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 |
第三部分:阅读理解 (共20小题,每小题2分,满分40分)
Foreign Media Praise China's Earthquake Relief
The Wall Street Journal Asia Edition (U.S.), the Globe and Mail (Canada), the Guardian (U.K.), among other foreign news agencies, have recently published articles on China's earthquake relief. They have all praised the earthquake relief efforts made by the Chinese government.
The Wall Street Journal Asia Edition published an article on May 21 saying that on the eighth day of the most serious natural disaster to hit China in decades, rescuing survivors from the ruins had been quickly replaced by the formidable challenge of helping them. The article said that people overseas have been deeply impressed by earthquake relief efforts by the Chinese government.
The Associated French Press (AFP) reported on May 21 that China has become more open amid the campaign.
Aircraft loaded with relief supplies from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, Singapore and other countries have arrived in disaster areas in southwestern China.
The Associated Press (AP) published an article on May 21 reporting that China is making great efforts to deal with a formidable task caused by the earthquake how to provide temporary shelter for so many people. The article said that many tents have been built; and food and medical care are provided to the people whose lives have been completely disrupted (混乱) by the earthquake.
The Global and Mail of Canada published an article on May 20 that said the rapid earthquake relief work in Sichuan demonstrates China's powerful economic strength.
An article carried in the British Guardian said that one week after the Sichuan earthquake, China began a three-day national mourning period at 14:28 on May19, and all Chinese people stood in silence for three minutes in memory of the victims.
The ongoing search and rescue action is encouraged by one miraculous survivor after another. Chinese officials said that, so far, no epidemic had occurred after the earthquake.
1. How many press media are mentioned in the article?
A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6
2. What is the best title of the passage?
A. Foreign media praise China's earthquake relief
B. the rapid earthquake relief work in Sichuan demonstrates China's powerful
economic strength
C. the most serious natural disaster to hit China in decades
D. Tens of thousands of people’s lives have been completely disrupted by the
earthquake.
3. According to the passage, what is the most pressing task in the earthquake-hit areas?
A. rescuing survivors
B. providing temporary shelter and food for the victims
C burying dead bodies
D. clearing away the ruins
4. What is the possible meaning of the underlined word “formidable” in paragraph 4?
A. very difficult B. glorious C. light D. pressing
The financial crisis will be the top issue at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The five – day meeting starts on Wednesday, January 28. More than two thousand five hundred people from ninety-six countries will discuss ways to solve the crisis.
The event gathers some of the world's most powerful political and business leaders at a small ski village in the Swiss Alps. Organizers this week announced a program built around the theme: “Shaping the Post-Crisis World."
But with the world still in crisis , there was news that no famous people from show business will be at the forum this year. Bona, the social activist and lead singer of the Irish rock group U2, usually attends. But he will not be attending this year.
Organizers expect a record forty-one heads of state or government. They include Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the prime minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga.
Among those expected from President Obama's new administration is Lawrence Summers, the director of the National Economic Council. Another is Mister Obama's national security adviser, retired general James Jones.
Members of the US Congress are also among the guest list, along with former president Clinten, a favorite at Davos. About sixty percent of those attending are business leaders.
The World Economic Forum will also discuss global warming, investment in low-carbon forms of energy in developing countries and other issues.
Klaus Schwab is the founder and chairman of the forum. He calls this one of the most important gatherings in its thirty-nine year history. He says the financial crisis should be seen as a wake-up call to change systems and ways of thinking, and to re-establish trust.
KLAUS SCHWAB: "We never will move out of the crisis if we do not re-establish confidence which means we have to establish signposts for the future."
1.What is the main purpose of the World Economic Forum this year?
A.To wake up people to establish signpost for the future.
B.To solve the problems of global warning.
C.To re-establish confidence of the leaders.
D.To discuss how to solve the crisis.
2.The underlined word “signpost” in the last paragraph means .
A.symbol B.road C.goal D.station
3.What does Klaus Schwab mean in the second paragraph from the bottom?
A.The crisis requires us to change.
B.We should change the systems of the forum.
C.The forum has a long history.
D.The crisis needs trust.
Third – generation mobile phones, known as 3G, are the next big step for the electron industry. Data spec in 3G networks are much quicker than present technology. This means users can have high-speed Internet access and enjoy video and CD-quality music on their phones.
“Mobile data is not a dream; it’s not an option but a requirement,” said Len Lauer, head of a US communications company, Sprint PCS, at a 3G conference in Bangkok earlier this month.
With 3G, you can forget about text messages telling you yesterday’s news; a 3G phone can receive video news programs, updated four times a day. Internet access will also be much quicker, making it easier to surf the Web on your phone than on your computer at home.
Face-to-face video calls
And don’t worry about getting lost. 3G phones offer map services so you can find a new restaurant just by pressing a few keys on your handset.
However, the most impressive part of 3G technology is video calling. With live two-way video communication, you can have face-to-face talks with friends and family on your mobile phone.
Many European countries have already launched the service. In May 2000 the US Government issued five license to run 3G wireless services, while the first 3G phones arrived in Italy in March this year.
International telecom companies can’t wait to sell 3G in China, the world’s largest mobile telecommunications market. But they will have to be patient. At the moment, China is busy testing its 3G-based technologies, networks and services. This will be followed by a trial period before the phones can finally hit the shops.
“We need to create a pool of 3G customers before the large-scale commercial launch of the service,” said Fan Yunjun, marketing manager for Beijing Mobile. “We expect that the 3G licenses will be issued late next year.”
1.Which 3G, you can do the following EXCEPT .
A.find your way easily
B.learn what’s going on in the world
C.make your computer run faster
D.make face – to – face video telephone calls
2.According to the text, which function of the following makes 3G technology most extraordinary?
A.It can provide video news programs, updated four times a day.
B.Users can have face – to – talks with friends and family on their mobile phones.
C.Users can enjoy video and CD – quality music on their phones.
D.It’ll be easier for users to surf the Web on their phone than on their computers at home.
3.Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A.3G mobile phones were first used in America.
B.Foreign telecom companies won’t enter China.
C.3G technology is now at the commercial stage in China.
D.Users in China won’t probably use 3G mobile phones until late next year.
4.What does Len Lauer want to inform the readers?
A.Realizing the dream of mobile data based on the application of 3G is a must.
B.There is no need to send messages since 3G, can receive video news programs.
C.3G is supposed to own all the functions that a computer has.
D.It is a choice to carry mobile data with 3G phones.
Have fun with Stamp collecting……Join the Collectors. Club today! If you enjoy learning all about stamps,then the Royal Mail’s Collectors Club is for you. Join the club and discover the fascinating world of stamps. There are over 70,000 members and it is one of the biggest clubs of its kind in the country. Become a member today and you will receive lots of wonderful stamp collecting goodies. ●A Starter pack.... And every two months… ●Collectors Club magazine ●Collectors Corner supplement And every year… ●A new Stamp Calendar ●A set of Album Pages John today! It won’t cost you much to experience the fun of stamp collecting. |
Collectors Club Starter Pack 1. 100 used stamps and hinges. 2. The Collectors Club Guide to Collecting. 3. The latest Collectors Club magazine (packed with news and views about stamps, quizzes and competitions, all in colour) 4. Album pages 5. Badge and stickers 6. Membership card 7. Royal Mail Stamp Calendar. ﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡ Already Registered? Sign In Here! Learn More View a Flash presentation about our club (3.51MB) |
1.Which of the following is NOT included in a starter pack?
A.One hundred used stamps and hinges and album pages.
B.The Collectors Club Guide to Collecting and badge and stickers.
C.The latest Collectors Club magazine and membership card.
D.Royal Mail Stamp Calendar and Collectors Corner supplement
2.This advertisement is written for people who want to .
A.make money through collecting stamps
B.develop stamp collection as a hobby
C.get something free from the club
D.find out where the club is located
3.From the advertisement we can learn .
A.Collectors Club is among the biggest clubs in this country
B.how much you must pay to become a member of the club
C.today is the last day for stamp collectors to join the club
D.members may receive a set of album pages every month
4.Where is this advertisement most probably found?
A.In a newspaper. B.On a web page.
C.In a magazine.D.On a TV program.
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。
Upon reaching an appropriate age, usually between 18 and 21 years, children are encouraged, but not forced, to “leave the nest” and begin an independent life. After children leave home they often find social relationships and financial support outside the family. Parents do not arrange marriages for their children, nor do children usually ask permission of their parents to get married, Romantic love is most often the basis for marriage in the United States; young adults meet their future spousesthrough other friends, at jobs, and in organizations and religious institutions, Although children choose their own spouses, they still hope their parents will approve of their choices.
In many families, parents feel that children should make major life decisions by themselves. A parent may try to influence a child to follow a particular profession but the child is free to choose another career. Sometimes children do precisely the opposite of what their parents wish in order to assert their independence. A son may deliberately decide not to go into his father’s business because of a fear that he will lose his autonomy in his father’s workplace. This independence from parents is not an indication that parents and children do not love each other. Strong love between parents and children is universal and this is no exception in the American family Coexisting with such love in the American family are cultural values of self – reliance and independence.
1.The writer discusses the marriage of young adults in order to show .
A.they choose their spouses according to their own wishes only
B.they want to win the permission of their parents
C.they have a strong desire to become independent
D.they want to challenge the authority of their parents
2.Most young adults in the U.S. get married for the sake of __ __.
A.love B.financial concern
C.their parents D.family background
3.Based on the passage, it can be assumed that ______.
A.American young adults are likely to follow the suit of their parents
B.most American people never make major decisions for their children
C.American young adults posses cultural values of independence
D.once a young person steps into his twenties, he will leave his home permanently
4.A son is unwilling to work in his father’s business mainly because .
A.he wishes to make full use of what he has learnt in school
B.he wants to prove his independence
C.he wishes to do the opposite of what his parents approve of
D.he wants to show his love for his parents