A dentist’s office may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday destination.But a growing number of Europeans are travelling abroad for medical treatment to save money,or maybe to combine a visit to the doctor with some sightseeing,creating a potential but fastgrowing market for traditional tour operators.
“It was simply cheaper for me to go to a dentist in Hungary,” said a 42yearold physical therapist from Berlin.He chose the clinic near Budapest from an Internet advertisement,attracted by hundreds of euros in savings compared with the same treatment in Germany.He was happy to find when he got there that the clinic was clean,the staff qualified and the work thorough.
People travel abroad for medical treatment for various reasons:it’s cheaper,they face a long wait at home,or the treatment they want is not available in their own country.The Britishbased Medical Tourist Company refers about 100 patients a year to hospitals in India for treatments.And Chief Executive Premhar Shah reports rapid growth in demand from customers in Africa,where it can be harder to find wellequipped medical facilities for complex surgeries.
Some patients who have immigrated may prefer to return to be close to their families when they undergo surgery.“People will want to take the opportunity to seek treatment in places where they have relatives who might be able to look after them.I’m seeing that especially with younger people from eastern Europe,” said a professor at the University of Oxford.
For some,there is the attraction of free treatment abroad.British lawmakers have called for tighter checks on patients arriving for treatment,out of concerns that foreign citizens are travelling to Britain to take advantage of the free service.
The global medical tourism market is believed to be worth $40 billion to $60 billion and growing at about 20 percent per year.The 42yearold physical therapist was satisfied with________in Hungary.
A.the price instead of the service |
B.the service instead of the price |
C.both the price and the service |
D.neither the price nor the service |
How many reasons are mentioned to explain why people go abroad for medical treatment?
A.Four. | B.Five. |
C.Six. | D.Seven. |
According to the article,________for medical treatment.
A.more Africans want to travel abroad |
B.more Europeans want to travel to Africa |
C.more Britons want to travel to India |
D.no one would come to Great Britain |
Young people from eastern Europe return to their mother countries for surgery in order to________.
A.get cheaper medical service |
B.be looked after by relatives |
C.have better medical treatment |
D.enjoy free medical treatment |
What does the article mainly talk about?
A.Overseas sightseeing. | B.Hospital treatment. |
C.Medical tourism. | D.Travelers’ health problems. |
Is war unavoidable? Can war be prevented?
History tells that there were wars, great or small, in every century, in every decade. Throughout the ages, from the Stone age to the Atomic Age, men have been fighting, first with swords and shields(盾), then with guns and cannons, and now, hydrogen bombs and missiles are used for military purpose. But, in spite of all these, it is still my belief that war can be prevented and peace can be won, but it requires the effort of every one of us.
I am sure that we would not like to experience another world war. If it ever happens, two-thirds of the world and much of the civilization which men have gained through time, patience and effort will be destroyed. Will then the remaining one-third of the world be able to survive on its own?
Our task now is not to blame the past, but to plan for the future.
If there is peace in the world, men can use their rockets to explore the mystery of space, their submarines to explore the depth of the sea, their missiles to deliver mails and their fine equipment to penetrate(穿透) the jungles of Africa, instead of using them military.
Governments can use their money to build more schools, so that more children can be educated to be useful citizens. Scientists can use atomic energy to propel (推动) steamships and planes. They can also design new machines to increase the production of goods and thus improve the way of living of the people.
How can a peaceful world be achieved? It requires, in my opinion, the understanding and friendship between all people from all nations. Let no one suffer discrimination by reason of color, race, religion, or national origin. Let the rich support the poor and the strong help the weak.
We know that neither peace nor such a dream world can come true in a day or a month. It may even take decades or centuries. But let us plan and begin now.The best title for this passage is _________.
A.The Past and the Future | B.To Die or To Survive |
C.War and Peace | D.Understanding and Friendship |
In the writer’s opinion, __________.
A.it is too difficult to achieve peace |
B.peace can be won through the efforts of all human beings |
C.another world war is inevitable |
D.wars will always exist in the world |
We can infer from the passage that __________.
A.wars were not expensive in the past |
B.wars can promote the development of weapons |
C.things for military use can be transformed to peaceful use |
D.as long as there are wars, people’s way of living cannot be improved |
What should we do to achieve peace?
A.Spend more money educating children. |
B.Stop military exploration |
C.Call on people to help each other |
D.Act from right now on. |
Which word can best describe the writer’s picture of the future of the world?
A.Optimistic | B.Pessimistic | C.Imaginative | D.Disappointing |
The UK has a well-respected higher education system and some of the top universities and research institutions in the world. But to those who are new to it all, sometimes it can be confusing.
October is usually the busiest month in the college calendar. Universities have something called Freshers’ Week for their newcomers. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, join lots of clubs and settle into university life.
However, having just left the comfort of home and all your friends behind, the prospect(前景)of meeting lots of strangers in big halls can be nerve-wracking(令人头痛的). Where do you start? Who should you make friends with? Which clubs should you join?
Luckily, there will be thousands of others in the same boat as you worrying about starting their university social life on the right foot. So just take it all in slowly. Don’t rush into anything that you’ll regret for the next three years.
Here is some top advice from past students on how to survive Freshers’ Week:
●Learn rules. Make sure you know British social etiquette(礼节). Have a few wine glasses and snacks handy for your housemates and friends.
●Be kind. Sometimes cups of tea or even slices of toast can give you a head start in making friends.
●Be sociable. The more active you are, the more likely you’ll be to meet new people than those who never leave their room.
●Bring a doorstop. Keep your door open when you’re in and that sends positive messages to your neighbors that you’re friendly.
So with a bit of clever planning and effort, Freshers’ Week can give you a great start to your university life and soon you’ll be passing on your experience to next year’s new recruits.Which of the following statements is FALSE according to the passage?
A.October is generally the busiest month for universities. |
B.It’s a good idea to have a doorstop. |
C.A bit of planning can make Freshers’ Week easier. |
D.The first week of your every year at university is called Freshers’ Week. |
The underlined word “recruits” in the last paragraph refers to .
A.courses | B.freshers | C.neighbors | D.challenges |
We can infer from the 4th paragraph that .
A.the newcomers usually miss the days living at home |
B.most of the students in the UK spend three years in universities |
C.many freshers are worried about how to fit university life |
D.all the new students will make new friends and join certain clubs |
Why does the author suggest having wine glasses and snacks handy?
A.To pass the busy university life. |
B.To help make friends with other freshers. |
C.To show yourself a drinker as others. |
D.To pass the time in a happy way. |
The main purpose of the passage is to .
A.tell the newcomers how to make a new start in universities |
B.introduce something about higher education system of the UK |
C.discuss something about the Freshers’ Week in the UK |
D.advise the freshmen how to behave well in the beginning |
How I Turned to Be Optimistic
I began to grow up that winter night when my parents and I were returning from my aunt's house, and my mother said that we might soon be leaving for America. We were on the bus then. I was crying, and some people on the bus were turning around to look at me. I remember that I could not bear the thought of never hearing again the radio program for school children to which I listened every morning.
I do not remember myself crying for this reason again. In fact, I think I cried very little when I was saying goodbye to my friends and relatives. When we were leaving I thought about all the places I was going to see-—the strange and magical places I had known only from books and pictures. The country I was leaving never to come back was hardly in my head then.
The four years that followed taught me the importance of optimism, but the idea did not come to me at once. For the first two years in New York I was really lost—having to study in three schools as a result of family moves. I did not quite know what I was or what I should be. Mother remarried, and things became even more complex for me. Some time passed before my stepfather and I got used to each other. I was often sad, and saw no end to "the hard times."
My responsibilities in the family increased a lot since I knew English better than everyone else at home. I wrote letters, filled out forms, translated at interviews with Immigration officers, took my grandparents to the doctor and translated there, and even discussed telephone bills with company representatives.
From my experiences I have learned one important rule: almost all common troubles eventually go away! Something good is certain to happen in the end when you do not give up, and just wait a little! I believe that my life will turn out all right, even though it will not be that easy.How did the author get to know America?
A. From her relatives. | B. From her mother. |
C. From books and pictures. | D. From radio programs. |
Upon leaving for America the author felt_______.
A.confused | B.excited | C.worried | D.amazed |
For the first two years in New York, the author _________.
A.often lost her way |
B.did not think about her future |
C.studied in three different schools |
D.got on well with her stepfather |
What can we learn about the author from Paragraph 4?
A.She worked as a translator. |
B.She attended a lot of job interviews. |
C.She paid telephone bills for her family. |
D.She helped her family with her English. |
The author believes that______.
A.her future will be free from troubles |
B.it is difficult to learn to become patient |
C.there are more good things than bad things |
D.good things will happen if one keeps trying |
In the US and Britain, the slogan around colleges was “Save water. Shower with a friend.” Now, Wuhan University has come up with another system for the campus bathhouse. It charges students for the amount of time in a shower. Before entering the bathhouse, students pay for the amount of time they want in the shower with cash or their student ID card. The clock starts ticking the minute the tape is turned on. It pauses when a button is pressed for soap. An integrated circuit(IC) card reader at each tap shows the time. No money, no water. The benefits of the new system can be seen with the old system, which charged 1 Yuan for each person regardless of time in the shower. The university used about 320 tones of water daily under the old system, but only 160 tons now.
Many students use the new system but opinions on it are divided. Some students say it is bad because bathing had become a sort of race. Many people using it for the first time are not sure how long they need to shower. Some might be embarrassed if their time is up and they’re still covered in soap. They have to ask the bathhouse worker to help them buy extra time.
“It’s a flaw in the system that you can not buy extra time on the ID card,” said Ren, a freshman in Wuhan University. The university is also considering some students’ suggestions that they be allowed to pay after they’ve finished the shower. Not surprisingly, some are complaining about losing the hour shower. But many students say the move helps them develop a water-saving sense.
Without the time limits, most students tended to shower for 30 to an hour in the bathhouse.
Some even used the hot water to wash their clothes. “In my experience, 10-20 minutes is enough,” said Dai Zhihua, a third-year student who usually takes 8 minutes.
A similar system has been installed in other universities. Shanghai Normal University introduced it at its Fengxiang Campus in September. The bathing fee there is 0.2 Yuan per minute. One male student responded by setting a record with a two-minute shower.According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?
A.Students pay for the amount of time they want in the shower. |
B.The clock times all through while the student is bathing except when the bather paused for soap. |
C.If money runs out, there will be no water. |
D.Having finished bathing, the student has to pay for it. |
The underline word “flaw” (Paragraph3) most probably means______.
A.perfection | B.advantage | C.pity | D.fault |
Since the new system has performed, ______ of water can be saved.
A.a quarter | B.one third | C.one half | D.two thirds |
It can be inferred from the passage that______.
A.the new operation can solve the water crisis. |
B.The new operation can raise students’ environmental awareness. |
C.a similar operation has been set in other universities. |
D.The university has saved a lot of water by using the new system. |
In which column can you find this passage?
A.People. | B.Society | C.Campus Life. | D.Lifestyle. |
Winners Club
You choose to be a winner!
The Winners Club is a bank account specially designed for teenagers. It has been made to help you better manage your money. The Winners Club is a transaction account(交易账户)where you receive a keycard so you can get to your money 24/7—that’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
It’s a club with impressive features for teenagers:
● No account keeping fees!
You’re no millionaire so we don’t expect you to pay large fees. In fact, there are no account keeping or transaction fees!
● Excellent interest rates!
You want your money to grow. The Winners Club has a good rate of interest which gets even better if you make at least two deposits without taking them out in a month.
● Convenient
Teenagers are busy — we get that. You may never need to come to a bank at all. With the Winners Club you can choose to use handy tellers and to bank from home using the phone and the Internet...You can have money directly deposited into your Winners Club account. This could be your pocket money or your pay from your parttime job!
● Mega magazine included
Along with your regular report, you will receive a FREE magazine full of good ideas to make even more of your money. There are also fantastic offers and competitions only for Winners Club members.
The Winners Club is a great choice for teenagers. And it is so easy to join. Simply fill in an application form. You will have to get permission from your parent or guardian (so we can organize that cool keycard)but it is easy. We can’t wait to hear from you. It’s the best way to choose to be a winner!The Winners Club is a bank account intended for________.
A.parents | B.teenagers | C.winners | D.adults |
Which of the following is TRUE about the Winners Club?
A.Special gifts are ready for parents. |
B.The bank opens only on work days. |
C.Services are convenient for its members. |
D.Fees are necessary for the account keeping. |
The Winners Club provides magazines which________.
A.encourage spending |
B.are free to all teenagers |
C.are full of adventure stories |
D.help to make more of your money |
If you want to be a member of the Club,you must________.
A.be an Internet user | B.be permitted by your parent |
C.have a big sum of money | D.be in your twenties |
What is the purpose of this text?
A.To set up a club. |
B.To provide parttime jobs. |
C.To organize keycards. |
D.To introduce a new banking service. |