Americans plan parties for many reasons. As in other cultures, many Americans attend parties for weddings and religious or national holidays. But some parties are especially American. For example, a group of neighbors may gather on their street to eat food, play music and visit with one another. This is called a block party. A woman might invite a group of women to a party called a baby shower for a friend who is about to give birth. Guests bring presents for the new baby.
Americans also attend tailgate parties. A tailgate is the back end of a truck or other vehicle that opens down. The tailgate parties are a big part of sports culture in the United States. Friends bring food and drink to a sports event. They eat together in the parking area of the sports stadium.
Birthday parties are also very popular. Many parents organize a party for their child around a theme. Birthday parties usually include gifts and a birthday cake with candles. In many parts of the United States, cupcakes have become a popular replacement for cakes.
Birthday parties can be low cost or very costly. Some parents take their children’s birthday parties very seriously, even when the child is too young to fully understand the celebration.
One group of parents started a website called Birthdays Without Pressure. They decided that some parents were under too much social pressure to plan costly parties for their children. The group sees this movement as an example of America’s culture of “too much stuff”. The group’s website gives suggestions on how to keep birthday celebrations simple, meaningful and fun without spending a lot of money. Their advice may be very helpful during this period of economic recession（萧条）.What can be the best title for the passage?
| A．Reasons for parties |
| B．Birthdays without pressure |
| C．American parties |
| D．Different parties in the world |
How many kinds of parties does the passage mention?
| A．5. | B．6. | C．7. | D．8. |
Eating together in the parking area of the sports stadium belongs to _________parties.
| A．block | B．baby shower | C．sports | D．tailgate |
The purpose of Birthdays Without Pressure is to advise people to _________.
| A．relieve people’s pressure |
| B．have meaningful birthday parties with low cost |
| C．make birthday parties meaningful and costly |
| D．spread America’s culture |
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
| A．Block party is especially American. |
| B．Some parties in America are the same as in other countries. |
| C．There’s a party for the mother before her new baby is born. |
| D．Birthday parties are the most popular in America. |
Whether we should allow marine (海洋的) parks to stay open has been widely debated in our community recently. A variety of different arguments have been put forward about it.
Smith, a sociologist, argued that dolphin parks provide the only opportunity for much of the public to see marine mammals. As this argument goes, most Australians live in cities and never get to see these animals. Marine parks allow the average Australian to appreciate our marine wildlife. However, in fact, there are many places where they can be seen in the wild. Moreover, these places do not charge an overpriced entry fee — they are free.
Dr. Alison Lane, the director of the Cairns Marine Science Institute, insists that we need marine parks for scientific research. She argues that much of our knowledge of marine mammals comes from studies which were undertaken at marine parks. The knowledge which is obtained at marine parks can be useful for planning for the preservation of marine mammal species. However, Jones, a zoologist, explains that park research is only useful for understanding captive animals and is not useful for learning about animals in the wild. Their diets are different, they have significantly lower life lengths and they are more likely to have a disease. In addition, marine mammals in dolphin parks are trained and this means that their patterns of social behavior are changed.
The Marine Park Owners Association holds that marine parks attract a lot of foreign tourists. This position goes on to state that these tourists spend a lot of money, increasing our foreign exchange earnings and assisting our national balance of payments. However, foreign tourists would still come to Australia if the parks were closed down. Indeed, surveys of overseas tourists show that they come here for a variety of other reasons and not to visit places like Seaworld. Tourists come here to see our native wildlife in its natural environment and not to see it in cages and concrete pools. They can see animals in those conditions in their own countries.
In a word, perhaps an agreement cannot be reached now. However, a question does deserve our consideration: If we continue with our past crimes against these creatures, how will our future generations view us?Who support(s) the idea of closing marine parks?
| A．Most Australians. | B．Jones. |
| C．Smith. | D．Alison Lane. |
Which is NOT the reason to keep marine parks?
| A．For entertainment purpose. |
| B．For scientific research purpose. |
| C．For economic purpose. |
| D．For political purpose. |
The author tries to persuade readers to accept his argument mainly by________.
| A．pointing out the problems with keeping the marine parks |
| B．using evidence he has collected at the marine parks |
| C．discussing the advantages of animals' natural homes |
| D．questioning the way the animals are studied |
| For: Doug Smith, Director of wolf recovery, Yellowstone National Park In the world today there is so much we are losing; more and more species disappear from the earth every year. The time has come to put something back，to restore to treat some of the old wounds enforced on nature over the years. Wolves are animals killing and eating other animals in North America. They play an important role in keeping the continent healthy. Most places don’t have enough wild country to make their restoration possible, which means it’s even more important to restore wolves where conditions are right, places like Yellowstone, which has both a high level of wildness, as well as abundant creatures that wolves hunt and eat for living. Some who oppose wolf restoration have a human centered point of view that the earth is here for humans, we can use it whenever we want and for whatever purpose. But wolves offer us a chance to live another way—a way to learn to live with other life forms. |
Against: Larry Bouret, Vice President, Wyoming Farm Bureau What does wolf introduction to Yellowstone mean? To the average citizen it probably just means introducing wolves to Yellowstone. There would be no unfavorable effects because few people live near Yellowstone. But to farmers it means introducing wolves, which wander over vast areas—in and out of the park—onto their farms. Wolves eat meat—as in the cattle, sheep that keep farmers in business. Introduction apparently also means lawsuits by environmental groups attempting to remove livestock from federal lands. To farmers, who own private lands in the same area, it means the possibility of financial ruin. To farmers it is a form of land use restrictions. To farmers introducing wolves means taking away the farmers’ livelihoods without just compensation. Why do people not want a nuclear power plant built in their backyard? For the same reason farmers do not want wolves introduced into their backyard. |
What are the two passages mainly about?
| A．Whether to remove livestock away from federal lands. |
| B．Whether to introduce wolves to Yellowstone. |
| C．How to increase the number of wolves. |
| D．How to keep the balance of nature. |
According to the passage Doug Smith is _______.
| A．a national park administrator. |
| B．a wildlife conservationist. |
| C．an enthusiastic hunter. |
| D．a private land owner. |
What are the farmers concerned about?
| A．Being controlled by wolves. |
| B．Having to sell their farmland. |
| C．Suffering heavy financial loss. |
| D．Being forced to leave their homes. |
Why does Larry Bouret mention “nuclear power plant”?
| A．To summarize his opinion. |
| B．To make his view persuasive. |
| C．To tell the danger of nuclear power plant. |
| D．To introduce the background of wolf recovery. |
| Use For Use for mechanically generated dusts, mists from processing minerals including coal, iron ore, silica, cotton, flour and certain other substances in concentrations up to ten times the Occupational Exposure Standard or according to local regulations. Do Not Use For Do not use for paint spraying and sandblasting applications or for protecting against gases and vapors. Do not use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen, as this respirator does not supply oxygen. Not for use in oil mist atmosphere. Use Limitations 1. The wearer must first be trained in the proper use and fit tested before using this respirator. 2. Do not use this respirator when concentrations of contaminants are immediately dangerous to life or health. 3. Leave the contaminated area immediately if breathing becomes difficult, or dizziness or other distress occurs. 4. Discard and replace respirator if it becomes damaged or breathing resistance becomes excessive. 5. Inspect respirator before each use to ensure it is in good working condition. 6. Do not alter, wash, abuse or misuse this respirator. 7. Do not use with beards or other facial hair or other conditions that prevent a good seal between the face and the sealing edge of the respirator. 8. Can be used up to the limits specified by applicable government regulations for this product. 9. Failure to follow all instructions and warnings on the use of this respirator and/or failure to wear this respirator during all times of exposure can reduce respirator effectiveness and may result in illness or permanent disability 10. Maximum operating temperature: +50°C. Caution Care should be taken when using the product at low temperatures as excessive moisture may cause alves(呼吸阀) to freeze. Storage Conditions and Shelf Life Shelf life of unopened product is 5 years from date of manufacture when stored within temperature range of -20°C to +30°C and at less than 80% relative humidity. Warning This respirator helps protect against certain particles. Misuse can result in sickness or death. For proper use, see supervisor or user instructions in the box or contact 3M Co. Ltd. |
The passage mainly tells us _________.
| A．what this product is |
| B．why should we buy this product |
| C．how to protect us against dusts and mists |
| D．how to use and store the product properly |
What is the meaning of the underlined word “respirator” in Paragraph 2?
| A．Glasses. |
| B．Face mask. |
| C．Protective gloves. |
| D．Protective clothing. |
In which condition can this product be stored?
| A．Temperature: 50°C; Humidity: 40% |
| B．Temperature: 50°C; Humidity: 80% |
| C．Temperature: 25°C; Humidity: 40% |
| D．Temperature: 25°C; Humidity: 80% |
Head held high, hands firmly gripping her walker, Mary Arnott, 99, walks slowly with dignity through the women’s changing room at the Etobicoke Olympium pool, past the teenage girls who have been blow-drying their hair for half an hour, into the mist of the showers, then out the door and first one into the heated pool. She jumps over to the shallow end, stopping to talk to friends—everyone knows Arnott here; she swims twice a week and treats it as a job—about their children, the viciousness(谬误) of bridge and their health.
In fact, Arnott is an exception to the exception. Not only has she lived 20 years past the average lifespan for Canadians, she’s healthy, her mind is sharp and she lives independently.
Born in Brooklyn on May 28, 1909, Arnott was raised on Staten Island. She survived scarlet fever(猩红热), helped bring up four siblings after her mother died in 1923 and worked as a secretary in New York City for 12 years, earning＄35 a week and a＄150 bonus at Christmas.
Now she’s happy living in a one-room apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom in her daughter’s house. She wears a hearing aid, does the cryptic(有隐义的) crossword with a magnifying glass, and can’t really explain why she has live so well so long.
Until recently, she has still liked to drink red wine—she used to drink two glasses before supper each day. It’s more likely genes, she admits. Her interest in other people and life in general may have had something to do with it. Asked if a star photographer can take her picture at the pool, Arnott seems cheerful.
“I look good in a swimsuit,” she says, nodding her head firmly. “I look better in a swimsuit than I do in pants. ”What can we learn from the first paragraph?
| A．Mary Arnott can’t swim but she likes water. |
| B．Mary Arnott is afraid to swim at the swimming pool. |
| C．Mary Arnott likes to swim and is known to the local people. |
| D．Mary Arnott just likes to talk to her friends at the bank of the swimming pool. |
Which of the following is TRUE as for Mary Arnott as an exception to the exception?
| A．She lives with her daughter. |
| B．She’s healthy and her mind is sharp. |
| C．She likes to live with her children and has a happy life. |
| D．She has lived 30 years past the average lifespan for Canadians. |
If someone asks about swimming, Mary Arnott may ________.
| A．like swimsuit better | B．like pants |
| C．like to sit at the bank | D．like to swim with girls |
Its often interesting to take a look at some of the lists that arrive toward the end of the year such as top devices, best gadgets, most desirable high-tech gift and more. Apart from cell phones and tablets, and Apple and Samsung products, this year many other gadgets made it on the most wanted list from Yahoo Tech and the most searched list from Bing. com. Read on to find out what they are.
Wireless headphone
Portable Bluetooth headphones represent the next evolution in headphone technology. If you have a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth, the obvious benefit is that you can get rid of the wires snaking from your backpack or pocket. Many of the wireless headphones in the market also have a built-in microphone for taking calls hands-free.
Product to buy: Beats Studio Wireless
Features: Signature look, and powerful audio performance with intense bass and high-mid boosting, plus plenty of accessories.
Price: 1898 yuan
Smartwatch
The primary advantage of a smartwatch over traditional watches is that they reduce how often you have to pull your phone out of your pocket. With it, the information on your smartphone goes straight to your wrist, and you can decide first if they are worth dealing with.
Product to buy: Pebble smartwatch
Features: Understated design, with easy setup and instant information, and customizable watch faces, plus synes（同步）with Android or IOS.
Price: $99 (about 612 yuan)
Portable Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speakers are steadily growing in popularity because they let you take the party anywhere. They can be paired with your music device, and they are able to withstand incidental bumps. Though small in size, Bluetooth speakers provide a steady soundtrack for even the lengthiest bacchanalia (狂欢)。
Product to buy: Logitech UE Boom
Features: Water and stain resistant, 360-degree sound, 15 hour battery life, with a variety of color patterns.
Price: 1499 yuan
Fitness band
Basically, fitness bands are smartwatches without the watch. They keep track of your exercise progress and, at the same time, allow you to monitor vitals such as your heart rate, calories burned and amount of time spent exercising. Some even monitor your sleep patterns.
Product to buy: Fitbit Flex
Features: Long battery life (five days), with silent vibrating alarm, and wireless syncing to smartphones.
Price: 898 yuanAccording to the first paragraph, a smartphone that __________ is a compatible one.
| A．goes with other devices |
| B．has a large capacity |
| C．represents technological evolution |
| D．has signature look |
How much money is he likely to spend on some of the products if a man is an enthusiastic musical fan?
| A．3397 yuan | B．1510 yuan | C．2397 yuan | D．2510 yuan |
Which of the following words can best summarize the common feature of the above products?
| A．Wearable | B．Cheap | C．Android | D．Wireless |
Which of the following statements is Not True according to the passage?
| A．Smartwatch and Fitness band are similar products to some extent. |
| B．Beats Studio Wireless features plenty of accessories. |
| C．All the products can sync with Android or iOS |
| D．Tablets are on the most wanted list of high-tech products of this year |