YOUR mom might cook a bowl of noodles for you on your birthday. But in the US, a mom makes a cupcake for her children on their birthday.
Cupcakes are small, round cakes topped with frosting (糖霜). It has been an American tradition that moms bring cupcakes to the classroom to celebrate their child’s birthday.
But recently some doctors have called for this to be banned. They believe cupcakes contribute to child obesity.
Despite their good intentions, however, some people believe that experts are interfering (妨碍) with American culture. The cupcake is seen as American as apple pie — only prettier.
According to Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, the cupcake is the most democratic (民主的) of desserts. As they are small enough for one person, you don’t have to share your cupcake with anyone — it’s all yours. They are also all the same size, so there can’t be any cries of “she got the bigger piece!”
Each bite can taste different depending on how much icing you have. It is a lesson in self-determination. Some people eat only a little of the frosting every time, others have it all in just one bite.
In recent years, eating a cupcake has become as trendy as having a cup of Starbucks coffee.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton jokingly promised on a talk show that if she was elected president, she would give everyone a cupcake on her birthday.
Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, explains that the rise of the cupcake is very much about going back to American national identity in food, which is all about comfort. “People want to think about when they and their country were innocent,” she said. According to the passage, it has been an American tradition that ___________.
A. a party for children on their birthday |
B. A mom cooks a bowl of noodles for her children on their birthday |
C. A mom makes a cupcake for her children on their birthday and brings it to the classroom |
D. parents go travelling with their children on their birthday |
Why do doctors ask people to ban cupcakes on children’s birthday?
A. Because they themselves don’t like cupcakes. |
B. Because they think cupcakes are not so delicious. |
C. Because they believe cupcakes will cause cries of “She got the bigger piece”. |
D. Because they believe cupcakes are one of the causes to make children become fat. |
Which of the following is Not true according to Marion Nestle?
A. The cupcake is more democratic than any other deserts in the US. |
B. The cupcake is too small to share with others. |
C. The sizes of cupcakes are the same so it’s equal to everyone. |
D. Cupcakes will lead to child obesity so they should be banned. |
The underlined word “trendy” in paragraph 7 probably means ________.
A. popular |
B. gentle |
C. delicious |
D. different |
Why did the writer mention Hillary Clinton and Ruth Reichl?
A. To arouse the readers’ attention. |
B. To show that cupcakes are becoming a popular to show kindness and comfort. |
C. To make a comparison between them. |
D. To give readers a general idea of cupcakes. |
.
第三部分: 阅读理解(共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,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Do you enjoy reading? Do you read newspapers or magazines? Chances are, if you do any of these activities, your pre-school child is on his way to becoming a reader.
The process of learning to read is complex, and one of the most important things to know is that parents can help their children learn to read. As children have conversations with adults, they hear both new and familiar words and their vocabulary grows.
There are many opportunities for adults and children to talk together, such as when riding in the car or in a bus, doing housework like fixing dinner, or bathing and getting ready for bed. A major part of conversation is listening. When children talk, adults listen and respond. Then children listen and respond, and so the flow of conversation happens.
Have you watched you pre-school child pretend to read to his younger sisters or brothers? Have you read his favorite story over and over? These experiences tell children that reading is fun. And when things are fun and they are repeated, your child will see letters. He begins to connect them to familiar words, especially the letters that make up his name. A natural next step for him to take is to write the letters.
When children see parents make a grocery list, they want to use a pencil and paper to make their own list. To encourage these beginning writing activities, have pencils, markers, crayons and scrap paper within your children’s reach.
The more children get connected with talking, listening, reading and writing, the easier it is for them to become active readers. While you as a parent have a big influence on these early behaviors, it is important to remember that opportunities for literacy experiences happen when you and your child share in the basic routines(日常生活)of everyday life.
56. The third paragraph tells us that parents can talk with their children__________.
A. during daily routines B. only in quiet places
C. in their spare time D. when they are eager to walk
57. During the process of learning to read, children may _________.
A .copy the action of the adults.
B. prefer to talk with those of their own age.
C. keep their interest in reading all the time.
D. waste a lot of paper and other materials.
58. When do children want to learn to write?
A. When their parents ask them to do so.
B. When they believe they can write well.
C. When they remember what their parents taught them.
D. When they can connect letters with familiar words.
59. The passage is written to _____________.
A. talk about parents’ influence on their children’s behavior
B. encourage parents to set a good example to their children
C. advise parents to make reading a part of their children’s daily life
D. make parents believe in the importance of early reading
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7. 阅读理解
Vancouver(温哥华)
Natural Resources:
As a major centre for the global forestry industry, Vancouver is host to many international forestry conferences and events, and the natural home of the massive BC forestry business. Companies such as Canfor and West Fraser Timber Co., the second and third largest lumber(木材)producers in the world, are headquartered in Vancouver. Vancouver is also a major centre for the mining industry.
International trade:
International trade is a key part for Vancouver's economy. The city has Canada's largest port and is one of North America's major gateways for Pan-Pacific(泛太平洋)trade. The Port of Vancouver ranks first in North America in total foreign exports and second on the West Coast in total goods volume.
Banking and Financial:
The headquarters for HSBC Canada (汇丰银行)is located in the Financial District in downtown. Canada's third largest commercial entity(实体), Jim Pattison Group is also based in Vancouver.
International relation:
Vancouver is a major centre for diplomacy(外交) and foreign relations. Most countries of the world have consulate(领事馆)or general offices in the Central Business District. In fact, many major diplomatic conferences are hosted by the city - including the world famous G7 summit with President Clinton, APEC, and the World Trade Organization. Greenpeace has its world headquarters in the city. Therefore, Vancouver was among the first North American cities to declare itself a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.
Tourism:
Tourism is a leading industry to Vancouver. The Whistler-Blackcomb Resort is among the most popular skiing resorts in North America, and will be the site of the downhill events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Vancouver's beaches, parks, waterfronts, and mountain backdrops and its multi- cultural character attract more and more tourists.
Film:
Vancouver was the source of the sobriquet(绰号)"Hollywood North", for hosting the production of about ten percent of Hollywood's movies. Many U.S. television and films series are shot exclusively in Vancouver. This has partly been because of the favourable Canadian dollar exchange rate.
(1)Which of the following description about Vancouver is NOT true according to the passage?
A.The Port of Vancouver ranks first in North America in total foreign exports
B.Vancouver is a film production centre and called “Hollywood North".
C.International forestry conferences and events were held in Vancouver.
D.Vancouver is a leading centre for the global agriculture and industry.
(2) Which of the following organizations or events is not related to Vancouver?
A. Jim Pattison Group B. WHO C. Greenpeace D. The 2010 Winter Olympics
(3)If you are a graduate from Shanghai Finance and Economics University, what is it that will probably attract you to visit Vancouver?
A. Its international trade.
B. Its film industry
C. HSBC Canada
D. Its beautiful natural scenery
(4)We can infer______ from the part: International relation.
A. Vancouver is a major centre for foreign relations.
B. Vancouver has hosted many major diplomatic conferences.
C. APEC and WTO are headquartered in Vancouver
D. Canada is a peace-loving country.
(5)The passage is probably taken from________.
A. a magazine B. a geography book
C. a newspaper D. an entertainment book
.
阅读理解
The year 2009 is the Year of Ox. The ox is a representative of the fanning culture of China. In the farming economy (经济), oxen are the major animals pulling plows (犁).
Of course, the good of oxen is not limited to plowing. In fact, they are seen as “boats on land” for their ability to carry loads. Besides, the whole body of an ox is full of treasures. Their meat and milk are food full of nutrition, and their skin can be used to make clothes and shoes. With all these qualities, oxen are regarded as generous creatures.
In the past, oxen played an important role in the spiritual life of the Chinese. Even today, oxen still play a special part in some folk activities. For example, some people who1ive in southwest China will cook cattle bone soup and share it among family members when holding the ceremony for children who reach 13. They believe that the cattle bone soup represents the blood relationship among family members. In order to express their love for oxen, people in some other areas will run to shake off diseases on the 16th day of the first month by the lunar calendar (农历), and during their run they will take their oxen along, which indicates they regard the creature as human.
Because of the contribution of oxen in their lives, the Chinese people are very grateful to the animal. In addition, the use of oxen in ceremonies and the thanks people owe to oxen help to develop various traditional customs, which becomes an important part of the folk culture of the Chinese nation.
(1)The words “boats an land” underlined in Paragraph 2 refer to ____
A. animals for taking goods B. creatures for pulling plows
C. treasures of the folk culture D. tools in the farming economy
(2)From the third paragraph, we know that ____
A. oxen are no more important today than in the past
B. ceremonies are held when people cook cattle bone soup
C. oxen are treated as human in some areas of China
D. people run with oxen to shake off diseases every month
(3)Which of the following helps to develop traditional customs? ____
A. The special role of oxen in farming.
B. People’s respect and love for oxen.
C. The practical value of an ox’s body.
D. The contribution of oxen to the economy.
(4)Why does the author write the text? ____
A. To stress the importance of oxen in farming.
B. To introduce the Chinese folk culture.
C. To describe how to celebrate the Year of Ox.
D. To explain how to develop agriculture with oxen.
.
For a long time being happy was considered something that just happened, and there was nothing special to do about it. Now we know that getting along with ourselves and with other people is something that we can work at. It is possible to act in such a way that other people will like us better. One way is being unselfish, not wanting everything our own way or demanding the best share of everything, including the attention of our friends. Another way is to look for good points, not bad ones in other people, it is surprising how successful this treasure hunt can be.
You don't have to be spineless(懦弱)in order to be popular. In fact,you will be liked and respected if you are not afraid to stand up for your rights. But do it politely and pleasantly. Being friendly and polite to your own group, to older people, to strangers and especially to those who do not look important or do not interest you is one way to develop a good character.
You can not expect to be perfect, and so you must learn not to be too unhappy when you make a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, and no one is to be blamed unless he refuses to learn from them. Many young people become discouraged when they recognize in themselves qualities that they do not like--selfishness, laziness and other unpleasant qualities. Just remember that we all have some of these faults and have to fight against them.
At the same time, it is important to remember that, while you are probably no worse than others, chances are you are not much better, either. The surest way to be happy is to think yourself above other people.
When something is wrong, it is good sense to try to make it right. Perhaps you don't like a teacher or a classmate. Try to see why, and look at yourself, too, to be sure that you are not doing something to make that person dislike you. In time, things may turn out all right if you just keep trying to be pleasant and polite. If things do not turn out all right, then you will simply have to learn to get along the best you can with the situation, without thinking too much about it. Worrying never helps in a situation you can't change.
41. One of the two ways the author suggested for us to get along well with others is______
A. to draw attention of our friend
B. to demand the best share of everything
C. to look for treasure in order to be successful
D. to pay more attention to other people's good points
42. According to the passage, if one wants to be popular one needs to
A. be polite and friendly B. give up some fights
C. avoid arguing with other people D. be ready to change his/her character
43. The passage shows that there is no perfect person but someone should be blamed if he______
A. makes a big mistake
B. is selfish and lazy
C. does not draw a lesson from his own fault
D. is very unhappy about his unpleasant quality
44. The passage implies that in order to be a happy person, one should consider oneself______
A. no better than others
B. not the same as others
C. as having something better than others
D. as having better chances than others
45. The purpose for the writer to write the passage is to ______
A. train you to be perfect
B. show you the way to be happy
C. tell you how to act when you dislike a person
D. teach you how to be popular among our friends
.
As the pace of life continues to increase, we are fast losing the art of relaxation. Once you are in the habit of rushing through life, being on the go from morning till night, it is hard to slow down. But relaxation is essential for a healthy mind and body.
Stress is a natural part of everyday life and there is no way to avoid it. In fact, it is not the bad thing it is often supposed to be. A certain amount of stress is vital to provide motivation and give purpose to life. It is only when the stress gets out of control that it can lead to poor performance and ill health.
The amount of stress a person can bear depends very much on the individual. Some people are not afraid of stress, and such characters are obviously prime material for managerial (经理的)responsibilities, others lose heart at the first sign of unusual difficulties. When exposed to stress, in whatever form, we react both chemically and physically. In fact we make choice between “flight or fight” and in more primitive days the choices made the difference between life or death. The crises we meet today are unlikely to be so extreme, but however little the stress, it involves the same response. It is when such a reaction lasts long, through continued exposure to stress, that health becomes endangered. Since we can’t remove stress from our lives (it would be unwise to do so even if we could), we need to find ways to deal with it.
36. People are finding less and less time for relaxing themselves because _______.
A. they regard working as their greatest enjoyment
B. they believe that work is superior to relaxation
C. they are traveling fast all the time
D. they are becoming busier with their work than ever before
37. According to the author, the most important character for a good manager is his ______.
A. strong will to hold out (顶住)stress
B. knowing the art of relaxation
C. high sense of responsibility
D. having control over performance
38. Which of the following statements is TRUE, according to the passage?
A. We can find quite a few ways to avoid stress.
B. Stress is always harmful to people’s health
C. It's easy to change the habit of keeping oneself busy with work.
D. Different people can bear different amount of stress.
39. In the last sentence of the passage, “do so” refers to _____.
A. “expose ourselves to stress”
B. “find ways to deal with stress”
C. “remove stress from our lives”
D. “establish links between diseases and stress”
40. According to the author, the right attitude toward stress is _____.
A. to avoid it B. to try to cope(应付) with it
C. to regard it as a vital motivation D. to find some relaxation