After ruling the tennis world for almost five years, Roger Federer is adjusting to life at NO.2. But, like any king whose throne has been taken away, the Swiss star is already planning secretly his return to power, beginning at this week’s US Open.
The problem is, many experts think he will never do it. They blame everything from age and tough competition to his racket and psychology.
For years Federer, 27, had enjoyed the view from the top. Competitors saw him as undefeated, and for the most part he was. However, before the 2008 season began, Federer had an illness that stole his strength and clearly affected his play on the court. Ever since, he has struggled to return to form, winning just two of his last 14 tournaments.
“Twenty-seven is an age when your body starts talking back to you.” tennis great John McEnroe told the New York Times.
Pancho Sefura, another tennis great, noted that Federer is also facing a maturing crop of young talents. “There are too many great players now,” he said, naming Britain’s Andy Murray, 21, and Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis, 20.
US magazine Sports Illustrated tennis columnist Jon Wertheim suggested that part of Federer’s problem could be his insistence on using a small racket. He says that the smaller head demands ball control. But we see time and again that racket makers try to get players to use a certain stick — one they would like to market to consumers and it has a negative effect the professional game.
Sports psychologist Jim Loehr told the Times that Federer is probably feeling “a sense of doubt” after being considered as undefeated for so long. If Federer is to recover his state of being undefeated, Loehr said he must overcome his doubt. “Federer doesn’t need fame and money. But he has to get better. He has to go to a whole new level. That’s the only way he stays in the game,” he said.
As for beginning his first Grand Slam in ages as the NO.2 seed, Federer said it might be for the best. “Five years almost, I was expected to win every tournament I entered,” he said, “so maybe Rafael Nadal now feels what I had to feel for a very long time. It will be interesting to see how he handles it.”What does the underlined sentence “your body starts talking back to you” in Para.4 mean?
A.Your body often argues with you. |
B.You can do whatever you want. |
C.Your strength is beginning to decline. |
D.You are more easily to have quite terrible diseases. |
From the passage, we know the main reason why Federer’s throne was taken away is that _____.
A.he is becoming older and older. |
B.he insisted on using a small racket. |
C.he is facing a maturing crop of young talents. |
D.he had an illness that stole his strength. |
What can be inferred from the passage?
A.Now it is Nadal who has replaced Federer as the No.1tennis player. |
B.the racket makers aim at the players’ better performance in games. |
C.It is impossible for Federer to return to power. |
D.Federer has never won a Grand Slam before. |
What’s the best title of the passage?
A.Nadal — The No.1 Tennis Player |
B.Federer — Always Undefeated |
C.State of Mind Plays a Important Role |
D.Federer Hopes to Recover His Magic |
阅读理解。阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
EUROPE is home to a variety of cultural treasures. Lonely Planet has offered pairs of cities for culture-hungry but time-poor travelers.
London and Paris
It takes you about two hours to travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, a high-speed railway service. The two capital cities have been competing in fashion, art and nightlife for decades—but each secretly looks up to the other.
No one can doubt the grand and impressive beauty of Paris’ Louvre Museum, but if you want to save money, you cannot skip the British Museum free to visit. Compared with London, Paris has more outdoor attractions, such as the beautiful green walkway La Promenade Plantee.
In Paris, you’ll see diners linger (逗留) over red wine. While in London, you can try some afternoon tea, eat fish and chips or salted cake.
Vienna and Bratislava
Austrian capital Vienna and Slovakia city Bratislava are an hour apart by train. But since they are linked by the Danube River, the best way to travel is by ship. A tour of the two cities is the perfect way to experience everything from 17th century’s Habsburg dynasty splendor to sci-fi restaurants.
Vienna is famous for Mozart and imperial palaces. You can appreciate the perfect blending of architecture and nature in the grand Scholoss Schonbrunn Palace, and reward yourself with a cup of Vienna coffee, which has made its way to the world’s cultural heritage list.
Bratislava is best known for its fine dining—the remarkable UFO restaurant. You can enjoy a meat–laden dinner here in an amazing setting.What’s the relationship between London and Paris according to the text?
A.They help each other. |
B.They admire each other. |
C.They attack each other. |
D.They don’t like each other. |
What are the advantages of Paris mentioned in the article?
a. Louvre Museum b. Free access to museums
c. More outdoor attractions d. Better wines and perfumes
A.acd | B.cd | C.ac | D.bcd |
Lonely Planet recommends these two pairs of cities because_______.
A.they are not expensive to visit |
B.they are best known to the world |
C.they are always enemies between each other |
D.they are close but different in many aspects. |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
A surprisingly high number of city citizens in China suffer from poor health and many die at an early age.
Poor health with no sign of any identified disease, a condition known in China as “sub health,” is on the rise. Sub health is marked by general weakness, low energy levels and a poor immune system.
A survey held in 16 cities with over 1 million population showed high proportions of urban Chinese have been suffering sub health problems.
The numbers are particularly high in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, with 75.31, 73.49, and 73.41 percent respectively of residents in poor health, the survey showed.
The problem happens mostly among senior and middle-level managers, clerks and other white-collar workers with high education levels, said the website of the Red Cross Society of China.
“The sub health condition, found in most cases among groups of people with a high educational level, will have bad effects on China’s long-term development and progress if not dealt timely and properly,” the website warned.
A survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that the average life of Chinese intellectuals is 58 years, 10 years lower than the nation’s average.
This early death phenomenon may be increasing.
Among Chinese people with high education in the 25-59 age group, the death rate for women is as high as 10.4 per cent. For men it is even higher: 16.5 percent.
A report published by the China Sub Health Academic Seminar said the country’s health is going through a transitional period and many long-term diseases have taken the place of infectious diseases such as SARS and flu as the main cause of death.
“Bad working habits, poor disease prevention knowledge, not enough governmental investment and lack of health education are the main reasons,” said Yang Xiaoduo, a healthcare expert with a local health association, who said China should race against time seeking measures to solve the sub health problem.According to the text, which of the following is NOT true?
A.Chinese people especially the city citizens are suffering from sub health problem. |
B.Infectious diseases used to be the main cause of death across China. |
C.Sub health problem will do damage to our country’s development. |
D.Now more and more people realize the importance to stop sub health. |
The following are the symptoms of sub health EXCEPT _______.
A.Weakness | B.Low energy levels |
C.A bad temper | D.A poor immune system |
What’s the average life of Chinese people?
A.48 | B.58 | C.68 | D.78 |
What will be talked about in the next paragraph?
A.The way to solve the problem of sub health. |
B.More reasons for sub health. |
C.Who suffer from sub health. |
D.Why people with high education are more likely to suffer sub health. |
阅读理解。阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Papa’s jaw dropped when Mama told him that Sister had cheated on her final exams—not to succeed but to fail. “It’s unbelievable!” he said. “Sister has always been so proud of her good grades!”
“Yes, she has,” said Mama. “But it’s not unbelievable. It just shows how badly she wanted off the swimming team.”
“She never said anything about that to me.” said Papa.
“Of course she didn’t,” said Mama. “She was afraid you’d blow your top. You already had her getting a swimming scholarship to college and winning gold medals at the Olympics. Can you imagine how much pressure she must have felt?”
“Oh, my gosh!” Papa said, “I’ve been so stupid! I just thought she’d want to be a champion swimmer because she’s so good at it.”
“It’s like anything else, dear,” said Mama, “No matter how good at it you are, if it stops being fun, you won’t want to do it anymore.”
“She must be really mad at me,” he mumbled (嘟哝). “Maybe I should say sorry to her.”
Sister’s footsteps could be heard on the stairs. She came into the kitchen and looked hopefully up at her parents.
“Honey,” said Mama with a smile, “Your papa and I have decided that there’s no reason for you to be on the swimming team if you don’t want to.”
Sister’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. She ran to Papa and jumped into his arms, giving him a big hug. “I’m going to play cards with Lizzy!” she said. “See you later!”
From the kitchen window, Mama and Papa watched their daughter run down the sunny road toward Lizzy’s house.
“It’s good to see her happy again,” said Mama.
“Well, it’s not too late, anyway.” Papa said.Mama insisted that the child should do ________.
A.what she felt easy to | B.what she was willing to |
C.what she felt right to | D.what she was able to |
The underlined expression “blow your top” probably means “________” in the text.
A.change your opinion | B.become very excited |
C.get very angry | D.fall down with fear |
Which of the following words best describes Papa?
A.Foolish. | B.Patient. |
C.Stubborn. | D.Considerate. |
What might be the best title for the text?
A.Better Late Than Never |
B.Easier Said Than Done |
C.Never Too Old To Learn |
D.No Pleasure Without Pain |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
He is only 12 years old but Utkarsh Tripathi brings out a handwritten newspaper every week on matters like the environment. He does all this to satisfy his wish to “serve the country”. A Class 8 student of the Brij Bihari Sahai Inter College in Allahabad, Utkarsh has been bringing out the newspaper Jagriti for the last one year. And for the four-page, black-and-white newspaper, Utkarsh not only takes the role of a reporter, editor and publisher, but also gives it free of charge.
Jagriti has about 150 readers belonging to various age groups in Allahabad, some 200 km from the state capital Lucknow. “Children make up major Jagriti readers ... my school friends, my seniors in school, teachers and also my neighbours,” he said.
According to Utkarsh’s father Hari Prasad, who runs a coaching institute, his son has a gift for writing and wants to serve the country in some way.
“More than two years ago, he began to read articles in Hindi Daily. One day he said that he wanted to start serving society from his school life itself. I then suggested why not work like a journalist and make people know their rights,” he added. Utkarsh took the suggestion seriously and came up with Jagriti. “I try to cover social issues about environment, women foeticide and others in the editorial section, and also information about public welfare plans and important government policies for the betterment of the poor or children.” Utkarsh said.
Jagriti also has successful stories of scientists, political leaders and other outstanding people.But how does he get time from his studies to bring out a weekly newspaper? “I believe if anyone is passionate about something, he or she can take out some time to realize his dream.” Utkarsh replied.
Utkarsh’s efforts are much appreciated by people in Allahabad. Nutan Devi, a local journalist, said, “For me it’s real journalism …It has renewed the objective (宗旨) of journalism that seems to have now got lost somewhere.” According to the text, Utkarsh Tripathi _____.
A.made the first newspaper about two years ago |
B.is learning journalism at a college in Allahabad |
C.wants to contribute to society |
D.lives in Allahabad, the state capital |
Who are most likely to be interested in Jagriti?
A.Adults, especially the elderly. |
B.Local journalists. |
C.Children, especially Utkarsh’s schoolmates. |
D.Women around Utkarsh. |
What is the role of the last paragraph?
A.To prove Utkarsh does a good job. |
B.To tell us what true journalism is. |
C.To encourage us to follow Utkarsh’s example. |
D.To show the different opinions on what Utkarsh does. |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Hearst Castle is a palatial(宫殿式) park on the central California coast and a National Historic Landmark. It was designed by architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947. In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the fortune to the state of California. Since that time it has been maintained as a state historic park where the estate and its considerable collection of art and antiques are open for public tours. In spite of its location far from any urban center, the site attracts roughly one million visitors every year.
Guided Tours
There are several tours which highlight various parts of the castle and gardens.
lTour One is recommended for first time visitor. It now includes the movie, Hearst Castle Building the Dream.
lTour Two gives visitors a closer look at the main house's upper floors, Mr. Hearst's private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.
lTour Three looks at the Castle's North Wing, guest rooms and guest house Casa Del Monte.
lTour Four features the impressive gardens and grounds, the largest guesthouse, the wine basement, and the Hidden Terrace.
lThe evening tour is a special tour that allows visitors to experience the Castle at night as one of the Hearst's own visitors might have.
Ticket Prices
Hearst Castle accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Free day use parking is available for automobiles, motorcycles, tour buses and recreational vehicles.
TOURS |
ADULT |
Ages 6-17 |
Experience Tour |
$ 24 |
$ 12 |
Tours 2, 3 or 4 |
$ 24 |
$12 |
Evening tour |
$30 |
$15 |
Children under 6 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Reservation Information
While tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival, tour reservations are strongly recommended and may be reserved online now or by calling 1-800-444-4445, see below for time.
Reservation Call Center Hours |
||
Dates |
Monday-Friday |
Saturday-Sunday |
March-September |
8AM. to 6PM. |
8AM. to 6PM. |
October-February |
9AM. to 5PM. |
9AM. to 3PM. |
Visit www. Hearst castle. org for more information.Who does the Hearst Castle belong to at present?
A.William Randolph Hearst. |
B.Julia Morgan. |
C.The state of California. |
D.The Hearst Corporation. |
If a young couple take Tour One with their 5-year-old son, how much will they pay for the tickets?
A.$36. | B.$60. | C.$48. | D.$75. |
31. Which of the following is the available time to book tickets by phone?
A.At 8 AM on Monday in February. | B.At 9 AM on Sunday in March. |
C.At 7 PM on Friday in September. | D.At 6 PM on Saturday in October. |
32. What is the purpose of the passage?
A.To attract visitors to Hearst Castle. |
B.To introduce Hearst Castle. |
C.To introduce California's scenery. |
D.To introduce Hearst Castle' scenery. |