The thing is，my luck’s always been ruined． Just look at my name: Jean．Not Jean Marie，or Jeanine，or Jeanette，or even Jeanne．Just Jean．Did you know in France，they name boys Jean? It’s French for John．And okay，I don’t live in France．But still，I’m basically a girl named John．If I lived in France，anyway．
This is the kind of luck I’ve had since before Mom even filled out my birth certificate．So it wasn’t any big surprise to me when the cab driver didn’t help me with my suitcase．I’d already had to tolerate arriving at the airport to find no one there to greet me，and then got no answer to my many phone calls，asking where my aunt and uncle were．Did they not want me after all? Had they changed their minds? Had they heard about my bad luck—all the way from Iowa—and decided they didn’t want any of it to rub off on them?
So when the cab driver，instead of getting out and helping me with my bags，just pushed a little button so that the trunk (汽车后备箱) popped open a few inches，it wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to me．It wasn’t even the worst thing that had happened to me that day．
According to my mom，most brownstones in New York City were originally single-family homes when they were built way back in the 1800s．But now they’ve been divided up into apartments，so that there’s one—or sometimes even two or more families—per floor．
Not Mom’s sister Evelyn’s brownstone，though．Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted Gardiner own all four floors of their brownstone．That’s practically one floor per person，since Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted only have three kids，my cousins Tory，Teddy，and Alice．
Back home，we just have two floors，but there are seven people living on them．And only one bathroom．Not that I’m complaining．Still，ever since my sister Courtney discovered blow-outs，it’s been pretty frightful at home．
But as tall as my aunt and uncle’s house was，it was really narrow—just three windows across．Still，it was a very pretty townhouse，painted gray．The door was a bright，cheerful yellow．There were yellow flower boxes along the base of each window，flower boxes from which bright red—and obviously newly planted，since it was only the middle of April，and not quite warm enough for them．
It was nice to know that，even in a sophisticated (世故的) city like New York，people still realized how homey and welcoming a box of flowers could be．The sight of those flowers cheered me up a little．
Like maybe Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted just forgot I was arriving today，and hadn’t deliberately failed to meet me at the airport because they’d changed their minds about letting me come to stay．
Like everything was going to be all right，after all．
Yeah．With my luck，probably not．
I started up the steps to the front door of 326 East Sixty-Ninth Street，then realized I couldn’t make it with both bags and my violin．Leaving one bag on the sidewalk，I dragged the other up the steps with me．Maybe I took the steps a little too fast，since I nearly tripped and fell flat on my face on the sidewalk．I managed to catch myself at the last moment by grabbing some of the fence the gardeners had put up…Why did the author go to New York?
| A．She intended to go sightseeing there． |
| B．She meant to stay with her aunt’s family． |
| C．She was homeless and adopted by her aunt. |
| D．She wanted to try her luck and find a job there． |
According to the author，some facts account for her bad luck EXCEPT that ________．
| A．she was given a boy’s name in French |
| B．the cab driver didn’t help her with her bags |
| C．her sister Courtney discovered blow-outs |
| D．nobody had come to meet her at the airport |
The underlined phrase “rub off on” in Paragraph 3 probably means _________.
| A．have an effect on |
| B．play tricks on |
| C．put pressure on |
| D．throw doubt on |
From the passage，we can know that _________．
| A．the author left home without informing her mother |
| B．the author arrived in New York in a very warm season |
| C．her aunt’s family lived a much better life than her own |
| D．her aunt and uncle were likely to forget about her arrival |
Sports can help you keep fit and get in touch with nature. However, whether you are on the mountains, in the waves, or on the grassland, you should be aware that your sport of choice might have great influence on the environment.
Some sports are resource-hungry. Golf, as you may know, eats up not only large areas of countryside, but also tons of water. Besides, all sorts of chemicals and huge amounts of energy are used to keep its courses (球场) in good condition. This causes major environmental effects. For example, in the dry regions of Portugal and Spain, golf is often held responsible for serious water shortage in some local areas.
There are many environment-friendly sports. Power walking is one of them that you could take up today. You don’t need any special equipment except a good pair of shoes; and you don’t have to worry about resources and your purse. Simple and free, power walking can also keep you fit. If you walk regularly, it will be good for your heart and bones. Experts say that 20 minutes of power walking daily can make you feel less anxious, sleep well and have better weight control.
Whatever sport you take up, you can make it greener by using environment-friendly equipment and buying products made from recycled materials. But the final goal should be “green gyms”. They are better replacements for traditional health clubs and modern sports centers. Members of green gyms play sports outdoors, in the countryside or other open spaces. There is no special requirement for you to start your membership. And best of all, it’s free.
72. The author thinks the golf is resource-hungry because of the following EXCEPT that _____.
A. Golf wastes large areas of countryside B. Golf runs out of much water
C. Keeping golf court in good condition needs too much energy
D. Golf is bad for people’s health
73. According to the passage, which of the following is an environment-friendly sport?
A. swimming in the pool B. hiking in the hills
C. playing basketball in the gym D. motor racing in the desert
74. The reason why the author uses power walking as an example mainly is that ______.
A. it improves our health B. it is an outdoor sport
C. it uses fewer resources D. it is recommended by experts
75. The passage is developed mainly by _____.
A. examples and explanation B. comparison and persuasion
C. facts and descriptions D. figures and conclusion
Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are a major cause of climate change, and now a new study has confirmed that atmospheric CO2 is also affecting the ocean chemistry and potentially harming sea life.
Montana State University scientist Robert Dore has been researching the water in the Pacific Ocean for almost two decades.
“We’ve been going to the same spot in the Pacific Ocean, and we try and characterize long-term change in the open ocean environment. And one of the key things that we measure is CO2 levels. And we’ve been able to record this increasing quantity of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean.”
Scientists expected that as atmospheric CO2 increased, more and more of the carbon dioxide would be absorbed into the ocean, affecting the chemical balance of the sea water, with a potentially harmful impact on shellfish and coral in particular.
“As carbon dioxide dissolves (溶解) in the water, or seawater in this case, it forms a weak acid (酸), carbonic acid, ” Dore explains. “And therefore, as the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere goes up and that exchanges with the surface seawater, it drives the pH down, and makes it more acidic.”
The seawater Dore and his colleagues have analyzed confirms what the theory predicts.
The effect was particular striking at about 250 meters down, and again at 500 meters. Dore and his colleagues came up with two possible explanations. It could be that surface water picked up CO2 and then moved to those depths. Or there could be a biological explanation.
“It’s important to realize that the oceans are really becoming acidic. And it can have negative impacts on a whole variety of sea life from fish to coral. It’s potentially catastrophic.”
68. What can be the best title of the passage?
A. Sea Life Facing Danger B. Scientist Researching Seawater
C. Oceans Becoming More Acidic D. Climate Change Affecting Seawater
69. Which of the following shows the process of the impact of atmospheric CO2 on sea life?
a. Sea life is endangered.
b. CO2 goes into the surface water.
c. The ocean chemistry is affected.
d. CO2 decreases the pH and makes the seawater more acidic.
e. CO2 levels in the atmosphere go up.
A. a→b→c→d→e B. e→b→c→d→a
C. a→e→c→d→b D. e→d→c→b→a
70. Scientist Robert Dore came to the conclusion based on ________.
A. his research and analysis B. the expectation of other scientists
C. some former theory D. a major cause of climate change
71. What does the passage want to tell us most?
A. It takes time to make a scientific study.
B. Atmospheric CO2 is doing harm to sea life.
C. Robert Dore is a committed and serious scientist.
D. Measures should be taken to prevent the potential catastrophe.
More teachers are starting off the school year with letters to parents and students to introduce themselves and set a tone (基调) for the year. The letters are a good way to start positive communication with parents, several teachers told Education World.
“I think it’s professional, ”said Dorothy Peselli, an English teacher at Sparta High School in Sparta, New Jersay, Peselli, who gives out the letters the first day of school, told Education World. “It gives parents an image of you as a professional. If you start communication off in a positive manner, you will have the parents on your side when you need them.”
In her letter to parents, Peselli encourages them to call or e-mail her with specific concerns about their children. “I want to work as a team to make sure that your child becomes an independent lifelong learner,” Peselli wrote to parents last September. She also telephones the parents of all her students at the beginning of the year.
Peselli includes with the letter a classroom handbook (手册) listing plans and rules. And she requires that both parents and students read and sign statements (included in the letter) when they read the handbook. The student letter also lists needed supplies and gives encouragement. “Please come to class ready to work and learn. This will be an exciting year for all of us,” it says.
Last year, Peselli taught at a different high school and parents there were “shocked”, but appreciative, that she had so much contact with them. “I received roses and a thank-you note from one boy and his mother,” Peselli said. She wished her own children’s teachers would take the time to write notes as well. “I never got a letter home from any of my daughter’s high school teachers.” she said, “It would be nice to know the background of some of the people who are teaching my daughter.”
60. We may learn from the text that ______.
A. most teachers are writing letters to parents and students
B. the handbook is used to list supplies and give encouragement
C. Peselli believe it important for teachers to exchange information with parents
D. Peselli mainly introduces her background and teaching experiences in the letters
61. The underlined word “it” in the fourth paragraph refers to _____.
A. the handbook B. the requirement C. the school D. the letter
62. We can infer from the last paragraph that ______.
A. parents were satisfied with Peselli’s way of working
B. Peselli means to surprise parents by writing students
C. Peselli seemed to be popular among boy students
D. all Peselli’s children are studying in high schools
63. The purpose of the text is to ______.
A. introduce an English teaching method B. give advice on how to teach students
C. encourage teachers to keep in touch with parents
D. show us how Dorothy Peselli makes teaching plans
If you are looking for a summer camp job opportunity, the following are some summer camp jobs available for 2010 summer.
1. Fishing / Fly-fishing
Male 21+. Teach fishing and fly-fishing (用假蝇钓鱼) techniques. Live with 6-8 campers, teach basic outdoor skills, lead backpacking trips and assist with canoe trips.
Salary: $2,400.00-$3,000.00
Roaring Brook Camp for Boys
480 Roaring Brook Road
Bradford, Vermont 05033, USA
Contact: Dr. Candice Raines at (800) 802-747-0282
2. Athletic Trainer
International Sports Training Camp is a specialized sports camp located on a private 100-acre lake in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are famous for our outstanding facilities, innovative (创新的) programs and friendly staff. We are looking for both students and certified athletic trainers.
Salary: $2,500.00
International Sports Training Camp.
1100 Twin Lake Road
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, USA
Contact: Kara Klaus at (570) 6202267
3. Head Cook
Manage kitchen staff of 4, order food and prepare meals and snacks for 50-60 campers and staff daily during sessions and training periods.
Salary: $3, 000.00-$4,000.00
Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies
HC 83, Box 38DD
Capon Bridge, West Virginia 26711, USA
Contact: Vini Schoene at (540) 465-1516
4. Drama Department Head
Camp Airy (for boys) is seeking an experienced individual with a theater background and experience in directing children’s productions. Supervise counselor staff and direct two major productions in our 600-seat Outdoor Theatre. Our summer season runs from June 17 to August 18. Be sure to visit our outstanding website at www.airylouise.org.
Salary: Depends on Experience.
Camp Airy & Camp Louise
14938 Old Camp Airy Road
Thurmont, Maryland 21788, USA
Contact: Steve Goldklang at (410) 466-9010
64. Who would be most interested in the passage?
A. College teachers. B. Online bloggers. C. Holiday-goers. D. Job seekers.
65. Mr. Smith is good at fishing and he plans to spend the summer doing what he loves and earn some money. Which number should he dial?
A. (570) 6202267. B. (540) 465-1516. C. (800) 802-717-0282. D. (410) 466-9010.
66. Which of the following statements about Athletic Trainer is TRUE?
A. College graduates are preferred. B. Only professional athletes can apply.
C. This position offers a monthly salary of $3,500.
D. Applicants can get in touch with Kara Klaus.
67. Which of the following organizations offers a salary depending on experience?
A. Camp Airy & Camp Louise. B. International Sports Training Camp.
C. Roaring Brook Camp for Boys. D. Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies.
There was room for all of us, and the sleeping bags kept the night coldness away. We would listen to the sound of the river, and hear the coyotes (土狼) howling along the hills not far away.
Those were the cool summer nights of the mid-nineties in Southern Alberta, Canada, when the four children were young and we would lie on the trampoline (蹦床) in the backyard late at night, for the sun would not set till late in July and August. We would look at the stars up above and never grow tired of it.
These were the times when I would tell the stories of my own childhood and teach the kids life’s lessons that have been remembered to this day. I chuckle (轻声地笑), as I recall the time when we heard a coyote not far away, and then I started a story about a bear approaching the trampoline. The bear came close (in the story), and the kids snuggled up to mom and me, until suddenly I’d let out a howl and grab all the kids and they would be frightened and jump up and then all laugh, “Daddy, you scared us!”
Now the children are in their mid and late teens, but they fondly remember the starry nights on that trampoline. Recently my oldest daughter on her wedding day sang a song for her parents, entitled “I’ll always be your little girl”. She wrote the music and words and yes indeed: it included a memory of those starry nights.
I have learned as a parent that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children as they are growing up is the time to tell them stories, or if telling stories is not that simple, perhaps read them a story. They can read their own books, but telling or reading them a story will create a close relationship with pleasant memories such as those late summer nights under the starry sky.
56. The passage is mainly about _____.
A. coyotes’ effects on children B. the relationship between children
C. the author’s unforgettable experiences D. the author’s memories of starry nights
57. The underlined part “snuggled up” probably means _____.
A. lay down B. got close C. gave in D. struggled forward
58. How do the children feel about their childhood?
A. Very enjoyable. B. A bit regretful. C. Rather busy. D. Sort of dull.
59. In the last paragraph, the writer mainly wants to express _____.
A. it is easy to tell stories to children B. kids should read stories themselves
C. it is important to tell or read stories to kids
D. it’s necessary to spend summer nights with kids