Let's be honest：If you like to take lots of vacation，the United States is not the place to work.Besides a handful of national holidays，the typical American worker gets two or three precious weeks off out of a whole year to relax and see the world—much less than what people in many other countries receive.Only 57% of the US workers use up all of the days they're entitled (授权) to，compared with 89% of workers in France, a recent research found.
So what's going on here？A big reason for the difference is that paid time off is supported by law in many parts of the world.Germany is among more than two dozen industrialized countries—from Australia to Slovenia to Japan—that require employers to offer four weeks or more of paid vacation to their workers，according to a 2009 study by the human resources consulting company Mercer.Finland, Brazil and France are the champions, guaranteeing six weeks of time off.
But employers in the United States have no duty under federal law to offer any paid vacation, so about a quarter of all American workers don't have access to it，government figures show.That makes the US the only advanced nation in the world that doesn't guarantee its workers annual leave，according to a report titled “NoVacation Nation” by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal policy group.
But the fear of layoffs(下岗) and the everfaster pace of work mean many Americans don't want to be absent from the office—anxious that they might look like they're not willing to work hard.Or they worry they won't be able to deal with the backlog (积压未办之事)of work waiting for them after a vacation.
Working more makes Americans happier than Europeans, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Happiness Studies.That may be because Americans believe more than Europeans do that hard work is associated with success, wrote Adam OkuliczKozaryn，the study's author and an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Dallas.“Americans increase their happiness by working, and Europeans increase their happiness through vacation，” he found.Which of the following countries has the longest paid vacation?
| A．America. | B．Germany. |
| C．Australia. | D．France. |
What does the underlined word “it”in Paragraph 3 refer to?
| A．Federal law. | B．Paid vacation. |
| C．Annual leave. | D．Long vacation. |
Why are many Americans unwilling to be absent from the office?
a．They enjoy their work very much.
b．They are afraid of being fired.
c．They are not protected by law.
d．They are worried about falling behind.
| A．a，b | B．a，d |
| C．c，d | D．b，d |
What does the study in the Journal of Happiness Studies find?
| A．Americans get more happiness from work than Europeans. |
| B．Americans believe happiness is the most important thing. |
| C．Europeans believe more hard work leads to success. |
| D．Europeans do not like taking long vacations. |
What is the text mainly about?
| A．Why American workers have fewer vacations. |
| B．The reasons why American workers dislike work. |
| C．How workers in different countries take vacations. |
| D．Why American workers are happier than Europeans. |
Sixty-five million years ago, an asteroid (小行星) that crashed on Earth led to the disappearance of the largest animals that have ever walked our planet – the dinosaurs. At least, this is what some scientists believe. But that accident happened so long ago. People have come to believe that we are free of threats from asteroids and everything else from space.
However, what happened on Feb 15 , 2013 was a reminder that we’re just as vulnerable as the dinosaurs once were. Two objects from space – a meteor (陨石) and an asteroid called 2012 DA14 – visited Earth’s atmosphere on the same day. The former fell in Russia, injuring 1,200 people, while the latter passed by Earth at a record-setting close distance.
Scientists had been expecting the asteroid since last year, but the meteor was a surprise. NASA’s telescope system only detects asteroids at least 50 meters in diameter (直径), which is just about the size of 2012 DA14. But the meteor was much smaller, which made it harder to spot.
But what if we do spot an asteroid that is headed right for Earth? There are several possible ways in which dangerous asteroids could be made to change its orbit. Which method is best depends on several factors and most importantly – how much time we have to stop it.
If there is enough time before the hit, we can send off a heavy spacecraft to travel alongside the asteroid. The gravity from the spacecraft would gradually change the rock’s orbit. Besides that, scientists could one day use sun-powered lasers to either make asteroids disappear or change their course. If there’s not enough time, we’ll have to go after the asteroid with a spacecraft and change its orbit with a crash. Finally, if things are truly desperate, there will be only one choice left – to use a nuclear bomb. That could turn the asteroid into a meteor shower, which would be even more dangerous.The author mentioned the asteroid that led to the dinosaurs’ dying out to ______.
| A．show that asteroids fall from space frequently |
| B．alert people about the possible danger of objects falling from space |
| C．inform readers about the constant threats the Earth faces |
| D．suggest that there are still many mysteries about the universe |
The underlined word “vulnerable” in the second paragraph probably means ______.
| A．unprotected | B．lonely | C．stupid | D．self-important |
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the meteor that fell to the Earth in Russia?
| A．It passed by the Earth at a close distance. |
| B．It was spotted by NASA’s telescope system a year ago. |
| C．It is about the same size as the asteroid that passed by the Earth. |
| D．It fell to the Earth and caused great damage to the local community. |
What is the main idea of the article?
| A．Learning about asteroids and meteors. |
| B．The threats of objects from space and possible solutions. |
| C．NASA’s latest technology to discover visitors to the Earth from space. |
| D．How to measure the damage of collisions from asteroids and meteors. |
When someone says “SHARK” most people think of a big, toothy, underwater animal; basically we are imagining a Great White. In fact sharks come in all shapes, sizes and even colors! Follow me please; I’d like to show you a very special small shark commonly known as horn sharks, only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America.
Look at this shark, and you can easily see the horns on it and you will know the reason why it is called the horn shark is that it has the broad, flattened head and two large horn-like spines(脊椎) found behind its eyes and makes it one of the hardiest of all shark species. What makes it unique is that as its enemy attempts to swallow it, the spines on its back will stick into the enemy’s mouth and give a good chance for it to get away.
The horn shark is brown in color with black spots all over its body. The adults can reach up to a length of 4 feet and weigh up to 10 kg. An interesting fact about the horn shark is that it has five gills(鳃). The horn shark is a clumsy swimmer using its flexible pectoral fins(胸鳍)to push itself along the bottom of the ocean. The maximum distance that has ever been recorded for a horn shark to have traveled out from its habitat is 10 miles.
Today, as so little is known about its population off the Californian coast, they have been listed as being “Data Deficient” in the World Conservation Union. The horn shark is being threatened both by water pollution and commercial fishing in the area. Though they are not among those sea creatures hunted primarily for food, but they often get caught as a by-catch in fishing expeditions. The horn shark gets its name for______.
| A．its small size | B．its large eyes |
| C．its two large spines | D．its brown color with spots |
How is paragraph 3 mainly developed?
| A．By giving descriptions | B．By following time order |
| C．By analyzing causes | D．By making comparisons |
Which factors contribute to the horn shark’s being on the “Data Deficient” list?
①That people like hunting them for pets ②That people fish them for fun
③Water pollution off the coast ④Knowing little about them
| A．①② | B．②③ | C．①④ | D．③④ |
According to the passage, all of the following are unique to the horn shark EXCEPT that_____.
| A．it doesn’t travel far |
| B．it is good at swimming |
| C．its spines can be used to attack the enemy and escape |
| D．it is only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America |
DEAR AMY: Last year I got a full-time job as a baby-sitter for a wonderful family with two amazing kids. They have come to treat me as one of their own. But my boyfriend and I are attempting to save much more money for the life we want to build, including marriage, a house and kids. Much as I love my “babies,” I’m looking forward to beginning a challenging career in a big company. Should I tell the family that I am looking for a new job? I don’t want to find one that requires me to begin work immediately, leaving them without child care, but I also don’t want them to assume that I’m leaving right away.
Up-in-the-Air Au Pair
DEAR AU PAIR: Whatever your arrangement, it is reasonable for them to expect you to be honest and to keep them in the loop. They see that you are making changes in your life, and surely they will also understand your desire to advance in a career. Tell them frankly and they should be happy to employ you as long as you are available.
Amy
DEAR AMY: I am a freshman in a high school. Last summer my best friend was diagnosed with skin cancer. It isn’t very serious, but she seems to be becoming more and more depressed. How can I help her be happy again?
Best Friend
DEAR FRIEND: Your best role is to prop up and encourage your friend when she seems down, and to be supportive and kind to her. You're doing a great job with that, and your friend is lucky to have you in her life.
AmyWhat is Au Pair’s problem according to the first paragraph?
| A．She has no idea whether to tell the family her plan or not. |
| B．She has no idea whether the family will hate her or not. |
| C．She has no idea where to find a new good job. |
| D．She has no idea how to save more money. |
From the underlined phrase“ to keep them in the loop”, we can infer that Amy advises Au Pair_____.
| A．to keep it secret to the family |
| B．to cheat the family for the time being |
| C．to tell her true impression of the family |
| D．to let the family know what’s going on |
In which column of a newspaper can we probably find the passage?
| A．Jobs | B．culture | C．Life | D．Entertainment |
Many businesses today use conferences as a means of discussing new plans of the company. As people are paying more attention to the environment and green problems, more businesses are looking for ways to reduce their negative effect on the environment. Many businesses do this by using web conferencing.
Web conferencing is a technology that allows people to communicate more effectively over the Internet. It is an easy way of hosting and attending conferences without having to leave the office. Each of the people involved in a web conference will be posted an invitation to the conference with the time and date of the Web conference on it. When the conference is ready to begin, all participants (参与者) must sit at their computers and they will be connected over the Internet.
With Web conferencing all participants attend the conference from the comfort of their own desk. Obviously, in doing this no fuel is used in traveling to and from a conference, and less work time is taken up in attending a conference.
Any material to be used during the Web conference is simply e-mailed to all the participants before the conference. Participants can then either choose to print material or read it on screen. This not only saves paper but also greatly reduces mailing cost for the business.
As a conference hall or business center isn’t being used, it means that the only power that is used is the power used by the participants’ personal computers. Similarly conference organizers don’t have to arrange for food or overnight accommodation (住宿) for participants of their conferences. All this means that less energy is used.
Often in business some companies actively choose to do business with other companies that do many things to reduce their negative impact on the environment. And Web conferencing helps you show other businesses that you are willing to work hard for the green cause.
So Web conferencing is much cheaper and greener and more people are willing to host and attend a web conference.What is the passage mainly about?
A. Ways of protecting the environment.
B. B. Green benefits of Web conference.
C. Ways of hosting a Web conference.
D. Impacts of Web conferencing on costs.According to paragraph 1, many companies use Web conferencing because they ________.
| A．are interested in using any new technology |
| B．believe that Web conferencing is more convenient |
| C．want to do something to protect the environment |
| D．haven’t enough money to hold a traditional conference |
The participants of a Web conference_________.
| A．will be e-mailed an invitation before the conference |
| B．are required to sit in the office together |
| C．will receive many paper materials |
| D．must have access to the Internet |
Which of the following words best describes the author’s opinion about a Web conference?
| A．Useless. | B．Environmentally friendly. |
| C．Inconvenient. | D．Money-consuming. |
If you are planning a visit to Chicago, make sure you see the city best before you head back home.
Architecture
Chicago is home to some of the most fascinating architecture in the country. One of the oldest buildings in the city is the Water Tower, which was built in 1869. It is one of the structures to survive the Chicago Fire in 1871. It is a fascinating builging to see, and is nearby the Water Tower Place, which has great shopping. It’s a paradise for the young. Another stop must be the Willes Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Go to the top and walk out on the clear walkway to take a look straight down on the city. If you have the time, be sure to have dinner or a cocktail in the Signature Room on the 95th floor. Not only is the food great, but the views are breathtaking.
Boat Tours
If architecture is your thing, Wendella Boats offers a great architecture tour of Chicago. You can see some of the beautiful buildings from the Chicago River, which is a side of the buildings you don’t usually get to see. There are several other boat tours that are just great, too, and many will even take you from the river out to Lake Michigan where you can see the Chicago skyline at any time of day. These tours are great ways to gain knowledge of this spectacular city, and it’s also a funny way to rest your legs between walking tips.
Famous Pizza
You cannot come to Chicago without trying some famous, deepdish pizza. There are many places to get this delicious, thick pizza, but three stores stand out from the rest. Gino’s East, Giordano’s, and Lou Malnati’s are the best places to get authentic, Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. Try it with all the toppings or just cheese, but be sure you try it at some point. Many think that much pizza and cheese seems disgusting, but don’t knock it till you try it. You might find a new favorite way of eating this Italian classic.Water Tower Place is so popular among young people most probably because of ______.
| A．its advantage of meeting his or her future partner |
| B．its amusement services and shopping advantages |
| C．there being many museums about art and literature |
| D．its importance in working as an unusual water tower now |
While making a boat tour, you can ______.
| A．see some beautiful buildings and even the Chicago skyline |
| B．draw the newly built architecture along the river |
| C．see how to gain knowledge in daily life |
| D．measure the length and width of the Chicago River |
Why does the author advise visitors to try pizza in Chicago?.
| A．Because its cheese comes from Italy. |
| B．Because the Chicago-style is really impressive. |
| C．Because there are so many chain stores from Italy. |
| D．Because its style is completly the same as that in Italy. |
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