Edmund Halley was an English scientist who lived over 200 years ago. He studied the observations of comets (彗星) which other scientists had made. The orbit of one particular comet was a very difficult mathematical problem. He could not figure it out. Neither could other scientists who dealt with such problems. However, Halley had a friend named Newton, who was a brilliant (有才华的) mathematician. Newton thought he had already worked out that problem, but he could not find the papers on which he had done it. He told Halley that the orbit of a comet had the shape of an ellipse (椭圆) .
Now Halley set to work. He figured out the orbits of some of the comets that had been observed by scientists. He made a surprising discovery. The comets that had appeared in the years 1531, 1607, and 1682 all had the same orbit. Yet their appearances had been 75 to 76 years apart (相隔).
This seemed very strange to Halley. The different comets followed the same orbit. The more Halley thought about it, the more he thought that there had not been three different comets, as people thought. He decided that they had simply seen the same comet three times. The comet had gone away and had come back again.
It was an astonishing idea! Halley felt certain enough to make a prediction of what would happen in the future. He decided that this comet would appear in the year 1758. There were 53 years to go before Halley’s prediction could be tested.
In 1758 the comet appeared in the sky. Halley did not see it, for he had died some years before. Ever since then that comet has been called Halley’s comet, in his honor.Edmund Halley figured out the orbit of ______.
A.some different comets appearing several times |
B.three different comets appearing three times |
C.the same comet appearing at different times |
D.several comets appearing at the same time |
Halley made his discovery______.
A.by doing experiments |
B.by means of his own careful observation |
C.by using the work of other scientists |
D.by chance |
Halley made a surprising, but correct prediction in the year ______.
A.1707 | B.1706 | C.1705 | D.1704 |
This passage in general is about ______.
A.Halley and other scientists |
B.The orbit of a comet |
C.Newton and Halley |
D.Halley and his discovery |
According to the passage, which of the flowing is NOT true ?
A.Halley figured out the orbit of the comet first. |
B.Newton figured out the orbit of the comet. |
C.Newton gave Halley some help. |
D.Halley died before 1758. |
A Paul Zindel’s death on March 27,2003 ended the brilliant life of a famous writer.
Not only did Paul Zindel win a Pulitzer Prize as well as an Obie Prize for his 1970 play The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, but he was one of the earliest writers in the field of contemporary (当代的) literature for young adults (成人). The Pigman, published in 1968. is still one of the most well-known and widely-taught novels in the genre, the American Library Association has named it one of the 100 Best of the Best books for Young Adults published between 1967 and 1992, and Zindel’s autobiography. The Pigman and Me, was among the 100 Best of the Best Books published for teenagers during the last part of the twentieth century. Six of Zindel’s books, in fact, have been voted the Best Books for Young Adults, and most of his recent horror books—such as The Doom Stone and Rats—have been chosen as Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Clearly, he was a writer who knew how to interest contemporary children. Recognizing that, the American Library Association in 2002 honored Paul Zindel with the Margaret A. Edwards Prize for his lifetime achievements , and later that same year he was presented with the ALAN Prize for his contributions to Young Adult Literature. With his passing, young readers, teachers, and librarians have lost a great friend.Which of Paul Zindel’s books was the most popular with young adults in the20th century?
A.The Pigman. |
B.The Doom Stone. |
C.The Pigman and Me. |
D.The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. |
Why was Paul Zindel honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Prize?
A. His books were widely read by children.
B. His books were interesting and helpful to adults.
C. He made great contributions-to contemporary literature.
D. He wrote a number of horror books for young adults.When did Paul Zindel win the ALAN Prize?
A.In 2002 |
B.In 2003 |
C.Between 1967 and 1992 |
D.Between 2002 and 2003 |
Choose the correct statements from the following according to the passage.
a. The Pigman and Me was one of the Best Books for teenagers.
b. Zindel was one of the earliest writers who wrote for adults only.
c. The Doom Stone and Rats are not popular with young adults.
d. Zindel was given four prizes for literature before be died.
e. At least eight of Zindel’s books were very popular in his times.
A.c, d, e | B.a, b, c |
C.a. b. d | D.a, d, e |
Maurice Sendak's children's book,Where the Wild Things Are,published in 1963,has become very successful throughout the years and was made into a movie earlier this year.
The book's main character is a boy named Max who gets into trouble with his mother and is sent to bed without any supper.Before long,Max's room magically becomes a forest,and he sails away to a land where monsters live.Max isn't scared,though,and becomes king of the wild things,but after a while,he begins feeling homesick.Max sails back home and his supper is still hot when he arrives in his bedroom.
Many teachers and professors like this story and use it to help children develop creativity and imagination. Melina Davis,an education professor,said she likes how the book contains a couple of pages that have only pictures on them. “This allows children to shape the story themselves,” she said.
The book contains a few of larger words that some parents worry may confuse children,but experts say those words help improve children's reading skills and challenge them.
Davis said the book is well written which helps kids get involved in the story. “The book talks about what all children go through,like ‘I was naughty but my mommy still loves me'” Davis said.
The book also encourages children to face their fears.“I think it's really good to show that Max is friends with the monsters,” Davis said.“Kids can find out monsters aren't always the thing under the bed that's going to scare them.I think this is good because it shows that the children can go to scary places but still have a positive experience.”
Since the book has been successful throughout the years,a movie was recently made and many people are excited to see it.Davis said she thinks the movie will be wonderful but it might be a little scary for younger children.“You don't want bad dreams over a book that's extremely wonderful'” Davis said.Teachers and professors like the book Where the Wild Things Are because it helps children ________.
A.learn to draw their own pictures |
B.understand their own fear |
C.develop more quickly |
D.become more imaginative |
What is the intention of using the larger words in the book?
A.To add to the difficulty while children are reading. |
B.To help challenge the children's reading skills. |
C.To cause the children some confusion. |
D.To help children get involved in the story. |
Which of the following is TRUE about the book?
A.The character Max is brave enough in the story. |
B.Max was sent to the forest as punishment. |
C.It is suitable for people of all ages. |
D.It is the most popular children's book ever published. |
What does Davis think of the movie?
A.She thinks children of all ages will love it. |
B.She encourages children to see it to fight against their fear. |
C.She worries that it might be too frightening for some children. |
D.She believes it will be a better choice for children than the book. |
What's the author's purpose in writing the passage?
A.To suggest ways to improve children's reading. |
B.To comment on a famous children's book. |
C.To encourage children to read scary stories. |
D.To introduce a movie based on a children's book. |
In many countries today,laws protect wildlife.In India the need for such protection was realized centuries ago.
About 300 B.C.an Indian writer described forests that were somewhat like national parks today.The killing of game animals was carefully governed.Some animals were fully protected.Within the forest,nobody was allowed to cut trees,burn wood,or trap animals for their furs.Animals that became dangerous to human visitors were trapped or killed outside the park,so that other animals would not become uneasy.
The need for wildlife protection is greater now than ever before.About a thousand sorts of animals are in danger of extinction,and the speed at which they are being destroyed has been putting_on.With mammals(哺乳类动物),for example,the speed of extinction is now about one sort every year;from A. D.1 to 1800,the speed was about one sort every fifty years.Everywhere,men are trying to solve the problem of saving wildlife while caring for the world's growing population.This report says that the need for protecting wildlife________.
A.is met in many countries today |
B.was understood centuries ago |
C.is carried out in forests as well as in national parks |
D.was described by an Indian writer about 2,300 years ago |
The report says that in Indian forests long ago________.
A.hunters were given permits to hunt game |
B.no killing of animals was allowed |
C.only dangerous animals were killed |
D.the killing of game animals was forbidden |
According to the report,men trying to save wildlife are thinking about ________as well.
A.the animals in national parks |
B.stricter laws against hunting |
C.the trees in the forests |
D.the needs of people |
The underlined phrase “putting on” in the third paragraph probably means ________.
A.slowing down | B.rising |
C.growing up | D.going on |
The growth of the world's population means________.
A.greater danger to wild life |
B.people like animals better |
C.over a thousand sorts of animals are extinct |
D.only one sort of animal is extinct every year |
Sure,it's good to get along well with your teacher because it makes the time you spend in the classroom more pleasant.
And yes,it's good to get along well with your teacher because,in general,it's smart to learn how to get along well with the different types of people you'll meet throughout your life.
In fact,kids who get along well with their teachers not only learn more,but they're more comfortable with asking questions and getting extra help.This makes it easier for them to understand new materials and makes them do their best on tests.When you have this kind of relationship with a teacher,he or she can be someone to turn to with problems,such as problems with learning or school issues(问题).
Here is a question:what if you don't get along with your teachers?In fact,teachers want to get along well with you and enjoy seeing you learn.But teachers and students sometimes have personality clashes(个性冲突),which can happen between any two people.If you show your teacher that you want to make the situation better,he or she will probably do everything possible to make that happen.By dealing with a problem like this,you learn something about how to get along with people who are different from you.
However if a certain teacher isn't your favorite,you can still have a successful relationship with her or him,especially ________.Here are some of those responsibilities(责任):
Attend class ready to learn.
Be prepared for class with the right stationery,books,and completed assignments(作业).
Listen when your teacher is talking.
Do your best,whether it's a classroom assignment,homework,or a test.The passage is written for ________.
A.students | B.teachers |
C.advisers | D.parents |
According to the passage,getting along well with your teachers will make you ________.
A.have no problems with study |
B.get a better seat in the classroom |
C.get the best scores in the exams |
D.have more pleasant time in the classroom |
The underlined word “that” in the fourth paragraph refers to ________.
A.the happy time you have in the classroom |
B.getting along very well with classmates |
C.a better relationship between you and your teacher |
D.the disappearance of personality differences |
“________”can be filled in the blank.
A.if you fulfill(履行)your basic responsibilities as a student |
B.if you are thought of as a good student |
C.if you know some basic social skills |
D.if you are easygoing and helpful |
What does the passage mainly talk about?
A.The importance of friendship in schools. |
B.The importance of a good relationship with your teachers. |
C.Studying skills for students. |
D.Useful skills to get along well with your teachers. |
Dana Cummings was in his thirties before he first went surfing. But, even more interesting is that Dana Cummings chose to learn the sport after losing a leg in a car accident. Now, nine years later, he helps other disabled (伤残的) people learn how to ride the waves in AmpSurf.
On the coast of Maine, he is working with 27-year-old Matthew Fish, who is partly blind. Cummings takes hold of Fish and leads him into the ocean. The surfboard floats next to them. Fish lies on the surfboard. He tries to stand up on it. After a few attempts (尝试) he is up and riding all the way back to land. “That was exciting,” Fish says.
A car accident in 2002 took Dana Cummings’ leg. He says the crash changed him more than just physically. “Losing my leg made me realize how precious (珍贵的) life is and get off the couch and start living. I do more things now than I ever did before. Next week I am going to compete in a contest in Hawaii,” Dana says.
One year later Dana Cummings formed AmpSurf. AmpSurf is a group that volunteers to hold surfing classes and events for people with all kinds of disabilities.
Recently, AmpSurf took its training programs to the East Coast. Eleven students attended the class in Maine. They came from all over the northeastern United States.
Dana Cummings thinks AmpSurf can change the way a disabled person thinks. “Most people with disabilities consider himself or herself unlucky and useless, but we want them to see what they can do. Who cares you lose your leg or you are blind, whatever? Have fun. Just enjoy life. Take the most advantage of it you can,” Dana says.Matthew Fish thinks learning to ride the waves is _____.
A.interesting | B.easy |
C.boring | D.difficult |
When did Dana Cummings set up AmpSurf according to the text?
A.In 2002. | B.In 2003. |
C.In 2008. | D.In 2011. |
According to Dana Cummings, AmpSurf can _____.
A.ease the physical pain of the disabled |
B.help the disabled learn to get used to their life |
C.change the attitude of the disabled towards life |
D.make the disabled pay more attention to their disabilities |
What is the best title for the text?
A.Dana Cummings — a great surfer |
B.AmpSurf — a training group |
C.How to learn to live with disabilities |
D.Disabled surfers ride the waves |