Though I have traveled in hundreds of trains, few unusual things have ever happened to me. But one day in a train something did happen. I do not mean that I was hurt: no one was hurt.
I do my work in a hot country far away from England. Every September I go there to do my business, and every July I come back to England to have a rest. So every September I go to Paris and take a train from the great French city to Mendova, and at Mendova I catch my ship.
There is one very fast train from Paris to Mendova, and it suits me well. It goes as far as Endoran, but it stops at Mendova for a few minutes to let travelers get out or in. It is called The Flying Bluebird. It reaches Mendova at seven minutes past nine in the morning, and it is never late.
A ship leaves Mendova at half past eleven, and so you will understand that The Flying Bluebird suits me very well. I always travel by it, and I have nearly two and a half hours at Mendova to go from the station to the ship. That is more than enough time.
Well, one September night, I took my place in The Flying Bluebird as usual. The train leaves Paris at nine o’clock every night, and I was in my place soon after half past eight. There were three or four people there with me, but very soon a lot of others got into the train. When no more people could sit down, they began to stand up near us and also in the corridor(走廊). In a short time the corridor was full too, and it was impossible for any more travelers to get into the train.
I could see a lot of other people outside the corridor windows, but they could not get in, and the train left Paris without them. The man sitting next to me started to ask all kinds of questions: “Where do you work? How long does it take you to get there? Are you married? How many children do you have? How much money do they pay you every year? How much do you have in the bank? How much do you spend every month?”
He asked questions for about twenty minutes but I did not give him any clear answers, and at last he stopped and began to read the paper.
I usually sleep quite well in the train, but this time I slept only a little. There were too many people, and there were too many things: small bags, large bags, coats, hats, boxes, newspapers and food. As usual, we got angry about the window. Most people wanted it shut, and two of us wanted it open. But that always happens. It was shut all night, as usual.
When I awoke in the early morning I felt hot and dirty, and glad that the journey was reaching its end. At seven minutes past nine The Flying Bluebird stopped. We were at Mendova, and I stood up thankfully. I took my two suitcases, held one in each hand, and tried to move towards the door into the corridor. In order to get out of the train, I had to pass down the corridor to the door at the far end. There was no other way out.
I could not even into the corridor. There was a suitcase on the floor by my feet, and three men were standing in my way. I felt a touch of fear. I had to get out, you see; I had to catch my ship, which left at half past eleven. And the train did not stop again until it reached Endoran, two hundred miles away.
“I must get out!” I cried. Everyone there understood me, but no one could move.
At last I was able to put one foot over the suitcase on the floor, and I nearly reached the door into the corridor. But then, very slowly, the train began to move. It was taking me away!
“Stop!” I cried. “I want to get out!” But no one outside the train could hear me, and the people inside did not care much. The train moved a little faster. What could I do? I was not even in the corridor.
Fear made me think quickly. In front of my eyes, just, above the door, was a notice that told everyone how to stop the train. I had to pull an iron thing near the notice. I did not waste time. I pulled it.
Well, a noise started above our heads. That was to show everyone that there was something wrong. It was not a small sound. Possibly the men in my ship two miles away could hear it. Then the train stopped.
No one likes to stop a train if there is no need. But I had to catch my ship. That was the only thought in my mind: to get out and catch my ship.The purpose of the author writing the first paragraph is to _______.
| A．answer some questions |
| B．arouse (激发) the readers’ curiosity |
| C．express some unusual feelings |
| D．give some advice in advance |
What do we know about the author and the man sitting next to him?
| A．The author didn’t like the man’s foolish questions |
| B．They talked with each other all night |
| C．They got angry about the window |
| D．The author didn’t understand the man’s words |
On this journey on The Flying Bluebird, the author felt uncomfortable because _______.
| A．he couldn’t find a seat by the window |
| B．he was angry with the man sitting next to him |
| C．the window was kept shut all night |
| D．there were too many people on the train |
It can be learned from Para.10 that the author was afraid that ______.
| A．he would have to spend another sleepless night on the train |
| B．more people might crowd into the train |
| C．he would miss the ship that went where he worked |
| D．he would have to buy another ticket |
The noise in the underlined sentence “a noise started above our heads”(Para.15) was made by ________.
| A．the angry passengers shouting at the top of their voices |
| B．the ship that was lying two miles away |
| C．the falling of boxes and suitcases to the floor |
| D．the train itself telling people that something was wrong |
What would be the best title for the text?
| A．A Train that Is Never Late |
| B．A Quick and Wise Decision |
| C．A Journey to Mendov |
| D．A Bad Experience on the Train |
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary, you will find it means “to brig into being to cause to exist something each of us does daily.”
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way. First this involves an awareness of our surroundings. It means using all of our sonses to become aware of our world. This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture（质地）, as well as taste, when we plan a meal. Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things. If we believe the expression, “There is nothing new under the sun, the creativity is remaking or recombining（重组） the old in new ways.” For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to apply them to achieve some new results. To think up a new concept is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are involved in all the great works of genius, but they are also involved in many of our day-to-day activities.
64．Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A．To prepare a meal.
B．To arrange the furniture in a peculiar way.
C．To buy some books from a bookstore.
D．To “write” a letter with the computer.
65．“There is nothing new under the sun.” (Par.3) really implies that ____.
A．a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things
B．a new thing is only a tale
C．we can seldom create new things
D．we can scarcely see really new things in the world
66．What does the author think about the relationship between a new thought and its being put into
practice?
A．It´s more difficult to create a new thought than to apply it in practice.
B．To find a new thought will definitely lead to the production of a new thing.
C．A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor.
D．One may come up with a new thought, but can not put it into practice.
67．The best title for this passage is ____.
A．How to Cultivate One´s Creativity
B．What is Creativity
C．The Importance of Creativity
D．Creativity, a Not Farway Thing
Some researchers claim that people´s personalities can be classified by their blood types.If you have blood type O, you are a leader. When you see something you want, you strive to achieve your goal. You are passionate, loyal, and self-confident, and you are often a trendsetter. Your enthusiasm for projects and goals spreads to others who happily follow your lead. When you want something, you may be ruthless about getting it or blind to how your actions affect others. Another blood type, A, is a social, “people” person. You like people and work well with them. You are sensitive, patient, compassionate, and affectionate. You are a good peacekeeper because you want everybody to be happy. In a team situation, you resolve conflicts and keep things on a smooth course. Sometimes type As are stubborn and find it different to relax. They may also find it uncomfortable to do things alone.
People with type B blood are usually individualists who like to do things on their own. You may be creative and adaptable, and you usually say exactly what you mean. Also you can adapt to situations, you may not choose to do so because of your strong independent streak. You may prefer working on your own to being part of a team. The final blood type is type AB. If you have AB blood, you are a natural entertainer. You draw people to your because of your charm and easygoing nature. ABs are usually calm and controlled, tactful and fair. On the downside, though, they may take too long to make decisions. And they may procrastinate, putting off tasks until the last minute.
60．People with type O will do the following things except_____________.
A．manage businesses B．self-oriented
C．be considerate D．set the fashion
61．Which of the following is not the feature of type A?
A．Stubborn. B．Sensitive. C．Reserved. D．Patient.
62．What is Not true to type B?
A．He finds it comfortable to do things alone.
B．He doesn’t think much before he speaks.
C．He has many original ideas.
D．He cannot fit in with the environment.
63．The best profession for a type AB is ____________.
A．athlete B．peacekeeper C．actor D．country leader
第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题，每题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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
David Beckham had a dream: to be the first English player to appear in four World Cups.
But now it appears that dream is over after a serious injury to his Achilles tendon（跟腱）which means he could be out of action for around six months. With this year's World Cup in South Africa only three months away, sadly Beckham looks set to miss out.
The injury happened while Beckham was playing for AC Milan against AC Chievo in the Italian league. After attempting to kick the ball he collapsed to the ground and hobbled off the pitch before being stretchered（被担架抬走）away.
It is not yet known whether he has completely severed（切断）his Achilles tendon or only torn it. The player has now flown to Finland for assessment and treatment by a knee specialist.
England manager Fabio Capello fears the worst for Beckham's World Cup chances.
"We have to wait for the results of the scan but it looks like he is out of the World Cup," he said in a statement. "I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support.
"David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow."
Beckham's former manager at American club LA Galaxy, Alexei Lalas, echoed（共鸣）Capello's words of support:
"It is a horrible situation for Beckham. I know how much it meant to him to be in the World Cup and how important he was to the England team.
David Beckham is now 34 and some are asking whether this serious injury could mean his whole career is over.
Whatever happens, as one of football's best-known and popular players, Beckham will have no shortage of encouragement from fans around the world.
Some will remember Beckham's miraculous recovery from an Achilles injury in 2006, when he was back on the pitch after only eight weeks.
If he could repeat the same feat，in time for the World Cup it really would be the stuff of fairytales.
So, perhaps all is not lost. Optimists will take heart from Alexei Lalas' words:
"You never want to write off（排除）David Beckham as he has shown us his ability to bounce back（恢复原状）."
56．What is the best title of the passage?
A．Beckham had a dream?
B．Beckham—a great football player!
C．The end for Beckham?
D．World Cup in South Africa!
57．What does the author mean by saying “missing it will be a big blow?”
A．Missing the World Cup will be a big success.
B．Missing Beckham means a great failure.
C．Missing Beckham means an important opportunity for the American club LA Galaxy.
D．Missing the World Cup means a big disappointment for Beckham.
58．We may infer from the passage that____________
A．Beckham will definitely not be able to play football again
B．Beckham was cured by a great knee specialist he found
C．Beckham has his ability to bounce back
D．Beckham is likely to miss the World Cup
59．What do the underlined words “take heart” probably mean?
A．get disappointed B．get help C．get encouraged D．get hurt
Seventeenth-century houses in colonial(殖民地的) North America were simple structures that were primarily functional, carrying over traditional designs that went back to the Middle Ages. During the first half of the eighteenth century, however, houses began to show a new fashion. As wealth increase, more and more colonies built fine houses.
Since art of constructing houses was not yet a specialized profession in the colonies, the design of buildings was left to carpenters who were responsible for interpreting handbooks relating to the design of houses imported from England. Libraries still preserve an astonishing number of these handbooks for builders, and the houses appeared during the first three-quarters of eighteenth century show their influence. Nevertheless, most of them display a wide difference of taste and freedom of using the rules in these books.
Increasing wealth and growing experience throughout the colonies resulted in houses of improved design, whether the material was wood, stone, or brick. New England still favored wood, though brick houses became common in Boston and other towns, where the danger of fire urged the use of more durable material. A few houses in New England were built of stone, but only in Pennsylvania and neighboring areas were stone widely used in accommodations. An increased use of brick in houses and outbuildings is noticeable in Virginia and Maryland, but wood remained the most popular material even in houses built by wealthy landowners. In the Carolinas, wooden houses were much more common than brick houses.
Eighteenth-century houses showed great interior improvements over what they were before. Windows were made larger and shutters were taken away. Large, clear sheet of glass replaced the small leaded glass of the seventeenth century. Doorways were larger and more decorative. Fireplaces became decorative features of rooms. Walls were made of plaster(灰泥) or wood, sometimes were decorated with square or rectangular wooden boards. White paint began to take the place of blues, yellows, greens and lead colors, which had been popular for walls in the earlier years. After about 1730, advertisements for wallpaper styles in scenic pattern began to appear in colonial newspapers.
51. What does the passage mainly about?
A. The improvement design of eighteenth-century colonial houses.
B. The comparison of eighteenth-century houses and modern ones.
C. The structures of eighteenth –century colonial houses.
D. The roles of carpenters in building eighteenth-century houses.
52. What was one of the main reasons for the change in eighteenth-century houses in North America?
A. More designers arrived in the colonies in North America.
B. The carpenters were smart and experienced enough.
C. Bricks were more widely used in North America.
D. The colonists had more money to spend on housing.
53. According to the passage, who designed houses in eighteenth-century North America?
A. Professional designers. B. House owners.
C. Businessmen. D. Carpenters.
54. Where was stone commonly used to build houses?
A. Virginia. B. Pennsylvania. C. Boston. D. Charleston.
55. What does the author imply about the use of wallpaper before 1730?
A. Wallpaper was introduced in handbooks of designing houses.
B. Wallpaper was the same color as what the wall was painted.
C. Patterned wallpaper was not widely used.
D. Wallpaper was not used in stone houses.
Making an apology is not the same as making amends. Sometimes we apologize just because it’s the easiest thing to do. What’s actually important is to identify where we go wrong, take full responsibility for our mistakes and , if possible, try to make up for them.
A recent case involving Hewlett-Packed, the US computer giant, shows the importance of presenting a sincere apology. The Chinese consumers who had bought notebook computers of certain models, which have been put on Chinese market since 2007, suffered a massive flash screen failures and overheating problems. Through investigation, Chinese AQSIQ(国家质检总局) identified these HP computers had quality problems and HP admitted this. HP made a proposal that they would extend the warranty period of such computers, but this could not satisfied the consumers. What they needed was a thorough description of the truth. HP has “sincerely” apologized. But the consumers remain angry, and say that only a product recall—as HP has done in the past—will prove that the apology is sincere.
Another apology that fell flat on its face was that of Thierry Henry, the famous French footballer. His deliberate handball in November 2009 created the goal which knocked Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup. The incident caused great anger in the football world, and eventually Henry issued and apology. Two days later, he wrote, “I’m not the referee…but if I hurt someone I’m sorry.” Better late than never, perhaps, but even then he passed the blame onto the referee!
Such high-profile cases, which attract a lot of publicity often under the spotlight, but similar incidents occur in our everyday lives. Stress caused by schoolwork and tiredness can sometimes result in outbursts of anger against friends and family. Have you ever lost your temper for minor reasons? After calming down, most people are quick to realize their mistake and apologize. But it’s just as important to identify what caused the error in the first place and take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
No one should hold a negative attitude to making a sincere apology. Empty words are easy to say, but they are as useless as they sound. A real show of remorse demands hard work and commitment to put error right.
46. What does the author intend to tell us in the case of HP?
A. A true apology needs sincere actions.
B. HP should recall all the faulty computers.
C. Good quality makes a good company.
D. A company should apologize and pay for their mistakes.
47. According to the author, when we do anything wrong we firstly __________ .
A. make an apology face to face honestly
B. admit we were wrong and try to make the wrong right
C. take the responsibility for apologizing to others
D. choose the easiest thing to do
48. We can infer from the case of Thierry Henry that ______________ .
A. It’s never too late to say “I’m sorry.”
B. Writing an apology is not a good idea.
C. Henry didn’t identify his fault.
D. The football fans were mad with Henry.
49. Which of the following can best explain the word “commitment” in the last paragraph?
A. decision B. promise C. agreement D. responsibility
50. What’s the best title of this passage?
A. What really puts things right
B. Don’t apologize easily
C. Making an apology—no one is out of exception
D. How to judge an apology—sincere enough?