In recent years, there has been a steady attack on salt from the doctors: salt is bad for you—regardless of your health. Politicians also got aboard. “There is a direct relationship,” US Congressman Neal Smith said, “between the amount of sodium(钠) a person consumes and heart disease, circulatory(循环的) disorders, stroke and even early death.”
Frightening, if true! But many doctors and medical researchers are now beginning to feel the salt scare has gone too far. “All these remarks and cry about salt is unnecessary,” Dr. Dustan insists. “For most of us it probably does not make much difference how much salt we eat.” Dustan’s most recent short-term study of 150 people showed that those with normal blood pressure experienced no change at all when placed on an extremely low-salt diet, or later when salt was reintroduced. Of the hypertensive(高血压的) patients, however, half of those on the low-salt diet did experience a drop in blood pressure, which returned to previous level when salt was reintroduced.
“An adequate to somewhat excessive(过度的) salt intake has probably saved many more lives than it has cost in the general population,” said Dr. John H Laragh. “So an opinion that the whole population should avoid salt makes no sense.”
Medical experts agree that everyone should practice reasonable “moderation”(节制) in salt consumption. For the average person, a moderate amount might run from four to ten grams a day, or roughly 1/2 to 1/3 teaspoons. One to two grams of salt would come from the natural sodium in food. The rest would be added in processing, preparation or at the table.
“Na is not your enemy,” says Comek’s Dr. Laragh. “Salt is the No.1 natural component of all human tissue, and the idea that you do not need it is wrong. Unless your doctor has proven that you have a salt-related health problem, there is no reason to give it up.”Why is salt attacked by doctors and politicians?
| A．It’s unnecessary. |
| B．It does no good to human health. |
| C．It is hated by most people. |
| D．It will always lead to heart disease and circulatory disorders. |
From Dr. Dustan’s study in Paragraph 2 we can infer that _____.
| A．a low-salt diet may be good to some patients |
| B．the amount of salt intake has nothing to do with one’s blood pressure |
| C．the reduction of salt intake can completely cure a hypertensive patient |
| D．an extremely low-salt diet makes no difference to anyone |
In the 3rd paragraph, Dr. Laragh implied that _____.
| A．people should not be afraid of taking much excessive salt |
| B．doctors should not advise people to avoid salt |
| C．an adequate to somewhat excessive salt intake is suggested to ill people |
| D．excessive salt intake has killed some patients in the general population |
What is the experts’ advice for average people on salt consumption?
| A．They should increase salt intake through sodium pills. |
| B．They should avoid salt as often as possible. |
| C．They should consume 1/2 to 1/3 teaspoons of salt a day. |
| D．They needn’t care about how much salt they consume. |
What is the main idea of the passage?
| A．The salt scare is not reasonable. |
| B．The cause of hypertension is disclosed. |
| C．The moderate use of salt is recommended. |
| D．Salt consumption is to be avoided. |
D
Work is a very important part of life in the United States. Americans spend most of their lives working. For most Americans, their work defines them. They are what they do. What happens, then, when a person can no longer work?
Most Americans stop working at the age of sixty-five or seventy and retire. Because work is such an important part of life in this culture, retirement can be very difficult. Retirees often feel that they are useless and unproductive. Of course, some people are happy to retire, but leaving one’s job, whatever it is, is a difficult change, even for those who look forward to retiring. Retirement can also bring financial problems. Many people depend on Social Security checks every month. During their working years, employees contribute a certain percentage of their salaries to the government. When people retire, they receive this money as income. These checks do not provide enough money to live on, however, because prices are increasing very rapidly. Senior citizens, those over sixty-five have to have savings in the ban or other retirement plans to make ends meet. The rate of inflation is forcing prices higher each year. Social Security checks alone can not cover these growing expenses. The government offers some assistance, but many senior citizens have to change their life styles after retirement. They have to spend carefully to be sure that they can afford to buy food, fuel and other necessities.
Of course, many senior citizens are happy with their retirement. They have time to spend with their families or to enjoy their hobbies. Some continue to work part time, others do volunteer work. Some, like those in the Retired Business Executive Association, even help old people to get started in new businesses. Many retired citizens also belong to “Golden Age” groups. These organizations plan trips and social events there are many other opportunities for retirees.
68．Which of the following could be the title of the passage?
A．“Golden Age” groups B．The American Opinion of Work
C．The Importance of Work in America D．The Problems in Retirement in America
69．Which of the following is NOT true about the retirees?
A．Some retirees feel happy as they can have more time to enjoy themselves.
B．Some retirees have to be careful with their money because of the rising prices.
C．Some retirees like to work without being paid.
D．Some retirees find work in new businesses.
70．It can be inferred from the passage that _______.
A．the Americans show their value through their work
B．the American government pays little attention to the life of the retirees
C．the retirees’ former employers offer some assistance to the retirees
D．the Americans can not find much time to travel before their retirement
71．What does the paragraph following the passage most likely discuss?
A．An explanation of why the retirees feel lost.
B．The difficult situation the retirees have.
C．A different opinion of the physical and emotional needs of the retirees.
D．A description of other activities the retirees can have.
C
Being considered a leader in our society is indeed of high praise. Leadership means power, commands, respect and, most important, encourages achievement. Unlike vitamin C, leadership skills can’t be easily swallowed down. They must be carefully cultivated.
Different from popular belief, most good leaders are made, not born. They learn their skills in their everyday lives. But which do they develop？How do they (and how can you) get others to follow?
Always give credit. Many leaders note that the most efficient way to get a good performance from others is to treat them like heroes. Giving public credit to someone who has earned it is the best leadership technique in the world. It is also an act of generosity (慷慨) that’s never forgotten.
Giving credit is more effective than even the most constructive criticism (批评), which often hurts rather than helps. Kenneth Blanchard, the author of The One-Minute Manager, agrees. “Catch people doing something right!” he says. Then tell everyone about it.
Take informed risks. “The best leaders know that taking a risk is not a thoughtless exercise,” says management adviser Marilyn Machlowitz. “Sky divers don’t go up in an airplane without checking the parachutes (降落伞) beforehand.”
Because the idea of risk also carries with it the possibility of failure, many of us usually wait for others to take charge. But if you want to be a leader, you must learn to fail and not die a thousand deaths. Pick yourself up and start all over again.
Encourage enthusiasm (热情). “When people understand the important of work, they lend their mental strengths,” says Lee Ducat. But when they get excited about the work, all their energy gets poured into the job. That’s a great force! Is this the best way to create excitement? Be enthusiastic yourself. You will be followed by everyone.
64．The underlined word “cultivated” (in paragraph1) roughly means ________.
A．encouraged B．compared C．examined D．developed
65．The part “always give credit” tells us that a leader should _______.
A．give helpful criticism B．regard others as real heroes
C．praise people for their good performances D．praise everyone
66．To be a good leader, you should _______.
A．not be afraid of any risks B．think twice before taking risks
C．try to avoid any possible failures D．know what a thoughtless exercise is
67．Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
A．Leadership is of skills and techniques B．Leadership is very important
C．Not many can be leaders D．How to be a leader
B
A new study has found no evidence that sunscreen, commonly used to reduce the risk of skin cancer, actually increases the risk.
Research from the University of Iowa based their findings on a review of 18 earlier studies that looked at the association between sunscreen use and melanoma (黑素瘤). They said that they found flaws in studies that had reported associations between sunscreen use and higher risk of melanoma.
Most health experts believe that by protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, which is increasing in incidence (发生率) faster than any other cancer in the United States.
But questions have been raised about sunscreen and whether it may have the opposite effect by allowing people to remain exposed to the sun longer without burning.
The researchers said that among the problems with some earlier studies is that they often failed to take into account that those people most at risk for skin cancer---are more likely to use sunscreen. As a result, it may appear that sunscreen users get cancer more often.
The studies, which generally relied on volunteers to recall their sunscreen use, were also unable to prove how well the products had been applied, said the new study.
60．The underlined word “flaws” in the 2nd paragraph most probably means _________.
A．evidences B．facts C．faults D．failures
61．People with fair skin and freckles ________.
A．seldom use sunscreen B．are more in danger of skin cancer
C．can be free from the harm of the sun D．often expose themselves to the sun
62．We can learn from the passage that _________.
A．sunscreen users get skin cancer more often
B．the volunteers have proved the effect of the sunscreen
C．the new study has based on the experiences of volunteers
D．the number of skin cancer patients is increasing in America
63．Which of the following is the best title of the passage?
A．Sunscreen to Prevent Skin Cancer B．Sunscreen to Increase Skin Cancer
C．Skin Cancer Caused by Sunscreen D．Skin Cancer Caused by Freckles
第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题；每小题2分, 满分40分）
A
While all my classmates seem to be crazy about a one-way ticket to Mars (火星), I’d rather say Mars is totally unsuitable for human existence. People won’t have enough food supplies there, and the terrible environment would make it impossible for them to live a long life. Besides, the journey won’t be safe. Can anyone explain to me just why people go to Mars, never to return?
Steve Minear, UK
Here are things you can think of: the desire to explore a foreign and unique environment, the excitement of being the first humans to open up a new world, the expectation of fame and glory…For scientists there is another reason. Their observations and research will probably lead to great scientific achievements
Donal Trollop, Canada
There are too many people on the earth. I think that some time before the end of the century, there will be a human colony on Mars. It will happen when people realize that two-way trips to the red planet Mars are unnecessary. Most of the danger of space flight is in the launches (发射) and landings. Cutting the trip home would therefore reduce the danger of accidents, save a lot of money, and open the way to building an everlasting human settlement in another world.
Enough supplies can be sent on ahead. And every two years more supplies and more people will be sent to the new colony. Mars has all the material for a colony to produce or make everything it needs, and Mars is far more pleasant than the other planets in the outer space.
Paul Davies, USA
56．The main purpose of Steve Minear’s wring is ___________.
A．to report his classmates’ discussion B．to invite an answer to his question
C．to explain the natural state of Mars D．to show his agreement on going to Mars
57．Which of the following best states Donal Trollop’ idea?
A．There is a plan to send humans to Mars.
B．There are many reasons for going to Mars
C．Scientists become famous by doing research on Mars.
D．It is possible to build an Earth-like environment on Mars.
58．Paul Davies points out that _______.
A．humans need only a one-way ticket to Mars
B．two-way trips to Mars will be made safe soon.
C．it is easy to reduce the danger and cost of flights to Mars
D．It is cheap to build an everlasting human settlement on Mars
59．What does Paul Davies think of human existence on Mars?
A．Humans will have to bring all they need from the earth.
B．Humans will find Mars totally unsuitable for living.
C．Humans can produce everything they need.
D．Humans can live longer in the colony on Mars.
E
The Middle East countries and other world powers have been facing major political tensions (紧张) which have made the stability (稳定) of the oil prices very unforeseeable. Each day the prospect (前景) of oil prices has become more and more unclear.
Water fuel has been developed as an alternative (替代) source of fuel which has fast become popular around the world. This exciting technology has various advantages. More than 70 percent of the Earth is covered with water and this fuel source does not produce any harmful pollutants or dangerous emissions either. They in fact also double the mileage of the cars that are powered by them.
Water fuel technology has been known to be the best additional form of fuel source for petrol (汽油) or other fuel sources. However, any say that this technology can be only an additional source and not a replacement is totally incorrect and misleading. Such ideas have been suggested by those who look down on this technology. On the contrary, this technology has numerous benefits such as it does not produce any harmful emissions which can affect the climatic changes. It further helps to reduce the level of noise produced by the engines.
Various researches reflect that running costs on fuels for automobiles can be easily saved up to 40 percent with the help of water cell technology. This technology can easily work on various cars powered by gas. It can also be used for trucks, vans and other vehicles. The tap water can also be easily used directly and you do not need any special water that is specifically treated to be used for this purpose. You can easily find a lot of details so that you can adapt your car to use the technology.
57. We can learn from the first paragraph that the price of oil ______.
A. is going down at present B. has been rising for a long time
C. is unstable for political reasons D. is decided by powerful countries
58. People holding the opposite idea think that ______.
A. the world climate won’t be influenced by fuel
B. the engines will give out less noise than before
C. petrol can’t be completely replaced by water fuel
D. water fuel can’t act as an additional source for gas
59. We can learn from the text that ______.
A. the Middle East countries are at peace now
B. a new kind of energy has been found recently
C. vehicles using the new technology cost much more
D. the world will be cleaner with the use of the new fuel
60. What is the best title for the text?
A. Water fuel — Lower Cost B. Water fuel — a Safer Choice
C. Water fuel — a Long Way to Go D. Water Fuel — Becoming a Reality Now