Over the past century, all kinds of unfairness and discrimination have been made illegal. But one popular form continues to exist, that is alphabetism (字母排序法). This, for those as yet unaware of such a disadvantage, refers to discrimination against those whose surnames(姓氏)begin with a letter in the lower half of the alphabet.
It has long been known that the cars of a taxi firm called AAAA have a big advantage over Zodiac cars when customers look through their phone directories. Less well known is the advantage that Adam Abbot has in life over Zoe Zysman. English names are fairly spread between the halves of the alphabet. Yet a quite large number of top people have surnames beginning with letters between A and K.
Thus the American presidents and vice-presidents have surnames starting with B and C separately and 26 of those before George Bush took office (including his father ) had surnames in the first half of the alphabet against just 16 in the second half. Even more striking, six of the seven heads of government of the G7 rich countries are alphabetically advantaged (Berlusconi, Blair, Bush, Chirac, Chretien and Koizumi). The world's three top central bankers ( Greenspan, Duisenberg and Hayami)are all close to the top of the alphabet, even if one of them really uses Japanese characters. The same case are the world's five richest men ( Gates, Buffet and so on) .
Can this merely happen by chance? At the start of the first year in primary school, teachers seat pupils, alphabetically from the front, to make it easier to remember their names. So shortsighted and small-sized Zysman junior gets stuck in the back row, and is seldom asked the improving questions by those teachers. At that time the alphabetically disadvantaged may think they have had a lucky escape. Yet the result may be worse qualifications, because they get less attention, as well as less confidence in speaking publicly.
The unfairness continues. At university graduation parties, the ABCs proudly get their awards first. However, by the time they reach the Zysmans most people are a little tired. Lists of job interviews and conference speakers and attendees all tend to be drawn up alphabetically, and their readers lose interest as they plough through them.What does the author intend to show with AAAA cars and Zodiac cars?
| A.An example of competition of two kinds of cars. |
| B.Some advantages of AAAA cars in the taxi firm. |
| C.An example of unfairness caused by alphabetism. |
| D.Some disadvantages of Zodiac cars in the taxi firm. |
What can we infer from the first three paragraphs?
| A.The alphabet is to blame for the failure of Zoe Zysman. |
| B.In both East and West, names are important to success. |
| C.Customers often pay a lot of attention to companies' names. |
| D.The discrimination in alphabetism can be found in many areas. |
The fourth paragraph suggests that .
| A.alphabetically disadvantaged often escape from class |
| B.teachers should pay equal attention to all their students |
| C.questions are often put to the more intelligent students |
| D.students should be seated according to their eyesight |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
| A.VIPs in the western world gain a great deal from alphabetism. |
| B.People with surnames beginning with N to Z are often misunderstood. |
| C.Putting things alphabetically may lead to unintentional unfairness. |
| D.The movement to get rid of alphabetism still has a long way to go. |
One reaction to all the concern about tropical deforestation(砍伐森林) is a blank stare that asks the question, "Since I don't live there, what does it have to do with me?"
The answer is that your way of life, wherever you live in the world, is tied to the tropics in many ways. If you live in a house, wash your hair, eat fruits and vegetables, drink soda, or drive a car, you can be certain that you are affected by the loss of tropical forests.
Take rubber(橡胶) for example. For many uses, only natural rubber from trees will do. Synthetics are not good enough. Today over half the world's commercial(商业的)rubber is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, while the Amazon's rubber industry produces much of the world's four million tons. And rubber is an important material in making gloves, balloons, footwear and many sporting goods. Thousands of other tropical plants are valuable for their industrial use.
Many scientists strongly believe that deforestation contributes to the greenhouse effect—or heating of the earth from increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As we destroy forests, we lose their ability to change carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Carbon dioxide levels could double within the next half-century, warming the earth by as much as 4.5 degrees. The result? A partial melt-down of polar ice caps, raising sea levels as much as 24 feet; even 15 feet could threaten anyone living within 35 miles of the coast. Unbelievable? Maybe. But scientists warn that by the time we realize the severe effects of tropical deforestation, it will be 20 years too late.
Can tropical deforestation affect our everyday lives? Now, you should have got the answer.The underlined word "synthetics" probably means a kind of __________.
| A.natural rubber | B.tropical grass |
| C.man-made material | D.tropical tree |
In the last paragraph the author tries to _________.
| A.tell people how to avoid the tropical deforestation |
| B.show us how important it is to protect the tropical forests |
| C.persuade people to buy something synthetic |
| D.let people realize the good effect of tropical deforestation |
The author's attitude towards the tropical deforestation is __________.
| A.puzzling | B.cold |
| C.supporting | D.opposed |
Why buy art? To answer this question, ask yourself what your reasons are for thinking of acquiring a piece of art. An artwork can cost a considerable sum, but if it meets your needs, it's worth every penny.
| Art Is for Enjoyment Art is meant to be displayed. Don't ever feel pressured to buy something you won't appreciate looking at day after day, no matter what other people may say. Don't buy something that doesn't appeal to you just because it is trendy(流行的), because the artist is famous, or because you have been advised that the artwork will make a good investment. If you don't like the artwork at all, don't buy it! |
| Art Improves Your Environment Have you ever noticed that all beautiful homes have art as an essential part of the decoration? Art lends life and color to otherwise plain and ordinary walls. A well thought-out art collection will help create a unique pattern in your home and make it more attractive. For similar reasons, art often graces commercial buildings, such as reception rooms and the offices of top executives. |
| Art Makes a Statement The kind of art you surround yourself says much about your personality, tastes and values. Art truly is a mirror of the soul. It's an expression of who you are. Be true to yourself, and choose art which is meaningful to you. |
| Art Can Be an Investment Art can pay handsome returns, but this very rarely happens overnight. If you're hoping to make a fast buck, art may not be the right avenue for you. There are investors, of course, who like to put their money in art. They do this for two main reasons: emotional as well as financial benefits. |
| Art Enriches Your Life At a conference on health and aging, held in Australia, a professor from Melbourne's RMIT University shared his findings that love—even the love of an activity or a work of art contributes to healthier living and a longer lifespan. |
| Art Makes an Impression When you need to give a gift which will make a lasting impression, a fine piece of artwork is hard to beat. Any recipient(接受者) will appreciate receiving such an exclusive gift, and be honored that you valued her enough to give her something so unique and precious. Just remember to select something which will appeal to your recipient's tastes, and keep to a sensible budget. Good art needn't cost an arm and a leg. |
We can find something about the host's personality, tastes and values through looking at________ .
| A.the expression on the face |
| B.the mirror on the wall |
| C.the kind of art around him |
| D.the truth of the art in his home |
What does the underlined sentence "Good art needn't cost an arm and a leg" mean?
| A.Good art can purify humans' soul |
| B.Good art makes you work fast |
| C.Good art creates a good life |
| D.Good art does not always cost huge money |
From the passage we can learn that art __________.
| A.is a good way to become rich overnight |
| B.can awaken people to protect the environment |
| C.can help people to keep fit and live longer |
| D.can hardly serve as a present |
The passage is mainly about__________ .
| A.what function art has in people's life |
| B.how to choose artworks for your life |
| C.what attitudes people have to art |
| D.how to make a fortune from artworks |
Recently, a study was carried out to determine who was the greatest American president. Sixty-five presidential historians took part in it, and they judged the past forty-two American leaders based on ten leadership qualities, including public persuasiveness(信服), crisis leadership, management of the economy, moral leadership, and conduct of international relations. The historians also looked at administrative ability (管理能力), relations with Congress, ability to set goals, and the pursuit of equal justice for all. Finally, the experts took into consideration the historical period in which the president lived.
The historians chose Abraham Lincoln as American’s greatest president. He had also been named the greatest president in a similar study in 2000. Abraham Lincoln was the president who led the nation through the Civil War in the 1860s, and was able to unite it in the end. He also took the first steps to abolish(废除) slavery in America.
Edna Medford, a professor of history at Howard University in Washington, D.C., was an adviser on this study and the earlier one. She says Abraham Lincoln is seen to represent the values the nation most honors, such as truthfulness, moderation, and respect for human rights.
The historians put American’s first president, George Washington, second on the list, while Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman follow in that order. John F. Kennedy, the country’s first Roman Catholic president, is sixth on the list. Like Lincoln, Kennedy was murdered while in office.
Among recent presidents, Ronald Reagan was named the tenth best and Bill Clinton rated fifteenth, while the historians put former president George W. Bush at number thirty-six. His father, George H.W. Bush, did much better, being placed at number eighteen.We learn from the text that ___________.
| A.this is the second time Abraham Lincoln has been chosen as America’s greatest president |
| B.Edna Medford didn’t take part in the study conducted in 2000 |
| C.George H.W. Bush was thought to have done worse in office than George W.Bush |
| D.Harry Truman was rated the fourth-best president by the study |
Which of the following belong to the ten leadership qualities considered?
a. Being able to persuade the public.
b. Taking effective measures during a financial crisis.
c. Balancing home life and career.
d. Pursuing equal justice for all.
| A.a,b,c | B.b,c,d | C.a,b,d | D.a,c,d |
Who is rated worst among the following four presidents?
| A.John F. Kennedy | B.George W. Bush |
| C.Bill Clinton | D.George Washington |
The text is mainly about ________.
| A.the ten qualities a great president needs |
| B.how Abraham Lincoln improved the country |
| C.the values the American nation honors most |
| D.a study of American presidents |
Have you ever played the video dance game? Now such games are used to help lose weight!
Like many other teenage boys, Jones loved sports. But at 5 feet, 175 pounds, he found his weight a trouble. His doctor wanted him to lose 50 pounds so that he may catch up with the football game by the end of summer.
Jones chose the popular dance Revolution video game at home to increase his activity. He had lost about 10 pounds by changing his diet. Now, after two weeks playing the game, he has lost another 10!
In West Virginia, 43% of the nearly 6,000 children examined for heart disease risk were considered over-weighted; more than 25% were too fat. “we are in a crisis of childhood obesity not only in West Virginia but in America,” said a researcher.
Researchers are looking at the potential for improving effects by using the game. A teacher in West Virginia has been using the video game in her classes since last fall. She reported that the game does improve heart health as well as eye-hand coordination, and her students take the video game as a great alternative to jumping rope or ball games.
The US Education Department is putting the game in 20 schools to control childhood obesity. Well, are you going to try such a game to dance away your extra weight?Jones’ main problem was that.
| A.he was too short |
| B.he was over-weighted |
| C.he lacked the skill in football |
| D.he didn’t keep a healthy diet |
The underlined word means.
| A.being unfriendly | B.being unhappy |
| C.being unhealthy | D.being overweight |
It can be learned that.
| A.in West Virginia 25% of the children were too fat |
| B.after playing the game, Jones has lost weight |
| C.the teacher is a failure in using the video game |
| D.the US Education Department is promoting the game all over the country |
The most suitable title for the passage is.
| A.Dance Away Your Weight |
| B.Play the Video Dance Game |
| C.Solve the Problem of Obesity |
| D.A Magic Video Dance Game |
Babysitter Wanted
I am seeking a babysitter for my 6-month-old son. A few hours on Saturdays and Sundays to help me and then additional times as needed. Applicant should be over 18, responsible, loving, warm, and have experience in caring for babies. The pay is $ 10 an hour.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, please reply to: rebecharv @ aol.com or call 800-4964. It is urgent!
Office Manager wanted
Our company is looking for a full-time manager to run the business. Strong skills and some experience are needed in organization and business management.Also, he or she should be familiar with computer.
Please send your resume to jim @ californiaaquatics. com or call 800-6978 to apply.
Waiter/ Waitress wanted
Specialty Restaurant is looking for an experienced waiter/waitress. A knowledge of wines and experience in dining are necessary. Must work well under pressure and understand the basics of fine dining and customer service.
If you're interested, please contact us at job-tkupe 1329358152 @ craigslist. Org to apply.
This is a part-time job. Please, no phone calls about this job!
Office Cleaner Wanted
Looking for Part-time work? A position available in the Mississauga area! Part-time 4 hours per day from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Some experience is necessary. Pay: $15 per hour.
Reply to: job-p3b7u-1365632206 @ craigslist.org or call 800-8197The position of a(n) ___________ is full-time job.
| A.babysitter | B.office manager |
| C.waiter/ waitress | D.office cleaner |
What can we learn from the passage?
| A.The office cleaner has to work three hours each day. |
| B.One can apply for a waiter or waitress by telephone. |
| C.Experience is necessary for all these four jobs. |
| D.A babysitter earns $5 more than an office cleaner per hour. |
In which column can we read these messages in the newspaper?
| A.Advertising | B.News |
| C.Entertainment | D.Sports |