Ever since Canadian psychiatrist Michael R. Phillips, who works in China, released his report saying China’s suicide rate from 1995 to 1999 reached 0.023 percent, the country has been ranked among those with the highest suicide rates in the world. But Jing Jun, a professor of sociology in Tsinghua University, challenges that view and presents the true picture through his nationwide research.
Jing and his students took one year to set up the first national database on suicide rate to grasp the overall trend of suicides in China. They collected data from the Health Statistics Annuals of the World Health Organization (sample size 10 million), and the country’s Health Statistics Annuals (which cover 100 million people). The database covers 23 years, from 1987 to 2009. Jing calculates the suicide rate in China based on these data. Though the suicide rate was comparatively high in the early years, his study shows it has dropped in recent years, as opposed to the ascending trend in the rest of the world.
According to Jing’s calculation, China’s suicide rate had dropped to about 0.01 percent in 2004. In 2009, the figure dropped further to 0.007 percent, which is rather low compared with the global rate of 0.016 percent. Even if the “missing” suicides were added, China’s suicide rate in 2009 would still be below 0.008 percent.
Jing has found that one of the main reasons why the suicide rate has dropped was the steady and big decline in the number of suicides committed by rural women. In the early years, researchers generally agreed that the suicide rate among Chinese women was higher than among men, which is pretty rare in the rest the world. But the suicide rate among Chinese women, especially in rural areas, has declined remarkably in recent years. In fact, it is almost equal to that of Chinese men.
As a sociologist, Jing regards suicide as a social issue, and believes improvement of social policies will reduce the suicide rate even further. More people’s lives can be saved if the authorities adjust to social environment for the better, he concludes.From Jing’s search, we can see ________.
A.China has been ranked among those with the highest suicide rates in the world |
B.in the rest of the world suicide rate has been rising quickly in the last few years |
C.different from Michael R. Philip’s idea, the trend of suicides in China is declining |
D.the suicide rate among Chinese women is lower than that of men |
The data in Para. 2 is mainly to prove that ________.
A.the result from Jing’s research is believable |
B.Jing’s research is more complicated than Michael R. Phillip’s |
C.Jing has made great efforts to make the research |
D.China’s suicide rate was comparatively low all the time |
Why has the suicide rate in China dropped steadily according to Jing Jun?
A.Because the life level of Chinese people has improved a lot. |
B.Because China’s government has adopted measures to reduce the suicide rate. |
C.Because the number of Chinese women who commit suicide has declined. |
D.Because the world environment affects the suicide rate in China. |
In Jing’s opinion, what should be done to reduce the suicide?
A.Pay more attention to rural women. |
B.Continue to improve social environment. |
C.Set up more mental health centers. |
D.Make policies to prevent suicides. |
We can infer that the text is _______.
A.a news report |
B.a research report |
C.a description of suicides |
D.an introduction to a professor |
We experience different forms of the Sun’s energy every day. We can see its light and feel its warmth. The Sun is the major source of energy for our planet. It causes the evaporation (蒸发) of water from the oceans and lakes. Sunlight also provides the energy used by green plants to make their own food. These green plants then provide food for all organisms(生物) on the Earth.
Much of the energy that comes from the Sun never reaches the Earth’s surface. It is either reflected or absorbed by the gases in the upper atmosphere. Of the energy that reaches the lower atmosphere,30% is reflected by clouds or the Earth’s surface. The remaining 70% warms the surface of the planet, causes water to evaporate, and provides energy for the water cycle and weather. Only a tiny part, approximately 0.023%, is actually used by green plants to produce food.
Many gases found in the atmosphere actually reflect heat energy escaping from the Earth’s surface back to the Earth. These gases act like the glass of a greenhouse in that they allow energy from the Sun to enter but prevent energy from leaving. They are therefore called greenhouse gases.
When sunlight strikes an object, some of the energy is absorbed and some is reflected. The amount reflected depends on the surface. For example, you’ve probably noticed how bright snow is when sunlight falls on it. Snow reflects most of the energy from the Sun, so it contributes to the low temperatures of winter. Dark-coloured surfaces, such as dark soil or forest, absorb more energy and help warm the surrounding air.According to the passage, the root( 根本的) cause for weather changes on the Earth is .
A.the atmosphere surrounding the Earth |
B.water from oceans and lakes |
C.energy from the Sun |
D.greenhouse gases in the sky |
Only a small part of the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s surface because most of it is .
A.absorbed by the clouds in the lower atmosphere |
B.reflected by the gases in the upper atmosphere |
C.lost in the upper and lower atmosphere |
D.used to evaporate water from the oceans and lakes |
We learn from the passage that .
A.all living things on the Earth depend on the Sun for their food |
B.a forest looks dark in winter because it absorbs solar energy |
C.only 0.023% of the energy from the Sun is made use of on the Earth |
D.greenhouse gases allow heat energy to escape from the Earth’s surface |
A volcanic eruption in Iceland has sent ash across northern Europe. Airlines have stopped or changed the flights across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck in airports.
Grimsvom is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Europe. What makes Grimsvom different is that it lies under a huge glacier(冰川)of ice up to 12 maters thick. The hot volcano heats up the ice above it, which then forms a layer(层)of water between the glacier and the volcano This layer of water puts pressure on the volcano, keeping it stable, As the water flows out from under the glacier, the pressure lifts. The lava(岩浆)from the volcano then comes up to the surface. This is exactly what happened today.
Now, airlines have to make changes to their flights so as not to fly through the clouds of volcanic ash. According to KLM. one of Europe’s biggest airlines, airplanes cannot go under the cloud or over it. Going through the cloud can result in ash getting stuck in the airplane’s engines, causing damage to the plane.
The eruption has also caused problems for animals in Iceland. The volcano left ash and sharp. Glass-like rocks all over the countryside. Farmers are keeping their animals inside to stop them from eating ash- covered grass to the sharp object.What makes Grimsvom different from other volcanoes?
A.It is below ice. | B.It lies under the sea |
C.It is the largest volcano | D.It is lava affects the airlines |
What keeps Grimsvom still?
A.The slow flow of water | B.The low water temperature |
C.The thick glacier | D.The water pressure |
Which of the following is the result of the volcanic eruption?
A.People stop traveling in Europe |
B.Airlines suffer from the loss of planes |
C.It becomes dangerous for animals to eat outside |
D.Farmers have lost many of their animals |
This text is most probably taken from_____
A.a research paper | B.a newspaper report |
C.a class presentation | D.a geography textbook. |
My name is Amanda LaMunyon. I have Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism (自闭症). I don’t see myself as a person with a disability. I share who I am when I paint, sing and write.
I started writing poetry because I wanted to tell people what it was like to have Asperger’s syndrome. I don’t know how my life would be different without Asperger’s, but I know I look at the world differently than most people. I’m also learning that you don’t have to be like everybody else. You just have to be confident in who you are.
I discovered I could paint when I was 7. My math teacher Mrs. Brock loved one of my paintings so much that she hung it on the wall in her bedroom. I was so encouraged by her and since then my life has changed greatly.
Soon after, people asked me to show my art for charity events. I began to donate prints of my work for charity auctions (拍卖). I was glad that I really made a difference. I learned that when you give, you receive happiness.
I think it is very important for teens to express themselves. It’s a way to know yourself more clearly. You can turn your thoughts and feelings into a piece of artwork or a poem.
For example, when you paint, colors can help you express different emotions. When you write a poem, you have to get really honest with yourself and not be afraid to write down what you feel.
Creativity makes you unique and sets you apart from others. Creative ideas also help you make your dreams come true. They help you look at things in a new way.
I hope my story helps people to believe they can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams. I like to encourage others. I know what encouragement has meant to me.The author mentions Mrs. Brock because she ______.
A.taught the author how to paint |
B.found the author had a gift for painting |
C.influenced the author’s later life greatly |
D.encouraged the author to change her life |
The author advises teens to ______.
A.learn more about themselves | B.express themselves in art |
C.show their thoughts to others | D.dream big and go for it |
Which of the following words can best describe the author?
A.Lucky. | B.Hardworking. | C.Positive. | D.Humorous. |
What would be the best title for the text?
A.Power of art | B.Happiness of giving |
C.Importance of creativity | D.Wonder of encouragement |
Greece is one of the most beautiful countries of the world. Millions of tourists visit this place every year. In Greece the bus is the most convenient and preferred means of travelling. There are intercity(城市间的) buses operated by KTEL that interconnect(相互连接) various cities of Greece, and there are international buses operated by OSE that connect Greece to other European cities.
Every tourist must visit Greece at least once in life. This country is really a vacation heaven. It is the perfect blend of history and art with adventure and romance. You can dive into deep blue waters, climb up the mountains or enjoy ancient architecture and history.
Buses in Greece are cheap and very comfortable. All bus stations display schedules of buses on every route. Conductors and drivers are very polite and helpful. Travelers never face any trouble locating and boarding buses to their destinations. Tourists can always ask the conductor to inform them about their stop, so that they can get down at the right stop. Everyone here is more than happy to help tourists.
Athens, the capital of Greece, has three bus terminals. Buses to different part of Greece leave from different terminals.
Air-conditioned express buses(空调快车) also operated between major cities. They are faster and more comfortable than other buses. Tourists can choose guided Greece bus tour. These tours are the perfect way of exploring this great country.
Buses in Greece are also a great way of saving bucks on the journey. The long-distance bus system is very cheap. Buses save a lot of money to cover long distances, cheaper than taxis or cars. They are also the best means of interacting with local people. You can sit next to a native Greece and get some information about the place.The company KTEL offers bus services__________.
A.to different cities in Greece
B.B.from Greece to other countries
C.to tourist attractions in Greece
D.from Greece to its bordering(相邻的) countriesIt can be inferred from Paragraph 3 that the Greece are_________.
A.generous | B.hard-working | C.economical | D.warm-hearted |
If you are a tourist of Greece from oversea(海外), you’d better choose________.
A. taxis
B.B.cars
C.C.guided Greece bus tours
D.D.air-conditioned express busesThe underlined word “bucks” in the last paragraph probable refers to_______.
A.money | B.energy | C.time | D.trouble |
While taking long-distance buses, you can________.
A.know more about the bus schedules
B.B.make friends with the conductors
C.learn more about bus systems in Greece
D.learn something about the place you’re visiting
Have you ever stayed in a hotel? Most Chinese hotels often provide guests with things like disposable (一次性的) toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and slippers. Many guests like the idea because they don't have to bring their own. But, if you travel to Beijing, remember to bring your own things. Starting from June, some hotels in Beijing will no longer provide guests with these disposables. They want to ask people to use less disposable things.
Many disposable things are made of plastic(塑料). People throw them away after only using them once. It is a waste of natural resources and is very bad for the environment. Do you know, one Chinese person makes as much as 400kg of waste a year! Most of that waste comes from disposable things. In Beijing, people throw away about 19,000 tons of plastic bags and 1,320 tons of plastic lunch bowls every year! Plastic can take between 100 and 400 years to break down. So the less plastic we throw out, the better. So, wherever you travel, bring your own things and use them again and again.
Back at home and school, you can also do something to make our world a better place. Try to do these things in your daily life:
Use cloth shopping bags, not plastic ones.
After using a plastic bag, wash it out and let it dry. Then you can use it over and over again.
Do not use paper cups. At your school canteen(食堂), use your own bowl and chopsticks instead of disposable ones.Why do many hotels provide guests with some disposable things?
A.Let their guests be convenient during their travelling. |
B.Hope their guests use less disposable things. |
C.Wish their guests to save money. |
D.Want their guests to use more disposable things. |
Some Beijing hotels will no longer provide guests with ____.
A.cheap food and drink | B.disposable things |
C.good service | D.free TV programs |
Which of the following is NOT true?
A.Many disposable things are made of plastic. |
B.Throwing disposable things away is a waste of natural resources. |
C.Plastic is very bad for the environment. |
D.Plastic breaks down easily. |
What can we do to make our world a better place at home and school?
A.Use shopping bags made of plastic. |
B.Do not throw away paper cups. |
C.Use disposable plates, bowls and chopsticks. |
D.Do not forget to reuse daily necessities(日用品). |
We can tell from the story that ____.
A.people don't like disposable things at all |
B.we can't use paper or plastic bowls at school |
C.we should use less plastic things and protect our environment |
D.hotels won't provide disposable things because they want to save money |