they can’t sit for (80)______ or play quietly. They might talk too much and act and speak without ( 81 )______ the results of their behavior |
| The ( 82 ) _____of A. D. H. D. |
Patients with A. D. H. D are (83)______ of the brain's reward system. Levels of some proteins are lower than normal. Levels dopamine are (84)______ as well |
| Reasons of abusing Drugs |
They are trying to (85)______their dopamine |
Toyota recalls cars in safety alert.
Toyota is recalling more than two million cars in thief fears of sticking accelerator pedals, (踏板) just months after another major problem affected huge numbers.
The latest recall is due to potential problems with the pedal device that can cause the accelerator to become stuck.
The earlier issue affected 4.2m vehicles which we at the risk of the pedal becoming trapped under floor mats.
This time Toyota said in rare cases, the pedal mechanism were down, causing the accelerator to become harder to press, slower to return or, in some cases, stuck
It's said the problem appeared to be related to the potential build-up of condensation (压缩) on sliding surfaces in the accelerator system that helps drivers push down or release the pedal. A spokesman said the company did not yet have a solution to the latest problem but is working on it.
The recall affects the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia. Of these, the Avalon, Camry and Tundra models -- encompassing (包含) about 1.7 million vehicles -- were also included in the previous pedal recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement that the problem is "a serious safety issue and we are pleased Toyota is taking immediate action to address it".
Toyota said drivers in the recalled vehicles whose pedals become stuck should firmly apply their brakes, drive the car to a safe location, shut off the engine and contact the nearest dealer.
Toyota's latest recall in November was blamed for several crashes, including an accident involving a Lexus that accelerated to more than 120 mph before crashing in San Diego, killing four people.
1. Why is Toyota recalling so many ears in the US?
A. To reduce price B. To reduce pollution
C. for the sake of safety D. For the sake of economy
2. Which statement is true according to the passage?
A. It's the first time for Toyota to recall cars
B. The reason of the latest recall is different from that of the earlier one
C. The Toyota company has found a good solution to the problem.
D. The recall only affects the cars made between 2009-2010
3. What shouldn't the driver in the recalled vehicles whose pedals get stuck do?
A. Turn on the car engine B. Get in touch with the nearest dealers immediately
C. Drive the ear to a safe location immediately D. Firmly apply their brakes
4. What can we infer from the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's statement?
A. It's too dangerous for the company to recall the cars
B. It's a waste of money for the company to recall the cars
C. It's not hard to solve the safety problem.
D. It's a relief to see that the company can face the problem.
For many young people, the dream of a lifetime is to travel the world, explore different cultures and landscapes, taste new foods and flavors, and listen to the distinctive sounds of international music and languages.
Unfortunately, few young people have the money or freedom to make this dream come true. But if you can't go out into the world, surely second best is to let the world come to you. And, this year's Shanghai World Expo is exactly where that's happening.
From May 1 to October 31, there will be 194 countries and 50 international organizations on display at the 5-square-km Expo site. Seventy million domestic and international visitors are expected to visit it by the end of October. So, if you can go, you'll be surrounded by people with a wide range of backgrounds, nations, and cultures.
The Expo's theme is "Better City, Better Life". The United Nations estimates that, this year, 55 of the world's people will live in urban settings. This poses a dilemma (困境) for the world's cities: How can they accommodate such a large number of people in a sustainable (可持续的) way? Can they remain places of natural beauty and cultural importance?
Well, that's the challenge the 2010 Expo participants are confronting in a variety of ways. Japan will show off an "eco-breathing" structure to power its building with natural energy like sunlight, rainwater and wind. Germany's pavilion is named "Balancity", which is described as a "balance between innovation (创新) and nature, society and its individuals, work and recreation" (娱乐)
The first themed Expo was held in 1933, and since that time World Expos have featured a participatory and interactive style. The Shanghai Expo is no exception. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in forums to discuss themes like new technology, green energy and conservation.
A trip to the Expo is guaranteed to be much less expensive than a trip around the world. Still, the costs can add up. However, young people can save money by purchasing group or student tickets, which may be available at reduced rates. Many of the participating pavilions offer free samples and treats for the visitors. In addition to handing out free chocolates, the Belgian pavilion will give away a free diamond each week to a visitor who can answer questions related to Belgium.
If you're planning to head to the Shanghai Expo between May and October, don't forget to bring a camera, a notebook, and an open mind (and comfortable shoes). For nearly six months, representatives of the world are coming together to share their best and latest ideas for the future. It's sure to be a memorable experience.
From: http://www.hxen.com/englisharticle./yingyuyuedu/2010-02-09/101092.html
1. Which statement is true according to the passage?
A. You can pay a visit to the Shanghai World Expo at the beginning of this November
B. You can save money by buying student tickets.
C. Whoever comes to the Belgian pavilion will be given a free diamond.
D. How to protest the animals is the theme of the Shanghai World EXPO
2. What dilemma do you think the cities are confronting (面对) now according to the fourth paragraph?
A. How to avoid traffic jams B. How to reduce air pollution
C. How to live peacefully with animals D. How to live harmoniously with nature
3. What's the purpose of the writing the passage?
A. To introduce how to get to the Shanghai World Expo
B. To recommend what to see in the Shanghai World Expo
C. To tell us some information about the Shanghai world Expo.
D. To tell us the history about the World Expo.
4. Where do you think you will probably read this article?
A. In a newspaper B. On a website C. In a magazine D. In a textbook