E
A German study suggests that people who were too optimistic about their future actually faced greater risk of disability or death within 10 years than those pessimists( 悲观者)who expected their future to be worse.
The paper, published this March in Psychology and Aging, examined health and welfare surveys from roughly 40,000 Germans between ages 18 and 96. The surveys were conducted every year from 1993 to 2003.
Survey respondents (受访者) were asked to estimate their present and future life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, among other questions.
The researchers found that young adults (age 18 to 39) routinely overestimated their future life satisfaction, while middle-aged adults (age 40 to 64) more accurately predicted how they would feel in the future. Adults of 65 and older, however, were far more likely to underestimate their future life satisfaction. Not only did they feel more satisfied than they thought they would, the older pessimists seemed to suffer a lower ratio (比率) of disability and death for the study period.
“We observed that being too optimistic in predicting a better future than actually observed was associated with a greater risk of disability and a greater risk of death within the following decade,” wrote Frieder R. Lang, a professor at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Lang and his colleagues believed that people who were pessimistic about their future may be more careful about their actions than people who expected a rosy future.
“Seeing a dark future may encourage positive evaluations of the actual self and may contribute to taking improved precautions (预防措施),” the authors wrote.
Surprisingly, compared with those in poor health or who had low incomes, respondents who enjoyed good health or income were associated with expecting a greater decline. Also, the researchers said that higher income was related to a greater risk of disability.
The authors of the study noted that there were limitations to their conclusions. Illness, medical treatment and personal loss could also have driven health outcomes. However, the researchers said a pattern was clear. “We found that from early to late adulthood, individuals adapt their expectations of future life satisfaction from optimistic, to accurate, to pessimistic,” the authors concluded.According to the study, who made the most accurate prediction of their future life satisfaction?
| A．Optimistic adults. |
| B．Middle-aged adults. |
| C．Adults in poor health. |
| D．Adults of lower income. |
Pessimism may be positive in some way because it causes people ______.
| A．to fully enjoy their present life |
| B．to estimate their contribution accurately |
| C．to take measures against potential risks |
| D．to value health more highly than wealth |
How do people of higher income see their future?
| A．They will earn less money. |
| B．They will become pessimistic. |
| C．They will suffer mental illness. |
| D．They will have less time to enjoy life. |
What is the clear conclusion of the study?
| A．Pessimism guarantees chances of survival. |
| B．Good financial condition leads to good health. |
| C．Medical treatment determines health outcomes. |
| D．Expectations of future life satisfaction decline with age. |
President Barack Obama nominated (提名) Utah governor Jon Huntsman as ambassador (大使) to China on May 16.
Huntsman, 49, is the son of a Utah multimillionaire (千万富翁). He served as ambassador to Singapore under former president George H.W. Bush. In 2004, he became the governor of Utah and was elected for a second term in 2008.
The governor has strong ties to China: He lived in Taiwan when he was a teenager and speaks fluent Chinese. One of his daughters was adopted (收养) from China. His family also has business ties with China through Huntsman Corp, a chemical company. It has operations (动作) in the country including a factory in Shanghai.
Huntsman’s nomination has been met with praise in both countries.
“Jon Huntsman is a well-regarded politician (政治家) in the US…… his experience as ambassador to Singapore and his knowledge of China, plus his wonderful Chinese language skills singled him out from the large number of candidates,” Dai Min, president of the US-based Center for America-China Partnership (中美合作中心), told China Daily.
Obama appointed Huntsman “in order to seek China’s help and cooperation” on several international and regional issues, said Yuan Peng, professor of American Studies at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (中国现代国际关系研究院).
Some people say that President Obama’s decision to name John Huntsman is a well thought out political strategy. Huntsman is a big player in the Republican Party, and a possible presidential candidate for 2012. If he really has joined the Obama administration, he has lost that possibility. Now, when Obama kicks off his re-election campaign, “ambassador” Huntsman won’t be a threat.
64.The nomination of Huntsman won praise on both sides for the following reasons EXCEPT that _________.
A. he has business ties with China
B. he can speak Chinese fluently
C. he is a very experienced politician
D. he knows China very well
65.Which of the following facts about Huntsman is NOT true ?
A. He was once ambassador to Singapore.
B. He was elected governor of Utah twice.
C. He has served two presidents as governor.
D. He spent part of his youth in Taiwan.
66.From the last two paragraphs, we can conclude that ____________.
A. Obama considers China America’s top trade partner.
B. By choosing Huntsman, Obama kills two birds with one stone.
C. Huntsman will probably run for president in 2012.
D. Huntsman will settle several international and regional issues.
Jobs for abroad students in Shanghai
Ad No.37120
Posted Nov. 23, 2009 10:44 by castellari
We are an Italian company engaged in high leveled Italian coffee and coffee machines. Now, we have a program which requires involving of foreign students in Shanghai.
This is a job about selling our products online in the office to individuals or offices or any place where there’s a need for coffee. You’re required to work only at weekends. We’ll offer you a favorable payment. For those who’re interested, please contact Ava.
Reply to: zhangaihui@live.cnTel: 61212021
Office assistant needed (Full-time)
Ad No.40994
Posted Nov. 23, 2009 10:55 by roybivExpire
UK Accessories Brand is looking for a new talented person to develop with the company. You must be able to speak a little English and understand emails written in English. Please send your personal information with expected salary to us.
Contact: Josie
Reply to: info@josiechenrange.com Tel: 63573038
Teaching in China
Ad No. 40894
Posted Nov. 23, 2009 09:23 by Sh_ shifter
We have contacted most schools all over China and agreed to introduce many good foreign teachers to the schools. This is one of the best positions because you can work in different cities of China at different times.
Position: Oral English teachers (Full-time)
Salary: 8,000 RMB～10,000 RMB per month
Working load: 20～22 hours per week
Apartment: Free fully furnished single accommodation, equipped with telephone, TV, air conditioner, fridge and so on.
Teacher’s qualification: BA / BS / TESL and having teaching experience is preferred.
Contact: Foreign Affairs Manger, International Department
Address: No. 9 Jiefang road, Wuhan, Hubei
Tel: 86(0)2782300522
Email: teachinglanguage2009@gmail.com
Logistics(后勤) manager needed in Shanghai
Ad No.41055
Posted Nov. 23, 2009 17:01 by jobtrans
We want to find 2 full-time logistics manager for our forwarding company.
Requirements:
(1) Female; (2) Bachelor’s degree or above; (3) 3-year working experience required.
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.jobtrans.cn
Tel: 62875341
60.What do these advertisements have in common (共同)?
A. They all employ only applicants (求职者) with work experience.
B. The employment agencies are all based in Shanghai.
C. They are posted on the same day.
D. They are all for China-based foreign companies.
61.Miss Green wants to find a part-time job, which telephone number should she dial?
A. 63573038 B. 61212021 C. 86(0)27782300522 D. 62875341
62.Li Ming has just finished high school, which position might suit him?
A. Salesman in the Italian company.
B. A logistics manager.
C. An oral English teacher.
D. Office assistant in UK Accessories Brand.
63.Your American friend Mr. Smith wants to find a job in China which offers a flexible (易弯曲的，可适应的) workplace, you may recommend him to _____________.
A. write to teachinglanguage2009@gmail.com
B. visit http://www.jobtrans.cn
C. write to zhangaihui@live.cn
D. write to info@josiechenrange.com
第三节：阅读理解（共15小题，每小题2分，共30分）
请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
Strong winds, sand in the air, poor visibility (能见度), we all know the characteristics of a sandstorm. But what else do you know about them?
Did you know, for example, that the first sandstorm of 2009 hit north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region late February?
Sandstorms are today a feature of life in northern China because of desertification (沙漠化) and the retreat (退化) of the northern grasslands. They usually occur between February and May.
Fortunately, sandstorms this year should be fewer than in past years in north China, according to the National Meteorological Center (中央气象台).
And the chances of sandstorms hitting Beijing are small, because recent rain has stopped drought and reduced dry dirt and dust. Tree planting, and other measures taken by the government, has also helped decrease the chance of sandstorms in the city.
Sandstorms can be dangerous. However, there are measures you can take to protect yourself from harm.
﹡Wear a mask. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask that can keep out sand, or use a damp handkerchief.
﹡If you are driving and the storm is at a distance, it may be possible to outrun (超过) it. If it looks like you will be caught in the storm, stop and wait it out.
﹡Take a cover. If there is no shelter, then lie down. Keep eyes, nose and mouth covered. Cover your head with your arms or a backpack to protect yourself against flying objects.
If you are caught in a desert sandstorm, take the following actions.
﹡Mark your direction before lying down. It is easy to get lost in a desert.
﹡Keep plenty of water at hand. If you get lost, you need water to survive until you find your way or help arrives.
﹡Stay together if traveling in a group. Lock arms if caught in a sandstorm. The most useful measure would actually be to make sandstorms disappear forever. To make this goal come true, people should plant trees, and stop desertification.
Today, the straight-line distance between Tiananmen Square and a desert called Tianmo in Hebei province is only about 80km. If desertification is not stopped, environmental protection experts say, it will probably not be long before Beijingers can catch a camel to work.
56.According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?
A. So far in 2009 no sandstorm has happened.
B. Sandstorms usually happen in spring.
C. Sandstorms are a feature of life in China.
D. In sandstorms in cities, what you need to protect yourself from is just the sand in the air.
57.Which may not be the right action to take to protect yourself from harm in a sandstorm?
A. Finding a shelter.
B. Covering your head with a bag.
C. Lying down.
D. When driving, speed up and rush through the sandstorm.
58.What can we infer from the passage ?
A. North China has been suffering from sandstorms for several years.
B. The distance between Beijing and the desert has made the chances of sandstorms hitting Beijing small this year.
C. Planting trees can help make sandstorms disappear.
D. It is more dangerous to be caught in sandstorms in cities because there are more flying objects.
59.What’s the best title of the passage?
A. The realities of sandstorm B. The cause of sandstorm.
C. The influences of sandstorm D. The future of sandstorm.
Many people think the search for cleaner energy leads only to renewable resources like sun, wind and water. But it also leads to a fossil fuel. Natural gas is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, the fuel created by plant and animal remains over millions of years. Burning it releases fewer pollutants than oil or coal. The gas is mainly methane (甲烷). It produces half the carbon dioxide of other fossil fuels. So it may help cut the production of carbon gases linked to climate change.
Russia is first in what are called "proved reserves" of natural gas. The United States is sixth. Over the years, big oil and gas companies recovered much of the easily reached supplies of gas in America. They drilled straight down into formations where gas collects. As these supplies were used up, big drillers looked for similar formations in other countries.
But now the industry is taking a new look. Companies are developing gas supplies trapped in shale (页岩) rock two to three thousand meters underground. They drill down to the shale, then go sideways and inject high-pressure water, sand or other material into the rock. This causes the rock to fracture, releasing the gas. Huge fields of gas shale are believed to lie under the Appalachian Mountains, Michigan and the south-central states. Gas shale exploration is being done mainly by small to medium sized companies. Eric Potter, a program director, says more than half the gas in the United States is now coming from these new reserves.
But hydraulic (液压的) fracturing can also produce debate and anger over the risk of groundwater pollution. This method of drilling is not federally supervised under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Some in Congress want to end that exemption (豁免) from the law.
Natural gas provides Americans with about one fourth of their energy. And, unlike oil, most of it is produced in America. Gas producers invested heavily in reaching new supplies when prices were high. But prices are down sharply now because the depression cut demand for energy. So energy expert Eric Potter says it is too early to know how the changing market prices will affect the market for gas shale exploration.
72. We can learn from the first paragraph that ________.
A. natural gas releases methane and carbon dioxide
B. natural gas is considered as the cleanest energy
C. natural gas is more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuels
D. natural gas is a renewable source of energy
73. The word “fracture” in Paragraph 3 probably means ________.
A. create B. break C. change D. decrease
74. Gas shale exploration may cause disagreement because ________.
A. it may cause water pollution B. it brings too high profits
C. it breaks the law D. it is out of states’ control
75. According to Eric Potter, the new gas shale exploration ________.
A. will provide America with about one fourth of their energy
B. will increase demand for energy
C. will make gas producers invest a big sum of money
D. may be influenced by the changing market prices
As I was reading a recent story in Slate on 20-somethings complaining about how the economy was ruining their life plans, I couldn’t help but think the 20-somethings sounded like a bunch of spoiled children who grew up expecting everything to be easy for them. As a 20-something myself, I certainly share their disappointment: my husband and I probably won’t be able to buy a house until we’re in our 40s, and we too are burdened by student loans(贷款). But why should it be any different? Being young persons in America, shouldn’t they take up all of the challenges and opportunities that this country offers?
Consider some of these views shared in the Slate story: Jennifer, 29, owner of a two-bedroom apartment with her husband, worries that she won’t be able to have children for at least a decade because they can’t afford to buy a house yet.
I read that, and I thought, what planet is she living on where you need to own a house in order to have kids? Has she ever visited a developing country, or even downtown areas in this one? Home ownership is a luxury(奢华), not a fertility requirement.
A 26-year-old in the story despairs(绝望) that he can’t afford to get a Ph.D. in literature. Well, that sounds a bit like expressing disappointment that no one will pay you to write poetry on the beach in Thailand for five years.
Yes, it’s sad that these young people feel so lost. But I think the problem is their extremely high expectations, not economic reality. Beth Kobliner, author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties, says that she thinks people’s expectations are slowly adjusting, but today’s 20-somethings grew up at a time when everyone’s wealth appeared to be expanding. Their parents probably saw their home values rise along with their investments. “So you have people who have grown up in an environment where people had great expectations of what living well means,” says Kobliner.
This recession(衰退) will certainly play a role in forcing those expectations into more realistic group. In the meantime, it seems a lot better for our mental health to focus on being grateful－for our one-bedroom apartments, for living in modern cities, or perhaps just for being able to eat three meals a day－than on longing for some kind of luxury life.
68. What makes the author think the 20-somethings sound like a bunch of spoiled children?
A. They expect everything to be easy for them.
B. They complain that the economy is spoiling their life plans.
C. They are reluctant to face all of the challenges.
D. They are burdened by student loans.
69. The underlined word “fertility” in Paragraph 3 probably means ________.
A. baby production B. pleasant C. baby comfort D. essential
70. What’s the author’s attitude towards the 20-somthings with high expectation in Paragraph 5?
A. Intolerant. B. Negative. C. Unbelieving. D. Understanding.
71. What is the best title for this passage?
A. How Young People Afford to Continue Their Study
B. Why Young People Can’t Afford to Buy a House
C. When Young People’s High Hopes Create Despair
D. What the 20-somethings’ High Expectations Are