A recent study, published in last week’s Journal of the American Medical Association, offers a picture of how risky(冒险的) it is to get a lift from a teenage driver. Indeed, a 16-year-old driver with three or more passengers is three times as likely to have a deadly accident as a teenager driving alone, while the risk of death for drivers between 30 and 59 decreases with each additional passenger.
The authors also found that the death rates for teenage drivers increased sharply after 10 p.m., and especially after midnight. With passengers in the car, the driver was even more likely to die in a late-night accident.
Robert Foss, a scientist at the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, says the higher death rates for teenage drivers have less to do with “really stupid behavior” than with just a lack of driving experience. “The basic issue,” he says, “is that adults who are responsible for issuing licenses fail to recognize how complex and skilled a task driving is.”
Both he and the author of the study believe that the way to mitigate (使……缓解)the problem is to have states set up so-called graduated licensing systems, in which getting a license is a multistage process. A graduated license requires that a teenager first prove himself capable of driving in the presence of an adult, followed by a period of driving with night or passenger limits, before graduating to full driving licenses.
Graduated licensing systems have reduced teenage driver crashes, according to recent studies. About half of the states now have some sort of graduated licensing system in place, but only 10 of those states have limits on passengers. California is the strictest, with a new driver under 20 forbidden to carry any passenger (without the presence of an adult over 25) for the first six months. Which of the following situations can we infer is most dangerous according to the passage?
| A．A teenager driving after midnight with passengers in the car. |
| B．Adults giving a lift to teenagers on the highway after 10 p.m. |
| C．Adults driving with three or more teenage passengers late at night. |
| D．A teenager getting a lift from a stranger on the highway at midnight. |
According to Robert Foss, the high death rate of teenage drivers is mainly because of _______.
| A．their frequent driving at night |
| B．their improper ways of driving |
| C．their driving with passengers |
| D．their lack of driving experience |
According to Paragraph 3, which of the following statements is TRUE?
| A．The licensing departments are partly responsible for teenagers' driving accidents. |
| B．Driving is too complex a skill for teenagers to learn. |
| C．Teenagers should be forbidden to apply to take driving lessons. |
| D．Teenagers should spend more time learning to drive. |
A suggested measure to be taken to reduce teenagers' driving accidents is that_______.
| A．driving in the presence of an adult should be made a rule |
| B．the licensing system should be improved |
| C．they should not be allowed to drive after 10 p.m. |
| D．they should be forbidden to take on passengers |
第二部分阅读理解（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。
Trogmire Troll was dealing with a crisis. The new girl in class really liked him a lot. Trogmire was not happy about it.
Trogmire’s good friend, Tremor Troll, tried to comfort him. “What’s the big deal? I think Treasure Troll is kind of cute. And she seems to be nice enough.”
Trogmire swallowed his last bite of salad and glared at Tremor. “Then why don’t you ask her to be your girlfriend? There she is, sitting all by herself at the other end of the cafeteria. March over there and ask her to be your sweetie-poo!”
“She’s crazy about you, not me,” Tremor replied.
“Well, I don’t want any girlfriend, especially not a weird（古怪的）, annoying one like her!” Trogmire growled（to make a sound to show anger）.
Tremor wouldn’t give up. “The only thing annoying about her is that she keeps writing you those notes and she stares.”
“Annoying love notes!” Trogmire interrupted. He took another sip of milk. “Did you notice those strange brown eyes? Why aren’t they normal red or pink?”
Tremor took another look at Treasure. “I think her face is a lovely shade of green. And her dark green curly hair is quite pretty. Besides, she’s very sweet and that’s what really matters.”
Trogmire stuck out his tongue. “I think I’m going to be sick! I’d better save my apple pies for later.” He crammed a small bag of Maggot Munchies into his even smaller shirt pocket. “The fact is, I have a problem. That girl is getting on my nerves!”
Tremor followed Trogmire’s example and decided to save his apple pies for later. However, he carefully placed the bag into his lunch box. “Do you have any ideas about how to solve your problem?” Tremor asked.
“I’m going to be mean and rude to her,” Trogmire announced. “I’ll call her names and make ugly faces at her.”
“That’s how you treat everyone,” Tremor reminded his friend.
Trogmire nodded. “It’s time that Treasure got to know the real Trogmire Troll!”
36. How did Treasure Troll feel about Trogmire Troll?
A. She didn’t like him because he was rude.
B. She was annoyed by his strange appearance.
C. She didn’t have any strong feeling about him.
D. She liked him a lot.
37. How did Trogmire feel about Treasure?
A. He felt annoyed. B. He enjoyed the attention.
C. He didn’t realize that she existed. D. He was crazy about her.
38. Who did Trogmire want for a girlfriend?
A. No one. B. Tremor’s sister. C. Treasure Troll. D. Weird girl from another class.
39. Which statement is true?
A. Trogmire pretended to be rude in order to make Treasure stop liking him.
B. Tremor thought that looks were more important than personality.
C. Tremor thought that Treasure was cute.
D. Trogmire offered his apple pies to Treasure to make her sick.
Oceanography has been defined as “The application of all sciences to the study of the sea”. Before the nineteenth century, scientists with an interest in the sea were few .
For most people the sea was remote, and with the exception of early intercontinental travelers or others who earned a living from the sea, there was little reason to ask many questions about it, let alone to ask what lay beneath the surface. The first time that the question 'What is at the bottom of the oceans?' had to be answered with any commercial consequence was when the laying of a telegraph cable from Europe to America was proposed. The engineers had to know the depth profile (起伏形状 ) of the route to estimate the length of cable that had to be manufactured.
It was to Maury of the US Navy that the Atlantic Telegraph Company turned, in 1853, for information on this matter. In the 1840s, Maury had been responsible for encouraging voyages during which soundings (测深 ) were taken to investigate the depths of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Later, some of his findings aroused much popular interest in his book The Physical Geography of the Sea.
The cable was laid, but not until 1866 was the connection made permanent and reliable. At the early attempts, the cable failed and when it was taken out for repairs it was found to be covered in living growths, a fact which defied contemporary scientific opinion that there was no life in the deeper parts of the sea.
Within a few years oceanography was under way. In 1872 Thomson led a scientific expedition, which lasted for four years and brought home thousands of samples from the sea. Their classification and analysis occupied scientists for years and led to a five-volume report, the last volume being published in 1895.
68. The passage implies that the telegraph cable was built mainly _________.
A) for oceanographic studies
B) for military purposes
C) for business considerations
D) for investigating the depths of the oceans
69. The aim of voyages Maury encouraged in the 1840s was __________.
A) to make some sound experiments in the oceans
B) to collect samples of sea plants and animals
C) to estimate the length of cable that was to be made
D) to measure the depths of two oceans
70. 'Defied' in the 4th paragraph probably means ________
A) doubted B) gave proof to
C) challenged D) agreed to
71. This passage is mainly about _________
A) the beginnings of oceanography
B) the laying of the first undersea cable
C) the investigation of ocean depths
D) the early intercontinental communications
WHAT do you have to look forward to at the end of the year? Preparing for final exams? Homework? Not to worry: Life can’t be all sweating over textbooks – that’s why Hesuipian, or the “New Year film” was invented. In China as in the West, December is a time for exciting movie releases (上映) with the world’s top stars.
Treasure Hunter (《刺陵》),December 9
What has Jay Chou been working on? See this action-packed fantasy adventure and find out.
In the movie, Chou becomes a Chinese version of Indiana Jones. He is given a map of buried treasure, but forced to give it up in return for the life of the daughter of his mentor (导师), played by top model from Taiwan, Lin Chiling. Joined by a famous archeologist, the three go on a thrilling journey to find the map and then the treasure.
A Simple Noodle Story (《三枪拍案惊奇》), December 11
After masterminding (策划) the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, director Zhang Yimou has turned to something smaller – as the title of this movie suggests. The comedy-thriller is the story of a mean noodle shop owner who hires a killer to murder his wife and her lover. Xiao Shenyang is not the only comedic element in the movie. Zhang’s contribution of the theme song – he penned the lyrics and rapped – is another highlight.
Sherlock Holmes (《大侦探福尔摩斯》), December 25
The immortal (不朽的) Sherlock Holmes is a character who appeals to each new generation. His magnifying glass and ever-present pipe make him a figure you couldn’t mistake for any other detective. In this new movie he shows he has another string (琴弦) to his violin bow – he’s also a kungfu master! Along with his faithful partner Watson, he has to stop a plot to destroy Britain.
60. From the passage we know_______.
A. New Year blockbusters are usually released in December around the world.
B. Final exams usually happen in December.
C. Treasure Hunter will be shown on Christmas.
D. Sherlock Holmes is a character who appeals to only new generation
61. Which is NOT RIGHT According to the passage?
A. Jay Chou becomes a co-operator in China of Indiana Jones
B. The journey to find the map and the treasure is thrilling .
C. Lin Chiling is a top model from Taiwan.
D. Xiao Shenyang stars in the film A Simple Noodle Story
62.“A Simple Noodle Story” is _______________
A. a tragedy-thriller B. a comedy C. a comedy-thriller D. an action movie
63. What is the meaning of "another string to his violin bow" ?
A. his violin in need of another string
B. his talent and skill unknown to the public
C. his being good at playing the violin
D. his skills for his detection
◇ Share Flats Happy Valley big flat, 1 room ready for use immediately. Quiet and convenient, fully furnished, park view. $6, 800 including bills with maid. Female nonsmoker. No pet. Sara 25720836 or 10087809.
◇ Moving Sale 2 armchairs, red/brown at $400 each; coffee table, black, wood, $800; oil painting, big, $900; Tianjin carpet, green 3×7, $600; double bed, $500; mirror, big, square, $500; fridge, big, double-door, $1000; old pictures, $140, up, each; plants, big and small. Tel: Weekend, 2521-6011/Weekday, 2524-5867.
◇ Part-time Laboratory Assistant Wanted Required by busy electronics company to help with development of computer. Should have an electronics degree and some practical experience of working in an electronics laboratory. Hours 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Fourteen days paid leave. Salary ￥6598-10230 dependent on experience. Letter of application to: Mrs. G Chan, NOVA ELECTRONICS, 45 Gordon Rd, Hung Hom Kowloon.
72. The one who put on the first ad probably wants to _______.
A. rent a beautiful flat of her own in Happy Valley
B. find another lady to share the cost to rent a flat
C. share her room in a flat with whoever has no pet
D. take on a maid to look after herself and the flat
73. According to the ads, you may _______.
A. buy an old picture for $150
B. call at 25720836 and see a beautiful park
C. buy two armchairs for $ 400
D. hire a maid by paying $6 800
74. If you want to buy some old furniture, you should_______.
A. get in touch with NOVA ELECTRONICS
B. call at 2524-5867 any day except Monday
C. do it before you move to another place
D. call at either 2524-5867 on Monday or 2521-6011 on Saturday
75. Once you can get a part-time job in NOVA ELECTRONICS, _______.
A. you have to work at least 4 hours a day
B. you should write a letter to Mrs. G Chan
C. you will be given 14 days off each year besides weekends
D. you will get no more than $6 598 each month
Can people change their skin color without suffering like pop king Michael Jackson? Perhaps yes. Scientists have found the gene that determines skin color.
The gene comes in two versions, one of which is found in 99 per cent of Europeans. The other is found in 93 to 100 per cent of Africans, researchers at Pennsylvania State University report in the latest issue of Science.
Scientists have changed the color of a dark-striped zebra fish to uniform gold by inserting a version of the pigment(色素) gene into a young fish. As with humans, zebra fish skin color is determined by pigment cells, which contain melanosomes(黑色素). The number, size and darkness of melanosomes per pigment cell determines skin color.
It appears that, like the golden zebra fish, light-skinned Europeans also have a mutation(变异) in the gene for melanosome production. This results in less pigmented skin.
However, Keith Cheng, leader of the research team, points out that the mutation is different in human and zebra fish genes.
Humans acquired dark skin in Africa about 1.5 million years ago to protect bodies from ultra-violet rays of the sun(太阳光紫外线), which can cause skin cancer.
But when modern humans leave Africa to live in northern latitudes, they need more sunlight on their skin to produce vitamin D. So the related gene changes, according to Cheng.
Asians have the same version of the gene as Africans, so they probably acquired their light skin through the action of some other gene that affects skin color, said Cheng.
The new discovery could lead to medical treatments for skin cancer. It also could lead to research into ways to change skin color without damaging it like chemical treatment did on Michael Jackson.
64. The passage mainly tells us that ________.
A. people can not change their skin color without any pain
B. the new discovery could lead to search into ways to change skin color safely
C. pop king Michael Jackson often changed his skin color as he liked
D. scientists have found out that people’s skin color is determined by the gene
65. It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A. nowadays people who want to change their skin color have to suffer a lot from the damage caused by the chemical treatment
B. Europeans and Africans have the same gene
C. the new discovery could help to find medical treatments for skin cancer
D. there are two kinds of genes
66. Scientists have done an experiment on a dark-striped zebra fish in order to ________.
A. find the different genes of humans’
B. prove the humans’ skin color is determined by the pigment gene
C. find out the reason why the Africans’ skin color is dark
D. find out the ways of changing people’s skin color
67. The reason why Europeans are light-skinned is probably that ________.
A. they are born light-skinned people
B. light-skinned Europeans have mutation in the gen for melanosome production
C. they have fewer activities outside
D. they pay much attention to protecting their skin