Over thousands of years, human beings have been learning about more and more about this world, and have figured out many ways to avoid risks and make our lives easier. Even in ancient times, we used fire to frighten away animals, built simple boats to cross waters, and armed ourselves with sharpening stones and sticks. Nowadays, with advanced technology and instrument, people know the world better than ever. It’s surprising how much people already know about this world and how much we’ve changed our lives by using the knowledge we have.
But if you think we know everything, that’s wrong. I guess sometimes we have to accept the limitation on our understanding of the world. No matter how much we’re already known about the world, there are things that remain mysterious. I learned this from my pregnancy (妊娠) which ended in the 6th month, due to a placental abruption (胎盘早剥). I started to see my OB/GYN (产科医生) every month, taking vitamins regularly, doing all the lab tests to make sure we were expecting a healthy baby. All the results looked promising, and we thought we would have a healthy baby girl in January next year. Even in the week before placental abruption, when I was in hospital because of a sudden bleeding, doctors didn’t believe there were any bad possibilities after reading my blood tests. Unfortunately it still happened. Later, I asked my doctor “So what caused this?” She said, “I don’t know. We probably will never know.”
After leaving the hospital, I sometimes do feel frustrated for what happened. But I already accept the fact that there are simply things that we do not know. No matter how well you plan and monitor your life there are uncertainties that can not be predicted and thus can not be avoided. We are only human beings.
Her name was Janet. She came to the world in April, and left us 6 months later. Though we never had the chance of meeting her, she is always our beloved daughter.
In the late May 2013, during our first OB visit, we saw a little heart beating happily inside its mother. We couldn’t even tell that was a baby, but we knew the magic was happening.
The first three months was a disaster, Janet showed her power by making her mama throw up every day. Daddy became the cook of the family, and spent hours learning new dishes to please his picky wife.
In the 12th week, we saw her again during an OB screening. When the doctor tried to measure her, she suddenly waved her hand to us, as if saying “I know you are spying on me again.”
Every regular OB check became our favorite experience, when we could hear her heart beating and knew she was enjoying herself. In the 18th week, one day when daddy was singing, she suddenly kicked her mama. We never felt so happy. Since then, she became more and more naughty, doing all sorts of exercise in her warm little house. We started to think about names, decorate her pink room, and shared the news with our friends. For young parents, there are always a lot to learn!
Then it was the end of 25th week. A sudden bleeding terrified mama and daddy. After staying in the hospital for three days, things looked all right again, and Janet did not seem to be affected. However, the night after we went out of the hospital, a much worse contraction(痉挛) started which caused placental abruption. When we went back to the hospital, mama survived from an emergency operation, but Janet’s heart was no longer beating.
Janet, thank you for all the joy you brought to us. We love you and we will miss you forever. Rest in peace!Paragraph One impresses us with ________.
| A．man’s frightening away animals |
| B．people crossing lakes and rivers |
| C．people making modern weapons |
| D．man’s ability to know the world |
What happened to the baby girl?
| A．She died six months after birth |
| B．She died in a medical accident. |
| C．She died before she was born |
| D．She died from lack of equipment. |
What does the writer mean by saying “We are only human beings.”?
| A．We can not avoid risks and make our lives easier. |
| B．We have to accept the limitation of human knowledge. |
| C．We can change our lives by using the knowledge we have. |
| D．We know the world better with advanced technology. |
The writer’s detailed description of Janet’s growth shows that ________.
| A．the world is hard to predict |
| B．medical science is powerful |
| C．the mother’s love is endless |
| D．life is full of fun and mystery. |
The tone (笔调) of the passage is ________.
| A．emotional | B．pitiful |
| C．encouraging | D．hopeless |
American researchers say drinking tea may help strengthen the body’s defense system against infection. Doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, did the study. The team studied a chemical found in black, green, oolong and pekoe tea. This chemical is an amino acid(氨基酸) called L-theanine. The scientists say it may increase the strength of gamma delta T cells. That’s the letter T, not the drink. Gamma delta T cells are part of the body’s defense.
First, the researchers mixed some of these cells with antigens（抗原）found in the amino acid. Antigens help the body react to infection. Then the scientists added some bacteria. Within twenty-four hours, the cells produced a lot of interferon, a substance that fights infection. Cells not mixed with the antigens did not produce interferon (抗干扰素).
In the second part of the study, eleven people drank five to six cups of black tea every day. Ten other people drank the same amount of instant coffee. That is dried coffee mixed with hot water.
Two weeks later, and again two weeks after that, the researchers tested the blood of all twenty-one people. They also looked at what happened when they added bacteria to the blood cells. They found that the tea drinkers produced five times more interferon after they started drinking tea. The coffee drinkers did not produce interferon.
Doctor Jack Bukowski led the study. He says the antigens added to the gamma delta T cells were responsible for the increased reaction to the bacteria. He says that the study also showed that the cells were able to remember the bacteria and fight them again the next time.
Earlier research already has found that tea can help prevent heart disease and cancer. Doctor Bukowski says the new study must be repeated by more people. “If the findings prove to be true,” he says, “then tea drinking might also help protect against bacterial infections.” He says the amino acid L-theanine could be removed from the tea and used as a drug to strengthen the body’s defenses.We may know from the text that _________ can be found in different kinds of tea.
| A．L-theanine | B．Gamma delta T cells |
| C．interferon | D．bacteria |
Tea may help strengthen the body’s defense system because it helps _________.
| A．to add some bacteria to the blood cells |
| B．the body to produce more gamma delta T cells |
| C．the body to produce more interferon |
| D．to mix antigens with some of the cells in the body |
According to Dr Bukowski, _________.
| A．the findings of the study have already proved to be true |
| B．further study is needed to prove the findings true |
| C．he has taken some amino acid L-theanine from tea and made a drug with it |
| D．he is not sure whether tea help prevent heart disease and cancer |
What would be the best title for this text?
| A．Tea Is Better than Coffee | B．Our Body Needs Tea |
| C．Tea Can Help Prevent Cancer | D．Tea May Help Fight Infection |
All things change except barbers, the ways of barbers, and the surroundings of barbers. These never change. What one experiences in a barber’s shop the first time he enters one is what he always experiences in barbers’ shops afterward till the end of his days.
I got shaved this morning as usual. A man approached the door from Jones Street as I approached it from Main--a thing that always happens. I hurried up, but it was of no use; he entered the door one little step ahead of me, and I followed in and saw him take the only empty chair, the one headed by the best barber. It always happens so. I sat down, hoping that I might sit in the chair belonging to the better of the remaining two barbers, for he was a bit ahead. I watched the probabilities with strong interest. When I saw that No. 2 was gaining on No. 1, my interest grew to solicitude (担心). When No. 1 was gradually losing the race, my solicitude rose to anxiety. When No. 1 caught up again, and both were about to finish and say “Next!” first, my very breath stood still with the suspense. But when I saw that he had lost the race by a single instant, I rose angrily and quitted the shop, to keep from falling into the hands of No. 2; for I have none of that firmness that enables a man to look calmly into the eyes of a waiting barber and tell him he will wait for his fellow-barber’s chair.
I stayed out fifteen minutes, and then went back, hoping for better luck. Unfortunately, all the chairs were occupied now, and four men sat waiting, silent, and looking bored, as men always do who are waiting their turn in a barber’s shop. I sat down and waited.
At last my turn came. A voice said “Next!” and I give in to No. 2, of course. It always happens so. I smiled and said that I was in a hurry, and it affected him as strongly as if he had never heard it.
He explored my hair with his claws and suggested that it needed trimming(修剪). I said I did not want it trimmed. He explored again and said it was pretty long for the present style. I said I had had it cut only a week before. He stopped for a moment, and then asked “who cut it?” I stared at him from the mirror and replied “You did!”. Then a dog-fight attracted his attention, and he ran to the window and stayed and watched it…The author left the barber’s shop mainly because ___________.
| A．he would like to wait for “No. 1” outside |
| B．he would rather be served by the best barber |
| C．he lacked the courage to tell “No. 2” his intention |
| D．he was angry at the slow speed of “No. 1” |
What is the change of the author’s attitude from the moment he went into the barber’s to the moment he left it?
| A．Disappointed---Anxious---Hopeful---Angry. |
| B．Disappointed --Hopeful---Anxious---Angry. |
| C．Hopeful--- Sad --- Anxious ---Angry. |
| D．Hopeful--- Anxious --- Angry --- Sad. |
The underlined word “suspense” in the 2nd paragraph probably means ________.
| A．loneliness | B．excitement |
| C．anxiety | D．hope |
What is likely to happen next?
| A．The author lost his temper. |
| B．“No. 2” ran out of his patience. |
| C．The author was well-served by “No. 2”. |
| D．The author also went to see the dog-fight. |
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Theatrical Release Date: July 1, 2011
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Michael Bay
Genre(类型): Action︱Adventure︱Sequel︱ Sci-Fi︱ 3D
The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Deceptions. The Autobots and Deceptions become involved in a dangerous space race. The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft on the Moon and must race against the Deceptions to find its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers’ final battle. Shockwave, a longtime “Transformers” character, rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Deceptions battle it out on Earth.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
Theatrical Release Date: July 15, 2011
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: David Yates
Genre: Action︱Adventure︱Sequel︱Fantasy︱3D
In part II, the battle between the good and evil forces of the Wizarding world evolves into an all-out war. This final adventure continues Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s attempt to find and destroy Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. Harry Potter is called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to bring an end to his nemesis.
Winnie the Pooh
Theatrical Release Date: July 15, 2011
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Don Hall, Stephen J. Anderson
Genre: Sequel︱Family Animation
Winnie the Pooh is a 2011 American traditionally animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Based upon the characters of the children’s books Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne and Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus, the film features two previously unadapted stories from the original books.
In the movie, Owl sends the whole gang to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary bad character, and it turns out to be a very busy day for Winnie the Pooh who simply set out to find some honey.Which of the following is not the genre of Transformers: Dark of the Moon?
A. Action. B. Sequel. C. 3D.D. Fantasy.According to the Movie Express above, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is mainly about __________.
| A．a journey of Harry, Ron, and Hermione |
| B．high risks of the final adventure by Harry and his nemesis |
| C．an all-out war between good and evil forces |
| D．a fear of Lord Voldemort |
Who might be most interested in the Movie Express of Winnie the Pooh?
| A．Would-be parents. | B．Families with children. |
| C．Writers of children’s books. | D．Honey lovers. |
I remember the first time that I was extremely happy, I was about 8 years old when for the first time, there was a computer in the classroom. I remember that my teacher allowed each student to take turns to play various educational games on the computer. One day, I found the source code for one of these games. Without knowing or being taught any programming language, I was able to figure out some of the BASIC code. I just gave myself a limitless number of lives in the game, so I could continue playing it forever. This was also my first introduction to algebra, and I didn’t even know it at the time. This was a decisive moment in my life. I was quite excited because of what I was learning and what I was able to do. As a result, I was enthusiastic for the rest of my life about self-learning and computers, and I was quite happy doing them too.
I’ve noticed that people who are truly content with life are enthusiastic about what they do. This enthusiasm, along with good health, is the key to being happy. It also leads to self-confidence and content in life too. It may also lead to success, wealth and achievements.
Success , wealth or achievements can also bring some people happiness , yet I know plenty of rich people who are unhappy . I know many people with successful businesses that are not happy with what they are doing .I know people who continuously buy themselves new toys , such as cars , computers ,and televisions ,yet never seem content for too long .Please remember , happiness is the journey of life , not the destination.What can we know from Paragraph 1?
| A．The author has a great talent for algebra. |
| B．Creative thinking is necessary for every child. |
| C．The BASIC code of the computer is not difficult. |
| D．The author’s experience in his childhood changed his life. |
The author wants to tell us through the first paragraph that___________.
| A．interest is the best teacher |
| B．children are the hope of the future |
| C．young people are fearless |
| D．where there’s a will , there’s a way |
What is the secret of happiness in the author’s opinion?
| A．Success and wealth. |
| B．Gifts and self-confidence. |
| C．Enthusiasm and good health. |
| D．Knowledge and achievements. |
We can infer from the last paragraph that ___________.
| A．rich people generally feel unhappy |
| B．wealth can’t bring people any happiness |
| C．one will feel unhappy once he has gained all the things he wants |
| D．being enthusiastic about what you are doing is more important than wealth |
The nose is used in many popular expressions. Some people are able to lead other people by the nose. For example, if a wife leads her husband by the nose, she makes him do whatever she wants him to do. Some people are said to be hard-nosed. They will not change their opinions or positions on anything.
It is always helpful when people keep their nose out of other people’s business. They do not interfere (干涉). The opposite of this is someone who noses around all the time. Such people are interested in other people’s private matters. They’re considered nosy. Someone who keeps his nose to the grindstone (磨石) works very hard. This can help a worker keep his nose clean or stay out of trouble.
One unusual expression is that is no skin off my nose. This means that a situation doesn’t affect or concern me. We also say that sometimes a person cuts off his nose to spite his face. That is, he makes a situation bad for himself by doing something foolish because he is angry.
More problems can develop if a person looks down his nose at someone or something. The person acts as if something is unimportant or worthless. This person might also turn up his nose at something that he considers not good enough. This person thinks he is better than everyone else. He has his nose in the air.
In school, some students thumb their nose at their teacher. They refuse to obey orders or do any work. Maybe the students do not know the correct answers. My mother always told me when I was a student, “If you study hard, the answers should be right under your nose or easily seen.”If we say a wife leads her husband by the nose, we probably mean she _____.
| A．loves her husband very much |
| B．controls her husband’s actions |
| C．gets on well with her husband |
| D．does whatever her husband wants her to do |
Which of the following expressions could be used to tell someone to stay away from your private affairs?
| A．Don’t keep your nose to the grindstone. |
| B．Keep your nose out of my business. |
| C．Please keep your nose clean. |
| D．You are really hard-nosed. |
We can use the expression “has his/her nose in the air” to describe someone _____.
| A．who is too proud of himself/herself |
| B．who is very angry about something |
| C．who often makes a situation bad |
| D．who doesn’t care about anything |
If a student thumbs his/her nose at his/her teacher, the teacher would most probably feel _____.
| A．happy | B．excited | C．angry | D．relaxed |