Birds that are half-asleep—with one brain hemisphere (半球) alert and the other sleeping—control which side of the brain remains awake, according to a new study of sleeping ducks.
Earlier studies have documented half-brain sleep in a wide range of birds. The brain hemispheres take turns sinking into the sleep stage characterized by slow brain waves. The eye controlled by the sleeping hemisphere keeps shut, while the wakeful hemisphere’s eye stays open and alert. Birds also can sleep with both hemispheres resting at once.
Decades of studies of bird groups led researchers to predict extra alertness in the end-of-the-row sleepers which tend to be attacked more easily. Sure enough, the end birds tended to watch carefully on the side away from their companions. Ducks in the inner spots showed no preference for gaze direction.
Also, birds napping at the end of the line depend on single-hemisphere sleep, rather than total relaxation, more often than inner ducks did. Turning 16 birds through the positions in a four-duck row, the researchers found that compared with 12% for birds in inner spots, outer birds half sleep during some 32% of napping time.
“We believe this is the first evidence for an animal behaviorally controlling sleep and wakefulness at the same time in different regions of the brain,” the researchers say.
The results provide the best evidence for a long-standing assumption that single-hemisphere sleep evolved when creatures scanned for enemies. The preference for opening an eye on the lookout side could be widespread, he predicts. He’s seen it in a pair of birds napping side by side in the zoo and in a single pet bird sleeping by a mirror. The mirror-side eye closed as if the reflection were a companion and the other eye stayed open.
Useful as half-sleeping might be, it’s only been found in birds and such water animals as dolphins, whales, and seals. Perhaps keeping one side of the brain awake allows a sleeping animal to surface occasionally to avoid drowning.
Studies of birds may offer unique insights(理解) into sleep. Jerome M. Siegel of the UCLA says he wonders if birds’ half-brain sleep “is just the tip of the iceberg.” He supposes that more examples may turn up when we take a closer look at other species.According to the passage, birds often half sleep because _________________________.
| A．they have to watch out for possible attacks |
| B．their brain hemispheres take turns to rest |
| C．the two halves of their brain are differently structured |
| D．they have to constantly keep an eye on their companions |
What does the underlined word “evolved” mean in paragraph 6?
| A．developed | B．changed |
| C．disappeared | D．helped |
What is implied about the example of a bird's sleeping in front of a mirror?
| A．Birds prefer to sleep in pairs for the sake of their security. |
| B．An imagined companion gives the bird a sense of security. |
| C．The phenomenon of birds napping in pairs is widespread. |
| D．A single pet bird enjoys seeing its own reflection in the mirror. |
While sleeping, some water animals tend to keep half awake in order to _________________.
| A．alert themselves to the approaching enemy |
| B．surface from water now and then to breathe |
| C．be sensitive to the ever-changing environment |
| D．avoid being swept away by rapid currents |
It can be inferred that _______________________.
| A．birds never sleep with both hemispheres resting at once. |
| B．inner ducks depend on single-hemisphere sleep, rather than total relaxation, as often as birds napping at the end of the line do. |
| C．it is not the first time for scientists to research on birds’ half-brain sleep |
| D．birds hardly sleep without a companion |
By saying “just the tip of the iceberg”, Siegel suggests that _________________________.
| A．half-brain sleep has something to do with icy weather |
| B．the mystery of half-brain sleep is close to being solved |
| C．most birds living in cold regions tend to be half sleepers |
| D．half-brain sleep may exist among other species |
Ⅲ阅读 (共两节，满分40分)
第一节阅读理解 (共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
School phobia is a type of illness which causes students to be afraid to go to school. This condition is most commonly seen in children, typically between the ages of 8-13, and it can be very upsetting, especially if it is allowed to progress. Symptoms include stomach aches, tiredness, shaking, a racing heart and frequent trips to the toilet.
This common phobia is associated with a wide variety of causes. Most commonly it is the result of separation anxiety, but it can also be caused by different kinds of stress. A child who has recently moved, suffered a loss, or gone through a divorce may develop school phobia, and phobias can also develop in response to bullying (欺侮), an unrecognized learning disability, and poor self-image. Understanding the cause of a school phobia is an important step in providing treatment.
A child with school phobia usually refuses to go to school, or protests violently. He or she may become physically ill when ordered to school, or pretend to be sick to avoid going. When the child arrives at school, he or she may run away, or develop behavioural problems in class and on the playground. When school is discussed, the child can become impatient, upset or angry.
Many techniques can be used to manage school phobia, but research suggests that much more effective treatment is required for school phobia to prevent problems developing in later life. Children with this condition usually benefit from seeing a psychologist or doctor who can help the child and provide assistance to help parents and school officials support the child. As soon as a school phobia is identified, parents should take action too. Like other phobias, school phobia gets worse the longer it is left untreated, and it can interfere with a child's success in school. Adjustments can be made at home and in the classroom to help. If bullying is a cause, for example, the bullying situation should be solved. A teacher can meet the child at the door and take him or her to class, and provide support so that the child feels a friendly adult is always available.
Changes at home can include supportive language from parents, along with support like assistance with homework. If a child lacks confidence, parents may encourage the child to take up new hobbies that will help them to feel good about themselves. Parents might also talk to their children about their own fears of school and how they got over them, and their own enjoyment of school and school-like activities.
By following these methods we can help children to dispel their school phobia.
41. Which of the following topics is NOT discussed in the passage?
A. The definition of school phobia.
B. The history of school phobia.
C. The causes of school phobia.
D. The effects of school phobia.
42. What is a useful treatment for school phobia according to the passage?
A. Parents should allow their children occasional days off.
B. Teachers should be stricter with students.
C. Children should be helped to develop a sense of achievement.
D. Children should be regularly sent to psychologist.
43. The underlined word “dispel” (the last paragraph) probably means “________”.
A. accept B. realize C. forget D. overcome
44. Which of the following statement might the author agree with?
A. School phobia is most often suffered by middle school students.
B. School phobia may have bad influence on children’s future life if neglected.
C. Children with school phobia should not be given medical treatment.
D. Most children with school phobia are pretending to be ill.
45. What are some of the reasons for school phobia mentioned in the passage?
A. Bullying, recent devoice and moving to a new area.
B. Learning disability, impatience and poor concentration.
C. Stomachache, poor school performance and aggressive teachers.
D. Shaking, lack of confidence and few friends.
We all know what it is like to be unable to turn your head because of a cold in the muscles (肌肉) of your neck, or because an unexpected twist（扭曲）has made your neck ache. The slightest move makes you jump with pain. Nothing could be worse than a pain in the neck.
That is why we use the phrase to describe some people who give you the same feeling. We have all met such people.
One is the man who always seems to be clapping his hands—often at the wrong time—during a performance in the theater. He keeps you from hearing the actors.
Even worse are those who can never arrive before the curtain goes up and the play begins. They come hurrying down to your row of seats. You are comfortably settled down, with your hat and heavy coat in your lap. You must stand up to let them pass. You are proud of yourself-control after they have settled into their seats…Well, what now…God, one of them is up again. He forgot to go to the men’s room, and once more you have to stand up, hanging on to your hat and coat to let him pass. Now, that is “a pain in the neck”.
Another, well—known to us all, is the person sitting behind you in the movies. His mouth is full of popcorn (爆米花); he is chewing（嚼）loudly, or talking between bites to friends next to him. None of them remain still. Up and down, back and forth, they go—for another bag of popcorn, or something to drink.
Then, there is the man sitting next to you at lunch, smoking. He wants you to enjoy it too, and blows smoke across your food into your mouth.
We must not forget the man who comes into a bus or subway and sits down next to you, just as close as you will let him. You are reading the newspaper and he gets closer so that he can read the paper with you. He may even turn the paper to the next page before you are ready for it.
We also call such a person a “rubber neck”, always getting close to where it does not belong, like neighbors who watch all your visitors. They enjoy learning about your personal business. People have a strong dislike for “rubber necks”. They hate being watched secretly.
71. Where can you find this passage?
A. In a medicine dictionary. B. In a social science book.
C. In a kids’ story book. D. In a science textbook.
72. According to the passage, how do you feel when late comers walk back and forth in front of you in a cinema?
A. Ignored. B. Bored. C. Disturbed. D. Relaxed.
73. A “rubber neck” often __________________ .
A. says bad words behind people. B. quarrels face to face with neighbours.
C．bargains with salespeople over the price D. asks about other people’s business
74. Which of the following persons CANNOT be described as a “pain in the neck”?
A. Someone who often claps at the wrong time during a performance.
B. Someone who sits next to you smoking, which you never enjoy.
C. Someone who feels ache in his neck due to a cold in the muscles.
D. Someone who keeps eating or talking all through the movies.
75. What is the main purpose of the author?
A. To show anger to those who are described as a “pain in the neck”.
B. To criticize (批评) the people who might be a “pain in the neck”
C. To tell people what might be bad manners in public.
D. To tell people how to stop the pain in the neck.
第三部分 阅读理解（共15小题；每小题 2 分，满分 30分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Dear Mr. Barton,
I am writing for the residents’ association (业主协会) to inform you of our feelings about your act. We’ve really had enough of you. Although we have tried to speak to you politely on several occasions, you have always answered with a stream of verbal abuse(辱骂).
Ever since you moved in three months ago, you have shown very little consideration for the other residents of this building, though many residents expressed their unhappiness with you. For the past six weekends, you have held very noisy parties, which have not finished until early the next morning. As you know, most of the people here are elderly or have very young children, and the noise keeps them awake all night. You don’t have to be so noisy, do you? Last weekend the situation deteriorated when two of your friends fought with each other on the first floor. The fighting was so bad that the police had to be called. What’s more, your friends left the stairs in a terrible state --- they even broke two windows on their way out! We feel that we can’t bear this type of act.
We strongly demand that you pay for this damage to the window soon. If you don’t and you carry on being a nuisance(令人讨厌的人或物). We will kick you out! Legal steps will be taken if necessary.
Yours sincerely
61. What does the writer feel?
A. Excited B. surprised C. Angry D. Happy
62. What does the word “deteriorated” mean?
A. Changed B. Improved C. Moved D. Worsened
63. What is the main purpose of the letter?
A. To ask Mr. Barton to leave the building for the peace.
B. To inform Mr. Barton of the noise he made.
C. To talk about what Mr. Barton did.
D. To give a warning to Mr. Barton.
64. Why were the police called?
A. Because Mr. Barton broke two windows.
B. Because Mr. Barton made too much noise.
C. Because Mr. Barton’s friends fought.
D. Because Mr. Barton beat a child and an old man.
65. What is true according to the letter?
A. Mr. Barton paid no attention to the others’ unhappiness.
B. Mr. Barton never replied to the others’ unhappiness
C. Mr. Barton always said sorry to those unhappy with him.
D. Mr. Barton never apologized to the other residents.
第三部分：阅读理解：（共20小题，每小题2分，满分40分）
第一节：阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
On a visit to my home state, I had a chance to drive through Cazenovia, a village on the shores of Lake Cazenovia. It seemed to me as if in a dream. I saw again the lakeshore meadow(草地)that has always remained an unforgettable part of my childhood memory. It was the place of family picnics（野炊）.
It was Grandma who had made it a rule to have the annual（每年的) outing. She had made known her wish that the family should meet each summer when travel was easier and eat together in the open air. It was her pleasure to have all her children, and their children, gather in the meadow, and spend the day eating, singing, playing, chatting, making jokes.
After so many years, I can still see her in my mind, a large figure, dressed in black although it was summer, seated under the shade of a large tree. The others spread around her, sitting on blankets on the grass. Despite(尽管) the joy, the family picnic was also a time of puzzlement(迷惑) for me. Who was this stranger in black with whom I could not speak?
What I knew of my grandmother, I heard from my mother: she believed in good food on the table. She knew you are what you eat and she loved America for all kinds of foods it provided to people like her, who, back in her home country, had been used to a simple life, with so little food.
We were about fifty kin (家族成员)gathered in that meadow, living proof of the family progress. Grandma’s sons and daughters all offered her services, goods and children. And yet, despite the good times and good food and the happy chatting people, I still felt a sense of strangeness. When I asked my mother why Grandma looked so strange and never spoke to us, I was told that Grandma’s home country was in Europe and she didn’t speak our language. In my eyes, she might as well have been from Mars(火星). I never remember hearing our own mother speak to her mother, although she must have. I only remember my shock at mother’s sadness when Grandma died. Was she crying for the silence that had existed like a wall between them?......
36. Whom does the underlined words “their children” refer to?
A. The writer’s children B. Grandma’s children
C. Grandma’s grandchildren D. All the children in the family
37. Which of the following was a cause that made Grandma a “stranger” to the writer?
A. Grandma loved all kinds of good foods in America.
B. Grandma started the tradition of the annual gathering.
C. Grandma spoke a language different from the writer’s.
D. Grandma enjoyed the family gathering every summer.
38. What does the writer mean by “living proof of the family progress?
A. The writer’s family were having a good time.
B. The writer’s family were having a modern life.
C. Life had improved a lot for the writer’s family.
D. The size of the writer’s family had grown greatly.
39.Why might Grandma have been from mars in the writer’s eyes?
A. Because Grandma acted very strangely.
B. Because the writer never heard Grandma speak to Mother.
C. Because Grandma was deaf.
D. Because Grandma liked to keep silent.
40. What would be the best title for the text?
A. My Memories of Grandma. B. The life of a Strange Woman.
C. A Visit to My Native Village. D. An Unforgettable Family Picnic.
I’ve been selling since I was twenty. I went to college for a year, but I was bored. I just wasn’t the kind of person who could sit in a room with books and study. I wanted to get out and work. My friends thought I was silly. They were all studying to be engineers, lawyers, and doctors. I was the odd one. That caused me a lot of anxiety later on. I always felt that I had to prove myself. I had to prove that I was just as good as they were.
I tried for a sales position in a company that sold office furniture. My interview went pretty well, and I got the job. It was a good learning experience for me. I learned how to sell. I found out what to say and how to say it, I also found out that selling wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to do.
There’s a lot of pressure and anxiety in this kind of work. Everything depends on the sale – your job, money and happiness. You can’t do anything that might make you lose the sale. There are times when you want to call the client, and you know you can’t. you have to wait for the client to call you.
Sometimes I feel like an actor. Whenever I call a client from home, my wife goes into another room. She says that I sound like a different person. In a way she’s right. Selling is like performing . If you’ve performed well, you’ve sold yourself to the audience. In my work, if you’ve performed well, you’ve sold the product. That’s what selling is all about.
51.The author was bored after he studied in college for one year, because __________.
A.he was anxious
B.his friends thought he was silly
C.he has been selling ever since he was twenty
D.he wasn’t interested in studying in a usual way
52.By saying that” I was the odd one”, the author probably means that _____________.
A.he was the lonely one
B.he was a more creative one
C.he was older than the others
D.he wasn’t the same as the others and therefore strange
53.There is a lot of pressure and anxiety in this kind of work because ______________.
A.it’s very easy to lose a sale
B.your whole life depends on the sale
C.it’s hard to decide when to call a client
D.you always have to wait for the client to call
54.Why does the author’s wife go into another room when he calls a client from home?
A.Maybe she feels uneasy because he suddenly changes
B.Maybe she wants to have some rest herself.
C.Maybe she doesn’t want to disturb him.
D.Maybe she is respecting his privacy.
55.Which of the following best explains the author’s understanding of selling?
A.Selling and performing share something in common.
B.Selling is selling yourself to the audience.
C.Selling makes people feel like an actor
D.Selling has much to do with audience.
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