Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health，but many do not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant health effects.Environmental Protection Agency studies indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be 3～5 times，and occasionally more than 100 times，higher than outdoor levels.These levels of indoor air pollutants may be of particular concern because most people spend about 90% of their time indoors.
There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home.These include sources such as oil，gas，coal，wood，and tobacco products，building materials，wet or damp carpet，and furniture made of certain pressed wood products，products for household cleaning and maintenance，personal care，or hobbies，central heating and cooling systems.
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure (暴露) or repeated exposures.These include irritation of the eyes，nose，and throat，headaches，dizziness.Such immediate effects are usually shortterm and treatable.Sometimes the treatment is simply removing the person’s exposure to the source of the pollution，if it can be identified.
The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors.Age and preexisting medical conditions are two important influences.In other cases，whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity，which varies tremendously from person to person.Some people can become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated exposures，and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical pollutants as well.
Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral (病毒性的) diseases，so it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution.While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful effects，there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems.People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants.Therefore，further research is needed to better understand the effects of indoor air pollution and to find efficient ways to protect our health.According to the first paragraph，which of the following is NOT true?
| A．People often fail to notice indoor air pollution. |
| B．Indoor air pollution sometimes is more dangerous than outdoor air pollution. |
| C．Outdoor air pollution may not be so serious as indoor air pollution. |
| D．It is obvious that people have been paying more attention to indoor air pollution. |
According to the author，which may NOT be the source of indoor air pollution?
| A．Building materials. | B．Wet carpet. |
| C．Cooling system. | D．Refrigerators. |
What does the underlined word “irritation” in the third paragraph probably mean?
| A．Bad intention. | B．Much sensitivity. |
| C．Injury. | D．Carelessness. |
Which of the following might be the best title for the passage?
| A．Reactions of Pollution | B．Danger from Home |
| C．Pollution Resources | D．Different Pollutions |
Mr. Hungerton, her father, really was absolutely centered upon his own silly self. If anything could have driven me from Gladys, it would have been the thought of such a father-in-law. I am convinced that he really believed in his heart that I came round to the Chestnuts three days a week for the pleasure of his company, and very especially to hear his views upon bimetallism (金银双币制).
For an hour or more that evening I listened to his tiring talk about bad money driving out good, and the true standards of exchange.
“Suppose,” he cried, “that all the debts in the world were called up at once, and immediate payment insisted upon,—what under our present conditions would happen then?”
I gave the self-evident answer that I should be a ruined man, upon which he jumped from his chair, scolding me for my thoughtless quickness, which made it impossible for him to discuss any reasonable subject in my presence.
At last I was alone with Gladys, and the moment of Fate had come! She sat with that proud, delicate figure of hers outlined against the red curtain. How beautiful she was! Gladys was full of every womanly quality.
I was about to break the long and uneasy silence, when two critical, dark eyes looked round at me, and the proud head was shaken disapprovingly. “I have a feeling that you are going to propose, Ned. I do wish you wouldn’t; for things are so much nicer as they are.”
I drew my chair a little nearer. “Now, how did you know that I was going to propose?” I asked in wonder.
“Don’t women always know? Do you suppose any woman in the world was ever taken unawares? But—oh, Ned, our friendship has been so good and so pleasant! What a pity to spoil it! Don’t you feel how splendid it is that a young man and a young woman should be able to talk face to face as we have talked?”
She had sprung from her chair, as she saw signs that I proposed to announce some of my wants. “You’ve spoiled everything, Ned,” she said. “It’s all so beautiful and natural until this kind of thing comes in! It is such a pity! Why can't you control yourself?”
“But why can’t you love me, Gladys? Is it my appearance, or what?”
“No, it isn’t that.”
“My character?”
She nodded severely.
“What can I do to mend it?”
She looked at me with a wondering distrust which was much more to my mind than her whole-hearted confidence.
“Now tell me what’s amiss with me?”
“I’m in love with somebody else,” said she.
It was my turn to jump out of my chair.
“It’s nobody in particular,” she explained, laughing at the expression of my face: “only an ideal. I’ve never met the kind of man I mean.”
“Tell me about him. What does he look like?”
“Oh, he might look very much like you.”
“How dear of you to say that! Well, what is it that he does that I don’t do? I’ll have a try at it, Gladys, if you will only give me an idea what would please you.”
“Well, it is never a man that I should love, but always the glories he had won; for they would be reflected upon me. Think of Richard Burton! When I read his wife’s life of him I could so understand her love! And Lady Stanley! Did you ever read the wonderful last chapter of that book about her husband? These are the sort of men that a woman could worship with all her soul, and yet be the greater, not the less, on account of her love, honored by all the world as the inspirer of noble deeds.”
“And if I do——”
Her dear hand rested upon my lips. “Not another word, Sir! You should have been at the office for evening duty half an hour ago; only I hadn’t the heart to remind you. Some day, perhaps, when you have won your place in the world, we shall talk it over again.”Why did the writer often come round to the Chestnuts?
| A．To learn Mr. Hungertong’s standards of exchange. |
| B．To hear Mr. Hungerton’s views upon bimetallism. |
| C．To find the opportunity of staying with Gladys. |
| D．To discuss the present economy with Gladys |
What can we infer from the passage?
| A．It was difficult for Gladys to choose an ideal husband from her friends. |
| B．It took great patience and courage for the writer to propose to Gladys. |
| C．Mr. Hungerton tried to stop the writer from proposing to his daughter. |
| D．It was impossible for the writer to have any chance to marry Gladys. |
Why did Gladys refuse the writer’s proposal?
| A．The writer didn’t live up to her standard at the moment. |
| B．Richard Burton and Stanly occupied all her heart. |
| C．The writer did not seem to be a promising young man. |
| D．She was now in love with one of their friends. |
Which of the following words can best describe Gladys?
| A．Simple-minded, active and attractive. |
| B．Unfriendly, cold and self-centred. |
| C．Careful, choosy and stubborn. |
| D．Lovely, confident, and idealistic. |
A culture’s values can be mirrored by its humor. Humor has been evaluated by many great minds such as Thomas Hobbes, who, in “On Nature”, disliked humor, “Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from sudden thought of feeling far better than others.” He thought humor to be a negative quality of human narrow-mindedness.
However, Mordechai Gordon, Ph. D of Education, insists, “Humor allows us to view the world from an angle that is amusing rather than serious.” I agree with Gordon. Learning to look at the world through humor is important.
In the United States, every four years an election occurs. Without humor as a way to express their feelings, how else would Americans keep from clawing their eyes out and going the way of lemming? Television shows like “The Daily Show” have become important parts of American culture. They are mothering the masses by metaphorically(隐喻地) airplane-ing politics into our mouths. They make politics fun.
Of course, politics is only one type of humor. Social humor helps people through the twists and turns of the human condition. American pop culture promotes an unhealthy self- image. On the topic of self-image, Hari Kondabolu stands out. He has a joke about the popular musical group “The Pussycat Dolls”, describing their hit song “Don't Cha” as a negative representation of women. He points out an obvious offence in American culture.
A study from Loyola University of Maryland has shown that humor is one determining factor for selecting a mating partner. Amongst other things, mates look for an outstanding funny bone in a potential partner.
Of course, humor is not always used for good purposes. Humor can be linked to vulgarity (粗俗)and racism, but, like everything else, it has potential to unite human beings by allowing us to laugh at ourselves, our failures and our connection with one another.
Though 1ife may seem tough and depressing at times, all I have to do is look in the mirror at my increased wrinkles(皱纹) to know that there is a comedy out there that even Chaplin wasn’t aware of.
With that in mind, remember to laugh with humanity and sometimes at humanity. Hobbes believes that humor__________.
| A．was for people to view the world from another angle |
| B．resulted in narrow-mindedness of human beings |
| C．had the power to mirror personal glory and national values |
| D．was only a way to laugh at others to make oneself feel better |
The fourth paragraph is developed mainly__________.
| A．by comparison | B．by process | C．by example | D．by classification |
What can we learn from the last two paragraphs?
| A．The author is determined to face life with a sense of humor. |
| B．The author feels helpless and sad about getting older. |
| C．Never be the one who laughs at other people. |
| D．Chaplin wasn’t aware of being laughed at. |
Millions of people are using cell phones today.In many places it is actually considered unusual not to use one.In many countries，cell phones are very popular with young people.They find that the phones are more than a means of communication—having a mobile phone shows that they are cool and connected.
The explosions around the world in mobile phone use make some health professional worried.Some doctors are concerned that in the future many people may suffer health problems from the use of mobile phones.In England，there has been a serious debate about this issue.Mobile phone companies are worried about the negative publicity of such ideas.They say that there is no proof that mobile phones are bad for your health.
On the other hand，why do some medical studies show changes in the brain cells of some people who use mobile phones？Signs of change in the issues of the brain and head can be detected with modern scanning equipment.In one case，a traveling salesman had to retire at a young age because of serious memory loss.He couldn’t remember even simple tasks.He would often forget the name of his own son.This man used to talk on his mobile phone for about six hours a day，every day of his working week，for a couple of years.His family doctor blamed his mobile phone use，but his employer’s doctor didn’t agree.
What is it that makes mobile phones potentially harmful？The answer is radiation.Hightech machines can detect very small amounts of radiation from mobile phones.Mobile phone companies agree that there is some radiation.But they say the amount is too small to worry about.
As the discussion about their safety continues，it appears that it’s best to use mobile phones less often.Use your regular phone if you want to talk for a long time.Use your mobile phone only when you really need it.Mobile phones can be very useful and convenient，especially in emergencies.In the future，mobile phones may have a warning label that says they are bad for your health.So for now，it’s wise not to use your mobile phone too often.People buy cell phones for the following reasons except that________.
| A．they’re popular | B．they’re convenient |
| C．they’re useful | D．they’re cheap |
The word “detected” in Paragraph 3 could be best replaced by________.
| A．discovered | B．removed |
| C．cured | D．caused |
The salesman retired young because________.
| A．he disliked using mobile phones |
| B．he couldn’t remember simple tasks |
| C．he was tired of talking on his mobile phone |
| D．his employer’s doctor persuaded him to |
On the safety issue of mobile phones，the manufacturing companies________.
| A．deny the existence of mobile phone radiation |
| B．develop new technology to reduce mobile phone radiation |
| C．hold that the amount of radiation is too small to worry about |
| D．try to prove that mobile phones are not harmful to health |
The writer’s purpose of writing this article is to advise people________.
| A．to buy mobile phones |
| B．to use mobile phones less often |
| C．to update regular phones |
| D．to stop using mobile phones |
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has opened up about being a parent，stating that 13 is an appropriate age for a child’s first cell phone.
The 57yearold，fatherofthree，revealed on The Today Show that his children Jennifer and Rory were not allowed phones until their 13th birthday and his youngest daughter Phoebe is still waiting for one.
“We’ve chosen in our family that it’s 13 where you get a phone，” the selfmade billionaire explained.
He said as a result his children often return home from school complaining，“All the other kids have one.I’m the only one without one.It’s so embarrassing.”
Asked if he keeps passwords to his son and daughters’ email and Facebook accounts，Mr Gates said that he doesn’t for Jennifer,16，who he describes as “independent”．He admitted that monitoring online activity is “a very tricky issue for parents now”．
Despite their vast wealth Mr and Mrs Gates，who live in Lake Medina，have said they want to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible.
It was previously reported that their youngsters have to complete household chores and are given a modest amount of pocket money.
And in 2010 Mr Gates said that he intends to give most of his $61 billion fortune away rather than hand it down.“That wouldn’t be good either for my kids or society，” he said.
Also during the Today interview with host Matt Lauer，Mr Gates，who stepped down from Microsoft in 2008 to concentrate on philanthropy，said that helping others gives him the same excitement as creating software.
“What you really feel is what you’ve achieved.If a piece of software gets out there and lots of people love it—it lets them get their work done in better ways—that’s exciting，” he explained.Bill Gates will not let his children own a cell phone________.
| A．until they reach the age of 13 |
| B．if they don’t really need one |
| C．unless they do some housework |
| D．before they become independent |
Which of the following is true about Bill Gates’ children?
| A．All his children now have cell phones. |
| B．Phoebe has her own cell phone. |
| C．They are not given any pocket money. |
| D．Jennifer can use the Internet freely. |
What does the underlined word “That” refer to in the text?
| A．Being a parent as a billionaire. |
| B．Handing all his money down to his children. |
| C．Allowing his children to have their phones. |
| D．Giving away all his money to good causes. |
What can we learn about Bill Gates from the text?
| A．He is a warmhearted father to his children. |
| B．He has created a lot of software since 2008. |
| C．He now devotes himself to helping others |
| D．He cares more about money than anything else. |
What is the text mainly about?
| A．How Bill Gates made himself a billionaire. |
| B．How Bill Gates deals with his money. |
| C．How Bill Gates managed his business. |
| D．How Bill Gates brings up his children. |
“Oh，you must have been a spoiled (宠坏的) kid.You must be really bossy.I wonder what you’re going to be like to deal with？” That’s often the response Angela Hult gets when people find out she’s an only child，she told ABC News.Despite such negative (消极的) remarks，Hult has decided to have only one child herself.And she’s not alone.
According to the US’ Office for National Statistics，women approaching the end of their childbearing years had an average of 1.9 children in 2004，compared with 3.1 for their counterparts in 1976.The percentage of onechild families in Britain had risen from 18 percent in 1972 to 26 percent in 2007.
But even though only children are becoming increasingly common，the traditional view that they’re selfish，spoiled and lack social skills holds strong.Even parents of only children，like Hult，are made to feel guilty about having only one child.Worried that they’re being selfish and endangering their child’s future，they flock to online discussion forums seeking advice.Soon，however，they ask themselves：is this social prejudice really reasonable?
“There have been hundreds and hundreds of research studies that show that only children are no different from their peers (同龄人)，” Susan Newman，a social psychologist at Rutgers University in the US，told ABC News.
This raises another question：why are only children still viewed with such suspicion?
“There is a belief that’s been around probably since humans first existed that to have just one child is somehow dangerous，both for you and for the continuation of your race，” Toni Falbo，a professor of educational psychology，told the Guardian.“In the past a lot of children died.You’d have had to be crazy to only have one.”
Times，of course，have changed and infant mortality (婴儿死亡率) has largely reduced.So what do only children themselves say?
Kayley Kravitz，a blogger for The Huffington Post，grew up as an only child and highly recommends the experience.“Being an only child taught me the most valuable skill of all：the ability to be alone，” she said. Which of the following could be the best title for the text?
| A．Are only children lonely? |
| B．Are only children common? |
| C．Are only children dangerous? |
| D．Are only children different? |
What does Susan Newman mean?
| A．Only children are as good as their peers. |
| B．Only children are more selfish and spoiled. |
| C．Parents feel guilty about having only one child. |
| D．Parents will endanger their only child’s future. |
What is the common belief since human existed?
| A．The infant death rate always stays high. |
| B．People are crazy to have only one child. |
| C．It’s easy for only children to earn their living. |
| D．It’s hard to continue the family line with only one child. |
An only child like Kayley________.
| A．must be difficult to persuade |
| B．can possibly learn to be alone |
| C．should value special skills |
| D．need ignore bad experience |
What’s the author’s attitude towards having only one child?
| A．Neutral. | B．Negative. |
| C．Positive. | D．Doubtful. |
粤公网安备 44130202000953号